The LORD’s Razor

March 16, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

Ahaz is the king of Judah as we look at this passage of Scripture. According to Second Kings chapter sixteen Ahaz was a young man of twenty years of age when he began to reign. He also did not follow the path of David, and “Did not do what was right in the sight of the LORD his God”. He followed the path of the kings of the Northern kingdom.

Ahaz had even “Made his son pass through the fire, according tot he abominations of the nations whom the LORD cast our from before the children of Israel” 2 Kings 16:3 (NKJV). That means that Ahaz sacrificed his son in the fires of worship to Molech, the god of the Moabites. Is it any wonder that YHWH became angry with the sins of Judah.

Here is the judgment that was to follow:

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes. In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep; And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land. And it shall come to pass in that day, that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall even be for briers and thorns. With arrows and with bows shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns. And on all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.” Isaiah 7:18-25 (KJV)

The “In that day” statements are of a future day for Israel of that day. They do however continue until Jesus Christ the Messiah comes and makes all things new. “The LORD will whistle for the fly” is picturesque of a man calling a dog. It is as though the Lord calls the fly to Judah to become a nuisance to them. A fly is also an insect that comes around uncleanliness, death, and stench. Of course the fly here is representative of Egypt or Assyria coming to carry the people away into captivity.

Assyria is noted for being beekeepers, thus they would be the ones coming to carry away people into captivity as well.

No part of the land of Judah was going to be inaccessible to the foreign invaders. The steep ravines, rock clefts, pastures, thorns would all be places the enemy would find for rest.

When God judges the sins of His people He judges completely. When His people sin they should know it. If they are ignorant of their sin He will inform them, then it is up to them to repent and turn back to the Lord. It is so sad that we live in an era of time when many preachers are not even preaching for the revelation of sins curse and damage to the body of Christ. We hear much more about the goodness and love of God, and how good we are. God will not hold us guiltless for not proclaiming the whole counsel of God and His Word. There will be a judgment day.

The day came to Judah when the land became desolate. It was no longer and agricultural land, ie., growing fruits, vegetables, crops of the field. It became almost desolate, and deserted. Overrun with briers and thorns. Three times in verses 23 – 25 we read about the “Briers and thorns”. “That wherever there could be a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, it will be briars and thorns” (v. 23). “With arrows and bows men will come there, because all the land will become briars and thorns” (v. 24). “You will not go there for fear of briars and thorns” (v. 25).

There will be an abundance of milk, because there will be no need to till the land, be no way of doing so. The people who remain in the land will eat curds and honey. It was a time of great poverty. The places where there should be a vineyard are places for hunting – the men with “arrows and bows”. It will be a place for cattle and sheep to graze on what there is to graze.

The land of Judah had been a wealthy land. It was during the time of Ahaz, but poverty was on its way. Those of us who live in the good old USA let us not be so haughty to think that poverty may not be right around the corner for us. You can laugh if you will, but this country is in the hands of the Almighty God, and with a snap of His fingers the Stock Market could crash overnight. No matter what the financial experts say. They have no control of our economy, but God does. God has give us ample warnings and we only attribute the warnings to weather, or disease, or being born that way. We are the United States of America. We love our freedom too much to let anything serious happen. A bridge in Minneapolis, MN. collapsed last night (08/01/07 p.m.).

Be alert God is in control. He is good. He also is holy, righteous and just. He will not allow sin to dominate and control His people. He will judge sin completely.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Reservation Of Black Darkness

March 5, 2009 / Tim A. / 2 Comments

“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 12-13 (NKJV).

“…Wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.“ This study brings to a conclusion up the study of these two verses, and I pray they have been helpful for your Christian growth. Jude would probably have loved to have wrote kinder, more encouraging words than what the Holy Spirit led him to write.

This letter written by our Lord’s half brother is full of discipleship, instruction, caveat’, for believers to beware of false teachers, in fact, apostates pretending to be Christian; knowing the language, but with a different meaning than what God, and His people really intend.

Those who teach things like, “Jesus came down zipped up in a suit of humanity…”. He wasn’t zipped in a suit of humanity. He was indeed deity in human flesh. He wasn’t dressed in some kind of party costume or something. He was fully divine and fully human. And, He bled. There are those in some “Christian” circles who claim that Jesus was nothing but a “wimp” and could do nothing on the cross against the devil. The devil is not the one who attacked Him on the cross. It was the Father who was judging our sins as our Lord was hanged between heaven and earth. Our sins were imputed to Him; they were placed on Him; and He paid our sin debt (2 Corinthians 5:21). Don’t dare call my Savior a “Wimp”, hanging there paying our sin debt. That debt was owed to the Father, not the devil.

Any teacher who preaches and teaches that Jesus was a ‘Wimp’ as he died on the cross is a liar, deceiver, an apostate, and false teacher. They at the least have no understanding of what took place on the cross that day. It cannot be fully understood by the finite mind of man. All we have to go on is the Word of God; and from that we gain the knowledge that on the cross, there was a transaction of judgment between the Father and the Son; and on the cross the victory over sin was won by Jesus Christ.

“…Wandering stars…” surely must be speaking of what we often call “falling stars”, which are meteorites falling through the earths atmosphere, and burning. They make a good show. I love to watch them falling, they are an awe of our Creator themselves. It is not pleasant to warn of these “wandering stars” which Jude warns us of; but we live in a day when these people are leading thousands, maybe even millions of people away from the cross of Jesus Christ into error of the world, and the devil. These false teachers are always talking about blessing from God in the material sense, but warn nothing of the curse of immoral living. Listen to them, and then, compare what they say with what the prophets of God, and Jesus and His apostles say; and you will see the error of their proclamations. You never know where they will be next. “Wandering stars”.

This “Blackness of darkness forever” is speaking of their eternal destination. There is no need for anyone to experience this horrible place when our Lord Jesus has already been there for us. For three hours our Lord experienced this darkness as He hung on that old wooden cross separated from the mercy of the Father, experiencing only His wrath, and for our sins. That sin debt – our sin debt – has been paid in full. The death of the Son of God was payment in full, and He rose bodily from His grave showing that the debt was paid, and that death had no power over heaven.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Flame Of The LORD

March 4, 2009October 6, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

The story that is told in chapter 11 is often one of David’s sin; after all he is the character, the king, of whom much is written, and to whom many promises have been made by God. Of his throne having no end, and having an everlasting kingdom.

King David, however, is not the intent of this message. There is a man in this story who received a bum deal, from the man in whom he had placed his life, the lives of the people in the city of Jerusalem, including his own wife. This man is none other than Uriah, called, “the Hittite”. Being a Hitite would have made him not only a foreigner to Israel, but he would have previously been an enemy of Israel.

In this story of the fall of king David is also the story of a man who was faithful, to God, to his wife, to his country and to his king. In this event in the life of David, Uriah is a contrast to David, and gives those of us who aren’t born into a godly home, or godly atmosphere some hope.

It is very likely that Uriah, being a Hittite; had come to believe and trust in the God of Israel and David; and had given himself to the service of God, the people and the king. His name means, “Flame of Jah”, thus the title to the message being “Flame Of The LORD”. Oh, that the Christian of today had the fire of Uriah.

OUTLINE 2 Samuel 11:6-13 –

I. URIAH WAS FAITHFUL BECAUSE THEY KNEW WHERE HE WAS (vv. 3, 6).

II. URIAH WAS OBEDIENT TO THE KING’S COMMANDMENT TO RETURN HOME (v. 7).

III. URIAH WAS LOYAL TO THE KING AND ALL THE OTHER SOLDIERS WHO WERE FAITHFULLY FIGHTING THE BATTLES (vv. 8-13).

IV. URIAH IS FAITHFUL TO GOD, HIS WIFE, HIS COUNTRY AND HIS KING EVEN UNTO DEATH – CARRYING HIS OWN DEATH WARRANT (vv. 14-17).

URIAH WAS FAITHFUL BECAUSE THEY KNEW WHERE HE WAS (vv. 3, 6). “It is 10-O-Clock. Do you know where your children are?” This was a question posed on a television commercial a few years ago. It was asked to draw attention to parents and children, that parents are responsible for their children and need to know where they are.

One of the signs of faithfulness is that people who know you will be knowing what you are doing, when you are doing it, and where you are. You can and are depended upon for your faithfulness. Uriah was that faithful man; faithful soldier; faithful husband; faithful to God and king.

Uriah was known as a good soldier, even a “mighty” soldier (23:39). He is called one of Davids “thirty mighty men” (23:8-39). Would to God that Christians would be good soldiers for the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord.

God is faithful; He will always be faithful to His Word, His will, His children and His promises. He calls us to faithfulness, and to be diligent, and vigilant to the task to which we have been called.

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck…” 1 Timothy 1:18-19 (KJV)

Many Christians were not of the “Household of faith” concerning Judaism, and faith in God. However, because of the grace of God in His Son Jesus Christ anyone from any race, or religion, can come to God through Jesus Christ’s death, burial and bodily resurrection. Through Jesus Christ alone now Jew and Gentile have a way to the throne of God. Uriah found that way through faith in God, through the promises of God’s Word.

Where are you concerning God and faith in Him? Where are you in your walk with God? Where are you in regards to your faithfulness to Him?

URIAH WAS OBEDIENT TO THE KING’S COMMANDMENT TO RETURN HOME (v. 7). Uriah was probably wondering about the purpose of his being called back to Jerusalem. He is one of David’s “thirty mighty men”, as has already been noted. He may have thought, “The king desires that I get some rest and relaxation”, but his heart had no desire for it.

Uriah was obedient to the king’s call. He returned to Jerusalem just as the king requested. He would not, however, go to his home, rest, and relax while his fellow soldiers were fighting out on the battlefield.

Christian, let us who have been called by our King, hear His voice, do His bidding and when He calls us home do so with the earnestness of this hero of Jerusalem, Israel and Judah. We can rest assured that when our King Jesus calls us to His home He will not have some devious intent in His heart and mind.

URIAH WAS LOYAL TO THE KING AND ALL THE OTHER SOLDIERS WHO WERE FAITHFULLY FIGHTING THE BATTLES (vv. 8-13). The loyalty of Uriah is clearly seen. He is not only loyal to his king, but loyal and faithful to the other soldiers who are not getting the call from the king that he received. Uriah would have made a good United States Marine Corp Officer or soldier. “Semper Fi” or “Always Faithful” is the motto of the Marine Corp, and that seems to have been Uriah’s creed as well.

Remember king David had an ulterior motive for Uriah going home. However, Uriah would not go home to his wife, his heart was on the welfare of the king and his troops on the field. The good soldier is thinking about the safety of the others, and their leader and nation. The heart of Uriah at this point in time puts the heart of king David to shame.

David jumped headlong into this adulterous relationship with Uriah’s wife, because he was not doing what he should have been doing. The first verse of chapter eleven includes the following words, “at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.”

David was so desperate to get Uriah home he gave him fermitted beverage to make him drunk to maybe get him home to be with Bathsheba, to cover his own sin. Even in his drunken state Uriah still had the mind and heart to be faithful to God, king, and country.

URIAH IS FAITHFUL TO GOD, HIS WIFE, HIS COUNTRY AND HIS KING EVEN UNTO DEATH – CARRYING HIS OWN DEATH WARRANT (vv. 14-17). King David upon realization that he would not convince Uriah to get home anytime soon; sent a death warrant by Uriah’s own hand to the General in the field – Joab. Unknowingly, most likely, Uriah takes the hand written message written by the hand of the king that would cause him to die.

We could say, “Like a lamb to the slaughter”. The meaning of that is somewhat obvious, but let me give some explanation. The lamb is trusting, dependent upon its shepherd, and sometimes the shepherd leads a lamb to be slaughtered for the meat.

