“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” ~ Jesus (Matthew 4:4 KJV)
Jesus Christ
Heaven’s News 093013
“Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15 (KJV)
What We Have Forgotten
The prophet Jeremiah’s heart is grieving for his people as he views their lives through the eyes of the LORD. They don’t and won’t. At least for some time to come. The generation the prophet is addressing is one who has refused to see and hear the Word of the LORD.
The LORD asked a question, “Have I been a wilderness to Israel, Or a land of darkness?” There is a contrast the LORD desires them to see. Have I been barren and left you with nothing or has My witness to you been that of darkness and not light?
Hear the Word through the prophet:
“O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel, a land of darkness? Wherefore say My people, ‘We are lords; we will come no more unto Thee’? Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.” Jeremiah 2:31-32 (KJV)
The people had become self dependent rather than depending upon the LORD God. Some people have said and believe that faith is a crutch, or that God Himself is a crutch. Some have said things like, “Only the weak need God.” I need God, and I can only have God in my life as God gives Himself to me through His Son Jesus Christ. Am I weak? You better believe it. When it comes to the things of God; when it comes to pleasing God; when it comes to getting into the very presence of God; when it comes to having a relationship with God, and fellowship with Him; yes! I am weak. None of those things can be mine on my own. They are given to me as a gift of God.
You may be your own lord, but you do not know God; nor can you as long as you have that attitude and heart. If God wants you He will have you. You will submit to Him and He will have His own way in your heart and life.
The virgins of Jeremiah’s day wore special ornaments, which was a reminder of their virginity, and their purity. Brides, as always, seem to greatly admire their wedding gown, and may even become quite prideful in that attire. There is something quite beautiful about a bride in her gown, coming down the aisle, and it causes the groom to take a deep breath, and gasp at her beauty. “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire?”, seems to indicate that these had more care for their ornaments and their gowns, than they had for the Word of the LORD. They had not forgotten their ornaments, nor their beautiful clothing, and gowns, but they had “Forgotten” the LORD; “Days without number”.
I can see this as very similar to our own day of 2013 in the United States of America. Many pride themselves as “Christian” yet live as though the filling of lustful desires are what this life is about. It is time that the Church in the U. S. of A. repented of her sins, and returned our focus to the One who bled and died for our sins, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave; and He lives forever more.
Christian, may we never forget the price that Jesus paid for our salvation. May we always be reminded of the body and the blood of Jesus; broken and shed that we might know God. The only true and righteous One who loves us, and gave Himself for us.
For those of you who have not believed, and trusted the finished work of the cross of Christ; the day is drawing near when He will return. Then you will see Him as He is. You will stand before His great white throne of judgment and be found guilty. Why allow that to happen when He has already paid your sin debt. He offers it to you as a free gift of grace. Repent and believe.
He is coming again. How will He find us?
-by Tim A. Blankenship
Urgent!!!
“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, ‘Jeremiah, what seest thou?’ And I said, ‘I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the LORD unto me, ‘Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.'” Jeremiah 1:11-12 (KJV)
There are a few times the almond tree, and rod are mentioned in Scripture. Aarons rod was an almond rod (Numbers 17:8) Other times the word “Almond” is used in the Old Testament are found in Genesis 43:11; Exodus 25:33, 34; 37:19, 20; Ecclesiastes 12:5, and our text today.
Four of those are references to the actual tree or fruit or to an article made in the likeness of an almond, such as a bowl.
Aaron’s rod budded showing life; it was also evidence that Aaron was God’s appointed man for the time.
The prophet has been called to proclaim the Word of God to a sinful and rebellious people. He has been told by God, that he has been known by Him even before he was conceived in the womb of his mother. Jeremiah the prophet has been told to speak every word God puts in his mouth.
Now comes the time to check his vision. “Jeremiah, what do you see?” (1:11) “I see a branch of an almond tree.” If a man is going to proclaim the Word of the Lord GOD, then he must be able to see what God is about to do, or at least what he desires to do.
Here is what God says about the seeing of the almond tree branch. “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word”. (v. 12)
The almond tree was an early tree. It wakened from its dormancy earlier than any other tree. The thing Jeremiah saw God used to tell him that the Word of God was going to be done just as God declared it through him, and it would be very quickly. It would be earlier than any other.
The message of God’s Word would be faithfully preached by the prophet, but not without sorrow and pain. There would be no delay. Jeremiah must hasten to the work of his ministry.
Just how close are we to the time we will see the fulfilling of the final prophecies of the Word of God. They are at the door. Jesus could return for His Bride at any moment. Do not delay to call on His name in repentance for sin, and trust completely in Him for salvation.
The picture of the almond tree for Jeremiah was a message that God was going to perform His word quickly. We live in an era of time very similar to Jeremiah’s. It is a time for the preacher to preach the Word; not back away, nor soft pedal it; but deliver it with urgency. The time we have is short.
As Jesus Christ was on the cross, suffered, bled and died there that tree brings forth life. The message of Jesus is the message with urgency. Believe Him and live. Continue in unbelief and perish. That is the only choices we have.
Could it be that the cross was made from an almond tree?
Words for Christian Living – Bless the LORD
“I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 (KJV)
As Christians we are daily, constantly being blessed by God. How often, however, do we think of Blessing God? The phrase “Bless the LORD” is used mostly in Psalms, and occurs about 17 times; with one of those times reading “Bless ye the LORD” (Psalm 103:21). The phrase is used at least three more times in the rest of the Old Testament. The Psalmist was a blessing to God, and blessed God.
