Author: Tim A.

The Baptist and the Sticks

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Matthew 3:1-12 continuing…

v. 7 –

Let’s take a look at the confrontation that takes place between the Baptist, the legalists and the liberals. John Baptist immediately recognizes them as poisonous snakes, and he calls them such. Now, today, we would hear comments from the crowd, if a preacher were to say something so brash. Some would say, “He shouldn’t have said that”; others might add, “Well, that was just rude”, still others might say, “You can’t draw a crowd like that”. Did John care? I think he cared for the people, but not for the cold hearted attitudes of these rebellious religious leaders who cared nothing for the truth or whether the Messiah was coming or not.

These “Leaders” were subtle like a serpent. There is evidence that there were some serpents in the land of Israel that appear as sticks as they lay so still, and unmoving; someone could inadvertantly pick one up and be bitten by it. John’s condemnation of them immediately relates them to their spiritual father – the devil. Later Jesus Himself would call them a “Brood of vipers” (Matthew 23:33).

Calling religious leaders a “Brood of vipers” would certainly not be a way to get into goods with the denominational crowd or elite. It is not the way to win friends and influence people. At least not according to our modern folklore. Preaching is out. Singing, concerts, drama, sports, etc. is what is the in thing. What ever works to draw a crowd – do it.

The Baptist was faithful to his calling. He remained the herald of the Messiah until his death by the hands of Herod who had him beheaded for the pleasure of his adultery and adulterous wife and step daughter.

To all the men of God who stand in the pulpits of the churches around the world; BE FAITHFUL TO GOD’S CALL – PREACH THE WORD. Never stop. Do not let the praise of men cause you to do the opposite of preaching. Make the preaching of God’s Word central in all you do. Preach for repentance. Preach for Jesus sake. Preach for the glory of Jesus.

People of the churches; stand beside your pastor/preacher if he is preaching the Word. Pray for him. Encourage him. If you do not have a crowd in your church and your pastor is preaching faithfully the Word of God, then pray, and reach out to those you work with, those you hosts in your home, just keep being faithful to God’s Word.

Religious, but Condemned

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

It is sad to say, but when we look at verses 7 – 9, the religious leaders came out to hear John, and evidently their whole attitude stank to heaven, because John, filled with the Spirit of God quickly jumps their case, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham”. He knew how to win friends among the religious elite, didn’t he. It is quite apparent from the Gospel accounts, that these religious nobles actually hated John, but could do nothing with him because of the people. He had the people’s ear, and they did not.

The Pharisees were sticklers of the law, conservative when it came to the Scriptures, but they were very legalistic, and never obeyed it in many ways themselves, by giving themselves loopholes that the people knew nothing of. They were very self-righteous.

Another group was the Saducees. They were very different from the Pharisees, because they did not believe in much, if anything, spiritual. You might call them the liberals among the groups. They claimed acceptance of the “Law of Moses” – our first five books of the Bible, but claimed no obedience to it. They did not believe in the supernatural – no angels, or bodily resurrection of the dead. I am pretty sure they would have equated the miracles of the deliverance from Egypt of the Israelite’s a mere metaphor or something. Elijah being caught up in a chariot of fire was probably a wild legend, or again a metaphor for some teaching purpose. Naaman would not have actually been healed of leprosy by dipping seven times in the muddy stream, and he probably wasn’t even healed at all in their way of thinking. Some one once made the statement, “No wonder they are called Saducees, for they are sad you see.”

I have already mentioned that we should not judge motives, but maybe that is what I am going to do now with these two groups. They are already condemned. Any of them who never trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior are condemned for all eternity. Any of them who did go ahead and trust Jesus is in glory by now, so there is no way my judgment of them will make things any better or worse. It just makes me wonder what was their motive for being there to here John preach, since John asked them, “Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come” (v. 7)? It may have been out of curiosity. They may have heard about this preacher who was preaching about the coming of Messiah, calling for repentance, getting the hearts of people ready to receive their King. What was it about John that drew a crowd. There are preachers and religious leaders like that in 2007, who are more curious about how to draw a crowd, than about the preaching of God’s Word. No where are we commanded to draw a crowd. They probably came to check the message John was preaching. Was he really a prophet. They could tell. They knew when a prophet was among them. Maybe they also thought that they could gain his approval, and they could share in some of the crowd, and eventually take over the Baptist movement.

The Pharisees were ‘legalist’, and they offered no hope to anyone, except all who were perfect. They never found anyone like that, but themselves. Their humility is preposterous, and non-existent. They may have been the conservative group, but they were Jesus haters, and despisers. They led in the taking of Jesus to trial and crucifixion. They actually hated the truth of God’s Word, and especially His Living Word. Believing His Word we would trust Jesus, and follow Him.

The Saducees believed in nothing spiritual. According to them there was no resurrection of the dead, no angels, no life after death at all. What a sad existence that would be. That would be motive for eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. There is, however, life after death, and it can be spent in one of two places. There is hell for all who refuse and reject Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. There is Heaven for all who hear the call of the Father to His Son, and trust in His death, burial and resurrection. You will see Him face to face. Confess Him now as Lord, or do it then, and be cast alive into the lake of fire which burns forever; ie., Hell. God in His love, has positioned the cross between you and Hell to keep you from going there. You must come to Him.

Judge Not???

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

In everything MOTIVE is everything. Why was the herald of the King delivering this message? What was his motive? To answer that question in one sentence; it seems to me that John was doing it because he knew the King, and that His kingdom was coming, and he wanted the people to be prepared for the King. He also knew that those without repentance are unfit for the kingdom of God’s glory, and cannot enter into it. There are two aspects to this kingdom; first, The outer – having to do with the outward appearances; false professions. Second, the inner – having to do with the genuine, abiding of the Spirit of the Lord in the heart. This is the part that Jesus is most concerned with.

We have heard it said – especially those who are pastors, or preachers, etc,. – “Well, we aren’t supposed to judge.” We may look at it sometime in the future at a little greater length and detail, but when Jesus said, “Judge not, lest ye be judged” He did not have in mind of not coming to a conclusion about the fruit of an individuals life. “O, we aren’t supposed to judge; so let’s just be quiet, and let them go on in their lifestyle”. We would not dare say “…Sinful lifestyle”, afterall that would be judging according to this interpretation. This is the conclusion which I have reached concerning Jesus’s words about judging – We should never judge another’s MOTIVE for doing something. I must say I have done it myself. When I have heard of a wealthy individual contributing millions to a needy cause; my thoughts say, “He is only doing it to call attention to himself, and/or his business.” That is not my judgment to make, that is only for God to judge.

I dare say that when John came preaching repentance; he saw a sinful people, and he did not mince words about it. John’s MOTIVE was clear. He was preparing the way of the King who was coming. Lord help my MOTIVE be to prepare Your way, and to see the hearts of many people know You as their Lord, Savior, and King.

In his ministry John preached genuine repentance; not a washed out repentance; that when it is all over nothing has changed. The baptism he baptized with was as a sign of the repentance of sin. It did not save, because only Jesus the King can save. These repentant hearts were now prepared to receive their King.

ARE YOU PREPARED TO RECEIVE KING JESUS.

The Message of Repentance

/ Tim A. / 5 Comments

Matthew 3:1-12 continuing…

 “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (v. 2).

The next thing we see is the message of the herald. It was a message which needs to be proclaimed and heard today. The world does not need to hear little mamby, pamby, sissy messages of movie previews and reviews, and learning social skills. The message the world needs, and that religious people need is the same one John came preaching – repentance. The world needs to know they have sinned and grieved the heart of God, and that He is angry with their sin, but loves them, and has shown that love by judging sin upon His own Son on the cross. Repentance equals change – a complete reversal in direction. Repentance is a sorrow for abusing the glory of God, and changing your actions, your thoughts, your beliefs accordingly. When we look at those that came to hear John we see several religious elites who came, seeking the baptism of repentance, but John was quick to see that their hearts and lives were not in it. One’s religious heritage makes no difference; if there is no repentance they are without Christ.

The world today is in peril. The return of the Lord is closer than it has ever been, and the wickedness of mankind keeps degressing from worse to worse. Now, I know that sounds really negative, and I guess it is, but sometimes negative is the truth. A battery has no power without the negative; but when you put the negative and positive together you get POWER. If you do not believe it just go out to your car, truck or whatever you drive, and disconnect the negative cable from the battery; go ahead and see if it will start. I will guarantee that it will not. Put a piece of tape on the negative side of a regular “Energizer” type battery, put it in your i-Pod or whatever; see if you have anything. Again YOU WON’T. Positive has nothing without Negative. Before there is a positive response of people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ they must know that they need a Savior. With murders, rapes, robberies, home invasions, carjackings, and just out and out debauchery occurring daily it is time we proclaimed the fallenness of mankind, not be trying to tell them how good they/we are.

REPENT. Turn to the One who paid the penalty for your sin. That is King Jesus.

Messenger for the King

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Matthew 3:1-12 continued…

The message of Christ the King is a message that calls for change in living. When we here the call of this message of Jesus Christ the King it is not without merit, or aid from the King. He also calls those who have been changed to be like John the Baptist, and preach His message wherever we are, and in whatever we are doing. Just as John Baptist was a Messenger of the King, so too, are those who have been chosen by the King.

Let’s first look at the first six verses. Isaiah 40:3 is quoted in verse three of this chapter. In those days of John this is the way things were done by kings and monarchs. They would first send a “Herald” letting all the subjects of the kingdom that the king was on the way. That way the people would be prepared to present themselves to him. If they were not prepared then, that was their responsibility. John Baptist was the herald for King Jesus.

As we look at the herald of the King here is what we find about him. John Baptist was a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit even before birth; “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God” Luke 1:15-16 – this was spoken by the ‘angel of the Lord’ to Zacharias concerning the birth of their son John in their old age. John was a man who was set for greatness (“And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” Luke 1:17); of course, you would not think it to look at the way he dressed, and his “Social skills” were something that would make most of us blush. Jesus spoke of his greatness, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” Matthew 11:11. He would follow the pattern of Elijah according to Luke 1:17. Elijah is sometimes referred to as the Prophet of Fire. Elijah trusted the Lord completely when it came to challenging the so called ‘prophets of Baal’. John was not afraid to challenge the Herods of His day. John came calling the people away from a dead and lifeless religious system to the source of light and life. It was dead and lifeless because the hearts of the people had grown cold, and hard to the Lord and His word.

