Christianity

Growing Up…Faith

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Growing Up in the Faith

“And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.” Genesis 13:5-9 (KJV).

After their return to the Promised Land from Egypt the LORD blessed Abram and Lot in their herds. The place where they lived had become quite crowded with the livestock. Both have been extremely blessed materially. Their herdmen were at strife with one another due to the close quarters. Part of the crowd was also local natives.

Living by faith or having a maturing or growing faith does not mean one does not sin. It does mean continuing on the journey despite our sins, and at times yielding our rights to others and letting them choose their course in life, even at our expense.

The one who was growing in faith toward maturity gave first choice to the weaker of faith. Remember God’s promise of the land was to Abram, not Lot. Abram gave Lot the first choice in order to cease the strife which was brewing between them and their herdmen. The land was Abram’s by God’s promise, but he chose to go which ever way Lot did not.

We will see in a later chapter of Genesis what is emphasized throughout all of the Scriptures; “Abraham believed God” (15:6; Hebrews 11:8-10). Believing God is more than believing in God. The former is an abiding trust and dependence upon; the latter is only a knowledge of existence. You know that airplane to exist, but there is no trust extended to it until you get on board and fly away. To believe God is to get on board. Abraham’s faith was so extensive that he believed if Lot chose the most fertile land, then the land he himself would receive would be blessed by God. He believed it better to be in the desert with God, than in the fertile lands without Him. That is a Growing Up…Faith.

Getting Back to the Promise

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Getting Out of the World

“And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.” Genesis 13:1-4 (KJV)

Abram and Sarai and Lot came up out of Egypt; the picture of the world, and all its wealth; for that was not the place of God’s call or blessing or presence. Abram had left that when a famine had come into the land. He had deserted the altar, his dwelling, and had sought after comfort. On the way to Egypt he and Sarai had plotted and schemed together of how to save Abram’s life; at the risk of the Promise.

Egypt was not the place where God had called Abram to abide. That was back at the place where there was a famine. There are some who would question the sanity of a person who would stay in those troublesome circumstances. However, if we look at the life and ministry of Jesus His whole life was lived for a vital and important climax – His death. he could have left Israel (the land of promise) and remained alive. Jesus knew, however, that He would not be fulfilling the will of His Father. In order to live, we must die.

Abram came out of Egypt a wealthier man. Verse 2 declares “…In cattle, in silver, and in gold”. We should in no wise take this to be a reward for going to Egypt. Instead it became a test and temptation of its own. We can see that Abram was a blessed man. God’s hand was on him, guiding, protecting, providing, and blessing him; even when he was out of place.

After being virtually run out of the country by Pharoah of Egypt he returns to his proper place of residence; the promise still in place. He went back to where he had his tent in the Promised Land. Abram also went back to the altar. There, once again, he “…called on the name of the LORD”. In Egypt he had no altar. When God’s children get out of God’s promise they will have no altar, no worship of God, and no peace with God.

The Kings Power Over Sin

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The Kings Power Over Sin

“And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” Matthew 9:1-8 (KJV)

Does Jesus have power to forgive sin? This was the question the people were asking, especially the religious rulers. They hated Jesus in the first place, and they came at the situation not really looking for the truth, but for something to charge Jesus with. They could have charged Him with speaking the truth. They could have charged Him with love for the people. They could have charged Him with practicing successful medicine without a license. They could have charged Him with many positive things, and been happy that someone such as Jesus had come to their town.

We need to realize that sin not only cripples physically, but also emotionally, and spiritually, and these religious leaders were certainly crippled spiritually. They were so weak spiritually that they could only see other’s sins; and not their own. They were blind to the things of God.

Jesus and the disciples have entered the ship once again. This time they are leaving the land where the demons have been cast out of the people and into the swine, only to the chagrin of the owners of the pork. Upon their reaching the Capernaum side of the Sea they go to Peter’s home; at least it is believed to be. This has become our Lord’s base and place where He lays His head. You can see in this first verse that it is referred to as, “His own city”, and the home of the apostle Peter was in Capernaum.

The house was full and overflowing with people. Peter’s house was a place of much activity. Mark chapter two gives us more details, and the gospel according to Luke in chapter 5 tells us that it was so crowded that the four friends who brought the paralytic went to the roof top, tore away the tiles, and let this man down through the hole with a rope; putting him right in front of Jesus.

Without question. Without permission. Without any authority whatsoever. These men were believing that Jesus was their friends healer. It is also evident that the man on the pallet was also a man of faith. He was the one allowing them to let him down before Jesus.

Jesus recognizes faith when He sees faith, and He recognized it here. Faith always recognizes the higher authority. It is the act of believing without seeing; submitting to the One who is the power and in power. Faith, true faith, recognizes God. True faith has God as the Person in whom we believe, trust, live, and have our being. The only way to get to God is to come by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

The greatest need for mankind is forgiveness. We need the forgiveness of God. We need the forgiveness of one another. We need to receive the forgiveness God has given us. When this man was let down by the rope into the room with Jesus the first need Jesus met was the man’s greatest need. That greatest need was the need for forgiveness. He needed forgiveness of sin. We are not told what caused this man’s paralysis, and it does not matter; but one thing we can know is that all sickness, disease, paralysis, and emotional and mental sickness is the direct result of sin from the beginning. Had it not been for the fall of Adam and Eve, into sin there would have been no sickness or disease or crippling falls. All would be well.

Jesus pronounced the man, “Forgiven”. Jesus actually said, “Son, Be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” (NKJV). Do we have to imagine the release and freedom this man must have experienced. All who have come to faith in Jesus have experienced this freedom from guilt, freedom from sin, from the devil, and from all unrighteousness which hindered us from doing the works of the Lord.

Some of the religious leaders did not appreciate Jesus speaking words of forgiveness of sin. “Only God can forgive sin”. Thes scribes were raging inside unwilling to believe that Jesus could forgive of sin. It was the belief of the religious leaders and probably others that there was a group of people who thought that healing would only take place after all sin was forgiven, and done away with. They also believed that only God could forgive sins. And this was what happens with their discharge of accusing Jesus of blasphemy.

They were, of course, right in believing that only God can heal. They needed to realize who it was who was standing before them. This was deity. This was God. “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made’, ‘without Him was not anything made that was made”. They had yet to realize this great truth.

