Author: Tim A.

What Do You See?

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The prophet has seen the “Rod of the almond tree”, and it was the message from God that He was going to bring His Word to pass very quickly. The seeing of the “Rod…” itself is the sign of discipline and judgment. It can also be a sign of protection, if you are on the right side of it.
The LORD asked Jeremiah again, “What do you see?” Jeremiah 1:13 (NKJV), and the prophet says, “I see a boiling pot, and it is facing away from the north”. A “boiling pot” is a hot matter. It has taken some time for the contents of the pot to come to the point of boiling.
At the time of Jeremiah it has basically been many, many years that the people of Israel and of Judah have grown cold to the Lord and His Word. They have turned a deaf ear to the meaning of their sabbath days, holy days, their feasts, and have in fact turned their hearts toward other gods.
Their comforts, their riches, their houses and their lands are of more importance and they care more for those things than for others, or God.
For many years in our own Nation of the United States of America many professing Christians have grown more concerned with their health, wealth, houses, cars, and lands, than they have with being holy, righteous, and the care of our poorer brothers and sisters in Christ. There is a ‘Boiling pot’ that is ready to be spilled on us. It may be in the form of a collapsed economy; is that laughable? You may have the first laugh, but God will have the final one. People are dollaring themselves right out of their new and older homes.
The ‘Boiling pot’ may not be coming from our North, but it is coming from the thing which Americans fear the most. What is that? Economic collapse. For too long people and even Christians have put their hope in the economy being good, when it has basically been built on nothing visible, but the invisible value of their home. It should really just be called ‘Their house’, because to many it is just an investment, and they have placed the value of their lives in the value of their house. May God help us, and forgive us.
God says to the prophet, “Out of the North calamity shall break forth on all the inhabitants of the land”. Jeremiah 1:14 (NKJV). When people turn their backs on God, and turn to their own means, comfort, health, wealth, and security, then is when the water in the pot begins to boil. It has been boiling now for many years. Let’s repent of our deeds and turn to the LORD.

Just a Thought

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Matthew 5:21-48 continued…

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30 (KJV).

Wouldn’t it be really great to have “Thought Police”. Of course, it would have to be someone who could read your mind and thoughts. They would also need to know the intent of your heart in order to make a righteous judgment. Now, Jesus is saying what the law has told us, “Thou shalt not commit adultery”. Is that not clear enough, then, He says, “But I say unto you…” Who is this? It is Jesus. You could be right in even saying, “He knows your every thought and the intent of your heart”. This One says, “…That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” On the outward appearance there are a lot of men who would be okay with just the law, since many have not committed physical adultery against their wives. Looking on the thoughts and hearts in the matter guilt would cover the world like a flood. Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

This indictment against us is strong. I am guilty of having looked at some women with lust. May God give me a purer thought life, and a better heart for Him, and forgiveness for my sin.

Is it sinful for a man to look at a woman, and see her beauty, and form? Only if that leads to lust. Lust is the desire; lingering, longing desire, that is felt as a thirsty tongue for water in a dry and barren land. There is nothing wrong with admiring the beauty God has created. It becomes lust if you feel you must have it for yourself.

Is Jesus serious about plucking out the eye that offends, cutting off the hand that offends? He is showing how seriously He takes sin. How seriously did Jesus take sin? So serious He voluntarily went to the cross, laid down His life, and died. The plucking out of the eye and the cutting off of the hand, and casting it from us; shows us how seriously we should take sin. If our eye looks upon a woman with lust, it will not really do us any good to pluck out the eye; there will still be lust in the heart. It is a heart issue, not an eye issue. Change of heart will lead to a change of view. Some women may be reading this and think that this does not apply to them. Oh yes it does. Women can have a problem with lust as well.

Enoch, “The Experienced One”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continuing…

“And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:21-24 (KJV).

The name ‘Enoch’ is a wonderful name. It is not only an easy name to pronounce, but it also has a great meaning. He is one of two men the Bible mentions as having “Walked with God”. That would be quite the experience. You know what? That is the meaning of the name, ‘Enoch’ – “The Experienced one”.

Adam is now 622 years of age at Enoch’s birth; Seth is 492; Enos 387; Cainan 297; Mahalaleel 227. My these men are old.

