“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:’ but I say unto you, ‘Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” ~Jesus (Matthew 5:33-37)
Heaven
Righteousness in the Kingdom
“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.'” ~Jesus (Matthew 5:17-20)
Glory in the Kingdom
“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. 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.” ~Jesus (Matthew 5:13-16)
Words for Christian Living 061413
“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, ‘Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, ‘Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?’ But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (KJV)
Remember from yesterdays words; the search is over. You no longer need to search for the word or will of God. If you have a Bible you have the word and will of God before you. You do not need to ascend into heaven. You do not need to cross the oceans; unless, of course you live somewhere the word is forbidden then, you are most likely not reading this.
God’s will for you today is be saved through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ; His burial by which all our sins condemnation, guilt was taken away; His bodily resurrection by which we are justified in the sight of GOD our Creator.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Words for Christian Living 061013
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” Romans 1:18-23 (KJV)
In a day when mankind has elevated his/her own thinking above what God has said; it is time that professing Christians agree with God. You can “thumb your nose” at God only for a very short time until you begin to see His wrath on your life.
Unless you agree with God, His Spirit and His Word you are in a backsliden condition, not walking with God and are in joint rebellion with the world against the One who loves you so much He sent His only Son to die for your sins. Repent, turn around, believe the Word of God.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Written Upon
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; ‘These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:7-13 (KJV)
When you have that “new name” you will stand more sure than those marble pillars.
-T.A.
By the Will of Man???
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:16-21 (KJV)
It has been said by many people, “You can make the Bible say anything you want it to say.” In one sense that thought is correct if you take a verse of the Bible from one place, out of its context, you can have it tell you to “Go and hang yourself”, but we know that is not what it really says.
If one is to have any understanding of the Scripture it must be understood in the light of other Scripture. “No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” says Peter, so we must be aware when we interpret Scripture that we twist it by using only that point of interpretation.
Let me give you an Old Testament example. When Moses led the children of Israel through the wilderness to Kadeshbarnea, it appears in Numbers 13:1-3 that there is a direct commandment from the LORD to send men into the Promised Land and come back with report; however in Deuteronomy 1:22 and following we see that there were people of the tribes who had came to Moses requesting that before they cross the Jordan River that spies be sent to examine the land and the people. By knowing that we not only learn that though God may have spoken to Moses directly, He also spoke to him through the people he was leading.
There are many who try to build theologies by using a verse of scripture in one place, one book, one paragraph, or one chapter; and do not look at the whole. If we do not trust and believe the whole for interpretation we will stand in danger of not only losing our minds, but also our hearts to unbelief. The Scriptures are eternal; not one jot or tittle will pass away, until all are fulfilled.
-T.A.
Are We Seeing Things???
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; ‘When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.’ Verily I say unto you, ‘This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:29-35 (KJV)
Jesus says in the above quotation, along with other things; “…When ye shall see all these things…” Thus I pose the question, “Are we seeing things?” Christian our hope is not in this world. It is in knowing Jesus Christ and being known by Him. Trust not in politics or politicians; nor in government.
Jesus is coming soon.
-T.A.
Councils, Sparrows and Enemies
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, ‘Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man be come.’ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:16-39 (KJV)
Notice the three “Fear nots” in the text above. The word also of Whom we are to fear.
-T.A.
Unsecured Testimony
Not every one that saith unto Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)
Sad to say that there are many who call themselves “Christian” calling Him “Lord, Lord”, but are not known by Him. Our security rest in His knowing us
-T.A.
God’s Word Today 081512
And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, ‘Thus saith the LORD; ‘If ye can break My covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; then may also My covenant be broken with David My servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, My ministers. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David My servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.’ Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, ‘Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, ‘The two families which the LORD hath chosen, He hath even cast them off? Thus they have despised My people, that they should be no more a nation before them.’ Thus saith the LORD; ‘If My covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David My servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.” Jeremiah 33:19-26 (KJV)
-T.A.
