Support For Israel (And Babylon)

Daniel 2
37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

The story of Babylon starts with the above verse.  Daniel speaks to Nebuchadnez'zar, King of Babylon, to whom God gave earthly power. He is about to interpret the king's dream. The story ends up, on an unhappy note, in Revelations.

Revelation 18
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Passages about Babylon can be seen as a long, instructive story of the relationship between God and earthly, national power.

I read an article the other day questioning America's unwavering support for Israel. Maybe, it is a good idea to consider the lessons from the Bible, at least on the issue of support for Israel.

This passage from Zechariah is a warning to any nation that deals with the Hebrews:

Zechariah 2
8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
9 For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

Yes. Maybe a Bible-based American foreign policy is not a bad idea. On the other hand, I think maybe such worldly subjects as foreign policy should not be of any particular concern to a humble Christian. Even if such subjects are Biblically related....

The Call 2 - God Chose You

2 Thessalonians 2
14 ....He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I remember my first thoughts of Jesus. It was 1952, in a little park in Lyndhurst. That was where, one summer afternoon, my vacation Bible school class met, and I first remember talk of Jesus. And I remember, during the previous or following Christmas, learning the song, "Away in the manger...." We left for Pittsburgh in 1953 and my memories of Lyndhurst were locked in my mind forever.

Much of my life was spent in unrighteous pursuits.  Much of my life full of weakness, sin, and no insignificant amount of alcohol. But, no matter what I've done, I've always been sure of one thing: Jesus lives. It was only later in life that I became sure of one other thing: God chose me.

This passage is the reality I know:

2 Thessalonians 2
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As luck would have it, I found my little Vacation Bible School workbook in the attic of my grandfather's house, last year.

I am blessed.

The Call 1 - God Draws You Near

John 6
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up  at the last day.

God draws you near to Him. And, when God calls, who can resist?

Psalm 119
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust:
quicken thou me according to thy word.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary QUICKEN, v.t. quik'n.
1. Primarily, to make alive; to vivify; to revive or resuscitate, as from death or an inanimate state.
2. To make alive in a spiritual sense; to communicate a principle of grace to.
3. To hasten; to accelerate; as, to quicken motion, speed or flight.
4. To sharpen; to give keener perception to; to stimulate; to incite; as, to quicken the appetite or taste; to quicken desires.
5. To revive; to cheer; to reinvigorate; to refresh by new supplies of comfort or grace. Ps. 119.

God's Message To Our Leaders

Isaiah 7
3 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;
4 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.

Here, God has a message for Ahaz, King of Judah. The message includes specific instructions on what to do in the face of imminent war against Israel, which was in league with Syria. The message to Ahaz is fear not, because your enemies will be unsuccessful.

Just wondering.  Does God ever provide specific instructions to our country's leaders as we face various warring enemies?

Now God does talk to me. And, so far, the only things he is telling me for sure is to read and study my Bible every single day, and help out around the church. And seriously, I have absolutely no idea what he's telling anyone else....

Long-suffering

2 Peter 3
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Strong's Definition Of Longsuffering
makroyumew  //  makrothumeo   //  mak-roth-oo-meh'-o  //

1) to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart
1a) to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes
and troubles
1b) to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others
1b1) to be mild and slow in avenging
1b2) to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish

Strange how we get a dim glimpse of a loving God in an old dictionary.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
This is a wicked, evil world.
And we endure this wicked, evil world with long-suffering.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for tempering our long-suffering with the comfort that comes from your saving grace.
In Jesus name....

The Church And The Members Of The Body Of Christ

Ephesians 4
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

From Scofield's Notes
"Ephesians contains the highest church truth, but has nothing about church order. The church here is the true church, "His body," not the local church, as in Philippians, Corinthians, etc."

How should local churches operate?  What are the rules?  Who is in charge?  How should various churches deal with eachother?  How should local churches deal with members of the body of Christ, members of the "true church, who are not also members of such a local church?" Who really is a member of the "true church?"  What are the specific responsibilities of the members of the body of Christ, members of the "true church" who are not members of a local church? Is it possible to be a member of the Body of Christ and not be a member of a local Church?

I am sure that I was a member of the body of Christ, before I joined a local church. I found it to be extremely satisfying.

Mobile Phone Favorites

2 Thessalonians 3

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

  

I spend three hours a day commuting on a train to and from Manhattan. For the past two years, I have been writing blog post drafts on my HTC Touch while rolling through Northern New Jersey.

Following are my mobile favorites:

Online 1611 King James Version Bible:
    http://bibled.atabase.net/html/kjv/index.html
Bartleby's King James Bible:
    http://www.bartleby.com/108/
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary:
    http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/gill/
 Jamieson Faussett Brown:
    http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/jfb/
Webster's 1828 Dictionary
    http://1828.mshaffer.com/
The KJV Bible with Strong's References:
    http://www.apostolic-churches.net/bible/strongs.html
Scofield's Reference Notes
    http://www.studylight.org/com/srn/
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth by C.I. Scofield:
    http://www.biblebelievers.com/scofield/index.html

I read the Bible and John Gill every day. I seem to need to check out my other favorites a couple times a week. What a joy.

Just... Leave It...Alone....

John 3
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This passage is about the universality of the Gospel offer and with the expressed unwillingness of God that men should perish.

Romans 9
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

This passage is associated with the doctrine of election. We may conclude that - maybe - God only chooses some Hebrews and some gentiles for salvation.