How does the Christian bless the LORD? First of all we fear the LORD. In fearing God we love Him, obey His commands because we love Him. In these things we speak words that honor Him. We live a life that honors and glorifies Him.
Secondly, we lift up the name of Jesus in praise; not as a swear word. Shame on the Christian who would ever use the name of Jesus Christ as an expression of anger, passion, or frustration.
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for a refuge. For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.” Psalm 48:1-7 (KJV)
Bless the LORD.
Words for Christian Living 060913
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Revelation 2:4 (KJV)
Words for Christian Living 060413
“Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” Romans 16:25-27 (KJV)
We must always remember that the “Scripture of the prophets” of whom Paul writes are the Old Testament prophets. They indeed, tell us much about Jesus Christ and His gospel. The only Scripture Jesus read, and which Paul read was the Old Testament. Grow in it too.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Words for Christian Living 060313
“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, ‘For this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy name.’ And again he saith, ‘Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people.’ And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people.’ And again, Esaias saith, ‘There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust.'” Romans 15:7-12 (KJV)
Jesus Christ Himself was a confirmation to the promises that were made to the patriarchs of the faith. He was the fulfillment of them; yet many of Jewish people did not believe, and the message was sent to the Gentiles. Gentiles are all who are not Hebrews. Jesus, the Root of Jesse will reign over the entire world. Rejoice. Live in Him. He is coming soon.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Redeeming Love of God – Hosea 11:1 – 12:14
GOD’S Compassion for His People
Hosea 11:1 – 12:14
Concern and Compassion took a cruise on an ocean liner. While they were out looking over the outer railing someone fell overboard. Concern cried out, “Man overboard”. Compassion cried out, “Man overboard”, and dived in to rescue the imperiled man.
The above story shows the difference in concern and compassion. One cries out, but does nothing. The other cries out gets involved, and commits themselves to the task. God’s greatest compassion was shown to us by Jesus Christ His Son dying on the cross. He [Jesus] was committed to t he task of dying for your sins and mine; redeeming us forever unto GOD.
“When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called My son out of Egypt. As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.” Hosea 11:1-4 (KJV)
God’s love and compassion is demonstrated in His care for Israel despite their deceit and departure from Him (Romans 5:8).
Verse one of this text is mentioned in Matthew 2:15 as a prophetic verse pointing to Jesus Christ coming out of Egypt. The life of Jesus is a kind of parallel of the journeys of the descendants of Abraham – except of course for their doubts, fears, and unbelief, their sin. Jesus’s life showed them; and us that life can be lived for GOD.
As Israel came out of Egypt, though, they determined to turn away from God and to worship Baal. It was God who led them by their arms (as a father teaching his child to walk). It was He who healed them, and delivered them out of the bondage, and slavery of Egypt.
GOD worked in the life of the nation drawing them to Himself through human bondage. “Cords of a man” while loving them to bring them out to be His own purchased possession. He would remove the yoke of bondage, and feed them in His grace and mercy (v. 4).
“He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. And My people are bent to backsliding from Me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt Him.” vv. 5-7
Despite Israel’s rebellion deceit and fraud toward God He still promises not to completely destroy them; but to restore them.
In these verses we see the results of Israel’s rejection of God’s love. First, they would go into Assyrian captivity (v. 5). Those who would flee to Egypt would die there (See 9:6). The second result was the continued desolation of Israel, and their land (v. 6). They had rejected God and chosen to seek the foreign gods. The third and most tragic was their rejection of God’s love led them to a persistent and fixed state of rebellion (v. 7).
Every time a person hardens their heart against God, by rebelling against His authority, His Word the heart only gets harder. Remember Pharoah of Egypt! He hardened his heart for the last time, until God hardened it. Woe to the one whose heart is hardened by God.
“How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? Mine heart is turned within Me, My repentings are kindled together. I will not execute the fierceness of Mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. They shall walk after the LORD: He shall roar like a lion: when He shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.” vv. 8-11
God’s love is persistent and consistent toward His people.
God’s thoughts had somehow been toward destruction. His heart was/is broken with compassion. These questions are powerful. We do not understand the mind of God, so let us not get in a titther over these thoughts. He could have destroyed Israel, but the thought of it brought compassion, and would cause Israel to stop and think. They, like the rest of humanity, deserved destruction. They did not deserve God’s compassion.
God says that His is not like man. Man’s ways are to destroy all that is against him and his way. God’s way is to change the heart of man. In His compassion, grace and mercy He would bring them to Himself, and put them back in their own land (v. 11).
“Ephraim compasseth Me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt. The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will He recompense him. He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto Him: he found Him in Bethel, and there He spake with us; even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial. Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.” Hosea 11:12 – 12:6
GOD calls for a change. There is nothing new with God.
There is still a spark of faithfulness in Judah. Israel has gone too far. They have gone beyond “the point of no return”, but for God’s grace. When sin is finished, and life is ruined God’s grace continues (Romans 5:20).
The wind (12:1) offers no nourishment, just as surely as there is no spiritual life in worshipping idols. There is no hope for Israel/Ephraim in Assyria.
Israel practiced deceit and treachery against God. There is a horrible portrait of Israel in Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus to be crucified. They would rather live without God than to obey Him. They would find out the tragedy of life without God.
God remained faithful as He always does. He never changes (Hebrews 13:8).
