Christianity

Israeli scholar says 1st century Jews awaited Messiah who would die & rise again. Argues “third day resurrection” an idea that pre-dates Jesus.

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joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

“The Messiah Before Jesus: The Suffering Servant of the Dead Sea Scrolls,” a fascinating book by Dr. Israel Knohl of Hebrew University. “The Messiah Before Jesus: The Suffering Servant of the Dead Sea Scrolls,” a fascinating book by Dr. Israel Knohl of Hebrew University.

This is the week of Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of First Fruits. Millions of Jews in Israel and around the world are celebrating the story of how the Jewish people were saved from the “angel of death” in ancient times if they put the blood of a perfect slain lamb on the doorposts of their homes in Egypt.

This is also the week of Good Friday and Easter. Billions of Christians around the world are celebrating the death of Jesus of Nazareth, and His resurrection from the tomb three days later, and the belief that all mankind can be saved from the “angel of death” in our times if we, too, trust in the blood of a perfect slain Passover Lamb.

But did the Jews of the first century really believe the Messiah would one day come…

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What is the most controversial prophecy in the Hebrew Bible, and why read it at Passover?

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joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

The Great Isaiah Scroll on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The Great Isaiah Scroll on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

The actual Great Isaiah Scroll (source: The Israel Museum). The actual Great Isaiah Scroll (source: The Israel Museum).

(Central Israel) — Have you ever been to the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem? Have you ever seen the Great Isaiah Scroll on display there?

It is absolutely breathtaking. And it contains what many believe is the most controversial prophecy in the entire Hebrew Bible.

“The Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa) is one of the original seven Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in Qumran in 1947,” notes the Israel Museum on its website. “It is the largest (734 cm) and best preserved of all the biblical scrolls, and the only one that is almost complete. The 54 columns contain all 66 chapters of the Hebrew version of the biblical Book of Isaiah. Dating from ca. 125 BCE, it is also one of the…

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Destroying Israel is “nonnegotiable,” says Iran militia leadership. Also vows to bring down Saudi Arabia.

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joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

iran-flagAs the United States and other world powers were making significant concessions to the Iranian government regarding its illegal nuclear program this week, a high-ranking Iranian militia leader repeated his country’s vow to destroy Israel.

He threatened to bring down the government of Saudi Arabia, as well, for Riyadh’s role in fighting Iranian-backed terrorists in Yemen.

Here are excerpts from the Times of Israel story:

  • “The commander of the Basij militia of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that ‘erasing Israel off the map’ is ‘non-negotiable”….
  • Militia chief Mohammad Reza Naqdi also threatened Saudi Arabia, saying that the offensive it is leading in Yemen “will have a fate like the fate of Saddam Hussein.”
  • Naqdi’s comments were made public as Iran and six world powers prepared Tuesday to issue a general statement agreeing to continue nuclear negotiations in a new phase aimed at reaching a comprehensive accord by the end of June.
  • In 2014, Naqdi said Iran was stepping…

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The Prophecy of Enoch

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I posted this about 7 years ago; and thought it to be pertinent for today as well. Come soon Lord Jesus. Come soon.

Tim A.'s avatarThe Fire and Hammer

Enoch, and the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ

I guess I am not into fancy titles or something. Just make it simple, and that is what I intend for this study.

When I read Scriptures from Genesis through the Revelation of Jesus Christ I read it like it is written for us to understand. When the Bible speaks figuratively it usually lets us know that it is speaking figuratively. When it is speaking plainly we take it plainly. When it speaks figuratively or metaphorically, then, that is how I will interpret it, and translate it. For the most part, and as best I can, I let Scripture interpret Scripture, and follow what Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Let me warn you, that I am not a…

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Mounting evidence suggests President Obama preparing to “divorce” Israel. What are the implications if he does?

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

We need to diligently, boldly pray for Israel, her leader; and our nation and her president. The peace, and hope of the U. S. of A. is at stake.

joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

MEME-ObamaAbandonIsraelUPDATED: (Central Israel) — Is a divorce coming between the President of the United States and the State of Israel?

Once, it would have been almost preposterous even to ask such a question. Today, however, it feels like it’s a matter of “when,” not “if” Mr. Obama will formally abandon American support for the Jewish State. And the situation is rapidly going from bad to worse.

