Baptist Faith and Message – The Scriptures

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In this article I will write about the Scriptures, or otherwise know as the Bible, the Holy Bible.  The first statement made in this article is the first statement of Southern Baptist Statement of Faith called the “Baptist Faith and Message”.  It has Scripture references with it.

“I. The Scriptures

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation. Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.”

One of the references given is from 2 Timothy 3:15-17, and is probably the most known among Southern Baptists and probably all Baptists.

“… That from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV).

As Baptists we believe that the Scriptures are the Word of God.  If anyone only believes that the Bible only “contains the Word of God”, then they are not truly Baptists.

By the Word of God we can know God, His heart, His passion, and we can know that He loves the human race.  We also can know that Scriptures are profitable for doctrine, ie., teaching; for reproof, ie., the exposing of error and heresy; for correction – that is setting forth of discipline in the church; and for instruction in righteousness – showing the people the things which will be pleasing to God and will glorify Him.

A second portion of Scripture I want us to look at is 2 Peter 1:19-21:

“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for the prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:10-21 (NKJV)

When we study the Word of God we can rest assured that there will be no portion of it to contradict, lead us astray, or bring shame to our lives, or rob the glory that belongs only to God.  Not one verse can stand on its own, nor can one man’s interpretation of any one verse stand alone.  The verses of Scripture  must be understood in the light of the whole.

When you trust God and His Word, you have nothing to fear.  If we fear God we need fear nothing else.

I am Tim A. Blankenship

Lamech, “Strength”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continued…

“And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed. And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters:” Genesis 5:28-30 (KJV).

Notice, Adam at Lamech’s birth would now be 874 years of age; Seth is 744; Enos is 639; Cainan 549; Mahalaleel 479; Jared is 414; Enoch 259 – he would have been walking with the LORD at this time for 194 years; Notice that these men are all still living at the time of Lamech’s birth.

Lamech is the second of such names in chapters 4 and 5. The first mentioned is the seventh in the lineage of Cain. He is a murderer; a destroyer (4:17-24), and he defies God’s direction concerning marriage by taking two wives.

Lamech of Seth’s lineage is the son of Methuselah and the father of Noah. What a wonderful place/position to be born: between God’s judgment and His rest.

Lamech means “Destroyer/Strength”. Certainly in Lamech of Seth he is strength. It would be the strength of God. It is clear from the scriptural text concerning Lamech of Cain that he was a destroyer.

There is strength for all who will follow the direction of God and walk in His peace.

God Makes a Preacher

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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 would 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, becaue 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”.

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.

A Writing of Divorce

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Matthew 5:21-48 continuing…

“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32 (KJV).

We live in a day when divorce is running rampant. The Christian family is as infected as is the people outside the Christian faith. The percentage runs about 50 percent. Half of all marriages end in divorce according to statistics. For me to say that Christians are getting divorces as much as those who are not Christians really grieves my heart.

I cannot believe that anyone who has been divorced entered the marriage thinking, “I am going to get married for a few years, and then, get a divorce”. I may be wrong, but I cannot imagine that. I do believe there are some who give their vows to one another thinking, “If this does not work out we can always get a divorce”. I think that is why many get a divorce. There is no bonding. No commitment to the relationship.

It seems that Jesus is referring to a passage of scripture in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 having to do with the process of divorce. The religious leaders of the day had been teaching that a man could divorce his wife for burning the toast. The divorce laws today just as well not exist. They are so lenient that there is no reason needed to get one. NO FAULT divorce.

It might help us to understand this law better to realize that women in the time of Moses had no rights in marriage. The woman was at the mercy of her husband, and in almost every situation if not every situation, she had to marry whom her parents – her father – decided. The only legitimate divorce was if there was proof that she was not a virgin when she and her husband were married. When a husband brought such charges, and if they were false, the parents had the wedding night bedding, and could produce evidence of her virginity. If they had no proof of her virginity, then he could give her a writing of divorce, and she could go and be another man’s wife (See Deuteronomy 22:13-21). Women had no legitimate means of support, except a husband. In many situations their only other alternative was harlotry/prostitution. For a man to give a writing of divorce for another reason other than that mentioned caused her to commit adultery by marrying another man, and the man committed adultery as well. If a man became jealous suspecting his wife of unfaithfulness they had a means of caring for this also (See Numbers 5:11-31).