Jacob was born rebellious and deceitful. His name means “Supplanter” or “Deceiver”. He used deceit and trickery to take that which he wanted from his brother Esau (Genesis 25:24-34). “Jacob prevailed with God and men only when he yielded himself to God.” TRAYLOR
God changed Jacob from deceiver; seeking God his own way to Israel meaning “Prince of God”. The nation of Israel was spoken to by God through the man Israel, formerly Jacob. As God changed Jacob’s heart to trust the Lord He also would change the heart of the nation.
There are three truths stressed in verse six about being changed:
- Turn from sin to God;
- God’s expectation is that those who turn to Him live with kindness [mercy] and justice [judgment]. Practicing the qualities of God;
- Have a personal relationship and experience with God.
“A merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress. And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin. And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast. I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. Is there iniquity in Gilead? Surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields. And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall He leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.” vv. 7-14 (KJV)
The nation had reached a point where being a “Kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6) counted as nothing to them.
What happened? They had gotten so engulfed in being an economically blessed nation they became more concerned with business, rather than a personal relationship with the God of heaven. A merchant rather then priestly they even practiced deceit with one another in order to grab all they could [“balances of deceit”]. They then added denial to their sins (v. 8). Their goals of life were corrupt. They had changed from the incorruptible to that which corrupts.
God says that He will still make them “…To dwell in tabernacles”. This is a promise of return. He has spoken so through His prophets. Their Feasts would be restored, and there would be joy in the land, and they would walk in God’s ways. The prophets of God always warned of impending judgment, and with the words of judgment they also included words of promise and hope.
Because of his iniquity Jacob fled to Paddan-Aram to escape the wrath of his brother Esau.
Just as surely as Jacob suffered for his sin the nation of Israel would be chastised, and rebuked, and learn of the emptiness of self-seeking, serving ways.
Jacob became a “Slave” of his uncle for a wife, and he was deceived. You do reap what you sow. He served his uncle Laban, then as a shepherd to get the wife he had chosen.
The nation of Israel would go into Assyrian bondage in order to become the people God desired them to be.
Moses was the prophet who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage. By this same prophet Israel was fed, protected, and refreshed. The is a greater Prophet who will deliver all from the bondage of sin when He is believed and followed. This greater Prophet is Jesus (See Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:20-23).
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Redeeming Love of God – Hosea 9:1 – 10:15
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Hosea 9:1 – 10:15
Herschel Ford has told a story of a man who committed suicide. He was rising higher and higher in a hot-air balloon. He took a knife and began to cut the three ropes holding the gondola to the fabric of the air-ship. A crowd below was watching. They shouted warning after warning. “Don’t cut it”, until he came to the third, and still they were shouting, “Don’t cut it”. He did not listen, and fell to his death.
When people persist in cutting off the strands that keep them in the way of God we commit spiritual suicide. Cutting the cords of God’s love ends in destruction. God continues to warn His people, giving us ample opportunity to turn from our sin and walk in His paths. This period of grace does not last forever. He does and will cut it off, and bring evil to an end.
“Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor. The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her. They shall not dwell in the LORD’S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria. They shall not offer wine offerings to the LORD, neither shall they be pleasing unto Him: their sacrifices shall be unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the LORD. What will ye do in the solemn day, and in the day of the feast of the LORD? For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant places for their silver, nettles shall possess them: thorns shall be in their tabernacles.
The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred. The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God. They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah: therefore He will remember their iniquity, He will visit their sins.” Hosea 9:1-9 (KJV)
How blind the children of the LORD tend to be when the LORD’S judgment and justice has come upon us. When the Bible speaks of judgment it often puts it in the present tense – as being here. Now!
There was no reason for joy in Israel due to the fact they had left God to walk in the harlotries of other nations. The “other people” were rejoicing in their idol worship – the licentious sexual behavior of Ashtoreth. God’s people were never called on to worship anything but God. To do so was “Whoredom” and wickedness in God’s sight.
The very idea of them actually worshipping Baal was proof of their unfaithfulness to God.
There are seven features of God’s judgment upon Israel listed in verses two through six:
- God would attack the heart of fertility worship by taking away the bountiful harvest (v. 2);
- He would remove them from His land (v. 3);
- He would place them in Assyria in Egyptian-like captivity (v. 3);
- God would bring an end to their wicked worship (v. 4);
- God would cut them off from their appointed feast days (vv. 5-6a);
- They would die in captivity (v. 6);
- God would desolate Israel’s fertility idols and shrines (v. 6).
In verse six “Memphis” is a place in Egypt where the dead are buried. They would die.
“What will ye do?” Hosea asked. How one responds to God’s warning determines one’s eternal destiny.
There is a story told of two brothers who lived in a sheep herding area of Europe. These two brothers were caught stealing sheep. The sentence the community gave them in judgment was that they be branded on their foreheads with the letters S T and understood to mean “Sheep Thieves”. These young men in later years met Jesus as their Saviour and their lives were radically changed. They became a credit to their community; giving help to people in need; aiding struggling city coffers when they possibly could. All the time bearing the marks on their foreheads “ST”. As the years went by one day a young boy with his mother saw these two godly men with “ST” branded on their foreheads; “What does that “ST” mean?” The mother answered her son and said, “I don’t know; but I suppose it means Saint.” There is hope and change for all who will believe God, trust His Saviour and His Word.