These accusers knew Old Testament law. They are bound by their own binding, obtrusive traditionalism. They refused to believe tht these powers came from God, thus they certainly would not recognize Him as being God in flesh [incarnate]. On this thought John MacArthur writes, “Their (the scribes and Pharisees) hearts were so hardened against Christ that every miraculous evidence of His divinity and messiahship drove them to deeper unbelief rather than a repentance. Even His most gracious and loving words and acts drove them to greater fury against Him.” JOHN MACARTHUR COMMENTARY ON Matthew, Vol. 1, p. 53

God is the only one who can forgive sin, and make us whole. That is who Jesus is. The power to heal, and to forgive sin is an awesome power which belongs solely to God.

These religious leaders [the scribes] should have known better than to argue with the Creator of all things. He knew their thoughts. This alone should have been a clue to them that they could stand a chance of winning against Him, nor should they have even dared to try. The scribes had just accused Him of “Blasphemy”. For someone who was just human and not God-man to make the statements Jesus did would have been blasphemy. His power to forgive sin was His right, because He is the incarnate God. Even though this was simply in their thoughts and maybe whispered quietly among themselves Jesus knew.

In the thinking of the day, and sometimes in our own, the supposed thinking is that this man committed some vile act of sin and this is why he is paralyzed. It was the easiest thing to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, but that would not make it so, except in this case it came from the Forgiver Himself. The forgiveness of sin is unseen, but the results will be seen, and Jesus not only announces this man’s sins forgiven, but heals him as well that they might know that He had power of forgiveness of sin, and power to heal. To say “Arise and walk” would give evidence one way or the other. It would be the most difficult thing to do. It does become evident by the one who was crippled.

We must admit and confess that all sickness, disease, and sorrow is a direct result of sin. There are times we are judged specifically for some sin. Other times affliction comes upon us to prove our faith. Jesus does not correct their belief that this was caused by sin. The cripple believed it to be a result of specific sin. Jesus forgave his sin

The argument Jesus presents is this – “If I have power to heal an infirmity caused by sin, then, I also have power to forgive the sin.”

The power of Jesus was revealed in His words. Jesus told him to take up his bed and walk. “Go to your house”. The man got up and went just as Jesus had told him to do. When the people who were present saw this spectacular miracle of God. You can be fairly certain that there was a fear that crept through the crowd that was present that day. The scribes were still unbelieving. They saw nothing except someone and some thing to condemn. It matters not to mere traditionalists that people are hurting and suffering; they just want things to be right with their tradition. The multitudes were awed by this revelation of power – the Person of the power. They glorified God the Father. That is, of course, where Jesus intended the glory to go. Only God has power on earth to forgive sins, and to heal.

What was the greatest marvel of all? It was not the healing of an ill or maimed body; but the healing of an ill and maimed soul. It was ill and maimed by sin; eternally separated from God; an enemy of God. Made whole by the works of Jesus Christ. Let us, too, marvel that God has given such grace and power to men. It is given to all who receive God’s Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

The Kings Authority Over Evil

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The Kings Authority Over Evil

“And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.  And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?  And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.  So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.  And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.  And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.” Matthew 8:28-34 (KJV)

We have seen Jesus the King as He has dealt with physical ailments, sicknesses, diseases, and our infirmities. We have seen Him deal with the storm which came up at sea which could, itself, have been generated by supernatural means, through the demons we see in our text. It is only my supposition to think it was of supernatural means, and I think a good supposition due to the fear of the four fishermen who were on the boat of the previous verses. If it was not supernatural, then, it was one of the fiercest storms they had ever encountered.

In this passage of Scripture we see our King dealing with the hordes of hell. There are many who see demons in every ailment or problem which befalls mankind. Some call liquor, “Demon alcohol” or something equivalent. Not to long ago there was a celebrity “preaching” couple and the husband had beaten the wife, and he said, “The devil made me do it”. We must admit there is evil in the world, and demons are probably a motivating factor behind a lot of it, but they only inhabit bodies of human beings who have opened their lives to them. That is probably the case with these two men.

It is my fear that there are many people today who are demon possessed and receiving psychological or psychiatric counselling that will not do them a bit of good. They may calm down, put on an apparent new behavior, but still be under the control of demons. We see a progression of Jesus’s power in this chapter. Ailments, sicknesses, diseases, infirmities, storms, then, the spiritual realm.

All power has been given unto Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. All power means over everything in, on, and under the earth, and all that is in heaven.

There are some who have supposed a couple of problems with this passage. The first one being the location. Matthew calls the land Gergesenes, and Mark, and Luke calls it the country of the Gadarenes. The following is the writing of John Gill,

“into the country of Gergesenes, the same with the Girgashites, Gen_15:21 whom Joshua drove out of the land of Canaan; and who, as a Jewish writer (l) says, left their country to the Israelites, and went to a country, which is called to this day, גורגיסטאן, “Gurgestan”, of which these people were some remains: both in Mar_5:1 it is called “the country of the Gadarenes”; and so the Syriac and Persic versions read it here; which is easily reconciled by observing, not that Gergesa and Gadara were one and the same city, called by different names; but that these two cities were near each other, in the same country, which was sometimes denominated from the one, and sometimes from the other. Origen (m) has a remarkable passage, showing the different situations of Gadara and Gergesa; and that the latter cannot be Gerasa in Arabia; and also the signification of the name, for the sake of which, I shall transcribe it.

“Gerasa (says he) is a city of Arabia, having neither sea nor lake near it; wherefore the evangelists, who well knew the countries about Judea, would never have said so manifest an untruth: and as to what we find in some few copies, “into the country of the Gadarenes”, it must be said, that Gadara indeed was a city of Judea, about which were many famous baths; but there was no lake, or sea in it, adjacent with precipices; but Gergesa, from whence were the Gergasenes, is an ancient city about the lake; now called Tiberias; about which is a precipice adjacent to the lake, from whence is shown, that the swine were cast down by the devils. Gergesa is interpreted, παροικιαεκβεβληκοτων, “the habitation of those that cast out”; being called so perhaps prophetically, for what the inhabitants of those places did to the Saviour, beseeching him to depart out of their coasts.”” From the e-Sword version.

The second problem some see is in Matthew’s version we have two people. The gospels of both Mark and Luke mention only one. There is a good reason for this and one is that one of these demon possessed people was more fierce and vile than the other, and He is the one to whom Jesus Spoke. According to Matthew Henry’s Commentary, “And some think, these two were man and wife, because the Evangelists speak but of one” p. 112, VOL. V.