Readers of this blog may recall that I posted this column on January 14, 2015: “Will President Obama abandon or fully turn against Israel in last two years in office, amidst ISIS & Iran threats? Exclusive poll results.” According an exclusive poll I commissioned late last year, a remarkable 47.4% of Americans fear the President will turn against Israel soon given that he won’t ever face the voters again. I suspect the number would be much higher today

As I traveled through the U.S. in January and February on The Third Target

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Bless the LORD

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“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Psalm 103:1 (KJV)

We do not often think of blessing the LORD.  Our lives are to bless the LORD.  Our words are to bless the LORD.  Our actions are to bless the LORD.

All there is of us as an individual or a company of believers are to abundantly adore the One who has given us life, love and liberty.

Is your life a blessing to the LORD?  Do you live for Him?  Do you live for yourself?  The two cannot go together.  If you live for Him your life blesses the LORD.  If not you curse His name.

David said, “…All that is withine me, bless His holy name” and His name is holy.  There is no other like it.  YaHWeH is the One and only and the full representation of Him is His Son Jesus.  O let us bless the LORD today and forever.

Rejoice, Because Your Names are Written

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Luke 10:17-20

1.  The seventy disciples had returned from their missionary journey;

2.  They were rejoicing over the miracles which had transpired through their ministry;

3.  Jesus reminds them that the power and authority was from Him;

4.  Jesus also reminds them that there is a greater thing than miracles and power.

I.  SATAN NO LONGER HAS POWER AND/OR AUTHORITY OVER THE BELIEVER’S LIFE – JESUS WITNESSED THE FALL OF THE DEVIL (v. 18; Isaiah 14:12-14;  Ezekiel 28:12-15).

II.  THE BELIEVER HAS POWER TO TREAD ON THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL AND HIS DEMONS (v. 19a; Isaiah 59:60).

III.  NOTHING CAN HARM THE FAITHFUL BELIEVER, FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST (v. 19b;  Isaiah 54:17).

IV.  DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE SENSATIONAL,MIRACULOUS WORKS OF GOD; RATHER REJOICE THAT YOUR NAME IS WRITTEN IN HEAVEN – BY GOD (v. 20; Ephesians 6:10-12).

i.  The power of Satan was diminished by the power of the cross of Jesus Christ; by the resurrection the head of the serpent was crushed.

ii.  As heirs of God, and joint heirs of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17), the enemy is under the feet of Christ.

iii.  We must trust the strength and power of our Lord to protect, and keep us during the trials of life.

iv.  We cannot let emotional sensationalism, signs and miracles detract us from what is truly important, and that is that “Your names are written in heaven”.

v.  Be sure, by placing your faith and trust in the finished work of Christ today.

The Victory

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“O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory.” Psalm 98:1 (KJV)

The Psalms are all about singing.  Here we find mention of a “New Song”, “Marvellous things”, the “Right hand” of God; “His holy arm” and His “Victory”.  Truly GOD is marvelous Himself, and all that He has done is worthy of our songs and our praise.  Today I let Matthew Henry comment on this verse:

I. The wonders he has wrought: He has done marvellous things, Psa_98:1. Note, The work of our salvation by Christ is a work of wonder. If we take a view of all the steps of it from the contrivance of it, and the counsels of God concerning it before all time, to the consummation of it, and its everlasting consequences when time shall be no more, we shall say, God has in it done marvellous things; it is all his doing and it is marvellous in our eyes. The more it is known the more it will be admired.
II. The conquests he has won: His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory. Our Redeemer has surmounted all the difficulties that lay in the way of our redemption, has broken through them all, and was not discouraged by the services or sufferings appointed him. He has subdued all the enemies that opposed it, has gotten the victory over Satan, disarmed him, and cast him out of his strong-holds, has spoiled principalities and powers (Col_2:15), has taken the prey from the mighty (Isa_49:24), and given death his death’s wound. He has gotten a clear and complete victory, not only for himself, but for us also, for we through him are more than conquerors. He got this victory by his own power; there was none to help, none to uphold, none that durst venture into the service; but his right hand and his holy arm, which are always stretched out with good success, because they are never stretched out but in a good cause, these have gotten him the victory, have brought him relief or deliverance. God’s power and faithfulness, called here his right hand and his holy arm, brought relief to the Lord Jesus, in raising him from the dead, and exalting him personally to the right hand of God; so Dr. Hammond.
From Matthew Henry Commentary e-Sword edition

The LORD Reigns

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

“The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.” Psalm 97:1 (KJV)

In a world where there is much to be afraid; it is comforting to know the One who reigns supremely in the earth, and even in the Universe.