We have a Savior who was faithful to His Father; all the way to Jerusalem; all the way to Calvary; all the way to the cross; all the way to the tomb; and all the way to His glory which He had with the Father from the beginning (John 17:5). We by faith in Him and His finished work on the cross put on His righteousness, His garments, and take on the characteristics which led Him to the obedient, faithful, loving life that led to His cross; His place of death and dying for the sins of the world.

Uriah means “Flame of Jah” or “Flame of the Lord”, and surely he was the flame of God burning in Israel when the “man after God’s own heart” had plunged into darkness of sin.

Oh, Christian when we see a brother or sister in Christ; who has plunged headlong into sin; whether they be a church leader, leader’s wife, or the man or woman in the pew; that is the time to be the “Flame of the LORD”, stand as an example of faith and light, be faithful to God, and don’t let the darkness of sin pull you in and down.

Jesus said, “I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?” Luke 12:49 (KJV). His Holy Spirit within His followers are the possessors of that Fire; and that Fire possesses us as well. Let us walk in the light of that flame.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The King’s Cross

March 2, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

There is something special about the makeup of mankind’s heart and life. First of all it is patterned after our Creator. He made us in His image, though that image be marred by sin.

The way in which it is special is that we are most at peace when we are most like Him. That is; peaceful, loving, kind, faithful, gracious, merciful, joyful, serving, patient, gentle, and having self-control. There are some who try and be the opposite of these things, and live in abject misery; yet thinking, “Now this is the life!”

There is only one way to be as our Creator would have us, and that is to follow His Son Jesus Christ. He said,

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26 (KJV)

Jesus’s own words are “If you will follow Me…” Following Him is to be like Him and His life. He sacrificed His time, His life in ministry to help people and minister to them. He was never distracted from His reason for coming, and that was to die on His cross for the sins of all mankind; His destiny in this life was to give His life as the payment for our sins. With Him; in His mind and heart; that was as good as already done when He was speaking to His disciples at this point in time.

In the verses above He calls for all who would follow Him to take up their own cross and follow. What is our cross, if we are to follow Him? The cross in that day was an object of death. It was a tool of the Roman government to punish capital criminals, and put them to death. So when Jesus speaks of “taking up your cross” He is meaning the laying down of our lives.

No woman or man can be a true follower of Jesus Christ who has not given up their very lives to do so. To not lay one’s life down for Christ and His gospel is to lose your life. To lay down your life for Christ is to gain your life, and eternity with Him.

Paul the apostle probably had these words in His mind when he wrote:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galations 2:20 (KJV)

To have the fruits of the Spirit of Christ, ie., “…love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” Galations 5:22-23 (KJV), we must like Paul, the other disciples of Jesus Christ, lay down our lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), and showing forth the honors and glory of our Lord and Savior.

Refusing to give your all for Jesus Christ may just gain you the world, and all it possesses, but you lose your soul, your very life; and eternal peace and joy will never be yours.

The King’s Cross is the way to blessing, peace, joy, love, contentment, and eternity with our King. The King of all kings; and Lord of all lords.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Raging Waves Of The Sea

February 25, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 12-13 (NKJV).

Anyone who has ever seen the ocean waves, and heard them crashing down on the beach know that they put on a good show. They can however reach no further than the bounds set for them by God. They serve no purpose except to be try and reach beyond their God ordained bounds, speaking loudly, deceiving many, with their undertow and riptides, sending many to their death. They are beautiful to see, and to hear, but destructive.

Today I will give you a quote from Dr. B. Gray Allison from his study of Jude. Dr. Allison is the founding President of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee:

“Jude further describes those of whom he writes as ‘raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame.’ Isaiah wrote: ‘But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace’, saith my God, ‘to the wicked.’ (Isaiah 57:20,21). What a picture of the mouth-professor who is not a heart-possessor! Never any peace! An outward show of tranquility, O yes! Many times a smile is on the face, but the heart is yearning, the heart is ill at ease. There is never any real peace, never any real joy, never any real happiness, never any real satisfaction. Never at peace–always disturbed, tossed to and fro as the raging waves of the sea. This is the condition of the mouth professor who is not a heart possessor of Jesus.”

From “NOW UNTO HIM, Messages From Jude For Our Day”, p. 52, by B. Gray Allison.

The false teachers make a lot of noise, sometimes put on a good show, oooh and awe you, but they possess not the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. They possess instead the presence of the spirit of demons. They seek to fill their own pockets with the hard work of others, and finally fill others only with dread, fear, and destruction.

When you are a follower of Jesus and you are studying His Word, are praying, and living according to His Word and the Spirit you can quickly identify the false from the truth. Remember Jesus’s own words. “Do not be deceived.”

-Tim A. Blankenship

Fizzling Terror

February 24, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

The prophet Isaiah was God’s messenger to an ungodly king. He was unlike his father, Jotham. He did not do right in the eyes of the LORD 2 Chronicles 28:1). By reading in Isaiah’s prophecy we see God’s promise to avert a tragedy; the tragedy of defeat in this attack which came against Jerusalem, and the kingdom of Judah.

The Northern kingdom of Israel, also known as Ephraim in our text, allies with Syria. Pekah “son of Remaliah the king of Israel”, and “Rezin the king of Syria” has it in their minds to wage war against Jerusalem, defeat them, take captives, and take home some treasure as well. Ahaz has no heart for God so he does not ask for God’s help, but the help of surrounding neighbors. The prophet is called by God to go to Ahaz with his son Shearjashub, and speak to the king.

“And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it. And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind. Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller’s field; And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah. Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying, Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal: Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass. For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people. And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.“ Isaiah 7:1-9 (KJV)

The message of Isaiah is “Do not fear…”. These are two smoking, smoldering stumps, and they can have no power over you. What they are devising against you will not stand. Remember Ahaz has no heart for God, and we see in 2 Chronicles 28 that king Ahaz did not listen to the LORD, and the city of Jerusalem was conquered, the people taken captive, though later restored, and the captives returned to Judah.

The message here is that we must trust the LORD our God in every situation, and even when there are no trying situations of life. This message, “Do not fear’, ‘Do not be afraid’, ‘fear not’, etc. is found throughout all of Scripture. It is the message to God’s people – the people who have called on His name through the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah’s son Shearjashub, meaning “A remnant shall return” went with the prophet as a word of assurance that there would always be a remnant of God’s people. People who were believing and trusting the LORD. They need not be afraid.

In the United States of America and in many parts of the world, people are trembling in fear over the march of terrorism. After the assault on the USA in September of 2001 fear has seemed to be in the hearts of many. Those of us who are children of our King, ie., King Jesus have absolutely nothing to fear. These terrorists need to fear, because their destiny is set. They are sending themselves to Hell. That is the shame of it all. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus has all these matters under His control. Terrorism will be defeated. They are as those ‘two smoldering stumps of firebrands’, they will not prevail, unless we turn our back on God, and give in to the fears that is in the hearts of many.

We as the people of God must stand by faith in every trial and every circumstance of life. There is nothing that can happen to us which God does not have in His hand. The nation of the USA must awake to the ways of God, or it will not be terrorism which defeats us but our own iniquities. To stand firm with the LORD of hosts in faith is our call, our life, our all. If we do not stand by faith in God, we will not stand at all.

There are many things which cause great fear in the hearts of citizens of the United States, and the world; and one of those is the failing economy. Many had much of their hopes stored away in the Stock Market, and have seen there life savings, 401k’s and investments eaten by the rust of time and decayed away. The only sure thing is faith in God through His Son Jesus Christ and His death on the cross, His burial, and bodily resurrection.

“If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.” (v. 9b NKJV).

I pray the Lord Jesus will encourage and strengthen your heart. Be strong in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. Trust in Him and you will live.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Just A Thought 02/17/09

February 17, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

Those “Fear Not(s)”

Sometime ago I read somewhere that God had included 365 “fear not” statements within the Bible, or something similar – “Be not afraid”, “Do not fear”, etc. While I have been doing my annual read through the Scriptures I have been trying to make a point to catch these, underline them, and write there address down in a notebook. I have found 27 after having read through the fifth chapter of Judges.

The twenty seventh one found is in Judges 4:18, and it reads:

“And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.”

When you get to looking at the story surrounding the event where the woman uses these assuring words, there should almost be a caveat with them; “BEWARE OF THE ONE WHO SPEAKS THE WORDS ‘FEAR NOT'”. In this case it was a woman who was a friend of Israel, and the one to whom she spoke was the enemy of Israel, but someone he [Sisera] thought he could trust.

It is certain that when we are on God’s side we need not fear; however when you are an enemy of God and enemy of His people then you had better be cautious of His “Fear not”, they are usually intended for those who hear and obey Him, as words of assurance.

Fear not, when you are resting in Jesus Christ. Be afraid, O enemy of God.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Peter’s Other Confession

February 16, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

So I don’t forget to do it let me make a short comment about verse twenty. Verse twenty reads:

“Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.” Matthew 16:20 (KJV)

This confession of Peter’s was something that at this time the populace did not yet need to know. Some already believed it to be true; those to whom the Father had chosen to reveal it. It was not God’s plan to have the populace of people know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. The plan was the cross. In this we see that the freewill of men, and the sovereign hand of God work in complementary fashion together, accomplishing the will of God. Now on to Peter’s Other Confession.

Following Peter’s confession, and Jesus giving him the keys of the kingdom; to open and to shut; to bind and to loose; then we find Jesus teaching His disciples of the cross, and that He must go to Jerusalem. We learn here that Jesus knew all along that His destination was the cross, to die for the sins of mankind. It is certain that the disciples knew that the leaders of the temple and of Jerusalem were not friendly toward Jesus, nor His followers.

Jesus was going to show to His disciples that He is going to Jerusalem, and will suffer at the hands of the scribes, priests, and then would die a horrible death.

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Matthew 16:21-23 (KJV)

In the fourth chapter of Matthew the devil tempted Jesus with shortcuts around the cross. He did not need to prove to the devil or Himself that He was/is indeed the Son of God by any of the deeds that He could have done. The devil knew He was the Son of God and so did Jesus. They were attempts to get Jesus around the destination which He and His Father had set down from eternity, and Jesus was not about to be sidetracked from that eternal destination which was for the sin debt of mankind.

Peter’s confession of verses 13-20 was a great confession. When Jesus, however, begins telling them that He must die at the hands of the elders, chief priests and the scribes, though, that is more than Peter can keep quite about. He rebukes Jesus for saying such a thing. Who is Peter to think that he can rebuke the incarnate Son of God? Has he suddenly received new revelation? Has he suddenly became deity himself? Not so! He is not seeing the destination of Jesus, has his own preconceived ideas, and is greatly influenced by Satan himself.

Jesus issues to Peter the harshest statement He has probably ever uttered to a man; especially to one of His disciples; “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me…” Jesus tells him too, that he is only thinking from men’s viewpoint and not God’s. We must understand that the cross though, conducted, carried out by evil men was the design of God Himself. Those who placed Jesus on the cross were not condemned for their act, they are condemned already; that is why they unjustly will charge Him, bring Him to trial, and then unjustly hang Him on a cruel wooden cross to die.

Peter went from a godly confession to a satanic confession. He was honored for the confession “Thou art the Christ; Son of the living God”. He was rebuked for not seeing that the cross was by God’s design. His death was in God’s plans. It was necessary to make atonement for the sins of mankind.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Our Love For Jehovah

February 14, 2009October 13, 2009 / Tim A. / 1 Comment

OUTLINE for Deuteronomy 5:6-21;

I. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART (vv. 6-7).
II. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR SOUL (vv. 8-10).
III. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR MIND (v. 11).
IV. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH (vv. 12-15)

LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART (vv. 6-7). God [YHWH or YaHWeH] is the One and only One who delivered Israel from Egypt. Delivered from the house of bondage He calls His delivered people to trust only in Him.

To LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART is to love only Him. When a man is in love with a woman, he grows more in love with her with each passing day. The same is true with knowing and loving God. In the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy we are told, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart…” (v. 5); and in Matthew, Mark and Luke Jesus is quoted saying the same thing (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27).

When God speaks here He is not authorizing us to put Him at the top of the list of gods to worship. His heart’s command is to worship Him alone, and there is no other. Would a man tell his wife “As long as you have me at the top of the list, you may see all the other men you want”? No man in his right mind, and with any moral character would say that.

The heart is the seat of who we are. The heart of the one who worships God alone will have his/her heart filled with God.

LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR SOUL (vv. 8-10). Mankind is the only one of God’s creation which is made in His image and after His likeness. We are told that when God had made Adam, “…and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7 (KJV).

When we LOVE GOD WITH ALL OUR SOUL we are loving Him from who we really are. He breathed into our nostrils the breath of life, and that is not said of any other creature of creation, but mankind.

When we worship and love gods of our own making we denigrate ourselves. Even when we worship self through selfishness, atheism, agnosticism, or in science, technology, or any other means of self worth garbage; we do not lower God we lower ourselves.

It is certain, at least in my mind, that everything which God has made obeys the ordinances and laws of God set down for each of them with the exception of one; and that one is man. The one made in His image has sinned, rebelled, and seeks other things as their god. The worship of other gods is demon worship;

“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” (1 Corinthians 10:19-22).

Man is the only part of God’s creation of which God has said is made in His image and after His likeness. Remember, everytime you look at another human being you are looking at the image of God. Though this image is darkened by sin; there is light for thier soul. To murder the unborn in the womb is to murder the image of God. To curse another human being is to curse the image of God. To lie about another is to lie about the image of God.

The greatest, purest, and clearest Image of God was the One who walked on earth as God’s Son. His name is Jesus. He said, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9).

LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR MIND (v. 11). It is certain, at least to me, that many people of our society need a renewed mind. I know that Jesus also said that, “…From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh…” (Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45), but is it not the mind that gives the mouth the ability to speak. And, we do often “Speak our mind”. We say things like, “…I will give them a piece of my mind…”, and usually when we cannot afford to give them any.

God’s name is often used, even by professing Christians who use His name without thought. It has been said that the Hebrew scribes, when writing the Scriptures would change “pens” to write the name of God. It was so special that the name of God is not even clearly revealed in the original languages. In the Hebrew language all we know of the name God is YHWH. That name has been transliterated to Jehovah or YaHWeH. The best name we have for God is J-E-S-U-S. And, how often we hear His name used vainly.

The heart that is abundant with the things of God and Jesus His Son will speak from that abundance. An abundant heart will have a clear, thinking mind. The abundant heart will speak things which will glorify the Father and the whole God-head. When your heart and soul are filled with God, are you going to speak vainly of God? No way.

There are those who use God’s name in vain by cursing and swearing. What about those who speak God’s name, seemingly in a reverent manner on Sunday at church, but the rest of the week live like the world in the way they speak? It seems to me to be the height of hypocrisy. Not just a hypocritical act but the act of a Hypocrite.

There is nothing that turns off a someone away from God quicker than someone who professes Christianity on Sunday, but imbibes in the world the rest of the week. This is a taking of God’s name in vain as well. God help us to guard our minds, by always speaking reverently of God. “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” (Psalm 111:9).

What about those who do all the churchy, traditional things, but overlook doing right toward their neighbor?

“Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” (Isaiah 29:13).

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9).

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.” (Luke 6:46-48).

LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH (vv. 12-15). This is the fourth and final commandment having to do with our relationship with God. It is important to have this relationship. We are born into this world with that relationship in deadness. There is no spiritual heart for God. The law is pure evidence that this is so. There is no human being who has obeyed the law of God completely, except the Son of God Himself – Jesus Christ.

In the first place the Sabbath was initiated by God after the sixth day of creation when His work was finished.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” (Genesis 2:1-3).

In creation God established a work cycle for mankind. Contrary to some beliefs work is not a part of the curse. Laziness is a sin and is a part of the curse. God made it where every hard working person would have a day of rest and worship. It is still necessary to have a day to rest and to worship the Lord our God. It is a shame on our society in which people work seven days a week and never give God a thought. The only god some people worship is the “Greenback” which can do absolutely nothing for peace or joy.

For Israel it was a day for renewing their strength after six days of laboring, and for worshipping God. The Christian is not bound by this commandment. We find our strength and rest in Him. He is in fact our rest and strength. That does not mean that we are to forsake the day of worship. It does mean that our worship is to be everyday, and when we join with our brothers and sisters on Sundays to lift up the name of our Lord and Savior, and God.

The Christian and the Sabbath is shown us in Hebrews 4:1-11. There we are told,

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief…”.

Because Jesus fulfilled this and all the law by His complete and perfect obedience to God, His Father, we are privileged and honored to join together on the first day of the week to do so, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” (Acts 20:7). “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.” (Romans 14:5-6). The reason we worship on Sunday is because of the fulfillment and completion of the law in Christ Jesus and His resurrection on Sunday morning. The Christian’s rest is in Jesus Christ, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” (Mark 2:27-28). Jesus said this before He died and was buried and rose again. That means it was so in the beginning as well.

Our strength is God’s. He gives every breath we breath. He gives every beat of our heart. He gives us every step we take. Our sole allegiance ought to be to Him and to Him alone.

Loving God We Love Our Neighbor

OUTLINE vv. 16-21

I. LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR BEGINS AT HOME (v. 16).
II. LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR MEANS LOVING AND RESPECTING HUMAN LIFE (v. 17).
III. LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR MEANS CHERISHING THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE (v. 18).
IV. LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR RESPECTS PRIVATE OWNERSHIP (v. 19).
V. LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR WE BEAR WITNESS OF THE TRUTH (v. 20).
VI. LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR WE DESIRE THEM TO BE BLESSED (v. 21).

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR BEGINS AT HOME (v. 16). Without our mothers and fathers we would not be present in the world. That should be a good thing for us. It is a sad thing that many a child grows up never knowing their dad, and sometimes their mom. One of the most dreadful things is that some of those who do grow up with both parents is the disrespect many have toward them.

Usually, when a child does not honor and respect their parents, they have less respect, if any respect, for law enforcement, and for any in places of authority; thus getting themselves into a multitude of troubles. God intended children to have their parents. Mom’s and Dad’s; you are not ordained by God to be a friend to your child; you are called, ordained to be a parent, giving them guidance, correction, love, care, providing for them as they are growing and learning. Friendship with your son(s) or daughter(s) will come when they are grown, then, you will have a friendship which you will cherish.

This is the only commandment of the ten with a promise. One reason for the Babylonian exile was Israel’s disrespect for parents;

“In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow”. (Ezekiel 22:7);

“Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee. Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken it, and will do it. And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee. And thou shalt take thine inheritance in thyself in the sight of the heathen, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 22:13-16).

Could it be that many of the problems of the society within the United States is much related to the disrespect of children toward parents, many authority figures, and God Himself? That may have started with adults having a disrespect for human life. Which would have began with a turning away from God.

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR MEANS LOVING AND RESPECTING HUMAN LIFE (v. 17). This sixth commandment is given to protect life, human life. We are to cherish, and respect all human life. The human baby in the womb of his/her mother, or even the embryo in the glass dish, or frozen in storage. The MIRRIAM/WEBSTER Pocket Dictionary defines “embryo: a living being in the earliest stages of development–”, and we have “Scientist” who want to cut up and destroy human embryoes for the purpose of “life saving” stem cell research. These are not “Scientist”; they are butchers.

Let me get one thing straight. This commandment is a commandment against cold-blooded murder. Willful, pre-meditated, planned taking of a human life. It is not commandment against protecting one’s own life. It is not commandment against the execution of a murderer. The execution of a murderer is surely the surest form of respect for human life. Capital punishment of the murderer shows all that every human being is equal before God. When we allow a convicted murderer to live; we count her/his life more precious than the one they killed. When we put to death the one who killed maliciously; we show not only respect for human life, but also show the respect that is due God’s commandments.

Here is some Scripture to reconcile the sixth commandment with capital punishment –

“And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’ brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” (Gen. 9:5-6).

“And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.” (EX. 21:15).

“And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed: If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.” (EX. 21:18-19).

Then a New Testament passage,

” Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” (Romans 13:1-7).

All human life is precious. Our neighbor’s life and all in his/her household are precious in the sight of our Lord.

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR MEANS CHERISHING THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE (v. 18). This commandment, the seventh, is a decree of respect and honor for the marriage of every man and woman. Marriage is not a right it is an institution of God. It is decreed by God that “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24), and this definitely means a man and a woman.

The First Institution God Ordained. This first institution is MARRIAGE. This blessed institution is falling by the wayside in our modern society. Our government penalizes married couples by charging them more taxes in some cases. Elderly couples can receive more Social Security benefits by living together without marrying. This, in essence, is government, our government of the United States; rewarding immoral behavior.

Young couples are living together more and more without marriage. They want to “Test drive” the relationship, similar to test driving a car they want to purchase. This is a relationship not a piece of property. If you test drive a car and buy it there will come a day in a few years, at the most, where you will get rid of that car. If you “Test drive” that relationship, that is what most likely will happen to the relationship too. Why? Because there is need for commitment, and where there is no commitment, there is no power or permanance to the relationship. Either party in the relationship can leave at any time. It is with sadness that I must admit, there are many who enter marriage with this attitude as well. If you are not prepared to spend a lifetime with someone do not marry, but do not make a sham of marriage by living in rebellion to God’s law by cohabitating. There is little to no respect for the institution for marriage, and it seems due to the fact of no respect for God and that which is holy, righteous and good.

Marriage is more than, “Just a sheet of paper…”. It is in fact the bringing together of two – one man and one woman – before God and they two become “One flesh” (Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31). It is in fact a life-time commitment with binding vows that promise one another, and God, that whether “…rich or poor, in sickness or in health, loving no other, until death do we part.” That is more than a sheet of paper; it is a “binding contract” with God, and has serious repercussions if the bond is broken any way other than by death.

THERE IS FORGIVENESS (John 8:1-11). In the Bible the penalty for adultery is death. The Scripture given previously to the last sentence shows this was what was in the heart and mind of this woman’s accusers. Quick to pick up the stones of accusation, slow to mercy, slow to forgiveness. With this woman caught in the act of adultery, Jesus gives her forgiveness.

Notice Jesus’s words, “…Go, and sin no more”. It was not just a blanket forgiveness without responsibility. She had been forgiven, and now her life would reflect the cleansing and forgiveness she had received. Muse on these questions for awhile. Where was the man who was caught in the act with her? What did Jesus write in the dirt on the ground? Why didn’t they throw the stones?

The only one who could have stoned her forgave her instead. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FOR THE SIN OF ADULTERY. There is forgiveness for all sin, when you put your faith in Jesus Christ.

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR RESPECTS PRIVATE OWNERSHIP (v. 19). For some reason there are many who think society owes them something so they take what they want, when they want it, and often at great cost to someone else. Some people who work in some business think they have a right to take a little something which belongs to their boss. It could be “just a box of paper clips”, or only showing one’s self busy when the boss is watching. It is theft. It is stealing.

* Of the first seven commandments; death is the penalty for the violation.
* This eighth commandment does not call for the death penalty – it calls, rather for restitution (Ex. 22:1; Luke 19:5-10).
* There is one exception, that is if they “Kidnap” – steal a human being (Ex. 21:16). This called for the death penalty.