God’s Word Today 081412
Now when I had delivered the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto the LORD, saying, ‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee: Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is His name, great in counsel, and mighty in work: for Thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day, and in Israel, and among other men; and hast made Thee a name, as at this day; and hast brought forth Thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror; and hast given them this land, which Thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey; and they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not Thy voice, neither walked in Thy law; they have done nothing of all that Thou commandedst them to do: therefore Thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them. Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what Thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, Thou seest it. And Thou hast said unto me, O Lord GOD, ‘Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” Jeremiah 32:16-25 (KJV)
-T.A.
Day 74 – The Crucified, Buried, and Resurrected Lord
From Day 1 of my 90 days of reading through the Bible I have endeavored to stress in this post the message of Jesus. In the first 14 chapters of Genesis we can see Jesus and through all the first five books of the Bible. The books of History we see Jesus. In the books of Poetry (Job, Psalms, etc.) we see Jesus. In the Prophets we see Jesus; and we see Him coming the first time to suffer, to be buried and to die, and be bodily raised to life again.
We recently began reading the part of the Bible that is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and that is the New Testament and beginning in Matthew we have gotten to the last of the gospels which entail the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all give us accounts of the life of Jesus. None contradict the other. They complement one another. Together they give us the complete account of the humanity, deity, power, purity, holiness, love, mercy, and grace of the Incarnate God.
My reading today was John 17 through Acts 5. That is right only ten chapters. Just to let the reader know. I did some calculations of the numbers of chapters remaining, along with the numbers of days, and in order to give myself some reading through all 90 days; I will now be reading a minimum of 10 chapters with an eleventh every three days or so.
The reading today began with our Lord’s Prayer. It is the one I call the Lord’s Prayer. The one that has the title “The Lord’s Prayer” is actually a model prayer which He used to teach His disciples how to pray. John 17 is the Lord Himself praying to the Father. He is praying for the glory of the Father to be done. He is also praying for His followers to be one, as the Father and Son are one (vv. 11, 22-23). I have written more thoroughly on the Lord’s Prayer at this link.
In the final chapters of the gospel of John, just as in the other gospels, we read of the trial, conviction, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus; with some differences in each account. Some who seem to have an agenda on disproving the Scriptures and that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, and God the Son try to tell us that these differences are contradictions; but that is not so. When there is an automotive accident on a street corner, and there are witnesses – let’s say there are four witnesses, one at each corner; each witness will have a different view of the accident, and will have a different way of telling their eye witness account of the accident. When there is a difference in their testimony is someone lying? Not necessarily. When you put all the testimony together you will come to the full account of the story. The same is true with the gospel of Jesus Christ; only the best part about the four Gospels is that they are inspired by the Spirit of God. Thus, completely without error.
We get into the Acts of the Holy Spirit, often called The Acts of the Apostles, and we see by the hand of Luke that Jesus is ascending into the presence of the Father.
“And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11 (KJV)
In the Acts we also see Peter with a new found boldness, and courage, that can only be explained by the evidence of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. He has witnessed the resurrected Christ; his life has been changed, and that is true of any one who ever meets the resurrected Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Your life is changed. You were a sinner, and you are now Just in the eyes of God, and declared by Him to be “Saint”.
The apostles, as well as Jesus, had only one set of Scriptures to read; and that was the Old Testament. When someone tells you, “I believe only the New Testament” or “I live only by the New Testament”; then, they are telling you really that they have a problem of faith. Hear what Peter declares concerning Moses and the Prophets,
“For Moses truly said unto the fathers, ‘A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, ‘And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” Acts 3:22-26
That is right. The only Bible Jesus and the apostles, and the early church had to read was the writings of Moses, or the Law, the Prophets, the History, and the Poetry of Scripture. We are blessed to have the continued Scripture of the New Testament – the revealing or unveiling of the Old Testament.
Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ today, and be saved from your sins, death, hell and the grave.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 62 – The Wisdom and Knowledge of Daniel
That is right. My reading today covered all of the prophecy of Daniel, and the first two chapters of Hosea. We will look at Hosea in the next post. God willing of course.
Daniel was one of many Jewish nobles who were taken by Nebuchadnezzar into Babylon as captives. Daniel and three of his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were chosen by the hand and appointment of God. They were four young men who were willing to risk their lives for the sake of the commandments of the LORD God.