Will you be a HERALD FOR THE KING? It starts with you making sure your heart and life is right with the King. That is King Jesus.

The Response of the Wise

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Matthew 2:1-23 conclusion…

 

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way” Matthew 2:11-12.

We have already looked at the testimony of the Magi, but now let’s finalize this study of the second chapter of Matthew by seeing the RESPONSE OF THE MAGI [wise men]. They first learned of the birth of this King by the appearance of a “Star”. As far as I am concerned it was a star; a very special star made up of the Glory of God just for this time, and this very special King. The fact that it moved suggest to me that it could have been the very Glory of God showing the way to the Lamb of God born in a manger.

These Wise men followed the Glory of God which had shined and led. When the wise men went to Jerusalem they went to the evil king Herod asking where the King of the Jews was to be born. He did not know. Herod called for the Priests and Scribes, who could have cared less, but did have a knowledge of the prophecies, but they did not go with the wise men. When they found out the baby would be born in Bethlehem, they were told by Herod to come and tell him so he could go and worship Him too.

When the wise men find Jesus, in a “House” they bowed and worshipped Him, and gave him “Their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Their first response when they see Jesus is worship. Surely there must have been something different about the appearance of Jesus as they saw Him in their house. By the time the wise men found Jesus He could have been as much as two years of age. He was no longer the babe lying in a manger, but two year old child walking about the house, and probably talking as well.

Their second response was to give Him gifts. These are gifts given to kings. Gold is a precious metal of royalty; Frankincense is a precious fragrance of royalty; and Myrrh is another precious fragrance of royalty usually used in burials.

The response of those who are found by Him should be to worship Him, trust His Word the Scriptures of the Holy Bible, and know that all He has said will be fulfilled. THE WISE WORSHIP HIM – THE FOOLISH REMAIN INDIFFERENT.

What I am Reading

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

Many years ago God gave me the discipline to read His Word, and that is the first book I pick up when I get up of the morning, with a couple of notebooks with it.  I will not bore anyone with that.

A year ago this past Christmas I received as gifts 2 novels.  One was by John Grisham titled THE BROKER.  It sat on my bookshelf for over a year.  The other book I received was one by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins title THE REGIME.  On Christmas day of 2006 I received another novel by Frank E. Perreti titled THE HOUSE.

After January first of this year (2007) I picked up THE HOUSE and began reading it.  I finished it the first week I started – I am not a speedy reader, but rather slow.  When I finished with it I began reading THE BROKER, and after a couple of weeks of reading finished it.  Understand when I read I do not go straight through.  I have other things to do.  I have not yet read THE REGIME because it is the second book in a series, and I do not like getting in the middle of a story.  Now, I will need to find the other two, or so.

I am currently reading, and about to finish a book by John Piper titled, THE PLEASURES OF GOD, and man, am I enjoying it.  It is amazing how big, wonderful and full of grace God is, and John Piper does a marvelous work in bringing out much of it.  Who knows where it would all end.  I have also read, DON’T WASTE YOUR LIFE by Piper, and it was really an encouraging book.  When I am finished with THE PLEASURES OF GOD I am going to begin in Piper’s book called FUTURE GRACE.

I enjoy reading a good novel from time to time.  They kind of break the routine, and get me out of a rut, which I can get into so easily at times.  All the books I mentioned are good reading.  I would not recommend any of John Grisham’s books for children, though. 

Indifference In The Pulpits

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Matthew 2:1-23 continuing

“And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet…” Matthew 2:4-5

Sometimes, even many times we are surprised by those who are religious leaders; look at the INDIFFERENCE OF THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE SCRIBES. The Chief priests had political and religious power. They were originally to descend from Aaron brother of Moses. During the time of Jesus this had become an office of political favor and could be purchased for the ‘right price’.

These men were supposed to be in charge of the temple, and its sacrifices. They were profiteers rather than servants of God and the people. That will later be seen in Jesus’s entering the temple area and upsetting the ‘Money changers’ tables. These would tell someone who had brought their own lamb for sacrifice that it had a blemish, thus was unfit as a sacrifice; sell this individual another lamb; then turn around and sell the one they had said was blemished to another unsuspecting customer. O, the power that religion holds on people. O, the shame it should be to all those who are truly in Christ Jesus; to see those who make profits from the selling of “healing merchandise”, “Handkerchiefs’, ‘cloths”, “Holy Oils” “a piece of the cross”, etc.; for the purpose of healing, blessing or whatever. THIEF.

These “Priests”, by representation, should have been seeking the Messiah, but it seems they had no care for it. These were supposed to be the spiritual leaders of their people “Israel”, but they were bought and paid for by the political system, and their own greed. The people who call themselves Christian must needs be very cautious when dealing in the political arena. There should never be an offer of material benefit for a candidate, nor receipt of material benefit from a candidate. The Christian person, nor Christian ministry is for sale. In case someone misunderstands I will state it again. The Christian is not for sale, nor is the ministry of the Word of God. I for one will not be found to be a part of the “woman” riding the beast of “Democracy” (Rev. 17:3).

The Scribes were authorities on Jewish law and the Scriptures. They too were negligent in searching for the Messiah. They were more concerned with the thing which are at hand. The coming of Messiah would take care of itself. There is a like negligence of the prophecies of God’s Word today; a denying of their importance. Wake up Christian. Wake up pastors. These Scribes just had no care. They too, were bound up in the office of their position, rather than in the One who came, and is coming again. I really hate to admit it, but that is the attitude I see in far too many pastors in 2007.

The Testimony of the Foolish

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Matthew 2:1-23 continuing…

“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” Matthew 2:3; “And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also” 2:8; “Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men” 2:16.

Another thing, the third thing we look at is the TESTIMONY OF HEROD’S JEALOUSY AND HOSTILITY. Herod was actually only a Roman appointed king of the Jews. He married a Jewish heiress in order to make himself more acceptable to the Jews. He was cruel and merciless. He was so incredibly jealous; even to the point of killing his own sons to protect ‘his’ throne.

Herod was troubled because he already saw this baby as a threat to his political and military power. This is the Herod known as “Herod the Great”. This Herod is founder of the famous and infamous line of Herods, and he ruled from 37 – 4 B.C.. In Psalm 2:1-2 we read, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed,…”. Surly, Herod the Great was the first to attempt the destruction of the Lord as He became a man.

This king was a man who was not beyond using deception to get information that he wanted, espcially if it affected his reign. He would deceive, lie, kill, do whatever it took to preserve his kingdom. He lied to the Magi to try and find out where this baby was; “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” (vv.7-8). Herod had no intention of worshipping this new born king. He would kill him, but not worship him. That is, if there had not been divine providence involved. One day Herod will fall down and worship at the feet of this King; whom he tried to kill; and will call Him Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).

One thing is for sure; God preserves His Word, ie., His Son, and the written Word; and those who trust Him. Those who try to destroy Him will be destroyed.

Looking For the King

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Matthew 2:1-23 continued…

“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” Matthew 2:2.

The second thing we look at is the TESTIMONY OF THE MAGI. The Magi were probably from the area of Persia, and were known as astrologers and/or magicians. This is by no means an approval on those practices of evil. It shows still the darkness of their hearts, but also a drawing power of God’s Spirit to people who do not know Him. The testimony of Daniel was strong even 450 years later.

So, what was the testimony of these Gentile “Magicians”? They came to the king, one who thought he was the king of Jerusalem, to find out where this King would be born (v. 2). First of all it seems they had a testimony of God’s Word. They had heard this message of a coming King of the Jews from somewhere and it must have been from the Scriptures which Daniel had written. They must have read of the “Stone cut out without hands”,

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Daniel 2:34. “Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” Daniel 2:45.

The very fact that these men are seeking Him says much about who it is. Why would these men who held much importance for the king of Persia at the time be going off following a “Star”? Didn’t they have important matters to attend to? I mean by that things they would have considered important. Maybe they had other men who filled in for them in performing their duties.

One of the things that certainly can be said of these “Magi” is that they were seekers of the truth. In that endeavor we all should be, and those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior have been found by Him.

The testimony of the Magi troubled king Herod. He was, according to historians of that time, a very jealous man. He was the “King of Jerusalem”, and no one was going to have his throne. Are you troubled by this King, or do you find life, hope, peace, joy, and eternal life in Him?

Evidence of Scripture

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THE ACTIONS OF WISE AND FOOLISH MEN

Matthew 2:1-23  There will be further posts from chapter 2 of Matthew

We are given evidence of the Kingship of Jesus. It is shown by the actions of men; both foolish and wisemen. There is evidence provided us by Scriptures which have been fulfilled only in the person of Jesus Christ. These evidences should evoke the sinner to ascribe to Him His worth by receiving Him; and the saint by ascribing all our worship to Him, through our love by obedience to His commandments.

In this chapter the “Wise men” are of course those who come seeking the one who was “Born King of the Jews”. Herod, of course, is one of the foolish men who by Hiis very act of free will was used to fulfill the very Word of God by his act of hatred.

We are not told how many of these “Wise men” there were. It has mostly been assumed that there were three, because when they brought their gifts to Jesus there was only three gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh (v. 11). Where did these wise men come from. It very well could be that these were men who came from the area around Persia, and their knowledge of Scripture could probably be traced back to Daniel (See Daniel 5:11). There is no evidence to back this up, but is only a possibility. Wherever they came from; whoever they were; somewhere they had gained a knowledge of a coming King of the Jews.

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” Matthew 2:1; “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son” 2:13-15; Verses 17-23 are also included in this section.

First of all let’s look at the EVIDENCE OF SCRIPTURE (v. 6). Now concerning the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem Micah the prophet wrote by the breath of God, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (5:2). There are some who believe Jesus was merely a man who plotted to meet all the Scriptural evidence, and as if the Holy Spirit knew this would happen, He gives us evidence of His birth, knowing no man can plot or plan the place of their birth. I speak as a man to men. Concerning the escape from out of Egypt (vv. 13-15), we find Hosea writing by God’s breath, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” (11:1). Certainly a reference to Jesus’s coming out of Egypt as a child.