Jesus’s words on divorce are quite strong. It causes many of us to question what He meant. It is clear. The only reason for a man to divorce his wife was for “the cause of fornication”, ie., sexual sin, sexual impurity. If a man divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and she marries another she commits adultery, and the man who marries her commits adultery. This can also be reversed for the woman and the man concerning our day. In Jesus’s day the woman was not allowed to seek a divorce. Women today can seek a divorce, so that is why I say the thing can be reversed with the woman seeking a divorce.

Divorce, as it is practiced in our society of 2007, does not make sense. It is almost always a losing proposition. The man loses, the woman loses, and if there are children they are the biggest losers, but not of their own doing.

Methuselah, “Judgment”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continuing…

“And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech: And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.” Genesis 5:25-27 (KJV).

At the birth of Methuselah; Adam is now 687 years of age; Seth is 557; Enos 452; Cainan 362; Mahalaleel 292; and Jared is 227.

It is a difficult task to separate Enoch from Methuselah. The Scriptures lead us to believe that God warned Enoch of a coming judgment through His son Methuselah. It is after the birth of his son, that Enoch ‘walked with God’. The time Enoch walked with God was greater than the time before Methuselah.

Methuselah was given as a warning, a sign of coming judgment upon a godless, immoral, decadent world. The many sons and daughters of these antedilubians, which are not mentioned, along with the descendants of Cain had began falling into great wickedness.

The surrounding scriptural evidence is what we have to show us that wickedness was great on the earth. Chapter 5 provides us an “Island” of hope in a sea of madness“. God always has a people of His own who make a difference, and whom He uses to deliver humankind from evils deadly snares.

This man; Methuselah lived longer than any other. His name means “Man of the dart”, “When he is dead it shall be sent”, or “Death which would bring”, or to put it in short, “Judgment”. What judgment is being spoken of ? It could only be one. That of the global flood. Is it any wonder why Enoch walked with God? It is not certain that Enoch knew what type of judgment God would send on the earth, nor when it would come, but Enoch believed God.

Enoch would not live, on earth, to see the great deluge to come. He would be translated [raptured] 300 years after the birth of his son. Six hundred sixty nine years later a flood which covered the whole sphere of the earth would destroy every breathing living thing, except those protected on God’s ark.

Oh, take a look at God’s wonderful, marvelous grace He puts on display through His servant Methuselah. He gave the world 969 years to turn to Him, but they would not. The very year, and it could be, even, the very week that Noah entered the ark, this son of Enoch died. Thus, making “When he is dead it shall be sent” a very powerful warning. Could there be a Methuselah in our day who is an example of God’s grace? There is. It is the Church. It is everyone who names the name of Christ, and lives for His glory. When the Church is gone; Then comes the judgment upon the people of the earth.

God does not send judgment until He first sends a messenger who warns of His judgment coming – “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7 (KJV).

O, the pure grace of God is efficient for all who will come to Him.

Have a Wonderful Father’s Day

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It is that one day a year when there is a special recognition of Fathers.  We are appreciated by our families.  At least, most of us are.  There are probably some fathers who come here to Fire and Hammer who may not feel too appreciated, but know that you are loved and cared for.

Our Heavenly Father cares for and loves you.  He may be the One who can make a wonderful difference between you and your family.  He loves you the way you are.  He can and will save you the way you are, and know this,  He loves you too much to leave any of us the way we are.

God bless you men, and have a great day in the Lord.

What Do You See?

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The prophet has seen the “Rod of the almond tree”, and it was the message from God that He was going to bring His Word to pass very quickly. The seeing of the “Rod…” itself is the sign of discipline and judgment. It can also be a sign of protection, if you are on the right side of it.
The LORD asked Jeremiah again, “What do you see?” Jeremiah 1:13 (NKJV), and the prophet says, “I see a boiling pot, and it is facing away from the north”. A “boiling pot” is a hot matter. It has taken some time for the contents of the pot to come to the point of boiling.
At the time of Jeremiah it has basically been many, many years that the people of Israel and of Judah have grown cold to the Lord and His Word. They have turned a deaf ear to the meaning of their sabbath days, holy days, their feasts, and have in fact turned their hearts toward other gods.
Their comforts, their riches, their houses and their lands are of more importance and they care more for those things than for others, or God.
For many years in our own Nation of the United States of America many professing Christians have grown more concerned with their health, wealth, houses, cars, and lands, than they have with being holy, righteous, and the care of our poorer brothers and sisters in Christ. There is a ‘Boiling pot’ that is ready to be spilled on us. It may be in the form of a collapsed economy; is that laughable? You may have the first laugh, but God will have the final one. People are dollaring themselves right out of their new and older homes.
The ‘Boiling pot’ may not be coming from our North, but it is coming from the thing which Americans fear the most. What is that? Economic collapse. For too long people and even Christians have put their hope in the economy being good, when it has basically been built on nothing visible, but the invisible value of their home. It should really just be called ‘Their house’, because to many it is just an investment, and they have placed the value of their lives in the value of their house. May God help us, and forgive us.
God says to the prophet, “Out of the North calamity shall break forth on all the inhabitants of the land”. Jeremiah 1:14 (NKJV). When people turn their backs on God, and turn to their own means, comfort, health, wealth, and security, then is when the water in the pot begins to boil. It has been boiling now for many years. Let’s repent of our deeds and turn to the LORD.

