I will be gone to our Association’s Youth Camp during the coming week. I will get going once again in the final studies of Elijah and his ministry as the Lord wills, guides and protects.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Christianity
From a Facebook Friend
The following was posted on Facebook by a brother preacher,
H-E-L-L FIRE and D-A-M-N-A-T-I-O-N PREACHERS
Someone asked me yesterday;”Why are all of you Baptist Preachers H-E-L-L FIRE and D-A-M-N-A-T-I-O-N Preachers?”
Well, I didn’t know that there were that many that still were doing so, but for those of us that do, we do it for the same reason our cities have Tornado Sirens, we do it for the same reason that the Railroad puts Gates and Bells at its busiest and most dangerous crossings, we do it for the same reason that cities put up Signal Lights at their Intersections. We all do what we do to warn everyone that there is real danger approaching and that appropriate action needs to be taken in time to avoid sure disaster.
My friend, the Authoritative, Infallible Word of God tells all of us that all who are without Christ Jesus are:
1. Guilty Sinners – [Romans 3:23]
2. Condemned Sinners – [John 3:18; Romans 6:23a]
3. Loved Sinners – [John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 2Peter 3:9]
4. Wooed Sinners – [Matthew 28:19;Romans 10:14; 2Corinthians 5:20]
All Preacher’s and Christian’s are called of the Lord to woo and warn the Christ-less Sinner to come to Christ alone for salvation before it is too late and you go out into eternity to spend it in a Devil’s H-E-L-L, that is why we preach H-E-L-L- Fire and D-A-M-N-A-T-I-O-N, to warn you to flee from the wrath to come.Would the same people who wished we would stop preaching H-e-l-l and D-a-m-n-a-t-i-o-n want their cities to pull down their Signal Lights, would they want the Railroad to remove their gates and bells at the dangerous crossings, would they want their cities to turn off all of the Tornado Sirens during the Tornado Season? I believe the answer is obvious, of course they would not. Yet H-E-L-L is a more CERTAIN and AWFUL reality than those possible events just mentioned. We dare not cease to warn the sinner. Preacher; PREACH IT, that is your calling, not to be popular or even liked, but to be Faithful.
~Jack Woodard
Thank you Brother Jack for preaching God’s Word. Jack also has a blog that would be a blessing to you.
-posted by Tim A. Blankenship
Elijah, and a Still Small Voice
Following the victory at Mt. Carmel Elijah has ran from Jezebel, in fear of losing his life; then, prays for God to take his life. Depression, fear, and doubt has crept into the man of God’s life. However, as I can look at this and see it God is by no means silent with Elijah.
God sends an angel and provides food and water for him (1 Kings 19:5-8), and then, he goes for forty days and nights in the strength of that bread and water. Now, only God can give a man the physical energy and strength to make that type of journey with no other physical bread or water. Moses did it on Mt. Sinai, evidently twice at least (Exodus 24:18; 34:28).
The LORD led Elijah to Mt. Horeb called the Mount of God, which is Mt. Sinai where Moses had been with God.
Elijah was in need of a learning experience, as many of us are at times. We are pretty given to believing that God only moves dramatically, and visibly, and always powerfully; but that is not always so. God will move in His own way and His own time; and it may not be through answering by fire.
The man of God, the prophet came to a cave, and he made his lodging there. That is when the word of the LORD came to him again,
“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said unto him, ‘What doest thou here, Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.’ And He said, ‘Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD.’ And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:9-12 (KJV)
Maybe, after the victory Elijah was expecting God to remove Ahab and Jezebel from the kingdom, or some kind of powerful and miraculous thing; but it did not happen. We do not know what was in the mind of the man of God, but he ran for his life. God asks Elijah, “What are you doing here?”. It is kind of like He asked Adam in the garden, “Where are you?” Have you ever had someone ask you a question they knew the answer to; only to get you to think things through.
The LORD and His prophet are in session together, and Elijah tells the LORD that he is the only one of the prophets of the LORD left. He has felt that way since before the victory on Carmel (1 Kings 18:22). He had much to learn yet.
The LORD sends the prophet out of the cave, to stand and witness events the LORD would cause to pass before him. A strong wind which tore the mountain, and broke the rocks of the mountain; then, an earthquake; then a fire. In all three of these catastrophic means we are told, “the LORD was not in” them. There came that “still small voice”, and Elijah covered his face;
“And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, ‘What doest thou here, Elijah?'” 19:13
The wind, the earthquake and the fire did not spark much action from Elijah; but when he heard the still small voice he covered his face. Surely he must have realized his fear, and realized the voice was that of God at work in his life.
He was still feeling as though he were the only prophet of God left in the land. God tells Elijah to go and call Elisha the son of Shaphat (19:16) to be prophet in his place. He also tells him that there are “seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal…” (v. 18)
It would seem that God is about to do something spectacular in the life of Elijah. Even in our doubts and fears God is with us. He still speaks to us. Just because there is nothing dramatic with falling fire happening in our lives does not mean that we are forsaken; it is really the time for us to hear that “still small voice” and believe.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Elijah, and the Hand of the LORD
The prophet of fire had been told by the word of the LORD that he would send rain on the earth (1 Kings 18:1), that he was to go and show himself unto Ahab. The greatest trial of Elijah’s life had been won, the prophets of Baal defeated, and even sentenced to death, and the sentence carried out; and the rain had come, just as the LORD and the prophet had said.
“And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” 1 Kings 18:46 (KJV)
It seems to be abundantly clear by all that has came to pass, with the challenge of fire, the death of the false prophets of Baal, and the rain; that the hand of the LORD is upon Elijah. Evidently Elijah was a very fast runner. With Ahab in a chariot, and Elijah on foot; Elijah seems to have out run the king to the entrance of Jezreel.
We begin seeing something about Elijah that shows us that Elijah was only a man who had human flaws, just like the rest of us. He had his moments of doubt, of fear, and feeling as though he stood alone against the mobs of Ahab and Jezebel.
Elijah coming off the greatest victory of his life; at least up to this point; faces the threats of Jezebel. Upon hearing what Elijah had done,
“Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.” 19:2
Elijah, the man, the prophet who had the “hand of the LORD” upon him, then, runs for his life. Not only that he begins requesting that he might die (19:4); instead of taking his life the LORD sent and angel to care for his needs; feeding him a baked cake of figs, raisins, or something else, and giving him water to drink. My, how the prophet was being ministered unto by the LORD through an angel. It is proof that the LORD is not finished with Elijah. The hand of the LORD is still on him. The angel prepared the cake and the cruse of water.