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:17 (KJV)
These were not young people who would be given to pride with the power and authority which was given them by God. Many might say, “It was Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon who gave them their power and authority”. Not so. All power and authority comes from the God of heaven and earth.
One of the first test which came to Daniel was the king wanting the “wise men” of Babylon to tell him a dream he had dreamed and its interpretation. Of course the Chaldeans of Babylon had no clue as to the dream he dreamed. Daniel, however, called on Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to pray and seek God for the answer, and God gave it to them (2:17-23). Daniel went to Nebuchadnezzar and told him the dream and its interpretation. It was a dream showing how the end of the earthly rule of the Gentiles would come about.
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” 2:44-45
All the prophecies of Daniel were fulfilled just as Daniel foretold them; or are yet to be fulfilled. The earthly kingdoms of men yet stand, but they will one day fall to the rule of the One who died on the cross for our sins, was buried carrying our guilt and sin away, than three days later He bodily arose and came out of the grave justifying forever, those who will believe in Him.
God tells Daniel to “seal the book, even to the time of the end” (12:4), and it seems to me that we are near the end, and the wisdom and understanding of the prophecy is becoming clear to those who will hear and believe.
Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God will soon return, and set up His earthly kingdom. Know the wisdom and knowledge of Daniel. Know the LORD.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?
The following is the morning reading from “Morning and Evening” by Charles H. Spurgeon. Let him who has ears to hear, hear.
Malachi 3:2
But who may abide the day of his coming?His first coming was without external pomp or show of power, and yet in truth there were few who could abide its testing might. Herod and all Jerusalem with him were stirred at the news of the wondrous birth. Those who supposed themselves to be waiting for Him, showed the fallacy of their professions by rejecting Him when He came. His life on earth was a winnowing fan, which tried the great heap of religious profession, and few enough could abide the process. But what will His second advent be? What sinner can endure to think of it? “He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.” When in His humiliation He did but say to the soldiers, “I am He,” they fell backward; what will be the terror of His enemies when He shall more fully reveal Himself as the “I AM?” His death shook earth and darkened heaven, what shall be the dreadful splendour of that day in which as the living Saviour, He shall summon the quick and dead before Him? O that the terrors of the Lord would persuade men to forsake their sins and kiss the Son lest He be angry! Though a lamb, He is yet the lion of the tribe of Judah, rending the prey in pieces; and though He breaks not the bruised reed, yet will He break His enemies with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. None of His foes shall bear up before the tempest of His wrath, or hide themselves from the sweeping hail of His indignation; but His beloved bloodwashed people look for His appearing with joy, and hope to abide it without fear: to them He sits as a refiner even now, and when He has tried them they shall come forth as gold. Let us search ourselves this morning and make our calling and election sure, so that the coming of the Lord may cause no dark forebodings in our mind. O for grace to cast away all hypocrisy, and to be found of Him sincere and without rebuke in the day of His appearing.
-posted by Tim A. Blankenship
Enemies of the Cross
Enemies of the Cross
Philippians 3:17-21
1. Paul addresses the brethren of Phillipi.
2. Paul as a “pattern” in example.
3. Weeping for the enemies of the cross.
4. Heavenly citizenship.
5. The enemy will be conquered.
I. THE BRETHREN ARE TO FOLLOW PAUL’S EXAMPLE (v. 17).
II. BEWARE THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST AND WEEP (vv. 18-19).
III. OUR EARTHLY AND OUR HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIPS (v. 20).
IV. A TRANSFORMATION AND CONFORMATION (v. 21)
i. We are to be an example for those who will come after us;
ii. Let us be defenders of the cross, living for Christ;
iii. Live as citizens of Heaven;
iv. Live as though the Kingdom is already come.
-T.A.
This is the sermon outline for the Sunday morning message at Carr Lane Baptist Church on 09/25/11.
Quickly Perishing
When I look at our society today I see so many who are quickly perishing, and are completely unaware of it. Why do I say they are unaware of it? They live as though there was no end. They live as though there is no God. They live as though they will answer to no one.
