“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” ~Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12)
Spiritual Warfare
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“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ~ Jesus (Matthew 4:17)
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“Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” ~ Jesus Matthew 4:10 (KJV)
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“It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Jesus (Matthew 4:7)
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“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” ~ Jesus (Matthew 4:4 KJV)
The Making of The Preacher
The call of the prophet was one of separation. It was one for Jeremiah that would separate him from his family, due to the message he would be proclaiming, it would even keep him from marriage. There were times he would even feel that God had forsaken Him. We will see these things as we progress through this wonderful prophecy which our LORD God has given us.
The passage of the prophet for today is chapter one, verses 17-19;
“Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.” Jeremiah 1:17-19 (KJV).
The idea of “girding up the loins” is the idea of getting one’s self ready for the task at hand. You might say of a preacher called by God, “Get yourself ready to do My bidding”. As Paul spoke to Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV). Jeremiah was called to preach the Word of the Lord and he must be prepared. He must know that calling is sure, because there were going to come times in his ministry where that would be all that he had.
“Arise”, get up and get going, the time is short. “Speak to them all that I command thee”. There can be no changing of the message to soften the impact. It must be spoken as God has given it. It is sad to say and to think, but there are many preachers, who are pastors of churches and preach (if you can call it that) messages that are watered down versions of the truth, thus not the truth, but lies. They would rather be popular with their people. Popular with the people unpopular with God. Which would we be? God says to the prophet, “Be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them”.
If we as preachers neglect to preach Jesus; His death on the cross; His burial; His bodily resurrection; and His promise… “I will come again” then we fail to preach the Word of God. That is the essence of all of Scripture.
The prophet is called to stand, to be strong. God tells Jeremiah, “I have made you this day a defenced city, an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests , and against the people of the land.” This is God’s promise to Jeremiah of God’s protection from harm. Even when the judgment comes on the land, even though the people, the kings, the princes, and the priests turn against him Jeremiah is promised protection. His life will be kept and preserved. Someone has said, “The man of God in the will of God is immortal, until God is through with him”. That is a profound statement. Of course the one who made that statement must have been speaking of this temporal life we live here on earth, because with Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are immortal anyway.
The promise of God for protection would be a mighty force in the faithfulness of Jeremiah. The promise is a mighty power in our lives as well. To think that his own family, friends, king, princes, and others would try to harm him, even try to kill him, and he having the promise of God’s protection and keeping. “They shall fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you.” Would you rather have the friendship of the world, or the protection and power of God on your life? Think about it. You cannot have both, if you are going to be a preacher of God’s Word.
-by Tim A. Blankenship
The Judgment Coming
Judgment is in fact already here. Judgment has come. As Christians we must learn to live righteously in a godless nation, godless generation, and within a lukewarm church.
For the nation of Judah it seems that the North was the direction from which judgment would come. I think it interesting to note a Psalm that directs our attention to the North without naming the North. It is Psalm 75, and it says, “Do not lift up your horn on high; do not speak with a stiff neck.’ For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.” (vv.5-7). You notice the silence concerning North? Does Judgment come from the North? In the case of Israel and Judah it does.
Hear what the LORD spoke to Jeremiah:
“And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, ‘What seest thou?’ And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof is toward the north. Then the LORD said unto me, ‘Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah. And I will utter My judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken Me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.'” Jeremiah 1:13-16 (KJV)
The judgment of which Jeremiah warned was coming on all the inhabitants of the land. It seems that the noble people, those of notable birth, or those who have great wealth sometimes think, “Oh, that won’t happen to us” or “We can become a part of the upper society people, and we can just fit in”, but the prophet’s message from the LORD is judgment on “all the inhabitants of the land”. Judgment is not a pleasant thing to talk about, but when the LORD calls you and gives you a message to proclaim, and tells you not to withhold a word, then you better obey.
Every preacher, and especially pastors would love to spend all their preaching, preaching of the goodness, love, grace, mercy of God. We would be thrilled just to always be preaching about the good we see in our fellow human beings, because there are good things done, there are good lives lived, and people saving physical lives; and encouraging others. The preacher, the pastor is not the man of God he should be, if he preaches not that we are sinners; condemned, dying and that our only hope of salvation is through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. To preach the cross of Jesus you must tell why He died on the cross, that means talking about our darkness of sin. We must tell why the Father had to judge His own perfect, sinless Son, turn His back on Him; and why Jesus went through that horrible three hours of total darkness while He was stretched between heaven and hell. We must preach that God made Him to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
The judgment coming on Judah was coming from the north. It was in fact, coming from God. It was the plan of Jeremiah’s father, his family, and Jeremiah that he would be a priest in Jerusalem. That was a ministry that was much respected in Jeremiah’s day, and that of his family. Jeremiah even had plans of marriage, but that was not to come about. We will see that in a later word from God to the prophet. Prophets of God do not choose to be prophets; they are called by God to be prophets. That is the prophet Jeremiah. Prophets who call themselves serve themselves, lead others astray, and despise God’s prophets.