The quote following is from a nineteenth century Presbyterian minister from Edinburgh. It is from the concluding paragraph in a chapter on God's decrees in a book titled, "Systematic Theology" by Charles Sperry Chafer:

Rev. Alexander W. Brown
"In attempting to reconcile the doctrine of election with the universality of the Gospel offer and with the expressed unwillingness of God that men should perish; [we find much difficulty]. The fact is, they are hopelessly irreconcilable in our present state, and  those who have made the attempt had much better have left it alone."

This is the best bit of Bible commentary I have ever read.  I want this quote on my tomb stone. Or maybe this shorter paraphrase: Just... Leave It...Alone....

Basic Separation Principles

1 Corinthians 5
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Now that I'm older, my life is slower, and I do not get around like I used to.  And, separation is a normal part of the rhythm of my life.  But I think about the separation ground rules for the younger Christians.  I also think about how I used to deal with the issue.  Here are some basic separation principles:

Kevin T. Bauder On Separation From Sharperiron.org
"As a rule, fundamentalists and their predecessors have noted that not all fellowship between believers is equal. Rather, the New Testament depicts several different kinds of fellowship relationships, ranging from simple, personal fellowship through discipleship and targeted collaboration, to church membership and church leadership. Some of these imply yet other levels that are not explicitly depicted in the Scriptures themselves. The point is that different levels of fellowship require different criteria."

The issue for me, over the years, has been how to deal with the people you work with who have not accepted Jesus as their savior?  And what do you do when interacting with such co-workers on a social level is a condition of employment?  One example is being a soldier in the Army.  There are lots of examples.

The quote above from SharperIron.com provides a way to start thinking of the issue of separation.  I certainly do not have any good personal insights on this issue today.  I may never have any good personal insights on this issue. But it is one of those issues that should always be of concern to Christians....

More From 1 Corinthians 5
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

[Kevin T. Bauder is Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Plymouth, MN]

The World - Some Final Thoughts (Three Of Three)

I have a number of favorite Bible passages. Below are two.

John 3
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

And John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

I was walking to work this morning. It was cold, and snow flakes swirled in the light breeze. The first winter day. And as I walked I thought about these two Bible passages. They are perplexing. These are passages that sometimes haunt me, sometimes stalk me. Passages, however, that always, in the end, fill me with the wonder that is God.

And as I was thinking of these verses and the comments of Albert Barnes and John Gill, I started to hear Handel's Messiah, quiet at first, then building to its full, God-praising glory.

and He shall reign for ever and ever
King of Kings, Lord of Lords

And then, the music in my head subsided, and the perplexing thoughts of God and this world drifted away.

And I thought: I'm afraid this is just not going to be a day of brilliant, theological insights or conclusions. The cold wind blew on my face, and I smiled....

The World By Albert Barnes (Two Of Three)

I have a number of favorite Bible passages. Below are two.

John 3
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Comment On John 3:16 By Albert Barnes
The world. All mankind. It does not mean any particular part of the world, but man as man--the race that had rebelled and that deserved to die.

John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

Comment On John 17:9 By Albert Barnes
The term world here, as elsewhere, refers to wicked, rebellious, vicious men.

About Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes held a prominent place in the New School branch of the Presbyterians during the Old School-New School Controversy, to which he adhered on the division of the denomination in 1837.

The World By John Gill (One Of Three)

I have a number of favorite Bible passages. Below are two.

John 3
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Comment on John 3:16 By John Gill
....not every man in the world is here meant, or all the individuals of human nature; for all are not the objects of God's special love...yet rather the Gentiles particularly, and God's elect among them, are meant; who are often called "the world," and "the whole world," and "the nations of the world," as distinct from the Jews...

John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

Comment On John 17:9 By John Gill
"I pray not for the world:" the inhabitants of it, the carnal unbelieving part of the world, which lie in sin, and will be condemned; as he died not for them, so he prayed not for them.

Odd Compassion For An Enemy

Isaiah 15
1 The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence:
2 he is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Me'deba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.

This is about the total destruction of Israel's enemy, Moab.  And it seems odd that the prophet, in verse 5 seems to take pity, in a plaintive, heartfelt way, on this enemy:
 
More From Isaiah 15
5 My heart shall cry out for Moab....

But, in the end, the Bible is about God's justice:

Amos 2
1 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:
2 but I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kir'i-oth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet:
3 and I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD.

Somehow, this makes me think of the grace that finally came to the gentiles, in the New Testament.

Ministers and Other Christians - Part 2

2 Corinthians 6
1 We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 ....
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

The question is, from the previous post: What is the will of God, for those of us, good Christians no doubt, filling those pews?

To start to answer this question, here first is more from 2 Corinthians 6 that provides standards for the ministers of God:

More From 2 Corinthians 6
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,

- in much patience,
- in afflictions,
- in necessities,
- in distresses,
- In stripes,
- in imprisonments,
- in tumults,
- in labours,
- in watchings,
- in fastings;
- By pureness
- by knowledge,
- by longsuffering,
- by kindness,
- by the Holy Ghost,
- by love unfeigned,
- By the word of truth,
- by the power of God,
- by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
- By honour and dishonour,
- by evil report and good report:
- as deceivers, and yet true;
- As unknown, and yet well known;
- as dying, and, behold, we live;
- as chastened, and not killed;
- As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
- as poor, yet making many rich;
- as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

These are God's standards for ministers.  And maybe these these standards are not God's absolute standards for us Christians sitting in the pews.  But they certainly do point the way to a useful, Spirit-filled life.