The people of Israel were guilty of rejecting God’s prophet, and accepting the foolish jibberish of the paid off cult and court prophets. Calling God’s man a fool. Hosea remained faithful to God, because he was certain of God’s calling and confident of God’s message. The sin and iniquity of the people causes them to hate the message of God and His messenger.
“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception. Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them! Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer. Give them, O LORD: what wilt Thou give? Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of Mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters. Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb. My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto Him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.” Hosea 9:10-17
From the preceding verses we find Israel in persistent rebellion, and judgment will sweep them away.
In verse 10 Israel is likened to a fruitful vine found in the wilderness- and what a magnificent find that would be to a weary and thirsty traveler. They are also likened to a first ripened fig – the best. Made this way by God in His bountiful grace they have chosen to leave this condition in God to serve idols, and destroy their land, their homes, their kingdom, and their relationship with God, who placed them in His glorious position.
They bring shame and their glory flies away as a bird. Their children shall die. The wombs of the women will be fruitless, those who do conceive will never hold a live child in their arms (v. 14). The greatest tragedy of sin is found in verse 12 “…Woe also to them when I depart from them!” For God to depart, to hold back His mercy and grace is catastrophic to His people. They get what they deserve. The blessings they had before was God’s mercy on display.
Verse 15 makes a bold statement of God’s hatred for sin and evil. Israel had given themselves to evil, were bound to evil, and could not get free. The “Wickedness of Gilgal” is a reference to Saul’s rebellion in 1 Samuel 13. King Saul determined to not wait for Samuel, and to offer sacrifice himself. In this he showed much pride, impatience, and rebellion toward the laws of God. He also tried to sacrifice to justify his disobedience (1 Samuel 15), which is also seen of Israel in Hosea’s day.
God would cast them out to be strangers and foreigners in other countries. God loves His people so much He will not allow us to live in unrepented sin.
“Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images. Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: He shall break down their altars, He shall spoil their images. For now they shall say, ‘We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?’ They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field. The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it. It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel. As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water. The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, ‘Cover us;’ and to the hills, ‘Fall on us.’
O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them. It is in My desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows. And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods.” Hosea 10:1-11
Now, God says, that, they are an “Empty vine”. This is a drastic contrast to what we found in verse 10 of chapter 9.
Israel had a heart condition. No electrocardiogram would be able to detect the problem. Nevertheless, they had a bad heart. Their heart was divided. God cannot use divided hearts. This compares with the “Double-minded man” of James 1:8 – unstable and unfit for service to God.
The people of Israel had two institutions which were highly esteemed by them; their kings (politics, military, and democracy for us), and their religion. Their kings were unjust and greedy, and their religion was empty and separated them from God, because they were more concerned with ritual sacrifice and offerings rather than a personal relationship with God.
Kings make promises, but do not fulfill them (v. 4). The graven images which they have worshipped will lose their glory – no one will be able to protect them. Who needs a god that needs protection anyway? God is having their idols carried away shows the futility of trusting in them (Isaiah 46:1-5).
“Aven”, mentioned in 10:8 means deception. It has been a place of deception because the people were deceived by their own desires and they strayed from God’s paths. God says, that, He will destroy their sin. The power of sin has been ultimately destroyed by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, and overcoming sins power by His resurrection from the dead. All who refuse God’s way suffers eternal judgment.
Instead of crying out to God for mercy they cry out for the rocks and mountains, “Fall on us” (v. 8; Revelation 6:16).
Because of their stubborn and rebellious hearts they would be as a heifer yoked to hard labor whereas, before their labor had been light and blessed.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till He come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men. Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children. So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off.” Hosea 10:12-15 (KJV)
The “Fallow ground” of verse twelve is land that had previously been plowed, but now left unused. God’s Word and His Spirit is the plow that is needed to break up the soil of a hard heart (See Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23). Hard hearts cannot yield crops of righteousness and mercy.
It is a prominent theme in Hosea that the children of Israel will reap exactly what they have sown. It is a law of God’s created order to reap what we have sown – and that, no matter the timeline, culture or society which we may live.
Hosea gives us three steps to heal the land:
- Break up your fallow ground (v. 12);
- Put God’s Word in your heart – “sow with a view of righteousness” (NAS v. 12);
- “Reap in accordance with kindness (NAS) referring to the breaking of their hard hearts through repentance and sowing the seed of God’s Word in their lives.
God gives Israel every opportunity to repent. It is God’s desire then to cleanse them, and make them a vessel of His grace. Judgment would come.
“Hosea 9 – 10 reinforces the basic lesson that persistent sin eventually leads to destruction.” Traylor. This is also true for people of the 21st century as well. God’s people (Christians) need to open their eyes and know that the Lord, though He has provided a way into His presence, still calls for His people to repent.
We need to keep this thought in mind; “God loves us the way we are; but He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.” He will do whatever it takes to make us holy.
There is only hope for all through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross of calvary – the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; Son of the Living God.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Redeeming Love of God (Hosea 3:2-3)
No Love Like God’s Love 2
“So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and for an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley: and I said unto her, ‘Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee.” Hosea 3:2-3 (KJV)
Obedience must be the heart of the prophet. Hosea obeyed. He bought his wife and freed her from the licentious, debaucherous bondage she was in.
The price was steep. What price is too high to pay to redeem what you love? The price God would pay to redeem all mankind was high as well. It cost Him the life of His only begotten Son.