We are all fickle at times. We can so easily be led astray, be deceived and deluded. There is something we all must realize and that is, that, there is more to life, than “Me”. “Me” will one day end, and then what. Hear what the apostle Peter has written,
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 (KJV).
It is a terrible thing for man who is quickly perishing to give so much confidence and power to things which we cannot take with us. I heard the story of a woman who was married to a wealthy man, on his death bed, who wasn’t leaving anything to her, and wanted it all cashed out before he died and, then, put into his coffin with him at his burial. She went and cashed everything out, and the day of the funeral put a box in the coffin before they closed the lid. A friend who was with her asked, “What was in the box?”, and she proceeded to tell her of her deceased husband’s request, and that she had placed it in the box. She went on to say, “I deposited the money in my checking account, and wrote him a check. Now he can cash it any time he chooses.”
Any one with any sense knows when you die, that, silver, gold, or paper money will be of no service to you. It too will rot, rust, decay, and one day blow away in the wind with the rest of the dust.
There is only the “word of the Lord” that endures for ever, and that will be in the lives of those who put their faith and trust in Him through His Son Jesus Christ, and His death, burial and resurrection. “Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89). Those who will come to God the Father through God the Son will have an eternity with Him in glory. Call on His name today.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Searching in the Fire
“Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into” 1 Peter 1:10-12
The prophets of the Old Testament had spoken and written of this great salvation. Isaiah the eighth century B.C. prophet foretold both the first coming of Jesus in the fifty third chapter of his writings (Isaiah 7:14; 53), and the second coming of Jesus in glory (Isaiah 11). That salvation which was previously mentioned (v. 9) is the salvation which Jesus is working in us, and will complete at His appearing.
By inspiration of the Holy Spirit we see that the prophets inquired and searched diligently into the matter of this glorious salvation. The salvation that was paid for with the blood from the body of God who had become human, that He might die. Did the prophet Isaiah realize he was writing of the death of God become flesh as he penned down Isaiah 53? I have a strange notion that he had a suspicion of it, and this is one of the areas which the prophets searched and inquired.
Some more questions I can think of concerning the search of the apostles: Did they see the types, the shadows, the pictures of their Messiah in the writings of Moses? Did they see Him in the sacrifice God made to clothe Adam and Eve? Did they see Him in the fire that guarded the gate to Eden after the fall? Did they see Him in the genealogy of Seth? What about in the Ark? What about as Abraham went to Moriah to offer Isaac as a burnt offering to God? In the sacrifices of the law of Moses? The sabbaths, and/or the Sabbath? I personally believe many of them did, especially since we are told that they “searched diligently”. A diligent search of Scripture will show us these things.
It seems by looking at verse eleven that they were wondering when these events were going to take place and whom they would be for. We know the answer to this today. He came at the appointed time, to His own people, but was rejected by His own. The person who came was the Messiah/Savior/Lord/God/King to sit on the throne of David for ever and ever.
The prophets wrote of His coming, His suffering and His glory. It is because He came and suffered for us that we have the strength, and power to stand strong and suffer for His name’s sake when we have opportuntity. That is right ‘Opportunity’ is the word I used. If the early church people counted it a joy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:41). The suffering Jesus suffered for us is what He came to do. It was His very purpose in coming. To make it clearer; God sent His Son Jesus to become a man, in order to take on Himself all the sins of mankind, lay His life down as a sacrifice for our sins, be judged by the Father Himself, and the Father pouring all His wrath out on His Son, thus judging sin and putting the judgment away forever, never to be done again; the burial of Jesus takes that sin away never to be seen again, and the bodily resurrection is the seal of approval of the putting away of sin, and God’s seal of approval for the work of His Son. By the resurrection of Jesus we have the assurance of eternal life with Him, when we trust the work He accomplished on the cross.
Now, why shouldn’t we count it an opportunity to suffer for the name of Jesus? Not that I am going to go out looking for someone to kick me around, or boot me out a door. The suffering will be there when the time calls for it. When we do suffer for the name of Jesus we will rejoice that we were counted worthy to do so.