In verses 17-18 of our text we find it proclaimed in Scripture, “Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not” Jeremiah 31:15. This was a proclamation of the hideous act of Herod’s jealousy, and his slaughter of innocent children two years of age and under. O, how there must have been much weeping when the soldiers came with swords, and the blood of infants flowed in the homes and streets of Ramah.

“He shall be called a Nazarene” (v. 23b). According to many scholars there are no written prophecies available to us which this would refer. It is interesting to note a few Scriptures which speak of Jesus being despised. The word ‘Nazarene’ could be a reference to one who is despised or detestable.

“Nazareth, an obscure town 55 mi. N of Jerusalem, was a place of lowly reputation, and nowhere mentioned in the OT. Some have suggested that ‘Nazarene’ is a reference to the Heb. word for brance in Isaiah 11:1. Others point out that Matthew’s statement that ‘prophets’ had made this prediction may be a reference to verbal prophecies nowhere recorded in the OT. A still more likely explanation is that Matthew is using ‘Nazarene’ as a synonym for someone who is despised or detestable–for that was how people from the region were often characterized (cf. John 1:46). If that is the case, the prophecies Matthew has in mind would include Ps.22:6-8; Is. 49:7; 53:3.” From the MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE pg. 1396.

Those Scriptures say, “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” Psalm 22:6-8. From Isaiah we read, ” Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.” Isaiah 49:7; “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3.

It is possible that more than one prophet wrote of Jesus being called a Nazarene. Matthew does mention, “…Which was spoken by the prophets…” (v. 23). Jesus was from Nazareth. He was despised of men and rejected. How do you see Jesus?

Some Good Reading

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

There is one thing that I have discovered over the past year, and that is that I have found something that I really enjoy doing, and that is blogging.  I do not think that when I began on January 9, 2006 that I even had a purpose or reason for starting FIRE AND HAMMER blog, but I believe the Lord gave me one soon after.

I read a statistic that there are 1 billion people that have internet service or have access to it.  That clicked in my mind.  I read many blogs which seemed always negative about the SBC and such as that.  That really became discouraging to me.  If there is 1 billion people who have access to the internet, then it would appear to me that Christians should be using it to lift up the name of Jesus Christ, presenting Him as crucified, buried, rising again, and soon to return.  That is what I have endeavored to do.  Only God knows how many have been touched by the words that have been written here.

There are many other blogs which glorify Jesus, and point to Him.  These are some I want to recommend to the readers of Fire and Hammer. I have recently discovered two which are connected with Pyromaniacs. These are Biblical Christianity, and …And His ministers a flame of fire. I have not yet put them as a link here, but will soon.

There are others which I linked with from Heavenly Heartburn, and they are ChristianLifeAsATruckDriver; then, there is Gordon’s wife’s blog, Byway Blessings. Another one from Gordon Cloud’s site is, GodsLove&StoriesOfThePast

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There are many wise words which are written on these blogs. There are many others which I could tell you about, but I will save that for another time; soon. There is truth, encouragement, and blessing in these. Let’s pray that we continue down this path, and not get away from seeking the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless you all

God’s Fulfilled Promises (2)

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Matthew 1:18-25 continued…

Joseph, then, obeyed the voice of God, and went and took Mary as his wife. He too had a heart similar to Mary’s, after the Angel came and confirmed Mary’s words to him. There does not seem to be a moments hesitation. In order to save he and Mary from some embarrassment they probably had their marriage soon after Joseph’s receiving the message.

It is so very important to believe the Word of God. It tells us these things of Jesus. His coming into the world, just like the rest of us, but as the seed of God, not of man. Note what verse 22 tells us, “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet…”.

The virgin birth of Jesus is acknowledged by the Holy Spirit in the writing of Scripture, and in the conception of Jesus. Mary knew herself to be a virgin (Luke 1:34). Her virginity was evidence of her godliness. Her virginity protected the divine nature of the Son of God. If he would have been born of Joseph, or any other man he would have no divine nature.

The baby which was conceived by the Spirit of God was declared to be a “Son” by the Angel before this baby was born (Luke 1:31; Matthew 1:21). This was a long time before there was ‘ultra sound’, or any medical technology we know of in 2007. Joseph is to name Him Jesus; “He shall save His people from their sins”. The name ‘Jesus’ means “Jehovah will save”. In Hebrew it is the name ‘Joshua’.

The birth of this very special baby by the virgin is in fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. In particular Isaiah 7:14. Matthew’s Gospel continues throughout the Gospel to connect Jesus to the Old Testament. There are more Old Testament references in the Gospel of Matthew than in all the other Gospels. There are at least 100 references to the Old Testament with at least 93 actual references in this Gospel. This strongly shows us God’s power to keep His Word and fulfill His promises. Mary was indeed a virgin at the time of conception and at the time of the birth of Jesus. Immanuel – ‘God with us’ – God became man and dwelt among us.

There was a consummation of the virgin birth by Joseph’s determined action to be the husband of Mary and the legal father of Jesus. In essence the action was an act of obedience – obeying the messenger of God who came and confirmed the words of Mary. Joseph protected the virginity of Mary until after the child Jesus was born. There are some who want to continue to maintain the virginity of Mary even after the birth of Jesus, but this is fallacious; it has no merit at all up against the Scriptures. The fallacy of it is seen in the final verse – 25. “And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS”. It is seen in chapter 12:46; and again in chapter 13:55-56; and again in Mark 6:3. To deny the virgin birth of Jesus Christ is to deny the truth which Jesus Himself spoke unto us. “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30); “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). Who would or should even call Him a “Good man” if He told us nothing but lies? I am so thankful that the Word of God is true, trustworthy, completely reliable, and every word is God-breathed. Jesus was more than a ‘good man’; He is the God-man.

The virgin birth of Jesus is declared by the Old and New Testaments. It is believed by God’s people, by all who know His Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It does not matter who denies it or rejects it; it is the truth. Because of the virgin birth of Jesus we have further evidence of the reality, validity, and power of the life of Jesus. The way the world has been changed by the person, and the witness of Jesus is evidence of the truth of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are fulfilled because of this truth. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is consummated every time a sinner is born of God.

Fulfilled Promises

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

GOD’S FULFILLED PROMISESMatthew 1:18-25

This part of the study in Matthew’s Gospel has to do with one of the most controversial subjects concerning the birth of Jesus. That is the fact that He was virgin born. There is much importance to be placed upon this truth. The deity of Jesus Christ and His very own character hang on this truth. To doubt this truth is to doubt the very words of Jesus Himself, because if He was not virgin born, then He was not and is not deity; He is not the Son of God; His death is no different than the thieves who died along side of Him and He was most deserving of His death.

We could ask the question, “Why is the virgin birth so important?” I believe that question is answered in the paragraph above. It is important because it gives us evidence of the truth of who Jesus is. If He was born of a virgin, then, He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14; and since He fulfilled that one He also fulfilled all the others concerning His first coming, and will fulfill all those concerning His return.

We do know that there have been myths of other religions which claimed someone was virgin born, but those prove to be nothing more than myth. These are attempts to deify their heroes or heroines. Within Roman Catholicism there is a teaching of Mary’s being virgin born; often referred to as “Immaculate Conception”, thus putting her in the level of deity. The thought is that Mary must be sinless, perfect, pure, clean, in order to bear the Son of God who is in fact “God with us’ – ‘Immanuel”. If you take that conclusion then, Mary’s mother would have to be “Immaculately born”, and her mother, and her mother, all the way back to Eve, before they fell. That did not happen. Mary, the mother of Jesus Immanuel, Son of God, was not without sin, she was not born of a virgin, and she herself recognized Jesus as her Savior (Luke 6:46-48). There is no Scriptural evidence to prove anything, but that Mary needed a Savior, she went on and became the mother of other children (v. 25; 12:46). There is no veneration due unto Mary. She is not a co-redemptrix. She is a sinner who has been saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Should we admire her? Yes! She obeyed God and became the mother of our Savior. O, that more of us had the heart of Mary, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” Luke 1:38.

There are some who profess to be Christians but do not believe the virgin birth of Christ to have been possible. Can one be a Christian, and not believe that Jesus Christ was born of Mary who was a virgin at the time of His birth? It would seem that an individual who is coming to Jesus by faith at the early stages of faith would not necessarily know of this doctrine, but as they grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus, they would learn of it and believe it. They would believe it because the virgin birth of Immanuel was prophesied in Isaiah 7:14, and fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23 and Luke 1:26-37. As evidence of one’s salvation they will believe the Word of God, and God says Jesus was born of Mary who was a virgin at the time of His birth. Jesus was conceived in the womb of a virgin by the Spirit of God, and she remained a virgin until after His birth. Argue against the virgin birth of Jesus Christ all you want. Say, “Well that is just not possible.” With the technology we have today it is possible for a young woman to have a child without ever having sexual intercourse with a man. In the physical act she could still be considered a virgin (I guess), but the very fact of the implanting of the seed, or the embryo it would still be the seed of a man, not God. All things are possible with God.

When Mary told Joseph of her encounter with God he did not believe her. He loved Mary, and was going to divorce her privately. Divorce was necessary, because in that culture ‘betrothel’ was as binding as the actual marriage. It was much more than the “engagements” our culture knows here in the United States which can be broken off with a moments notice. Joseph, “Being a just man…” knew the child was not his. He was not going to embarass her, nor did he desire to bring harm to her, but his first thought was ‘Divorce’ but privately. She had betrayed him – so he thought – so he could do this according to law. It was not to be. God sent His angel to Joseph to confirm everything Mary had said. “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (vv. 20-23).

It is great to know that He is still with us.  He is always with us, and will never forsake those who trust in Him.

Ancestry of Sinners

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ANCESTRY OF SINNERS

Matthew 1:1-17 continued…

There is evidence of Jewish Royalty in an ancestry of sinners. This genealogy is evidence of divine lineage of Jesus, and succession of God’s establishment of

a people. It is given so that man may have proof of Jesus’s true identity. You could call this Gospel ‘The Identity Papers of Jesus the King’ It is proof positive that Jesus is the King of kings. For those who will not believe these papers, they would not believe my birth certificate either. I have much more confidence in God’s Birth Certificates than I do those that are manmade.

