“And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
But the word of God grew and multiplied.” Acts 12:20-24 (KJB)
Growth
Growing by the Numbers
Matthew 13:31-33
Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.’
Another parable spake He unto them; ‘The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.’” Matthew 13:31-33 (KJB)
These two parables if you will notice are placed between the parable of the wheat and the tares, and the explanation of the wheat and the tares. This was intentional so that we might see His intent of the two parables. He is warning us of the deception of the enemy. We all like to see growth in our churches. Hopefully we mean by growth – people being called to Christ through faith in the shed blood of Jesus’s death, His burial, and resurrection. Too many times churches have crowds, members, and numbers, but no salvations. “But Oh, we had a great crowd. There was excitement in the air.” something along this line said, and everybody is feeling great; but is Jesus truly praised, worshiped, and glorified?
I. The growth of the mustard seed in this parable would normally be to become the bush of an herb.
* + It, however, becomes like an “Oak tree”.
* + How is it that the power, popularity, and prestige of Christianity has increased in past years?
II. The devil likes nothing better than for the church and the kingdom to have an unholy, ungodly, supernatural growth.
* + We are accepting people into congregations that call themselves Christian, but they have had no personal experience with Jesus.
* + They are still in their sins, unforgiven, unredeemed.
* + They have not been regenerated by the power of the Spirit of God, they have not been justified, there is no sanctification, and until they have these things they certainly will not be glorified in the presence of Jesus.
III. The Psalmist wrote in the song, “Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (Psalm 127:1).
* + Rather than relying on “fire under the altar” (1 Kings 18:23, 25) why can the church not depend on the fire of God?
* +We depend too much on the methods of the flesh.
* + May God forgive us, and may we get on our knees, rebuild our altars and seek the power and the face of God.
IV. Leaven, in every case in Scripture, Old and New Testaments, is seen as a symbol of evil.
* + There is not one instance where it is seen as a symbol of a good growth of puffiness.
* + Some have taken Leviticus 23:17, and taught that this is a picture of the leaven being good.
* + The woman represents false religion; she could even be represented by Jezebel who was the wife and queen of Ahab.
V. Jesus told His disciples, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”
* + Jesus was referring to their legalism and false doctrine that had bound them in their sins and iniquities.
* + Paul the apostle warns of the dangers of letting iniquity/sin stay and permeate a congregation in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7
“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us”.
VI. The kingdom of heaven grows in every individual who knows, who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
* + Yet, numerically, it can grow in pretense and hypocrisy.
* + False doctrine destroys unity, while those who teach false doctrine talk of uniformity – you give up the truth and we will have unity – and accuse those who stand for truth as the ones who cause disunity.
-by Tim A. Blankenship
For further study you can go here and here
Open the Book
In order to know the words, the acts, and purpose of a book one must open that book. It does not matter if the book is historical, study, a novel of fiction, historical fiction, etc., educational that book must be opened. Even an e-book must be opened to know its contents.
The Bible, the word of God, is no different in that way. A lot of Christians say they believe the Bible, yet they rarely if ever open it. In their homes it is a decoration on a bookshelf or on a table, but is never picked up and opened, except maybe on Sunday as the pastor opens it to read, and they might follow along. How can a Christian grow without opening Scripture? Growth would be a non-event in such case.
Hear from the book of Nehemiah…
“And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: and Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” Nehemiah 8:5-6 (KJV)
This event for Nehemiah took place following the return of God’s people; after seventy years, from Babylonian captivity, and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall. The people’s only access to Scripture was through the scrolls, and usually read by the priests and prophets of their day. That is no excuse today. Not too many people have or can legitimately say, “I do not have a Bible, neither do I have access to one.” There are millions of copies of God’s word throughout the world. Most people; if they want a copy they can get one.
At any rate look at what happened when Nehemiah opened the book. Out of respect for the Word, the people stood up. It does not say they were asked to do so. It does not say that anyone motioned for them to do so. It simply says, “…All the people stood up”. Then we are told they heard Nehemiah bless the LORD, and they answered “Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands, bowing their heads, and worshiping with their faces to the ground”.
O for the respect, reverence for the word of God from God’s people today.