If we love God and one another we will not desire what another has, and take and steal. We will practice what Paul taught the Ephesians, rather, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Eph. 4:28). There will be no need for gambling, stealing from those who are more needy – doing it legally. When one loves their neighbor there is also a love for God and for being a faithful steward of God’s resources He has put in our trust. Also there will be the need to see that all debts are paid in full, especially the debt to our neighbors that could be the redemption of their souls.

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR WE BEAR WITNESS OF THE TRUTH (v. 20). This commandment is a decree against lying against your neighbor. Bearing false witness to condemn, to elevate one’s self, to unjustly bolster one’s self image over another, or to bring condemnation before a court.

The Truth is precious, and we should be truthful with our neighbors, with our families, and most of all with God. When we love God and our neighbors the truth will be precious to us.

The law of God says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” What exactly does this involve. Is it for the individual who is witnessing in court? Yes! Is it for the individual who is witnessing to a neighbor? Yes! You are witnessing as you share a word of gossip. You are witnessing as you defame the character of someone you do not care for. Is this a good witness? No! This is as true in politics. When one candidate charges the other with things they have heard, but are not proven. When one charges the other with something they know is not true.

J. Vernon McGee writes,

“Did you know that there are more words for breaking this commandment than all the other commandments put together?….some of them – lying, mendacity, prevarication, slander, backbiting, defamation, detraction, belittling, censoriousness, gossip, depreciation, derogation, rumor, vilification, aspersion, forgery, mudslinging, falsehood, guile, hypocrisy, insinuation, innuendo, railing, whispering, talebearing, libel, fib, fable, equivocation, disparagement, fabrication, aberation, deceit, trump up, forswear.” (From LOVE, LIBERATION, & THE LAW by J. Vernon McGee pg. 150).

That is a terribly long list of bad words, which are words in action to destroy another. Should we not consider that when we are guilty of that it is almost certain that it will not be long and they will come back to get us.

Just a few Scriptures will bear out for us the lies destination.

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Prov 19:5 (KJV).

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.” Prov 19:9 (KJV)

“Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.” Psalms 101:5 (KJV)

Now look in the New Testament,

“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” Rev 21:27 (KJV)

“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” Rev 22:15 (KJV)

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matt 12:36 (KJV)

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR WE DESIRE THEM TO BE BLESSED (v. 21). When we have real desire for others [our neighbors] to be blessed we will not have the audacity to desire, lust for, covet the property which belongs to them; or the persons which are in their love and care.

Though this commandment is the final of the ten, it could be the KEY COMMANDMENT. Think about this; if we disobey this commandment we can very easily and are breaking every one of the other nine.

James tells us, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10 (KJV). Get that, “Guilty of all”. Now that can be said of all the others too, but here, I hope you can see why it is important to realize that covetousness is a seed of evil, that breeds evil, and leads to the decay of the whole law in the hearts of people.

According to the book of Colossians it is Idolatry to covet. “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Col 3:5 (KJV). Even the book of Ephesians backs this up by saying, “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Eph 5:5 (KJV). Note that Paul has written there, “Nor covetous man, who is an idolater…” O, the sad thing is there are many, many, too many people who live for the grasping and holding on of things, or people, or positions, or power; do I need to go on. I think you get the point.

The following verses are the words of Jesus:

”Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15 (KJV).

Again Jesus says,

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: ) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matt 6:31-34 (KJV).

Now if this is not a word for those who covet things and such, I am mistaken about the whole issue,

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt 6:21 (KJV).

If your heart is on the things of the world, that is your treasure. However, if your heart is on the Lord and His righteousness and glory, that is your treasure. If you are going to covet; covet the godly things, that will glorify the Savior.

When our treasure is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, then we have these laws written in our hearts, and our desire is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. No one I know of wants any of these negative acts conducted against them.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Hope Without Hope; Clouds Without Water

February 11, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 12-13 (NKJV).

In the same verses that we looked at previously we find that these apostates of which Jude writes were likened to “clouds without water, carried about by the winds”. In droughted areas where they are dependent on the rains and much of it, waterless clouds are sometimes very disappointing. In this day of bank failures, job losses, and many an economic worry we need the truth and hope that only Jesus Christ gives. “Our hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

In the Midwest United States and the Southern States, we are all dependent upon rainfall. Most of the United States is dependent upon rainfall, as a matter of fact. The only place that might not be is some parts of California where they use irrigation year round to grow their crops.

These “clouds without water” offer hope, but give nothing. The apostates teaching heresy offered much spiritual growth, but there was none. They told lies, and their lives were deceptions. They are full of themselves and have nothing of God. The true shepherd of God, and shepherd of the people do not “shun to declare the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27); were Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders. Some of the “Pastors” of what has been called “Mega-churches”, and some small churches are ‘clouds without water’, because they fail to expound and reveal the dangers of sin, and the glory of Christ power over sin.

They, the apostates, seek a following for themselves in the name of Christ, but do not preach what Jesus preached. What did Jesus preach? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17). If you are not preaching what Jesus preached and taught, then you preach contrary to Him. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

If there is any preacher reading this right now who has been preaching those easy, encouraging, non condemning things, and leaving out repentance – turning from sin to Jesus Christ – then you aren’t preaching what Jesus preached. You are those “clouds without water”. You need to repent. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

May God bless you today by your turning from your sins, believing Jesus, preaching Jesus crucified, buried, resurrected, and coming again.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The Error Of Balaam

February 7, 2009October 13, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

Numbers 31:16

There are some in the work of the ministry for the ministry of keeping, or getting into others wallets, billfolds, and purses. Maybe it should be called the taking of others wallets, billfolds, and purses. This is not a new thing. The man who is called by God to proclaim the message of God’s word can find himself in many temptations. One of the strongest is that of obtaining all the wealth of this world he can.

That tends to be the problem with Balaam.

The Bible says;

“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” Jude 1:11 (KJV)

There are two other men named in this verse; Cain of Genesis 4, and Korah [Core] from Numbers 16. Cain killed his brother; Korah verbally attacked and led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. What is the “error of Balaam”? Greed for reward. And that is not only gold, silver, precious stones; but it can be power, prestige, position, performance, and/or profit.

Let’s look at Balaam, and his life, his acts – both good and bad, and his demise.

I. KNOWN TO BE A PROPHET; HE IS REQUESTED TO CURSE THOSE WHOM GOD HAS BLESSED (Numbers 22:6-14).

II. SEEN TO BE AN ANXIOUS PROPHET TO CURSE WHOM GOD HAS BLESSED (vv. 15-21).

III. GOES TO BALAK, BECAUSE HE CANNOT SEE (vv. 22-35).

IV. BALAAM EVIDENTLY HAS THE RIGHT WORDS; BUT NOT THE RIGHT HEART (23:7-12, 18-24).

V. BALAAM’S EYES ARE OPENED TO THE TRUTH OF ISRAEL (24:2-9, 15).

VI. BALAAM PROPHESIES OF ISRAEL AND THEIR FUTURE BLESSING (vv. 15-24).

VII. BALAK BRINGS A CURSE UPON THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL (chapter 25).

VIII. WHAT BALAAM DID TO AID IN THE CURSE UPON THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (Numbers 31:16)

NO ONE CAN CURSE THOSE WHOM GOD HAS BLESSED (Numbers 22:6-14). God has previously told, and promised, “I will bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you” (Genesis 12:3). What Balak was requesting was a curse on himself, but then, they were already cursed by their own fear, hatred, and rejection of God’s people.

Balaam seems to be a sorcerer that was well known among the people of the land of Moab. His sorcery is spoken of,

“And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.” (Numbers 24:1)

He dealt with “enchantments”, “ritual”, or “performance”, and this is probably the very first time God has intervened in his greedy pursuits; and because it was going to relate to His people. It can only be but by the mercy and grace of God that He intervened. This could have been nothing more than God showing them, ie., Balaam, Balak, and the Moabites the power of the One True God of Israel.

The thought of Balaam’s face being set toward the wilderness is that he may find a way to curse them. He at least desires that he may find a cause for God to judge them. In other words he is not interested in doing the will of YHWH; he is interested in lining his pockets from the wealth of Moab, and their king.

TOO ANXIOUS, FROM GREED FOR WEALTH, LEADS TO THE ATTEMPTED CURSING OF WHAT GOD HAS BLESSED (22:15-21). Remember Esau, and Jacobs stew (Genesis 25:29-34)? Esau had gone to hunt or something; may have been gone for a day and without any game on returning. He is hungry, tired, and the scent of Jacob’s stew makes his mouth water. At what price will Esau feed his stomach? At what price will Balaam feed his greed? At what price will a pastor sell out his calling, ministry, family, or church? At what price will the Christian man sell his faith and home for that woman at work who pays him more attention than his wife at home? At what price will that Christian woman sell her faith, her children, her husband, for that more lavish lifestyle?

Is our faith something we can sell? Some seem to think they can. When Balaam set out on the journey which was fanned by the flames of greed and fear; the voice he heard louder than any other was the jingle of the gold and silver coins in their purses, the position, power, prestige and profit he could receive if he would just “curse” these people wandering in the wilderness.

He did the right thing in turning down Balak the first time. He heard the word of the LORD there. Then, the servants of Balak returned with a better offer, and if he would have been the man of God he should have been; his answer would have been an immediate, NO!

When God has given a clear answer in the negative; especially in this type of situation; there is no need to seek God’s advice again. He is simply wanting God’s approval to go with the men (Numbers 22:1-21). God in his patience with Balaam gives him a clear message which he disobeys (vv. 20-21). Balaam is one of those who merely use God for his own means. He is a sorcerer (he uses enchantments (24:1)), and he is also known for using all other kinds of sorcery, thus seeking the guidance of the devil as well. He is a man, a prophet, with a divided heart, and no loyalty to God, holiness, righteousness, or justice.

What price did Esau pay? He paid the sum of his birthright. What price will Balaam pay? That will become apparent by the end of the message.

WHEN THE DUMB CAN SEE AND SPEAK THE LORD MAY COME AND OPEN BLIND EYES THAT THEY MIGHT SEE (vv. 22-35). Balaam, being anxious to sin against the will of God, and to get him his wealth arises early the next morning saddles his donkey, and gets himself ready to go. Did Balaam not hear what God had said? Hear God’s words to Balaam:

“If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” 22:20 (KJV)

The text tells us nothing of the men coming to him; he just rises up and gets ready to go. His mind, his heart is not on God but wealth.

Why is it that we can get out of the will of God, then blame God for not working in our lives? “I can’t see God doing anything anymore”; someone might say. “What have you done to shun God or His Word?” would be my first question. Have you gone your own way? It could be that God may have some “donkey” to speak to you so as to spare your life. And He might for me when I am in a similar situation.

Here are some signs of the blindness of Balaam:

1. It is quite clear that the first approach was from enemies of God’s people;
2. Their payment method of divination, shows us that he was viewed by the haters of Israel as connected with sorcery;
3. He listened to them and their payment a second time without reservation;
4. When God tried to stop him, or at least to get his attention, he could not see it.

When it got right down to the truth it was his lowly donkey who saw the “angel of the LORD” standing in the way, which would have killed him had it not been for the donkey. Balaam could not see the hand of the Lord ready to slay him; he only thought it to be his donkey.

THOSE WHO SAY THE RIGHT THINGS; BUT DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT HEART (vv. 23:7-12, 18-24). Can a prophet or preacher say the right words without being in right relationship with God? Is it possible for the preacher or prophet to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ without knowing the Jesus Christ of the Gospel? It is certain that Balaam knew the right words to say, and evidently God was giving him those words to say. So the answer to those questions must be; YES!

That can go for the Sunday School Teacher, the Deacon, the Elder, the church Treasurer, or the pastor to the man and woman in the pew. There are many professors in our churches who are not possessors of the person of Jesus Christ, ie., His Spirit within. They know the right words to say in a personal word testimony, but their life bears no fruit.

