Author: Tim A.

Being A Disciple of Jesus

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Being A Disciple of Jesus

Matthew 8:18-23

Disciple making is the business of the local church. It is the call of God for every Christian to be a faithful, follower of Jesus, and to make disciples of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission says just that, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” and that word “teach” is for making disciples. Disciples are made by teaching them. The disciplemaking of Christ is teaching people to follow Him.

Let no one think that following Jesus is a life of ease, comfort, popularity, or praise. Jesus gives us ample warning of the trials and tribulations that come into the Christian disciple’s life in the following portion of Scripture we see some of those things which come, or are part of the Christian disciple’s life. I am saying “Christian disciple” because there are “Disciples” of other causes, of religions, and men; and need to differentiate between the follower of Jesus Christ and the riff raff of the world.

“Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.” Matthew 8:18-22 (KJV).

One of the things we can see about Jesus and His ministry is that He had no desire for popularity. His sole desire was to be pleasing to the Father and fulfill His will and Word. The reason we can know this is because when many had already been to Him for healing of their sicknesses and diseases, and deliverance from demons He called to His disciples to “depart to the other side”.

On the other side was a place of rest. It was a place where Gentiles dominated the lands. That is evident because of the herd of swine mentioned in verse 30. No law abiding Jew would be raising pork. The reason for Jesus’s departure to the other side was partially rest, and to get away from the crowds. There are many false teachers who love the crowds, at least love their accolades and praises. They also love the huge offerings a large crowd can provide them for their lush homes, fancy cars and clothing. You will never hear a false teacher revealing the sins of the people’s hearts and lives. The crowds will not come to hear the truth.

Every where Jesus went His presence drew a crowd. He saw people hurting, and ministered health to them, and that is why many sought Him out; and when He started preaching on the hard things, they departed (John 6:1-59ff.). “Will you also go away?” Jesus asked His disciples.

A scribe breaks ranks with the other scribes and does seek Jesus out asking to be His disciple; at least he is looking into the possibility. This scribe must have been fairly well off. Jesus knows all men’s hearts, and surely this man’s heart was set on his security in having a home, a secure place to live, sleep, eat, entertain, and to be comfortable. This scribe soon learned that the life of a disciple was a life of sacrifice. Jesus said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head”, as saying if you are going to follow me you can have no ties to this world that will keep you from doing My will. It is a life with no house, no comforts, no securities. In Matthew 10:16 we read, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16; saying to us that all we have is what Jesus and the Father gives us. Sheep have no protection except the Shepherd. Sheep have no sustenance except by the wisdom of the Shepherd. Sheep have no shelter, but by the Shepherd.

Jesus also said, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” Matthew 10:39. The scribe evidently did not approve of the cost of being a follower of Jesus. We never hear of this man again. We are not even given his name, just, “A certain scribe” as though he were only a parable; an illustration so as not to pattern one’s life in the same fashion. What is the cost of discipleship? Let’s hear what Jesus says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” Matthew 16:24-25.

There was another disciple who came to Jesus seeming to be willing to follow Jesus. We see that he was wanting, though, to wait for a more convenient time. He says, “Let me first bury my father”, but his father was not dead. What he was asking was for the ability to wait until dear old Dad was gone, and then, he would inherit the inheritance. He was still tied to his family; basically the family inheritance. He is evidently the elder son of the family who was the one whose responsibility it was to care for the father’s estate.

When the call comes to follow Jesus, that is the time to go, and follow Jesus. Family, and/or family inheritance is no excuse for putting it off. Are we being told to neglect our wives, children, elderly parents, etc.? Definitely not. Jesus is telling us that following Him is of the highest priority. We can be faithful disciples of Jesus, and as a matter of fact are the most faithful; when we disciple our families into Christ, as well as others. The disciple’s seeing to it that his/her family follows Jesus is the disciple’s greatest achievement. If we were to win the world and lose our own children what have we achieved?

I know of faithful disciples of Jesus Christ who have served as pastors, loved and cherished their children, and those children depart from the faith. I mean to place no guilt on any faithful follower of Jesus, only to stress that we must begin at our homes.

As disciples of Jesus we must value the eternal over the temporal – that which is only temporary. The first man [the scribe] must have decided that the cost was too high. He could not give up the life of comfort and ease that he had been living. He had a nice home, a place to lay his head, and it was his. He could not part with the security of a walled home, and the protection he thought he had in it. The second man, giving him the benefit of the doubt, shows that he has concern for his family. It would be more beneficial for him to follow Jesus, for in following Jesus his whole family could and might also come to Jesus.

Remember Jesus’s words, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” Matthew 16:24-25 (KJV). The life of the follower of Jesus is a crucified life as Paul the apostle described it, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” Gal 2:20 (KJV).

Rejected Helpers

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There have been a few times that the Nation of Israel turned their backs on their God – YHWH, and in doing so committed harlotry against Him. Israel was the chosen wife of God, but they committed adultery against Him. God has not been pleased with them to say the least; when they committed this idolatrous act against Him.

In their sin they have taught their young to despise the prophets, to practice idolatry, at least those who were not burned in fires offered to Baal. The LORD used various forms of judgment against them to bring them back to Himself, but they would always fall back into their disobedience and immorality.

Hear the Word of the Lord:

“Why do you beautify your way to seek love? Therefore you have also taught the wicked women your ways. Also on your skirts is found the blood of the lives of the poor innocents. I have not found it by secret search, but plainly on all these things. yet you say, ‘Because I am innocent, surely His anger shall turn from me.’ Behold, I will plead My case against you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ Why do you gad about so much to change your way? Also you shall be ashamed of Egypt as you were ashamed of Assyria. Indeed you will go forth from him with your hands on your head; for the LORD has rejected your trusted allies, and you will not prosper by them.” Jeremiah 2:33-35 (NKJV).

There was such adultery in the land that God hated it. He hates divorce [putting away] (See Malachi 2:16), and He would hate the putting away of His people. He does everything to woo them back to Himself. He warns, He woos, He judges. The nation even made themselves look more appealing to the neighbors, when asking for their aid against the common enemy. This was their adultery. This was their turning away from the LORD, and this led to their actually offering their children in the fire to the Baals of false religions.

When God’s people start to depende upon people, politics, power, and religion, then, they have forsaken the LORD God in favor of the favors of men.

When God says, “On your skirts is found the blood of the lives of the poor innocents.” It seems that He would be referring to the lives of the children offered to the false religions in the fire. The blood of their innocent children are all over them, and cry out from the soil of the earth. God says, that it is plain to see. It is on your skirts. As one other prophet has said, “Be sure your sins will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

One sad thing about this passage of Scripture is even though they have been caught in the act they deny their sin, and the responsibility of their actions, “I am innocent, I have not sinned”. There can be no repentance when they cannot see that they have sinned against God and His Word. God says, “I will plead My case against you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.'” When God has a great love for His people, or an individual who is supposed to have a relationship with Him He will work to get them to the point of recognizing their guilt and sin. Why fuss and argue with God about your sin, just confess it and repent. That would be simpler, and much less complicated than arguing with God.