Remember the storm that arose at sea? Could it have been brought about by the “prince of the power of the air” trying to prevent the Prince of peace from getting ashore to give peace to these two tormented souls? We do need to remember even if this is so the devil has no power or authority except that which God allows. Even then, it is to display His glory.

As soon as Jesus is ashore the two possessed by the demons approach Jesus fully recognizing Him (v. 29). The other writers of this event tell us these two; at least one of them anyway; were uncontrollable; “chains had been plucked asunder… fetters broken in pieces…” (Mark 5:4). Luke confirms that these dwelt among the tombs (Luke 8:27). They are quickly identified as being closely associated with the buried dead – “coming out of the tombs”. The demons upon seeing Him are humbled before Him. People who came around this area always went around the area, for fear of these two demon possessed individuals. Matthew even calls them “exceeding fierce”. The English Standard Version says, “so fierce that no one could pass that way”. It was a dangerous matter to go by these tombs with these two there. One’s life could be in jeopardy by doing so.

To describe demon possession goes beyond human thought. An individual who is possessed by a demon or demons; as in this case; is under the control of a supernatural entity or entities. When the person speaks under the influence of the demon, the voice may be rough, angry, coarse, loud, arrogant, hateful, hollow. The physical strength of this individual would far exceed normalcy for a human being. The eyes would be distant, bloodshot, empty, cold, and hateful. Sometimes demon possession may be from the use of drugs. It always comes about because the person has opened their heart and mind to a power greater than themselves, except to God.

These demons are really nothing more than fallen angels. They are angelic beings who joined Lucifer in the rebellion of heaven, and were cast out. All the Father, Son and Holy Spirit had to do to cast the evil one from heaven was speak the Word, and it was done. We can see that rebellion in Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:13-19. Being the eternal beings that they are, ie., eternal from the time of their creation; they would recognize their Creator. They came to meet the Master, their Ruler and Judge, with humility. These are all condemned for all time and all eternity. They are bound to the fires of eternal judgment (Jude 6). They are concerned that the Lord may be come to judge them before their time has come, and to cast them into the eternal fires.

There is probably a tone of resentment in their question, “What have we to do with Thee…? Though they had been thrown out of heaven, though they may have shown some humility in recognizing Him, they still despise Him.

The only possible reason for the swine being mentioned in this story is probably that the people who were breeding hogs were Jewish. Thus, they were doing so illegally against the Mosaic Law. THE LIBERTY COMMENTARY states:

“This is Jesus’ only recorded miracle that was destructive in nature. The fact that Jesus granted the demons’ request was because of His concern for the man. The spiritual principle in this incident is that those who are deliberately disobedient (as was the case of the pig-breeders) deprive themselves of devine protection and place themselves at the mercy of the forces of evil. Certainly, losing the herd of pigs, which was unlawful in the first place, was insignificant when compared to the man’s gaining his spiritual health.” p. 1906.

Jesus had only to speak one word. That word was “Go.” He granted their request. It was only a delay in judgment. Their judgment would yet come some time in the future. The time unknown to them. We are told in Matthew of “an herd of many swine”, however Mark’s gospel tells us “(they were about two thousand)”. In the economy of that day this would have been great economic loss for these Jewish “pig-breeders”. The fact that these pigs are even mentioned, and that Jesus used them for deliverance of the couple, should show us that these swine were the herd of Jewish people. These swine ran down this steep place into the Sea of Galilee and all drowned. What happened to the demons? Only God knows the answer to that.

Jesus had just delivered two individuals – human beings – from bondage of supernatural spirit beings. The pork was now of no use to anyone. They were all drowned. The Jewish owners were now free from their disobedient living; if only they would follow the Savior. Instead, they are angry over the loss of their living. They are completely unconcerned with the two being set free from Satan’s bondage. The pig herders having seen what happened to the herd ran to tell the owners. They even told them of the deliverance of the two demon possessed people.

The whole city came out to meet Jesus. There was much curiosity. Rather than bowing before Him and giving Him glory and praise they ask Him to leave. Rather than inviting Him home with them; they do not want Him around. They are more consumed with the wealth they lost, and what other things that might be discarded should He come to their town.

The story here is of the deliverance of two people. There is no need for ritual in delivering people from the bondage of the devil. Only the need for Jesus. We give people Jesus when we proclaim the gospel. When an individual is given the gospel and believes no demon can stay around. They must flee when Jesus comes in and possesses the individual. Evil and God cannot possess the same vessel. When Jesus is present do you want Him to stay?

The Wonderful Love of God

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

There are far too many times I have heard of people, even Christians, saying; “The God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament”, or they say; “People of the Old Testament were saved differently than the people of the New Testament time.” My usual response to that is; “That just isn’t so”.

In reading in the book of Genesis we find that “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD”. He did not earn his salvation it was by grace (Genesis 6:8). We find again in Genesis, “And he [Abram, ie., Abraham] believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). That same phrase is used to assure us that Abraham was not saved by works but by grace in Romans 4:1-4.

In looking in the book of Jeremiah the prophet proclaims the love or our God and Savior:

“They say, ‘if a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would not tht land be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; ‘Yet return to Me,’ says the LORD.” Jeremiah 3:1 (NKJV).

The prophet likens the people of Israel and Judah to a wife who has committed many adulteries, and abominations against her Husband who is God. According to law, Deuteronomy 24:1-04, it was an unclean act for a man to have his previously divorced, remarried, divorced and to take her back to himself. It was considered a defilement of the promised land. God, though, seeing the uncleanness of His people calls them to repent and return to Him. Despite the fact of their many acts of treachery, adultery and spiritual adultery, their murder of small children and elderly people; God says, “I still love you. Return to Me.’

That is the grace of God displayed in the Old Testament. Saved and restored by God’s amazing and wonderful love and grace.

What God Has Joined Together

/ T. A. Blankenship / 2 Comments

I was recently asked, “Why are we as Christians making such a big fuss about homosexuality?” and I hear statements similar to this; “The sin of homosexuality is no worse than our gluttony, and we rarely hear any preacher condemning gluttony”.  To both the question and the statement I must give an answer.