Balaam’s life bore no fruit of righteousness. Even John the apostle writing to the church of Pergamum,

“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” Revelation 2:14 (KJV)

This plot between Moab, and the Midianites prove too that it doesn’t matter who is in your family line. Moab is the eldest of the incestual sons of Lot [Nephew of Abraham] (Genesis 19:36-38). The Midianites come from Abraham as well; through the wife named Keturah (Genesis 25:1-5); whom Abraham married following Sarah’s death. Moab gets the Midianites to join them in trying to overthrow Israel. It is not the bloodline that counts; it is the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses all our sin.

WITH EYES WIDE OPEN; YET CONTINUE TO DENY THE TRUTH FOR SAKE OF LUST (vv. 24:2-9, 15). It is the confession of Balaam himself that says his eyes were opened. It is the LORD who opened his eyes (v. 4) to see Israel for who they were. Yet, this man, who divines, who deceives, who has the revelation from the only true and wise God of the identity, work, and uniqueness of this nation, still hungers, craves, lusts for power, prestige, position, and profit.

Jesus said;

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

and the “things” He speaks of is not wealth, riches, power, prestige, position or profit.

There are many who say they know Christ, but have a greater heart for making wealth than they care to know the One who makes wealth. All things are in His hands, and no one can take them away from Him. We are, as Christians, “seated with Christ in heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:20; 2:6). The thing is the soul that is with Jesus does not have their hearts on the things of the earth. Those who do fit into the same category with the “earth dwellers” of the Revelation.

Many of these know the truth of the Gospel, may profess to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; but they bear no fruit for Christ, thus are eternally lost. These fit into the same type relationship with Balaam.

THE FUTURE OF ISRAEL, AND THEIR BLESSINGS (vv. 24:15-24). God has opened the eyes of Balaam. Remember he couldn’t even see the “angel of the LORD” that would have killed him, but his donkey saved his life; thus the LORD was merciful to this false prophet.

His eyes have been opened to the blessing of God upon the nation of people called Israel. This term [“eyes open”] is used by the prophet himself in a parable he speaks; and uses it at least three times (vv. 4 third parable, 15, and 16 fourth parable).

In this “parable” is a prophecy of the Lord Jesus; “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…” (v. 17). Moab and Edom had been sources of conflict with Israel; even though related; and the coming King would and will deal with them according to His power and might.

The prophecies of Balaam are promises of Israel, and Balaam never fully realizes the truth of what he has spoken. The mere mention of his name throughout Scriptures seem to indicate that he was false in his life, and that is one of the keys to the recognition of the man of God.

1. The man of God is true to God;
2. The man of God is faithful to God and His Word;
3. The man of God lines his life with the Word of God;
4. The man of God speaks and the Word of God comes to pass.

There are two examples of these in the five books of Moses (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:20-22). Both of these examples speak of turning the hearts of God’s people to other gods (which are not gods at all), and the worship of demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-20).

The God of Israel is the Holy One; He is the only One; He is the righteous One; beside Him there is no other. He is known as Father, Son and Holy Spirit; working in the flesh of His Son. One day all of Israel will turn from their unbelief; and see their God through their Messiah. The King of kings is coming to rule on His throne in Jerusalem.

AN EVIL THAT CAN BRING GOD’S CHASTISEMENT UPON HIS CHILDREN AND THE ANSWER (Chapter 25). When God’s people sin it causes grief in the heart of God. Yet, as the loving, forgiving God and Father that He is He desires to bring them back to Himself. I have said it many times, and believe it to be a quote from Charles H. Spurgeon, “God will not allow His children to sin successfully”. His children, His people are those who believe Him and His Son Jesus Christ; and live their lives for Him and His glory.

Since Balaam could not curse the people of Israel; he did one of the worse things that a pretender, hypocrite can do; cause evil to come into the heart of God’s people. There are those in 2009 who believe that just because they are descendants of Abraham they are God’s children; even John the Baptist and Jesus has something to say about that:

“And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” Matthew 3:9 (KJV) [words of John Baptist.]

“I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.” John 8:38-40 (KJV)

Notice those words of Jesus; “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; Galations 3:6; James 2:23).

The only righteousness of God available is that righteousness which comes through the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary’s cross.

Though the death of Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins we still sin; but as a child of God we have the power, and ability through Jesus Christ not to sin. When we sin God is not pleased, but He does want us to know that we have and Advocate with the Father (1 John 1:9 – 2:1).

The deception of Balaam brought evil into Israel, and a plague destroyed many of the people, and Phineas acted jealously for God, and stopped the plague. Some of the people of Israel had fell to the lust of other gods which involved prostitution, and it is the worship of demons. In this plague 24,000 people died. God will not, and does not allow His children to sin successfully. There may be times that it seems; at least in our eyes; that He is letting some things slip by. If you profess to be a child of God and can sin without guilt, shame, or fear of God’s judgment; you are not His child.

We are not to live in fear, but in peace and love and contentment with God. You cannot have that if there is sin in your life. Deal with it. Paul said, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Deal with sin quickly. “Keep short accounts”.

THE HEART OF BALAAM WHICH WORKS RUIN (Numbers 31:16). Now, we come to the opening Scripture verse.

“Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.”

We see the trespass which Moses mentions in chapter 25, the wrath and judgment of God; the plague upon Israel taking the lives of 24,000 people; and some dying due to God’s commandment to slay all the guilty.

Though the heart of Balaam was with the Moabites and the Midianites; and for the wealth and perks that went along with it; there is in the midst of this immorality, and debauchery; many people who are grieved by the sins taking place in the camp of God. These are found at the “…door of the tabernacle of the congregation”, and weeping because of this great sin against God and the people of God.

As the people of God we are to seek to bring good and blessing into people’s lives; not ruin, and harm. We are to be springs of living water – cool and fresh; refreshing the weary soul. We are to be hotsprings for healing, renewing and strength. We are to be especially so to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

If we do things to cause a brother to sin; or to stumble and fall; then we fall into the category of the error of Balaam. If we do or say something that causes us to look good while harming another; then that is the error of Balaam. You may think, “I am not doing or saying it for pay?” Oh! You’re not? You have taken away something that belonged to another. You are in the “Error of Balaam”. The heart of Balaam was to work ruin in the people of Israel.

Let’s always to seek to lift up our Lord Jesus Christ, glorify His name; and we will not be tearing others down to build up ourselves. Nor, will we be leading others into sin. Balaam died at the hands of Israel, along with the kings of Midian (Numbers 31:8). Though the child of God cannot sin successfully; neither will God overlook those who treat His children poorly.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The Renewed Covenant

February 3, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

Abraham’s faith is really amazing. He believes God to within inches of taking the life of his son Isaac. We must not overlook, though, the faith of Isaac; the trust he places in his father, and in God. The two, father and son have gone that journey up the mountain which the LORD told Abraham of, and they have gone alone.

The man of faith built the altar, tied the hands and feet of his son, laid him on the wood, then took the knife to slay his only promised son. His hand is stayed by the angel of the LORD; and the LORD speaks to Abraham:

“And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.” Genesis 22:15-19 (KJV)

The “angel of the LORD” speaks as being the LORD Himself. “By Myself have I sworn…”. The beginning covenant is renewed. His son has been restored to him, and totally given to the LORD at the same time. He gave up what he could not keep to gain what he could never lose. This “angel of the LORD” is most certainly, again, the preincarnate manifestation of the Living Word of God; the Son of God who would become flesh and dwell among us. He spoke as God, for God, because He is God. This was no created being who was speaking; this was God speaking. This was God who spoke with authority. It was God who made, and renews the covenant with Abraham.

It is sad to see that in our day many nations are turning against Israel, the people who have been given this covenant. In the end it will mean certain judgment upon any and all nations who will not be a blessing to Israel. All the nations have been blessed through Israel.

It is through Israel that we have the written word of God; from Genesis through the Revelation these have been written and preserved by the people of Israel; their priests, prophets, kings, fishermen, with the exception of maybe one; and that is the doctor Luke who penned down the Gospel of Luke, and the book of “The Acts of the Holy Spirit” or “Acts”. We have also received from Israel the One who has done more for Israel and the nations of the world than all the men and women who have ever lived; and done more for every individual who has ever lived – He is Jesus.

The final verse of our text for today tells us that only Abraham returned to the servants who were left while Abraham and Isaac went to the mountain top alone. Where is Isaac? There is another picture given us here by the silence, and the absence of Isaac in the text. He is not mentioned, nor seen again until chapter 24. There Isaac is mentioned as father Abraham and his servant prepare to find a bride for him.

The picture given is of our resurrected Lord Jesus Christ from the grave, ascended to glory in the presence of His Father, while the Father and the Servant who glorifies our Lord, seeks for Him a bride. Isaac is not seen again in the text until Genesis 24:62-67, and it is when Rebekah is brought to him to be his bride.

The Father and the Holy Spirit are working today in the absence of our Lord Jesus preparing a Bride for our Savior, the Son of the Living God. While He is absent from us in body, we; those of us who know Him; have the promise of His soon appearing to claim His chosen Bride. We are daily being prepared to appear before Him.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Who Is Jesus???

February 2, 2009February 2, 2009 / Tim A. / 12 Comments

The question, the title of this article is still one that is often asked; even in this modern, or post-modern society. Does it really matter who Jesus is? Some think so, and that includes myself.

There is plenty of historical evidence that a man named Jesus lived during the time of the one named in the New Testament. Was he just a man who was different from all men, and inspired great hope in others; or was He something more?

Many of the world religions believe Jesus lived, but to Mohammed he was only a prophet. The god [Allah] of Mohammed has no son. The followers of Mohammed need no one to die in their place. To many other religions of the world they seem to all place Jesus in the realm of a “great teacher” or a “great prophet”, but Son of God, or God incarnate? NO!

The question has even came up in talk shows concerning the matter of Jesus. There are well known people, celebrities who tell things such as “We can all become our own savior, our own god, by becoming a christ spirit, or allowing the christ spirit to inhabit us”. In my mind it is a mixture of demonism, and self worship; which when it really comes down to the truth is demon worship.

Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” The following is the full question and the session where Jesus asked the question:

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.” Matthew 16:13-20 (KJV)

You will notice that when Jesus had asked the question there were various answers. “Some say you are John the Baptist; some that you are Elijah; others say you are Jeremiah or one of the other prophets” . It seems that people may have believed in some form of reincarnation or something.

Let’s think about that question for a moment. “Who do men say that I [Jesus] am?” To some he is a good teacher, or a good prophet, or a good example to follow. Does that really answer who Jesus is? I really don’t think so.

Jesus’s question includes the term “Son of man”. For Jesus and His work this was a term of respect, and only used of on other man in history, and that was the prophet Ezekiel. For Ezekiel it meant that he was a prophet of the Deity. For Jesus it means much more.

As we look further into this dialogue Jesus asked the great question which all people need to answer. “Who do you say that I am?” Who is Jesus to you? Your answer to this question will determine your destiny for eternity. There is only one answer which God blesses.

Peter, the hasty one, answered very quickly, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” “Christ” is the annointed one. This would mean the Messiah of Israel the Annointed One of God. The Messiah is the Son of God and the Son of man. God became flesh and dwelt among us. He is Immanuel meaning “God with us”. Where did Peters answer; his confession come from? How did he know this answer? Listen to the words of Jesus.

“Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. “

Jesus blesses Peter for his answer telling him that this did not come from his own mind or flesh, but by revelation from God. His [Peter’s] answer was more than just an intellectual knowledge, it was heavenly knowledge given him by God the Father. No one can, in or of themselves, just decide one day that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. It comes by revelation from God. When it comes by revelation from God, that is when that becomes a strong conviction one will die for, and it is one worth living for to die for. Peter would later give his life for the cause of Jesus Christ.