God assures His people that there is no prosperity to those who trust in foreign countries who will be their enemy, but you will leave “With your hands on your head”, surely indicating their captivity in the form of surrender. Most of the time when a police officer captures a fleeing criminal they order them to place their hands on their heads. This is surrender. They give it up. Any allies Israel or Judah trusted in has came to nought, and so will the allies we depend on other than God. God rejects the helper, and also rejects those who were dependent upon the helpers. It is because they have rejected God.

Christian brother and/or sister our only help is the LORD God. When we put more confidence in people, power, politics, wealth, fame, or anything other than God we too commit an act of adultery against God. God will also reject our helpers.

Of More Value???

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The prophet Jeremiah’s heart is grieving for his people to see their lives as the LORD does. They don’t and won’t. At least for some time to come. The generation the prophet is addressing is one who has refused to see and hear the Word of the LORD.

The LORD ask a question, “Have I been a wilderness to Israel, Or a land of darkness?” Their is a contrast the LORD desires them to see. Have I been barren and left you with nothing or has My witness to you been that of darkness and not light?

Hear the Word through the prophet:

“O generation, see the word of the LORD! Have I been a wilderness to Israel, Or a land of darkness? Why do My people say, ‘We are lords; we will come no more to you? Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.” Jeremiah 2:31-32 (NKJV).

The people had become self dependent rather than depending upon the LORD God. Some people have said and believe that faith is a crutch, or that God Himself is a crutch. Some have said things like, “Only the weak need God.” I need God, and I can only have God in my life as God gives Himself to me through His Son Jesus Christ. Am I weak? You better believe it. When it comes to the things of God; when it comes to pleasing God; when it comes to getting into the very presence of God; when it comes to having a relationship with God, and fellowship with Him; yes! I am weak. None of those things can be mine on my own. They are given to me as a gift of God.

You may be your own lord, but you do not know God; nor can you as long as you have that attitude and heart. If God wants you He will have you. You will submit to Him and He will have His own way in your heart and life.

The virgins of Jeremiah’s day wore special ornaments, which was a reminder of their virginity, and their purity. Brides, as always, seem to greatly admire their wedding gown, ang may even become quite prideful in that attire. There is something quite beautiful about a bride in her gown, coming down the aisle, and it causes the groom to take a deep breath, and gasp at her beauty. “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire?”, seems to indicate that these had more care for their ornaments and their gowns, than they had for the Word of the LORD. They had not forgotten their ornaments, nor their beautiful clothing, and gowns, but they had “Forgotten” the LORD; “Days without number”.

Christian, may we never forget the price that Jesus paid for our salvation. May we always be reminded of the body and the blood of Jesus; broken and shed that we might know God. The only true and righteous One who loves us, and gave Himself for us.

He is coming again. How will He find us?

Seven Year Marriage

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I recently started writing a weekly article which is called “TWO FOR TUESDAY”.  In that category I will be dealing with Marriage, especially Christian marriage, because it is a true Christian marriage that shows the picture of Jesus Christ and His relationship to His Body – the Church.

This past Sunday morning as I was viewing and listening to the FOX AND FRIENDS weekend they reported a story of a woman politician in Germany who was putting forth the idea of a seven year marriage.  She believes that every marriage, at least in Germany, should be limited to seven years, thus there would be no divorces.

I believe her idea was also, if after seven years the couple decide they are happy with one another they can opt to continue their marriage. 

It seems like a joke to me.  Marriage, however is no joke.  It is a sacred institution designed by God, and is a bond which under God is to never be broken.  Jesus did say, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.”  Matthew 19:8 (NKJV). 

Marriage is to be a lifetime joy.  A lifetime of sharing with the one you love.  It is between a man and a woman – one man, one woman – for a lifetime.  No matter how you look at Gabrielle Pauli’s idea, it is a bad idea, and even if marriages ended after seven years it is still divorce.  No matter what other name you would call it.

The Judgment that Stands

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The Judgment That Will Stand

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:24-29 (KJV).

The foundation is one of obedience. Is it required that a follower of Jesus be obedient? Should a child be obedient to their parents? Obedience is as a child to a parent or master who has our best interest at His heart. So my answer to those questions is YES!! Perseverance is the mark of obedient faith – it stands in the times of storms and trouble. It has a foundation which is built upon the Rock. This rock will never fall, nor will the foundation that is built upon this Rock.

There was a time when the Southern Baptist Convention was leaning very strongly toward liberalism; denying the truth of the authoritative Word of God, opening it up to what is called “Higher criticism”, and interpreting Scripture in light of our culture rather than for what it says. I was attending Boyce Bible School’s satellite branch in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1980. There was a discussion going on about the controversy among some of us students following a class. Some were questioning where to stand on this controversy. I answered this way. I said something like this, “Considering Jesus’s words in the Sermon on the Mount to be a wise builder and build on the rock. You stand on the Rock” Someone asked, “Well which way is the Rock”, to which I said, “The one which is standing on the truths of God’s Word”. The best I can remember that was the end of the discussion. I know it was for me.

Jesus Christ Himself is the Rock, and we must trust Him to be our Rock of security, strength, and power. He is our authority. The people who heard this Sermon on the Mount realized His authority. “He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes”. He is the authority, and anyone who detracts from Him is a liar and a deceiver. His judgment and the judgment of His Word will stand forever.

Marriage in the Garden

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As a young and very inexperienced preacher I was asked by a cousin and good friend, to conduct his wedding ceremony.  He and his fiance’ wanted to have their wedding small, with just a couple of witnesses, myself and them.  They also wanted to have it on the cliff overlooking the spring pool at Roaring River State Park.  Being my first wedding I was thrilled to do it.  The sad part is the marriage did not last.  Within a few short years they had a young daughter, and they divorced. 

Divorce is a sad element in society today.  Christian marriages are failing just as non christian marriages.  It seems that the word “commitment” is a lost word.  It seems to mean nothing anymore, and that truly saddens me.  Love means lust instead of joy of endurance in marriage.  God’s way of marriage is to be a lifetime together, truly loving one another.  Helping one another grow in Christ.  When one is sick the other aids the one who is week.  When there are good times both rejoice together.

Hear God’s Word on this matter:

“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ 

‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall be one flesh.  And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”  Genesis 2:23-25  (NKJV).

God officiated at the first marriage.  He formed the woman from Adams’s rib, taking her from his side to be together with him, walking side by side.  Each would encourage the other.  Each would love and enjoy the other. 

Following Adam and Eve each child when they married would need to leave the protected home of their parents, and make a home for themselves. 