My the power of the angel’s food, the LORD’S food. For Elijah went forty day and forty nights in the strength of that food (19:8). I find it fascinating that often after great victories, comes great let downs. Fears, doubts, and just not knowing what lies ahead, can bring temporary defeat. This was a time of renewing for Elijah. He was hearing from the LORD.
God took him to a place where he would learn about the greatness of the LORD and His Word, again.
The hand of the LORD is on all those who put their trust in Him. Your trust is in Him through the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ; His death, burial and bodily resurrection. Believe Him, trust Him, and God’s hand will be on you for blessing and eternity.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Sound of Abundance of Rain
Elijah had faced the greatest trial of his life, and won the greatest victory for the name of YaHWeH/Jehovah. He had prayed a simple prayer to God,
“LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that Thou art God in Israel, and that I am Thy servant, and that I have done all these things at Thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that Thou art the LORD God, and that Thou hast turned their heart back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37 (KJV)
The LORD God heard Elijah’s prayer, and did just what Elijah asked for. Fire fell (v. 38), burnt the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust, and licked up the water in the trench which Elijah had placed around the altar to display the power of God. This was no magicians trick; no wizards wand was needed; it was the fire of God falling just as the man of God had requested.
The people of the Northern kingdom of Israel fell on their faces declaring, “The LORD, He is the God; the LORD, He is the God.” At that moment in time there was no doubt in their minds who the God of Israel and the earth was. Now these prophets and priests of Baal needed to be dealt with; and they would be dealt with unto death.
“And Elijah said unto them, ‘Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.’ And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.” 18:40
When the LORD is God there is no room for false prophets and teachers. They will be dealt with quickly. The prophet Jeremiah was confronted by a false prophet, who prophesied differently from his own prophecy, and the LORD told Jeremiah to return to Hananiah and tell him that due to his lies he would die within the year (Jeremiah 28). That prophet died by the hand of God Himself; just as the prophet had said.
Why deal so harshly and directly with false teachers and prophets? These had in large part been responsible for leading the nation into apostasy, turning their backs on the GOD of Israel, leading them into all kinds of debauchery and rebellious living against the GOD of all creation. It needed to be seen by Israel that this will not be tolerated.
In this the Christian of 2012 can learn that the LORD God will not tolerate false teaching in the Christians life; and we are to weed out those teachings from our lives that distract us from Him; the LORD of the universe. We are to keep our individual lives free from false teaching, teachers; from unholy living; and keep these things from our local congregations. When a church begins propagating lies, heresy, and distracts from the Word of God and from our Lord Jesus Christ that church will fall, and its fire will go out. No matter how large the attendance is, how great the crowd is at their weekly gatherings; it can still be without the fire of God.
When Elijah had dealt with the false prophets, then he told Ahab,
“And Elijah said unto Ahab, ‘Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.” 18:41
For 3.5 years there had been no rain. The land was parched, dry, brooks were dry the rivers were low, water was in short supply. Now without even seeing a cloud, the prophet tells the king, “…There is a sound of abundance of rain”. The fire of God had fallen from the heavens. The people had seen the fire of God fall, and they had fallen on their faces crying out, “The LORD, He is the God” and the liars had been put away. Now rain was coming. Refreshment, renewing and restoration to the land was coming.
You can turn to the LORD God today, and live forever. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; that He died for your sins, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave; and is one day returning for His own. He is the fire that John the Baptist spoke of in Matthew 3:11. “…He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire…”
When God’s people return to the LORD there will be and we can hear “…The sound of Abundance of Rain”.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Elijah, and the Challenge by Fire
As a young boy I can remember being fascinated by fire. I took matches, and would set old brush piles on fire, while I got up the milk cows for milking, and watch it burn. I never deliberatly burned anything that did not need burned, but I was still moved by watching the flames as they flickered and flared upwards. As a teenaged boy I would go camping with friends, we would build fires for the light and the heat; and even then I was enthralled by the flames, watching it devour the wood fuel which was put on the flames. It would seem that I am still fascinated by fire.
The name of this blogsite “FIRE” and Hammer’, which comes from Jeremiah 23:29. And my prayer, and heart longs to see the fire of God fall on His people; and for the glory of the LORD to be revealed to the world; and it one day will.
I wrote all this to lead us to the prophet Elijah’s challenge of fire to the prophets of Baal, and the Northern kingdom of Israel. The drought had been on the land now for about 3.5 years according to the apostle James (5:17) and Jesus (Luke 4:25); and God had told Elijah it was time for some rain (1 Kings 18:1). The nation, however, needed to know who was sending the rain. They could not possibly go on thinking that it was Baal who through temple prostitution, illicit behavior, music and deceptions was doing the provisions for the people. The drought would prove nothing for the glory of the LORD to just send rain.
Elijah gives word to king Ahab,
“Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table.’ So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.” 18:19-20 (KJV)
Now the stage is set, the challenge is issued; the faith of Elijah is on display for all to see. I am sure there were those who were thinking, “What is Elijah doing? God does not work like this.” My thoughts are “Oh Really!” One thing Elijah was sure of and that was that those prophets of Baal were deceivers, masters of deception; and in the challenge of fire he put at least one stipulation on the trial;
“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, ‘How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.’ And the people answered him not a word. Then said Elijah unto the people, ‘I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God.’ And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.” 18:21-24
Notice, if you will the stipulation of the challenge; “…Put no fire under” which indicates that Elijah was pretty positive that deception was at the heart of any power the priests or prophets of Baal had. They would put a hidden flame under their altar, than call for fire, and with some oil, fire would arise from the altar; thus amazing and deceiving the people. He too would “put no fire under” and would depend solely upon the presence, power and glory of the LORD for the fire to come down.
The prophets of Baal built their altar without any deceptive fire; killed their sacrifice; danced and shouted with all their might; all their heart; maybe they were sincere in what they believed, but what they sincerely believed just was not true. They finally ended up cutting themselves, bleeding they continued to plead with the god who could not hear; because he is only the god of human imagination, human evil, human greed and lusts. The sincere efforts of the worshippers of Baal failed; they wore themselves out physically; trying to appeal to this deity of the human heart (18:25-29).