The blessing the Lord gave to Peter was more than just words. The confession of Peter becomes the bedrock, the foundation upon which the Church [the Body of Christ] is built. No one comes into Christ apart from this confession. No one comes without the faith announcement, heart conviction, life changing event, of acknowledging that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Jesus was not saying that Peter was the rock upon which the Church is built. The Rock is Christ, and our confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Jesus tells Peter that He gives to him the “Keys to the kingdom”. Keys represent authority. With keys we can shut up a building to prevent entry by unauthorized personel. With keys we secure a car, a truck, a building. That is what gives us power over what we own, or are given from an approved authority.

The following is from The MacArthur Study Bible on the matter of the “Keys of the kingdom of heaven” –

“16:19 the keys of the kingdom of heaven. These represent authority, and here Christ gives Peter (and by extension all other believers) authority to declare what was bound or loosed in heaven. This echoed the promise of John 20:23, where Christ gave the disciples authority to forgive or retain the sins of people. All this must be understood in the context of 18:15-17, where Christ laid out specific, instructions for dealing with sin in the church.”

The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV, p. 1423

This includes the power that we have in prayer, the leadership in our churches, and our power with God in heaven.

The question remains, “Who is Jesus?” It does not really matter who others say He is; when it gets down to where the rubber hits the road; then what really matters is who Jesus is to you.

If you do not see Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God, then you are not in a right relationship with God, you are lost, condemned, yet in your sins. Jesus said to Philip, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father” (John 14:9-11).

God, and Father, open the eyes of all who may read this that they may see the truth of who Jesus is, and save them for YOUR own glory. Amen.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Woe To Apostate Teachers, and Followers

January 30, 2009 / Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” Jude 11 (NKJV).

The apostate, heretics of which Jude has been warning us are going to be held to the ultimate judgment. “Woe” is the warning of such judgment being held for them. It is a sad thing for Christians of today, when they will more readily accept the teaching of the “Name it and claim it” bunch, than they will the plain and clear teaching of the Word of the Lord where the cross of Jesus Christ, His deity, His shedding of His own blood, His burial carrying our sins away, and the plain and clear teaching of His bodily resurrection fulfilling the Word which He spoke.

These apostates follow the way of Cain (the son of Adam and Eve who killed his brother Abel); in that they deny the power of the blood of the cross of Christ by their teaching that it is for material gain, applying their own works to the work of Christ. They follow the “error of Balaam” by seeking gain for themselves. Balaam was a false prophet who sought profit by the pretense serving God. He deemed that the Israelites were not worthy of God’s blessing and so cursed them by showing the enemy their weakness (Numbers 25:1-17; 31:16), bringing a plague into the camp, stayed only by the quick hand of Phineas, who was the grandson of Aaron. Balaam eventually was killed by the children before they entered the promised land. Then, there is Korah, the rebellious one who led Dathan and Abiram in a rebellious act against Moses. They spoke ill of Moses, thus were speaking against God. We put our lives on a very thin layer when we speak ill of our leaders, especially the spiritual leaders. Korah, Dathan and Abiram were swallowed up by the ground opening and taking them, and those who stood with them, alive into the belly of the earth. Read Numbers 16.

We are given ample warning in Scripture of following false teachers and leaders. The one’s who expose heresy are not the ones who are causing the problem. The problem lies in those who teach error, and seek to lead people astray. If you know God, and know His Word you know who the false teachers and their false teachings are. If you don’t know the God of the Bible nor His Word you will be deceived, and led astray becoming just like your leader. Finding your own way, always for gain and profit, and no true spiritual leader will ever be right, but you are.

Guard your spiritual life. Know the God of the Bible by turning to His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross that you might live. He was buried carrying your sins away, and He rose bodily from that grave, and He ever lives to make intercession for you. Read His Word – the Bible – learn Him, know Him, trust Him with all of your life.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The Substitute

January 27, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

Isaac, son of Abraham, the only promised son of Abraham was an obedient, trusting son. He went all the way with his father to the place “afar off” to a mountain which the LORD showed him. The faith of Abraham has been seen since Genesis 12, and he has been faithful to God.

Faithful to God does not mean there has not been some times of failure, disobedience or sin; it does mean that in all his faults he always trusted the LORD; he always returned to God. Those of us who are Christians are called to a faithful life, a life of faithfulness, and that does not mean there won’t be times we do not fail or fall into sin; it does mean we won’t stay there.

Our study today will include verse 10 once again:

“And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.” Genesis 22:10-14 (KJV)

Abraham, believing God would keep His promise of making a great nation through Isaac continues with an obedient act to the LORD God, takes the knife to slay his son, and then hears the “angel of the LORD” call his name. It seems that the “angel of the LORD” stops the hand of Abraham from its downward motion. It does not seem too far to say that the LORD stopped Abraham’s hand from slaying Isaac.

There are some things in this event that we must consider. First of all, Isaac was not a worthy sacrifice (Psalm 14:2-3; Romans 3:10, 23). He was human, with the uncleanness of sin, as we all are. No sinful human being can pay the sacrifice for their sins, nor anyone else’s. Secondly, God has actually forbidden mankind from offering human sacrifice. Human sacrifice was the practice of the people whom Abraham left in Ur of the Chaldees, and the practice of the people in the land of Canaan, and God’s people are forbidden to practice the evil of the Canaanites.

It seems that we have sacrifice of children in the USA, and in other nations of the world. We see no value in the unborn so in the past 36 years we have sacrificed 48,000,000 (48 million) unborns to the gods of pleasure and convenience. Their blood cries out to the thrice holy God, and condemns the people of the nations who have practiced this unholy act. The blood of even these is insufficient to atone for the sins of those who committed the acts of treachery and murder. The unborn children that have been treasonized by their mothers cry out against them, and the “doctors” who have committed treachery against the medical profession.

Abraham’s hand is stayed by our LORD from carrying out the sacrifice showing himself faithful to God. Abraham turns and sees a Ram caught by his horns in a bush. Now, how many times would that happen. On a hill top far away from any other flocks of sheep, God provides a substitute for Isaac. We are all in need of a Substitute for our sins; a Substitute who will take our place. If we were to die for our own sins that would mean an eternity apart from God, because our death does not suffice the take away our sin; it also does not provide for us eternal life; but eternal death, apart from God; suffering eternally for our sins. That is what we deserve.

As the Ram was the substitute for Isaac, so our Substitute is the Lamb of God. The Ram whose power was yielded to His Father, and was willing to subject Himself to the evil hands of men, be the sacrifice for the sins of all mankind, offering forgiveness to all who will call on His name.

There is forgiveness to all the women who have killed their unborn children, and to the “doctors” who have committed the treacherous acts against the children, the mothers, and the medical profession by their acts of abortion. Jesus Christ is our Substitute for our sins. He died on the cross to take away our sins, cleanse us from sin, to be the atonement for our sin, to be the one who took upon Himself the wrath of His own Father, having become sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

“Jehovah-jireh” our God has provided well for us through His Son Jesus. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Be saved, be cleansed of all your sin through faith in Jesus Christ; our Substitute; today.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Is It All About Bread???

January 26, 2009 / Tim A. / 1 Comment

The Pharisees and Sadducees were a constant heartache to our Lord. As they were supposed to be the religious leaders of Israel during this time they were filled with doubts, unbelief, jealousy, and condemnation of any and all; including our Lord; who were not “letter for letter” correct to their own understanding. Many of these men hated Jesus, very few loved Him.

After dealing with the Pharisees concerning signs (vv. 1-4) Jesus will deal with the disciples concerning their faith, give them warning concerning evil doctrine, and hypocrisy.

“And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” Matthew 16:5-12 (KJV)

The disciples must have had their attention diverted by physical need concerning Jesus’s caveat concerning the “leaven of the Pharisees”. It had not been so long ago that they had witnessed the power of the Lord when He took 5 loaves of bread and two small fish, and fed a multitude of 5000 men, plus women and children (14:13-21), then later fed 4000 men, plus women and children with seven loaves a “a few little fishes” (15:32-38). They had forgotten to bring food with them, except for one loaf (Mark 8:14), and they assume that Jesus is speaking of bread.

He speaks of “Leaven”. Of course, leaven is used in bread. It is, however, used to puff up, fluff up, and stuff up. It gives baked goods a fuller appearance than they would have without it. It is my belief that every time there is mention of “leaven” in Scripture, it is as a symbol of hindrance, sin, or evil. Hindrance because when the children of Israel were leaving Egypt they were commanded to prepare bread without leaven (Exodus 12:15-20). They were going to be leaving Egypt very quickly, therefore no time could be taken to allow bread to rise, thus they would have been in rebellion to even have it in their homes. Leaven also represents false doctrine, and hypocrisy (clouds without rain in a time of drought).

There are many professing Christians in our day who do not believe we need to be concerned about doctrine; whether it be right or wrong; just believe something. Anything is okay as long as you sincerely believe something; even if it is that your dog is the reincarnation of Geronimo. Jesus, however, gives an earnest warning to His disciples to “Take heed and beware of the leaven [doctrine] of the Pharisees. It is also a warning of hypocrisy. There is glaring hypocrisy in the Pharisees; requiring things of the people they lead, and give themselves loopholes around their own laws. False doctrine, and hypocrisy seem to go together.

Jesus’s warning is for all Christians of all ages, because we fall into a gross pit of oozing manure when we fall into false teaching and hypocrisy. Very often a pit that is very hard to get out of, or be rescued from.

It is not all about bread. It is not all about physical needs; Jesus meets those needs daily. It is a warning of being sure the doctrine is right and they life is right with God. This means much of the responsibility for remaining correct in what we believe and how we live lays on our own shoulders, and the Spirit of God within us. We can do this by staying true to the Lord in the reading, study, and meditation upon His Word; spending time with Him in prayer – walking with Him daily; faithful attendance to our local church as often as the door is open; and to faithfully serve the Lord by loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves by giving of ourselves in serving others when possible, and sometimes when it gets in our way.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Stand Upon The Rock

January 23, 2009October 12, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

“O, that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me. When by His grace I shall look on His face; that will be glory, be glory for me.” So goes the words of the song “That Will Be Glory”. This should be the hearts desire of every child of God; to see the glory of our God.

Peter, James and John witnessed the glory of Jesus when they were on the Mount and Jesus was transfigured before them (Matthew 17:1-11). We will see the significance of this a little later in this message.

In Exodus 32 Moses had been up on the Mount getting the 10 Commandments on stone tablets, by God, and the people took it on themselves, using Aaron, to build an idol called the golden calf, to worship. The people had already heard the commandments (20:1-17), ”Thou shalt have no other gods,’ and ‘Thou shalt not make any graven image”. When he returned with the tablets of stone the people had rebelled against the LORD’s commandments and worshipped another god, and built a graven image to worship.

Moses breaks the tablets of stone; the whole law was shattered; ground the calf into powder, poured it into a stream, and made the rebellious ones drink the water (32:20). Moses also called for those who were on the LORD’s side to come to me (32:26).

The heart of a shepherd/pastor is seen in Moses as he prays, “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” Exodus 32:32 (KJV). Moses spends time setting up a special place outside the camp which represented the place to meet God the “Tabernacle of the congregation” (33:7). You will notice that everytime Moses went to the tabernacle the men stood at the door of their tents and watched as the “cloudy pillar descended on the door of the tabernacle”. When they saw this “cloudy pillar” descended to the door “they worshipped (v. 10).

Moses, the man of God, longed for the abiding presence of the LORD, and sought it diligently. He prayed to see God in His glory, and that if God was not with him and the people that they would go no farther (vv. 13-15).