Hosea was not told to wait and love Gomer after she straightened up her life. He was commanded to love her unconditionally. It is hard to love the unlovable, the unloving, the unkind. It is hard to love when that love is not returned. That is what real love is. Hosea did. God does. His children do, else they are not His children (1 John 4:8). We are able to love, because we are God’s purchased possession (1 Corinthians 6:20). We are forgiven, and indwelt by the Spirit of Christ.
Just as Hosea paid a price for Gomer’s redemption, and God pays a price for Israel’s and our redemption, so too, it requires a price for us to love unconditionally. The price we pay is openness; our lives opened up to hurt, rejection; when we love we open our lives to those we love. The price we pay is giving; giving ourselves, our time in order to see that one we love set free from their problem, trials and bondages. The price we pay is tough love; chastening is not pleasant; it will be hated at times by the one we love. The price we pay is forgiveness; someone must pay, and it will be the one who forgives.
Redemption is always at a high price. Forgiveness and cleansing are not free. Someone must pay. In Gomer’s place Hosea paid the price. In Israel’s stead God pays the price. “The Redeeming Love of God” for all people is through the death, burial, and resurrection of God’s Son Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:19; 2:24; John 3:16).
Accepted redemption, such as Gomer’s must have made, requires and gives a change of life, and life style.
There was to be a period of cleansing discipline for Gomer. She would not go back to her “Lovers”. She would not “Play the harlot”, or would Hosea have another woman.
When God redeems us there is a time for cleansing – it is called life. There will come a day when we will be with Him; and when we stand in His presence we will be clean, by the blood of Jesus.
-Tim A Blankenship
Gethsemane
It has been some time since I posted anything. I received this today by email from Bible Gateway, and thought I would share it with you. It is from a sermon preached by Charles H. Spurgeon February 08, 1863.
Gethsemane
‘And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.’ Luke 22:44
Suggested Further Reading: Mark 14:32–42
Behold the Saviour’s unutterable woe. The emotions of that dolorous night are expressed by several words in Scripture. John describes him as saying four days before his passion, ‘Now is my soul troubled;’ as he marked the gathering clouds he hardly knew where to turn himself, and cried out ‘What shall I say?’ Matthew writes of him, ‘he began to be sorrowful and very heavy.’ Upon the word ademonein translated ‘very heavy,’ Goodwin remarks that there was a distraction in the Saviour’s agony since the root of the word signifies ‘separated from the people—men in distraction, being separated from mankind.’ What a thought, my brethren, that our blessed Lord should be driven to the very verge of distraction by the intensity of his anguish. Matthew represents the Saviour himself as saying ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.’ Here the word perilupos means encompassed, encircled, overwhelmed with grief. ‘He was plunged head and ears in sorrow and had no breathing-hole,’ is the strong expression of Goodwin. Mark records that he began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy. In this case thambeisthai, with the prefix ek, shows extremity of amazement, like that of Moses when he did exceedingly fear and quake. Luke uses the strong language of my text—‘being in an agony.’ These expressions are quite sufficient to show that the grief of the Saviour was of the most extraordinary character, well justifying the prophetic exclamation ‘Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow which is done unto me.’
For meditation: The instruments we associate with the shedding of Christ’s blood were wielded by men—the scourge, crown of thorns, nails and spear (John 19:1–2,18,34). The fact that he sweat ‘great drops of blood’ in Gethsemane before any man could lay a finger on him gives us an important glimpse behind the scenes—his life was not taken from him by men; it was given by him for men (John 10:17–18).
Sermon no. 493
8 February (1863)
Walking on Water
“And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a spirit;’ and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, ‘Lord, save me.’ And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’ And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Of a truth Thou art the Son of God.'” Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)
Why Are Ye Fearful…?
Fear is an emotion we all face at times. There are some who seem to be fearful much of their lives. I have known some who were fearful of leaving their home, or new home for a night or so; for fear that someone might break in and steal their possessions or do harm to their home. Now, there is a needless fear.
It would probably surprise us what many people are fearful of. There are some parents who are constantly fearful that their child or children will fall down, get hurt, be hurt by someone else; well you get the picture. Children need to learn, and their falling, experiencing pain is part of growing up. Fear can be dangerous to one’s health.
We live in an era or time when people are fearful of what the economy will do; or how the stock market will perform. In this post today I want us to look at two portions of Scripture. First from the New Testament we hear from an event in the life of Jesus’s disciples and the words of Jesus;
“And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us: we perish.’ And He saith unto them, ‘Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?’ Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, ‘What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!’” Matthew 8:23-27 (KJV)
Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus is asleep in the boat, a storm comes up, Jesus remains asleep undaunted by the storm; and His disciples are fearful. Had they forgotten what Jesus has told them? Do they not know who He is? Of course it is a normal part of life to get fearful in the midst of a storm; at least for many people it is. However, when you have the Son of God with you, having heard His words; what is there to fear? Some wise Christian from years ago said, “If we fear God we do not need to fear anything else”. Jesus said to His disciples “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?”, then He “Rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” Now, do you suppose that calm was just the ceasing of the wind and the seas? I think not. The calm entered the hearts of His disciples as well.
To continue of this thought lets look into the lives of Abraham and Sarah from Genesis;
“And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. And Sarah said, ‘God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.’ And she said, ‘Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? For I have born him a son in his old age.’ And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.” Genesis 21:1-8 (KJV)
Now Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son by God. They had gone to extraordinary means to try and accomplish God’s will in their own way. First by the surrogacy using Hagar Sarah’s servant. As a result of this Ishmael was born and Sarah was despised by her servant, and when God did give them the son He had promised this promised son was hated by Ishmael. Where did this deed come from. It seems to have been spawned by fear. Fear that they needed to do something which God had not commanded, nor commended.