Marriage is a very precious matter.  God made them male and female to love, enjoy one another, and to propagate the human race.  Marriage is precious union between two adults who covenant together to love, cherish, live, and at times to even endure one another.  The married couple will know things about one another that no one else knows.  That is part of what the Scripture means when it tells us, “they were both naked…and were not ashamed.”  In marriage, between husband and wife, there should be no secrets.  Everything should be out in the open for one another.

When an individual starts doing secretive things, without the spouse knowing, then, there is a marriage headed for trouble, and if not corrected will sadly end.  At the least trust will end.  At the worst divorce will come.  Be unashamed before one another in all things.  And by the way – I am not speaking of the purchasing of special gifts – concerning the secretive things.

Baptism and Church Membership

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 The following was posted on the LANDMARK SOUTHERN BAPTIST email group list.  You will notice that it is a quote from an Southern Baptist Convention tract published  by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1970’s –

“A person must repent of his sin and profess faith in Christ as his Saviour in order to become a child of God. Then he attests his salvation by being baptized – immersed in water – by one who is authorized by a church to baptize him. This establishes initially his identity with a fellowship of children of God. Should he seek to join another Baptist church, the church which initially authorized his baptism verifies to the receiving church that the person has professed faith in Christ, and has been baptized. Subsequently, each Baptist church which one might seek to join receives verification to its satisfaction from the church where the person was a member just previously. ” J. Carey Wood

(The above is from a Southern Baptist tract entitled “What Is a Baptist Church?”. This small tract was published by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1970’s. Notice the author of the tract teaches that baptism is an ordinance of the local church and that baptism identifies an individual with the church that baptized him. This is the reason the vast majority of Southern Baptists have always rejected alien {non-Baptist} immersions. This tract also shows where the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention stood on this issue even in the 1970’s.)

Water baptism [immersion], is the public testimony of the believer in Christ to his trusting faith in Jesus Christ as His crucified, buried, and risen Savior. This public testimony by immersion makes him the member of the local church. It is a picture of what Jesus has already done, baptizing each one who has trusted Him into His Spirit, making us a member of the body of Christ. The local church is the physical representation of the body of Christ.

On Overcoming Spiritual Depression

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The following is a quote by Lloyd-Jones given by John Piper in his book “Future Grace”, and I found it to be really encourageing.  I think it will be especially so on Monday, since this is the day most pastors think about resigning :>)

“I say that we must talk to ourselves instead of allowing ‘ourselves’ to talk to us! Do you realize what that means?  I suggest that the main trouble in this whole matter of spiritual depression in a sense is this, that we allow our self to talk to us instead of talking to our self.  Am I just trying to  be deliberately paradoxical?  Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?  Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning.  You have not originated them, but they start talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc.  Somebody is talking.  Who is talking to you?  Your self is talking to you.  Now [the psalmist’s] treatment was this; instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself.  ‘Why art thou  cast down, O my soul?’ he asks.  His soul had been depressing him, crushing him.  So he stands up and says: ‘Self, listen for a moment, I will speak to you…Why art thou cast down?–what business have you to be disquieted?…And then you must go on to remind yourself of God, Who He is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do.  Then having done that, end on this great note: defy yourself, and defy other people, and defy the devil and the whole world, and say with this man: ‘I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”  From FUTURE GRACE, by John Piper, p. 304, paperback.

It is wise preacher/pastor if we do not make crucial decisions while we are in the pit of depression or discouragement.  I think the above words are wise words to hear.  Speak the Word of God to yourself.

The Aggressor

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The Mighty Hunter

“And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city. And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim, And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.” Genesis 10:8-14 (KJV).

The following article is from the MATTHEW HENRY CONCISE COMMENTARY on these verses:

“Nimrod was a great man in his day; he began to be mighty in the earth, Those before him were content to be upon the same level with their neighbours, and though every man bare rule in his own house, yet no man pretended any further. Nimrod was resolved to lord it over his neighbours. The spirit of the giants before the flood, who became mighty men, and men of renown, Gen 6:4, revived in him. Nimrod was a great hunter. Hunting then was the method of preventing the hurtful increase of wild beasts. This required great courage and address, and thus gave an opportunity for Nimrod to command others, and gradually attached a number of men to one leader. From such a beginning, it is likely, that Nimrod began to rule, and to force others to submit. He invaded his neighbours’ rights and properties, and persecuted innocent men; endeavouring to make all his own by force and violence. He carried on his oppressions and violence in defiance of God himself. Nimrod was a great ruler. Some way or other, by arts or arms, he got into power, and so founded a monarchy, which was the terror of the mighty, and bid fair to rule all the world. Nimrod was a great builder. Observe in Nimrod the nature of ambition. It is boundless; much would have more, and still cries, Give, give. It is restless; Nimrod, when he had four cities under his command, could not be content till he had four more. It is expensive; Nimrod will rather be at the charge of rearing cities, than not have the honour of ruling them. It is daring, and will stick at nothing. Nimrod’s name signifies rebellion; tyrants to men are rebels to God. The days are coming, when conquerors will no longer be spoken of with praise, as in man’s partial histories, but be branded with infamy, as in the impartial records of the Bible. —Matthew Henry Concise

Much that has been written concerning Nimrod has nothing good to say of the man. Even by the verses of Scripture we have written of him he appears to be the type man who desires to rule over others. It seems that he was a warrior, and sought men, for destruction or men to follow him. He was a man who also is attributed with having a bit to do with the beginning of a religion, and it could be called a world religion.

The new religion was basically inspired by his mother who has been identified as Semiramis, and she inspired a MOTHER/CHILD religion. Nimrod is most likely the ruler which led in the building of what we know as the “Tower of Babel”. It seems to have been a tower of great pride. A tower of no significance campared to God’s glory. Men continue to build towers and monuments even in our day.

Some of those monuments could be our technological knowledge, knowledge, NASA, these and others seem to be continual increasing towers lifting the pride of the “Achievers” over the power and knowledge of God; at least in their own mind and thought. Arrogance has been the downfall of many a man and woman, and it will be the downfall of today’s world leaders if they continue to rebell against the LORD.

The Righteous Judge

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The Righteous Judge

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV).

Many of the false prophets and teachers are those who are relying upon their “good deeds” to get them into presence and pleasure of God. They believe that by their many deeds they surely will be allowed into God’s house. They have, according to them, healed the sick, cast out devils, and preached in His name; why shouldn’t God allow them in?

The reason they will not get in is because they are not known by the Savior. Someone is going to say because of this statement, “I thought God was omniscient.” He is. God does not know them in the sense of salvation. He has not declared them to be righteous/just. They have, in many cases, gone around doing good all their lives, but have spent that time relishing in the praises and accolades of the crowds they have preached to and performed before, and in fact neither do they know Him.