Jehovah [YHWH] reigns in the hearts and lives of men and women.  He reigns in the governments of man.  Even in the evil choices men may make.  God is working His will in us all.

Those who know Him can rejoice in knowing this; “the LORD reigns…”

There are multitudes who try to thwart the will and ways of God, but it will come to no avail.  You may  think you are supreme in your life.  You are not what this world is about.  All creation is about God.  Hear what God says through His prophet Isaiah,

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Let us never think again that we can overpower, out think, or out smart GOD.  He has said the only way to Him is through His Son Jesus; then we better believe Him (John 14:6).

BIBI’S BLOW OUT: Netanyahu miraculously surges to 30 seats. Has 6-seat lead over Herzog. Obama campaign against Bibi backfires. (Updated)

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joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

Netanyahu at victory rally in Tel Aviv in the week hours of Wednesday morning (photo credit: Times of Israel) Netanyahu at victory rally in Tel Aviv in the week hours of Wednesday morning (photo credit: Times of Israel)

Near-final results put Netanyahu's Likud Party at 30 seats, 10 more than final newspaper polls predicted. (Source: Times of Israel) Near-final results put Netanyahu’s Likud Party at 30 seats, 10 more than final newspaper polls predicted. (Source: Times of Israel)

UPDATED AT 8:30AM ISRAEL TIME: (Central Israel) — The Israeli media was completely wrong.

The American pundits were wrong.

The Israeli newspaper polls were completely wrong.

The TV network exit polls were completely wrong.

The Obama team efforts to unseat an American ally were a complete failure.

Netanyahu wasn’t losing. He wasn’t about to be shipped off to retirement in disgrace.

This wasn’t close — this was a landslide.

Bibi’s blow out.

It’s now…

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Three existential threats facing America. (My address to the National Religious Broadcasters convention.)

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If you love God, His Son Jesus, the United States of America and Israel you need to read this post by Joel Rosenberg.

joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

Addressing the NRB Convention. Addressing the NRB Convention.

(Tucson, Arizona) — Last month, I addressed the closing dinner of the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville. Last night, I addressed a conference of pastors and ministry leaders here in Tucson. The message here was nearly the same as at NRB. People have been asking me to share my notes because of the urgency of the subjects I discussed. So I am posting them here tonight.

The following is the formal message I prepared for the NRB Convention. While I did not deliver the speech verbatim, you will get the essential points I made that night.

WHEN YOU SEE A SWORD COMING:Three Existential Threats Facing America

  • Joel C. Rosenberg
  • Address to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • February 26, 2015

My text tonight is Ezekiel chapter 33, verses one through nine. It is a famous passage — one that you all know…

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On eve of Purim, Netanyahu warns of new Persian threat to Israel & the world. Here’s my analysis.

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We need to listen.

joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

The Prime Minister of Israel addressing a Joint Session of Congress on March 3, 2015. The Prime Minister of Israel addressing a Joint Session of Congress on March 3, 2015.

(Washington, D.C.) — That was one for the ages.

In 25 years living in or near the nation’s capital, I have never actually been to a Joint Session of Congress. But if there was ever a speech I wanted to hear, it was this one.

I wish you could have been there with me. It was so fascinating — and so humbling — to be in the House Chamber as the Prime Minister of Israel arrived to thunderous and continuous applause.

As I listened to him speak, I felt I was witnessing history being made, as if Winston Churchill himself were personally warning us of the gathering storm.

On the eve of Purim, the Jewish holiday remembering the Biblical book of Esther and the Persian plot to annihilate the Jewish people 2,500 years ago, Prime Minister…

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GOD, Among the Mighty

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“God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; He judgeth among the gods.” Psalm 82:1 (KJV)

There are many on the earth who are made so by men; in governments whether in cities, states, provinces, or nations.  Guess what God stands among them.

O how our leaders need to stop and realize that God is overlooking all their affairs.  Do you believe He is pleased?  There is coming a day of judgment.  He knows when a payment is received to make a godless, ungodly law.

God (the fulness of the Godhead; Colossians 1:17-19) also judges the gods which men erect, which may be monuments to glorify men. In our own day it could be our technology, our science, our wealth, our medicine.  God judged the gods of Egypt and showed  them to be without authority and power (Exodus 12:12;  Numbers 33:4).

One day the governments of men will be put in place, and all our “achievements” will be seen to be vain; and God will be glorified.

There are many mighty men in the earth, but all those who exalt themselves against the Lord will be brought down.