Some might think, “Well where does faith fit into the picture with Abraham and Sarah?” Despite their actions they did believe they were aiding God in giving them a child; but it still was contrary to His will. Yet God uses this fear and its fruit to later discipline His children.
They believed God in their lives, and God honored their faith. In Genesis 15:6 we are told of Abram, “And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness.”
The word for today. No matter what the devil and life may throw at you; do not fear for God is the Master of your life. You do not need to use schemes, or the wiles of the world to accomplish the works of God. He works His plan and accomplishes His will for our good and His glory. When we do our own plan, our own way, “The chickens will come home to roost”.
“Why are ye fearful…?”
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Will to Discern
God had promised Abraham and Sarah a child; not through a surrogate; not be adoption, but one of their flesh and bone. One day as Abraham was possibly contemplating this promise of God he and Sarah have some visitors show up:
“And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. And the LORD said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him.’ And the LORD said, ‘Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto Me; and if not, I will know.’ And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.” Genesis 18:16-22 (KJV)
There are three of what the book of Genesis calls men, but Abraham recognizes one as being the LORD Himself. So these other two men must have been angelic escorts. For the LORD of the universe to appear as a man is almost unheard of unless you know of Jesus, of course.
You will notice in the text before the text above there were further promises of a son for the two; the Patriarch of our faith, and his wife Sarah. Then the two “Men” departed and went toward Sodom; and Abraham went with the three for a little distance, then the LORD considers telling, and does tell Abraham what He is about to do in Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham pleads for the cities, and probably due to Lot’s being present in the city of Sodom, so Abraham prays for mercy for the cities in the behalf of any that are righteous in the cities getting all the way down to only 10 people (18:32).
With the passage above we see two of the “Men” angels go on without the LORD. One thing we can see by this is that the LORD knew Abraham, and Abraham knew the LORD. That is important for us to know. One can know the LORD; know all one can know about Him, and still not be known by the LORD. Now is the time to have the will to discern. Abraham had the discernment that this was truly the LORD. He heard the LORD’s word, believed it and pleaded his case before Him.
Note that it was the LORD who came to Abraham and entrusted to him that which He was about to do in the matter of the judgment of a people. Is Abraham angry that God would consider such a thing? It sure does not seem that way to me. He discerns that God is worthy and has cause to pass judgment upon the people. Sometimes I do not see that some Christians have the right heart for God in His judgments today. We hear far too often, “Now, God wouldn’t do that. He does not judge in that fashion.” O, really. Where do you read that in Scripture? That kind of judgment is based on sinful human emotion, comparing God with their own feelings rather than the truths of Scripture.
We have lost the Will to Discern. Consider the following verses from Matthew’s gospel:
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20 (KJV)
Jesus teaching us to beware of false prophets. False prophets, false teachers, “In sheep’s clothing” teaching things about God that are not true. The word of God is true, and any teacher, preacher, or spiritual leader who teaches that God does not or will not judge is false; and should not be heard.
God is holy, righteous and just; and because He is love; He also must judge the righteous judgment. He will not allow His children to sin successfully. “By their fruits you shall know them.” Do not throw the words of Jesus (“Judge not…”) at those who know the word of God, because we are also told to make judgments; such as “By their fruits you shall know them”. You will be putting yourself on a mighty thin thread when and if you do.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Where Your Treasure Is
“And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, ‘Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.’ And Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, ‘I have made Abram rich:’ save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.'” Genesis 14:21-24 (KJV)
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)
In our verses today we have Abram (Later Abraham) having returned from a victorious battle to retrieve some captives, his nephew Lot and family, and others with goods that had also been taken by the captors. The king of Sodom wishes to bless Abram with the “goods”, but Abram refuses, confessing to the king that his blessing comes from the Most High God (El ElYon). He refused reward for himself, lest the king should say “I have made Abram rich”. Abram was in fact already “rich”, yet realized where his blessing came from. Do we?
In Matthew’s gospel Jesus tells us, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. What do we cling to? What do we cherish most? Is it our children? Our grandchildren? Our income; or lack of income? What holds our hearts and minds? We all have a treasure. However, what is our treasure?
The treasure that matters most for eternity should be the Most High God, and His Son Jesus Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Fighting, The Spiritual Warfare
Let me give a disclaimer on the matter of “Spiritual warfare”. I do not, nor will not claim to be an authority, or even very knowledgeable on the matter of the battle which we as Christians must fight everyday if we are to maintain a proper fellowship with the Father and the Son Jesus Christ.
I do believe Jesus taught us by example how to wage this war against the legions of Hell and their Desperator. Since he is the agent of despair, doubt, and fear; and a theif, a murderer, and destroyer I believe the name “Desperator” would fit, though I cannot find this term used in a dictionary. Maybe a new word? Meaning the chief one who causes despair. My focus is not, however, upon him, but rather upon the One who brought about his defeat.