We see a second group that is mentioned in this text. That of “Angels”. It must surprise them that God could love us so much; but then again, maybe it doesn’t surprise them, but amazes them. You know “Amazing Grace”. I am not going to get into a long thing concerning angels, but I will say that they do exist. I mean the Bible says so. Angels came and ministered to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane when He had prayed. He mentions that He could call legions of angels to aid Him, yet, He doesn’t.
The prophets realized that Jesus was not coming in their time, but for another time, and that their writings was going to be used to minister to others. The disciples, apostles, the early church, you and me; and all who know Christ Jesus.
The prophets were successful in their search. The Holy Spirit gave them assurance of the completion of it. How else could Isaiah have peace when he is told that the people he is going to preach to will hear but not obey? The Spirit of God confirmed the message. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of Jesus’s coming (Ephesians 1:13-14). He is the power of wisdom. He is the means of knowledge and understanding. He is the means to a holy lifestyle. He is the one who points us to Christ.
Let us; like the prophets of old continue to give diligent search to know this man named Jesus who is the Christ of God, the Son of God, and who died to save us from sin, and to clothe us in the righteousness of God. Because of Jesus God has declared us Just, by his own righteousness.
-T.A.
Preserved Through the Fire
1 Peter 1:3-5 — “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time”
There is certainly assurance in these words of God’s ability to keep us for Himself and His own glory. That assurance has been called “Blessed assurance”. It truly is a blessed assurance when you know that Jesus died for your sins, that He was buried – carrying all our sins away; and that He arose from death. Not only was sin conquered, and carried away, but it was defeated. It can no longer condemn the redeemed.
By the mercy of God He has given us a new birth, and that birth is by a heavenly see. His mercy is an abundant mercy which is based on His everlasting love. The love of Jesus Christ is seen for us, in that he allowed vile, evil and wicked men to beat, whip, mutilate, and nail Him to a wooden cross for our sins. It is by grace through faith in Jesus that we are “Born again” to spiritual renewal and life.
It is a “Lively hope” or ‘living hope’ given by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I was once asked the question, “If Jesus’ life was a gift given on the cross for death; how can that continue to be a gift if He rose bodily from the grave?” My answer to that is – He gave His life as an atonement for sin; He died and in His death He took sin with Him; in rising again, bodily, from the grave He shows that sin is done (sin’s bondage, condemnation, death is done), but life continues through Him. I do not know it that is clear enough, and it most likely involves much, much more; but I think that gives us a good message. Without the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave there is absolutely no hope for anyone – as Paul the apostle said, “We are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19). It is because of Jesus’s resurrection that we are assured of eternal life; and eternal life begins with faith in His finished work – by His grace.
This resurrection life in Christ has an eternal inheritance. The inheritance is massive. It is this – what ever Jesus has is ours. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” Romans 8:16-17 (KJV). You will notice that in these verses of Romans that we inherit His suffering and that is the only thing mentioned with the exception of, “Also glorified together”. Suffering with Him and His glory are very closely related.
We often think of “Inheritance” as great wealth, riches, comfort, etc., but that is not the case when it comes to Jesus. The so called “Word of Faith” people would have us believe we are to inherit it all right here and almost right now. The Word of God tells us suffering is part of our inheritance, then glorification with Him. The inheritance we have in Jesus is “incorruptible” meaning that it will not rust, rot, mildew, or decay; and it is forever. We are also told that it is “undefiled” – it is clean, holy, pure – nothing can defile it. Also it “fadeth not away” – this inheritance is never wasted, spent up, or bankrupt. It is reserved in heaven for all who belong to Jesus. It is reserved in your name, by God, and that makes it the most sure thing you or I have going for us. It is more sure than your next breath of air.
Those who follow Jesus are “kept by the power of God” for the salvation we have to be revealed in that latter day. By the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit we are moving closer to the completion of our/His salvation. That work of His on the cross is complete, there can no more be done for our atonement, but the sanctifying of the Spirit is at work, right now, fitting us for His Kingdom, and His presence. Even when we sin and our fellowship with Him is broken He still holds on to us, and by His Spirit and His Word He moves us back into His will. By the sanctifying work and the power of the Spirit of God we are PRESERVED THORUGH THE FIRE.