The Lord Jesus Christ; the crucified, buried, resurrected, and coming King will be the Judge.

Believe Him today.

Cause of Prayer – Confession of National and Personal Sin

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“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments; we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from Thy precepts and from Thy judgments…” Daniel 9:3-5

The second point we see is HIS CONFESSION OF SIN – HIS AND HIS NATION’S (In vv. 3-5, 8-9,11,14,15). Note, how many times Daniel mentions, “We have sinned”. He does not say, “They have sinned”, but “We have sinned”, “We are a sinful nation”. Any time a preacher/prophet only points out “Their sins” he is failing to communicate the whole truth. “We have sinned” is the message of every prophet of God. If we are to get right with God it must be the confession of every prophet first of all. So many times we talk about the sins of the world, when in truth it is the sins of God’s people that hinders His work; if there is a lack confession, and not repented of.

Not meaning to jump ahead – take a look at verse 20. Daniel says, “And confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel”. We cannot blame others for our spiritual decay, and captivities. It is our sin that brought us to the place of captivity we are in.

Daniel confesses God’s righteousness. Without God’s righteousness He would not be God. In His righteousness He gave us His Son Jesus; He gave us the cross; that a holy, sinless person might die to pay the sin debt that was ours.

When we walk in disobedience to God we have “confusion of face” or “open shame”. In other words, “We have disgraced our God, our identity as the people of God, and have lost our power with God”. When that happens God will do whatever is necessary to get His people where He wants us to be.

Recognizing that our time is short here on earth. Recognizing there are many lost people who need Jesus we must dedicate ourselves to prayer, the study of God’s Word, that we might be equipped for service, and to witnessing of God our Savior to every one possible. We are going to glory. If we tell them of Jesus; they at least are warned of coming judgment, and possibly may come to faith in Jesus and be in glory also.

Confidence and/or Confusion

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“In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.” Psalm 71:1 (KJV)

The LORD is the place for our trust.  We far too often place our trust, our confidence in our own abilities.  We are blessed, and we are a blessing unto the Lord Jehovah when we affirm with our words of prayer and praise that our trust is in Him.  That is what the Psalmist is affirming here.

Will I daily; and will you daily affirm with me that our trust is in the LORD?  I pray that you will, and speak it loudly to Him, and show it loudly to Him and the rest of the world as well.

If we will not walk with Him, putting our trust, our confidence in Him and His Word then we will be put to confusion.  Confusion is not of God.  The apostle Paul has written,

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

When a professing Christian is not putting their trust in God, but walking after their own lust, and passions they will be confused, there will be confusion in the world concerning what Christianity is; and it is quite obvious we have that today.  Trusting the LORD means believing His word, and living according to what He says, not what the rest of the world is living and saying.

Have confidence in the LORD and His Word; and you will not be confused.

The Precious Word Of God

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After hearing people say things like… “You need to get into the New Testament” Really? God did give us the whole counsel of His Word.

Tim A.'s avatarThe Fire and Hammer

The Word of God is precious and dear to every  Christian’s heart.  When Paul the apostle was telling people of Jesus Christ all the Scriptures he had was the Old Testament.  That is the Word of God he used in his preaching Jesus.

In Acts 28:23 we find these words, “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening”.  Why is it that there are many preachers and even Christian groups who completely avoid the Old Testament when in the New Testament we have evidence that those words was the only Word of God available to the apostles?

When you see them as messages concerning Jesus they become precious and give better understanding…

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Living in the Presence

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“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 (KJV)

The LORD had just worked out the deliverance of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.  Now He gives them the assurance of His presence, and His abiding with them with a pillar.  By day it was a Pillar of cloud; by night a Pillar of fire.  He would lead them by day and by night.

How did the Moses and the children of Israel know where to go?  God was leading them with His powerful presence.

This Pillar was associated with the “Angel of the LORD” and with when Moses spoke with the LORD (Exodus 33:9-11).  The Pillar was to stand between the Israelites and the Egyptians later before they would cross the Red Sea.  He was their Guide and Protector.  Notice too, that “He took not away the Pillar…”  He is the Living Presence.

For the Christian  that Pillar is the presence of GOD within every follower of Jesus Christ.  He is that Cloud by day, and Fire by night.  He is our Comforter, our Conviction, our Direction and Guide every moment of the day and the night (John 16:7-11).  The Holy Spirit is Jesus Christ in you to lead and guide you to become like Jesus in living.  That is the desire of every born again believer; to be like Jesus: loving the Father, doing the Father’s will, glorifying the Father, doing the work of the Father.