Just a Thought

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Matthew 5:21-48 continued…

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30 (KJV).

Wouldn’t it be really great to have “Thought Police”. Of course, it would have to be someone who could read your mind and thoughts. They would also need to know the intent of your heart in order to make a righteous judgment. Now, Jesus is saying what the law has told us, “Thou shalt not commit adultery”. Is that not clear enough, then, He says, “But I say unto you…” Who is this? It is Jesus. You could be right in even saying, “He knows your every thought and the intent of your heart”. This One says, “…That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” On the outward appearance there are a lot of men who would be okay with just the law, since many have not committed physical adultery against their wives. Looking on the thoughts and hearts in the matter guilt would cover the world like a flood. Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

This indictment against us is strong. I am guilty of having looked at some women with lust. May God give me a purer thought life, and a better heart for Him, and forgiveness for my sin.

Is it sinful for a man to look at a woman, and see her beauty, and form? Only if that leads to lust. Lust is the desire; lingering, longing desire, that is felt as a thirsty tongue for water in a dry and barren land. There is nothing wrong with admiring the beauty God has created. It becomes lust if you feel you must have it for yourself.

Is Jesus serious about plucking out the eye that offends, cutting off the hand that offends? He is showing how seriously He takes sin. How seriously did Jesus take sin? So serious He voluntarily went to the cross, laid down His life, and died. The plucking out of the eye and the cutting off of the hand, and casting it from us; shows us how seriously we should take sin. If our eye looks upon a woman with lust, it will not really do us any good to pluck out the eye; there will still be lust in the heart. It is a heart issue, not an eye issue. Change of heart will lead to a change of view. Some women may be reading this and think that this does not apply to them. Oh yes it does. Women can have a problem with lust as well.

Enoch, “The Experienced One”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continuing…

“And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:21-24 (KJV).

The name ‘Enoch’ is a wonderful name. It is not only an easy name to pronounce, but it also has a great meaning. He is one of two men the Bible mentions as having “Walked with God”. That would be quite the experience. You know what? That is the meaning of the name, ‘Enoch’ – “The Experienced one”.

Adam is now 622 years of age at Enoch’s birth; Seth is 492; Enos 387; Cainan 297; Mahalaleel 227. My these men are old.

There is much more said of Enoch; in this genealogy; than any other until we get to Noah. Enoch was one who had a very personal experience with God. Other than Noah, he is the only one of whom it is said, “…Walked with God”. “And Enoch walked with God…”, and it says of Noah, “and Noah walked with God (6:9). If God were to place that on my tombstone that would be a great honor.

Let’s look at the time when “Enoch walked with God”. Enoch was 65 years of age when Methuselah was born. It is written that, “Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years…” The name of his son was a prophecy which inspired Enoch to “Walk with God”.

Something very special happened to Enoch. Of the others in this Adamic lineage, Enoch is the only one of whom it is not said, “and he died”, but it is said of Enoch, which cannot be said of any other except those who will go in the rapture, “…he was not; for God took Him”. The writer of Hebrews states it this way, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5 (KJV). Clearly and simply the Word of God tells us that Enoch did not die. He “Experienced” Rapture, a snatching away, a parousia. Where did he go? With God. This is the destiny of all who will walk with God. Amos the prophet asked the question, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3. There is no walking with God if you are not in agreement with Him.

If we are to walk with God we must agree with Him that His Son Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, and He is the one who said, “no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). Enoch means “Experienced”, and what a wonderful life he experienced. We can too.

Jared, “Descent”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continuing…

“And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch: And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.” Genesis 5:18-20 (KJV).

I may be a little redundant giving you the ages of these men, but I find it fascinating that at this period of time they would live so long. Here the ages of these men are at the time of the birth of Jared – another easy name. Adam has now reached the age of 460 years, Seth 330 years, Enos 225 years, and Cainan 135 years of age. Quite the tribute to the endurance of mankind??? Not hardly. More a tribute to the mercy and grace of God Almighty; Creator of all living.