The judgment coming to Jerusalem was like all the kingdoms of the north were coming to set up quarters, homes, or shop right in the gates of the city. They would be encamping all around. The people of Judah would no longer be free. Not only is this against the city of Jerusalem but all the cities of Judah. This would include Bethlehem and Bethel.
The coming of these people of the kingdoms of the north was God’s utterance against their forsaking the LORD. There were those who were worshipping the LORD, but few and far between. Those who were worshipping were probably remaining silent. The priests who were praising God in their hearts and worshipping him, must have been silent concerning the condition of the hearts and lives of the people; thus were allowing them to continue to live in their sin and rebellion. Therefore, they were not the priests of God that they should have been. Take the offering the people bring no matter the true condition of their heart, or that they had been to the temple of Baal, and participated in those rituals. They will be okay as long as they are faithful to the temple of God. LIES, LIES, LIES. God is not glorified except with total devotion, commitment, and worship to Him and to Him alone.
Even though a man and/or woman may attend worship on Sunday morning, evening, Wednesday evening, and anytime the church house door is open, but they live for themselves the other days of the week, the rest of the time, and glorify not God with their life and living; they worship not, and love not the LORD with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. They have, in fact, forsaken the Lord, and “worship the works of their own hands”.
I want no man, woman, boy or girl to be without hope. I do, however, want you to have meaningful hope. Hope that will come to pass. Meaningful hope endures the times we face. Meaningful hope looks to the death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ; and His promise of returning to earth to reclaim. That is the Christian’s hope. We look forward to seeing Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living GOD.
GOD Will Rise
PLEASE NOTE: The following article was posted January 18, 2008. My prayer is for God’s people to hear God’s Word and repent.
Can you imagine being born into a family of priests. Can you imagine even more, that after you have grown to be a man, that you receive a call from God to be His prophet. You are told that you will be a prophet to the people of God, that you will be a prophet to the nations. You are also told that you will speak whatever God puts in your mouth.
“The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.” Jeremiah 1:1-3 (KJV)
The name Jeremiah means, “Jah will rise” and “Jah” is short for “Jehovah”. That name is given to us in one of the Psalms. In Psalm 68:4 it is written, “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH [Jah], and rejoice before Him.” The use of the name Jeremiah and of JAH seems to be that even though the Nation has fallen into ill will with God, that He is raised, He is exalted, and He will be praised by His people.
Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry takes place during some of the roughest of times, especially for a prophet. The people were so secure in their beliefs, that they were living under falsehood. They were thinking that because the temple was present in Jerusalem, then they would never fall.
The task of a true prophet of God would have been quite difficult for Jeremiah, as he was also a priest, and being from a family of priests, that would mean confronting some of the sins and discrepancies of the priesthood. Because of this he would not be very popular. But then, no prophet is ever popular, or well thought of while they are living.
Jeremiah probably prophesied during the latter years of king Josiah’s rule in Judah. Josiah was a good king, who brought reform that could even be called a revival to the nation. It is said of king Josiah, “He did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD” 2 Chronicles 34:2; but it was only shortlived so it was only temporary reform, which grieved the heart of this prophet of God.
When the people only put on a temporary change, because it has been legislated, rather than having a personal relationship with God, and a change of heart, it should grieve the hearts of those who know God.
This heart for God from this prophet would bring much sorrow, pain, and persecution from his family, friends, and the people. There seems to be only one who is faithful to Jeremiah and the Lord throughout this prophecy, and his name is Baruch (Chapter 45). We are each called, as a child of God, to be faithful to God, and support all those who are also faithful to God in proclaiming His Word.
God will rise and be exalted.
W4CL – Power
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
The human race is consumed by power. People who want to have control over others; many of them are called politicians who are out to get all the power they can. Many are preachers and pastors who desire to rule the Church they lead – sadly.