They are in fact self-deceived people. Because of a “Prayer of decision”, led by someone else, and false assurances given from men, and not from the Word of God they go from the church “altar” thinking all is well and there has never been any change made in their lives toward God, grace, and salvation. They fail to examine their own lives – “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV). Some may go on into religious activity, but there is no joy, peace, love for God or others; but duty alone to please God, and so their activity is their means of obtaining God’s pleasure; which will ultimately be to no avail. They are sometimes ones who believe that God surely must have a set of scales and will weigh the good on one side, and the bad on the other, and they just know that the good will outweigh the bad. Thus, we have God owing them a debt.

Many will speak of Jesus and of God. There are many who speak of Christianity, but know not the Christ. They speak vain words. Even the word Jesus Christ becomes only a means of “Fire Insurance” rather than a personal Savior to know, love, cherish and worship. The Righteous Judge: who is Jesus Himself will say to those who do not know Him and are not known by Him; “I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity”.

Notice, that He attributes what they have deemed as good works, as iniquity.

Don’t Be Found Out

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Has anyone ever stopped to think about the foolishness of idolatry. That is the desire for things, the greed for wealth, the lust for power, and/or the opposite sex. That is, afterall, what idolatry is all about.

We live in an era not dissimilar from Jeremiah’s. The people were living in basic comfort, secure in their wealth, and easy lives. Though, ours is plagued somewhat with fear of terrorism we still go about doing whatever we please; paying the exhorbitant prices for gasoline, and everything going up due to that; yet we purchase, or at least those who can do. Power for more of the things desired.

Hear the word of the LORD through the prophet Jeremiah:

“As the thief is ashamed when he is found out, so is the house of Israel ashamed; They and their kings and their princes, and their priests and their prophets, Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ And to a stone, ‘You have birth to me.’ For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble They will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, If they can save you in the time of your trouble; For according to the number of your cities Are your gods, O Judah.” Jeremiah 2:26-28 (NKJV).

It seems quite clear that the people of Judah have been caught in the practice of idolatry, worshipping other gods, which are not gods at all, but more burdens for the people to carry. Have you ever notice the junk that we in our society build up and keep in closets, garages, security vaults, magazine racks, and how valuless they really are?

In the prophet Jeremiah’s day they were here being accused of having wood idols, and giving it praise for being their father. Also of telling one made of stone that was their mother. In the worship of other gods, they turned their back on God, denying Him as their birthparent as a nation. By turning their back and not their faces we find a great hypocrisy.

The hypocrisy is that while everything is going good, life is easy and comfortable, they really have no care to remember God, His holy days, nor His Law or His Word. However, when they start hearing about an enemy, or having some other troubles they begin to cry out to the true God for help. God, the LORD, says to that, “Let them arise, If they can save you in the time of your trouble;” It is like He is saying to them you have plenty of gods you love and adore more than Me, “Let them help you”. The prophet continues by saying, “For according to the number of your cities Are your gods, O Judah.” You would think that the more gods the better. Right? Wrong.

The one true God is sufficient to meet our every need. In fact there is no other god but the LORD God. The one who loves us enough to send His Son to die in our place.

We continue now to the next two verses:

“Why will you plead with Me? You all have transgressed against Me,’ says the LORD. ‘In vain I have chastened your children; They received no correction. Your sword has devoured your prophets Like a destroying lion.'” Jeremiah 2:29-30 (NKJV).

At times when people face catastrophe they tend to recognize that God does exist. When things ease off, and start getting back to normal it is back to the worship of things,getting those desires met, achieving those personal goals at the cost of life, limb, or friendships, or spouses and family. When this happens, some of it is genuine, and some is not. The one’s who are genuine will continue being faithful when the things start being good again. They will hear the voice of the LORD and will obey Him. They do not turn away.

These are the ones whom the LORD will bless. These are the ones whom the LORD has genuinely saved.

These “two faced” people are about as dependable as a flat tire, and no rim with it. The correction of the LORD does no good, accomplishes nothing, and they hate the prophets who tell them the truth for the saving of their souls.

Don’t turn your back on God. Don’t be a two faced individual who worships God on Sunday, then, through the rest of the week no one will ever no any difference from watching your life, hearing your dirty words, and dirty jokes. When you have given your life to the LORD your life changes, for His glory and your good. You will love the Law, the History of His people, the Wisdom of the sages, and the prophets; both the Major and Minor prophets. You will love God’s Word.

Male and Female

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

For some reason the idea for this category of messages came to my heart and mind the other day, and I could not shake it.  It is not that I really wanted to, but if something does not leave my thoughts, I am one to believe that the good Lord placed it there.  As long as that thought is a good, and holy thought, that is.

This is going to be the beginning of a weekly article dealing with Marriage, and I have had several ideas come to mind.  One is to use Scripture to show God’s plan for marriage, which is of the utmost importance.  Another is to share stories of people who have been married for 25 years or more and how they have seen the Lord bless their marriages, and strengthen them through the years. 

We do not often like to talk about the struggles of marriage or marriages that have failed or are in the process of failing.  It is sad  to me to hear of those couples who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and have marriages that have failed, and that those numbers are in the same level as those who are not Christians. 

I may be putting myself in a spot, but I will take that spot.  Here is the deal.  If you have a good story of a couple who has been married 25 years or more, and they are a thriving couple in their marriage, happy, sound in doctrine,  very much  in love with one another, and they would not mind their story appearing here at Fire and Hammer email me at isaiah4031@mo-net.com with the story, your name, and I will give you the credit for it if it is posted.  If it is not posted I will simply delete it from my emails.

In Genesis we read:

“So God created man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:27 (NKJV).

Sometimes we men are the ones who have problems with our wives.  For some reason it has come into the minds of some males that women are inferior to us and we are superior.  That is a grave error and the cause of many a marital problem. 

We do see from the beginning of marriage that we are both created in the image of God.  We both stand on equal ground before Him.  We both are responsible for the fall.  We both are sinners, and because of sin the original image of God which we were created in has become marred and inferior.

That image is renewed in Jesus Christ, and any marriage that does not have Jesus Christ as the center of that marriage and home is in danger of failure.

Let me be blunt here.  You may be male in gender, but that does not make you a man.  A man, especially the man of God will see his wife as equal to himself and will treat her with great respect and care.  He will strive to meet her every need to the best of his ability, and will trust the Lord to meet those which he cannot.

One man, one woman for a lifetime together is God’s plan.  What therefore God has joined together, let no man or woman put asunder.

Why I Preach Expositionally

/ Tim A. / 6 Comments

For several years following God’s call, and my surrender to His will in preaching, I struggled with how I would preach.  I grew up in an environment where notes were frowned upon for a preacher. “Any preacher who uses notes can’t be led by the Spirit” was and in some cases still is the argument against notes.  I use notes most of the time and have no problem taking some heat for it.  But, there is another thing that I struggled with and with that same environment is the idea of sermon preparation and the message itself.