So, what is God's absolute standard for those of us who fill the pews:

John 3
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Ministers and Other Christians - Part 1

2 Corinthians 6
1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain....
2 ....
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

It appears that this passage is directed to ministers, and not necessarily those Christians sitting in the pews.
 
Question. Do ministers have a different set of standands than those Christians sitting in the pews? There appear to be specific standards for bishops, as opposed to other church members:

1 Timothy 3
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Second Question. What is the will of God, for those of us, good Christians no doubt, filling those pews?

To Be Continued....

Stewardship - Final Conclusions

2 Corinthians 9
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Here is an odd fact.  If you search Google for stewardship, you will come up with over 17 million hits. 

I guess someone has been given this subject some thought. 

Here are some thoughts.  Stewardship is not a salvation issue. Stewardship decisions, even bad ones, if there are bad ones, will not, in the end send you off to hell. But, stweardship marks us; it shows each of us, who we are, as Christians.  And, as the following passage suggests: stewardship decisions are not based just on money, but on each and every one of our life decisions:

Luke 18
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

My Final Conclusions
You make your decisions, as you will, thoughtly and prayerfully.  Your decision should partly be based on money, how do you spend each and every penny.  Your decision should partly be based on time, how do you spend each and every hour of every day.  Make your decisions in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

And do not forget.  In the end, you will answer to your maker. Jesus is watching you....

Stewardship - Scofield

2 Corinthians 8
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

The stewardship decisions we make, in the presence of the Holy Spirit, will mark us through the ages, just as these Macedonians were marked through the ages.

Following are Scofield's comments on stewardship. His comments are precise, and are provided for continuing consideration.

Scofield Reference Notes
In 2 Corinthians 8, 9, the apostle sums up the Christian doctrine of giving. It may be thus summarized:
      (1) It is a "grace," i.e. a disposition created by the Spirit 2 Corinthians 8:7.
      (2) In contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love (2 Corinthians 8:8-12; 9:1,2,5,7).
      (3) The privilege is universal, belonging, according to ability, to rich and poor 2 Corinthians 8:1-3,12-15; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2.
      (4) Giving is to be proportioned to income 2 Corinthians 8:12-14; 1 Corinthians 16:2. The O.T. proportion was the tithe, a proportion which antedates the law Genesis 14:20.
      (5) The rewards of Christian giving are (a) joy 2 Corinthians 8:2 (b) increased ability to give in proportion to that which has been already given 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 (c) increased thankfulness to God 2 Corinthians 9:12 (d) God and the Gospel glorified 2 Corinthians 9:13,14.

Jesus, is watching you....

Stewardship - Chafer

1 Corinthians 3
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

This passage is a warning.  Some efforts in building "God's building," in support of the body of Christ, are of more value than other efforts. Some are like gold and silver and some are like hay and stubble. 

And, in the end, Jesus will judge us for our efforts, and making the right decisions, should be of continuing concern to us.  But, at least, even the man whose efforts are burned shall be saved.

Following are Chafers comments on stewardship. This quote is long, but precise and comprehensive, and I find it to be a comfort.  This quote is complete and precise, and provided for continuing consideration.

Lewis Sperry Chafer on STEWARDSHIP

Money which is earned by toil is human life in concrete form and since money, however gained, is so vital a factor in both spiritual and material progress, the child of God because of his right or wrong use of it will be tried by fire, as he will concerning all his service (1 Cor. 3:12-15). The element of self is especially evident in matters of Christian finance; for too often money is acquired, held, or dispensed by the child of God without due recognition of that fundamental relationship which he sustains to God. The Christian's responsibility in stewardship may be considered under three phases:

I. THE ACQUIRING OF MONEY

Though the motives which actuate people in their efforts to get money are many, there is but one which is worthy of the Christian's relation to God, which motive is expressed in the words, "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). This injunction, it may be seen, is far-reaching in its scope.

It is divinely arranged that all shall engage in toil (Gen. 3:19; 2 Thess. 3:10), and the Christian is not excepted. However, to the spiritual, instructed believer, labor is more than merely earning a living: it is doing the will of God; for every employment, be it ever so menial, should be accepted by the child of God as a specific appointment from God, and to be done for Him, else not done at all. The incidental fact that God is pleased to give His child food and raiment through daily labor should not obscure the greater truth that God in infinite love is committed to the care of His children, and this without reference to their earning power (Phil. 4:19; Heb. 13:5). The saying, "God provides for those only who cannot provide for themselves," is untrue. He cares for His own at all times, since all that they have is from Him (1 Sam. 2:7). In the relationships among men there are agreements and salaries to be recognized, for "the labourer is worthy of his hire"; but in relation to his Father, the Christian's highest ideal concerning his toil is that whatever he does, he does at the appointment of his Father, for His sake, and as an expression of devotion to Him. Likewise, whatever is received is not earned, but is rather the expression of the Father's loving care. Such an attitude is not sentimental or impractical; it is the only basis upon which the believer can sanctify all his toil by doing it for the glory of God, or be able to "rejoice evermore" (1 Thess. 5:16) in the midst of the burdens of life.

II. THE POSSESSING OF MONEY

In view of the appalling need on every hand and the unmeasured good that money may accomplish, every spiritual Christian is facing the practical question relative to retaining property in his own possession. It is doubtless often the will of God that property shall be kept in store; but the yielded Christian will not assume this. His property will be held only as God directs and it will be subject to His control. The motives which actuate men both rich and poor -- the desire to be rich (1 Tim. 6:8, 9, 17, 18; Jas. 1:11; Heb. 13:5; Phil. 4:11), the desire to provide against a day of need (Matt. 6:25-34), and the desire to provide for others -- are commendable only as they fulfill the specifically revealed will of God in each individual's life.