OUTLINE OF Exodus 33:21-23 –

I. THERE IS A PLACE NEAR TO GOD TO WHICH WE ARE CALLED (v. 21). This is a place that is provided by God. It is God who provided the rock for Moses, on which to stand.

God desires for all those who know Him to come near to Him. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). God has always provided a place for His people. He provided a garden for Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:8). He provided an ark for Noah and His family to escape a flood (Genesis 6-9). The Lord Jesus Himself said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-3).

II. WE ARE TO STAND ON THE ROCK, AND HIDE IN THE CLEFT WHICH GOD PROVIDES (vv. 21, 22). The rock of course represents the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God. “That Rock was Christ”, says Paul the apostle (1 Corinthians 10:4). He even says that Rock followed them.

There is no surer foundation than the Rock which is Jesus Christ. He is the Rock upon which His Church is built (Matthew 16:18), and there is no other foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).

When we come to the place God has provided for us, He hides us in the cleft of the Rock. God passed by Moses with His hand over Moses’s eyes protecting him from the glory that would have slain him.

III. IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK; COVERED BY THE HAND OF GOD (v. 22). Even though we may be in the place God has placed us we still need His covering hand to protect us from His glory. His hand is on display in the person of His Son. Jesus said to Phillip, “He that has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Jesus Himself was the incarnation of God. God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14), “(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (KJV). Jesus came veiled in human flesh, and though a man never sinned, never transgressed the law of God or man, but was obedient to the Father in all points, even unto the cross.

“Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee”. Hidden from the glory of God that could and would consume us if not in that cleft of the Rock.

IV. THE GLORY OF GOD FROM THE BACK (v. 23). We are not given any description of the back of God by Moses. Therefore we are left to believe that this was completely satisfactory to Moses. He knew he had been in the presence of holiness, righteousness, and the awesome wonder of His glory.

One day we are promised that we shall behold the face of our Lord. All will look on Him whom we have pierced with thorns, nails, spears, and our sins. When we appear before the throne of Jesus Christ He will see only the garments washed clean by His own blood, and the judgment received will be for our rewards, for good or bad we have done (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 4:12-15).

Where are you standing today? I pray you stand on the Rock which is Christ, and that you are hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). When your life is “Hid with Christ in God” you are Standing On The Rock.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The Trusting, Obedient Son

January 20, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

I want us to remember what was told in the last study of this chapter; that Isaac could have been as much as 37 years of age. He asked Abraham, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (v. 7). It is a legitimate question.

Abraham and Isaac have made the journey to the top of Moriah alone, father and son together. The sacrifice was only something the two could do alone. The following is what takes place on the mount;

“And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.” Genesis 22:9-10 (KJV)

This place was a place which would be in years to come the place the temple was built (2 Chronicles 3:1), and near the place another sacrifice was to take place hundreds of years later, ie., the sacrifice of Jesus the Son of God. It was the place of God’s direction, the place of God’s design, the place of meeting the One and only living God.

When they reached to top Abraham began gathering stones and built an altar; a place to lay the wood for the fire and the sacrifice. Abraham is set on obedience to God Everlasting (21:33) for he is fully trusting that God will not go back or against His covenant with him.

Something that is overlooked is the trust and obedience of Isaac. A young man, no more than 37 years of age, could very easily overthrow an old man of about 137 years (that would be about the age of Abraham at the time of Sarah’s death) if he were not a trusting and obedient son. Seeing his father lay the “wood in order” on that altar, and then his father taking the ropes to bind the sacrifice; taking Isaacs hands, his feet, then laying him on that altar; there was most certainly tears in both sets of eyes.

This reminds me of the statement of the writer of Hebrews, “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him…” (Hebrews 5:8-9). These verses speaking of course, of the Lord Jesus Christ who went with His Father to Mount Calvary, and gave His life as a ransom for the sins of the whole world.

-Tim A. Blankenship

A Sign From Heaven

January 19, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

There are signs which give direction as we drive our cars. There are signs which advertise a product, service, or a political candidate, etc. I know that is not the type sign the Scriptures speak of, or that Jesus, and/or the religious leaders of His day were speaking of.

The Pharisees and Sadducees were testing Jesus, and they were blind to who Jesus was. He whom the Scriptures spoke of was standing in their midst and they missed the greatest sign of all times. Why should, or why would another be given them?

In the account of Matthew we read,

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.” Matthew 16:1-4 (KJV)

It is so sad that the ones who were supposed to be guardians of the law of God, and were supposed be so familiar with it could have the Sign standing, ministering in their day, preaching the Word, healing the sick, making the lame to walk, casting out demons, raising the dead; and they missed it completely. The ones who could discern the weather patterns, couldn’t discern “the signs of the times”.

What benefit is there in knowing weather patterns, or the weather for the day? Does it serve any eternal purpose? I can understand needing to know for those who spend their time working in the outdoors, but does it really make a difference in the way we live life? Probably, but for these religious leaders, scholars, they had a responsibility to the people to discern the times, more than the weather.

No sign would be given them. One sign, which I don’t think they really understood, Jesus said they would receive. That sign would be the sign of the prophet Jonah.

The sign of the prophet Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of the whale (Matthew 12:39-41), and in Luke 11 Jesus said,

“This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.” Luke 11:29-30 (KJV)

Thus, Jesus was a sign to His generation, but many rejected Him, even after He was raised to life from the grave.

We today have a risen Lord and Savior who ever lives and is our intercessor before our Father. We have the written, Holy Spirit inspired, God breathed Scriptures which confirm the truth and evidence of our God and Savior Jesus Christ, His power, wisdom, holiness, righteousness, glory, and worth. He is worthy of our worship, our praise, and devotion.

Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God was crucified, buried, and raised bodily from the grave that He might be our eternal God and Savior. That is all the sign I need. Thank you Jesus.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The Rest Of His Ministry

January 17, 2009October 12, 2009 / Tim A. / 1 Comment

Luke 21:34-36; 4:18-19

Purpose – To proclaim the purpose of the second coming of Jesus, why Jesus stopped with, “to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord…”.

In this message I want us to remember the words of Jesus when He appeared in the synagogue, read from Isaiah 61:1 & 2, but stopped short from finishing the text. Where there were probably many Jewish people expecting a king to come, deliver them from Rome, and set them free; they were not expecting a healer, Lord and Savior.

The proclamation of Isaiah states;

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV)

You can see by these verses that Jesus never read the whole statement. Was there an error in His reading by stopping short? He stopped at the phrase, “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” and never continued with, and the day of vengeance of our God…” and the following words of promise. So what do we do with this seeming conflict? Realize there is no conflict, but rather a prophetic word of urgency.

It is as though Jesus was saying, “I am here now to do these things. When I come again the other, that not yet done, will be done.”

THE MINISTRY OF JESUS AT HIS FIRST COMING (Luke 4:18-19). We are told by Scripture that Jesus came to do the will of God. He said, “Know you not that I must be about My Father’s business” and He also said, “I am come to seek and to save the lost.” His purpose was not to heal the sick, raise the dead; that was His ministry, but not His purpose for becoming man.

He did not come to be served, but to serve, He said, “and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). We are told that near the end of His ministry on earth He had His “face was as though He would go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). As you read the gospels Jesus spent His life doing what would please the Father, and accomplish His will, and glory.

In Jesus’s work and ministry He declared this is the time for salvation, “…The acceptable year of the LORD”. The apostle Paul wrote, “…now is the day of salvation”(2 Corinthians 6:2).

JESUS WARNS OF A TIME OF SPIRITUAL LAXNESS, DARKNESS, AND WORRIES OF LIFE (v. 34; 1 Timothy 4:1-4). Can we as people get caught up in our everyday business, life, life pursuits, ballgames, vacations, etc., and not give a care about our spiritual well being?

YES! We can. It is often so easy to get engulfed, overwhelmed and busied by life that spending time with God, living for Him by Biblical living, and sharing the gospel is never on our mind. There may be more to Jesus’s words than just those things though. The word “surfeiting” expresses along with the word “overcharged” over doing the food and drink; making gluttons and drunkards of one’s self. The party atmosphere is not the best atmosphere. It may be fun, and it may be exciting, but what happens after it is over? If there is overeating, gluttonous eating, then there may be sickness, pain, misery. If the over indulgence is with drink, and it is alcoholic then there won’t be a whole lot of difference.

Jesus is warning of spiritual darkness that can creep in silently, and take hold of your life, when you least expect it. I wonder if the apostle Paul did not have Jesus’s words here in mind when he wrote,

“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 (KJV)

Jesus would not want His followers to be in darkness. He gives us a warning to stay alert at all times, no matter how good or bad the economy, or our health may be. Jesus also warned of the times being similar to the time of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39). People simply going about their daily lives, with thier problems, business, and life in particular, as though everything would go on as it is.

THE WHOLE EARTH ENSNARED; NO ONE LEFT UNTOUCHED BY THIS EVIL (v. 35; Revelation 3:10; 11:10; 13:8 ). This verse reminds me of these three verses in the Revelation of our Lord which say, “(Them, They, or All)that dwell upon the earth”, and Jesus is giving all plenty of warning of a time coming on earth where the “whole earth” will be ensnared in unrighteous, debauchery, loose living, drunkenness, and gluttonous acts.

“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.” Revelation 3:10 (KJV)

“And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” Revelation 11:10 (KJV)

“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 13:8 (KJV)

Let it be understood that we are all visitors on this earth; meaning by that that we are all only here for a short time. Some of us have realized that there is another and better place “far away” for which we can go when we are prepared. We make our home here, see it as only temporary, and live our lives for the One who has sent His Son to redeem us from all our sin.

It seems very real to me, that Jesus is telling all who heard Him speak the words, and all who would read these words in years to come, that only those whose hearts are dwelling on earth, making this a permanent home, are the one’s who will be ensnared. Trapped by the lies of a deceptive leader who would lead all who follow him to destruction, and eternity in the fire.

BEFORE IT COMES BE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE THESE THINGS AND STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN (v. 36). Jesus’s words “Watch… and pray always”, and then, “…that ye may be accounted worthy of to escape all these things…” implies what I have said above. There is a way of escaping the traps of what is coming on this world, and that is that we “May be accounted worthy of escape”.

How is one counted worthy of escape? Is it with good labors? Good works? The right ritual worship? The right baptism? NO! It is nothing according to the flesh of men that makes one worthy to stand in the presence of the Son of Man, and accounted by Him fully worthy. This is the work of God alone.

The Word of God tells us plainly:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 (KJV)

No one can be accounted worthy to stand fully righteous and worthy, except by the cross of Jesus Christ; that is His death, His burial and His bodily resurrection from the dead. He the perfect, sinless, Son of God gave Himself, a sacrifice, that those who would trust in Him might be saved. Through His sacrifice we are accounted as worthy. Accounted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass.

The reason for our need to “Watch… and pray” is so that it does not come on us suddenly and we are caught unaware of His taking us out. This is our means of discerning the times and the seasons of men. We, as Christians, ought always be looking for the appearing of our Savior, and listening for His shout.

AT THE APPEARING OF JESUS; HIS JUDGMENT; AND FOLLOWING (Isaiah 61:2-3ff). When Jesus stood in the synagogue and read from Isaiah 61, and stopped reading at the verse ending with “…the acceptable year of the LORD”, and closed the book He was saying that time had come, the rest would come later. His first coming was not as the religious leaders had expected, and they refused to accept Jesus because of that they tried to kill Him, then, by throwing Him over a cliff (Luke 4:28-30).

When you continue reading in Isaiah 61 you find;

“To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV)

“The day of vengeance of our God”, and Jesus never came in His incarnation to bring the wrath and judgment of God on sin. He came to be the instrument of receiving the wrath and judgment of God for sin. He took the wrath that was ours upon Himself, that mankind might have a path, a bridge, a “narrow way” before the very throne, and the very face of God.