First of all it is not the Christians who have made the issue such a big issue.  It is in fact the community of those who espouse themselves to the perverted lifestyle of sin.  We as Christians have not made it the major issue; in fact the homosexual people have done so by parading the issue into the government congressional and senate sessions, and parading the issue before the public demanding that they be given the same rights as women or blacks.

This would not be the issue that it is if the ones who are bound by this sin would have just kept it inside the closet, their homes rather than trying to push their perversion upon our society.  It is quite clear that God has never ordained that two men live together as spouses; or two women live together as spouses.

Hear the Word of the Lord:

“The LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.  Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.  And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man.’

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

It is quite clear that God made them male and female.  He did not make two males to live together as spouses, nor did He ever intend it to be so.

The agenda of the “Same sex” move is to get everyone to accept their lifestyle as legitmate.  It is not.  It will not ever be.  There may come a time when our society may accept it, but it will never be approved by God.  We as Christians are compelled by the Word of God, our compassion and love for those condemned by their sin, and mostly our love for God and His Word to confront this issue that is changing our sanctity of marriage.

Is homosexuality just one of our other sins?  Should we give it the same coverage in our messages as other sins?  There is no one out in our society pushing for the beauties of our “gluttony”.  There is no one really pushing for the acts of committing adultery.  Most people will admit these are sinful behavior.  The Word of God clearly calls people of the same sex “lieing together” an abomination (Levitcus 18:22), and it is condemned in the New Testament as well (See Romans 1:26-32).

The answer we Christians need to give is to show what good marriages are really like.  A man and a woman loving one another.  Having children and teaching them Biblical and godly principles taught in Scripture.  Not only loving our families but loving others as well.  Marriage is still a sanctified institution which God has built.  Let those of us who follow Jesus Christ show forth the love of Christ.

Homosexuality is not the unforgivable sin.  There is hope for all who are bound in sin, adultery, greed, lust, all sexual sins, theft, etc., and homosexuality.  That hope is found only through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He changes hearts and lives for eternity.

Of Faith and Famine

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Of Faith and Famine

“And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife. And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.” Genesis 12:10-20 (KJV)

Adverse circumstances hits all of humankind. Christian, non-christian; it makes no difference, and anyone who believes otherwise is deceived, naive, lying, and/or deceiving others. Abram the father of our faith experienced adverse circumstances, made wrong choices, sinned against God; yet was forgiven, and most of what we remember of him is his faith and faithfulness. He is truly an inspiration to our faith

Abram had come to the promised land through his new found faith, and he had much growing yet to do. That could take us back to the Warren Wiersbe quote concerning “…If your feet are going your faith is growing”. Abram, the man of God, found himself in a bit of dilemma. God had called him to this promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now there is a famine in the land. He must have heard that Egypt had it pretty good still; green grass for the sheep and cattle; plenty of food and water to eat and drink. It looks like the best time to consider your comfort in life.

He decides to leave the land of promise. This is a famine of testing. He departs from his trust in the LORD, and goes down to Egypt. He now enters a time of fear, and begins scheming and plotting with his wife Sarai. When he got away from the place of promise he became fearful for his life, and forsook the promise that God had given he and Sarai. Because of this lapse of faith the scheming and plotting is not to protect the promise, but to protect Abram’s life. It is not to protect Sarai’s life and purity, but Abram. That is the path of departure from the promise of God.

As we look at this event in Abram’s life we see that when he went into Egypt he built no altar to the LORD, nor are we told that he “pitched his tent”. At least his heart did not grow fond of the land of Egypt. His altars were still back in the land of promise. It was the LORD who was protecting the promise. It was the LORD who “plagued Pharoah and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife”. It was the Almighty who made the Pharoah aware of the deceit of Abram. There could have been shame brought into the house of Abram, but God protected him. There could have been a sin of impurity committed, but God protected Sarai from that, thus preserving the promise.

Does any of this relate to the Christian life? Most definitely. We too, have been called to leave the land of our sin and the worship of false gods. We too, have been called to a Promised Land of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; a place of new beginning and new life and promise. We are never called by God to leave this place of promise. No matter what adverse circumstances may come our way in faith or in famine we are to stay and grow and believe, and trust the LORD and His provisions through it all. Do we ever leave the place of promise? I am afraid that I have more than once. When I have God has always brought me back to where I departed from to make things right once again. When we are out of His promise we become fearful, and we too will begin plotting and scheming to achieve our own ends rather than God’s. In Egypt we see a picture of the world and its system of doing things. Their way is against the way of God. The way of Egypt is actually attempting to overthrow God and His way. Our attempts of scheming and plotting can only bring harm to relationships that have been formed through our deceit.

Here are the things Abram should not have done: 1) He left the land of promise; 2) He went to Egypt (a picture of the world and its ways); 3) He lies, leads his wife to lie and deceive; 4) In Egypt he has no testimony for God, except how God preserved the promise. Let’s look at what God does: 1) He let Abram go; 2) He protects Sarai’s purity and the messianic lineage – the Promise; 3) God enriches Abram materially; 4) God brings Abram back to the place of Promise.  Fearful thinking is one sign we have left the place of God’s promise.

When the Christian leaves the place of Promise it is because God does not put us in chains to keep us from wrong choices; we too get into worldliness, rebellion, and sin; but God has a wonderful grace in protecting us; protecting the Promise of eternal life in Christ. The riches we receive from the world can be deceptive, delusional, and powerless. Depite the fact that we leave, God is faithful to bring us back to the place where we departed from Him. The LORD Almighty has a way of keeping that Promise and will not let it escape Himself or us.

When, as a Christian, your are faced with famine – adverse circumstances – stay in the place of promise. Never leave it. Never forsake it. Rest assured, that if you have; God is faithful and you will return.

The Faith Beginning

/ T. A. Blankenship / Leave a comment

The Beginning Faith Experience

Genesis 12:1-9

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.” Genesis 12:1-9 (KJV).

The book of beginnings [Genesis] centers around four basic beginnings: 1) The beginning of all things; 2) The Human race; 3) The restart fo the Human race; and 4) A new Nation of people through Abraham.