Living in the Presence of the LORD begins by following His Son Jesus Christ.

THE WRATH OF GOD

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Jack Woodard's avatarJack Woodard's Blog

Jesus_cross_crucifixion

TEXT: ROMANS 1:16-32
TITLE: THE WRATH OF GOD

1. THE REVELATION of GOD TO MAN [1:19,20]

A. Conscience [1:19]
B. Creation [1:20]
C. Christ – The Gospel [1:3]

2. THE REJECTION of GOD BY MAN [1:18,21,28]

A. Mentally [1:21,22,28; Psalms 14:1]
B. Militantly – Hold (Suppress) [1:18]

3. THE REACTION of GOD TO MAN [1:18]

A. His Wrath Released [1:18]
i. Continually [1:18 – is being]
ii. Consistently [1:24,25 – For this cause…]

B. His Wrath Recognized [1:21-32]
i. Foolishness [1:21c,22]
a. Evolution [1:23]
b. Devolution [1:23ff]

ii. Filthiness [1:24-32]
a. Moral Perversion [1:24,26]
b. Mental Perversion [1:28]

iii. Finalness [1:27-32; Psalms 9:16,17]

4. THE RECONCILIATION GOD OFFERS TO MAN [1:1-5;16,17; 2 Corinthians 5:19,20]

A. The Gospel Is [1:1-4;16]
i. The Person of Jesus [1:3]
ii. The Power of God [1:4,16]

B. Jesus Is [Hebrews 1:1,2]
i. God’s Full Word To Man
ii. God’s Final Word To Man [Hebrews 1:2…

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“The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven” Recants Story, Rebukes Christian Retailers

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Quiet's avatarPolemics Report

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Lifeway has been selling The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven for many years now. It is part of the trifecta of books on “heavenly tourism” that Lifeway has sold and has promoted, along with 90 Minutes in Heaven and Heaven is for Real. The co-author of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven – the boy himself – has written an open letter to Lifeway and admonished them for not holding to the sufficiency of Scripture, and has recanted his tale. For those who may not be familiar with of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven, the publisher’s description is as follows:

“In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex–and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. ‘I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,’ a friend told the stricken dad. But…

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ISLAM, A RELIGION OF PEACE & TOLERANCE?

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Jack Woodard's avatarJack Woodard's Blog

islamic-crusades1

ISLAM, A RELIGION OF PEACE & TOLERANCE?

There are two facts we must be aware of, first of all, the only time Islam and its followers are a Religion of Peace is when the people around and among them are in total submission to the Koran, or when they are living in a nation where they are a minority and are forced to submit to the laws of the land in which they are living. We see then that it is ONLY a religion of peace when they dominate or are dominated. We must be clear eyed about this if we are to remain free.
Secondly, in any Muslim Nation when one denounces Islam and converts to Christianity we see how peaceful and tolerant Islam is, they persecute, imprison, and even execute the apostate. They allow for no freedom of religion, no freedom of speech, no freedom of dissent, they…

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Consider the Poor

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Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. Psalm 41:1 (KJV)

How many times have you heard something like this said, “They are only poor because of foolish spending”  There are many various phrases similar to that one we have heard, or maybe even used ourselves.

The topic of poverty, and the poor is not an easy subject to address, or to deal with.  There are folks who have not thrived in an affluent society due to misuse, and abuse of finances.  I know that I have done my share of that as well.

Let us address who are the poor of the above text?  The Psalmist is addressing the lowly, the poor, the physically weak, and ill.  The Bible addresses poverty many more times, and how we are to help them.  When harvesting fields the land owner was to leave a corner for the poor to glean, so they too would have something to eat.  That included the orchards and other things too.

One thing I know about providing aid for the poor is that it should not be seen as a burden, but a result of our blessings; and being a blessing to those less fortunate.

This Psalm begins with a Beatitude “Blessed” which is a happiness we are to enjoy.  Those who cause the poor to prosper will be happy, and are recipients of protection and keeping from the LORD themselves.

Be “Blessed” today.

Patience and the LORD

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I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 (KJV)

Are you a patient person?  I probably could have gone all day without asking that question. right?  If your honest answer to that question is NO! Then join the growing crowd.  I am not normally a patient man.

Many Christians when we pray we want an answer to our prayers really quick; you know –  “Lord give me patience, and give it to me now.”