III. THE DISPENSING OF MONEY

Self and money are alike the roots of much evil, and in the dispensing of money, as in its acquisition and possession, the Christian is expected to stand upon a grace relationship to God. This relationship pre-supposes that he has first given himself to God in unqualified dedication (2 Cor. 8:5), and a true dedication of self to God includes all that one is and has (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19) -- his life, his time, his strength, his ability, his ideals, and his property.

In matters pertaining to the giving of money, the grace principle involves the believer's recognition of God's sovereign authority over all that the Christian is and has, and is in contrast to the Old Testament legal system of tithing which system was in force as a part of the law until the law was done away (John 1:16, 17; Rom. 6:14; 7:1-6; 2 Cor. 3:1-18; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14; Gal. 3:19-25; 5:18). Though certain principles of the law were carried forward and restated under grace, tithing, like sabbath observance, is never imposed on the believer in this dispensation. Since the Lord's day superseded the legal sabbath and is adapted to the principles of grace as the sabbath could not be, so tithing has been superseded by a new system of giving which is adapted to the teachings of grace as tithing could not be.

Christian giving under grace as illustrated in the experience of the saints at Corinth, is summarized in 2 Corinthians 8:1 to 9:15. In this passage we discover:

1. Christ was their pattern.

The Lord's giving of Himself (2 Cor. 8:9) is the pattern of all giving under grace. He did not give a tenth; He gave all.

2. Their giving was even out of great poverty.

A striking combination of phrases is employed to describe what the Corinthians experienced in their giving (2 Cor. 8:2): "In a great trial of affliction," "the abundance of their joy," "their deep poverty abounded," "the riches of their liberality." Likewise, concerning liberality in spite of great poverty, it should be remembered that "the widow's mite" (Luke 21:1-4), which drew out the commendation of the Lord Jesus, was not a part, but "all that she had."

3. Their giving was not by commandment, nor of necessity.

Under the law, a tenth was commanded and its payment was a necessity; under grace, God is not seeking the gift, but an expression of devotion from the giver. Under grace no law is imposed, and no proportion to be given is stipulated; and, while it is true that God works in the yielded heart both to will and to do His good pleasure (Phil. 2:14), He finds pleasure only in that gift which is given cheerfully, or more literally, hilariously (2 Cor. 9:7). If a law existed stipulating the amount to be given, there are those, doubtless, who would seek to fulfill it, even against their own wishes and thus their gift would be made "grudgingly," and "of necessity." If it be said that to support the work of the Gospel we must have money whether given hilariously or not, it may also be said that it is not the amount which is given, but rather the divine blessing upon the gift that accomplishes the desired end. Christ fed five thousand from five loaves and two fishes, and there is abundant evidence to prove that wherever the children of God have fulfilled their privilege in giving under grace, their liberality has resulted in "all sufficiency in all things" which has made them "abound unto every good work," for God is able to make even the grace of giving to "abound" to every believer (2 Cor. 9:8).

4. They gave themselves.

Acceptable giving is preceded by a complete giving of one's own self (2 Cor. 8:5). This suggests the important truth that giving under grace, like giving under the law, is limited to a certain class of people. Tithing was never imposed by God on any other than the nation Israel. So, Christian giving is limited to believers, and is most acceptable when given by believers who have yielded their lives to God.

5. They gave systematically.

Like tithing, there is suggested systematic regularity in giving under grace. "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him" (1 Cor. 16:2). This injunction is addressed to "every man" (every Christian man), and thus excuses none; and giving is to be from that which is already "in store," rather than a promise or pledge concerning funds which they have not yet received. It may be observed that very much giving at the present time is a direct violation of this principle. Believers are everywhere urged to make their "pledge" based on what they hope to receive.

6. God Sustains the Giver.

God will sustain grace-giving with limitless temporal resources (2 Cor. 9:8-10; Luke 6:38). In this connection it may be seen that those who give as much as a tenth are usually prospered in temporal things; but, since the believer can have no relation to the law (Gal. 5:1), it is evident that this prosperity is the fulfillment of the promise under grace, rather than the fulfillment of promises under the law. No blessings are thus dependent on the exact tithing. The blessings are bestowed because a heart has expressed itself through a gift. It is manifest that no gift will be made to God from the heart which He will not graciously acknowledge. There is no opportunity here for designing people to become rich. The giving must be from the heart, and God's response will be according to His perfect will for His child. He may respond by bestowing spiritual riches, or in temporal blessings as He shall choose.

7. True Riches are from God.

The Corinthian Christians were made rich with heavenly riches. There is such a thing as being rich in this world's goods and yet not rich toward God (Luke 12:21). All such are invited to buy of Him that gold which is tried in the fire (Rev. 3:18). Through the absolute poverty of Christ in His death, all may be made rich (2 Cor. 8:9). It is possible to be rich in faith (Jas. 2:5), and rich in good works (1 Tim. 6:18); but in Christ Jesus the believer receives "the riches of grace" (Eph. 1:7), and "the riches of glory" (Eph. 3-16).

The Priestly Order of Melchizedek

Genesis 14
18 And Melchiz'edek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Melchizdek, King of Salem, gives us a view of the world from time immemorial, from the days of Abraham, to the days of the book of Hebrews, and beyond.

Hebrews 7
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

Hebrews 7 is the explanation, to a Jewish audience, of the righteousness and Godliness and holiness and, especially, the authority of Jesus Christ. It is also a repudiation of the Hebrew law.