There is much more said of Enoch; in this genealogy; than any other until we get to Noah. Enoch was one who had a very personal experience with God. Other than Noah, he is the only one of whom it is said, “…Walked with God”. “And Enoch walked with God…”, and it says of Noah, “and Noah walked with God (6:9). If God were to place that on my tombstone that would be a great honor.

Let’s look at the time when “Enoch walked with God”. Enoch was 65 years of age when Methuselah was born. It is written that, “Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years…” The name of his son was a prophecy which inspired Enoch to “Walk with God”.

Something very special happened to Enoch. Of the others in this Adamic lineage, Enoch is the only one of whom it is not said, “and he died”, but it is said of Enoch, which cannot be said of any other except those who will go in the rapture, “…he was not; for God took Him”. The writer of Hebrews states it this way, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5 (KJV). Clearly and simply the Word of God tells us that Enoch did not die. He “Experienced” Rapture, a snatching away, a parousia. Where did he go? With God. This is the destiny of all who will walk with God. Amos the prophet asked the question, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3. There is no walking with God if you are not in agreement with Him.

If we are to walk with God we must agree with Him that His Son Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, and He is the one who said, “no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). Enoch means “Experienced”, and what a wonderful life he experienced. We can too.

Jared, “Descent”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continuing…

“And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch: And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.” Genesis 5:18-20 (KJV).

I may be a little redundant giving you the ages of these men, but I find it fascinating that at this period of time they would live so long. Here the ages of these men are at the time of the birth of Jared – another easy name. Adam has now reached the age of 460 years, Seth 330 years, Enos 225 years, and Cainan 135 years of age. Quite the tribute to the endurance of mankind??? Not hardly. More a tribute to the mercy and grace of God Almighty; Creator of all living.

Knowing the age of Adam’s death we can see that he is approaching the halfway point of his life. The days increase and death sneaks up. We do not know when. Whether we live 930 years or a mere 80 years only God knows the day and hour of our physical demise.

In Jared there is hope of deliverance. A word from God. A hope. Something, that God Something; inspired Mahalaleel to name his son ‘Jared’. A descending of God to the level of man, “yet without sin” (“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Heb 4:15 (KJV) was a hope for every godly person even before the deluge.

Jared means “A descent” or “Came down”. That is exactly what God did on the day Jesus was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary. God came down to be like us, “Yet without sin”.

The Almond Tree

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The prophet has been called to proclaim the Word of God to a sinful and rebellious people. He has been told by God, that he has been known by Him even before he was conceived in the womb of his mother. Jeremiah the prophet has been told to speak every word God puts in his mouth.
Now comes the time to check his vision. “Jeremiah, what do you see?” (1:11) “I see a branch of an almond tree.” If a man is going to proclaim the Word of the Lord GOD, then he must be able to see what God is about to do, or at least what he desires to do.
Here is what God says about the seeing of the almond tree branch. “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word”. (v. 12)
The almond tree was an early tree. It wakened from its dormancy earlier than any other tree. The thing Jeremiah saw God used to tell him that the Word of God was going to be done just as God declared it through him, and it would be very quickly. It would be earlier than any other.
The message of God’s Word would be faithfully preached by the prophet, but not without sorrow and pain. There would be no delay. Jeremiah must hasten to the work of his ministry.
Just how close are we to the time we will see the fulfilling of the final prophecies of the Word of God. They are at the door. Jesus could return for His Bride at any moment. Do not delay to call on His name in repentance for sin, and trust completely in Him for salvation.

Indifference Toward Anger

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Matthew 5:21-48 continuing…

The word “Apathy” is defined as, “Lack of emotion 2. lack of interest: indifference.” MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY. We become indifferent when we start accepting only outward appearance as what is acceptable to the holiness of God. Men, the male gender, if we are Christian men others will be watching the way we treat our wives, and the way we LOOK at other women. Whether we like it or not sometimes what is truly in the heart and mind comes out for all to see.

The actual deed is no less, or no more condemning than a harbored thought. The act of the deed begins with the thought. “Sow a thought, you reap a deed. Sow a deed, you reap a habit. Sow a habit, you reap a character. Sow a character, you reap a destiny.” UNKNOWN. When we become spiritually apathetic we will fall to our uncontrolled thoughts.

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” Matthew 5:21-26 (KJV).