There are five people who are included in the genealogy of Jesus that most noble people would not want to claim, but here they are in the lineage of our Lord Jesus who is King of all kings, Lord of all lords, and He rules the Universe, and all that is within it. There is Tamar who deceived her father in law and committed an act of harlotry (Matthew 1:3; Gen. 38:13-30). Tamar is a representation of sin. The second person we see is Rahab, and she was a prostitute in the city of Jericho who was delivered from Jericho’s destruction because of her faith in the God of Israel (Matthew 1:5; Joshua 2:1-21; 6:23); Rahab is the representation of faith; she later married a Jew by the name of Salmon, and these were the proud parents of Boaz. And that leads us to the third woman and her name is Ruth – a Moabitish woman who was forbidden by law to enter the congregation; she represents the principle of grace (Matthew 1:5; Deut. 23:3-6; Ruth 1:16; 3:19; 4:18-22). These three women were Gentile women, and Tamar was a Canaanite (Gen 38:2) one of the peoples who were to be driven from the land of Promise and killed. The next woman on the list is not even named; she is instead called, “of her that had been the wife of Uriah” (v.6). We know her as Bathsheba – the partner in David’s great sin of adultery and murder, and she represents the principle of forgiveness. It is possible that Bathsheba was also a Gentile woman. How is all this possible? It shows that the God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament. He is a God of grace and mercy, and made a way for all to trust Him and be eternally saved.

The fifth and final woman mentioned in this kingly genealogy is Mary. A woman loved, respected, and admired by many. It is so sad however to see some who hold her in an attitude of worship, and to go through her to Jesus. That is pure idolatry and forbidden. Jesus alone is worthy of our worship and we need no mediator to get to Jesus. He is the Mediator for us to the Father. Mary is to be loved, respected, admired and we should follow her in the willing example of faith that she displayed when the angel came and told her that she would bear a Son. Luke recorded, by the breath of God, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” O, that we had a heart like Mary.

When it came to the moment of the conception and birth of the King, the Son of God, the mother must be as pure as is possible, and God chose Mary; a virgin – not just a young woman, which she probably was, but a virgin who had never had sexual intercourse with a man. God protects His purity. Matthew spares nothing to proclaim the virgin birth of Jesus.

Mary does have something in common with the other four women of this genealogy. They are all guilty of , or accused of sexual immorality. It is certain that people of Mary’s and Joseph’s town knew they were “Betrothed” which in that culture was much more than engagement for our culture. It would have taken Joseph to write a legal letter of divorcement for the marriage to cease, but he did not do that. There must have been suspicious, gossiping tongues, as they were seen together before there wedding became official. Mary was not without sin. She was a sinner, in need of a Savior, and she gave birth to her own Savior and ours. What a wonderful lady. We have much to thank Mary for.

Jesus is the only Jew, since 70 A.D., who know His genealogy, and can prove it. “Providence is God’s control of circumstances so that His will prevails in spite of the disobedience of man.” W.W. Wiersbe EXPOSITION OUTLINE pg. 9.

The genealogy of Jesus still continues today. NO! It is not like Dan Brown in THE DIVINCI CODE says which is nothing but purly fiction, and the thoughts of a warped mind. Who is in this genealogy today? All sinners who confess their sin, repent, and trust Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; those who believe God and act on their faith that He gives; those whom God has chosen by His grace; those who have received God’s forgiveness; those who have surrendered to God’s will for their lives. Those who have been born into the family by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, His body buried – carrying our sins away; and by His being raised to life again after three days. He ascended into Heaven. He will come again, and set up His kingdom.

Reason # 12

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REASON # 12 – There Are No Signs That Point To the Rapture – So Be Ready

We have come to the conclusion of this series of messages in looking at why we should believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church. Here is a list of the previous eleven; 1) The Unfulfilled Promises of God to Israel, 2) Scriptural/Historical Evidence of Previous Raptures, 3) The Scoffers Who Disclaim the Promise of Christ’s Return, 4) Jesus Said He Would Come Again and Take Us To a Prepared Place, 5) The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath, 6) This View Maintains the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ, 7) Because of The Stronger Emphasis on Evangelism and Missions, 8) Because Israel is Put Aside for a Time; The Lord is Working In the Church Today, 9) The Scriptures Refer to “The Blessed Hope”, 10) Causes Us to Look for Jesus, 11) The Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, Who Restrains Evil.

 

“ Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.  But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.  The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.  The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” Matthew 12:38-42

 

If that generation did not need a sign, but the sign of an empty tomb, then, those who are in Christ today do not need any sign to be ready for the sudden appearing of the Lord Jesus to take us to Himself.

 

It seems that all the signs that the Scriptures give are for the coming Tribulation – Wrath of God – upon the people of the earth, and/or the Glorious Appearing of our Savior and His one thousand year reign on the restored earth.

 

I. ALL SIGNS WHICH HAVE BEEN GIVEN ARE SIGNS FOR THE DAY OF WRATH, OR THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF JESUS TO RULE AND REIGN ON EARTH.

A. What about the preaching of the gospel being throughout all the earth?

1. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” Matthew 24:14.

2. Even the signs given for the period Jesus speaks of in the Sermon on Olivet; or the Olivet Discourse as it is called; are signs for the period of the Tribulation [This includes chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew’s gospel].

B. When the apostle Paul is writing of the Rapture in the Thessalonian letters he mentions nothing about signs being fulfilled, but rather awaiting the return of Jesus. “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” 1 Thes. 1:10. “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thes. 2:19. “ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words” 1 Thes. 4:13-18. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ…” 1 Thes. 5:9. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thes. 5:23.

II. PAUL AND THE CHRISTIANS AT THESSALONICA WERE EXPECTING THE RAPTURE IN THEIR DAY, AND LIFETIME.

A. There were some who were concerned about their loved ones who had died and the Lord had not returned before.

1. There was concern that the rapture had already happened; IT HAD NOT.

2. In 2 Thessalonians Paul assures them that it had not already occurred.

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand” 2 Thes. 2:1-2.

B. That expectancy is seen in the verses read previously in the first letter chapter 4 and verses 13 through 18.

 

III. SINCE THERE ARE NO SIGNS GIVEN FOR THE RAPTURE WE MUST CONSTANTLY BE READY FOR OUR LORD’S RETURN FOR HIS BRIDE.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” Matthew 24:44.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” 1 John 3:2-3.

A. As Believers in Christ we should not spend our time gazing into Heaven, but ever be vigilant to the task to which we have been called.

B. The strongest drive in the heart of the Christian will be to glorify our Lord and Savior, and do that by telling others of His greatness, majesty, power and glory, and of what He has done and is doing for us.

C. We must always be ready, always alert, always watchful, always thankful – for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us who are in Him

 

As Jesus ascended into heaven there were angels standing by and asked the disciples the question, “Why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” It seems the call of these messengers is go to the task and the call you have been given.

God’s Faithful Providence (1)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

This is the beginning of a new series.  I pray that God will speak to your heart as He has to mine in its preparation.  It is a study in the Gospel of Matthew.  I know the Modern Day Magi spent most of 2006 writing on this same Gospel, and he did a wonderful job.  With me it will just be coming from a different thought, because I am a different person.  The final chapter of the TWELVE REASONS FOR BELIEVING IN THE PRETRIBULATION RAPTURE will be posted on Monday – the Lord willing.

JESUS THE KING

 

GOD’S FAITHFUL PROVIDENCE

Matthew 1:1-17

The Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy of the King of the Hebrews. Matthew’s Gospel was written to the Hebrew. It is written so they might know that Jesus is their King. At the time they were blinded by their own religious practices, and ceremonies, and self-righteousness as a nation, but Jesus was at that time their Messiah and King and to this day is their King.

The following is the outline Warren W. Wiersbe gives for the Gospel according to Matthew in THE BIBLE EXPOSITION COMMENTARY –

I. The Revelation Of The King – chapters 1-10;

II. The Rebellion Against The King – chapters 11-13;

III. The Retirement Of The King – chapters 14-20;

IV. The Rejection Of The King – chapters 21-27;

V. The Resurrection Of The King – chapter 28

The Gospel begins with Jesus, and His genealogy beginning with Abraham; not Adam. Abraham the father of the Hebrews and their relationship to God the Father. In the Gospel of Luke the genealogy is given backwards and ends with Adam, showing Jesus to be the Son of Man. The Gospel of Mark has no genealogy, nor does the Gospel of John. Servants have no genealogy as in Mark’s account, nor does God have genealogy as in the Gospel of John.

By way of introduction let me give some information concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The human penman for this Gospel is Matthew. He was called by Jesus while sitting at his place collecting taxes: “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him” (Matthew 9:9). As a tax collector he would have been a reject to those who were religious rulers, they would have counted him a traitor, because he was collecting taxes from his people for the Roman government.

This Gospel was written to the Jews to declare and give evidence of Jesus’s royal lineage.

Look at the differences of the four Gospels. First of all in Matthew; Jesus is seen as the King, and is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. For some help in seeing this look at what John wrote in the Revelation chapter four verses six and seven, “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle”. There is a similar depiction of this in the writings of Ezekiel the prophet, “As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle” (Ezekiel 1:10). In Mark’s Gospel; Jesus is seen as a Servant, and is the ox/calf – Jesus Himself said in the Gospel of Mark, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Then in the Gospel of Luke we see Jesus as the Son of Man, and represented, of course by the “face of a man”. Finally in the Gospel of John we see Him as the Son of God, and represented by the symbol of the eagle. The eagle above all, soaring in majesty, representing the All-Knowing power of God.

The Royal Lineage of Jesus is given by Matthew in verses 2 – 16, and with all its blemishes. Do not bolt about that statement, but rather rejoice in it, because actually within the lineage of Jesus are you and me as well.

In this Gospel we see a gracious King. We also see the wondrous providence of our great God and King.

In chapter one we have Matthew’s God breathed declaration of Jewish Royalty. David is considered, by the Jews, and by many others, to be the greatest of Israel’s kings. He was just a youngman when the prophet Samuel came to the household of Jesse by God’s appointment and chose and anointed David king the the place of Saul; in God’s own timing.

Abraham was the patriarch of Israel, and this identifies this gospel to the Jews, and to Jesus as being Jewish. Abraham’s faith is almost unsurpassed in all of the Scriptures and history. His faith speaks volumes for encouragement in growing in Christ, loving the Lord, trusting the Lord despite dire circumstances, and just plain ole ‘Holding on faith’ which is much more of God’s holding on than us holding on.