There is something the Christian must realize and that is that all power belongs to the Creator. It is wonderful for the Christian to daily focus, fellowship with, and have faith in the One who is All-Powerful (Omnipotent). It is a glorious thing to know that we have the One who empowered the life of Jesus as He walked on earth living within us too. “…The power that worketh in us…”
How much power do we have? All that is His; is ours. Let us walk with Him, and it will be used rightly.
W4CL – Holy Spirit
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 (KJV)
We need not be fearful that God will not fulfill His Word. He has promised that He will finish what He has began (Philippians 1:6). There is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39). Best of all we have God’s “Earnest” payment that He will do it.
“Earnest” is a real estate term. One puts down an earnest payment as a guarantee of payment of a down payment on a house or land. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us as promise, evidence that He will complete what He has began in us. You will note too, that “Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise”.
In Christ we are a sealed document, that cannot be opened until it is delivered into the hand of the King. Please read Romans 8:9.
W4CL – Restore
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galations 6:1 (KJV)
How many times have you without any fault of your own found yourself dealing with a sin? You found yourself, deceived, believing wrongly, doing wrongly. You were “overtaken in a fault”. You have grieved over it. Then a “Spiritual” brother/sister who is bearing all those fruit of the Spirit comes and ministers to your need. By the love, compassion, and meekness you are restored to fellowship with God and the Body of Christ.
That is what it means to be a “Spiritual” Christian. The spiritual Christian does not condemn the fallen brethren, but seeks to restore the one who is grieving in their sin.
The next time you see a brother/sister in Christ overtaken in a fault seek his/her restoration. You could find yourself in that situation sometime later.
W4CL – Fruit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galations 5:22-26 (KJV)
Paul gave us examples of the works of the flesh in the verses preceding the above text. They are the evidence of ungodliness. Many of the works of the flesh have been seen in professing Christians; however they are the works of the flesh; and not of Christ.
The works of the flesh come from the heart and mind of unredeemed men and women. It can be the old left overs of one’s past life, and the Christian must put them to death. The Christian will produce the Fruit of the Spirit – the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Notice the fruit – “Love, joy, peace” The three go together; you cannot separate peace from love or joy, nor joy from peace and love; nor love from joy and peace. The peace of God which passes all understanding (Romans 5:1-2; Philippians 4:7).
“Longsuffering” that is basically patience, enduring faith in God, forbearance with others.
“Gentleness” equals moral goodness, integrity. You are the same in your behavior when you are alone as you are when you are with people.
“Goodness” Upright in heart.
“Faith” having a conviction of the truth.
“Meekness” not too many people desire to be meek; however that is a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said of the meek “They shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Jesus is a good example of meekness. Knowing who He is, did not retaliate against those who hated Him; instead, He said, “Father, forgive them they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).
“Temperance” means self-control. This begins with have a clear mind, clean heart, and life. One cannot have self-control if they have the works of the flesh. The works of the flesh are in control.
Walking in the Spirit gives the Christian freedom to walk with Jesus; free from condemnation, guilt, and fear. The fruit of the Spirit is what comes from the Christian who is trusting the Lord.
In Christ Jesus you do bear the fruit of the Spirit.
W4CL – Heirs
“Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, ‘Abba, Father.’ Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Galations 4:1-7 (KJV)
There has been much talk in our nation, and around the world of the new “Royal baby” which was born a week or so ago. “Third heir to the throne” we have heard. What is he heir to? The ceremonial, traditional position of the king of England. A small, and somewhat influential country in the world; an honor for this baby, and the ones which preceded him.
It is Paul’s declaration that those who have been born of God are heirs with Christ Jesus. Now that is not a ceremonial, nor traditional thing; it is an eternal, very influential thing. According to Romans 8:17 those of us who have been born again through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, buried with Him in His baptism, and raised again to new life through His resurrection are “Joint heirs with Christ”. What does that mean?
It means that we will not be ruling a penniless, bankrupt nation (spiritually and economically); we will rule the earth with King Jesus on the throne. He is the one who “Owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). He also owns the stars in the deepest parts of space, and the earth is His footstool (Matthew 5:35).
If we are joint heirs with Christ, and we are; then, as heirs of Christ we should behave like heirs of Christ until He comes again.
In Christ you are heir to more than a fading kingdom; you are an heir to all that is God’s.