I have attended many worship services where the preacher asked people to stand in reverence to the word of God. Nothing wrong in that. I do believe, however, if we the people had a real reverence for the word of God, when anyone in a meeting opens the word of God in our midst we ought to stand without a prompter. The prompter should be the opening of the Book.
Most of all: be sure you open, read, and study the Book for yourself. And notice how through the Spirit of God He will read you too.
Christmas Day Eighty and Four
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want my faith to grow in Christ Jesus, and to bring forth fruit for His honor and glory, to always keep my eyes on Him and not on the perilous waves of life’s sea around me.
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” Matthew 14:31-32 (NKJV)
The Popular Myth That Will Sabotage Your Spiritual Growth | T E Hanna
Every follower of Jesus Christ needs to read and heed this message. Please follow the link and read. T.A. Blankenship
The Popular Myth That Will Sabotage Your Spiritual Growth | T E Hanna.
2 Peter 3:1-18
The Second Coming Of Jesus – A Certain Event
In second Peter we see Peter writing to encourage and motivate the followers of Christ – Christians – toward developing a Christ like character (chapter 1); We see then Peter warns of the dangers, and deception of false teachers and their demise (chapter 2); and in chapter three we see that he gives us some reasons for what seems as delay of the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The first reason Peter gives seems to be that there will be scoffers. Scoffers speak of the delay as evidence that the Lord is not coming. Some of these scoffers are those who improvise there teaching to fit with the delay they envision.
2 Peter 1-10
THE STIRRING OF THE PROPHET’S AND APOSTLES WRITINGS (vv. 1-2). I mentioned a few weeks ago in a sermon at Carr Lane Baptist Church that this “stirring” is similar to taking a pot of soup which needs stirred up to bring all the settled foods into balance with the rest of the ingredients. When you do that to a bowl of stew or soup you have a much better soup for your bowl.
This is somewhat similar to what Peter is stirring up for the followers of Jesus when he writes of stirring. There are many people, pastors and preachers who are getting away from the teachings of the prophets, prophecy, and the coming of the Lord teachings. Peter was stirring it up reminding us of His soon appearing. Are we failing our Lord and His calling in our lives if we shun to proclaim the prophecy of Scripture of the second coming of Jesus. Is it relevant for our day? Most certainly it is. Peter considered it relevant.
We should shun the words of the scoffers who will proclaim to us that “the second coming is when someone gets saved”; or ” the second coming is when a believer dies and Jesus comes to escort them home”; or “the second coming is only a spiritual metaphor for the church overcoming the world”. Anyway you get the idea. The second coming is in fact the bodily appearance of Jesus coming back with His saints, to Jerusalem, and setting up His kingdom; ruling and reigning on earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
THERE WILL BE THOSE WHO SCOFF AT THE PROMISE (vv. 3-7). Some scoffers are just out and out haters of the second coming idea. “It’s been said and taught for two thousand years. If it was going to happen it would have happened by now” is the thoughts and idea of many an unbeliever. Is that form of “scoffing any different that that the professing Christian may use when teaching the ideas presented in the above paragraph? The above Ideas only present a “christianized” thought of the scoffers.
“Where is the promise of His coming?” The promise is sure. It is my conviction, and one backed up by Scripture that just as surely as the first coming of Jesus was fulfilled and happened just as promised; so too will the second coming of Jesus be fulfilled just as promised. Just as Jesus came the first time born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), and is recorded in the New Testament as being fulfilled (Matthew 1:18-2:23); He will return with His saints to Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-5), and reign on the earth. It will happen in God’s good timing and fulfill His purposes and glory; not ours.
Just as Noah; while he was building the ark (Genesis 6:9-22); was preaching and warning of coming judgment by the flood. The many prophets warning Israel of God’s wrath upon sin should they refuse to turn from sin would surely come. So will the coming destruction by fire come about in God’s timing and for His glory. The world, the earth is being “Kept in store” for that great day, then the world “Will know that I am the LORD”, says our God.
THE LORD IS NOT SLACK IN HIS PROMISE AND CALLS FOR REPENTANCE (vv. 8-9). One thing we need to realize is that God is not delaying the return of His Son. He is not slack concerning His promise, the promise of Jesus “I will come again, and receive you unto myself…” (John 14:3) will be fulfilled just as He has promised.