The Law says, “Thou shalt not kill”, and there is no question about that. That is talking of premeditated murder – planning the killing sometimes far in advance of the time of the actual killing. Who ever murdered another was to be put to death. The family members of the murdered victim were the one’s responsible for putting them to death. It seems to be a needed item today, yes even in our “Civilized culture”. Maybe it would become a little more civilized.

Jesus deals with “Anger” in verse 22. The “Anger” which Jesus refers to is an emotional anger which continues adding fuel, and it continues growing hotter and hotter until it finally explodes in vengeance, that is basically revenge. Getting even. Settling the score. Jesus does not address the issue here, but let me say that there is a place for anger. I remember hearing someone say, “You can pretty well judge a person’s character by what makes them angry”. Paul wrote, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” Ephesians 4:26 (KJV). So there is a place for the right anger. Be angry when children are molested. Be angry when a man beats his wife. Be angry when a drunken driver kills a car load of teenagers. Be angry when you get loaded down with sin. Be angry when you see a brother or sister in Christ loaded down with sin. Be angry and act on it rightly. Put it to rest by the end of the day.

The anger for which Jesus addresses is the anger which leads to the act of murder. Murder is already in the individual’s heart. He is guilty of murder, even though the deed has not been done. In his/her heart it is as good as done. Someone might say, “Well! If I am guilty of murder due to the thought, then, I just as well go ahead and kill the dude.” Not so. With the thought you are destroying yourself, and condemning yourself. With the deed you destroy yourself, and the other individual, thus guilty of the thought and the deed.

If you are in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ there is no place to harbor this sort of anger. This anger leads to hatred which leads to murder. Hear what John the apostle says, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:15 (KJV). If there is anger or hatred toward any individual in your life put that matter to rest today. Take it to the Lord, and receive peace. He forgave you for your treacherous act of sin. Surely you can forgive the one who has offended you. If not you have not been forgiven.

Mahalaleel – “Blessed God”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continues…

“And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared: And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.” Genesis 5:15-17 (KJV).

These names are awesome aren’t they? Adam was easy; Seth is easy, Enos is easy, Cainan, starts getting a little dificult, and now we have Mahalaleel. How do you pronounce that. I just pronounce it the way it looks. The important thing is to see the meaning of the name. Its meaning in the LORD God’s plan of redemption. The name Mahalaleel means, “Blessed God” or “Praise of God”.

At the birth of Mahalaleel Adam was certainly aging, and we hope gracefully; he was now 395 years of age, Seth was 265 years of age, and Enos was 160 young years of age.

They saw the blessing of the LORD God in Mahalaleel, and praised the Lord for His wonderful mercy and grace. The human race has not ceased to exist. God continues His promise of a Redeemer. In our world today (2007) there are many evidences of God’s grace, love and mercy. We see it in the faces of new born babies. We see it in the creation on and in which we live – everyday you see the sunrise you have the hope of a future when you are in Christ. We see hope in the stars of the heavens declaring the glory of the LORD God.

We have much for which to be thankful. Just open your eyes and look. Look, especially to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Blessed God and the Praise of God.

Cainan and “Sorrow”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continued…

“And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel: And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.” Genesis 5:12-14 (KJV).

At the time of the birth of Cainan Adam had reached the ripe old age of 325 years, and Seth was the young age of 195 years. I personally believe these are literal years, and not the length of family duration or however some try to explain it. The reason I mention that is; when I was a Freshman in High School at Cassville, Missouri we had a teacher who boldly proclaimed to us one morning, “The ages of those men in the early part of Genesis could not be their actual age, it had to mean something else”. I am not sure that is a word for word statement, it has been about 39 years since she made it, but it is pretty close. I did not agree with her then, and I certainly do not now.

The genealogy of the LORD God’s plan of redemption continues. God’s amazing grace is quite prominent, yet man is beginning to see the sorrow of sin more and more and its dark agony, and sorrow. Cainan means “Sorrow”. If only the people of the earth would open their eyes, and see their true and sad estate; maybe their sorrow would drive them to God; but then, maybe not.

When you see your sad estate in life, and that is that you are dying, that you have an eternity to spend somewhere in one of two places; one is where Jesus is, and the other is where only His wrath is.  To choose where Jesus is you must Choose Jesus, and trust His finished work on the cross, believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and that He bodily rose from the grave and is alive forever more. 