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“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 (KJV)
Sometimes it seems so hard to know the “Will of God”; yet it is given to us in God’s written Word. Many Christians spend their time “Searching for the will of God”. Is it God’s will for me to be a missionary, go to Africa, go to Russia, go to the jungles of the Amazon? The problem is we spend our time searching and it is right before us in black, red and white.
Notice Paul’s words above, and all this instruction can be summed up with Jesus’s words quoting the Old Testament,
“…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30
and He went on and said,
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 (KJV)
If we are not doing the will of God at home, in our daily labors, in our recreation, in all our daily activities; God’s will will not be found in Africa, Russia, or the Amazon. God’s will is as close as your heart and the Word of God. Let us commit ourselves to doing the will of God. The search is over.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Words for Christian Living 061213
“Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: when he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace; where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure. Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.” Esther 1:1-9 (KJV)
In the book of Esther we have a historical account of the events in the life of the children of God [Israel] while still in captivity following their being carried away by Babylon. The book of Esther never mentions the name of God; however you can see God working all through the book. There are many things about it I do not understand, nor can I explain some of the things concerning the law.
The above verses show the opposite of how the righteous and just are to live.
These posted verses show the extravagance and waste of an earthly king and kingdom. It shows the Christian that we are in the world, but we cannot live as the world. We must stand; always with wisdom.
-Tim A. Blankenship
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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3 (KJV)
Though the Lord no longer requires blood sacrifices; the slaying of lambs, bulls, goats, etc.; we are still “Beseeched” that is strongly encouraged; to make our own “Bodies” a living sacrifice unto the Lord. It is to be a sacrifice “Holy, acceptable unto God”. That truly means that once we are a child of God, born again through faith in Christ Jesus; that our bodies are not our own. We are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23).
-Tim A. Blankenship
Words for Christian Living 053013
“I say then, hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? How he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, ‘Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.’ But what saith the answer of God unto him? ‘I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Romans 11:1-6 (KJV)
I find great comfort and encouragement in knowing that the Lord always has a remnant of people who believe His Word, and live by His faith. It is a comfort to know that He is always working in us by His grace, and is not dependent upon our works. Even when we fail; God never fails.
The Christian can never enjoy sin and rebellion against God or His word; but when confronted and convicted by the Spirit of God, and the Word of God will turn from their sin, and experience a renewed walk with the Father.
-Tim A. Blankenship
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“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:1-7 (KJV)
The Redeeming Love of God – Hosea 11:1 – 12:14
GOD’S Compassion for His People
Hosea 11:1 – 12:14
Concern and Compassion took a cruise on an ocean liner. While they were out looking over the outer railing someone fell overboard. Concern cried out, “Man overboard”. Compassion cried out, “Man overboard”, and dived in to rescue the imperiled man.
The above story shows the difference in concern and compassion. One cries out, but does nothing. The other cries out gets involved, and commits themselves to the task. God’s greatest compassion was shown to us by Jesus Christ His Son dying on the cross. He [Jesus] was committed to t he task of dying for your sins and mine; redeeming us forever unto GOD.
“When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called My son out of Egypt. As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.” Hosea 11:1-4 (KJV)
God’s love and compassion is demonstrated in His care for Israel despite their deceit and departure from Him (Romans 5:8).
Verse one of this text is mentioned in Matthew 2:15 as a prophetic verse pointing to Jesus Christ coming out of Egypt. The life of Jesus is a kind of parallel of the journeys of the descendants of Abraham – except of course for their doubts, fears, and unbelief, their sin. Jesus’s life showed them; and us that life can be lived for GOD.
As Israel came out of Egypt, though, they determined to turn away from God and to worship Baal. It was God who led them by their arms (as a father teaching his child to walk). It was He who healed them, and delivered them out of the bondage, and slavery of Egypt.
GOD worked in the life of the nation drawing them to Himself through human bondage. “Cords of a man” while loving them to bring them out to be His own purchased possession. He would remove the yoke of bondage, and feed them in His grace and mercy (v. 4).
“He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. And My people are bent to backsliding from Me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt Him.” vv. 5-7
Despite Israel’s rebellion deceit and fraud toward God He still promises not to completely destroy them; but to restore them.
In these verses we see the results of Israel’s rejection of God’s love. First, they would go into Assyrian captivity (v. 5). Those who would flee to Egypt would die there (See 9:6). The second result was the continued desolation of Israel, and their land (v. 6). They had rejected God and chosen to seek the foreign gods. The third and most tragic was their rejection of God’s love led them to a persistent and fixed state of rebellion (v. 7).