Knowing the age of Adam’s death we can see that he is approaching the halfway point of his life. The days increase and death sneaks up. We do not know when. Whether we live 930 years or a mere 80 years only God knows the day and hour of our physical demise.

In Jared there is hope of deliverance. A word from God. A hope. Something, that God Something; inspired Mahalaleel to name his son ‘Jared’. A descending of God to the level of man, “yet without sin” (“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Heb 4:15 (KJV) was a hope for every godly person even before the deluge.

Jared means “A descent” or “Came down”. That is exactly what God did on the day Jesus was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary. God came down to be like us, “Yet without sin”.

The Almond Tree

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The prophet has been called to proclaim the Word of God to a sinful and rebellious people. He has been told by God, that he has been known by Him even before he was conceived in the womb of his mother. Jeremiah the prophet has been told to speak every word God puts in his mouth.
Now comes the time to check his vision. “Jeremiah, what do you see?” (1:11) “I see a branch of an almond tree.” If a man is going to proclaim the Word of the Lord GOD, then he must be able to see what God is about to do, or at least what he desires to do.
Here is what God says about the seeing of the almond tree branch. “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word”. (v. 12)
The almond tree was an early tree. It wakened from its dormancy earlier than any other tree. The thing Jeremiah saw God used to tell him that the Word of God was going to be done just as God declared it through him, and it would be very quickly. It would be earlier than any other.
The message of God’s Word would be faithfully preached by the prophet, but not without sorrow and pain. There would be no delay. Jeremiah must hasten to the work of his ministry.
Just how close are we to the time we will see the fulfilling of the final prophecies of the Word of God. They are at the door. Jesus could return for His Bride at any moment. Do not delay to call on His name in repentance for sin, and trust completely in Him for salvation.

Indifference Toward Anger

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Matthew 5:21-48 continuing…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mahalaleel – “Blessed God”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continues…

“And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared: And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.” Genesis 5:15-17 (KJV).

These names are awesome aren’t they? Adam was easy; Seth is easy, Enos is easy, Cainan, starts getting a little dificult, and now we have Mahalaleel. How do you pronounce that. I just pronounce it the way it looks. The important thing is to see the meaning of the name. Its meaning in the LORD God’s plan of redemption. The name Mahalaleel means, “Blessed God” or “Praise of God”.

At the birth of Mahalaleel Adam was certainly aging, and we hope gracefully; he was now 395 years of age, Seth was 265 years of age, and Enos was 160 young years of age.

They saw the blessing of the LORD God in Mahalaleel, and praised the Lord for His wonderful mercy and grace. The human race has not ceased to exist. God continues His promise of a Redeemer. In our world today (2007) there are many evidences of God’s grace, love and mercy. We see it in the faces of new born babies. We see it in the creation on and in which we live – everyday you see the sunrise you have the hope of a future when you are in Christ. We see hope in the stars of the heavens declaring the glory of the LORD God.

We have much for which to be thankful. Just open your eyes and look. Look, especially to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Blessed God and the Praise of God.

Cainan and “Sorrow”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continued…

“And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel: And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.” Genesis 5:12-14 (KJV).

At the time of the birth of Cainan Adam had reached the ripe old age of 325 years, and Seth was the young age of 195 years. I personally believe these are literal years, and not the length of family duration or however some try to explain it. The reason I mention that is; when I was a Freshman in High School at Cassville, Missouri we had a teacher who boldly proclaimed to us one morning, “The ages of those men in the early part of Genesis could not be their actual age, it had to mean something else”. I am not sure that is a word for word statement, it has been about 39 years since she made it, but it is pretty close. I did not agree with her then, and I certainly do not now.

The genealogy of the LORD God’s plan of redemption continues. God’s amazing grace is quite prominent, yet man is beginning to see the sorrow of sin more and more and its dark agony, and sorrow. Cainan means “Sorrow”. If only the people of the earth would open their eyes, and see their true and sad estate; maybe their sorrow would drive them to God; but then, maybe not.

When you see your sad estate in life, and that is that you are dying, that you have an eternity to spend somewhere in one of two places; one is where Jesus is, and the other is where only His wrath is.  To choose where Jesus is you must Choose Jesus, and trust His finished work on the cross, believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and that He bodily rose from the grave and is alive forever more. 