The Psalmist David “waited patiently for the LORD”.  If there is any where we should be patient it is in our walk with GOD.  I am growing to understand that He sees the bigger picture, and I only see a very small portion of it.  It is true of us all.  The LORD knows the beginning from the end.  He Himself is the First and the Last.  He is the Alpha and the Omega.

Waiting is not sitting down doing nothing.  Waiting takes much effort, much trust, and obedience.  So, in that time of waiting, what am I supposed to do?  Do all that He has said.

One of my favorite verses of Scripture is Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…”  I will let you look it up yourself, and be blessed.  The LORD He hears the cry of those who “Wait” on Him.

Keeping the Tongue

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” Psalm 39:1 (KJV)

We have a powerful little thing in our mouths that can heal and/or kill.  It is called a “tongue”.  James the half brother of Jesus says, “No man can tame” (James 3:8).

We do not often think of the power we wield with our tongue, and as in writing a blog or writing in an email, on facebook, or any form or writing.  We often do not think of these things as being the “Tongue”; however, they are spoken words, and carry either hope and light or death and darkness.

The Psalmist David said, “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue…”  We too, as people, and especially those who are Christian, need to weigh our words, or thoughts, before we speak them.  One measure to have is, Do these words give life; or do they give death?  If they give life, then speak.  If they give death, then maybe we need to keep our mouths shut.

God forgive me for the times I have spoken death; and also forgive me for the times I kept my mouth shut when I could have given life.

Wrong Side of Judgment

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“O LORD, rebuke me not in Thy wrath: neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure.” Psalm 38:1 (KJV)

No one that I know wants to be on the wrong side of judgment.  By that I mean the danger end of a shotgun, rifle, or pistol.  For those unfamiliar with this thought I will just say, no one looks forward to standing in court before a judge; at least if they are in the right mind.

No one should desire to stand on the wrong side of the judgment of GOD.  I know that I sure do not want to.  Neither did David the Psalmist.  GOD is the supreme Judge.  He hates sin.  He judges sin; my sin and yours.  We cannot even appear  before Him unless sin has been dealt with.

No one can be good enough, sinless enough to appear before GOD of Creation on their own merit.  Not me, nor you.  Our own “righteousness” condemns us, it does not save us.  We are born in a condemned state, apart from GOD; without GOD.

GOD Himself stepped into the world picture in the person of His Son Jesus Christ, pouring out His wrath, His displeasure upon Him for us, that we might come into His presence and glory.

If you do not desire to be rebuked in the wrath of GOD; in which you will not survive it; neither will you survive His hot displeasure; then, you must receive GOD’S gracious gift of salvation He has provided by way of the cross of Jesus Christ.  Jesus died, was buried, and bodily arose and came out of the grave, and lives today awaiting the time to come again and make all things right.

No Fret, nor Envy

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” Psalm 37:1 (KJV)

For short commentary on this verse I will turn to Charles H. Spurgeon this morning:

The Psalm opens with the first precept. It is alas! too common for believers in their hours of adversity to think themselves harshly dealt with when they see persons utterly destitute of religion and honesty, rejoicing in abundant prosperity. Much needed is the command, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers.” To fret is to worry, to have the heart-burn, to fume, to become vexed. Nature is very apt to kindle a fire of jealousy when it sees law-breakers riding on horses, and obedient subjects walking in the mire: it is a lesson learned only in the school of grace, when one comes to view the most paradoxical providences with the devout complacency of one who is sure that the Lord is righteous in all his acts. It seems hard to carnal judgments that the best meat should go to the dogs, while loving children pine for want of it. “Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” The same advice under another shape. When one is poor, despised, and in deep trial, our old Adam naturally becomes envious of the rich and great; and when we are conscious that we have been more righteous than they, the devil is sure to be at hand with blasphemous reasonings. Stormy weather may curdle even the cream of humanity. Evil men instead of being envied, are to be viewed with horror and aversion; yet their loaded tables, and gilded trappings, are too apt to fascinate our poor haft-opened eyes. Who envies the fat bullock the ribbons and garlands which decorate him as he is led to the shambles? Yet the case is a parallel one; for ungodly rich men are but as beasts fattened for the slaughter.

From The Treasury of David.

Evil people will fail in all their doings.  Their eternity will be loss.  What is there to envy?

The only hope for all people; no matter their religion or lot in life is Jesus Christ.  He died to pay our sin debt, was buried, and bodily arose again, and forever lives, and will one day soon return in all His glory.