Every time a person hardens their heart against God, by rebelling against His authority, His Word the heart only gets harder. Remember Pharoah of Egypt! He hardened his heart for the last time, until God hardened it. Woe to the one whose heart is hardened by God.
“How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? Mine heart is turned within Me, My repentings are kindled together. I will not execute the fierceness of Mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. They shall walk after the LORD: He shall roar like a lion: when He shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.” vv. 8-11
God’s love is persistent and consistent toward His people.
God’s thoughts had somehow been toward destruction. His heart was/is broken with compassion. These questions are powerful. We do not understand the mind of God, so let us not get in a titther over these thoughts. He could have destroyed Israel, but the thought of it brought compassion, and would cause Israel to stop and think. They, like the rest of humanity, deserved destruction. They did not deserve God’s compassion.
God says that His is not like man. Man’s ways are to destroy all that is against him and his way. God’s way is to change the heart of man. In His compassion, grace and mercy He would bring them to Himself, and put them back in their own land (v. 11).
“Ephraim compasseth Me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt. The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will He recompense him. He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto Him: he found Him in Bethel, and there He spake with us; even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial. Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.” Hosea 11:12 – 12:6
GOD calls for a change. There is nothing new with God.
There is still a spark of faithfulness in Judah. Israel has gone too far. They have gone beyond “the point of no return”, but for God’s grace. When sin is finished, and life is ruined God’s grace continues (Romans 5:20).
The wind (12:1) offers no nourishment, just as surely as there is no spiritual life in worshipping idols. There is no hope for Israel/Ephraim in Assyria.
Israel practiced deceit and treachery against God. There is a horrible portrait of Israel in Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus to be crucified. They would rather live without God than to obey Him. They would find out the tragedy of life without God.
God remained faithful as He always does. He never changes (Hebrews 13:8).
Jacob was born rebellious and deceitful. His name means “Supplanter” or “Deceiver”. He used deceit and trickery to take that which he wanted from his brother Esau (Genesis 25:24-34). “Jacob prevailed with God and men only when he yielded himself to God.” TRAYLOR
God changed Jacob from deceiver; seeking God his own way to Israel meaning “Prince of God”. The nation of Israel was spoken to by God through the man Israel, formerly Jacob. As God changed Jacob’s heart to trust the Lord He also would change the heart of the nation.
There are three truths stressed in verse six about being changed:
- Turn from sin to God;
- God’s expectation is that those who turn to Him live with kindness [mercy] and justice [judgment]. Practicing the qualities of God;
- Have a personal relationship and experience with God.
“A merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress. And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin. And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast. I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. Is there iniquity in Gilead? Surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields. And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall He leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.” vv. 7-14 (KJV)
The nation had reached a point where being a “Kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6) counted as nothing to them.
What happened? They had gotten so engulfed in being an economically blessed nation they became more concerned with business, rather than a personal relationship with the God of heaven. A merchant rather then priestly they even practiced deceit with one another in order to grab all they could [“balances of deceit”]. They then added denial to their sins (v. 8). Their goals of life were corrupt. They had changed from the incorruptible to that which corrupts.
God says that He will still make them “…To dwell in tabernacles”. This is a promise of return. He has spoken so through His prophets. Their Feasts would be restored, and there would be joy in the land, and they would walk in God’s ways. The prophets of God always warned of impending judgment, and with the words of judgment they also included words of promise and hope.
Because of his iniquity Jacob fled to Paddan-Aram to escape the wrath of his brother Esau.
Just as surely as Jacob suffered for his sin the nation of Israel would be chastised, and rebuked, and learn of the emptiness of self-seeking, serving ways.
Jacob became a “Slave” of his uncle for a wife, and he was deceived. You do reap what you sow. He served his uncle Laban, then as a shepherd to get the wife he had chosen.
The nation of Israel would go into Assyrian bondage in order to become the people God desired them to be.
Moses was the prophet who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage. By this same prophet Israel was fed, protected, and refreshed. The is a greater Prophet who will deliver all from the bondage of sin when He is believed and followed. This greater Prophet is Jesus (See Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:20-23).
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Redeeming Love of God – Hosea 8:1-14
Reaping the Whirlwind
Hosea 8:1-14
When the people of God will not heed; and when His Word is not obeyed, and His promises not believed; judgment is imminent and unavoidable.