Now, it is Elijah’s chance. He is confident in Jehovah. Why? Because Jehovah/YaHWeH has sent him. He does not build a new altar, but repairs the “altar of the LORD that was broken down”. The altar of the LORD had been neglected, and rejected, and now was being repaired by the man of GOD, and He was going to be glorified again in Israel. You can read the rest of the story.
Let me tell you, that Elijah simply calls out to GOD; after having the altar and the offereing and the wood drenched in water; and God answers by fire from the heavens,
“Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that Thou art the LORD God, and that Thou hast turned their heart back again.’ Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.” 18:37-38 (KJV)
“The fire of the LORD fell” it came down from above. The LORD He is God. Elijah knew that. He was much more than sincere, he was faithful to believe the word of the LORD. Christian, revival will not come by dancing, cutting, music, and alternative styles of worship. Revival will not come through evangelism or evangelistic efforts; which are usually nothing more than human effort, with fire under the altar; rather than the fire of the LORD.
We are called on to be faithful in worship to the LORD, loving Him through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour; the reading and study of the Word of God and prayer. When God’s people get right with God, then there will be great preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and many trusting Him.
The fire of GOD will fall.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Elijah, Obadiah, and the King Ahab
The prophet received word from the LORD that it was time for the rain to come on Israel. That meaning in essence that it was time to call the nation to repent of their sins; and it was to begin with the king, and the false religion he and his wife espoused in the land. The worship of Baal was a vile and evil religion which was an earthy, self-centered, pleasure oriented religion; and led the children of Israel away from the God of all creation. That was partly why Elijah had prayed for no rain; to show that Baal was powerless.
Elijah meets Obadiah, and tells him to take message to Ahab that he was ready to meet with him,
“And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, ‘Art thou that my lord Elijah?’ And he answered him, ‘I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.'” 1 Kings 18:7-8 (KJV)
Now, Obadiah was a bit cautious, and knew that the LORD was protecting Elijah, and feared that the LORD might just go back to moving Elijah around, hiding him from the king, but Elijah convinces Obadiah to get the message to Ahab that he wants to meet with him (18:9-15).
Notice the king’s words to Elijah when he does meet him,
“And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, ‘Art thou he that troubleth Israel?’ And he answered, ‘I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.'” 1 Kings 18:17-18
It is accusation of dividing the nation, causing trouble. I find it aggravating, insulting, and almost blasphemous to hear those who cry against the holy and righteous as always being the ones who are the “Troublers” of a nation or people. That is what Ahab was charging against the prophet. That is the cry of our post modern culture against those who stand against the unholy promotion of unholiness, and ungodliness. Those who stand against same sex marriage are accused of being bigoted, haters, mean spirited, trouble makers. We are supporters of what is holy, righteous and good.
Just as Elijah faced the king and told him “I have not troubled Israel; but thou and thy father’s house…” You have troubled Israel. Those who stand against God, righteous living, holy conduct, Biblical teaching, and Biblical conviction; they are the troublers of our nation and lives.
We are faced with a challenge. Will we live for God? Will we live by the words of the Bible, the words and life of Jesus Christ; or will we go along to get along? I choose to live by the words of Jesus, the words of the Bible;
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47 (KJV)
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Prophet Cries Aloud
The following was a post by Jack Woodard on Facebook. It is so true:
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1]
“Preach the Word; be instant (diligent) in season, out of season…” [2 Timothy 4:2]True Prophets never wait to be asked for a comment when it comes to the sins of their people and their Nation, they are quick to make sure the Lord’s Authoritative Voice is heard. America should not be waiting on a Prophet to cry out against the open and blatant sins and sinners among us. There is no more pitiful sight than to see our Nation overrun with Bold Sinners and our Pulpits filled with Timid Preachers.
~Jack Woodard
Preach it Jack.
T.A.
Elijah in Prayer
No where in the context of the writing about Elijah are we told of Elijah’s praying, however, the New Testament does tell us of Elijah’s prayers,
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” James 5:16b-18 (KJV)
So we know that Elijah had power with God, and he received that power because of his commitment to God and earnest prayer.
As we were looking at Elijah ministering to the widow of Zarephath I neglected to mention that this widow was a Gentile. As Jesus mentions in Luke (4:25-26) there were widows of Israel who could have used some help, but God sent Elijah to Zarephath instead, due to the hearts of the people of Israel being in rejection of God and His Word.
Now as Elijah is praying “the word of the LORD came” to him…
“And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, ‘Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.'” 1 Kings 18:1
This third year could possibly be the third year since he came to stay with the widow and her son. God is ready now to call Israel to repentance, and to return to Him; and He will use Elijah to call the prophets of Baal to a challenge of fire. We will not get into that just yet.
We notice in the verses to come that there was a servant of Ahab’s who was a God fearer, and had protected some of the other prophets of God;
“And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly: for it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)” 18:3-4
Ahab had called on Obadiah to search with him for water in fountains, brooks, and grass for caring for the king’s animals. It seems quite pointed to see a king searching for food for his animals while maybe a unconcerned about the needs of the people.
We need to learn from Elijah the necessity of prayer. However, without faith in God, much prayer avails nothing. The power of prayer is not praying. The power of prayer is GOD. And Elijah loved the LORD, and believed Him and trusted Him unto life.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Elijah; Man of God
Those of us who have been involved in church and Christianity; and even some other religions know the term “Man of God”. The basic idea behind the phrase is that a man is faithful to believing God, His Word and living it in His life.
We have seen where the “Man of God” confronted the king Ahab and told him of an absence of rainfall until he [Elijah] calls for it. We know from the book of James that it was 3.5 years. That is a drought. We have read also where God provided for the prophet, the man of God, by sending him to a brook off the Jordon River, and God supplied him bread and meat until the brook dried up; and then he sent him to a widow woman with a young son; and he asked her to give him her last portion of food. Because of the woman’s faith, she fed Elijah, and her barrel of meal never ran out; as the King James says, “Wasted not”, neither did her container of oil run dry.
While the man of God is present in the home of the widow and her son; the son dies; and the woman is very distraught. She is like many of us. Since the man of God is in the house and home, then, “How can such an evil and bad thing happen to us?” Now before someone goes off on a tangent fit let me first explain that it does seem implied by the reading of 17:18;
“And she said unto Elijah, ‘What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?'” (KJV)
Remember in John 11 Lazarus a close friend of Jesus was on his death bed; Mary and Martha (Lazarus’s sisters) sent for Jesus, but he lingered where he was. Jesus said,
“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” John 11:4
To read the rest of the event we find that Lazarus died, was buried, and had been dead four days; and Jesus calls his name and Lazarus comes out of that tomb alive. God receives the greater glory by the resurrection of Lazarus, then by healing him of a sickness.