-T.A.
Observations From John – 032711
There are many who are not Christian – not followers of Jesus Christ – who claim to believe that Jesus was a good man, a good teacher, a good example; but refuse to trust Him as God and Savior of the world; and of their eternal souls.
Jesus said,
‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:19-24 (KJV)
Jesus as a man walked among us with only one purpose in life and that was to do whatever He saw the Father doing. The Father, GOD, is doing the work of salvation in this world. The “god of this age”, the devil, is going about to steal, kill and destroy. The work of GOD in this world now is through the work and ministry of those who have the Spirit of Jesus Christ in them – the Holy Spirit; and our desire is to do what we see the Father doing.
You will note in Jesus’s words that Jesus says, “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him.” The honor, faith, and glory that belongs to the Father [GOD], belongs to the Son of GOD. To trust Jesus is to believe Him to be whom He claims to be; the Son of GOD. This honors Him. To claim to be be merely a good man, a good teacher, or a good example and deny and reject Him as Savior and GOD is to basically call Him a liar.
Can you call a liar, a good man, even a good teacher, or a good example? Not where I come from.
Hear, today, the words of Jesus above, “I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Jesus also says in verses 45 – 47,
“Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?” John 5:45-47
Jesus is the way to salvation, heaven and GOD.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Day of the LORD is at Hand
The title comes from Isaiah 13:6. Yes, I am doing some catch up work here. On Sunday nights at Carr Lane Baptist I have been preaching through the Prophecy of Isaiah, however, I have not been prone to publish on the blog until now. I pray you will be able to follow along and get them in order if you need to do so.
Chapter 13 begins a series of messages from the prophet to foreign nations who have not heard the LORD God; and mistreated the people of God known as Israel or Judah, and continues through chapter 23. From Babylon to Tyre, and includes God’s anger toward His people as well in chapter 22.
Chapter 13 and 14 deals with Babylon, which at this point in history was not considered a world power, yet it would become so, in about a hundred years. How did Isaiah know this? By the Word and wisdom of the LORD of hosts.
Babylon would be a proud and arrogant people; worshipping their own deities which were in signs in the stars, the stars, and idols made of human hands.
In many ways Babylon represents the world and its arrogance against God and His people. The world, its inhabitants, its governments often have no friendly hand toward God’s people; be they Christian or Hebrew. We see this quite often in many foreign lands today where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Where we are not free to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and many brothers and sisters die for their faith.
We see it often in history concerning the Hebrew people. One instance of great persecution against the Hebrew people is in the death camps of Hitler. The numbers of murdered Hebrews during that time of holocaust in Germany. It was a growing problem throughout the history of man. No one of the surrounding nations wanted the Jewish people around. They worshipped the one true God, and He is the only way to paradise or heaven.
“Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.” Isaiah 13:6 (KJV)
The warning is to Babylon and their destruction should they fail to heed God’s warning.
If you will notice the very things which they admire and worship are taken from them. “The stars of heaven and the constellations will not give their light…” (v. 10), the sun darkened. Now I don’t know how this was done; and it is most likely a prophetic word which has yet to take place and the prophecy is basically to the world itself for turning their back on the message of God, His Word and His servants and His people. With the same judgment they have wreaked out so shall they receive like judgment. Remember even Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) and God will carry out His judgment to the fullest extent, and will let sin run its course (SEE verses 15-16). Babylon will fall by the power of the Medes (Daniel 5:30-31).
The kingdom of Babylon as it was known in that day has fallen, just as God has said. It was a glorious nation of wealth, gold, jewels, many riches. It was full of pride. God says, “…Her days shall not be prolonged” (v. 22).
The days of pride and arrogance of the world will come to an end. God’s glory will be seen by all, rejoiced in by all who love Him, His Word and His people. His kingdom will be prolonged for all eternity.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Observations From Deuteronomy – 030211
If you are following my Bible Reading plan today’s reading is Deuteronomy 29 – 31. I pray you are learning and growing in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord is giving Moses some final instructions before he dies. Moses will not be allowed to cross into the Promised Land which He is giving to the people of Israel, due to his sin of striking the rock, rather than speaking to it (Numbers 20).