And so, what is the relationship of Christians, those of us sitting in the pews, to the order of Melchizedec?

Philippians 1
2 To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Phil'ipi....

Revelations 1
5 ....Jesus Christ....hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father.... Amen.

It appears that we, Christians sitting in the pews, are kings, saints and priests. Priests? Of the order of Melchizedec?

The subject of Melchizdek, King of Salem, is definitely worth on-going consideration...

New (And Old) Testaments - Church Order As An Example

1 Corinthians 14
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

Above is the New Testament guidance on church order and the place of women within the church. Following is the generally accepted Old Testament reference:

Genesis 3
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

For those of us who read and understand the Bible literally, this provides an example of how the Old Testament passages support New Testament guidance. These two passages give an example of how church order, to some significant extent, has a basis in the Old Testament.

It is November, 2010.  Does anything else need to be said about these passages?

Church Administrations And of Operations

1 Corinthians 12
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

Strong's Reference For Administrations
1248 // diakonia // diakonia // dee-ak-on-ee'-ah //
1) service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
2) of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote
religion among men
    2a) of the office of Moses
    2b) of the office of the apostles and its administration
    2c) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.
3) the ministration of those who render to others the offices of
Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either
collecting or distributing of charities
4) the office of the deacon in the church
5) the service of those who prepare and present food

Strong's Reference For Operations
1755 // energhma // energema // en-erg'-ay-mah //
1) thing wrought
2) effect operation

There are times when a Christian needs to give some thought to his church.  What is it? How should it operate?  What are the requirements for membership?  Who is responsible?  What tasks need to be accomplished?  Who should accomplish such task?  And a Christian needs to give some thought about how he or she should contribute.  Above and below is just a little background for consideration.

Charles Sperry Chafer
There is little said in the Bible regarding the organization of churches, though there is nothing written to oppose it; and, since an organization is not in view, there is nothing written in the Bible as to membership in organized churches. The Bible emphasis is upon the true Church and that membership which is formed by the baptism with the Spirit.

A Thief In Night

Daniel 9
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.

Passages To Agonize Over
Is this a Bible prophesy? Is a week a year? Do seventy weeks equate to 490 years? Is this prophesy fulfilled? Is it allegory? How many God-fearing, Bible-believing Christians have pondered this passage? Am I the only one?

Here is satisfying commentary on this passage:

Every year or so I look at Daniel, Zecharia and Revelations. I find reading these books comforting and edifying. But, I admit, each time I start to read these books, I just can't make sense of the words. Then, I read some commentary, Scofield, Clanence Larkin, Charles Sperry Chafer, and the prophesies become clear. Passages on Bible prophesy from these three books are the only ones that I cannot understand without commentary.

Now, following is Bible prophesy I truly comprehend. The truth of this passage stabs your heart, the very second you finish reading it.

Matthew 24
42 Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Personal Ministry

Romans 8
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

An Evangelist came to church last year. Some visits you just remember. He said that each Christian must have a ministry, I think he used the phrase "personal ministry." And he gave the example of a shy person who did not feel comfortable distributing tracts but helped clean the church. And he finally concluded that, when someone does bring an unsaved soul to church, you really want that sanctuary looking good, clean, neat, orderly and dusted. I remember he used the word dusted.

1 Peter 4
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

And here is information from Websters's 1828 dictionary on ministering:

Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, n. [L.]

1. Properly, a chief servant; hence, an agent appointed to transact or manage business under the authority of another; in which sense, it is a word of very extensive application.

    Moses rose up and his minister Joshua. Ex.24.

2. One to whom a king or prince entrusts the direction of affairs of state; as minister of state; the prime minister. In modern governments, the secretaries or heads of the several departments or branches of government are the ministers of the chief magistrate.

3. A magistrate; an executive officer.

    For he is the minister of God to thee for good. Rom.13.

4. A delegate; an embassador; the representative of a sovereign at a foreign court; usually such as is resident at a foreign court, but not restricted to such.

5. One who serves at the altar; one who performs sacerdotal duties; the pastor of a church, duly authorized or licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments. Eph.3.

6. Christ is called a minister of the sanctuary. Heb.8

7. An angel; a messenger of God.

    Who maketh his angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire. Ps.104.

Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, v.t. To give; to afford; to supply.

    He that ministereth seed to the sower--2 Cor.9.

    That it may minister grace to the hearers. Eph.4.

Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, v.i.

1. To attend and serve; to perform service in any office, sacred or secular.

    I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office. Ex.29.

2. To afford supplies; to give things needful; to supply the means of relief; to relieve.

    When saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Matt.25.

3. To give medicines.

Apostacy

2 Timothy 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

This is the great passage on apostacy. And here is the complate list of apostacies:

More From 2 Timothy 3
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

This is a link to a really good web page on apostacy.

Some day I'd like to write about apostacy; it may be a worthy topic for consideration. But, not today....

The View From The Pews - The Flock Of The Slaughter

Zechariah 11
17 Woe to the idle shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

This passage is about the Hebrews, and their shepards, rulers, who did not lead them to righteousness. This in turn, was one of the causes of the destruction of the Hebrews, the captivities.  It can be read as providing guidance and insight on pastoral responsibilities to church leaders today. And, maybe, only Jesus can feed the flock, the flock of the slaughter:

Zechariah 11
4 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;

I was reading blog posts about this passage the other night. The blog posts, some written by pastors, were on the subject of how pastors should apply fundamental Bible doctrine in their ministries. This passage from Zechariah was one of the referenced passages. Interesting....