The resurrection of the widows son, helped the woman see more clearly that Elijah was the man of God. She announces in the final verse of chapter 17,
“Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.” 1Kings 17:24 (KJV)
The man of God in today’s world may not raise anyone to life after being dead; at least in the physical sense. However, the man of God will be able to clearly present the way to knowing God, having fellowship with Him, and how God declares one to be righteous. That is by way of the cross of Jesus Christ; His death, burial and bodily resurrection. Believe the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will experience resurrection.
-Tim A. Blankenship
A Widow Challenged by the Prophet
The brook Cherith to which the LORD had supplied for Elijah was dried up due to the drought which Elijah had prayed for, received, and was supplied for by God. Could God have not kept the stream flowing, water coming just for Elijah, rather than moving him on somewhere else? He could have, but He chose not to do so. There was a widow woman, with a son who was about to come to terms with the possibility of starving to death; so the LORD sent the prophet to her.
Zarephath is the place where she lived, and to which Elijah went. According to Strong’s it means “Refinery”; so there may have been some sort of oil refining going on in that location. This widow woman, unnamed, has a young son she is providing for, and she is about to fix their last meal; and the LORD sends Elijah to her, and he presents her with a challenge,
“So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, ‘Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.’ And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, ‘Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.'” 1 Kings 17:10-11 (KJV)
Does Elijah know this woman is in dire straits? He probably knows she is needy, that this woman needs some hope, and God sent him to help her. Do you ever notice the circumstances God brings into our lives, good and bad, are often the means by which God shows Himself strong, and at work in His people’s lives? This woman tells Elijah,
“As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” verse 12
The economy stinks. It has not rained in months, maybe a year or two, and this woman has great need. Some would say; and I know they would because I have heard it; “How dare a man of God to ask a widow down to her last bit of food, feed him first”. Who does this man think he is? First of all he is a prophet of God. Not the first one, or the last one, but he is one who is faithful to the LORD. This widow was about to be blessed and provided for throughout the final months and days of the drought. The prophet believed God would provide.
The prophet uses two of the greatest words you will find in Scripture to speak to the woman,
“And Elijah said unto her, ‘Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, ‘The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.’ And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.” 17:13-16
We are not told how Elijah knew to speak these words to the woman. I think it could be possible that Elijah was walking with God, he knew the heart of God, and God knew Elijah’s heart, that anything Elijah would speak that glorified the LORD would come to pass. No man walking with God will speak contrary to the will or glory of God.
Would to God that had that walk. That is my prayer. How about you?
Walking with God is possible only through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit who comes to live within is always with you, and leads you in your walk with God, to glorify Him.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Commanding the Ravens; Feeding the Prophet
When a prophet preaches the Word of God to his nation or to his church he must realize that word will affect his life too. Elijah was certain to find this out shortly after he pronounces judgment by drought upon Israel, and king Ahab.
We also find that the LORD takes care of those He calls, and equips as well. When Elijah told Ahab of the drought coming God already had a place for the prophet to go; to a brook; and there he would have water to drink and bathe, and God would send ravens with “bread and flesh” to eat in the morning and evening.
“And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, ‘Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.’ So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.” 1 Kings 17:2-7 (KJV)
For those who have a problem with the Sovereignty of God, and His directing the affairs of this world, we need to hear what the Word of God says here. “I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there”. The LORD has the perfect place already for the prophet. The prophet must be obedient to the LORD’S leading and follow.
It does not occur to preachers some times, but what we preach affects us too. Even if you are not a preacher, but are a follower of Jesus Christ the Word of God is for you too. You can obey God and His Word; or you can be disobedient and completely miss God’s provision for your life.
God’s provisions are more bountiful and wonderful than anything our disobedience can give us.
Elijah did as God commanded went to Cherith, which flowed by the Jordan. I cringe a little when I think of having ravens bring bread and flesh to eat. However, what God provides He cleanses. What He blesses is good to eat.
The LORD of creation still commands the birds of the air, the fish of the sea (think of Jonah here), the beast of the forest, the cattle in the fields and upon the Thousand Hills Ranch :). He still blesses His preachers, prophets, and His people who will trust Him in drought and in flood. He provides by His own hand.
Commanding ravens and feeding prophets is no problem for the one who is Lord of all.
Teach me LORD.
-Tim A. Blankenship
YAH is God
I have become fascinated with the prophet of Elijah in the past few years, and maybe so in the past few months. He is known as the prophet of fire, and the reason for that title becomes apparent as you read the Scriptural accounts of his ministry and life.
The name Elijah means, “My God is Jehovah [YHWH]” or “YAH is God”, and thus the title of this post. I want to spend some time looking more into the life of Elijah who seems to just appear on the scene in the days of the rule of Ahab and Jezebel over Israel; the Northern kingdom.
“And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, ‘As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.'” 1 Kings 17:1 (KJV)
The above verse is the first mention of Elijah in the Bible, but certainly not the last. According to my check, Elijah’s name is mentioned at least 108 more times through the New Testament with thirty in the New Testament. Being a “Tishbite” and since it seems that no one knows the location of a city by this name, then maybe the Strong’s application may be of service to us,
“tishbı̂y tish-bee’ Patrial from an unused name meaning recourse; a Tishbite or inhabitant of Tishbeh (in Gilead): – Tishbite.”
Notice the word “recourse”, and that could apply more to the person’s; the prophet in this case; interest and heart. Recourse meaning,
“1: a turning to someone or something for assistance or protection: Resort 2: a source of aid.” MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY
So could this not mean for us that Elijah was from Gilead, and had a burden for the children of Israel to turn to the One whom they were refusing for the protection and aid they really needed? I think it is a great possibility. The prophet was a man who had a heart for God and for the Northern kingdom to turn to God.
Elijah told the king Ahab that there would be no rain, or dew until he called on the LORD God to give it. We know from the epistle of James that was three and one half years without dew or rain (James 5:17). Oh, how the people of God today need a heart like Elijah who will spend time with the LORD, know His heart, preach His Word, even to the kings of the earth; and tell them what God is about to do.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Living LORD
I am looking at Psalm 18 this morning. It is a Psalm which David wrote while fleeing from Saul the anointed king of Israel for the time. Time after time God delivered David from the hands of his enemies, and Saul the king. David never thought of king Saul as an enemy; even though the man sought many times to kill David himself.
