Christian Living

Marriage in the Garden

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

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

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

Hear God’s Word on this matter:

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Overcoming Spiritual Depression

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

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

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

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

Male and Female

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

In Genesis we read:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judging the Doctrines of Men

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Judging Doctrines of Men

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two Paths of Judgment

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Two Paths of Judgment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greed is Not Good

/ T. A. Blankenship / 2 Comments

Greed Is Not Good

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV).

The best and easiest way to devalue what you have and cheapen your own value as a person is to get caught as a slave to covetousness, or greed. Worry becomes one of the worst culprits of your life and takes away the joy of living. If you are caught in covetousness you are not trusting the Lord, depending upon Him and you will experience the feel of losing everything you have. The very thing you seek to fill your inmost need becomes a cause of grief.

Even though a person may not have much, like me, you can still realize the power of covetousness. I can tell you there have been times that I wanted to be wealthy. I have however learned that wealth is not my greatest need. Peace and contentment with God is the greatest need mankind has. That was my greatest need, and when I am resting, trusting completely in Him, then I have peace and contentment with God my Savior and Lord. I no longer want to be wealthy, not as the world describes wealth, but to be wealthy in God, that is a worthy desire.

The power of covetousness can cause us to lose our testimony. We could lose our testimony because riches is what the whole world in sin is seeking, our light would not shine very brightly if it is covered by a blanket of covetousness. In fact covetousness identifies us with the “Gentiles” the lost of the world. How can we say we have this Someone who gives purpose and meaning to life, if we are enslaved to material things and full of worry? The call of Jesus is to seek first His kingdom and righteousness. He promises these things to those who rely on Him to fill our inner most need.

Craving the things of the world causes us to lose our joy (v. 34). Today hass enough concerns without being caught up in tomorrow’s problems. Only God can fulfill the emptiness of life and He gives us joy.

Pray Wisely

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Matthew 6:1-33 continues…

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:5-15

The second character we should have is concerning prayer. We ought always to PRAY WISELY. Jesus knew the heart of every one. He therefore, probably knew that the only time the hypocrites, He spoke of, prayed was when they were in public, and to call attention to their “Great wisdom and lofty words of speech”. I would imagine most of the people saw it too. We need to spend most praying in private. Each and every Christian should have a time of day when they meet with God, in His Word, in prayer seeking His counsel, His wisdom, and guidance for the day ahead.

Before praying in public you should have much time praying in private. Our Lord prayed privately (Mark 1:35). Elisha the prophet prayed privately (2 Kings 4:32-33). Daniel the prophet was also a man of prayer who spent time in prayer privately. There are some who will not pray in public and will say that the Bible tells them we are not to pray publicly. If that is how they really believe, and not just an act of self-righteousness, then, they better stick to it. There is nothing wrong with public prayer. It is public prayer that has had no private prayers backing it up from this individual’s heart and life.

We ought to pray genuinely and sincerely (vv. 7-8). God will not answer prayers which are not sincere, and yet He might not give you your answer, but if it is from a sincere and devoted heart He will answer. The “Vain repititions” are those using formed, liturgical, always repeating the same things over and over, as though the repeating of them has some magical formula to them. Jesus assures us that the Father knows our needs even before we asks them.

We ought to pray according to God’s will (vv. 9-13). Warren Wiersbe has stated, “Prayer prepares us for the proper use of the answer”. BE COMMENTARY p. 26. Jesus teaches His followers how we ought to pray. Here is something most marvelous and wonderful in all of scripture. The Lord teaching us how we ought to pray. These words are often referred to as THE LORD’S PRAYER, however, it seems to be more proper to entitle it THE MODEL PRAYER, because it is quite clear that He is teaching, and not praying. To see the Lord’s Prayer read John 17. There Jesus is praying. It is most marvelous too.

Here is how Jesus taught us to pray: 1)Praise and glorify the Father; 2) Ask for the things of His heart (you must know His heart in order to ask these things); 3) Ask for your daily needs, and I take this to mean shelter, food, clothing, health, peace, wisdom, grace, mercy; 4) Ask for forgiveness of sin debts that you owe, that would be against your fellow man and God; 5) Ask for the power of the Word of God to work in your life to keep you from falling, and keep you from the evil one; and finally, but not least, once again ascribe praise, honor and glory to God your Father and your Savior.