And Finally From Zechariah 11
3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.

In the end, however, my view is from the pews, and I probably best not concern myself with such matters as pastoral responsibilities.

A Treasured Passage

Ephesians 4
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

My understanding of God's will, God's purpose for my life, God's plan fore my salvation, starts with this passage.  And, it ends with this passage.  Be that as it may:

Romans 3
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Matthew 23

Matthew 23
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

This chapter is about duties of the scribes and the Pharisees that sit in Moses' seat. It is about the place of God in our lives. And, it may be a message to our pastors.

Matthew 23
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Some Questions
Who gets your respect? Who is your teacher? Who do you look to in times of need? Who gives us advice, when you are desperate?

With this passage in mind, here are some more questions, asked a little differently.  What is more wonderful than the good pastor, preaching the Word of God....in way that we can truly see the majesty and the glory of God? And, what is more wonderful than the good pastor who gives you that one needed piece of advice that, in the end, keeps you from falling off the cliff?

.,..The wonder of God's work and way, here on earth, and in heaven...

The Church (Chafer)

2 Timothy 2
11 [It is] a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:

I came accross the quote below from Chafer a few weeks ago, and can't seem to get it out of my mind. I have a hunch this is important....

From Chafer's Major Bible Themes
There is little said in the Bible regarding the organization of churches, though there is nothing written to oppose it; and, since an organization is not in view, there is nothing written in the Bible as to membership in organized churches. The Bible emphasis is upon the true Church and that membership which is formed by the baptism with the Spirit.

The Church (Chafer)

Matthew 16
18 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.

The concept or the doctrine of the church seems problematic to me.  There are so many stories of mal-functioning churches or churches that are going through difficult times.  Maybe the problem is that churches are a peculiar, toxic mix of man and God's will. Be that as it may, following is provided for on-going consideration. 

From Chafer's Major Bible Themes
As used in the New Testament, the word church means a called-out or assembled company of people. It has two distinct applications: (1) In its less important usage it refers to a local gathering of people, not necessarily Christians, who have been called out and assembled in one place (1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2; Phil. 1:2. Note, Acts 7:38; 19:32). (2) In its more important usage it refers to a company of people called out from the old creation into the new, being gathered by the Spirit into one organism or body of which Christ is the Head. This company includes all those, and only those, who have been saved in the period between the day of Pentecost and the return of Christ to receive His own. So, also, there are organized churches in the world with their memberships, but these should not be confused with the one Church of which Christ is the Head and all believers members in particular.

While there are a thousand stories of problematic churches, there are a lot of good ones.  My sense is that if it wasn't for that occasional, perfect worship service, that service where you sing a song like the "The Old Rugged Cross" and it really gets to you, that service where the preaching has special meaning for you.... My sense is that if it wasn't for such a church service, then, I think, maybe, we would not be able to even start to understand Biblical events, such as the Millennium.

View From The Pews

Ephesians 4
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Here we find that there are five leadership positions: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. And, they are suppose to perfect the saints, edify the body of Christ, those of us sitting in the pews. It is not clear to me exactly how how is this suppose to happen?

This is a big job, with the following goal:

More From Ephesians 4
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

This is a very big job....

Emerods Or Tumors

Deuteronomy 28
15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

And here is an incredible list of the bad things that will happen to you if you do not harken to the voice of God:

 More From Deuteronomy 28

16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.
17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.
18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
21 The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.
22 The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.
23 And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron.
24 The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed.
25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
26 And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away.
27 The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.
28 The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:
29 And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.

In verse 27, is the tumors or hemorrhoids? And, is there a corresponding passage to this in the New Testament?

A Problem In Corinth

1 Corinthians 5
1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

Here, we find a serious problem at the church in Corinth. And here is Paul's guidance:

More From 1 Corinthians 5
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

I think it odd, that Paul does not provide more specific guidance on how such problems should be resolved, how discipline might be meted out.

I also think it odd that such guidance is not addressed to a church elder or leader....

Women In Church

1 Corinthians 14
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

Above is the New Testament guidance on church order and the place of women. Following is the accepted Old Testament reference.

Genesis 3
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

For those of us who read and understand the Bible literaly, this appears to present a problem, at least in 21st Century America, in an America in which woman have a significant voice. Also, Paul provides an example of how the Old Testament passages support New Testament guidance.

This issue is well worth additional consideration....

Jesus' Marriage Feast

Matthew 22
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

This parable of the marriage feast finds Jesus teaching about a world we know only too well. And he provides us, all of us, with an invitation. We know, however, that too few of us accept this invitation. Too few respond to this holy call to redemption. And the parable concludes:

Matthew 22
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

This is an evil world. But I am comforted by both God's saving grace and also the truth I find in the Bible. Here is a verse from Paul that echos Jesus parable of the marriage feast:

Romans 8
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

And so, I look around, and I see the sad truth. This is an evil world full of lost souls. And we Christians are, in the end, but a small remnant.

It is a cool, damp, dreary morning. And it is drizzling. It is going to be a long commute.

Bible Prophesy (3 Of 3)

Zechariah 9
10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.

This passage portends a day of profound peace. A day when Israel is stripped of its military might but, there is peace among the Jews, the gentiles and the Christians. Now that, is just a wonderful thought.

I think there are a number of characteristics of bible prophesy.  Bible prophesy exhorts the faithful to righteousness. Bible prophesy is reasonably easy to understood. It references the eventual salvation of the gentiles. And, it describes reality as a Christian knows it; a Christian must see the reality of his or her daily life in the prophesy.