The example of Jesus’s battle with the devil begins with,
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’ Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, ‘If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, ‘He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.’ Jesus said unto him, ‘It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’ Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, ‘All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.’ Then saith Jesus unto him, ‘Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’ Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.” Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV)
Upon reading the passage from Matthew’s gospel we see that in Jesus’s weakness following a 40 day 40 night fast the devil confronts Jesus concerning His identity and person. I heard one preacher put it like this; “In the first temptation the devil attempts to get to His desire for SURVIVAL; in the second he attempts to get to His desire for SECURITY; in the third and final temptation he attempts to get at his desire for SUCCESS. These are seen in each of these temptations.
They are also relevant in light of the temptations which John the apostle mentions…
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16
and we find these also in the Garden of Eden as Eve is being tempted of the devil through the serpent.
For the Christian to grow more into the image of Christ Jesus we must be knowledgeable of the Word of God; live by it; make it our life daily; ruminate upon it. In short “Hear, trust, and obey”.
Satan, the devil questions the Sonship of Jesus, “If you are the Son of God…”, then tells him to turn stones into bread to prove it; using the “lust of the flesh” and the need of SURVIVAL, and Jesus responds with Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3). Then the devil assaults Jesus with a temptation of SECURITY, or “the lust of the eyes”, even using Scripture himself, and once again Jesus quells the temptation with Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:16). At the final temptation the devil uses SUCCESS, or “the pride of life” in offering Jesus the world; with that again Jesus goes to Scripture, and puts the temptation back on the devil from whence it came (Deuteronomy 6:13).
We can learn from this event in the life of Jesus that there are three basic temptations the devil will hurl at us. There are are many sins in this world; but all of them are connected to the three. Jesus gives us a lesson on how to overcome the temptations of the devil. We must be in the Scriptures – both the Old and New Testaments. Remember, the only Bible that Jesus had, and the only Bible the apostles had was the Old Testament; and after the establishment of the Church, then the New Testament.
Without one or both of them we will be defenseless against the evil one. Paul the apostle gives us good advice in Spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-20. I am fearful that we Christians; at least far too many of us have “Walked into the enemies camp, and laid our weapons down”; and to our peril.
Let’s take them up again; beginning with the Word of God, and making it our Word from God daily.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Work of Thy Hands
As I was reading the Psalms this morning Psalm 143 verse 5 caught my attention in a particular and special way.
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands.”
The title above is the thought I will endeavor to dwell on in this post.
Do you ever stop to “Think” on the work of God’s hands? It would do us all great good if we spent more time meditating and thinking on the works of His hands. We are more often than not “Amused” with things, and people. We are more often than not, even “Amused” by God and His works.
For those who do not know, “A” on the word means “No” or “Non”. For those who already knew that I do not mean to be condescending or rude to you. I pray you see the point I am making. The word “Muse” means “Think”; and I fear that I sometimes put too little thought into the works of God’s hands; but instead I am amused by them.
There are so many things that could be mentioned that are the work of His hands. It would include everything, except evil, yet even in evil He still works. Do you have a problem with that? It is your problem; not mine.
Let us think [muse] on a couple of things that are the work of His hands. First, think about the ground upon which you walk or move about. He created it. He keeps it. He keeps everything in its created order. Secondly, think about you. You are the crown of His creation. You are fallen, indeed, and out of fellowship with Him; yet He loves you. You are fallen, but can be restored through the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.
Now, there is something to think [muse] about.
-t.a.
Once a Curse… Spurgeon
The following is from Bible Gateway daily,
Once a curse but now a blessing
‘And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.’ Zechariah 8:13
Suggested Further Reading: Romans 11:13–24
In the dark ages, to be a Jew was to be deserving of all scorn and cruelty, and of no pity or consideration. To what exactions, to what fines, to what imprisonments and tortures, have not the sons of Jacob been subjected by the professed followers of the Messiah? It is perhaps the greatest of all modern miracles, that there should be one Jew upon earth who is a Christian, for the treatment they have received from pretended Christians has been enough to make them hate the name of Jesus; it has not been simply villainous, but diabolical. Devils in hell could not be more cruel to their victims than professed Christians have been to the sons of Abraham. They have been a curse indeed. Among all nations they have been a hissing and a byword. But the day is coming, and is dawning already, when the whole world shall discern the true dignity of the chosen seed, and shall seek their company, because the Lord has blessed them. In that day when Israel shall look upon him whom they have pierced, and shall mourn for their sins, the Jew shall take his true rank among the nations as an elder brother and a prince. The covenant made with Abraham, to bless all nations by his seed, is not revoked; heaven and earth shall pass away, but the chosen nation shall not be blotted out from the book of remembrance. The Lord has not cast away his people; he has never given their mother a bill of divorcement; he has never put them away; in a little wrath he has hidden his face from them, but with great mercies will he gather them.
For meditation: We should thank God for the Jews; through them he gave us his Word (Romans 3:2; 9:4) and his Son (Romans 9:5); he still has blessings to give to the world through them (Romans 11:12). If you blame them for Christ’s death, remember that he died for sinners, and that you, as a sinner, were also responsible.