Habakkuk the Embracer

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WHO IS HABAKKUK?
The meaning of the name “Habakkuk” is derived from a Hebrew word which means “embrace” or “embracer”. It seems in my mind that this is a name which fits him to a tee. He may have been a Levite engaged in the temple choir, and had a great concern for the direction his people were taking, away from God.
Let me quote here from the Criswell Study Bible. “Realizing Israel’s iniquity and need for punishment, Habakkuk is perplexed with the moral dilemma of how a holy God could employ the more deplorably wicked Chaldeans to chastise His Children.” I can understand his dilemma. In looking at God’s holiness, though, I would have to say, that He is more concerned with His glory, than He is with how things may appear to us. To continue the quotation from Criswell – “God responds by asserting His sovereign prerogative as to the choice and the timing of His retribution. Though it may appear unreasonable, His way is best. Thus the prophet learns that to believe what God says and to heed His warning is to be numbered among the righteous who shall live by faith (2:4). Consequently, Habakkuk’s theme is faith triumphant over apparent difficulties.” Habakkuk was a prophet who had a heart for God’s people, and a heart for God. That is after all what a prophet. He speaks with God about the people, their sins and problems. He speaks with the people of God, His Word, His way, and the direction of their lives.The prophecy of Habakkuk was a “burden”, ‘a heavy load’, and that is due to the message contained here. The prophet prophesied near the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The people were going to face severe judgment. Habakkuk did understand that judgment was coming by God from an unholy source.
Are we, who are Christians, in the United States of America not also facing judgment from an unholy source?
Habakkuk was a prophet who cared, yet spoke the truth. Bless the Lord. May every pastor and preacher of God’s Word, and the gospel do the same.

Embracer of God’s Holiness

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This study was previously posted on TABS, another of my blogs.
STUDY OF HABAKKUK
Habakkuk was a prophet who did not understand and the question he asked was very similar to the question many people ask today. Why does God let evil go unpunished? Why does He not rid the world of all evil?
My thoughts on a few verses –
Verses 1:1-4 – The prophet had a burden for God’s holiness. It was as though God was not hearing the prophet’s cries to vindicate His holiness. As I read these verses the wickedness of the time seems very similar to the wickedness of 2006 in the United States and the world.
Where are the men of God crying out for God to be vindicated? I will. Is it because we understand God’s rule over all, and we know how God will be vindicated in the end? If that were only true; we would still be crying out for God to move us.
“The law is slacked” (v. 4). Certainly sounds a lot like some verdicts judges are handing down to guilty men. Just recently a 50 year old man in Nebraska was convicted of sexually assaulting a child and the judge ruled that he was “too short to make it 10 years in prison” So she sentenced him to 10 years of probation.
Chapter 1:13 – It almost seems that the prophet has not yet come to realize the complete sovereignty of God. But, then, God’s sovereignty is no excuse for tolerance of evil.
He knows God’s purity and holiness, and is surprised that God can just let the sin and abuse of God’s people continue by the wicked.
Chapter 2:6, 14, 15 – It seems the prophet is really concerned that God be glorified. He sees God’s people as in need of judgment.
Some are increasing materialy at other’s expense (2:6). There seems to be an evergoing party where drunkenness is practiced and caused by the merchant of “drink” (2:15 & 16).
There are 5 “Woes” mentioned in this chapter. Verses 6, 9 12, 15, and 19:1. “Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his!” (v. 6).2. “Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house…” (v. 9).3. “Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood…” (v. 12).4. “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink…” (v. 15).5. “Woe unto him that sayeth to the wood, ‘Awake’…” (v. 19).
Gloriously, there are also 5 promises – 1:5; 2:3, 4, 14, and 20
1. “I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.” (1:5).2. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time…, though it tarry wait for it; because it will surely come…”(2:3).3.”But the just shall live by his faith.”(2:4).
4. “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”(2:14).
5. “But the LORD is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (2:20). This has to do with the place of God, and being silent, reverent, before Him, “Be still and know that I am God…” (Ps. 46:10).
Chapter 3 – Habakkuk’s prayer for God’s glory.
In verse 2 He asks God “Revive Thy work in the midst of the years…” and “…In wrath remember mercy”. In his prayer, the prophet has three requests. The first and third already listed, but the second one is that God manifest Himself to His people, “In the midst of the years make known” I believe referring to the ‘Reviving of Thy work…” previously mentioned. God’s glory will be revealed.
Verses 17 – 19 – The prophet, in the prayer, declares his trust will be in the LORD, even when desolate (v. 17). He declares God as his “strength” and believes the LORD to be his encouragement (vv. 18-19).
The prayer is a Psalm/Song. Note the way this chapter begins and ends “…upon Shigionoth.” Some musical instrument? The final words, “To my chief singer on my stringed instruments.”There is much more study to do of Habakkuk. There is one thing I see that where he started with a question he ends with God.