When reading the Old Testament, I am always comforted by references to the heathens, who I consider my spiritual forebears. Such passages show me my connection to God, thousands of years ago.

Also comforting is the conception of God in this passage. Here, God's presence, God's dominion, spans all space and all time.

Children Of Wrath, Children Of Disobedience

Ephesians 2
1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:

Some Questions.
What happens to the children of wrath? Why is this question asked?  For edification?  For exhortation?  To scare some to salvation?

Revelations 20
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

I think, maybe, in the end, the answers to all of these questions are God's business.  And, maybe, I do not need to be concerned with them. 

Let me give this some more thought....

Fear (Of God)

Numbers 15
32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

In the Old Testament, God's judgement is metted out on earth, as sinful events unfold.  Especially note the story of the captivities. 

In the New Testament, God's judgement, through Jesus, happens in heaven, on the judgement day.

Revelations 20
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Either way, God's judgement cannot be taken lightly.  

This is the second time I have considered the passage about the man of sticks who gets stoned by the children of Israel in the time of Moses.  Some passages are worth annual consideration.

Biblical Theology

Luke 24
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Reminder, for future consideration.

Here, Jesus talks to two disciples after he rose from the dead. This passage ties the Old Testament and New Testament together. It also becomes the basis of Biblical Theology. To understand Jesus and his sacrifice, you must study the Old Testament.

Hosea 6
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Third Heaven

2 Corinthians 12
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.

The third heaven is a doctrine or concept that I could not figure out on my own.  The doctrine of the third heaven seems not to be often referred to, at least, I had not noticed it before. I did look it up to get some basic background on this passage, and it is a useful doctrine, logical, to me. Chalk it up to an increase of the knowledge of God.

Jamieson Faussett Brown
A man--meaning himself. But he purposely thus distinguishes between the rapt and glorified person of 2 Co 12:2, 4, and himself the infirmity-laden victim of the "thorn in the flesh" (2 Co 12:7)

And Also From Jamieson Faussett Brown
The first heaven is that of the clouds, the air; the second, that of the stars, the sky; the third is spiritual.

The steam boiler that heats my old house is not working today. Not sure what is wrong, but steam boilers are always expensive to fix. There are no good, cheap plumbers. And winter is coming on. My Bible study was particularly comforting this morning. It's good to take a break from the cares of the world.

Zecharia's Four Chariots

Zecharia 6
1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass.
2 In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.

A question.  Who are the four spirits of the heavens?  The apostles? All missionaries?  All pastors? Whoever thy are, they went forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.

To me, this passage is about God way and working in the world.

Zecharia 6
7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.

I do not know why, but the phrase "walked to and fro" is, to me, the dearest phrase in the Bible.  I find more comfort in this passage than the twenty-third Psalm....

Revelations 7
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

The Candlestick Of Gold and The Two Olive Trees

Zechariah 4
1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,
2 and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
3 and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

The echos between the Old Testament and New Testament. Breath-taking.  Like threads of a tapestry weaved consistently over ages.

Revelations 11
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth

The importance of the message in Revelations, the unfolding of the mystery of the church and the future beyond it, strikes me. The olive trees must be Peter And Paul.

And Finally From Zechariah 4
13 And he [the angel] answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
14 Then said he, These [two olive trees] are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

Aged Men And Aged Women

Titus 2
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

In the previous chapter, Paul provides guidance to elders. Here, he provides guidance to mature church members, aged men and aged women.  It is well worth considering church order and, in partiuular, the responsibilities of various members of a church.

"Not given to much wine" seems misplaced. Here is Matthew Henry's comment:

Matthew Henry Complete
Not given to much wine; the word denotes such addictedness thereto as to be under the power and mastery of it. This is unseemly and evil in any, but especially in this sex and age, and was too much to be found among the Greeks of that time and place. How immodest and shameful, corrupting and destroying purity both of body and mind!

Women drinking appropriate amounts of wine may be a comment more approprite to Greeks in Titus' time than to Christians in the 1600's or Christians today.

Bible Prophesy - Tyre (2 Of 3)

Isaiah 23
1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

I studied this passage yesterday, this passage about Tyre, the harlot, which, in the days of the Acts of the Apostles, welcomed Christians. Last night I dreamed about it. And this morning I woke up thinking of it.

It comforts me like a warm fire on a cold night.

Question
What is the edification of Bible phophesy? On one hand, it exhorts us to faith.  But, maybe more important, prophesy is our lesson in the workings of God here on earth.  And, also, it is comforting to understand that  good can come from bad.  If God wills it....

Bible Prophesy - Tyre (1 Of 3)

Isaiah 23
1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

Here, is the prophesy of the judgement of Tyre, the Phoenician city, the commerical center, the harlot.

More From Isaiah 23
15 And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot.

And, after seventy years, still a harlot, she is singing and, back in business. But now this harlot will serve  beneficial purposes.

More from Isaiah 23
18 And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

This harlot, this city in Phenice, will, in the end, serve God's purpose.  She will be one of the first centers of Christianity.

Acts 11
19 Now they [the first ministers of the Gospel] which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Odd Metaphors

Revelations 21
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

There are a couple of metaphors found in the Bible that I do not take comfort in. These metaphors do not, to me, adequately express the profound, abstract, timeless, power of God. Above and below are such passages.

Isaiah 66
11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.

Some day, I might read and reconsider this post.  I might delete it.