When we pray we ought to pray with forgiveness toward those who have wronged and even those we feel have wronged us. They should not be a hindrance to our prayer, but forgiven (vv. 14-15). Having experienced God’s forgiveness equips us, and gives us the ready mind to forgive. The lack of forgiveness shows a definite lacking of fellowship with God. That cannot be restored until all is forgiven. If God forgives you all your wickedness, depravity, and hatred, then, surely you can forgive any wrong done you.

Only because of Grace.

Indifference Toward Anger

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Matthew 5:21-48 continuing…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Light of the World

/ Tim A. / 6 Comments

Matthew 5:13-16 concluded…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Saltiness

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Matthew 5:13-16 —

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will be continued…

Worshippers of the LORD God

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Genesis 4:1-26 conclusion…

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

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

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

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

Your Brother’s Blood

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 Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children of God

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

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

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

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

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

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

They Shall Obtain Mercy

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” Matthew 5:7 (KJV).

When you are in the right position with “Mercy” it is most likely because you have obtained mercy. (See Matthew 6:14-15; and Luke 7:41-42). We live in a very competitive world. Many believe it is okay to exact revenge on someone who has bettered you. You could call that “Get-Even-Ism”.

That is not the way of mercy. That is not the way of God. In the Luke reference given it tells us, “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?” (Luke 7:41-42). The answer given to this question was, “The one who was forgiven the most”. Mercy is what all of us have received, but very few practice it toward others.

To define Mercy, it has been defined this way. It is not receiving what we justly deserve – that is judgment. We have all received mercy from God, because He withholds the judgment in order that many might, at least have opportunity, to be saved.

The next time you are about to release a verbage of criticism on someone over something that has offended you; take a look at yourself. Someone has been merciful to you in the past, and probably over this same thing that has set you off. The prophet Habakkuk prayed to the LORD, “…In wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2 KJV). It is the merciful who will obtain mercy. His kingdom way is mercy. What is the position of your attitude concerning mercy?

They Shall Be Filled

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” Matthew 5:6 (KJV).

Remember the definition of “Attitude” is ‘the position of something in relation to something else’. In this case the subject is righteousness. Righteousness most easily defined is; ‘being right with God’. That would involve many things including worship, our deportment, both with God and with others.

The kingdom child is hungry for God and His ways. Righteousness is the way of God, and it is the way of the child of God to hunger for it. His/Her desire is for Jesus Christ and nothing else.

The individual who is righteous, because of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, will have a specific hunger and thirst. That hunger will be to devour the truth of God through His Word, and His Word affecting the direction our lives take for serving the Lord. It seems that it would be accurate to say that when Jesus was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness He had righteousness on His mind. He was physically hungry and thirsty, but when He was tested to turn stones to bread; he was more attuned to being right with His Father rather than disobedience.

The “Blessed” ones who hunger and thirst for/after righteousness, are those who labor in diligent, earnest hearing of the Word of God and prayer. They feed daily at the table of the BREAD OF LIFE. They drink deeply of the One who is the Water of Life.

O, that we as the people of God grew in that hunger; never completely filled; but satisfied with Jesus, wanting more of Him, and His righteousness. The thirst never completely quenched; with longing to drink from the well of the Water from Heaven. Drink from the ‘river of water’ that flows from out of the throne of God Himself (Revelation 22:1).

This hunger and thirst comes only into the hearts of those who have joyously received the free gift of God’s grace. Ones who have seen Jesus as the divine Son of God. The Ones who have seen Jesus dying for the sins of mankind upon the cruel cross so many years ago. The ones who have witnessed the resurrection power of Jesus per a changed life. You have been clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. You will never be filled without that hunger and thirst, and finding satisfaction through Him alone.

They Shall Inherit the Earth

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 The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” Matthew 5:5 (KJV).

Someone has defined ‘Meekness’ as “Strength/Power under control”. If there was ever a picture of meekness in men it came from Jesus Christ Himself. It is also said of Moses. ” (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3 (KJV). Meekness can also be called ‘gentleness’. Meekness comes when we realize the greatness of God.

The meek are those who know and realize who they are in Christ, but do not seek to exploit their position, power or person above others. The meek are not quick to defend themselves, but will be quick in defending others, and standing for the righteousness, holiness, and justice of God.

The meek are those who will not complain about the rough spots in their lives, but are grateful, thankful, and trusting that they are in the care of God, and that all things are under His control. This attitude would be the position of the meek in relation to their world. The meek would see the positon of themselves as apposed to the thinking of the world.