Sermon no. 543
6 December (1863)
O what a blessing the Jewish people have been to the Christian and the world. They have been used by God to provide us the Word of God, and our Lord and Saviour has come through them.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Walking in the Light and Washed in the Blood – Spurgeon
The following is posted by Bible Gateway daily;
Walking in the light and washed in the blood
‘But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ 1 John 1:7
Suggested Further Reading: John 12:20–36
Whereas there are some who urge you to look to your doctrinal intelligence as a ground of comfort, I beseech you beloved, look only to the blood; whereas there are others who would set up a standard of Christian experience and urge that this is to be the channel of your consolation, I pray you, while you prize both doctrine and experience, rest nowhere your soul’s weight but in the precious blood. Some would lead you to high degrees of fellowship; follow them, but not when they would lead you away from the simple position of a sinner resting upon the blood. There be those who could teach you mysticism, and would have you rejoice in the light within; follow them as far as they have the warrant of God’s Word, but never take your foot from that Rock of Ages, where the only safe standing can be found. Certain of my brethren are very fond of preaching Christ in his second advent—I rejoice wherein they preach the truth concerning Christ glorified, but my beloved, I entreat you to build your hope not on Christ glorified, nor on Christ to come, but on ‘Christ crucified.’ Remember that in the matter of taking away sin, the first thing is not the throne, but the cross, not the reigning Saviour, but the bleeding Saviour, not the King in his glory, but the Redeemer in his shame. Care not to be studying dates of prophecies if burdened with sin, but seek your chief, your best comfort in the blood of Jesus Christ which ‘cleanseth us from all sin.’ Here is the pole star of your salvation; sail by it and you shall reach the port of peace.
For meditation: Blessings spring from our reliance on ‘nothing but the blood of Jesus’—eternal life (John 6:53), propitiation (Romans 3:25), justification (Romans 5:9), redemption and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14), peace (Colossians 1:20), access (Hebrews 10:19), and cleansing (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5). Why look elsewhere?
Sermon no. 663
3 December (1865)
The Rights of our Creator
A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is Mine honour, and if I be a master, where is My fear; saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise My name?’ And ye say, ‘Wherein have we despised Thy name?’ Ye offer polluted bread upon Mine altar; and ye say, ‘Wherein have we polluted Thee?’ In that ye say, ‘The table of the LORD is contemptible.’ And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil, and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy governor. Will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person; saith the LORD of hosts?'” Malachi 1:6-8 (KJV)
Just for a note. The above verses are the text for the sermon I will be preaching this morning at Carr Lane Baptist Church. Today has been called, and I have also said that I was participating in Pulpit Freedom Sunday. In the United States of America pastors have the freedom to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to stand up from the pulpit for moral values, and for moral values that have become political hot potatoes. In the U.S. of A. we hold to our freedoms quite strongly; at least many of us do.
One thing I see among Christian people in the USA is that we often forget about God’s rights. Does He have rights? Most definitely. He is the Supreme Right Giver. We all received our rights as humanity from Him.
You will note in the Scripture text above that GOD challenges the nation of Israel to honor Him, to fear Him; but they have not. Let us think about this matter today, and remind ourselves everyday to give GOD our very lives and being.
-T.A.
The Worst of Famines
Behold, the days come,’ saith the Lord GOD, ‘that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, ‘Thy god, O Dan, liveth;’ and, ‘The manner of Beersheba liveth;’ even they shall fall, and never rise up again.'” Amos 8:11-14 (KJV)
This past Summer it was announced through many News sources that over fifty percent of our Nation was suffering from drought. I know it was so where we live in Southwest Missouri. With temperatures reaching into the hundreds several days in a row; nearly a month here; those scorching temps quickly put grass, hay crops, corn crops, and other grain crops and cattle and all livestock and outdoor animals in great peril. It also put many farmers livelihood in peril. The economy of these drought striken areas also are in peril; but that is so with our Nation too.
What do the above verses of Scripture have to do with our drought. Well, drought can often dead to famine. If grains do not grow, grass does not grow, then, the animals – livestock do not survive; thus eventually people will suffer, become malnourished, and die. It is happening in other parts of the world.
What would or could be the worst of famines? I know there are some who will disagree with my assessment of the situation; but the worst of famines is when the Word of God is not spoken. The reason the Word of God would not be spoken is that while it has been spoken God’s people turn their back on God and His Word, by doing their own thing, worshipping their own way, and in their own time; rather than God’s prescribed way, place, and time. Then God’s people start suffering for their refusal to hear the Word of God He will refrain from speaking any longer.
What will happen when this famine occurs? Spiritual, moral, and physical decay. There are many people today searching for the Word of God and to hear it, but they look in places contrary to His Word.
There is only one place to hear the Word of God, and that is through GOD’s Son Jesus Christ, and His death on the cross for our sins, His burial – carrying our sins away, and we are justified by His bodily resurrection. Believing Him you will hear His Word through the written Scriptures of the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit who will dwell in you.
-T.A.
Marriage Supper of the Lamb
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.’ And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.’ And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, ‘Write, ‘Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he saith unto me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’ And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, ‘See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'” Revelation 19:5-10 (KJV)
What a glorious and wonderful day it is for the bride when the day of the wedding finally arrives. What a glorious and wonderful day it will be for the Groom when the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is finally called. What a day that will be for all who are called to His Marriage supper.
A day of jubilation. A day when finally the bride will see their Lord face to face, and be united with Him throughout eternity.
One final note; if we are to understand all of Scripture and Biblical prophecy correctly we must see Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, as the “spirit of prophecy”. All of Scripture is about Jesus; the fulfillment of it all.
-T.A.
The Compromisers
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; ‘These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 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. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ‘To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Revelation 2:12-17 (KJV)
You might want to follow this link and go read THE CUTTING EDGES for further study.
-T.A.
The Rich One’s
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; ‘These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:8-11 (KJV)
For further reading and study you may want to read THE RESURRECTED ONE
-T.A.
The Fire and Hammer 