Spiritual Allegiance

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GIVING SPIRITUAL ALLEGIANCE

Matthew 5:17-20

Looking at these verses it seems to become quite clear that the life of grace is one of a changed life. When one meets Christ Jesus by grace, is saved and delivered from sins judgment, death, and bondage it is not; I say again, “IS NOT” a license to sin. It is a call to live unto Christ. To live like Jesus.

Jesus is God’s measure of righteousness. He is the only one who has measured up to the requirements of the law and prophets of God. There was no sin found in Him. He did always those things that pleased His Father. He always knew the Father’s will and walked in it. God’s measure of Righteousness is far, far greater than our own.

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:17-20 (KJV).

There is one thing that is abundantly clear in reading the seventeenth verse. That is, that Jesus had A DEFINITE SPIRITUAL ALLEGIANCE to the Word of God, ie., “…the law, or the prophets” (v. 17). The allegiance of King Jesus was to the Father. That is shown in His desire to fulfill the law. Nothing Jesus said or did robbed the “Law or the prophets” of their power. He came to fulfill what Adam should have done, and that was to glorify the Father. The Father was glorified in the Son’s death on the cross. Dying there He fulfilled the demands of the Law. The law said, “You must die”. Jesus was our Substitute for sins death.

Jesus’s allegiance to the law is given to the One who spoke it into being. The Word of God will not fail, nor will Jesus fail to uphold and fulfill it glorifying the Father. It is set to be fulfilled. It cannot fail to be fulfilled. Even, the tiniest of details of the word will not fail. The word “Jot” used by Jesus here in the text is speaking of the smallest Hebrew letter, called the Yodh, and even if you do not know Hebrew and have a Bible you can find an illustration of this letter in the 119th Psalm. It is the tenth letter, and it is the tenth division of eight verses in 73 – 80 of Psalm 119. This letter looks very similar to our apostrophe which we use in English for stating possession of something. In Hebrew it is a letter, and an important one. Even this little letter will not “Pass from the law”. The other tiny thing Jesus mentions is the “tittle”, which is the tiny extension on the end of a Hebrew letter. It would be similar to the tail of the ‘y’ hanging on the word ‘tiny’. Not even the tiniest thing will fail to be fulfilled. All the prophecies which have not yet been fulfilled; will be fulfilled. Any of the most minute things left to fulfill will be brought to pass.

Why would we dare teach others to break the law of God? Is there an element of popularity in it? I find it awkward to try and say that because Jesus fulfilled the law, that we are no longer required to obey the law. The fact that Jesus fulfilled it, and we being in Him means, that, we now are enabled to obey it. We desire to obey Jesus our Savior. We desire to do that which is pleasing to Him and will honor and glorify Him.

Allegiance is shown in keeping and teaching them as Jesus gave them, and not in explaining them away. The commandments concerning the special Sabbaths and days which were pictures, shadows, types of the One who has come, are no longer necessary, because Jesus has come, and there is no more need of the type when you have the real thing (SEE Colossians 2:15-17). It is heresy to add binding, and constrictive amendments to the law that we have. The “Law and the Prophets” [Scriptures] are given as a means of showing us who we are in the economy of God and who God is as well; and especially so. By the “Law and the Prophets” we learn about salvation; we also learn about our need for dependence upon God and not self-righteousness.

The teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are more descriptive of the Ten Commandments. The Commandments; at least on outward appearance; seem to deal with the outward appearance. The Sermon deals with the whole message of the Commandments even to the very thoughts of the heart. If someone tells you, “I live by the Sermon on the Mount” they probably do not realize what they are saying. The Sermon, by Jesus, has more qualifying factors than does the Ten Commandments. The Sermon calls for a change of heart – the inner man; leading to a righteousness that far exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, and moves from the inner man to the outer man; thus, changing the whole.

The scribes and Pharisees were men who prided themselves in their piety; which was only outward. Look at what Jesus said to them; “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepuchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27.

God’s All-Knowledge

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The prophet, at least about to be, is sharing his call from God with us as we look at the rest of chapter one. Our verses today will just be verses four and five. I want to keep these articles relatively short. They are usually the ones which will be read, if most people are like me in that respect.

“Then the word of the LORD came to me saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NKJV).