God in His call to Abram said, “Get out of your country, and from your kindred… to a land I will show you” (v. 1). Then, He gives him a promise, “Unto your seed will I give this land”. The promise of the land is given with the call to depart from his country, kindred, father’s household, etc. In this call we need to understand the when, how and why of the call. Abram was called while he was still in Mesopatamia worshipping idols (Acts 7:2; Joshua 24:2). Now that should not burst anyone’s bubble concerning Abram. This in truth shows us that like us, Abram was also called by grace through faith. In Acts 7:2 we also learn how God called Abram, and that is; He appeared to him, and spoke to him. It is most likely the appearance of preincarnate Christ who spoke to him. We too have received revelation of Jesus through God’s speaking to us, and as the apostle Paul has written, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV). We answer then the “Why?’ of God’s call; Because of God’s glory; because He loves us all; because he wanted to bless the world; for an example of faith; because of grace – “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 the call of Abram is a covenant which God made with him. It is a covenant of faith. In this covenant God gives promise of what He will do and there is no requirements on Abram – thus, it is an unconditional covenant. Abram simply believes God, and as we are told in chapter 15 verse six, “…he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness.” For those who are going to be quick to respond, “But there was something required of Abram; faith”, then you need to reconsider. The grace Scripture of Ephesians clearly tells us that faith is the gift of God, along with grace. Saving faith is solely the gift of God. God gives the promise, and the faith and Abram believes, thus is saved. Since faith is not something that comes from within us, then, faith is not feeling mustered up within when we feel good about God, and His blessings. The faith in God and His power and ability to keep the promise was what kept Abram going, though he did err from time to time. As Abram grew in faith God gives him more truth to obey, and He does the same for you and I.

Looking at Abram’s faith it seems in some instances he failed. When God first called him to leave all those things, he took his father, and Lot with him, then stopped when they arrived at Haran. He stayed in Haran until his father died. After his father died he goes on to the land of promise still proceeding with Lot. Sometimes we all will follow how God leads us to a certain extent and yet be disobedient in a portion. Someone has said, “Partial obedience is disobedience”, and I tend to agree with that. God’s mercy is everlasting and endures forever so He still extends mercy to His disobedient people, and works in us the obedience that will give Him glory.

As has been seen in the previous paragraph Abram was a man prone to compromise. The old life we once lived creates problems, and we bring with us some baggage that God must and will work out in our lives. God will perform in His children however and whatever He pleases to accomplish His will and glory. The life of faith demands separation from the evil and total devotion to the holy. Abram must get away from the former life, his father, Lot were part of that former life. God will do whatever it takes to make us like His Son. When you walk the walk of faith you will lean of God and His Son Jesus alone.

Even though Abram failed several times in various ways we see that he was faithful. He had a commitment to the Lord. When we were lost in sin and in bondage to the wiles of sin – faith brings us out (vv. 4-5; Matthew 6:24; James 1:6-8); also when we get to a spot we want to quit, stop, or cease the journey of faith – faith will bring us in (vv. 6-8; Deuteronomy 6:23; Hebrews 11:13) to the place of God’s promise, even though we may die without seeing them in this life. Abram’s faith is marked by his setting up the tent, and by his worship of the LORD in building an altar. This clearly shows Abram’s grace/faith received from the LORD fully at work in his life. You can say too, that “faith brings us on” (v. 9). The Journey of Faith never ceases in this life. Warren W. Wiersbe has said, “The life of faith must never stand still; for if your feet are going, your faith is growing”.

Some points to ponder considering Abram’s faith, and how it is like ours: 1) He departed (v. 4); 2) He went forth (v. 5); 3) He passed through (v. 6); 4) He removed (v. 8); 5) He journeyed (v. 9). Like Abram and the building of the first altar and the setting up of his tent (v. 8) he dwelt between Hai and Bethel – the place of the House of God ie., Bethel; and the place of Ruin, ie., Hai. So too, is the Christian life. We live in an imperfect world with a sinful fleshly body, and we are always between the place of God’s dwelling and the place of Ruin, but by God’s grace and mercy He brings us through.

The King Deals With Nature

/ T. A. Blankenship / Leave a comment

The King Deals with Nature

Matthew 8:23-27

In verse 18 of this chapter we see Jesus giving commandment “to depart to the other side.” After a delay of sorts, now, we find Jesus and the disciples in the boat and going toward the other side.

According to many different writers and people familiar with the Sea of Galilee it is known to be a storm filled body of water. Storms can come up from almost out of nowhere. According to the MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE, “The Sea of Galilee is more than 690 ft. below sea level. To the N. Mt. Hermon rises 9,200 ft, and from May to Oct. strong winds often sweep through the narrow surrounding gorges into this valley, causing extremely sudden and violent storms.” p. 1406

In looking at this we need remember formost, that, it was Jesus who commanded that they get into the boat and go to the other side. It was not just coincidence that a storm comes along. Who is in charge of the storms?

“And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27 (KJV).

As Jesus had given commandment in verse eighteen to go to the other side, He now gets into one of the fishing boats, and His disciples follow Him. After a while in crossing, evidently, a storm suddenly arises. It has been a little time because Jesus has gone to sleep. While He is sleeping a storm comes up which by all accounts is not an uncommon event, but quite normal.

The humanity of Jesus is seen here and shows us clearly that He is human. That is to tear away the ludicrous thought that He was merely an apparition, or just a spiritual being. There are other examples Jesus lets us see to show that He is human. Such as; we see Him from time to time eating, and even following the resurrection, and there it shows us that He still possesses a body, which is no longer temporal, but still a body; there is also His need to go apart and pray; we also see His tears as He wept at Lazarus’s grave.

Jesus slept even in the storm. What kind of man or woman; for that matter can sleep during a violent storm? One who is at peace and is secure of their destiny. There are also two other types who can. One is like Jonah who was surely emotionally drained and depressed because of his rebellion. The other one would be exhaustion, or dead. The last one could fit our Lord, but it is not likely due to His spiritual perception, and most certainly the first one which Jonah was most likely guilty of would not fit our Lord. Jesus slept because He needed the rest, and the disciples needed the test.

The storm so common for Galilee came up a storm which made the fishermen among them all fearful. The boat was tossed from side to side, rolling and reeling, up and down, down and up. It was evidently a storm unlike anything that Peter, Andrew, James, or John had ever dealt with. Experienced fishermen would not have been overly worked up over they typical storm; so I believe this one was different. It may have even been of supernatural causes, because of what was on the other side. I will get to that in the next study. Even so the Lord is still in charge of the storm. Any storm.