In David we find the faith of a child. The kind of faith our Lord Jesus speaks of,
“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:3-6 (KJV)
In the eighteenth Psalm David speaks much about the LORD, His way, His word, trusting Him, and in the verse for which the title comes he has written for all time and eternity;
“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” Psalm 18:46
One of the things that strengthens faith is knowing that God is the living GOD. All others are dead, buried, on display, and the imaginations of wicked hearts. Our God lives, even though He was crucified, died, was buried; He rose again bodily from the grave, and is alive forevermore.
He is the Rock of Ages. He is to be exalted. He is to be worshipped. He is the Living LORD.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Happy Man
Happiness can be fleeting. It is often measured by how well one’s life is going. If one get’s a surprise check or an unexpected amount of cash in the mail, or slid under the door, or show up in the car, or win the lottery; then, one can be very happy.
Happiness defined by the MIRRIAM/WEBSTER Dictionary means,
“1: a state of well being and contentment; also : a pleasurable satisfaction 2: aptness”
There is a “Happiness” gained by being godly. There has been much written on the Psalms and the First Psalm is no different. The word in the Bible for Happiness is “Blessed”, though the word means so much more than the definition of happiness in the above mentioned dictionary.
The First Psalm begins,
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1:1 (KJV)
Jesus Christ begins the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes with the word “Blessed”. There are also seven “Blesseds” in the Revelation. If you would like you may click on the link and read more about the Lord’s happiness that He gives.
The man is happiest when he is walking with the Lord in His Word, doing His will, going His way, and worshipping and praising only the great and mighty God who has made all things, and mankind in His own image.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 (KJV)
The individual is haughty and proud is not an individual who fits our Lord’s description of “Happiness”. The “Blessedness” of the Lord is enduring. The happiness of the world is fleeting, and dependent upon circumstances. When you walk in the happiness of the Lord, you walk in the light of the Lord.
Have a blessed day.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 90 – The Beginning and the End
It is amazing how days seem to “fly by”. It is another reminder how short life can be. On February 01, 2012 I began this 90 day adventure reading through the Bible in the shortest period of time I have ever done so. I was not sure that it was something I wanted to do. It was going to require that I get up a bit earlier, and especially since I committed myself to writing about it everyday for that ninety days.
It was, however, a journey and adventure well worth the time and the reading. Let me challenge you to do it; the reading. It will be a blessing to you. Even if you have read the Bible through 100 times or a 1,000 times, there is something about moving through it quickly that gives you a new insight into the Scriptures. Whether you read it through in ninety days or 365 read it through.
My reading for the final morning of the 90 days was The Revelation of Jesus Christ chapters 13 – 22. The title comes from Jesus speaking this in the first chapter verses 8 and 11, then again in 21:6 and 22:13.
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Revelation 22:13 (KJV)
Life for man, according to the Bible, began in the Garden of Eden. Let me say that I believe what the Bible says, because it is the very Word of God. It has not failed, it will never fail. Not one jot or title will pass away. Heaven and earth will pass away, but the Word of God will never pass away. From the Garden of Eden in Genesis Adam and Eve were cast out because of sin. They were cast out to keep them from the Tree of Life which was in the midst of the garden, and was the source of eternal life.
From Genesis we see God’s call of a man, Abraham, who believed God; God counted it to him for righteousness; and through Abraham all the earth has been blessed. In the Old Testament we find a journey of the seed of Abraham. We see their victories, their faults, failures, and their sins; most of all we see God in His grace and mercy preparing a people, for a Saviour, for the whole world. In the New Testament that Saviour comes, dies on the cross, giving His life as atonement for the sins of mankind, making it possible for those who will believe to partake of the Tree of Life and live forever.
I mentioned yesterday on Day 89 that “Inhabiters of the earth”, “All that dwell upon the earth” is used to show those whose hearts and lives find their treasure in this world. That phrase is mentioned again in chapter 13 four more times; in verses 8, 12, and twice in verse 14. It is used again in 14 verse 6 and chapter 17 verse 8. If I have not counted wrong or missed one that is eight times the phrase is used. Every time it is used it has to do with those who will be judged because of their rejection of Jesus Christ.
There may be some who will say, “Well, I have never rejected Jesus Christ.” If you have not received Him as your Lord and Saviour you are in a state of rejection. What must you do to be condemned? Nothing. You are already condemned. What must you do to be saved from your condemned state? Trust the Lord Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross, His death, burial and bodily resurrection. Depend solely on the grace given you through faith in Him.
It is mentioned in the Revelation of a “First resurrection”,
“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:5-6
Just what is this “First Resurrection”? First, let me say that we all want to be in the first resurrection; at least we should want to be. Jesus is the “first fruits” of the first resurrection, making it possible for the dead in Christ to be raised to life again (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Then at the end of God’s judgment upon the earth dwellers, and the redemption of Israel, those who died for their faith in Him during the judgment will also be raised, and counted in the first resurrection. Those who do not have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life will have part in what is called the “Second death”. At the great white throne (20:11-15) all the dead of all the ages of those who were not written in the book of life will be cast alive into the lake of fire.
When you read the Bible keep your eyes and heart tuned in to seeing Jesus, because it is about Him. We human beings need to realize that this life is not about us, or even for us, but it is for God and for His glory.
The invitation is given. The life of man began in the Garden of Eden. When we believe God through His Son Jesus Christ we can live in the Heavenly Garden forever.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him that heareth say, ‘Come.’ And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17 (KJV)
Hear the invitation. Come to Jesus and receive eternal life.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He is where new life begins.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 89 – Blessings and Judgment to Come
It is quite pleasant to write and to speak of blessings. It cannot be said of Judgment. Nevertheless, judgment is a topic which must be addressed by those dealing with truth. Truth is more than philosophy; it is of God; because God is Truth.
My reading for today, as we near the finish line for the ninety days of reading through the Bible, was The Revelation of Jesus Christ chapters three through twelve. Though it is in yesterday’s reading I want to point you to chapter one verse three.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3 (KJV)
In the beginning of the reading of the Revelation we find that our Lord’s intent is for blessing those who will take the time to read this book, hear and obey what He says, and keep them as treasures in one’s heart. The time at hand is that of the completion of the redemption of the world. It is more than judgment it will be the final putting down of everything that is vile, evil, and morally reprehensible.