God says “It will come” it is assured us, so we best be calling many to repentance and faith in Christ. This idea that is being presented by the Oprahites that God is in all people, we make our own destiny, life and such is a lie from hell. The only way to life, and life eternal is through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I guess you could say that another reason for the seeming delay is God’s “longsuffering” or patience. He is waiting for that moment in time when that final individual will be saved completing the Church. We do not know what day that will be, but we can know that it will be one great triumphant day. When it happens the events which take place in this world will be horrific, for those who are “earth dwellers”; loving the world and all that is in it. He is giving all who live and breath today a chance to repent, and be saved. He is not required to and does only because of His grace and mercy. All are in His hands of justice, righteousness, and holiness.
THE THIEF AND THE “DAY OF THE LORD”. “The day of the Lord” will be a day that will make the flood appear as a small and forgetful thing in comparison. It will be a day when the world will know that God is the LORD of all the earth and of all creation. The evolutionist will be in awe, and in their pride, unless they repent and believe, will be stricken and die in their rebellion.
We must remember, be reminded, that “the day of the Lord” is not restricted to a twenty four hour period but is most likely a time of judgment, and is probably equivalent to about 7 years. What ever length of time; whether it be 3.5 years or less; it will be sufficient time to rid the world of the leadership of Satan, his followers, and all evil.
The thief will come when no one is suspecting it. The thief will come when the lights are out most times. He/she may come when you are asleep. There are many sleeping today, unaware and unprepared for the coming of Jesus Christ. I have even heard some young believers say things like, “I don’t want Jesus to come yet. I want to have children and watch them grow up”. I am afraid that some with attitude either don’t know what they are saying, or don’t love the “appearing of our Lord”. Nothing can take the place of the coming of the Lord
Getting Ready/Being Ready For The Second Coming
In this final part of chapter two we see the need for preparing, being ready for when the Lord returns. Some accuse those of us who will teach and preach the second coming of Jesus as being relevant for the times. There could actually be nothing more relevant than getting people prepared for when Jesus comes again. The world is full of troubles and strife. People need to know Jesus; the end of troubles and strife for the world. He changes hearts and lives, strengthens us for the troubles we face on earth, and prepares us for eternity.
2 Peter 3:11-18)
KEEP LOOKING FOR THE NEW (vv. 11-13). In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read, “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new”. Verse 10 above speaks of “elements melting with fervent heat” and things “dissolving”. That is the purpose of making all things new.
Individuals do not need to wait until the cosmos is changed. You and I can be changed by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ by our faith in Him, today. Yes! We look for that day when all things are made new in this world. However, when we have been made new through our faith in Jesus Christ the world takes on a different hue in our view anyway. We are changed. We are made new, then one day when Jesus comes again the world, the cosmos will also be changed and made new.
Note Peters question which is also a very clear statement as well. “What manner of persons ought ye to be…? This is Peter’s words for getting our lives on the “straight and narrow” and keeping them in the way; being prepared for the coming of Christ. Living so that others may see Him living within for His glory. The new heavens and new earth will be a place where there will be nothing but righteousness.
MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BE AT PEACE WITH GOD (vv. 14-16). God has made the way for us to be at peace with Him. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Romans 5:1). Our justification comes from God through the cross. He has made us just. Being just we have peace with God. Nothing takes that justness or peace away, however, when we get away from daily committing ourselves to God in His Word, and prayer we stand to lose the peace of mind that only He gives.
Keep in the peace that He gives by daily committing to the reading and study of His Word. Spend time in prayer, praising and adoring the One who died for your sins and His Father. “The peace of God which passes understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7)
Be at peace with the Word of God. When you twist it as those Peter writes about you cannot have peace with God. They and you twist it to your own destruction. The sad part about it is that others may follow your teaching and twisting. Any teaching that takes away from Jesus and glorifies man or his teaching is from hell.
STAND AGAINST ERROR (v. 17). There are many false teachers in the world today. Some of those profess Jesus Christ with their lips, but their lives and teaching show something completely different. Professing Jesus Christ these will give credibility to other beliefs for the access of heaven and God. Do they understand the atonement of Jesus Christ; His death, burial and resurrection? It really doesn’t seem likely that they do. They teach error, and those who fall for their lies will find themselves in hell on judgment day.