The inheritance of the ‘Meek’ is the earth. This is mentioned in the Psalms; “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” Psalm 37:9-11 (KJV). Those who are always out for themselves; never defend the holy; never defend the helpless, but are always stepping on others to get their way – they will be “Cut off”; but the “Meek shall inherit the earth”. Notice that it says that of “…Those that wait upon the LORD..” as well.

Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (v. 3)

These are characteristics and attitudes we should possess as disciples or followers of Jesus Christ the King. The first one is being “Poor in spirit”. This is opposite of being haughty, arrogant, and proud. Especially when we are considering the things of God. There is no room for pride before the throne of God. The one who is “Poor in spirit” realizes they are bankrupt before the God of all creation. We could not stand in His presence, except that He provides us a way.

Arrogance and pride before men is one thing, but to be arrogant and prideful before God is an eternal matter which will cause you to be cast into everlasting fire. When one is humble before God that will show in our dealings before men as well.

The definition of “Attitude” – ‘the position of something in relation to something else’ MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY. In the case of these Beatitudes it seems this is the best of the definitions given. The position of your thinking in relation to God is of extreme importance. The way you think of yourself in position to God. If you do not see yourself as God does there will be no way you can walk along side of Him. When you do; you will inherit ‘the kingdom of heaven’.

Looking At The Beatitudes

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Matthew 5:1-12 continuing…

We will be looking at each of the Beatitudes individually through the next few posts.

LOOKING AT THE BE-ATTITUDES

Matthew 5:1-12

When we begin looking at the Sermon on the Mount we see how Jesus expects His dedicated followers to live. There are far too many professing Christians that are saying and believing, “We are not required to obey the law any longer”, thus we have a bunch of reprobate professors of Christianity. There could not be anything further from the truth.

Where the law only told us the way, but did not provide aid in the way; Jesus came fulfilling the law and because of His Spirit living within also enables us to live the law in our lives. The law which once was only written in cold hard stones, and could not reach stone cold hearts, is now written in hearts of flesh.

Anyone professing today that they live by the Sermon On The Mount had better read it before they make such a bold announcement. It is far more binding, and has much more it requires than does the Ten Commandments. We will look at some of those things when we get to those areas.

In this lesson of the ‘BE-ATTITUDES’, using a little play on words; we find the attitudes the individuals who are in the Kingdom of Christ Jesus the King, are to have.

There are nine “Blessed(s)” given. The meaning of the word “Blessed” is ‘happy’. That is a “Beatitude”. Each “Blessed” is a reference to more than happiness – it has most certainly to do with spiritual joy. Happiness (as often defined or thought of) is determined by circumstances; events which take place in one’s life which can either add great excitement and temporary happiness, or great distress and sorrow. If it is an event which brings temporary happiness and excitement, it is only fleeting. Spiritual joy is an attitude attainable only by faith in Jesus – having a close personal relationship with Him. The happiness of which these Bible Blessings speak of is an enduring happiness, an inner joy, which is everlasting, and cannot be taken away.

Matthews Gospel tells us that it was the disciples whom Jesus taught. After having multitudes following Him He probably felt a need to get away. If not only for His disciples sake. This is the first major teaching of Jesus in this Gospel. It covers chapters five through seven. It could be called PRINCIPLES FOR KINGDOM LIVING. This was the King’s way of setting up His kingdom, and preparing the hearts of His people for what was to come. It was a different kingdom, than what the religious rulers had heard and taught. For some reason they missed the part of the “Suffering Servant” (Isaiah 52-53), dying by the hand of God, and taking away our transgressions. We see by these that there is happiness, fulfillment, and joy in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior.

But Not That Tree

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Genesis 2:1-25 continuing…

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” Genesis 2:16-17.

The very first commandment is given by LORD God to the man and his wife. Adam was put by God into the garden for and with a purpose. Part of that purpose was to guard and till the garden. It needed guarded from the onslaughts of the devil. Adam’s family needed guarding also. It seems uncertain whether Adam was aware of a devil or not, but God was aware, and guarding seems implied by the words, “To keep”. In other words Adam was to be alert, and “On his toes”. The LORD God was warning Adam to pay attention – even in this time of innocency.

Adam was free to eat of every fruit, herb, and vegetable in the garden with the exception of one. The tree of knowledge of good and evil was the exception. The law God gave Adam was, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (v. 17). This is still part of the first covenant which began in chapter one verse 28. Death is something Adam would have known nothing about. All around him was life, beauty, health, and wealth. He seemed to have no worry or problems.