There can be much learned from watching the work of a farmer. The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments place farming as a picture of warning and hope. Farming is the world’s oldest profession. From this profession we learn the eternal law of sowing and reaping.
When a seed is planted in the ground you reap likewise. A seed of corn brings a harvest of corn; of wheat, wheat; of barley, barley and so on. One kind of seed does not produce another kind of harvest.
What kind of seeds had Israel sown? Seeds of sin and destruction. The seed sown does not immediately bear fruit, but harvest eventually comes. As the harvest comes with corn and wheat, so too does the harvest come with sin. See Galations 6:7.
It has been said, “Some go and sow their wild oats (Debaucherous and wild living), then pray for crop failure.”
“Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed My covenant, and trespassed against My law. Israel shall cry unto Me, ‘My God, we know thee.’ Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him.” Hosea 8:1-3 (KJV)
Some of the people of Israel never looked at he possibility of fruits of sin, or sin’s harvest. People in the 21st century do not realize that there is a harvest for rejecting God and His Word.
The prophet is told to warn the people. “The trumpet” is the rams horn, also called “Shophar”, and was used for calling assemblies or to warn of an approaching enemy, as in this case.
The warning is certain. Judgment is certain. The “Eagle” is the Assyrians swooping down upon them carrying them away captive in the clutches of its talons. Why? Because they did not listen to God and “Transgressed against My covenant, and trespassed against My law”.
Although Israel would cry out to God, “We know thee”, the enemy would still come. The words they spoke and the life they lived were a contradiction. Compare this verse with John 8:33-47 especially listen to Jesus as He says, “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” That would certainly mean, “No matter how loudly you proclaim otherwise” You find yourself in complete opposition to God. Claiming to know God, or being in the right bloodline (physically) does not mean you know God. The fruit you bear is evidence. Living by the Word of God empowered by God’s Spirit.
The people’s rejection of God is shown in verse three as God says, “Israel hath cast off … good.” Forsaking the good to do evil the enemy shall come.
The enemy is likened to the eagle; which can also be a vulture. This enemy would come silently, devouring the dying and helpless, snatching in its mighty talons anything that could be carried away. This is the harvest of rejecting God.
“They have set up kings, but not by Me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast thee off; Mine anger is kindled against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocency? For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces. For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.” verses 4 – 7
There is also the harvest of self-will. That is the harvest we bring on ourselves because we refuse to follow the way God is leading.
If you were to look back in 1 Samuel 8:4-22 you would be reminded of Israel’s [the undivided nation] insistence upon having a king, “That we also may be like all the nations.” (1 Samuel 8:20). It was a thing that displeased God and Samuel (See verses 6-7 of 1 Samuel 8). God gave them their request. For another time God gave them their selfish request see Psalm 106:15. Requests of self-will, and it brought great harm to the nation. Sometimes God gives us the leaders we desire, and then too late find out that was not a good deal.
Individuals and nations often set up kings of their own like and making. The king in one’s life or nation is a reflection of that nation’s or individual’s heart. Yes, God is sovereign, completely in charge; He does give us what we ask for sometimes to correct us, and draw us to Himself.
Jeroboam as the first king of the divided Israel [Northern kingdom] disobeyed God and set up golden calfs – probably similar to the calf Aaron built at the request of the people while Moses was on the mount with God – and led the people into worship away from God. The tragedy is, that no king of the Northern kingdom ever turned from this worship of self-will in the calfs. Jeroboam went so far as to call people as priests who were not of the Levites; “He [Jeroboam] made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi.” (1 Kings 12:31 NKJV).
These were not God’s ways. It was completely contrary to the LORD’s direction. It was the worship of Self-will.
In the New Testament book of Galations 6:7 the Lord spoke through His servant Paul saying, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” There is no exclusion in this verse for anyone. This is the equivalent to verse seven of our text in Hosea. What ever you sow is returned unto you many times over.
The next verse in the Galations text says, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galations 6:8). These are both with a harvest many times over the seed that has been sown.
To sow to the wind, they would reap the whirlwind [manifold]. The wind can be gentle and deceptive. The whirlwind is nothing of the sort. It destroys everything that gets in its way. They [Israel] sowed the wind of idolatry, now they would reap the manifold harvest of the whirlwind of Assyria.
The worship of Baal and the fertility rites that go with it would prove to be fruitless as far as crops of grain and children. The only harvest would be one of destruction – after all, is that not what they had sown? The destruction is the harvest of the self-will.
“Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure. For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.” verses 8 – 10
Embracing pagan allies and their practices also brings a harvest. A bear hunter looking for a good fur coat for the Winter compromises with the bear who needs a meal. The hunter gets his winter coat, and the bear gets his meal. That is the destination of people who play with sin, and compromise with it. That was the destination of the people of Israel as they gave up God for pagan allies and deities.
In obstinacy and rebellion they seek the aid of Assyria. Instead of calling on the LORD to be dependent upon Him they go to another nation which is also under the sovereign hand of God. This obstinacy is seen in the use of “A wild ass alone by himself.” Alliance with another nation for defense was another “Lover” added to their lists.
The very nations they had called on for defense would be the nation God would use to correct, rebuke, purge, and bring them back to Him. How foolish it is to embrace others for defense instead of God, and reap a severe harvest of shame.
“Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin. I have written to him the great things of My law, but they were counted as a strange thing. They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of Mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will He remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.” verses 11 – 13
Pet Rattlesnakes, pet Alligators, are a dangerous thing. How many times have I heard of someone having a “Pet snake” in the house only to end up being bitten, or their child being bitten then the adult or the child die as a result. The same is true with “Pet Tigers” or “Pet Bear”, etc. You may think you have them under control. “Pet sins” are the same way. You cannot control sin. Sin enslaves us when we let it stick around. That was the tragedy of Israel.
John Traylor writes in the study book, “‘Though I wrote for him ten thousand precepts of My law’ (v. 12 NASV) means that God made known His will in many different ways. In spite of this, the people regarded God and His laws as strange and foreign.” The law, to them was restricting and God was only trying to keep them from being “Happy”. They had fallen victim to Satan’s lie to Adam and Eve. “Yea, hath God said…” and “You shall not surely die…” Believing that God was only hindering them, they want what they want, Now.
Israel continued to offer their burnt offerings, while in fact, they knew not God. They were near the point of harvest for false and licentious worship. Because of the sexual sin they would get diseases unknown to them before.
God would not forget their sin. It would be remembered (v. 13). The word “Remember” is used here in the same sense as that of Jeremiah 31:34 when God says, “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” In Hosea God says He will remember their sin and judge them for it. They shall return to captivity, because of their licentious [sexual perversion] behavior they reap a manifold harvest.
“For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.” verse 14
Forgetting God has a manifold harvest. Rejecting God and His Word, thumbing your nose at it leads to forgetting Him.
Everything they depended on in God’s stead would be destroyed. The idols cast down, their walls, buildings and fortified cities wiped out. What is the reaped harvest of forgetting God? DESTRUCTION.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Walking on Water
“And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a spirit;’ and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, ‘Lord, save me.’ And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’ And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Of a truth Thou art the Son of God.'” Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)
Fighting, The Spiritual Warfare
Let me give a disclaimer on the matter of “Spiritual warfare”. I do not, nor will not claim to be an authority, or even very knowledgeable on the matter of the battle which we as Christians must fight everyday if we are to maintain a proper fellowship with the Father and the Son Jesus Christ.
I do believe Jesus taught us by example how to wage this war against the legions of Hell and their Desperator. Since he is the agent of despair, doubt, and fear; and a theif, a murderer, and destroyer I believe the name “Desperator” would fit, though I cannot find this term used in a dictionary. Maybe a new word? Meaning the chief one who causes despair. My focus is not, however, upon him, but rather upon the One who brought about his defeat.
The example of Jesus’s battle with the devil begins with,
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’ Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, ‘If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, ‘He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.’ Jesus said unto him, ‘It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’ Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, ‘All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.’ Then saith Jesus unto him, ‘Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’ Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.” Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV)
Upon reading the passage from Matthew’s gospel we see that in Jesus’s weakness following a 40 day 40 night fast the devil confronts Jesus concerning His identity and person. I heard one preacher put it like this; “In the first temptation the devil attempts to get to His desire for SURVIVAL; in the second he attempts to get to His desire for SECURITY; in the third and final temptation he attempts to get at his desire for SUCCESS. These are seen in each of these temptations.
They are also relevant in light of the temptations which John the apostle mentions…
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16
and we find these also in the Garden of Eden as Eve is being tempted of the devil through the serpent.
For the Christian to grow more into the image of Christ Jesus we must be knowledgeable of the Word of God; live by it; make it our life daily; ruminate upon it. In short “Hear, trust, and obey”.