For some time I struggled to find a message for the following Sunday morning.  Direction of the Holy Spirit was a necessity, and it still is, but there was something that had to change.  I could spend all week long praying, seeking a text which I believed to be Spirit inspired, and then prepare the thought of the text, or even insert my own idea.  You wind up preaching a lot of “Topical” sermons that way.  For me topical sermons are built from an idea, then you find a text to fit the idea, and that requires a lot of human flesh – at least on my part.

Well, finally to the point of this posting; here is WHY I PREACH EXPOSITIONALLY:

First of all to preach expositionally you need to start with a book of the Bible.  The Bible, then sets the path and plan for which the messages will take.  Since I am not a Hebrew nor a Greek student, I am dependent upon Strong’s Concordance in many cases; upon others who are more knowledgeable, and scholarly than myself; prayer, and the rest of Scripture.  Scripture must ultimately be interpreted by Scripture. 

Secondly, preaching through a Book of the Bible, you never wonder what you will be preaching on the next time, and you are most likely to be better prepared.  You have more time to pray on that particular topic, spend more time in study and preparation, and you always know you are  preaching the Word of God to the people.

Thirdly,  when I preach expositionally it is much more difficult to get off onto pet subjects, than when you preach topically.  There is nothing wrong with “Pet subjects”, but sometimes we may bore our people to tears with the continued rhetoric. 

Fourthly,  preaching expositional sermons keeps you in study.  I have found times when the Lord has pointed something out that may be a pet subject, that needs to be dealt with, and He will give me time to do it.

Fifth, expositional preaching will be a verse by verse, sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, or chapter by chapter explanation of the Scriptures and how we may apply their teachings to our lives.  We are more assured by this that God is speaking through His Word.

There are times where we may need to preach a narrative sermon, a topical sermon or however God may lead, but I believe, and I know it to be extremely so for myself, that the best form of preaching is through the exposition of God’s Word, Book by Book, chapter by chapter by chapter, paragraph by paragraph, sentence by sentence, and verse by verse and maybe sometimes even, Word by Word.

There are more reasons than these.  These are ones which I have found helpful.  There are others who have given reasons, and some of them as I have listed.  If God has called you to preach His Word, then do it with all your heart.  When you become a pastor that is the time to begin expositional preaching of the Word.  That is what our people need.  They do not always like it, nor appreciate it, but in the long run it is for their benefit, and yours.

The Promise Continues

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The Human Race Continues

In the following verses of Genesis chapter 10 we have the legacy of Noah and his sons. Human life, and all life would continue due to the amazing grace of our God and Savior. God used Noah for the continuation of life, and He chose to continue the human race for the ultimate saving of it. That is done through the sending of Messiah Jesus, and His death on the cross, His burial, and bodily resurrection. Through faith in Christ Jesus, we live eternally with Him. He returns to us what Adam lost.

We have a genealogy of the three sons in these verses. We will not see the genealogies of Ham or Japheth again. Shem’s genealogy is seen throughout the Scriptures; even to the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel.

“Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood. The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan. And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.” Genesis 10:1-7 (KJV).

In these first seven verses are mentioned only the sons of Japheth and Ham. These are the descendants of Japheth – Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. These are the sons of Ham – Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan; with special note given to the sons of Cush; they being – Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, Sabecha; and a couple of sons of Raamah being Sheba, and Dedan. Special note is given to one son of Cush who is not named among the others, and that is Nimrod in verses 8-14.

Japheth and Ham are the fathers of what were to become the Gentile nations. Following this genealogy we have no more genealogy for the Gentiles. There is virtually no way any one who is Gentile to trace and see from whom they came. We can know for certain that Noah came from Adam, and we are all descendents of them both.

In the new era following the flood Noah is almost like a second Adam, yet we have seen his sin in chapter nine by his drunkenness. Yet, he is like Adam in that he was given promise of a continuation of the human race, even unto the coming of the Savior, the Messiah. The Messiah would come through the lineage of Shem.

The people of the human race need to be assured that we are all sinners in need of a Savior, because we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. The penalty for sin is death. When we die there are two places for eternal beings to inhabit. One is a place of the glory and splendor of God. The other is a place of darkness, continual dying without dying, a place where your most innate desires go unmet, and your hatred for God is increased, but you cannot even curse Him. The only way to spend eternity in the glory and splendor of God is by the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, His burial and resurrection. To go to the other all you need to do is nothing. It is already yours.

Judging the Doctrines of Men

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Judging Doctrines of Men

” Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20 (KJV).

Again, it seems to be needed to state that Jesus’s intent was not against making judgments, but doing it with the wrong idea. Judgment of motive would be something you or I could have no clue. Only God alone could make that kind of judgment.

By our looking at verse 15 it seems we are required to make judgments by action, words spoken, and behavior. A “False prophet” is to be identified as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. How does one discern a false prophet? By the words they speak and the lives they live. There are a couple of Old Testament passages which tell us how to make that determination. The first says;

“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’ — which you have not known — and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst” Deuteronomy 13:1-5 (NKJV).

“And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken? — when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.” Deuteronomy 18:21-22 (NKJV).

So the Old Testament gives us two ways by which we may discern or judge a prophet, whether they are from God or not. The first we determine by whom he calls on to worship. Even if the message comes to pass just as proclaimed, if he directs his people to turn away from the true God he/she is a false prophet, and cannot be trusted, and is worthy of death. The second means of discernment is when the prophet speaks, and what he/she says does not come to pass, then, you know they are not of God.

Usually, false teachers/prophets like having a large following. They are dependent upon the applause and accolades of the people. The true prophet of God proclaims the Word of the Lord, and is not motivated by men, money, or mention. The prophet of God will preach the Word of God even while he is being stoned, and hated and despised. The prophet of God will preach even when it seems no one is listening, or seems that no one cares.

One of the fruits of a true prophet of God is his faithfulness to the Word of God. The false prophet on the other hand will seek to twist it and make it easier to be heard, or use the word to help people feel better about themselves, rather than calling people to a holy, righteous way of life.

The fruits give the verdict. The fruits of the true prophet of God will be that those who hear the Word of the Lord through him will be on their face before God, seeking righteousness, holiness, and the face of God. The fruits of the false prophet will be large screaming, applauding crowds, praising the gods of pleasant speech, pleasure, and success. In fact, the fruits of the prophet of God may not be seen immediately; they may come after the prophet is dead.

Any teacher who does not bring forth good fruit is of no use in the kingdom or our Lord and Savior. He even tells us, “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” (v.19). The fruits of the prophet is the life he lives as well as the words he speaks.

Whose Land is It???

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

There has been a struggle over the land that is often referred to as “The Holy Land” or even “The Promised Land”, and over whose land it is.  What I am about to write here is not going to settle the issue until people will receive and hear what the Word of God says in its truest meaning, and that is in what God says.