“Where there is no law there is no transgression” (Rom. 4:15). If we were to take away the laws of the land and the laws of God, then let everyone live like they wanted there would be no transgressors – no lawbreakers. Everyone would remain innocent; even in cases of killing another, or imagine what you will.

Adam was given one law to obey. He would not remain innocent, nor guiltless. Neither are you or I.

The LORD God

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Genesis 2:1-25 continuing…

‘These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” Gen. 2:4-7.

As has already been noted; there is no contradiction between chapters one and two. Rather they complement one another. Chapter two gives us details, concerning the creation of man, that is not mentioned in chapter one. One such item is that “LORD God’… ‘Breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became of living soul”. This is not said of any of the rest of creation.

The Word has given us the progress of the creation of the heavens and the earth, and now tells us, in verses five and six how the garden was watered before man was made, and for a time thereafter. If we will notice, the earth was watered by a mist. It had not rained, and most likely did not rain until the time of the flood. The idea of “Rain” was probably a foreign thought to the people of Noah’s day.

Note, in verse four the use of the new name for God. “LORD [YHWH] God”. This is its first usage in Scripture. “God” or ‘Elohim’ which is a plural showing/teaching us the trinity of God has been used until this point, showing the work of the fullness of the Trinity [Father, Son and Holy Spirit]. Now, God reveals Himself as an involved Deity. Involved in the care of the universe, the earth, its creatures, and especially the creature He created in His own image, and after His own likeness. God did not create the world and leave us alone in it. This name, Jehovah [YHWH] God lets us know this. He becomes personal. This name is used at least 10 times in chapter two alone.

Jehovah [YHWH] God who is involved in the affairs of mankind is more involved in our lives than many want to give Him credit for. He is so involved that He sent His Son Jesus to redeem us, deliver us from our sin and transgression. You can trust the LORD God through His Son Jesus Christ.

The Light’s Preaching, Teaching and Power

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“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan” Matthew 4:23-25 (KJV).

THE LIGHT OF JESUS SHINES AS EVIDENCE OF HIS PREACHING, TEACHING, AND POWER. These are the credentials of the Divine King – the Son of God. In His teaching He taught as one having a superior authority (7:29). He taught by speaking words and living by them. In His preaching; He announced the kingdom of heaven. In His healing; this was certainly divine verification of the truth of who He was and is. It continued through His earthly life as verification and until the end of the apostolic era.

The greatest healing Jesus came to do was in the giving of Light to the darkness of human hearts. Someone has said, “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart”. The heart of all mankind is darkness until the light of Jesus shines in and the darkness flees, and then there is healing from sins condemnation, sicknesses and disease. The only real reason for sickness and disease and problems in the world is sin. Jesus came to pay the debt of sin. That debt is paid, and one day the King of all Kings will reign, and there will be no more sin, no more sickness, no more disease, and no more problems. Jesus is the LIGHT.

These multitudes followed Him because of the mighty deeds which He did. They would later deny Him. Some of them would even be the ones in the crowd crying, “Crucify Him; crucify Him”. Are you following Him because of what He can do, or just because of who He is? It does make a difference.

The Light of the Heart

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Matthew 4:12-25 continuing…

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him” Matthew 4:18-22 (KJV).

THE LIGHT OF JESUS SHINES IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM. Jesus, walking on the shores of Galilee sees Peter and Andrew – brothers fishing. These are “Net” fishermen. They have no idea what fish are going to come up in their net, yet they toss the net into the water each time. Sometimes they have a catch large or small, and sometimes they come up empty. The net is no respecter of persons; maybe I should say fish; and neither is the Lord of all things. The fish does not go into the net without divine guidance. It is not by mere happen stance.

Peter and Andrew are fishing, and Jesus came along, and though they evidently had never met Him before – at least as far as we know – and He says, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”, and they drop their nets, and followed Him. It was an immediate action. In the King James it says, “Straightway”, and that can mean, “directly”, “soon”, “at once”, or “immediately”. At any rate they realized something special about Jesus and they followed Him. John’s Gospel gives a bit different account, and it is complementary; there is no harm done to either story (John 1:35-42).

With Peter and Andrew following along Jesus continues along the shores of Galilee seeking the men who would follow Him. The Sea of Galilee from which they make their living. The Sea which could represent the doomed, despairing, drowning, dying, realm of men in the world. Jesus comes to two more brothers James Zebedee, and John his brother. These had been fishing with their father Zebedee, but now were mending the nets. Maybe after a few times of catching the fish they would have tears, making holes in the net, thus, becoming less effective with each casting of the net. In all forms of labor; whether fishing, farming, policing, merchandising , etc. there will always be need for repairs. It can be a time of reflection, vision building, and growth; as well as improvement of the net. In this episode of Jesus’s life He now has four disciples – Peter, Andrew, James and John. He extended the invitation, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”.