A storm. A panicked disciple body. A sleeping God-man. This is a scene unlike anything anyone could ever just imagine. There is no way something like this could be fictional. It makes a great story, and it is a true story. They see Jesus sleeping and rush over to Him, awake Him, and their cry is one of panic. “Lord, save us! We are perishing.” (NKJV). Do they not remember His command? Do they not know that the Lord has a destiny to fulfill? Do they not realize that Jesus had purpose for going to the other side? Since Jesus had commanded them to “Depart to the other side”, they should have believed they would get to the other side.

Their faith is weak. Our faith is often weak when it comes to the storms of life. The storms we go through are just as real. They too toss our boat from side to side, rolling and reeling, up and down, down and up. Even making us sick from fear at times. The Lord has a purpose for our lives. The main purpose of all our lives is to glorify Him. Now, if we truly realized that couldn’t we leave all the details and storms of life in His hands. If we live we glorify Him. If we perish we glorify Him.

The God-man is awakened from His sleep. While the man slept God was keeping all things in His hand, and not one thing could happen without the Father’s permission. Not one. Jesus rebukes the weakness of the disciples faith.

Remember, Jesus had given them commandment to go to the other side. Would Jesus have put them in a boat, and with Him in the boat with them at that; to perish before finishing the journey? Not likely. Jesus was to go to the other side. The disciples were to go to the other side. Someone said, “Where God guides He provides”. If He was guiding to the other side they would go to the other side.

Another thing; Jesus had taught them, at least by His power, that He was the Son of God, and that He had a task to finish. Did the disciples think that He would not finish the course that was laid out for Him? If we would just ignore that the storm may have been supernatural in origin; due to its intensity and the fear it struck in the hearts of experienced fishermen; we might assume that the disciples did not believe the things Jesus had said and did. Indeed we could agree with Jesus asking, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”.

The disciple of Jesus Christ who knows their destiny is in God’s hands needs never fear the trials and storms they go through. We may ask and wonder “Why?”, but we need never be afraid. That is easier said than practiced. There has been many a time when troubles come and fear has come in and, when that happens, that is when I know that things are amiss between my Lord and me.

It seems that the question in the minds of the disciples of His true identity is known now. Up to this point; according to the gospel of Matthew; they have witnessed Jesus healing and cleansing a leper; they have seen Him heal the centurion’s servant, and just by His Word; Peter’s mother-in-Law was raised from her sickbed; and He has healed numerous other sicknesses, diseases, and cast out demons. Now they see even Nature itself bow to Him, and yield to His authority over her.

Who can command the wind and the seas? Only God can. Who can simply speak a word, and cause an angry sea to be calm and the wind cease? Only God can.

When you have a turbulent time in your life you can turn to the One who can still all storms. There was a child of 10 years or so, and even before he was saved, that a very loud, lightning striking, thunder booming storm awoke him in the middle of the night. He began crying in fear. He also remembered the words of Jesus at this storm, and he just spoke them, and the storm stopped. To this day he is not certain whether the literal storm of rain, thunder, and lightning stopped or if he just went to sleep. He believes it was the latter. Either way the storm stopped. At least for him. To this very day, he is fascinated by storms. He respects them, but when one comes along he is not crippled by fear, or causes him to doubt. That is from the Lord.

Who, indeed, can this be, “That even the winds and the sea obey Him?” He is the Son of God. He is King of kings. He is Lord of lords. He is the Master of all storms; even the storm in your life.

Being A Disciple of Jesus

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Being A Disciple of Jesus

Matthew 8:18-23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children and Your Marriage

/ T. A. Blankenship / 2 Comments

There are many Christian couples who were married and expected to have children and found out after a few years or so that they were unable to have children.  The children are often seen as a blessing to the marriage and children making a house a home.  To those married couples who have longed to have children, but cannot, I can only say one thing, and that is the blessing of children is from the Lord, and He must have something different in mind for you.  I do not mean that to be a cold or harsh statement, but He may have a different blessing for you, so that you can bless children who need help or parents.

My intention is not to deal with having children in marriage, but that in most marriages children do come along as God’s blessing on us.  Most people who have children will realize this some time as the child or children grow, and that is this; these children will put your marriage to the test.  It is for that purpose I write this, and to encourage every young couple to be sure to devote time to their marriage.

Some young couples with children will probably be angered by what I am about to tell you, but it needs to be said.  When that boy or girl gets to two years or so they will start testing your marriage.  Couples need to nourish that marriage at every opportunity they have.  Your marriage made strong through your commitment to one another, your devotion to one another, your love for one another is the greatest thing, other than Jesus and the gospel, that you can give that child. 

By the time a child is five years or so, they will begin to realize that they can cause Mom and Dad a little trouble by dividing them, in matters of discipline, or guidance.  That is why before you have children you need to be sure that you agree on the matters of discipline and direction for your child.  If you have not, and that child sees Mom disagreeing with Dad in a matter of discipline, then that child will know how to get his/her way.  Do not disagree over disciplinary issues in the presence of your children.

In one of the churches God gave me the joy of serving as pastor, there was a woman who told of an event in their home where their daughter tried to divide her Mom and Dad over an issue of discipline.  The daughter did not like the way Dad had disciplined her, and went to her Mom, and said, “Aren’t you going to take my side on this?”, to which Mom said, “I have know him longer than I have you”.  That made an excellent point. 

The home is built around a strong, solid, Biblical marriage with Jesus Christ at its center.  If the marriage is not built according to Biblical principles and on the couples love for Christ Jesus and one another, that is a home that will not stand.  Our children will grow up and leave home.  That is how it should be.  That is how it is supposed to be.  If you do not have a strong marriage while the children are at home, then you are going to have problems after they are gone.

The best thing you as a man can give your children is letting them see you love their mother, and that nothing they say or do is going to divide you. 

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her…”  Ephesians 5:25.

“Nevertheless let each one of you in  particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”  Ephesians 5:33 (NKJV)

Husbands and wives must both work at nourishing that marriage, even in the midst of a housefull of children.  If your home is built around the children, that marriage is most certainly doomed for failure.

A Journey of Faith Begins

/ T. A. Blankenship / Leave a comment

From the Land of Ur

“Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot. And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees. And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah. But Sarai was barren; she had no child. And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.” Genesis 11:27-32 (KJV).