Jesus, of course, is who this Gospel is really about. But then, that is true of the whole of this book called the Bible. Jesus came and showed the people, and told the people who He was, but was despised by the Jewish religious establishment, and many of the people. He is defended by Matthew, as their King.

Reason # 11

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

REASON # 11 – The Church Is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, Who Restrains Evil

We have looked at ten reasons for believing in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church 1) The Unfulfilled Promises of God to Israel, 2) Scriptural/Historical Evidence of Previous Raptures, 3) The Scoffers Who Disclaim the Promise of Christ’s Return, 4) Jesus Said He Would Come Again and Take Us To a Prepared Place, 5) The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath, 6) This View Maintains the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ, 7) Because of The Stronger Emphasis on Evangelism and Missions, 8) Because Israel is Put Aside for a Time; The Lord is Working In the Church Today, 9) The Scriptures Refer to “The Blessed Hope”, 10) Causes Us to Look for Jesus.

 

The eleventh reason for believing in the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church is that as the temple of the Spirit of God, and the absence of the restraining of the Spirit of God is evidence of the absence of the Church during the period of time known as the Tribulation, ‘Time of Jacob’s trouble’, and so forth.

 

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

 

There is an up close and very real analogy of the events that will take place during the period called the Tribulation. It can only be an analogy because what is to come will be far worse. The analogy is that of when we see people rampaging on the streets of the cities of the United States and in other countries and the police are near powerless to contain it.

The event of the Rodney King verdict in California during the early nineties is a good example of restraint being withheld while people threw rocks, bricks, and used anything they could get their hands on to destroy. The police just stayed out of the picture. It was uncontrolled violence against people and property…

“The 1992 Los Angeles riots, also known as the Rodney King uprising or the Rodney King riots, were sparked on April 29, 1992 when a mostly white jury acquitted four police officers accused in the videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King, after he fled from police. Thousands of people in Los Angeles joined in what has often been characterized as a race riot, or a mini-civil war, involving acts of law-breaking compounded by existing racial tensions, including looting, arson and murder. In all, 55 people were killed during the riots.” Wikipedia Encyclopedia

Let’s look at the report of the damages and such… “Estimates of the number of lives lost during the unrest vary between 50 and 60, with as many as 2,000 persons injured. Estimates of the material damage done vary between about $800 million and $1 billion. Approximately 3,600 fires were set, destroying 1,100 buildings, with fire calls coming once every minute at some points. About 10,000 people were arrested; about 42% African American, 44% Latino, 9% white, and 2% other.” Wikipedia Encyclopedia

 

EVEN NOW THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS RESTRAINING EVIL (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7) “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way”

We could ask, “Where was the Holy Spirit during the Rodney King riots?”, and we could answer correctly, “He was there in the midst of it”. It could have been much worse. There could have been more people killed, more damage done.

With so much evil in the world can we rightly say that there is a restraining force keeping evil at bay.? The answer to that question, of course is a most certain YES! So many times it is hard to understand why these evil things, and evil people happen, but God is still sovereign, and accomplishing His purposes and will.

Without law, and without the restraint of the Spirit of God there would be total chaos, with killing, rape, damages to property, everyone doing what is right in their own eyes, and tyranny would eventually rule.

 

IMAGINE THE HORROR OF THE TIME WITHOUT THE SPIRIT OF GOD RESTRAINING ON THE EARTH (Rev. 6).

There will be a ruler who comes in peace, and will give a temporary peace to the people of the earth (Rev. 6:1-2). A “peacemaker” with a bow, but no arrow in his hand. He will speak words of peace, but war is in His heart; particularly war against the holy.

What follows this rider on the ‘White horse’ is war, with much blood shed (Rev. 6:3-4). There will be blood shed of all those who oppose him, and mostly that will be those who take up the name of Jesus, and follow Him, without much thought of their lives.

With the shedding of much blood, the ruining of the lands famine will also come (Rev. 6:5-6). There will be starvation while the ruler of the world at this time seeks only for himself.

With the famine, the need for clean water and food, there will be much more death, and seems like and increase in death for humans by the beast of the field (Rev. 6:7-8). If we think pollution and things are bad now, we have seen nothing.

Many of those who turn to Jesus during that time will die for their faith, and their cries will reach up to heaven (Rev. 6:9-12). These will be those “Who loved not their lives unto death” (Rev. 12:11).

The earth itself will “Groan” as it has never before (Rom. 8:22) with earthquakes, pollution, the sun darkens, the moon becomes as blood, and the “People of the earth” cry out for the rocks and mountains to fall on them, rather than cry to God for mercy (Rev. 6:13-17).

 

WHEN THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS NOT RESTRAINING THE HORROR AND EVIL OF SATAN WILL BE UNLEASHED (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

He appears with power, with signs, and lying wonders to deceive and lead people to follow him (v. 9) “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders…”

The people who follow him will be people who refused God’s grace, and mercy, and because of this God sends them a “Strong delusion” and they believe the lies of the devil (vv. 10-12).

 

THE GOOD NEWS IS THIS BEAST [the devil] IS OVERTHROWN BY THE WORD OF OUR LORD’S MOUTH (2 Thes. 2:8).

We see our Lord Jesus revealed coming with a sword in His mouth (Rev. 19:15 “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God”.

All things will be placed under His feet, “ For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  For he hath put all things under his feet” (1 Cor. 15:25-27). “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church…” (Eph. 1:22).

Reason # 10

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

It is good to be back to blogging.  On January 9, 2006 I began Fire and Hammer at another blogsite.  So I have been at this now for a year. 

I pray that all had wonderful Christmas celebrations, gave great gifts to others and that you received all that was good for you.  I will be continuing the post on the Reasons For Believing in the PreTribulation Rapture of the Church.  There is only two more following this one.  That does not mean that this list has exhausted the reasons.  There are others.

REASON # 10 – The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Causes Us To Look For Jesus

The nine reasons we have looked at thus far were 1) The Unfulfilled Promises of God to Israel, 2) Scriptural/Historical Evidence of Previous Raptures, 3) The Scoffers Who Disclaim the Promise of Christ’s Return, 4) Jesus Said He Would Come Again and Take Us To a Prepared Place, 5) The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath, 6) This View Maintains the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ, 7) Because of The Stronger Emphasis on Evangelism and Missions, 8) Because Israel is Put Aside for a Time; The Lord is Working In the Church Today, 9) The Scriptures Refer to “The Blessed Hope”

 

Now the tenth reason is THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE CAUSES US TO LOOK TO JESUS.

Revelation1:1-3; 19:10

 

The premise of The Revelation is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Son of man, is the central character of all of Scripture, therefore, all of prophecy.

 

PAUL URGES THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH TO LOOK FOR JESUS.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” 1 Thes. 4:16.

For this passage we must ask, “Who is it who is descending from heaven?” Look for Jesus.

 

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thes. 5:23.

For the passage here we can clearly see it is speaking of the ‘coming of our Lord Jesus Christ’. Look for Jesus.

 

“And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” 1 Thes. 1:10.

As in the former verses it is “His Son from heaven… even Jesus”, whom we are looking for. Look for Jesus.

 

“So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Cor. 1:7.

Here the Corinthians are told to “Wait[ing] for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Look for Jesus.

 

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” Heb. 9:28.

Notice the “…them that look for Him…”. Look for Jesus.

 

LOOKING FOR JESUS WE CAN COMFORT ONE ANOTHER. “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” 1 Thes. 4:18.

The words Paul is speaking of are those previously mentioned. Not just from verses 13 following, but the whole of what he has written to the Thessalonians. Although, it does seem he may be putting a strong emphasis on verses 13 through 17.

 

WHEN WE ARE LOOKING FOR JESUS WE CAN SEE HIM IN ALL OF SCRIPTURE. This is what all of Scripture is about.

These are not from me. I do not know who saw these and printed it up, but to whomever it was I give the credit. You can see Jesus if you so desire:

 

Genesis: The Seed of the Woman
Exodus: The Passover Lamb
Leviticus: The High Priest
Numbers: The Cloud and The Fire
Deut.: The Prophet Like Moses
Joshua: The Captain of Our Salvation
Judges: The Judge And Lawgiver
Ruth: The Kinsman Redeemer
1 & 2 Samuel: The Prophet of The Lord
1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles: The Reigning King
Ezra: The Faithful Scribe
Nehemiah: The Rebuilder of The Broken Walls
Esther: Mordecai
Job: The Dayspring From on High
Psalms:The Lord Who Is Our Shepherd
Proverbs & Ecclesiastes: The Wisdom of God
Song of Solomon: The Lover & Bridegroom
Isaiah: The Prince of Peace
Jeremiah & Lamentations: The Weeping Prophet
Ezekiel: The Wheel Turning
Daniel: The 4th Man in The Fiery Furnace
Hosea: The Bridegroom
Joel: The Baptizer With The Holy Spirit
Amos: The Burden Bearer
Obadiah: The Mighty Savior
Jonah: The Forgiving God
Micah: The Messenger With Beautiful Feet
Nahum: The Avenger of God’s Elect
Habakkuk: The Great Evangelist, Crying For Revival
Zephaniah: The Restorer of God’s Lost Heritage
Haggai: The Cleansing Fountain
Zechariah: The Pierced Son
Malachi: The Son of Righteousness

NEW TESTAMENT –

Matthew: Messiah and King

Mark: The wonder working servant

Luke: The Son of Man

John: The Son of God

Acts: Ascended Lord

Romans; the Justifier

1 & 2 Corinthians: the Gift of the Spirit & the Gift Giver

Galations: the One who sets us free

Ephesians: the Christ of riches

Philippians: the God who meets our every need

Colossians: The fulness of the Godhead

1 & 2 Thessalonians: Soon coming King

1 & 2 Timothy: the Mediator between God and man

Titus: the Faithful Pastor

Philemon: The Friend closer than a brother

Hebrews: The blood that washes away our sins

James: the Great Physician

1 & 2 Peter: the Chief Shepherd

1,2 & 3 John: Everlasting Love

Jude: Coming with 10,000’s of His saints

Revelation: Jesus Christ is King of all kings, and Lord of all lords.

Have a God-Filled Christmas

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

First of all, I want to express a word of THANKS to all who have come to Fire and Hammer and read the articles.  It seems, that, even though we have never met we have become friends with some of you.