That invitation, to this very day is still given to all who will hear His message. Jesus says, “Come, follow Me”.

On the Seventh and The Eighth Day

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Genesis 2:1-25 continuing…

For some reason there are some who read chapter two of Genesis and see contradiction. I suppose that it because they want to find contradiction within God’s Word. However, there is none. When you come to Scripture with a hatred for God and anything He might say it will be a very biased look. There have been many cases of avowed athiest who have ventured into the journey of reading God’s Word to prove it is full of errors, contradictions, and that it is only the words of men to only find the truth of Jesus Christ and trusted Him as their Lord and Savior. One of those is Lee Strobell, and another is Josh McDowell. Both of these men are now devoted Christian men and great apologist for the Word of God.

What I find in this chapter of Genesis is a further explanation of the Creator’s creation. It is a greater clarification of the creation of man, and his place and ministry on the earth.

We also find here the first mention of the Seventh day, or Sabbath day as a day of rest; it is the day God rested from creating. According to the Deist God created all that is and then left it with us and does not intervene into the affairs of men. It seems to me that the rest of Scripture quickly puts this thought to silence. We will see, very quickly, in the text that God walked with Adam in the garden. That does not sound to me like He distanced Himself from His creation.

In veres 1 – 3 we find the FIRST SABBATH. This is actually a continuation of the creation events of chapter one. God had created everything that was necessary to sustain life on earth. In particular to sustain, benefit, beautify, and fulfill the lives of the creation which is made “In our [God’s] image,after our [God’s] likeness”.

After making all things for man’s physical well being He teaches us a wonderful lesson. A lesson of rest and also for us a lesson of worship. Was God exhausted from all the work He had done? Not hardly. Did He take a leave of absence and leave the world and His whole creation on its own? Again, not at all.

His rest shows a completion to all that He began; “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:6. It gives us promise and hope that as His New Creation in Christ He will complete what He began.

If we are genuinely resting in Him we will have times of personal, individual fellowship with Him. We will also seek every opportunity to learn more of Him His power and glory, His Son, His Spirit, His Word, and His work in our own and other’s lives. We do this through God’s institution of the local church.

We cease from our own laboring to please God and our own way, and rest in His arms of grace. We realize all our efforts, works and “…righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6), and only His will suffice.

The Sabbath – a day of rest – is for our enjoying the benefits of a week long job and work well done, and especially for the worship of God Almighty, who made it all. That Sabbath rest is fulfilled in Christ Jesus, and He arose on the first day of the week, having finished the works of the Law. On the Eighth day, which is the First day of a brand new week we worship the One who rose again. The law was completed in Him.

And On the Sixth Day…

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Genesis 1:14-31 concluded

“And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” Gen. 1:24-25.

On the beginning of the sixth day God created the final part of His creation before He created His crowning achievement.. He made all the provisions, necessities for human life, and comfort before He created the one made after Himself. When we see ourselves as we were originally made we will have a higher view of God, and eventually of ourselves, and others.

When the false teachers of evolution tell us that we are nothing more than a glorified animal, if even given that much credit, we find that there is no purpose for life, living, and that there is really no need for law. It would really come down to the teaching of THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. If we would take an honest look at our world and societies of the day we would find that people are becoming more and more unkind to one another. The evolutionits try and tell us that man is progressively getting better and better. If we are honest about it, though, we must conclude that there is little concern for human life. There is more concern for our life comforts, pleasures, conveniences, personal health and success, than there is for the unborn child. “The female of our species” can determine that this “thing” growing inside of her is nothing more than a mass which needs to be removed, comparing it to cancer. That is the result of being nothing more than another of the animal “species”, rather than having been created in the image and likeness of our Creator – God.

Often times, we as Christians, do not value the life of other created beings in the way that we should. I must say there have been times I was guilty of that. We should have a respect for all of life; even the life of the whale, dolphin, deer, elk, moose, cattle, horses, and all livestock, etc. However, that must be held within the perimeter of God’s Word. We have been told that, “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.” Gen. 9:3-4 – of course we must realize this permission was given after the flood of Noah’s time. We are also told in the Proverbs, “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious” Proverbs 12:27. I may aggravate a lot of hunters when I say this, but I will write it anyway. If you are a “Trophy hunter” and you waste the meat, and hunt for only the purpose of having a trophy, then you are nothing but a killer; a taker of precious life. There is nothing wrong with hunting and bringing in the meat for food, but when it is only for a trophy you fit into the role of “The slothful man”.