If you will take note of verse 3 above, when He comes again to earth, it will be to comfort those who mourn, giving them “beauty for ashes,… oil of joy for mourning,… garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” His coming again will be to establish the kingdom on earth, and to restore Israel, fulfilling all His promises to them.

Watch and pray that you may be accounted worthy to escape the wrath that is coming upon all who dwell upon the earth.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Contending With The Devil

January 17, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” Jude 9 (NKJV).

The writer – Jude – has been dealing with the actions of apostates who are against the work of Jesus Christ, His cross, burial and bodily resurrection. Those who speak against any dignitaries, and now he even includes demons.

There are those in Christian circles who are teaching of speaking directly to the devil. God’s Word never tells us to deal directly with the devil or his legions of demons. In the name of Jesus we rebuke them. Michael the archangel, never spoke directly to the devil, but said only, “The Lord rebuke you”. We have no greater power than that.

There was a battle that raged between Michael and the devil over the body of Moses. Moses was buried by God, in a place unknown to any man. God was most likely protecting the body of Moses from becoming an object of worship, which would have been the reason for the devil’s procuring of the body, if he would have been permitted to have it. The devil has a way of using things that are material to gain a following for himself.

There is no doubt that the devil and his demons attack the people of God. The devil loves the endeavor of trying to rob us of our joy, peace, and love in Christ Jesus. He will afflict us, condemn us, attack us with various problems; and yet the child of God through faith in Jesus Christ will be held up by the power of the cross of Christ. Remember, we are to speak to the Father through the Son. We are to only rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus our Lord.

No Christian has any right using offensive words against the devil or his demons. The Lord in His intervening power will defeat them. As a matter of fact they are already defeated. We are not fighting for the victory, because the victory was won on the cross, and proven by the resurrection. We are, in fact fighting from victory, till that day we see our Savior face to face. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Trust in Him and never be afraid or ashamed.

We have authority to name the devil only the names which God has called him. To curse and revile him is not of God for us. That is our Lord’s work. The devil has a place to which he will be going for all eternity, and it won’t be heaven before the throne of God.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Just A Thought 01/16/09

January 16, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

I received a friend packet from our satellite TV provider. It says it is to help friends be able to keep watching their televisions after the “Big Change” to DTV. They keep telling us, as though to warn us, that if you don’t have Cable or Satellite, and no Digital Television you will no longer be able to view your local channels.

Are things so bad in the television world that they, ie., the television people, must spend millions of dollars telling us that we could lose our signals if we don’t update? Would it really be so bad to be without television? It is as though our world would end without it. How do people get so full of themselves?

There are a lot worse things that could happen to people. Jesus Christ could return, and billions be unprepared. The USA could be overthrown by a third world country. There are probably thousands told everyday that they have some form of cancer. There are thousands daily that lose their jobs, and are left without any income, or health care.

For one whole year, and maybe more we have heard: “We are changing to DTV signals, and your old TV will no longer receive the signal.” Would that those of us who are Christians would make such a bold effort to tell the world about the wonder love, grace and mercy of our God through His Son Jesus Christ.

If we did lose our Television signal that wouldn’t be so bad. If we lose our signal with our God, Jesus Christ; now, that would be bad.

Just a thought for today.

-Tim A. Blankenship

…Both Of Them Together

January 14, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

In our study of Genesis 22 we have saw the faith of Abraham. God’s call to him to sacrifice the promised son on a hill far away. This wasn’t the first time Abraham was called to go to a place “he knew not of”. He had heard and obeyed as many as 60 years previous to this in leaving Ur.

At the point we get into this journey, Abraham and Isaac have left the servants, and Abraham saying to them, “I and my son are going to worship God over on that hill, and then, we both will return to you here”. The faith of Abraham still in the forefront.

Have we ever considered the faith of Isaac? In many artists renderings of Isaac at this scene is depicted as only a child, completely under his father’s authority and power. There is evidence that Isaac could have been as much as 37 years of age. I will get to that later in this study.

“And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” Genesis 22:6-8 (KJV)

Looking at this text we see that Isaac was going to carry the wood. The wood was the means by which the fire would burn; it was the fuel. This would not have been a small load, but a bulky, heavy load. This first sentence of the text ends with the phrase, “…they went both of them together”. They were not alone, and without the other.

The size of the load tells us that this was no small child. He was a man. Sarah, his mother was still living, but seems to have died shortly after this being 127 years of age, making Isaac around 37 years, having been born when Sarah was 90 years of age. I know there is no time given between these events, but it does seem a great possibility that Isaac could have been, at least in his thirties when he went with his father as a burnt offering to Moriah.

Abraham brought all the tools necessary for the offering, with Isaac carrying the load of the wood. He had the fire, a knife; and Isaac poses to him a question; “Father, we have the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “Son, God will provice Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” At this moment it seems as though Abraham is believing God will not let him go through with the killing of his son, but even if He does, Abraham is believing in the power of God to resurrect and restore his son to him again. We are told again, “…they went both of them together.” Father and son.

Just as Abraham and Isaac walked the way to the hill far away, together, alone as father and son, so too, hundreds of years later; God the Father and His Son Jesus walked up that hill, to do a work that only two persons of perfection could do. Jesus God’s Son in complete obedience to His Father took the weight and wood of His cross, carried it to the top of that hill, and became the offering for sin, for all people, of all times, and glorified His Father; as no other man could have done.

God did provide Himself a Lamb for the burnt offering. That Lamb is Jesus Christ, His Son.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Just A Thought 01/13/09

January 13, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

One Four Three

A three word sentence. If you look at this mathematically 1+4+3= 8. What can this possibly mean.

I want us to see this not as a problem of arithmetic, but an answer to a lot of human ills. It is amazing what this three word sentence can do to the hearts of many people, and with time, could be a change with all people, one way or another.

Let’s first of all look at that first word “One”. There is first of all only YOU. You by yourself, are a unique being. You were made in the image of our Creator, whether you believe that or not makes no difference from the truth that you are. There is no other like you, and when you refer to yourself to someone else you say “I”, and that is what the word “One” stands for. There is only one you, and no more; and you are the “I” in your life.

The second word “Four” refers to another word; a four letter word. Now there are many four letter words, some of which are not fit to be spoken or written. In the United States of America there are different kinds of expression of this four letter word of which I refer to. “Love” is that four letter word. Another four letter word which is really behind a lot of the word is “Lust” rather than love. That is often meant in a man’s heart toward a woman, rather than genuine love. Lust takes and gives nothing but pain and harm. Love that is genuine and true seeks the good and well being of others, and of another.

Parents, your children need to hear you tell them “I love you”, and they need to hear their Mom and Dad say to one another, “I love you”, and not only saying it, but expressing it in many ways. Kindness to one another. Even when you are angry with one another refrain from name calling, which leads to bitterness, anger, and long time harm through memories; and can and often does go into the next generation, if not corrected quickly.

Love thinks of the well being of others, and not of the “I”.

The final word we see is “YOU”. When you are speaking to someone else you refer to them as “You”, or by name. To myself I refer to the reader here as “YOU”. I pray that this will make an impact on your life, your family, and all the people who come into your life.

Husbands and wives; there may be some reading here who are on the brink of divorce. Have you forgotten the words “I love you”? Have you demonstrated that love by kindness, affection, an act that does not involve sex, nor expect it in return? Genuine love comes by sacrifice; giving yourself, even at great expense, for the well-being of another. It is possible to save your home, your marriage, the future of your children, and your very own future with those three words, “I LOVE YOU.”

These three words are very difficult to say, and maybe they should be. They should never be said with an ulterior motive, selfishly, or without thought. It should mean that we care, that I am here for you, that whatever you need, and it is in the power of my hand to provide it; it is yours.

Loving others genuinely is sometimes difficult, because “I” am sometimes selfish, self-centered, self-seeking, and we, you and I, can see that in small children if we will see it. See it in them as they play, and suddenly one says, “Mine!”

The greatest good that could take place in our homes, communities, churches, States, and Countries is to begin telling others, “I love you” with a genuine heart, or merely by showing “I love you” with an act of kindness, when we have not been treated so kindly. And do so without expecting anything in return. Do it because you genuinely love.

The greatest love ever shown was when “God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God loves you.

When Jesus Christ died on the cross, with His feet above the earth, His head toward heaven and His arms were outstretched as though saying “I love you, come unto Me”.

Because Jesus lives, I LOVE YOU.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Jesus Feeding the Gentiles

January 12, 2009 / Tim A. / Leave a comment

It is not often thought of or mentioned, but Jesus did minister to Gentiles while He was living on earth, and ministering to His people. After His leaving the area of Galilee He went into the area of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21). This is where He met the Canaanite woman, healed her daughter, and healed many of their sick (15:21-31).

Jesus has said, “I have come to seek and to save that which is lost”; and that means not only those of Israel, but of the Gentiles as well. We come now to that part of Matthew 15 where Jesus feeds a multitude of Gentiles.

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.” Matthew 15:32-39 (KJV)

Jesus it seems is still in the Gentile area of Tyre and Sidon. The reason I mention this is that there are many who would discredit this event entirely, because just a short time ago, (chapter 14) Jesus fed a multitude of 5,000; not counting women and children; and there were twelve baskets full left over. This is in a different location, a different multitude, and with a different purpose other than seeing to their need.

The feeding of the 5,000 seems to have ended His Galillean ministry. With that feeding it would not seem any reach of the imagination to say that there would have been a minimum of 15,000 people fed with 5 loaves of bread and two small fish.

In the case of the 4,000 there were seven loaves of bread and a “few fishes”. This feeding seems to also end His ministry to the Gentiles, at this time. It might also be noted that Matthew and Mark are the only two of the gospel writers who tell of this feeding. All the Evangelist tell of the feeding of the 5,000. Matthew may tell of it because He will be the King of kings, sovereign ruler of all nations, when He comes again. Mark may mention the Gentile feeding because He is a servant to all people.

The faith of the disciples seems to be very weak. They had witnessed the feeding of the 5,000, and yet wonder how Jesus will feed so many. Is it any wonder that Jesus charged them so many times, “O ye of little faith”.

In a time of struggling individuals and families in the USA, and around the world; with people losing their homes, and many losing their life savings; know this that Jesus can meet your needs. He is not a god in a box that will give you every whim and desire, but He will be with you through every trial and trouble. He will give you courage and strength and you will glorify His name. David, the Psalmist wrote, “I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging for bread” (Psalm 37:25). Jesus, God of creation can and will meet your needs, not wants, but needs. He desires that you trust Him, rely on Him and nothing or no one else.

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). It is God’s desires the Psalmist is talking about, not our selfish desires. The things that God desires will become your desires when you delight yourself in the Lord. Jesus is the Good Shepherd of all who come to Him.

-Tim A. Blankenship

	Tim A. on The Work of the Shepherd
	Ray on The Work of the Shepherd
	The Judgment You Jud… on Judging
	Tim A. on The Time Had Come
	Cameron Cloud on The Time Had Come

The Fire and Hammer

"Is not My Word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Jeremiah 23:29

Jesus Christ

The LORD’s Razor

Reservation Of Black Darkness

Flame Of The LORD

The King’s Cross

Raging Waves Of The Sea

Fizzling Terror

Just A Thought 02/17/09

Peter’s Other Confession

Our Love For Jehovah

Hope Without Hope; Clouds Without Water

The Error Of Balaam

The Renewed Covenant

Who Is Jesus???

Woe To Apostate Teachers, and Followers

The Substitute

Is It All About Bread???

Stand Upon The Rock

The Trusting, Obedient Son

A Sign From Heaven

The Rest Of His Ministry

Contending With The Devil

Just A Thought 01/16/09

…Both Of Them Together

Just A Thought 01/13/09

Jesus Feeding the Gentiles

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