There is blessing for all those who will read, hear, and keep the the “words of this prophecy”. It is quite clear also that there is judgment for those who love this world and all its principalities and powers;
“Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3:10
“And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:10
“And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, ‘Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!'” Revelation 8:13
It is important to note that following chapter four; chapters 2 and 3 being specifically to seven churches; the Church is mentioned no more, except in chapter five around the throne of God as the “twenty four elders” (4:4; 5:8). It is implied in chapters 21 and 22 for the Church to be in the presence of God in Heaven.
The judgment is not for those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. The judgment coming on the world that the Revelation speaks of is for those whose hearts cannot be torn away from the riches, fame, popularity, politics, and power of this world.
Blessing is what God desires for you. Blessing is what He has provided for all who will trust in Him, and the finished work of the cross of Christ. Refuse Him and be judged. Receive Him and be blessed.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 88 – The Christian and Discernment
It has been said that the best way to identify a counterfeit is to really know the real thing. It has been told to me by one who has experience as a teller that banks train them to get the feel for the real paper money, and when a counterfeit passes through their fingers it is almost immediately identified. Do they study the counterfeit? Not at all. They get to know the genuine article.
There is a great illustration, even parable of sorts to that thought for the Christian. I used to spend a lot of time studying different religions; and I find no fault in doing so; but to use great caution, and know the true God and His Son Jesus personally.
My reading today began in the First Epistle of John the apostle; and ended with Revelation chapter 2. The Epistles of John have been called “Love Letters” to the Christians; if they have not been, maybe they should be; because the First one is all about Christian love; first for God and His Son Jesus, and second the Christian’s love one for another.
In the First Epistle John covers much about love, loving one another, and he also deals with discernment in chapter four.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3 (KJV)
To hear some professing Christian leaders speak today you would think that any belief is alright, and get you to heaven; as long as you have “faith”. John nails it down to what one believes about Jesus Christ. There is strong implication in the above text that John is viewing Jesus as Deity “come in the flesh”. God came down to man in the form of a man. John says anyone teaches that is of God; if not they are not of God. It is sad to say there are some religions, Christian cults who believe that Jesus came in the flesh and is deity; but they add to that by teaching that all of us can become Christ, and be gods. That is a distortion of the truth.
My friends do you know Jesus, the one and only Son of God, who became flesh, dwelt among us, died for our sins, was buried, and bodily rose from the grave; and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father? God has no other sons, but those who are born again through the blood of Jesus Christ.
In Second John he writes of the “doctrine of Jesus Christ”, and most likely is referring to His being God in flesh; warning,
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 9-11
In Third John he writes of a man in the church who loves dominating others, even prohibiting John even from speaking in said church;
“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” 3 John 9-11
A man name of Diotrephes is the guilty party. Sometimes it is sad to admit but there are folks who call themselves Christian and pastor, bishop or elder who endeavor to dominate other people in the church. Diotrephes was an evil man, keeping even the apostles of Jesus Christ out of the church, and excommunicating all who favored them.
I also read Jude. Jude is believed to have been the half brother of Jesus, though he calls himself, “The servant/slave of Jesus Christ”. In verse 11 he writes,
“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.” Jude 11
If you would like to read more study on the book of Jude follow this link.
Mentioning three Old Testament personalities in this one verse; Cain the brother of Abel whom he killed and rejecting the way of God; Balaam who led the enemy of Israel to cause them to sin; and Korah who was a rebel along with Dathan and Abiram, against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness journey (Numbers 16). Still we see the need for discernment in the Body of Christ.
In the Revelation of Jesus Christ chapters one and two we see Jesus revealing Himself to John the apostle while he is being held prisoner on the isle of Patmos for his faith in Christ and preaching the gospel of Christ. Oh, if there is ever a truer presentation of who Jesus is it is here. Jesus says to John,
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,’ saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, ‘I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.'” Revelation 1:10-11 (KJV)
And in verse 17 He says again, “Fear not; I am the first and the last”. No one can honestly say that except they be the incarnate Son of God, God in flesh. Know Jesus and you will be able to discern the true from the false. Know the Word of God and you will know the Living Word of God. Remember what John wrote in John 1;
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
God has given us the ability, and power to be discerning; practice it for your life’s sake, for the Church’s sake; mostly for the sake of Jesus Christ Himself, and His glory.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 87 – The Power of a Godly Life
The title of this reveals some inadequacy in my own life. I do not believe that I exhibit the power of Christ in my life as I ought. I fall short. I read the Bible and for today particularly James’s and Peter’s Epistles; and I hear their calls to faith that works, and godliness.
My reading was James 4-5, and First and Second Peter.
James writes,
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:1-4 (KJV)
We Christians, especially today, and probably in every age do not realize the power we have with God in prayer. Maybe I should say, at least I do not. Part of the problem with the Corinthian church was jealousy over spiritual gifts. Can you imagine us fighting over who is more spiritual? The answer is “None”. I was reading a book by E. M. Bounds, and a chapter about “Prayerless Praying”. The following is a sentence from that chapter –
“Prayerless praying lacks the essential element of true praying; it is not based on desire, and it is devoid of earnestness and faith.”
When Brother Bounds mentions “Desire” in that sentence he is not meaning worldly, fleshly desire but rather the desire God gives (Psalam 37:3-4). Our praying is more like rubbing a bottle for a genie, and getting three wishes; and that comes to nothing.
Notice James mentions also, the power of the prayer of the Old Testament prophet Elijah –
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” 5:16b-18
I look at Elijah, then I take a look at myself. I have something greater than Elijah, yet not the faith or the power. Sometimes it seems my prayers have an opposite affect than what I ask; at least from my point of view. Why did Elijah have so much authority and power in his praying? I believe it must have been because he was jealous to glorify the LORD of hosts. He was outraged by Israel’s departure from God; and he was willing to risk his life to restore her back to God; even approaching the king Ahab, and Jezebel.
Now look at what Peter says of holiness –
“But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
Peter mentions our being “Born again” (1 Peter 1:23), and that it is not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible. That it is “by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever”, that we are born again. Born from above, born of God are similar phrases and trues given us throughout the Bible.
Peter gives men instruction concerning their wives,
“…Ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7
A husband can be so out of fellowship with his wife, his fellowship with God is broken and his prayers hindered. Peter has given previous instruction to the wives, to slaves (2:18 – 3:6). They have their responsibilities in Christ as well. Let no Christian think they can be holy unto God, if they are not following the direction of the Spirit of God and His Word.