Satan, the devil questions the Sonship of Jesus, “If you are the Son of God…”, then tells him to turn stones into bread to prove it; using the “lust of the flesh” and the need of SURVIVAL, and Jesus responds with Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3). Then the devil assaults Jesus with a temptation of SECURITY, or “the lust of the eyes”, even using Scripture himself, and once again Jesus quells the temptation with Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:16). At the final temptation the devil uses SUCCESS, or “the pride of life” in offering Jesus the world; with that again Jesus goes to Scripture, and puts the temptation back on the devil from whence it came (Deuteronomy 6:13).
We can learn from this event in the life of Jesus that there are three basic temptations the devil will hurl at us. There are are many sins in this world; but all of them are connected to the three. Jesus gives us a lesson on how to overcome the temptations of the devil. We must be in the Scriptures – both the Old and New Testaments. Remember, the only Bible that Jesus had, and the only Bible the apostles had was the Old Testament; and after the establishment of the Church, then the New Testament.
Without one or both of them we will be defenseless against the evil one. Paul the apostle gives us good advice in Spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-20. I am fearful that we Christians; at least far too many of us have “Walked into the enemies camp, and laid our weapons down”; and to our peril.
Let’s take them up again; beginning with the Word of God, and making it our Word from God daily.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Newly Elected President: Not So New
I posted this four years ago as President Obama was elected President of the United States of America. I repost it today, because it still holds true. It is time for God to work; and for Christians to pray and be vibrant witnesses for Christ; no matter what may come our way.
God’s Appointed King or President???
Recently I have read emails, comments on blogs, and heard some asking the question or making comment as to whether God’s will was done in the past election of President Elect Barrack Obama. In my mind and thinking I have seen how the election turned out, but was not surprised.
No! The candidate I voted for was not elected. I was disappointed and could have been, and still could be quite fearful of what lays ahead for the United States of America; the home of the free, and land of the brave. I have known and believed for years in the sovereignty of God, and have seen God at work in the hearts and lives of others and in myself. I have learned that no matter what man does the will of God is not thwarted; His will is done whether we go our own way, or choose His way.
Others who are concerned with our “free will” can believe that we overthrow God’s will. That is frivolous thought. How can a created being, such as we are, overthrow the will of the All-Knowing, All-Powerful, All-Present, and Immutable God? The “free will” of humanity does in fact work with the sovereignty of God, God is glorified, and His will is done. I cannot explain that any clearer, but that is what I learn through the reading of Scripture.
If we are fearful that God’s will was not done in the election of Barrack Obama as our President, then, we are in fact not trusting the sovereign hand of our God. I do not know what lays ahead for our country, but I do know that whatever it is is in the hands or our Almighty God.
God has been merciful to us for the past eight years and longer. We may now be in for a period of judgment, but let us not lose heart, and fear that “God’s will was not done”. As Christians we must believe God’s Word when He tells us;
“And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding…” Daniel 2:21 (KJV)
Since Barrack Obama is set to be our President, then we need to pray for him, his family, his decisions concerning cabinet members, and his time as President of our nation. Christian we are obligated by God to respect the man as our leader, to pray for him, and obey him.
Paul the apostle has written;
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.” Romans 13:1-6 (KJV)
The “higher powers” of which Paul mentions are rulers of nations, and governments of States, cities, etc.. It seems to me that our God has placed every ruler who has ever lived, and who is living today in their place. Was the will of God done with Hitler in power in his day? Whether we like it or not; or whether we understand it or not we must say YES! The rise and fall of kings and nations is in the hand of God, and as Paul writes, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God”.
You may disagee with this assessment, but it seems to me that the argument is not with me, but God. Talk to Him about it.
When we reach the place where we trust these matters to His hands, then, we as Christians can have peace, stop complaining, belittling the man who will be our next national leader, and then effectively pray for him.
I am actually excited about what lays ahead. It is after all in the hands of our Lord.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Please note: I did remove one paragraph that was in the original post that did not relate to this years election; they were concerning Prop 8 in California, and an issue in Arkansas as well where the people still decided for moral issues on Marriage and adoption.
Reconciled By the Cross of Christ
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:11-22 (KJV)
The only hope of the world, and its people is the cross of Jesus Christ. It is the only means by which mankind can be or will be reconciled to God.
-T.A.
Councils, Sparrows and Enemies
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, ‘Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man be come.’ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:16-39 (KJV)
Notice the three “Fear nots” in the text above. The word also of Whom we are to fear.
-T.A.
The Fire and Hammer 