According to Scripture the call of God came to Abram, the son of Terah. It seems that Abram may have had an impact on his family and led them to leave Ur of the Chaldeans. Ur was a prosperous, and populous city in the Mesopotamia area. When it comes to looking at the beginnings of humanity we cannot get away from the area we know as the Mid-East. When you are looking at Ur on a map and in perspective of Bethel and Hai – Ur is approximately 600 miles almost directly East of those two places where Abram would eventually go. They would not, however, go straight across, due to the extreme heat of desert temperatures, and the danger of the travels. It would be dangerous for the animals Abram had as well as for the people. By going along the Euphrates River they would have water, and it was a trade route to Haran. The journey by way of the trade route was about 400 – 500 more miles to travel, but worth the time and effort.

It seems that Abram may have taken some extra baggage with him. According to the call in chapter twelve he was to “Get out from your country, from your family, and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” (12:1). He had convinced his father to come along, and in Haran Terah died, thus getting him from his “father’s house”. Nahor must have remained in Ur, because there is no further mention of him.

To Haran, Abram had brought along his father, now his father is dead. Now he journeys on for the land of Canaan; the land of God’s direction for his life. Yet, he still has some extra baggage. What about Lot. Abram will be separated from Lot too, in time. Remember when God gives us a call to separate He means totally, and if we don’t; He will. God does whatever it takes to make His people holy.

The journey of faith always begins from a place. The place where we are to the place God leads us to. It is not an easy journey, and anyone who says that it is has not started on the journey yet. The journey requires leaving some baggage behind. If we do not God eventually rid us of it Himself. It is His way of getting us to the place of total dependence upon Him.

Shem to Abram

/ T. A. Blankenship / 2 Comments

From Shem to Abram

“These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood: And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah: And Arphaxad lived after he begat Salah four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters. And Salah lived thirty years, and begat Eber: And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters. And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg: And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters. And Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Reu: And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters. And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug: And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters. And Serug lived thirty years, and begat Nahor: And Serug lived after he begat Nahor two hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah: And Nahor lived after he begat Terah an hundred and nineteen years, and begat sons and daughters. And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.” Genesis 11:10-26 (KJV)

If you will notice that one of the things missing from this genealogy is, “And he died”, which is in the genealogy from Seth to Noah in Genesis five. It is probably because we realize that by now, death is inevitable. All men, are going to die. That includes women too.

In this genealogy we have the age of Shem. He was 100 years of age at the time of the flood, then two years following the flood he had a son whom he named Arphaxad, and he “lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years” putting him at the approximate age of six hundred and two years of age. This genealogy uses a more positive sounding term in announcing their death, “… lived after he begat…”. This is the lineage of people whom God would choose to bring the Messiah, Savior of all mankind, into the world.

Just a Note: We have the only Gentile genealogy in the Bible in chapter 10:2-20. There is only two genealogies given in the New Testament. The first is in the gospel of Matthew giving the genealogy of Jesus through the lineage of Joseph. The second is in the gospel of Luke giving Jesus’s genealogy through Mary the mother of Jesus. Even though Joseph was not the blood father of the child Jesus the genealogy is given to prove He is heir to the throne of David the king.

Of this genealogy can be noted also that the ages of the men continue to drop as they die. The life span has went down. No one is living nine hundred plus years. The power of sin has taken over the bodies of sinful men. That is why we are all perishing. From the moment we come from our mother’s womb we are dying. We are in fact born spiritually dead. And except for the miracle of grace from God we are doomed.

Eber (v. 14) is where the “Hebrew” people got the name “Hebrew”. It is also Eber who was the father of Peleg whose name means “Earthquake”. This earthquake could be speaking of the division which was brought about by God’s judgment to separate the people across the earth. It seems more likely though that there was a major earthquake the year of Peleg’s birth which was a source of actully dividing the newly languaged people as God directed. Both would be quite possible when it is directed by the providential hand of the Most High God.

Terah was an idol worshipper. Some may question this, but there is Scriptural evidence for it. For example, “And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.” Joshua 24:2 (KJV). Now, we should be more able to understand from where Abram came. Called out by God from a life of idolatry, to worship, love and serve the living and true God.

There are not many people of the Bible whom we cannot find an example of some sin in their lives. The people of Scripture are not super saints. They too, were called to worship God. Called from lives of sin. Called of God, by grace, through faith in the Promise of God. So too, are you and I.

He Took Our Infirmities

/ T. A. Blankenship / 2 Comments

He Took Our Infirmities

Matthew 8:1-17

We begin now to see the accounts of Jesus’s healing ministry. He is showing Himself as the Prophet, Priest, and King, though the message of Matthew rest upon His being King of kings.

We see in Jesus that He is unafraid of touching the sick, even lepers, for in this passage He does exactly that. He touches the leper. Jesus touches the “Unclean leper”, because He sees a man who is healed. We have a Roman Centurion coming to Jesus seeking for healing of his servant who is sick of “Palsy”, and “grievously tormented” and the Centurion is a Gentile. The third individual who is healed is a woman, Peter’s mother-in-law. We see Jesus touching and healing three of the “outcasts” of society of that day.

In these miraculous healings we see Jesus taking the infirmities upon Himself. He was touching the untouchable according to ceremonial laws. Even before the cross He is taking our sin upon Himself. Of the evening following the healing of the three individuals there are many brought to Him for the casting out of demons (these are all first mention for Matthew’s Gospel) with only “His Word”, and healed all that were sick.

 

Jesus operates His ministry without any racial prejudice, without any fear of contracting disease, and shows no favoritism toward the gender of any individual.

“When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” 8:1-4 (KJV).

According to Old Testament Law when an individual was afflicted by lepersy they were pronounced “Unclean”. They even had to wear a protective cover over their mouth when in public and cry out “Unclean, unclean” (Leviticus 13:44-46). Lepers were “outcasts” the Jewish society. It played no cultural or societal favorites, nor according to gender or race. They were forbidden to mingle with the healthy people. There is one disease, which socially is similar to leprosy in today’s society; and that is AIDS.

According to Warren Wiersbe “Leprosy is an illustration of sin”. It is deeper than the skin (Lev. 13:3), it spreads (Lev. 13:8), it defiles and isolates (Lev. 13:45-46), it is worthy only of fire (Lev. 13:52, 57). AIDS has similar likenesses as a disease. It seems that there is no direct known cause for leprosy, while AIDS has come upon us as an affliction, mainly upon the sexually immoral. It still passes on – spreads – through blood into “Innocent” victims. None are left untouched by sin.