God has given to the creature created in His image and likeness the ability to think, to rationally think things through, to be logical, to dream, to achieve, to create – from materials which exist, and to build. The ultimate thing which God has given us is freewill with which to worship and adore Him.

When God made these cattle, and creeping things, and beast of the earth after his kind…we are told that, “God saw that it was good” Can you imagine this animal kingdom at peace with one another? The lamb and the lion feeding together; the ox and the tiger laying under the shade in the heat of the day sun; the child playing over the serpents den. This is the way it was in the beginning. There was peace in the “Animal kingdom”. The lamb and the lion; the ox and the tiger were eating the produce of the ground; “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.” (vv. 29-30).

Of man God says, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (v. 28). Nowhere does this mean mistreatment of animals, and nowhere does this mean they have as much or more value than human life. Of man God also tells us, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (2:7).

In verses 29 – 31 we find what has been called the Edenic Covenant. A covenant is an agreement between two parties. Sometimes a covenant may have conditions on both parties, or it can have conditions for only one of the parties. In the case of the Edenic Covenant God placed conditions on Adam and Eve in order for them to stay in Eden. These conditions are, 1) To multiply and fill the earth; 2) To subdue the earth for human use and the glory of the Lord; 3) To rule/have dominion over the animal creation, for their keeping and well being; 4) To eat herbs and fruits brought forth by the trees and vegetation in the garden; 5) To till and care for – Keep (Guard) – the garden; 6) To abstain from eating the fruit from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil”; and 7) With the understanding of the penalty of death for eating the fruit of the forbidden tree.

Though we were made in the image and likeness of God; this image and likeness was later marred by sin when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. The bond between Adam and God was shattered by sin; by disobedience; and this image was restored by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It was not until the creation of the crown of His creation that God said, “It is very good”, and He said it of all that He created. Just think, if He could say that about the creation of the natural, what He will say when the New Creation is completed. The New Creation being every individual who has come to God through Jesus Christ’s shed blood, burial and resurrection. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” 2 Cor. 5:17. The evening and the morning were the sixth day.

The Price of Success

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

Matthew 4:1-11 conclusion

“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him” Matthew 4:8-11.

Success is the next temptation. The devil wanted to give Jesus immediate gratification. There are many people today [2007] who desire immediate success/gratification, and will sell their very lives and souls to obtain it. Many measure success by the clothes you wear, the house you live in, the car or pickup truck you drive, and how much money you have in the bank; what the stocks you own are worth, etc..

A question could come to some minds, asking, “Did the devil have the right to offer the kingdoms of the world to Jesus?” The answer to that is yes, if you are asking concerning man’s sin. Adam and Eve had dominion over the earth until sin entered the picture, then, the devil, as ‘the ruler of this world’ (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Perhaps the devil had Psalm 2:8 in mind, and was attempting to get Jesus to come around the way of obedience to the Father, and get what God had promised the Son; “Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen [Nations] for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession”.

“Jesus, you can rule the world now. You don’t have to be a servant to God. You don’t have to be obedient.” He goes on and basically states, “You can have it all NOW, if you will fall down and worship me”. I think Jesus knew in His mind and heart, that, first of all, the Father would not be glorified in that; secondly, He would not be glorified in yielding; thirdly, the devil would be undefeated; fourthly, mankind, whom He came to redeem would still be lost, condemned, and there would be no hope for them.

The thing Jesus did is what every Christian can, should and ought to do everytime the temptation comes to look to success as an end all to all our problems. “Be gone devil. It is written, “You shall worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve”.

The greatest success ever was the completion of the Father’s will as He died on the cross, suffering the judgment of sin at the hand of His Father, in the place of all sinners; and by His resurrection from the grave. The real success of Jesus Christ has not yet been delivered to the saints. It will be delivered in His time, not ours. His success will come, “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Be wise now thereefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him” Psalm 2:9-12 (KJV).

We know the work of Jesus Christ on the cross was successful, because He arose from the grave. We know He has been given His former glory, because He is seated at the Father’s right hand. We know that we will be with Him, because He has promised, and He does not lie.

When we are trusting the LORD, there are no shortcuts for survival, security, or success. These are truly obtained as we trust the One who died for us.