Habakkuk the Embracer

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WHO IS HABAKKUK?
The meaning of the name “Habakkuk” is derived from a Hebrew word which means “embrace” or “embracer”. It seems in my mind that this is a name which fits him to a tee. He may have been a Levite engaged in the temple choir, and had a great concern for the direction his people were taking, away from God.
Let me quote here from the Criswell Study Bible. “Realizing Israel’s iniquity and need for punishment, Habakkuk is perplexed with the moral dilemma of how a holy God could employ the more deplorably wicked Chaldeans to chastise His Children.” I can understand his dilemma. In looking at God’s holiness, though, I would have to say, that He is more concerned with His glory, than He is with how things may appear to us. To continue the quotation from Criswell – “God responds by asserting His sovereign prerogative as to the choice and the timing of His retribution. Though it may appear unreasonable, His way is best. Thus the prophet learns that to believe what God says and to heed His warning is to be numbered among the righteous who shall live by faith (2:4). Consequently, Habakkuk’s theme is faith triumphant over apparent difficulties.” Habakkuk was a prophet who had a heart for God’s people, and a heart for God. That is after all what a prophet. He speaks with God about the people, their sins and problems. He speaks with the people of God, His Word, His way, and the direction of their lives.The prophecy of Habakkuk was a “burden”, ‘a heavy load’, and that is due to the message contained here. The prophet prophesied near the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The people were going to face severe judgment. Habakkuk did understand that judgment was coming by God from an unholy source.
Are we, who are Christians, in the United States of America not also facing judgment from an unholy source?
Habakkuk was a prophet who cared, yet spoke the truth. Bless the Lord. May every pastor and preacher of God’s Word, and the gospel do the same.

Embracer of God’s Holiness

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This study was previously posted on TABS, another of my blogs.
STUDY OF HABAKKUK
Habakkuk was a prophet who did not understand and the question he asked was very similar to the question many people ask today. Why does God let evil go unpunished? Why does He not rid the world of all evil?
My thoughts on a few verses –
Verses 1:1-4 – The prophet had a burden for God’s holiness. It was as though God was not hearing the prophet’s cries to vindicate His holiness. As I read these verses the wickedness of the time seems very similar to the wickedness of 2006 in the United States and the world.
Where are the men of God crying out for God to be vindicated? I will. Is it because we understand God’s rule over all, and we know how God will be vindicated in the end? If that were only true; we would still be crying out for God to move us.
“The law is slacked” (v. 4). Certainly sounds a lot like some verdicts judges are handing down to guilty men. Just recently a 50 year old man in Nebraska was convicted of sexually assaulting a child and the judge ruled that he was “too short to make it 10 years in prison” So she sentenced him to 10 years of probation.
Chapter 1:13 – It almost seems that the prophet has not yet come to realize the complete sovereignty of God. But, then, God’s sovereignty is no excuse for tolerance of evil.
He knows God’s purity and holiness, and is surprised that God can just let the sin and abuse of God’s people continue by the wicked.
Chapter 2:6, 14, 15 – It seems the prophet is really concerned that God be glorified. He sees God’s people as in need of judgment.
Some are increasing materialy at other’s expense (2:6). There seems to be an evergoing party where drunkenness is practiced and caused by the merchant of “drink” (2:15 & 16).
There are 5 “Woes” mentioned in this chapter. Verses 6, 9 12, 15, and 19:1. “Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his!” (v. 6).2. “Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house…” (v. 9).3. “Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood…” (v. 12).4. “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink…” (v. 15).5. “Woe unto him that sayeth to the wood, ‘Awake’…” (v. 19).
Gloriously, there are also 5 promises – 1:5; 2:3, 4, 14, and 20
1. “I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.” (1:5).2. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time…, though it tarry wait for it; because it will surely come…”(2:3).3.”But the just shall live by his faith.”(2:4).
4. “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”(2:14).
5. “But the LORD is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (2:20). This has to do with the place of God, and being silent, reverent, before Him, “Be still and know that I am God…” (Ps. 46:10).
Chapter 3 – Habakkuk’s prayer for God’s glory.
In verse 2 He asks God “Revive Thy work in the midst of the years…” and “…In wrath remember mercy”. In his prayer, the prophet has three requests. The first and third already listed, but the second one is that God manifest Himself to His people, “In the midst of the years make known” I believe referring to the ‘Reviving of Thy work…” previously mentioned. God’s glory will be revealed.
Verses 17 – 19 – The prophet, in the prayer, declares his trust will be in the LORD, even when desolate (v. 17). He declares God as his “strength” and believes the LORD to be his encouragement (vv. 18-19).
The prayer is a Psalm/Song. Note the way this chapter begins and ends “…upon Shigionoth.” Some musical instrument? The final words, “To my chief singer on my stringed instruments.”There is much more study to do of Habakkuk. There is one thing I see that where he started with a question he ends with God.