Those who teach anything other than Christ Jesus and Him crucified are deceiving the people. I mean this in the matter of salvation. Any who teach or preach apart from the Scriptures/the Bible are out of God’s will and not worthy of being heard.
THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF HIM FOR HIS GLORY (v. 18). It was the hearts desire for Peter that the followers of Jesus Christ grow in grace and knowledge of Him. When a baby is born we expect that baby to mature and grow. I have heard parents or some grandparents say things so silly sometimes like, “It’s too bad that they grow up”. They really don’t mean it; not if they stop to really think about what they said. A healthy baby will grow, and mature into an adult; and that is as it should be.
Peter, nor any pastor who is worth their salt, wants those who come to faith in Christ desire for them to stay an “infant” of faith. That is the reason for preaching and teaching. To motivate, encourage, feed, strengthen, and guide them into the proper food and eating for the life they live and for what is ahead for their lives.
The Lord’s “tarrying” in His coming is for our growth, and knowledge as well. He knows the right time, and I believe that time is set, and has been for all time and eternity. He knows the time, the day and the hour. Our task in life is to preach, teach, learn, grow, and be prepared, be ready; for the coming of the Lord is nearer than when we first believed.
The time and day will come, and He will come fulfilling His promise.
-Tim A. Blankenship
These are sermon study notes I will be preaching at Carr Lane Baptist Church on Sunday October 18, 2009 morning and evening services.
Panorama Of The Fire
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 (KJV).
A true “Panorama” is an ability to see clearly in every direction. The MIRRIAM/WEBSTER Dictionary – “2. a complete view in every direction”. This would fit with what we have by faith in Jesus our Savior. The One who takes us through the fiery trials of life.
Many of the people to whom Peter is writing have never seen Jesus; and that includes you and I. People were trusting the words of the apostles, and things were many times verified by the Holy Spirit with signs from God. Jesus spoke to Thomas, called the Doubter, “Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29 (KJV). That same promise is spoken here by Peter. It applies to all people who hear the message of God’s Word/Gospel and believe what He has said.
When you realize what Jesus has done, is doing and will do for us; how can we not love Him. He left the glories of Heaven, laid aside His own glory, became subject to humanity, went willingly to lay down His life on the cross: He endured the ridicule, the beatings, scourgings, the cruel judgments, and died for us. His love motivates love for Him in the hearts of those who can see. Though we cannot see Him we still hear His Word, believe it and trust Him to do His work in us. That faith brings with it that thing that is “Unspeakable” or “Inexpressible”.
There is “Joy unspeakable”, inexpressible, beyond our imaginations, and “full of glory”. It must be His glory, because you and I have none to glow. He is full of glory. His glory was viewed even before His death and resurrection by Peter, James and John on what has been called the “Mount of Transfiguration” (Matthew 17:1-12). It is great to share in His joy and glory. That is what makes it joyous and glorious.
With the “Joy unspeakable” there is one of the most wondrous things about our salvation. That wondrous thing is that we will be there to see it take place, ie., our completed salvation. Let me assure you, that because, of the promises given us by Jesus and the words of the apostles we are just as assured of Heaven as if we were already there. However, it will not be complete until we are standing face to face, in the very presence of Jesus Christ Himself. There are some who believe that we cannot know that we are saved, and will have to wait until that day. I certainly find no assurance in that. Here is what John the apostle said, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13 (KJV). Now, that sounds like assurance. Kept by the eternal power of God He sees His work through to completion. To suggest that God fails in what He begins is next door to blasphemy. Here is some more assurance, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6 (KJV). The “End of your faith” is when our sanctification is done here and we stand face to face with our Savior Jesus Christ. The salvation of our souls is guaranteed by faith in Jesus when we call on Him. The Holy Spirit is the seal of our redemption until we get there, and it is finished when we see Jesus.
Someone put it this way: “We have been saved from the PENALTY of sin; We are being saved from the POWER of sin; and we will be saved from the very PRESENCE OF SIN.”
Salvation is guaranteed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives; “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 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 1:12-14 (KJV). When we are trusting in Jesus we can also trust that He sees the panoramic view of things, and is working all things for our good and His glory. Even in the fires of trials and tribulations.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 