Secondly, I want to say to everyone who may come here in the next month or so that there is plenty here to read.  I pray God will bless you in your endeavor.  Also being the Christmas season I pray you will have a very GOD FILLED CHRISTMAS, and do remember the Christ whose birth we are celebrating.  Remember Him on His birthday, and on every day of the New Year coming.

The third thing, I wanted to let all the ones who come hear know also, that I will not be blogging from December 16 through January 15, 2007.  There are some articles on the REASONS I BELIEVE IN THE PRETRIBULATION RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH which I will catch up on at that time.

God bless you all.  If we never meet here; I do pray we will meet when we see Jesus.  In Christ Jesus I will see you HERE, THERE, OR IN THE AIR.

Reason # 9

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

REASON # 9 – The Scriptures Refer to “The Blessed Hope”

 

Titus 2:11-15

The first seven reasons we have looked at were 1) The Unfulfilled Promises of God to Israel, 2) Scriptural/Historical Evidence of Previous Raptures, 3) The Scoffers Who Disclaim the Promise of Christ’s Return, 4) Jesus Said He Would Come Again and Take Us To a Prepared Place, 5) The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath, 6) This View Maintains the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ, 7) Because of The Stronger Emphasis on Evangelism and Missions, 8) Because Israel is Put Aside for a Time; The Lord is Working In the Church Today.

Now the ninth reason for believing in the Pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church…

The Scriptures Refer to “The Blessed Hope”…

THE GRACE OF GOD THAT BRINGS SALVATION HAS APPEARED TO ALL MEN (v. 11). The grace of God for salvation has appeared to all in the way of the cross. All are not automatically saved because of the cross, but is possible for every man to be saved.

Having the grace “appear” for all to be saved, then also gives just cause for judgment. The judgment that will come on all who “are of the earth”. These have not received the grace of God, but have shunned this marvelous grace.

 

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RECEIVED THIS GRACE WE ARE EXHORTED TO LIVE LIVES OF GODLINESS; TO DENY WORLDLINESS, AND UNGODLINESS (v. 12). Because we have received the grace of God we can expect to suffer some tribulation, but not for the purpose of bringing us to salvation.

Our tribulation is for our faith, strengthening, and building of godliness in us. Equipping us for that glorious kingdom that is yet to come – to reign and rule with Jesus.

 

BEING RECIPIENTS OF THE GRACE WE ARE LOOKING FOR THAT ‘BLESSED HOPE’ AND THEN, ‘THE GLORIOUS APPEARING’ OF OUR SAVIOR (v. 13). These are two separate events.

The BLESSED HOPE is the person of Jesus Christ, but there is the event as well. The event is when Jesus returns in the clouds; calls His children by name; and the trumpet sounds; and the call “Come up hither” will be heard by all who will hear His voice. When we hear His voice we will rise to meet Him in the air. The dead in Christ will hear His voice and come out of their graves. I personally believe the graves will be opened, just like Jesus’s grave was opened; not to let Him out, nor to let them out, but to let others see they are not there.

Would there be any “Blessed hope” knowing that we have a period of time ahead of us that is purely for the cleansing of Israel, and that we would be going through it too? Of course, our real hope is Jesus Himself, but He promised to come and receive us to Himself. That seems to me to be deliverance from that Tribulation unto the presence of Jesus.

 

HE IS PRESENTLY WORKING IN US TO PURIFY US, AND TO MAKE US ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS (v. 14). Jesus is presently equipping us; working in us to accomplish His will and purposes for our lives.

For what purpose would be a “Tribulation Period” be for the Church, when He is working in us now? Is that a thought that seeks the heart of the reason? If the restraining presence of God on earth is present, how can evil seem to go out of control? Sin is presently kept in check by the presence of a righteous remnant of people who truly make up the Body of Christ on earth called the Church.

 

THESE WORDS ARE TO BE TAUGHT AND PREACHED FOR EXHORTATION AND REBUKE (v. 15). Does the pastor sin in not presenting the ‘whole counsel of God’? Does the preacher/pastor disobey God and His word by failing to expound the Scriptures concerning the end times?

The answer to both questions most definitely seems to be YES!!! If one third of the Scriptures is prophetic, then, it would seem logical to spend one third of our preaching and teaching in the prophetic Word of God. We may not get it right, but if we expound the Word, and give explanation according to Scripture we will not miss it by far.

Paul says to Titus, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” Titus 2:15 (KJV).

Is there anything “Blessed” about looking for and expecting a wrath to come?

Presently, the Church goes through tribulation that is for our cleansing and purification; there is no future wrath for the Body of Christ.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US OF ‘THE BLESSED HOPE’ FOR THE CHURCH, and wrath for the people of the earth.

The Time of the End

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

THE TIME OF THE END

 

Daniel 12:1-13

 

There are those who do not believe that there is a God, or that He can show us a glimpse of the future. All of the last chapter was history, written before it ever happened, and we know that everything happened just as God told Daniel that it would.

If, indeed, God is God, why is it so hard for people to believe that He can and did reveal the future to men like Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the others? When there is wrath coming on the world He has His messengers warning, and exhorting people to turn to God and live. As a matter of fact we have His Word that tells us that He will not act without first send warning of doing so; Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (NKJV). Surely Daniel is a book about God’s revealed secrets to His servant Daniel.

In this twelfth and final chapter the secrets of God just keep coming. In this chapter God even goes so far as to tell us how many Hebrews will be saved in that last day.

 

MICHAEL THE ARCH ANGEL STANDS UP FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD (v. 1). This verse is a continuation from the latter chapter.

It appears that Michael has a special ministry as an arch angel, and that is as protector of the children of Israel, at least during the end of the time of the Gentiles rule on earth, and the “time of Jacob’s trouble”.

In the midst of the tribulation the Antichrist will break the covenant with Israel which he made with them three and one half years earlier (9:27). He will go into the ‘temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4b). He himself will in fact be the “ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION” spoken of by Daniel and by Jesus (Daniel 11:31, 12:11), “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)” (Matthew 24:15).

All those who are found written in God’s book will be delivered from this “Evil one”. The MacArthur Study Bible note for this says, “The book is the book of the saved (Mal. 3:16-4:3; Luke10:20; Rev. 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27)”. It would be the very same book your name and mine is written in because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In fact, the Bible does seem to give some idea as to how many Jews will be delivered. In Zachariah 13:8-9, the prophet wrote from the breath of God, “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God” Zechariah 13:8-9 (KJV). One third of the Jewish nation will be delivered and follow their Messiah. Romans 11:26a says, “And so all Israel shall be saved”. That is right this one third is “all Israel”.

 

THERE SHALL BE A RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND A RESURRECTION OF THE UNJUST (vv. 2-3). I have heard for many years of the judgment that is coming for both the just and the unjust. I also know that some people put these judgments at the same point in time. If you look at the statement by itself, then you might certainly come to that conclusion. That is why you must look at what the rest of Scripture says.

In this I will be understanding the “Just” as those who have been justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The “Just” ones have been declared “Just” by our Father Himself, therefore, the only judgment we will see will be what Paul calls the “Judgment Seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10). This judgment will not be for sin, but rather for the determination of reward. We will be rewarded or suffer loss according to those things that we have did in our body.

Also I will be understanding that the “Unjust” are all those who have refused the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior, all those who are yet condemned in their sin. These having never received Christ will stand before God at what John called the “Great white throne” judgment. Here they will be judged for all their deeds they have done. None will be found who have glorified the Lord, and will be cast alive into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15).

Sometimes the prophets prophesied of two events without really realizing it. They had trouble understanding what they were foretelling. The same is true with Daniel in our present text.

For example; the prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because the LORD hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn…” When this was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ He stopped the reading with, “…To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” The simple reason He stopped there is because it was not, then the time to fulfill the rest of it. That time has not come, even yet, but it will be here soon.

In verse two it refers to those who have died, both the believing and unbelieving. Both will one day come out of their graves. Some will come out of their graves at the rapture of the Church; some will arise at the end of the tribulation period, and will be with Jesus in the Millennial reign of Jesus. However, the wicked, unbelieving dead will not rise until after the Millennial reign. That is when they will go before the GREAT WHITE THRONE of God’s judgment and will be cast alive into the LAKE OF FIRE which burns forever and ever.

Verse three seems to allude to the idea of ‘teachers’ teaching during the tribulation. They will be warning their fellow Hebrews of what this time is all about, and telling them of their Messiah. In doing so they will shine like stars in eternity. This would most likely be the 144,000 that is spoken of in the Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5.

 

ENCOURAGEMENT TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD – PROPHECY IN PARTICULAR – BETTER AS THE TIME APPROACHES (v. 4). According to this angel Daniel is to “Shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end”. That means there were things then, Daniel did not understand, now would he understand. God gives light as it is needed, to His people. Daniel did not need to know at his time.

We are in the ‘time of the end’, and God has started giving understanding in many of these things. I personally do not believe that the teaching of the rapture of the Church is relatively new. It is quite clear in Paul’s teachings that he was ready to go at any moment in the rapture, or to satisfy those who say the word “rapture” is not in the Bible; the catching away. I will not get into that here.

Many have looked at this passage, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” as a prophecy of automobiles, airplanes, and man’s great ability to travel – as we do today – and our increase in knowledge in medicine, science, etc. It most likely does not really have anything to do with that.

If we look at the context of the verse, Daniel is writing about what he has written. For Daniel the Book is ‘shut up’ – sealed if you will. As the day of God’s judgment draws closer people who love God and His Word will spend time in its study and will increase in knowledge and understanding of prophecy. When you love God and His Word and spend time in it God will teach you what He decides you need to know.

Understanding prophecy is a motivator to do God’s will. It is a motivator to holy living until the time that Jesus comes again. If we really believe that Jesus’s coming is closer than it has ever been, then, we should be studying, living holy, and working – truly WALIKING WITH GOD.

 

DANIEL’S CURIOSITY IS PUT IN CHECK (vv. 5-9). Daniel is still by the Tigris River (Hiddekel KJV). These who stood on each bank of the river were most likely angels. The “Man clothed in linen” is probably the same personage as in chapter 10:5-9 which is probably a preincarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. The angels are curious also. One asked the One in linen, “How long…?” This question seems to be asking how long will this time of “Great tribulation” last. The answer comes back, “For a time, times and an half”. Time = 1 year; times = 2 years; and an half = ½ year or six months.