While Jeremiah was serving as a priest with his family it surely grieved his heart to see the wickedness in the land. Many times this is the way God moves and works in calling men to serve as pastors, preachers, teachers, and other works. He places a burden upon the heart, and you go and grow in that as you hear the Lord and see Him work you just find yourself enjoying what He has called you to do.
The Lord had this planned for the prophet from the time the world was established. One of the things that the man of God needs to know and realize about God is that He is Omniscient, and that simply means that He is AllKnowing. There is nothing that God, the Creator of all that is, does not know. Someone has asked the question, “Is there anything God can learn?” Well the answer to that, if God is AllKnowing, is NO! Because He already knows everything there is to know.
That means He is never surprised by events, “accidents”, incidents, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, car wrecks, bombs exploding, or wars. You could put just about anything in there that you could think of.
God knew Jeremiah before he was conceived in the womb, and you could say, it was God who gave the seed that caused Jeremiah to be. There is a good thing we can see from this and that is that none of us are an accident. God made us to be.
These verses are often used by those who are pro-life, which I am, to show that there is human life in the womb of the mother, concerning the baby. It is not just a blob of tissue, a mass which has invaded the body of the woman. It is a special, ordained by God, individual whom He has plans for; whether the woman does or not. I guess her plans; the woman getting an abortion; are extinction.
The prophet is “Sanctified” which is set apart to be clean, appointed, prepared to do a task, and that task as we shall see is to proclaim the word of the LORD to God’s people of Judah, and to the nations.
He is “Ordained” by God to proclaim the message God puts in his mouth, and upon his lips. He is to speak what God tells him to speak, and not withhold one word. That is the work of the prophet of God. Speak the word of God and do it with all one’s strength, and then the strength of God.
God knows you. He knew you before you were conceived. Yield your life to Him.

Enos, the “Mortal Man”

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Genesis 5:1-32 continues…

“And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan: And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.” Genesis 5:9-11 (KJV).

Enos, the son of Seth in the LORD God’s plan of redemption, is the mortal man. That is the meaning of his name – “Mortal man”. It could be that at the time of the birth of Enos Adam and Eve and all those living were just beginning to see the results of sins curse, ie., death. Continue to notice that Enos, was having sons and daughters, helping populate the earth. These sons and daughters of Adam, Seth, and Enos all needed redemption. Death would have surely been noticed by this time;  by the stillborn death of children, and of adults; by murder and disease. It could be also that young children would have died to sickness, and some forms of diseases brought into the world because of sin.

No matter what the cause Enos is seen as “Mortal”. The MIRRIAM/WEBSTER Dictionary states that ‘mortal’ means ‘Subject to death’. Whether we like to admit it or not, one day we will die. This old human body wrinkles, decays, and aches. Aging is a painful progress, and as someone has said, “Growing old is not for cowards”. There are many people today who do not take growing old very well. They go to their “Plastic surgeon” and have work done on their face. They follow the latest fad to try and preserve their body until some cure is found for the disease which got them down. We are all mortal. We will all one day die.

There are people who are still searching for that FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, and to no avail. The only hope of living forever is by trusting who you are to the care of our loving, gracious, merciful Creator. He made the way to live forever, and that is through faith in the Son Jesus Christ, who gave His life as a Substitute for all our judgment of sin. If we are to live with our Creator for all eternity, then, we must yield to His way.

God Will Rise

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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 who 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, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month” Jeremiah 1:1-3 (NKJV).

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.

Seth the “Appointed”

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Genesis 5:6-8 continues…

“And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos: And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.” Genesis 5:6-8 (KJV).

The third son of Adam and Eve according to the record of God’s Word. This would definitely be the lineage of the LORD God’s plan of redemption. In this genealogy we have one of the clearest proclamations of hope and salvation for mankind.

Seth. He was surely a son of promise following the murder of Abel by Cain, and Cain’s desertion to the absence of the presence of God. Seth’s name means “Appointed”. With the death of Abel and the godless Cain the hopes of Adam and Eve may have been darkened, however, God gives them an “Appointment” through their son Seth. He will be an appointment with hope, salvation, redemption, and the presence of God.

Seth is a substitute. A godly seed in the place of Abel. It should be noted that Seth has sons and daughters and they are also populating the earth. All through the Old Testament we see the hope given by the “Substitute”. We have previously saw the animals which died in Adam’s and Eve’s stead, and provided them a covering. Here we have Seth as a “Substitute” filling in for Abel. A wonderful living substitute.