The apostle Peter mentions Paul in 2 Peter 3:15, and this is what he says,
“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:15-16 (KJV)
There had been some contention between the apostles Paul and Peter; yet in Christian love Peter acknowledges that the writings of Paul are part of holy Scripture, and need to be heard (See Galations 2:11-14ff). Peter desires that the Christian “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (v. 18). That is my desire for all Christians as well; even myself.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 86 – A Better Covenant
When I began doing this 90 days of reading through the Bible my thinking on these posts were not to write commentaries on what I had read, but that is probably what they are. They are more my thoughts on what I have read, and certainly not verbally inspired as the Scriptures are. I had intended to write with more brevity, and in that I have probably failed. Today; five days from the finish line; let me try and be brief with little word from me and more from the LORD’S Word.
My reading today was Hebrews 7 through James 3.
Hebrews 7 begins speaking of Melchizedek who is a mystery character of the Bible. Hear what the writer of Hebrews says of Him –
“For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.” Hebrews 7:1-3 (KJV)
Who is this Melchizedek? According to the writer of Hebrews, inspired by God; he sounds as though he is an eternal being. He is the King of righteousness, the King of Salem – Peace; at least there is no record of a mother or a father, no genealogy. He is one “Made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually”.
The priesthood of Levi, the Aaronic priesthood needed to make sacrifices daily, but the writer of Hebrews says of Jesus;
“For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” 7:26-28
In chapter eleven much is spoken of faith. It gives us a clearer understanding of faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (11:1) We find examples of faith from Abel to David, Jepthah, Samuel, Samson, the prophets and many unnamed ones. Samson and Jepthah were real rascals, yet we find them to be awarded in the roll call of faith. Praise the Lord.
Have faith in God. I will not say anything of James today. That will come; the Lord willing, in tomorrow’s post.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 85 – Pastors, Brethren, and Priests
My reading today was Titus 1 through Hebrews 6. A wonderful reading. I read of Titus a faithful Christian pastor on the Isle of Crete (1:5), and his ministry to the people. Paul’s call to Titus for the appointing of “Elders” which is another word for “Pastors”. Titus is the third and final “Pastoral Epistle”
You can see that the words “Elder” and “Bishop” are similar; because of how Paul uses them in verses five and seven. Paul addresses several issues for Titus; and warns him of several thins such as “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth” (1:14).
“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.” Titus 2:1-6 (KJV)
Sound doctrine is of much importance for the pastor of a Christian congregation. Yet, in 2012 there are some who are more in favor of staying away from Biblical and Christian doctrine. For fear of offense or offending others and driving them away from the “faith”. People need Christ. If we present not the cross of Christ and the correct doctrine of the cross no one will be saved, but will temporarily feel better, maybe.
Christian conduct in this world is given by Paul in chapter three; and he stresses the grace and mercy of God,
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
Philemon, a small letter written by Paul while he is imprisoned for the faith of Christ; is written to this man for Onesimus who was a slave of Philemon. He had evidently left Philemon without consent, maybe even taking some thing or things that did not belong to himself. Onesimus became a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Onesimus has desire to make things right with Philemon, but fears for his life. Philemon is a brother in Christ, now Onesimus is a brother in Christ, and the apostle exhorts Philemon to receive him as a brother. I believe Philemon received Onesimus as a brother, and probably freed him. I can see him grabbing Onesimus when he reads this letter and hugging his neck; forgiveness flowing from the heart of his brother.
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.” Philemon 15-17 (KJV)
The letter addressed to the Hebrew Christians is one dealing with the Deity and Priesthood of Christ Jesus. The Hebrews were familiar with the issue of angels, Moses, and Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-20; Psalm 110). The writer of Hebrews points out that Jesus is greater than angels, Moses and is a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:20)
Because of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross we have the power and authority to approach the very throne of God. Hear the Word of God,
“Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV)
Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God; crucified, buried, and bodily raised from the grave; ascended into Heaven, seated at the Father’s right hand, and is coming again to set things right forever.
Blessed be the name of the LORD.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 84 – Instructions To a Young Preacher
The title does not mean that I am giving instructions to young preachers. God knows I still need instruction. There are many young pastors and preachers who are better instructed, than myself, and do so much better a job than myself, and some other older pastors I know.
Paul, in giving instructions to Timothy instructs all who will hear God’s call and follow Him. My reading today was in the first two Pastoral Epistles – First and Second Timothy. They are “Instructions To a Young Preacher” that we all need to hear and heed. There is much sorrow on my mind and life for the many things I have not done according to these instructions.
First we can see that Timothy must have been struggling a bit with timidity and fear. We hear Paul say to him,
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God…” 2 Timothy 1:6-8 (KJV)
As you can see this is addressed in the second epistle. It was probably a problem with Timothy from the first, though it could have also have became a problem following some time in ministry. Timothy needed encouragement from his teacher, the apostle Paul; and Paul was giving it.
In these letters the apostle addresses several issues; prayer, leadership, and praying for those in authority. He addresses the matter of women teaching men. Because of the cultural prostitution, there is even instruction for women concerning the way they dress. Do not dress like prostitutes. Which, still needs to be heard. It is a matter of creation order, not equality that we should realize. It was not a cultural issue it is a life issue for every culture. The apostle Paul addresses the qualifications of pastors and deacons. Who can fully measure up to these, but by the grace of God?
The apostle reveals Jesus Christ as “the man” in Heaven,
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6
The young pastor is also instructed to “Flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). The young pastor, preacher; and the old pastor/preacher needs to heed this cautions. Youthful lust is not the only problem. Old men can lust too. There have been far too many pastors and preachers, young and old who have fallen to the seductive calling of applause, approval, and power.
There is much in these two letters for us to read, to hear and to heed. Let me leave you with these last verses,
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2
It is needed by the world of 2012 just as much; if not more than in the first century A.D. Let us all be faithful to preaching the inerrant, infallible, verbally inspired Word of God.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 83 – Living, Until Jesus Comes Again
Most of us can say we enjoy living. Though Christians have a longing to see Jesus face to face, and that would mean leaving this life; the life we live in the here and now; we too have a joy for living in this world and life. That is as it should be. My reading this morning was Colossians 1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1-5, and 2 Thessalonians 1-3.