Notice, this man in linen lifts His hands toward the Father in heaven and “Sware by Him that liveth for ever”. When God could sware by no greater, He swore to Himself (Heb. 6:13). This is what was taking place between the Father and the Son. We can know and trust by this that the TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE (Jeremiah 30:7) will be no longer than 3 and one half years. Remember there are six purposes for this trial for the Jews listed in chapter 9:24. The Jews will flee Jerusalem during the tribulation and some will be saved, ie., trust Jesus as their Messiah.

Daniel is still very curious. The Lord tells him, “God about doing your business” or “Go on your way”, those things are sealed up until the end.

 

AS TIME DRAWS TO A CLOSE THE RIGHTEOUS IN CHRIST WILL BECOME MORE CLEAN AND HOLY; WHILE THE WICKED WILL GET MORE AND MORE WICKED (v. 10). NOTE: This could refer to the 3.5 years of the first half of the tribulation.

Where sin abounds grace does much more abound (Romans 5:20). It will also be so at this horrendous time in human history. While believers will be being made righteous, the wicked will get more and more wicked. They will be blinded by the events while the believing remnant will become more and more wise, and more and more clean before the Lord God (2 Timothy 3:13 – “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived”).

 

THOSE LAST THREE AND ONE HALF YEARS WILL BE THE MOST TRYING FOR THE JEWS BUT THERE IS BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO TRUST IN THE LORD (vv. 11-13). One thousand two hundred and ninety days equals 3.5 years. A Biblical year is measured in 360 days. There is no explanation for the ‘thousand three hundred and thirty five days’. Actually, the 1,290 days carries over about 30 more days. The 1,335 has a total carry over of about 75 days. There is no explanation for either. It could be a time of transition for the setting up of Messiah’s kingdom.

It is said of the 1,335 days that, “Blessed is he that waiteth…” for these days.

Once again the Lord tells Daniel, “Go thou thy way”. This is really instructions to carry on with your business that you do. We as Christians are not to go around with our head in the stars unaware of the world we live in. There are people who are dying, suffering, and headed into an eternity without Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Let us labor for our Lord in our work place, in our play, on vacation, or wherever we may be.

 

It is certain, at least to me, by the reading and study of Scripture that we are in the final days of the ‘last days’. The ‘last days’ began when Jesus came born of a virgin, was laid in a manger in Bethlehem, was worshipped by shepherds, and wisemen, and the angels. He has died, was buried, carrying our sins away, and He has risen just as He said. He also said that He would come again and receive us unto Himself. Know Jesus. Call on His name as Lord and Savior of your life.

MARANATHA…

 

 

The Word of God Fulfilled

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THE ANGEL’S CONTINUED EXPLANATION

 

Daniel 11:1 – 12:1

 

The first verse is clearly the angel, whom we believe to be Gabriel, still speaking to Daniel to give Him understanding of all the things he has seen.

Explanations do us good in most things in life. Daniel was God’s man, God’s prophet for that period of time, and he had received one of the most profound prophetic visions of all the history of mankind. He was given wisdom and grace by God to reveal to Nebuchadnezzar what he had dreamed, and to give him its interpretation. Daniel also received the vision of the same prophecy as seen from God’s eyes.

Daniel was a student of Scripture. We are told that he read the prophet Jeremiah concerning the 70 weeks. That is where Daniel Got his faith, and grew to the man that he was. He was a student of God’s Word.

 

What does the angel explain to Daniel?

 

THE ANGEL SPEAKS CONCERNING PERSIA AND HER KINGS (vv. 1-2). I have already explained that the first verse is a carry over from the tenth chapter. This angel had stood with Darius/Cyrus as a protecting angel as he was carrying forth the edict of God in making a decree for Hebrews to return to their land. This shows the promise God made to Abraham – “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you”. It is best to stand with the people of God who are the Hebrews as a nation.

For Daniel these were future. King Cambyses (529-522 B.C.). Pseudo Smerdis (522-521 B.C.). Darius I Hystapes (521-486 B.C.). Xerxes or Ahasuerus of the Book of Esther (496-465 B.C.).

These are now history past. We are assured by their fulfillment that God’s Word is true. If these were fulfilled then the yet future prophecies will be fulfilled also.

Remember Daniel has already seen the line-up according to Nebuchacnezzar’s dream. The head of gold was Babylon (Chap. 2; the lion of chap. 7). The arms and chest of silver represent the Medo-Persian empire (Chap. 2; the bear of chap. 7). The belly and thighs of bronze are Greece (Chap. 2; the goat of chap. 8). The legs of iron, feet of iron mixed with clay is Rome (Chap. 2; terrible beast in chap. 7).

 

CONCERNING GREECE (vv. 3-4). This picture of course refers to Alexander the Great. He is only called “Great” because of the swiftness with which he conquered the then known world. The belly and thighs of bronze [brass]. The speed of a leopard with wings.

When he died his kingdom was divided between four of his generals. The four kingdoms were; Macedonia; Asia Minor; Egypt – referred to in this chapter as the “king of the South”; and Syria – referred to in this chapter as “king of the North”.

This, too, was fulfilled just as the book of Daniel says.

This book was not written after the fact; as many unbelieving professors say; but years before the events took place. The unbelievers do not believe that God has the knowledge/foreknowledge to know what will happen in the future. They really give no allowance for God at all, but that does not matter, they will still see Him one day, whether they believe in Him or not.

 

CONCERNING EGYPT AND SYRIA (vv. 5-20). Ptolemy I Soter and Seleucus I Nicator (v. 5). Seleucus is the stronger. His alliance allowed him to seize the throne of Syria.

Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Antiochus II Theos (v. 6). Marriage was a political matter for peace and unity between nations. Ptolemy demanded Antiochus divorce his wife Laodice in order to marry Ptolemy’s daughter Berenice. After Ptolemy died, 2 years later, Antiochus took back Laodice and she murdered Antiochus and Berenice. O the pit of politics.

Ptolemy III Euregetes and Seleucus II Callinicus (vv. 7-9). Brother of Bernice – defending his sisters honor and avenging her death; attacked the Northern kingdom and won.

Ptolemy IV Philopater and Antiochus III the Great (vv. 10-19). Antiochus gave his daughter Cleopatra I in marriage to Ptolemy V (7 years of age), hoping to use her to underrmine the Egyptian government. Cleopatra was loyal to her husband.

God is still the God of history, because it is His-story.

 

CONCERNING ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES AND SYRIA (vv. 21-35; also see 8:9-14). This man is the picture of the future antichrist – he is in fact an antichrist for his time.

This man obtained his throne by guile.

He was successful in his military endeavors.

In 170 B.C. he turned his attention toward Israel. He plundered and defiled the temple. He abolished daily sacrifices. He killed many of the Jewish people. He left soldiers behind in Jerusalem to maintain control. He invaded Egypt again only to be confronted by Romans (v. 30; “ships of Chittim”.

In 168 B.C. he desecrated the temple. He erected an altar to Zeus, and offered a pig as sacrifice in the Hebrew temple. NOTE: In the future the Antichrist will put his own image in the temple of God when he breaks the covenant with the Hebrews in the middle of the “Seventieth week of Daniel” – the seven year tribulation period.

There was a small group of faithful Jews who opposed this godless leader (vv. 33-35). A Jewish priest named Mattathias and his five sons. His son Judah (Maccabeus meaning, “The hammerer”) was one of the heroes of this revolt. These laid down their lives and finally won. On December 14, 165 B.C., the temple was purified and the altar dedicated. The Jews celebrate this annually as the Feast of Lights (Hanukkah). This is also mentioned back in chapter eight.

 

CONCERNING THE TRIBULATION AND THE ANTICHRIST (vv. 36- 12:1). The time of the Great Tribulation, also known as the “Time of Jacobs trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Just as the above historical things were foretold and came to pass; so too will the things that have yet to happen. They do not have to be spiritualized for fulfillment; they will be literally fulfilled.

This man will appear as a man of peace; a master politician; a man of no specific religious faith. The Tribulation will begin in peace for the Jewish people, but will become war against them in the last three and one half years. God, however, will preserve His people (Matthew 24:22). There will be military invasion (Daniel 11:40-43); a battle will take place at the valley called Armageddon (vv. 44-45); then, Jesus Christ will appear in all His glory, splendor and wrath ridding the world of all evil.

This is not a period of time that Christians look forward to. We are waiting and longing for the appearance of Jesus in the clouds; calling our names; and COME UP HITHER with the sound of the trumpet, and we will go to be with Him for all eternity. Blessed be the name of the Lord. MARANATHA.

Spiritual Warfare

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SPIRITUAL WARFARE

 

Daniel 10:1-21

 

There are wars in our world today. That is no profound statement I realize that, but it is none the less true. We grieve over the war in Iraq, and the young soldiers who are dying, civilians dying, women and children included in that. No war is pleasant. It is not really pleasant to even speak of. Sometimes, as bad as it is, wars are necessary to stand against what is evil. I do not think any one in their right mind would say that, “The attack of September 11, 2001 was not an attack from evil“.

Ever since the beginning of man; Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden we have come under attack from evil. The world is still under the domain of the chief of all evil and that is the devil. He still has his demons working and influencing the leaders of the world, but all his work and efforts will be to no avail. The devil and his demons are a defeated foe. They were defeated on the cross where Jesus died and conquered evil there. Proof of that is in that He rose from the dead.

There is a warfare which we as Christians are fighting today. Some will say, “You said that Jesus had conquered evil, why are we still fighting a war against it?” Jesus did conquer evil, and that is part of the glory of the matter. We need to remember that we are not fighting for victory, we are fighting from the victory. “Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.”

Paul the apostle told us, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” Eph. 6:10-12 (KJV). Paul also tells us that, “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” 2 Cor. 10:4 (KJV).

Daniel was finding out about spiritual warfare.

AS WE LOOK AT THE TIME THAT DANIEL HAD THIS EXPERIENCE (v. 1). It was approximately two years after Cyrus had made the decree that the captives of Jerusalem could return to their homeland. In the book of Ezra we read, “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,  Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem” Ezra 1:1-3 (KJV).

This event takes place a few years following the events of chapter 9, because we see at the beginning of chapter nine that it took place during the first year of Darius of the Medes.

It could be that Daniel may have written the document that gave the Israelites permission to return to Jerusalem. Remember Daniel was in the court of the king, so this may have been his responsibility.