Does God say what He means, and mean what He says?  I certainly believe so.  The Bible says quite clearly that the land belongs to Israel, and we have professing christians who say God is finished with Israel as a nation and a people.  Personally, I believe they are placing themselves under the wrath of God, and in fact are denying the truth of His Word.

Hear the Word of God:

“Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner. And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath. And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.” Jeremiah 31:35-40 (KJV)

Now, the only way you can get around these verses is to spiritualize them and say that these are fulfilled in the Church.  To spiritualize a passage of Scripture is to deny its basic truth, to make a point of personal preference.  There is too much spiritualizing of God’s Word today. 

The  pastor whom I surrendered to preach under said this when he was pastor of my home church, and I have remembered it since he said it.  I believe it to be so true.  “People who spiritualize, tell spiritual lies, because they don’t have spiritual eyes”.  That may be cute, but it is true.  There are passages of Scripture you can get spiritual truth and understanding from, but in doing so you do not deny its basic truth.  Tht is what the people who say that God is through with the Nation of Israel are doing, ie., denying its basic truth.

According to God’s promise in the passage above God says, “If the ordinances depart from before Me, says the LORD, then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a Nation before Me forever.”  The ordiances He speaks of is the sun lighting the day, and the moon which lights the night.  When those things fail, then, God will cause Israel to cease from being a Nation. 

When they went into Babylonian captivity God promised to return them to their land, and He did.  He has promised it to them for as long as the sun and the moon shall endure.  The people of Israel have once again been given back their land; and the promise still stands.  Why?  Because the sun is still shining, and the moon lights the night sky.  It is just as God has said.

Remember God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you;  And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed”, and we have been.  Let’s take God at His Word and not use the faulty thinking of men to turn our hearts away from the Nation He has blessed, cursed, and blessed again, and again.

Religion vs. Christ

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

What I am writing here today is something which has been on my heart.  There are hoards and hoards of religious people and religion.  I have been told that I am religious.  I take offense to that, unless someone is using it to correct me in my attitude and/or heart.

A hundred years ago, and not so long ago, we heard the term, “Give me that ole time religion”, and we know what is meant by that; at least, most Christians of 40 and above do.  That “Ole time religion” was speaking of faith in Jesus Christ, and nothing more.  That meant a life that had been changed by the power of the death, burial, and resurrection, with future promise of Jesus returning.  Faith in Jesus is what was meant by that “Ole time religion”.

Now religion means anything.  Anything you want to believe is okay to hear many tell it.  We even have some professing christians telling us that it does not matter what you believe as long as you believe something.  Can religion in the meaning of our day really mean anything?

Religion, in the vernacular of the day can be believing in trees, saving the earth from global warming, politics, finances, and thus we have conflict.  Here is what religion does for us.  Look back to the era of the “Crusades” when English kings were trying to take Jerusalem from the Muslims.  They were doing it in the supposed name of “Christ”.  It wasn’t in the name of Christ.  It was in the name of king Richard or whatever king happened to be leading the charge.  It was in the name of power grabbing.  That was religion at work; not the name of Christ.

Now, there is another war going on, and it too is a war on religion.  Terrorism in the name of Mohammed would cease if all became Muslim.  We know that will not happen.  No true follower of Christ is going to give up Jesus for Islam or any other religion.  A Christian would die for Christ, but refuse to take a life in His name or for His name.

Religion has been the cause of many a war.  Christ came to give us peace.  The only way to peace is through faith in Jesus Christ.  It is not through the “Jesus” of the crusades.  It is through the Jesus of the cross of Calvary.  The Jesus Christ who gave His life that all who would believe might be saved.  The life of the Christian is life giving, not life taking.  Life taking is the work of  dead religion.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world”  James 1:27 (ESV).

Getting Behind

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

It seems that I am getting behind in my studies of Genesis, and Matthew.  Those posts on the begining book of the Bible and the beginning book of the New Testament will continue, but for the time being I need to do some catch up work.  It is sometimes amazing how things have a way of catching up to you. 

We have a weekend ahead of us.  I pray that it will be a good and godly one for all.

I want all of the people who come and read the articles posted here to know that I appreciate all of you.  Thank you for your kind words, and thoughts in commenting.  You have noticed that I changed the template AGAIN.  Of all the ones I have tried I believe I like this one the best, so my plans are for  leaving it here.

Always remember that God is on His throne, and prayer changes things, and people.

God bless you all.

False Fire

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

It seems we live in a world of entertainment.  There must be excitement, or fire as I would call it.  Since I was a child I have been fascinated with fire; in the good sense. Fire can be used for good or for evil, and when the Bible speaks of fire you can find it in both cases.

One of those cases is in Leviticus 10 where two of the sons of Aaron offered “Strange fire” against the call of God (See Lev. 10:1-2).  Now what that “Strange fire” was is of no consequence concerning this article.  What matters is that they offered the wrong fire.  It was not God’s fire.  It was God’s fire that came out and “devoured them”, because of their disobedience.

When Elijah was on Mount Carmel challenging the prophets of Baal; he said in his challenge, “And put no fire under…” (1 Kings 18:23).  They used  a means of deception to make people believe that Baal was god, and the prophet of God – Elijah knew it.  When this challenge was finished Elijah, the prophet of God, ran for his life from the queen Jezebel, and was thinking that he was the only one.  This was after the great fire of God had fallen, consumed the offering and brought the rain that had been gone for three and one half years.

God brought Elijah to a place and there he showed him  a mighty wind, but God was not in the wind.  God showed him an earthquake, and God was not in the earthquake.  God showed him again a fire, and again He was not in the fire.  The still small voice which followed was the appearance of God. 

Isn’t it amazing that people today look for the profound, the loud, the excitement, the fire, the wind, and the earthquake, and God is not there.  They have all the excitement and miss God.

Where do we find God?  Where do we genuinely worship Him?  In the quietness of His “Still small voice”.  God says to us, “Be still, and know that I am God”.  Is God really in all the noise that people must make to worship God?  I am afraid that most miss Him, because there is False Fire being offered.

Two Paths of Judgment

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Two Paths of Judgment

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV).

Have you ever been travelling on a trip – long or short – and you come to a crossroads, a divide in the road and you must choose which way you are going to go? In doing this have you ever made the wrong choice, and ended up somewhere you never intended? In this passage of Scripture Jesus tells us of “two gates”. One gate leads to life, and the other leads to death and destruction. Jesus tells us to enter the “strait gate” or “narrow gate”. This thought gives us a picture of a path that is also narrow. The other gate is wide and broad, and this is the journey which all of us are on until we heed the call through the “Narrow gate”. The broad gate leading to destruction is the one of popularity. You go along to get along. There is tolerance. There is political correctness. There you can be and are expected to be Socially Progressive. It is the gate of the masses. It flows with ease; everyone is going the same direction.