Spiritual Allegiance

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GIVING SPIRITUAL ALLEGIANCE

Matthew 5:17-20

Looking at these verses it seems to become quite clear that the life of grace is one of a changed life. When one meets Christ Jesus by grace, is saved and delivered from sins judgment, death, and bondage it is not; I say again, “IS NOT” a license to sin. It is a call to live unto Christ. To live like Jesus.

Jesus is God’s measure of righteousness. He is the only one who has measured up to the requirements of the law and prophets of God. There was no sin found in Him. He did always those things that pleased His Father. He always knew the Father’s will and walked in it. God’s measure of Righteousness is far, far greater than our own.

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:17-20 (KJV).

There is one thing that is abundantly clear in reading the seventeenth verse. That is, that Jesus had A DEFINITE SPIRITUAL ALLEGIANCE to the Word of God, ie., “…the law, or the prophets” (v. 17). The allegiance of King Jesus was to the Father. That is shown in His desire to fulfill the law. Nothing Jesus said or did robbed the “Law or the prophets” of their power. He came to fulfill what Adam should have done, and that was to glorify the Father. The Father was glorified in the Son’s death on the cross. Dying there He fulfilled the demands of the Law. The law said, “You must die”. Jesus was our Substitute for sins death.

Jesus’s allegiance to the law is given to the One who spoke it into being. The Word of God will not fail, nor will Jesus fail to uphold and fulfill it glorifying the Father. It is set to be fulfilled. It cannot fail to be fulfilled. Even, the tiniest of details of the word will not fail. The word “Jot” used by Jesus here in the text is speaking of the smallest Hebrew letter, called the Yodh, and even if you do not know Hebrew and have a Bible you can find an illustration of this letter in the 119th Psalm. It is the tenth letter, and it is the tenth division of eight verses in 73 – 80 of Psalm 119. This letter looks very similar to our apostrophe which we use in English for stating possession of something. In Hebrew it is a letter, and an important one. Even this little letter will not “Pass from the law”. The other tiny thing Jesus mentions is the “tittle”, which is the tiny extension on the end of a Hebrew letter. It would be similar to the tail of the ‘y’ hanging on the word ‘tiny’. Not even the tiniest thing will fail to be fulfilled. All the prophecies which have not yet been fulfilled; will be fulfilled. Any of the most minute things left to fulfill will be brought to pass.

Why would we dare teach others to break the law of God? Is there an element of popularity in it? I find it awkward to try and say that because Jesus fulfilled the law, that we are no longer required to obey the law. The fact that Jesus fulfilled it, and we being in Him means, that, we now are enabled to obey it. We desire to obey Jesus our Savior. We desire to do that which is pleasing to Him and will honor and glorify Him.

Allegiance is shown in keeping and teaching them as Jesus gave them, and not in explaining them away. The commandments concerning the special Sabbaths and days which were pictures, shadows, types of the One who has come, are no longer necessary, because Jesus has come, and there is no more need of the type when you have the real thing (SEE Colossians 2:15-17). It is heresy to add binding, and constrictive amendments to the law that we have. The “Law and the Prophets” [Scriptures] are given as a means of showing us who we are in the economy of God and who God is as well; and especially so. By the “Law and the Prophets” we learn about salvation; we also learn about our need for dependence upon God and not self-righteousness.

The teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are more descriptive of the Ten Commandments. The Commandments; at least on outward appearance; seem to deal with the outward appearance. The Sermon deals with the whole message of the Commandments even to the very thoughts of the heart. If someone tells you, “I live by the Sermon on the Mount” they probably do not realize what they are saying. The Sermon, by Jesus, has more qualifying factors than does the Ten Commandments. The Sermon calls for a change of heart – the inner man; leading to a righteousness that far exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, and moves from the inner man to the outer man; thus, changing the whole.

The scribes and Pharisees were men who prided themselves in their piety; which was only outward. Look at what Jesus said to them; “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepuchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27.

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

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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

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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

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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.