This leprous man came to Jesus. This of itself broke the law of the leper. We are told that the leper “Worshipped Him”, and in worshipping Him he is recognizing His deity, and His sovereignty. This man has been greatly humbled, and is submissive to the sovereignty and power of Jesus, as he says, “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean”. He is willing to accept the will of Jesus, and he is not demanding, but humbly asking. Jesus heals this leper, and gives him commandment to go and obey the law of Moses concerning the matter of the law of the lepers. This was in order to fulfill the law. Lepers were rarely if ever healed. There is really only one Biblical account of any Jewish individual being healed in the Old Testament, and that was Mirriam (Numbers 12:10. Read chapter 12 Numbers to see why she became leprous). In my thinking it would almost seem that by Jesus sending the healed leper to the religious leaders He is making a statement, and they will be approving the healing, in that they recognize the healing. This would give them no excuse not to believe Jesus is genuinely their Messiah. By keeping the law and sending a healed leper for ‘cleansing’ He stifles their hypocrisy, and shows it as death.

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” 8:5-13 (KJV)

A Roman soldier shows a great faith, and in behalf of a servant of his household, who is suffering from a palsy with great pain and suffering. The Gentiles were hated and despised by Jewish culture; as were slaves. Here we have a Gentile praying for his slave. The Centurion is commended by Jesus, for his faith. Jesus warns of willful ignorance and eternal judgment upon those who have seen, written, interpreted, and yet have no faith. He, as Messiah, was in the midst of His people doing His mighty works, yet they did not believe (John 10:37-38). He warns them, that just because they are physical descendants of Abraham, does not make them his spiritual descendants.

The very hour Jesus spoke healing the slave/servant was healed. In this instance it was according to this man’s faith. This is usually not the standard, but it can apply.

The “children of the kingdom” mentioned here are the children of Israel who have refused to believe the message and that He is the Messiah. The only place for all who will not believe Jesus is to “be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth”. “That many shall come” are evidently the Gentile masses who would come and believe Jesus and His Word that He speaks. “East and West” is from around the globe.

We know that due to this man’s faith his servant was healed that same hour. The man understands the principle of authority, and trust the authority which he sees in Jesus. His recognition is one that shows the deity of Jesus; because who but deity has authority over sickness and disease? There is none but God.

“And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.” 8:14-15 (KJV).

The final individual who is mentioned is a woman in bed with a sickness, and this woman is Peter’s Mother-in-law. A common prayer for Jewish males in Jesus’s day was, “I thank Thee that I was not born a slave, a Gentile, or a woman”. Of course, no one would desire to get leprosy. Women held no honored position in Jewish society.

Peter’s Mother-in-law is very sick, and she must have been really ill, because she is in bed. People of that era did not stop working just because they felt a little ill, with an upset stomach or something like that: they kept to their work. She seems to have been sick, even possibly to the point of death.

Jesus touched her hand in a special way, a special touch, a healing touch. She was a Jewish woman. Jesus may have been stating by this touch, “I have not forsaken my people. They are sick, but in Me there is healing”. By healing the Gentile’s slave, and the leper He showed an open door to sinners and Gentiles of every land. Israel in her illness will be touched again by her Messiah. The woman, being healed, arose and served Jesus and the disciples. It was an immediate healing.

“When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” 8:16-17 (KJV).

By all these healings it seems that Jesus is making a point to say to one and to all, “I am the King of all people”. We find it stated in these verses a quotation of Isaiah the prophet from Isaiah 53:4, “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted”.

Here we find Matthew’s first mention of Jesus delivering people from demon possession. It is called “Possessed with devils”, and He did it by His Word. He did not use a method of any ritual. He did not even use any prayer. He simply spoke the Word. When we are confronted by demons and demonic activity it has been given to us to speak His Word to the people. Where His Word is heard, accepted, and believed demons must flee.

Jesus may have been heckled by the demons as He was suffering on the cross, but it was not for long. He crushed the head of the devil at that same cross, and the evidence of it is the resurrection. The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and Jesus is alive forever more.

Of More Value???

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

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

Hear the Word through the prophet:

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

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

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

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

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

He is coming again. How will He find us?

The Posterity of Shem

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The Posterity of Shem

From verses 15-32 we are given the genealogy of Ham, the one who brought the curse on his son Canaan. We have seen a bit of the lineage of Japheth, and of Ham. We will not see their genealogies any more in Scripture. The genealogy of Shem is what becomes important for the bringing of Messiah into the world for the putting away of sin.

There is a man in the lineage of Shem whom I want to point out. This character may seem to be insignificant, but we are told something concerning his name that should cause us to wonder. Wonder about this child named after an event of catastrophic proportions. He is “Peleg”, “And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.” Genesis 10:25 (KJV). There was an earthquake which had taken place which must have shook the very foundations of the earth.

The earthquake must have been a new event, and that would tell us a few things. First, it would tell us that God had originally created a perfect creation, but now it is defective and marred due to the sin of mankind. Secondly, it could also tell us that this was how God divided the peoples of the earth from one another following the confusion of the languages as mentioned in chapter 11. Could the earth have shaken so violently that the earth became the continents that we have today? Some say no. Who is to say for sure? If God could cause the earth to stand still for a whole day (Joshua 10:12-13); and if He could cause it to go backwards in a sundial 10 degrees [that is not in temperature] (Isaiah 38:7-8), then why could He not cause an earthquake and divide the earth? I say He could, and may have just done so.

The lineage of Shem is important for us to know, because it is through Shem that we have received our Lord and Savior as a man, and more importantly as the God-Man. The lineage of Shem is seen throughout the Old Testament, and then again in the New Testament in the genealogies the gospel writers, Matthew and Luke, have written down to provide evidence to us of the royalty, deity, and humanity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Seven Year Marriage

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

The Judgment that Stands

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The Judgment That Will Stand

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

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

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

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

Marriage in the Garden

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

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

Hear God’s Word on this matter:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baptism and Church Membership

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

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

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

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

On Overcoming Spiritual Depression

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

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

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

The Aggressor

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The Mighty Hunter

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Righteous Judge

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

The Righteous Judge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Be Found Out

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

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

Hear the word of the LORD through the prophet Jeremiah:

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

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

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

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

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

We continue now to the next two verses:

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

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

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

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

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

Why I Preach Expositionally

/ Tim A. / 6 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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