 

THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF DANIEL’S MOURNING (vv. 2-3). It is not told us what it was that caused Daniel to mourn, specifically. We do know that it had been approximately two years since the decree had gone out for the people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

News had most likely came back to Daniel of the trying circumstances of the 50,000 Hebrews who returned to the land. There were other Hebrews who had never left who were mocking those who had returned, and were hindering the work of the temple. There was a spiritual battle raging in Jerusalem.

Daniel’s heart was greatly burdened. He was so burdened – maybe for a couple of reasons; First, he may have been burdened for the people’s circumstances in Jerusalem – the work had been hindered and stopped (Ezra 4:1-6). Secondly, Daniel was probably burdened to better understand the prophecies he had received. It is quite possible the battle in Jerusalem over the building of the temple is the scene of the battle between the angelic being (vv. 13 & 20). It seems to relate to an ongoing battle (v. 13b “…I remained there with the kings of Persia”, said the angel. Daniel, in fact, had spent 21 days in mourning and fasting, because of his sorrow, and desire to get God’s direction and will. The prayer was heard on the first day, but due to the spiritual battle Daniel endured in prayer and fasting until he received answer.

Fasting seems to have been an almost forgotten practice. Private fasting, where there is no self aggrandizement, is a practice that Christians need to begin practicing in order to be overcomers in the life of faith.

Let us never forget to pray for our nation’s leaders. It could very well be that there are evil spirits directing the hearts of evil men and hindering the works of godly men. In fact the Bible is clear about that. Let us always beware to never pray to angels nor worship them – they are servants of God and servants to us as well. We are to worship and pray to God alone.

 

DANIEL’S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE LORD (vv. 4-9). The appearance of this “…Certain man” seems to be almost identical to the description given of Jesus in the Revelation, “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;  And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;  And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:“ Rev 1:12-17 (KJV).

It is because of this that many, including myself see this ‘certain man’ as a Christ phony – a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. It would be similar to His appearance in the fiery furnace with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. This revelation took place while Daniel was walking by the river Hiddekel. Sometimes when one becomes burdened a walk in a place of quietness brings the best encounters with God. What an encounter it was. This is the first time Daniel has a personal visit from our Lord, at least that is recorded.

Even though they did not see the One whom Daniel saw, the men with Daniel fled and hid, because they realized something was going on and it was too great for them to stay around (vv. 7-8). The vision was so awe-inspiring Daniel had no strength. He heard His voice. Being so weakened and overcome by His presence Daniel went into a deep sleep. We should in no way consider this “deep sleep” as bad on Daniel’s part. From the excitement he may have blacked out and lost consciousness. Sometimes it is when our minds are resting in the Lord we are renewed, refreshed, and revived. NOTE, Daniel’s position “…My face toward the ground.” Most likely this “deep sleep” was probably the same type “deep sleep” God put on Adam when He created Eve”. So it was a God induced sleep.

 

DANIEL IS TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL (vv. 10-21). It does not say it clearly but most likely the hand that touched Daniel was the hand of Gabriel the angel who had spoken to him previously (8:16; 9:20-23).

NOTICE: The words this angel speaks to Daniel; “…A man greatly beloved” is spoken twice in this chapter (vv. 11 & 19) and one other time in the previous chapter (9:23). He says, “Fear not” twice (vv. 12, 19). “Peace be unto thee”, and “Be strong, be strong”. A double admonition.

Why Daniel prayed for twenty one days – the Spiritual Warfare. The angel was hindered by the “prince of Persia”. This could not have been a mere man which the angel of God was battling. It had to have been a “demon angel” appointed by satan over the kingdom of Persia. If Daniel had quit praying this ‘prince of Persia’ could have won the battle. Let us never cease praying for God’s will to be accomplished in His people and in the governments of men. Because of Daniel’s unceasing, fervent prayer the angel came with an answer. Delayed prayers are FAITH TESTING and FAITH BUILDING prayers. Daniel was touched three times by the angel (vv. 10, 16, and 18).

There are some who believe that this whole encounter was with the pre-incarnate Christ. It cannot be – because Jesus would not need the help of Michael. Jesus could, but speak the word, “Be gone” and that demon would flee. There is no doubt in my mind that from verses ten through verse 21 the one who touched Daniel was an angel, and most likely Gabriel, who had spoken to him previously.

The angel came to give Daniel understanding of what the “latter days” held for the Hebrews, and Gentile nations.

The angel speaks of returning to battle the ‘prince of Persia’. He tells Daniel that the ‘prince of Greece’ is on the way. It almost seems the angel encourages Daniel to keep praying. PLEASE REREAD EPHESIANS 6:10-18.

Let us as the Church of Jesus Christ keep praying too. Let’s pray for forgiveness of our own sin, confess them and repent. Let’s pray for those who are lost. Jesus is coming soon and the prince of darkness is working harder than ever before. MARANATHA.

Reason # 8

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

 Rather than a post from Daniel you will notice this is Reason number 8 for believing in the Pretrib Rapture of the Church.  I will endeavor to have the tenth chapter of Daniel ready for Tuesday morning.

REASON # 8 – Because Israel is Put Aside for a Time; The Lord is Working In the Church Today.

The first seven reasons we have looked at were 1) The Unfulfilled Promises of God to Israel, 2) Scriptural/Historical Evidence of Previous Raptures, 3) The Scoffers Who Disclaim the Promise of Christ’s Return, 4) Jesus Said He Would Come Again and Take Us To a Prepared Place, 5) The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath, 6) This View Maintains the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ, 7) Because of The Stronger Emphasis on Evangelism and Missions, and now number 8.

 

Romans 11:1-12

 

In the reading of Scriptures we can see that the majority of Old Testament writings deal with the people who are called Israel, and Hebrews. These are the people God used to bring us His laws, His Word, His ordinances, and His Son.

The reason I said “the majority” is because the first eleven chapters of Genesis know nothing of any race or religion of people. That was until the beginning of chapter eleven when God came down, confused the languages of the people, then the people were divided, probably by races and religions.

In Chapter twelve of Genesis we see God calling out one man to begin a “People of God”. These would be of the one true God; Creator of all that is. Throughout the rest of Old Testament writings we find they deal with the people called Israel and/or Judah. It shows Abraham struggling in faith; having the promised son; offering that son to God; His grandson having sons and grandsons, and one of those great grandsons ending up in Egypt. Joseph delivering Egypt from famine, and his people as well. We can go with them through the desert deliverance from Egypt, and all the way through the Babylonian captivity, then on to the “Cutting off of Messiah”.

In all that God is working to rid His people of sin. Through this people He has promised a Deliverer who is His own and only Son Jesus Christ. Because of the unbelief of the religious leaders of Israel they go on in unbelief; their eyes being darkened (v. 9), that there might begin a new work of God. The people of Israel are still in that darkness, “that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (v. 25b).

The time known as “The Fulness of the Gentiles” is most likely the time when the human governments will have reached their height, and God brings mankind to its knees. For the time being we are in that time of the Gentiles, and God is working in the Body of Christ which is the Church.

 

PROPOSED OUTLINE –

 

I. GOD HAS FORMERLY WORKED THROUGH ISRAEL, AND THEY WENT ON IN UNBELIEF (Romans 11:11).

II. GOD IS NOW WORKING IN THE WORLD THROUGH THE CHURCH – THE TIME NOW HAS BEEN CALLED THE “CHURCH AGE” (11:25-28; Acts 15:14-17).

III. THE SAVIOR CAME THROUGH ISRAEL FOR ALL (11:32).

GOD HAS FORMERLY WORKED THROUGH ISRAEL, AND THEY WENT ON IN UNBELIEF (Romans 11:11). It is written by the writer of Hebrews, that unbelief kept the “children of Israel”, just delivered from Egypt out of the promised land; for that first time they approached its borders; “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief” Heb. 3:19. YOU WOULD DO QUITE WELL TO READ ALL OF Hebrews 3.

It was God’s intention that Israel take this message of His love and grace to the world. The message of one God. Rather than Israel becoming an influence on the world; the world became an influence to them; with the exception of a remnant of the people.

It is because of this unbelief that “Darkness” has blinded them. Because of this blindness salvation has come to the world.

 

GOD IS NOW WORKING IN THE WORLD THROUGH THE CHURCH – THE TIME NOW HAS BEEN CALLED THE “CHURCH AGE” (11:25-28; Acts 15:14-17). It basically the “time of the Gentiles” which Daniel speaks of. Gentile domination of the world. All the world empires have down through the ages been Gentile in origin.

Jeremiah the prophet and Daniel speak of 70 weeks and meaning one week equals 7 years, thus a total of 490 years. From the time of the kings decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the time of the Nehemiah’s completed ministry was seven weeks of years, and the closing of the Old Testament with Malachi, totaling the seven weeks or 49 years, then to the time of the “Messiah being cut off“; equaling another 62 weeks for a total of 483 years. This gives us a total of only 69 weeks. There is a period of time between the sixty ninth and the seventieth weeks which is not accounted for. That is part of the mystery of the Church. The Church fills that time slot. It is an age of abundant grace.

It is not that God cannot work through both institutions at the same time; it is just that He has chosen to use only one at a time. He is finished with Israel until He rids them of their sin, and that will be when He is finished with sin.

 

THE SAVIOR CAME THROUGH ISRAEL FOR ALL (11:15-21, 32). We have the story of the Nativity of Jesus Christ in the gospel of Matthew, and the gospel of Luke. Joseph, the adopted father of Jesus, was Hebrew, and Mary His mother was Hebrew. I imagine that it was the longing of every Hebrew young lady to be the mother of the Messiah.

Even John speaks of this even in the twelfth chapter of Revelation. There he writes, “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:  And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.  And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.  And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days” Rev. 12:1-6 (KJV). There in the Revelation is how Jesus came into the world as a babe from the people of the nation of Israel, represented by Mary as His mother.

The Scriptures do not tell us in vain, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. It does not tell us without power, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. All of us can say with Paul the apostle, “Of whom I am chief” of sinners, that is.

 

WHY DO I BELIEVE IN THE PRETRIB RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH? Because of the previous seven answers. and the fact that God is today working in the church, and He will not be done with Israel until sin has been cleansed from them. That cannot happen until the Church is removed in Rapture to His glory.