The verses I want us to observe from today are,
“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, ‘Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, ‘Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?’ But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (KJV)
The LORD has just given them promise that He will make them plenteous in the works of their hands, the “fruit of their body”, and fruit of the land, if they shall hear and do and keep His commandments (30:9-10). Then, the LORD proceeds to tell Moses that the command is not hidden, nor far away.
So many people want to blame God for sin in the world. Sin is due to the transgression of the human heart against God. We are all born with that transgression. To those who want to argue against that think of this: Do we need to teach children to lie if they are going to lie? NO! Every child will practice the deceit of lying without being taught to do so. They will even steal to get what they want. The reason for that is because there is evil in every human heart. Children must be taught to be truthful and honest, and it does not happen easily. There are many adults who must learn these truths. There is only one child who ever lived who was truthful and honest, faithful and true until His death; and that was Jesus Christ; because He was the Son of God, had the heart and blood of God; and God cannot lie.
Since the word, the commandments, are not hidden, neither are they far away the children of Israel are without excuse concerning any disobedience. They have heard God speak. They have heard His commandments. Yet, we will see as they enter into the Land of Promise they still struggled with obedience.
Christians struggle with obedience today, due to the sinful flesh. We hear God’s Word, but do not obey. We see God’s work in our own hearts and lives yet fail Him. It is sad to say, however, those who profess to know Jesus Christ, and can disobey/sin against Him without regret or remorse and repentance have never experienced the saving faith possible only through the blood of Christ.
For the Christian we have the Spirit of God; the Holy Spirit; living within us. We are empowered to live the life of Christ within us (Read Romans 8:1-15). He is our Comforter, Guide, Counselor, and Corrector and points us to our Lord and Savior.
James wrote,
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25
Let’s be sure to hear God’s Word, hide it in our hearts; that we might do it, and live a Biblical, Christian life.
-Tim A. Blankenship
You Can Believe All That He Teaches
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:24-37 (KJV)
BELIEVE EVERYTHING HE TEACHES
The Word of God clearly tells us that there will be a time when all chaos will break lose in the heavens; the sun, nor moon will give their light; the stars will “fall”; the heavenly bodies will all be “shaken”. The Bible tells us, “…By Him all things consist” that is “are held together” (Col. 1:17). At the time shortly before Jesus returns to reign on earth, and after the Antichrist has wreaked havoc on the earth is when these things will take place. God’s hand removed possibly to show who was really in control of things. This will be a very chaotic, frightening, and deadly time for residents of planet earth. People of earth have always wanted a world without God, and at this time they get what they want. LOOK OUT.
When these things come about then, know that Christ will come with “Power and great glory”, and set up His kingdom on earth. Jesus will send out the angels to gather the “elect” which is most likely all those who were saved during the seven years of tribulation, the 144,000 Jewish witnesses, etc., and call them to serve in His kingdom. These will come from all over the earth. There will be a resurrection of the dead who died for their testimony for Christ, and their bodies and spirits will be united once again.
Look at the signs. The parable of the “Fig tree” is that you can know when it is time for the figs. We can know when the time of Jesus’s second coming is near. We cannot set dates or a time, we do not know, but the signs give us a clue that it is near.
This generation of people will not pass away until all these things are done. What generation? The generation who witnesses these events taking place. How long is a generation? It varies, depending on who you ask. It can be 40 years, or 70 years, even 100 years. That is three thoughts. It is most important for us to not be carried away by the years, but to think of the event and the signs which we all can see.
In verse 31 we have the assurance of the immutability, and eternalness of God’s Word. All of heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s Word will stand forever. That is how we can know that these events which we are looking at will truly come to pass. God is Truth. His Word is Truth. His Son Jesus is Truth in flesh. We can put our trust in Him.