The “Narrow gate” is one which only very few enter. This gate has a high price to enter it. It requires righteousness. The self-righteousness of hypocrisy is not good enough. It is a stench. It is the hard way of travel. The roads are narrow, bumpy, rocky, and the hills are steep, but O, what a view. No one takes this journey – this gate – without first counting the cost. Remember the price for entrance is righteousness. We cannot except someone else who is of cleaner, heart, soul, mind, and body pay the price. The price? That of His life. It is the life of Jesus. He is the only righteous man who ever lived.

We must conclude also that there are two groups of people represented here. Quoting John MacArthur, “The many will include pagans and nominal Christians, atheist and religionists, theists and humanists, Jews and Gentiles — every person from whatever age, background, persuasion, and circumstance who has not come to saving obedience to Jesus Christ.” MATTHEW, Vol. 1, p. 457 of THE MACARTHUR NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY.

The few is not few because there is no room. Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection has provided room for all who will believe. However, you come in through the gate at the price He paid, not yours or mine. The room God provides is boundless. We must believe that Jesus died for all. In Adam all sinned, so in Jesus Christ; the second Adam; it is possible for all to be saved. The price for the narrow gate, which leads to life; has been paid in full by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The price you pay for the broad way; which leads to destruction; will be paid by you, and for all eternity.

Choose you this day which way you will go. Jesus and the narrow way, or yourself, popularity, your self-righteousness, and destruction.

Baptists and the Local Church

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

We hear much today of a universal church.  Is there such a character as a universal church, or as some would call it “Invisible church”?  Let’s see what the Bible says.

Consider this, Paul writing to the Local Church of Rome says, “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called saints…” (Romans 1:7) To the Local Church at Corinth he wrote, “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints…” (1 Corinthians 1:2).  To the local churches of Galatia, he wrote, “And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia…” (Galations 1:2).  To the church of Ephesus, Paul wrote, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus….” (Ephesians 1:1).  To the church at Phillipi is written, “Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons…” (Philippians 1:1).  Though, the letter to the Colossians is considered a circular letter to be passed on to all the other churches, even this tells us the message is for the local congregations who have pastors and deacons; to the church at Colosse it is written, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse…” (Colossians 1:2).

Paul has put great importance upon the local church.  As Baptist we also put great importance on the local congregation.  The church is visible with pastors and deacons as its officers.  It practices the ordinances which Jesus our Head gave us to practice.  Those being the ordinance of baptism which is by emersion, ie., the putting of the whole saved individual completely under the water, as testimony of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The second ordinance only being received and participating following their obedience to the first, and that is the Lord’s Supper.  The Lord’s Supper is given us as a reminder of the Body of Jesus Christ broken by the whips, the hair of His face pulled viciously out, and the bruises from the beatings apart from the tearing of the flesh by the cat o nine tails.  These are ordinances and not sacraments.  There is no legitimate participation of these apart from being administered by the local church.

How does Jesus feel about the local church?  Well He established her.  He calls pastors and He builds His Church.  In the book of the Revelation are seven letters He has written to seven churches.  These are local churches.  He loves His Church which is seen in the visible local church.  When you forsake the local church you forsake Christ.

The local church is to be autonomous, ie., having the right and privilege of self government.  There can be no hierarchy which tells the local congregation what they must do.  As Baptists we are independent of any governing body, save ourselves, and Jesus Christ as the Head.  No higher power can tell the local church who their pastors shall be, who their deacons shall be, or what types of minsitry they shall have.  These are the decisions of the local church.

With the advent of television we have many people sending their tithes and offerings to television ministries.  If one is a Christian they should be in their local church; titheing and giving offerings in their local church; worshipping in their local church.  It was/is the church our Lord has established.

How does one worship in a universal/invisible church?  Where does one go?  What does one do?  How does one tithe or give offerings to that which is invisible?  The invisible church is merely excuse for not being a faithful, worshipper in a local church, where you will find people who love the Lord, and will love one another, and where there is solid Biblical preaching and exposition of the Word of God.

I know that all Baptists will not agree with what has been written here, but this is my convictions that God has given me in the study of His Word.  I pray that many who are faithful to His Word will agree with His Word.

Birthright of Israel

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

On Sunday morning of September 02, 2007 I watched a few moments of CNN, and they ran a story on a project called “Birthright Israel”.  It was an interesting piece of reporting.  It was also something of which I had never heard.

The report was telling of an organization which offers free trips, for Jewish young people who have never been to Israel, to go with basically all expenses paid.  Here is what the “Wikipedia” article says of it:

“Birthright Israel, also known as Taglit-Birthright Israel (whose logo is trademarked with lowercase ‘b’ and ‘i’) is a Zionist organization dedicated to helping Jews who have never been to Israel on an organized trip to travel there. Birthright Israel’s goals are to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants’ personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people. As of Summer 2007, over 145,000 individuals from fifty-one different countries have participated since the trips began in the winter of 2000.”

With the Nation of Israel losing ground among the Nations of the world.  It seems to be more and more popular among certain segments of society to be anti-semitic, than supportive of Israel.  It is interesting and encouraging that there is a group who is sponsoring the trips of Jewish youth who have never been to Israel to go and see the country of their heritage, and birthright.

As Christians, followers of Jesus Christ we should be supportive of the Nation, and I do not mean in the things which are ungodly.  Our support should be in seeing that they will come to their homeland, this is fulfillment of God’s Word. 

The time is drawing near when our Lord Jesus will return in the clouds for His own Bride, then, will follow the “Time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), and they will be saved just as the Word of God says (Romans 9-11), and they too will see Jesus, and believe.

“Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for  a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; the LORD of hosts is his name:  If those ordinances depart from before Me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me forever.”  Jeremiah 31:35-36ff

Let’s be sure we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  This is the place where many eyes are now looking.  It is a very important part of the fulfillment of the Word of God.  Let’s believe and watch and participate in what God is doing.

Like the Animals???

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

It is so very sad to look around at society and see things going to the dogs. With a man being sentenced to prison time for killing dogs, even though, he was unjustly and illegally fighting them is a sign of worse things to come.

We are human beings created in the image of God. We have been given, by God, the rule and dominion of this earth. The man I speak of may have deserved a fine, maybe some loss of time from playing on the team he was on, and maybe even a fine from the NFL for the bad name against them.

It is so unhuman to give greater power and authority to the animal kingdom than to the human being. It is when we begin acting like animals that we begin treating humanity more like animals.

Hear the word of the Lord spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

“How can you say, ‘I am not unclean, I have not gone after the Baals?’ Look at your way in the valley; know what you have done–a restless young camel running here and there, a wild donkey used to the wilderness, in her heat sniffing the wind! Who can restrain her lust? None who seek her need weary themselves; in her month they will find her. Keep your feet from going undshod and your throat from thirst. But you said, ‘It is hopeless, for I have loved foreigners, and after them I will go.’ Jeremiah 2:23-25 (ESV).