Run Through the Streets

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This blog is based on the idea of Jeremiah 5:1 which says, “Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it”
There is a need for true judgment and for the seeking and knowing of truth in our land and around the world.
Most of the articles of this blog will probably be based from the Prophet Jeremiah’s writings. There is a need for men of God to take a stand; to speak out, and be strong.

Light of the World

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Matthew 5:13-16 concluded…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family With a Message

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Genesis 5:1-32…

As we saw in chapter four Cain killed Abel due to jealousy, and probably bitterness due to God’s acceptance of Abel’s offering and not his. It would seem that, Cain had offered to God an improper attitude. He had offered to God an improper offering. He had offered to God an offering of the flesh, rather than an offering of blood. God had given Cain opportunity to repent, but he refused. He ended up murdering Abel, then trying to hide it from the Lord. Because of this deed; Cain goes out from the presence of the LORD God.

In several ways Cain’s family counterfeits the godly line. We mentioned those in the study of the last chapter and I will not do it again here.

“This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters: And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died” Genesis 5:1-5 (KJV).

It would have been a very sad day for Adam and Eve when they had found out Cain had killed Abel. Then, it became sad when they knew that Cain was out of the presence of the LORD God. We are retold about the creation of the man and woman in the ‘Likeness of God’. How their hopes for redemption must have flown away. They were sinners in need of a redeemer, and now their sons were gone. Tragedy in the first family, but God was not finished yet.

There are times in all our lives, just like with Adam and Eve, when we have feelings of God’s desertion. He never deserts us. We have His promise on that. Why would Adam and Eve feel that way now. By the naming of Cain they could have had an idea that this was their source of redemption. His name in Hebrew ‘Kahyin’ can be fixed upon or a play on another Hebrew word ‘kawnaw’ for redemption. I am not trying to be a Hebrew scholar. I know nothing of the Hebrew language. The words are taken from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Mine is without the Hebrew rendering of the word. I am only saying this is a possibility. It does seem that the name Cain was given as a hope for them in having a soon coming redeemer. With Cain away and out of the presence of the LORD God, and Abel dead they needed more hope.

When Adam was one hundred and thirty years old God gave them another son, which they named “Seth”, which started a godly line. There is a Family Message given in these names. I will not point it out except just to give you the meaning of their names. Remember in the times of Scripture peoples names had meaning. They were given the name they had for a reason. Notice too, that, Adam and Eve had other sons and daughters. This is important to remember because they all had spouses.

The godly line was to continue through Seth. His name means “Appointed”. God desires a godly line to bring a perfect salvation for mankind. You will notice that in chapter four verse twenty six Seth has a son named “Enos” whose name means “Mortal man”. This, “then began men to call upon the name of the LORD”. By placing them here before the genealogy of Adam seems to be saying to us that this was when they really began to see they were only mortal beings. They had seen death.

God desires mankind to be trustful and worshipful of Him, certainly not in self.

This third son mentioned, is said to be “a son in his [Adam’s} own likeness”. This may certainly mean in form, but it must most assuredly mean in the likeness of his spirit and attitude toward God as well. Although, Adam now had a sinful nature, his heart was turned toward the LORD for his salvation. It would appear that the following genealogy shows each ‘in his likeness’ in physical form as well as in spirit.

There are some who wonder where Cain got his wife (4:17), and where these other sons got their wives. The answer is that Adam and Eve had sons and daughters. There were others other than Cain and Abel and Seth, and the only conclusion one can reach, if we are to believe the Bible to be true, and I do; is to believe that in the beginning of the human God had brothers and sisters joining together in marriage.

There is no way of knowing how many sons and daughters Adam and Eve had, but there were many. Look at the ages of these people when they finally died. Adam was nine hundred and thirty [930]. That is not a misprint. There are some who doubt the ages of these men before the flood. But then, most of those doubt the flood ever happened too. If we begin to doubt these ages we would be casting doubt on the whole of the Word of God. If it is fallible and errant in its ages of men, it could certainly be unreliable in spiritual matters as well. Why is it so difficult to believe that a perfect earth, unpolluted, and unspoiled would allow men to live for centuries, rather than decades? Adam lived less than one thousand years. He did not live out one day in God’s sight; “For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:4); and it is also written, “But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). This just simply shows us that time is of no consequence to God. He is over it and has control of it as far as we are concerned.

Adam died at the age of 930 years, and that is far short of the eternal life which God created man to experience. Let me assure you that you will live eternally somewhere. Will it be God’s ordained place in His presence, or in the place He prepared for the devil and his angels?

Our Saltiness

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Matthew 5:13-16 —

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will be continued…