No one knows the day or the hour. Not even Jesus as He walked among us in the flesh knew when He would come again. Now, however, back on His throne, and in His glory He knows the exact day and hour. As He was here on earth He was God incarnate, but limited His omniscience according to the Father’s discretion. Now He has been given all things.
It has been given to God’s people, for our day and time, to be diligent, awake and alert to the goings on around us. Jesus has ascended into the heavens, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and we are waiting His return, but that has responsibilities we are to practice, and live. Take heed to God’s Word, His guidance, direction. Watch and pray, for we do not know when He will come again. The Master of the House is returning. WATCH.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Keep Them From The Evil
There are many times that I would like to just be taken to be with the Lord. No, do not take that to mean I dislike living or that I am suicidal, because I am not. I enjoy this life for the most part. I still long for the day when Jesus comes again. On this day we have been looking at what is truly the “Lord’s Prayer” from John 17.
This is a request of Jesus in His prayer that should really cause us to have a heart full of praise and thanksgiving:
“I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil” John 17:15 (KJV).
Jesus has given His Word to His disciples, and the “World” hates His disciples. Why would that be? First of all, because the world hates Jesus, and secondly, because the world hates truth – the real truth. The truth that all who are apart from Jesus are apart from God. The truth that there is only one way to God and Heaven, and that is through faith in the One who died, was buried, and now lives again. The real problem the world has with Jesus is the cross. The cross of Jesus Christ offends the basic selfish drive that mankind has.
Jesus does not ask that His followers be delivered from the worlds hatred, but that we be sanctified through it. Whether we Christians want to believe it or not we will be hated by those who hate God. Yet, we are called to serve the Lord in this world. We are called to live for Him, proclaim Him, that those who would believe would be saved. We will be delivered from evil, and from the evil one.
The world with its evil intent will not prevail. The Lord’s work on the cross and the resurrection has already gained the victory. We are to wait with patience for that day when He comes to take us home to Himself.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Jesus – Powerful Servant
“And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.” Mark 3:20-30 (KJV)
The profane religious rulers and leaders were accusing Jesus of using the power of the devil to cast out demons. Jesus tells them that Satan will not cast himself out of any place. That would be self defeating. It is ridiculous for these men to accuse Jesus this way. In doing so they condemn themselves because they have rejected the only means of salvation.
The Holy Spirit is the means by which people are convicted of sin, their lostness, their condemnation, and by which they may know the path to eternal life. The path to eternal life is shown by the Spirit to be Jesus Christ. To equate the works of the Spirit of God to the devil is to reject God. All that awaits those who reject the ministry of the Holy Spirit is eternal judgment.
The “Lake of fire”, as it is called in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, is the place where all those who have called the work of the Spirit of the devil will spend all eternity. You see; God created man an eternal being. An eternal soul is given to every individual upon conception in the mother’s womb. By that is meant the future, not eternal in the past; for we did not preexist as Christ has.
Just as surely as there is a Heaven there is a Hell. God is just, holy and righteous, and He will not allow the unholy in His presence. All that reject the work of the Holy Spirit; the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are bound for an eternity of judgment. There will be no relief from the fires of Hell. Jesus Himself described it as the place where “…The worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” He mentions this several times in the ninth chapter of Mark. It has been said that Jesus said more about Hell than He did of Heaven.
There is one thing for certain. No one needs go to the place of fiery judgment. Jesus paid the price for all sin. He already endured the judgment for our sin.
“There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” Mark 3:31-35 (KJV)
In verse 21 it tells us that Jesus’ friends came for Him saying, “He is beside Himself”. With friends like that who needs enemies. Right? Well now we see that His family – mother, brothers, sisters – are standing outside the group wanting to get to Him. When they tell Jesus they are “seeking” for Him He just tells them what is more important, and that is those who will believe in Him.
Those who do the will of God are His brethren. Are you His brother, sister, mother, father? At this point in Jesus’ life it appears that His “family” – apparently even Mary – is not sure of who He is.
This is what John recorded that Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29 (KJV)”. If you want to please God and have eternal life with Jesus Christ call upon the name of Jesus and be saved, then you will be a part of His brethren. Do it today.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 