Many reading this will probably think, “Well how is this relative or practical for our society today?” I personally think that is an easy answer. When we have parents wanting to do things to protect their daughters from sexually immoral living by having them take a shot to protect them from a form of cancer that can be gotten only by pre-marital sex at too young of an age, then we are telling our children, “Your urges are uncontrollable, just follow your ‘heart'”. In other words your sexual drive is stronger than your mind and will. Just go with how you feel and this vaccine will protect you. People we are more than animals. We have a will. We can make moral choices. Animals do not.

This was the problem with the people in Jeremiah’s day. They were giving themselves to Baal worship and this involved all sorts of immoral conduct. Then, they would say on the Sabbath day as they pretended to worship the Lord GOD, “We have not gone after the Baals”.

I do not mean to sound brash in what I am about to write here, but there are many of our young ladies and young men who go around acting like animals in heat. This is not pleasing to our Lord. Even sadder to say is that many of these doing this profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

What is the answer for our society today? We need to quit giving our young people the okay for sexual immorality. When birth control pills are given them, and a vaccine is provided to them to protect them from pregnancy and disease; we are in fact giving our okay to them. Let’s stop doing that. Let’s teach them the law of God’s Word. Let’s teach them by our own personal examples. The youth of America appreciate honesty, straight forward truth, and they will respect you for it. They will not respect “Hemming and Hawing around” about matters to get to the point.

As the people of God we who are adult Christians need to practice what we preach and teach. We should always be seeking the Lord to lead in our lives, and to give us the mind of Christ.

There is a lot of loose living in society. We as Christians should live a tight knit life in Christ, love our spouses, and be always faithful, and worship God and God alone through His Son Jesus Christ.

Sin, and Death of Noah

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

The Sin and Death of Noah

” And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread. And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.” Genesis 9:18-29 (KJV)

The only logical thing for Noah to do following the flood was to farm. It needed to be done. One part of farming which we are informed of is his planting a vineyard. This led to his drunkenness, and shame brought upon his name and the name of Ham and his son Canaan.

This drunkenness could have been something new due to ecological changes. It may have been a surprise to Noah, he became hot from alcohol flowing through his veins, and due to his inebriated condition took off his clothing, and went to his tent to sleep it off. I do not intend to excuse the sin of Noah, but only see this as a possibility.  As in any case of drunkenness, it causes harm in the family.  Ham must have noticed his father going into the tent and unclothed, wondered in his mind what was the matter with his father, went in and was amused by what he saw. His father; the one who had always seemed to be in control, was drunk, out of control, and controled by some substance, and not God. 

Ham, did the unthinkable thing to do when you see someone else’s sin. He seems to have relished Noah’s shame, and he probably thought that his brothers, Shem and Japheth would do the same. They did not; instead, they took a cover, and walked backwards toward their father, and covered his body. In this there is a great lesson for the Christian. There have been times we saw a Christian celebrity fall; and the first thing we want to do is begin to point out their faults, their sins, their failures. A Christian brother or sister sins, and our own Christian papers with HEADLINEs a blind man can read declare it to the lost world. “Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalm32:1-2 (NKJV). Paul the apostle quotes these verses in Romans 4:7-8. Ham’s conduct also clearly violates Paul’s call to the church at Galatia, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Galations 6:1. When we as a Christian see a brother sin or a sister; it is up to us to see it corrected; without broadcasting it over the tongue tube; ie., any means which the tongue is used to defame, and harm a brother or sister.

The actions of Ham brought a curse on his son Canaan. Some have associated this “Curse” with causing the blacks of the world to be subjects to slavery. To anyone who believes this; it is falacious, and full of deceit. The curse is on the people who were to be Canaan, and that land would hundreds of years later be conquered by Israel due to the sinful, unrepentant nature of the Canaanite people, who were the descendants of Ham/Canaan.

All who are upon the earth are descendants of Shem, Ham and Japheth. All the races, Caucasion, oriental, black, Hispanic, etc. have all came from the lineage of Noah. We should ever be thankful that God in His wrath, yet, remembered mercy. He has and He will save by His grace and mercy.

Noah lives following the flood 350 more years. That makes him 950 years of age when he dies. God saved he and his family from the flood, yet, death still has dominion due to sin. Many, many people died in the flood. Men, women, children, all the animals. All who were not in the ark died. He shows no partiality. He plays no favorites, except with those whom He calls Just. There is a worse judgment than that of the flood thousands of years ago. It will be a judgment by fire, and who can, who will stand that judgment (2 Peter 3). One day all who refuse Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will stand at the Great White Throne Judgment and give account of their lives, their works, but they shall not stand. They will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire; unquenchable fire; unsatisfied fire; fire whose fuel source is hatred, hatred for all that is good and godly. Hatred for all that is of God. When there are judgments on the earth we need to be reminded that there is a worse judgment coming. It is God’s call to repent, to look to Him; to change our way of living.

There is an eternal ark of safety, and the ark is Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “He that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John6:37). In the ark of Jesus Christ there is no more death, dying, sickness, disease, fighting, discord, but only peace, wealth, life and joy forevermore. NOTE: I am not saying that all will be well here on earth. Jesus even told us: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer I have overcome the world”. In eternity with Jesus all our trials will be over. Here we are being prepared for those blessings. Death of this body is the beginning of the prepartion process for the body in eternity

Prayer in Judgment

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Place of Prayer in Judgment

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12 (KJV).

I am a little slow sometimes on things, and my pointing this out has probably already been seen by most everyone else. I just noticed this a very short ten or so years ago. Ask, Seek, Knock, and you take the first letters of each word, and you have the word Ask. Now that is really neat. I do not believe that to be just an accident, or a coincidence, but the power of the Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit.

God’s promises are stedfast and true (vv. 7-8). The first thing the Kingdom dweller must do is ASK; for wisdom, knowledge, righteousnss, for making right judgments. Ask for the glory of the Lord in all things. Ask for His glory in your own life. The second thing the Kingdom dweller ASK in Seeking is to do it diligently, frequently, hopefully, and once again; what ever we are seeking that we may glorify the Lord. The final thing in the ASK acrostic is in Knocking. Be consistent, persistent, victorious, and again for the glory of the Lord.

When we go to the Lord Asking, Seeking and Knocking we must always realize that He is much more generous than we are. He gives by grace always. We almost without thought give to those we deem most deserving; in most situations. God is much more generous than we are (vv. 9-11).

The Place of Prayer in Judgment is that in prayer we can believe God enables us to treat others the way we want to be treated ourselves. When you look deeply into someone else’s eyes you can see yourself. The same can be said of them looking into your eyes. When we get to the point that we can actually begin to realize this maybe we can get the gist of Jesus’s message of “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (v.12). The “Law and the prophets” has to do with the whole of the Word of God.