There are many who are believing that the freedoms we have in Jesus Christ means there are no laws or rules we must obey. What it really means to be free in Christ is that we have even greater responsibility to live right, just and holy in this world for the glory of Christ our Lord and Saviour. We have living within us the presence of the Holy Spirit; which is Christ in us. He lives in us to make us more like Jesus. We are no longer free to sin; we are, however, free from sin.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power…” Colossians 2:8-10 (KJV)
The world we presently live in is out to pervert the gospel of Christ through the teachings of men [philosophy]. Christianity is not a philosophy; it is a life to live; a life to give; a fellowship with the One who gave His life for us. Our lives are not our own. Christ Jesus is the “Fulness of the Godhead bodily”. Remember what Jesus said to Philip, “If you have seen Me you have seen the Father” (John 14:9).
Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians was one about living in this world too. In the Thessalonian letters he does address the second coming of Christ, even the rapture of the church; which I know some Christians do not believe in, or believe that Jesus has already returned; but so did some of the Thessalonians.
There are five chapters in the first letter addressed to the Church of Thessolonica. Each chapter ends with a mention of the return of Jesus Christ,
“And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJV)
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” 2:19-20
“Now God Himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” 3:11-13
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 4:14-18
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” 5:23-24
In each of these letters Paul admonishes believers to live faithfully in this world. He even addresses the issue of not working. It would appear that some Thessalonian Christians had quit their jobs, because “Jesus was on His way” and they did not need to work anymore – so they thought. The apostle has written,
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-15 (KJV)
How should we live until Christ comes? As though His coming might be today; yet living in this world, working, faithful toward God, as though it might be a thousand years away. Jesus’s words, were “Occupy til I come” (Luke 19:13).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 82 – Spiritual Blessings
It could be said probably, that, everybody likes a blessing. Those who do not believe in God, however, may not call it “Blessing”. What would you have to be thankful for? Who would you thank? I do not have the answer. My reading this morning was reading through Ephesians and Philippians. Two Epistles [Letters] written by the apostle Paul with words of encouragement to the church of Ephesus and the church of Philippi.
To Ephesus Paul writes,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” Ephesians 1:3 (KJV)
It is one thing to bless God with words, such as the apostle does above; but how are we at blessing Him with our lives too. Both are a part of the faithful Christian’s life. We are to bless God by remembering His blessings to and upon us.
While Paul is addressing “Spiritual blessings” which involve the things that are in the following verses; “He has chosen us in Him”, “Predestinated us unto the adoption of children…”, “…We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins…”. He goes on and includes “…an inheritance”, and that “Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise…”. The spiritual blessings go on and on.
Those spiritual blessing work themselves out into living in this world and life. If we do not live with these spiritual blessings; having thankfulness for them, then, we will most likely be a negative, bitter, envious, carnal individual; probably not a true Christian. Do you realize your spiritual blessings? Are you thankful for them? Particularly for the grace given to us by the Father, putting His own Son to death on the cross, and raising Him again bodily from the grave?
In Ephesians we are told about grace. It is by grace we are saved; plus nothing, minus nothing.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10
In chapter five we are admonished to “…Be filled with the Spirit”, not spirits; how husbands and wives are to respect and love one another, especially how the husband is love his wife as Christ loves the church, and gave Himself for her. Children are to obey their parents, parents are not to “Provoke” their children (chapter 6). Servants, even employees, are to serve their bosses as though they are serving Christ.
In Philippians we see that Jesus Christ was a man of humility; humbling Himself even to the death of the cross;
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV)
It is one of the greatest spiritual blessings to know the God/Man who came to be with us and without sin, offer His life as an atonement for our sin, that we might be like Him. Because of Him we have great cause for rejoicing, which the apostle addresses in the letter (4:4).
Let me end with just a note concerning the passing of a man of God. Charles Colson who was the founder of Prison Fellowship and aided in many prison reforms; and many men and women coming to faith in Christ who were in prison; has gone home to be with Jesus. Reading his book “Born Again” was a blessing to me. I have also read several of his other books. Thank God for men such as Charles Colson who devote their lives to the name and cause of Jesus Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 81 – The Power of the Cross of Christ
There have been some wonderful photo shots of lightening of late. There is a whole lot of power in each one of those bolts of light. The one’s who know those things could tell you how much, but I am coming up without any trivia on that except to know there is so much power that just one bolt can kill a man with one quick flash. I know that because I had a cousin who was killed by lightening many years ago.
I am fascinated by lightening, and its power; yet I know at least one greater Power. He is the One who formed the Universe, and placed everything in unison, and precision. This post is not about lightening however, it is about the power of the cross of Christ.
My reading this morning was 2 Corinthians 7 through Galations 6.
The apostle Paul had written this letter as an encouragement for their agreement with him concerning the sin of the young man of 1 Corinthians 5; his correction of the matter, and the young man’s coming around to repent, and now Paul has told them to receive the man back again into the fellowship. He then, however, addresses another issue.
It seems that they are gullible for any persuasive teacher who might come to them with a different message –
“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 (KJV)
He warns them of the deception of Satan who works through false apostles and teachers (11:13-15). It seems to me that we live in the midst of many professing Christians who are believing and falling for anything in our day; and neglecting the power of the cross of Christ. In the final chapter of Second Corinthians the apostle exhorts them to “Examine yourselves…” –
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 13:5
Where Paul was concerned about the Corinthian church’s possibility of being deceived; we find that the Galatian church had fallen for the deception of the Jewish legalists. From May 18, 2011 through April 11, 2012 we studied the book of Galations at Carr Lane Baptist Church. Follow this link to the study notes for that Wednesday evening study. Hear what the apostle says to the Galation church –
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, ‘If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.'” Galations 1:6-9 (KJV)
The Judaizers [legalists] had come in and were convincing the Gentile converts that they needed to practice Jewish law; especially the law of circumcision; or they could not be saved. Paul is correcting this false teaching, this deceiving lie; and expressing with great conviction the power of the cross of Christ. It is by the cross of Christ Jews and Gentiles are born again. There is no law one needs to keep, no sacrament, no ordinance, one must keep in order to be saved. By the cross of Christ you are saved.
The apostle has written,
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” 2:20
and also we read,
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” Galations 6:14-16 (KJV)
For anyone who adds a sacrament, an ordinance, a law, unto grace; it ceases to become grace, and becomes a debt which God owes. God owes no man anything. He has purchased us with the blood of His own Son. That is the power of the cross of Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 