One Poor Spirit, Trembling Man

Isaiah 66
1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Here, God is Lord of heaven and of earth.  And, he appears not to be concerned with the particular affairs of this world.  He appears not to be concerned with any particular house that we might build for him, any particular place of his rest on earth.

His true concern is the heart of the man who is poor, contrite of spirit, and trembleth at God's word.  And who is "this man?"  Is He Christ, who came to earth poor and contrite?  Or is he referring to his saints, who are poor and who are contrite and who trembleth at God's work?  The answers to these questions are not nearly as important as the questions.

God's saving grace is personal.  It transcends family, church, and nation.

Separation (From The Unclean Thing)

2 Corinthians 6
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

The unclean thing probably refers to Jewish ceremonial law, though not dietary law. It probably refers to laws about idols. Here is the previous verse.

More From 2 Corinthians 6
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

This to me is an excellent way to understand the doctrine of separation. Love thy God, and stay separate from idols

It's a dreary Thursday morning. But I'm off and running, with a spirit-filled attitude....

For Whom Did Jesus Die?

Romans 8
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

I do not know why I have spent so much time considering this one question. For whom did Jesus die?Above is from Paul. Following is from Jesus.

John 15
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

If you accept Jesus as your savior, and if you worship regularly and faithfully and if you conscientiosly read your bible, at some point, the light goes on, and you say, " Hey, I did not chose Him, He chose me."

John 15
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Marching Orders

1 Thessalonians 5
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

We are a country at war, and should be familiar with the metaphors of war.

Here, we have our marching orders, from God, on how to live our daily lives. And if we follow those orders, then we will....

More From 1 Thessalonians 5
16 Rejoice evermore.

Samuel Bagster

Ephesians 4
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Samuel Bagster worked in the hinterlands of the Christian faith.  R. A. Torrey based his Treasury of Scripture Knowledge on Bagster's earlier work, and indeed, credited Bagster for his efforts.  Samuel Bagster's efforts no doubt enriched the spiritual of millions of Christians.....
 
Samuel Bagster Biography
Samuel Bagster was an English publisher. He was born in 1772 and died in 1851. He was a founder of the firm of Bagster & Sons, celebrated for their bibles. He began business as a London bookseller in 1794, and soon turned his attention to the publication of bibles, bringing out a Hebrew Bible the Septuagint (Greek) version, and the English version, with 60,000 parallel references, followed by his great polyglot Bible, which in its final form showed eight languages at the opening of the volume. Separate versions in different languages were also brought out, with various other aids to the study of Scripture; a polyglot Book of Common Prayer, in eight languages; etc.

When we read our Bibles and, at some point, check out the reference in those narrow columns next to the Work of God, how many of us think of Samuel Bagster?  And, how many thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands (?) of Christians are out there, working in the hinterlands of the Christian faith, just like Samuel Bagster?

When All Of God's Singers Get Home 3 of 3

Acts 16
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

How do we communicate with God? And how does God communicate with us? How do we communicate with other Christians? One way is through music. God gives us the gift to sing, and we sing our hearts out. Then again, sometires it's just good to hear an old gospel song.

An Example
The church I go to, I love the singing, I can feel the Spirit in the singing. And, it's just a small group of saved sinners, God fearing I'm sure, and a piano.

Another example
My my mother had Altzhimers in her later years. In her last year we would watch the Gaithers on TV. I'll never know for sure, she didn't have much of a mind, but I think this was one of her favorite Gaither songs.

WHEN ALL OF GOD'S SINGERS GET HOME
Luther G. Presley; Virgil O. Stamps (Gaither Homecoming Hour)

What a song of delight in that City so bright
Will be wafted 'neath Heaven's fair dome!
How the ransomed will raise happy songs in His praise,
When all of God's singers get home!

When all of God's singers get home,
Where never a sorrow will come;
There'll be "no place like home,"
When all of God's singers get home.

As We sing here on earth, songs of sadness or mirth,
'Tis a foretaste of rapture to come.
But our joy can't compare with the glory up there,
When all of God's singers get home!

Having overcome sin, "Hallelujah, AMEN!"
Will be heard in that land o'er the foam;
Every heart will be light and each face will be bright--
When all of God's singers get home!

Question
What does God really think of Southern Gospel Music?

When All Of God's Singers Come Home (1 Of 3)

Acts 16
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

There certainly is a lot going on in your life, before you get the call, before you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Big things, little things, events, family influences, work influences, conversations, odd daily routines. And, some of these things are spiritual and edifying and comforting. Some of these things seem to be nudging you toward your redemption.

Growing up, living in the North, we were not allowed to forget our Eastern North Carolina roots.  And, you might say, we revelled in our roots, and in particular our Primitive Baptist roots and what seemed to be quaint customs: Baptism in the river, very strict no-nonsense living, foot-washing and A Capella singing.

And now, with the internet, you are just a click away from your spiritual past. Here are some samples of A Capella singing:

There'll Be No Sorrow There
Amazing Grace

It's like peering into heaven....

When All Of God's Singers Come Home (2 Of 2)

Acts 16

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them,

There certainly is a lot going on in your life, before you get the call, before you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Big things, little things, events, family influences, work influences, conversations, odd daily routines.  And, some of these things are spiritual and edifying and comforting.  Some of these things seem to be nudging you toward your redemption.

Every Sunday for eight years, before I went off to college, I sat in the pew from which this picture was taken. I loved church music, and oh I loved that organ. It was like a member of the family, a brother or a sister. The church was Methodist, with a grand and glorious view of God's grace.

And so, how did I finally find my spiritual home and God's truth in a small Independent Fundamental Baptist church? In Northern New Jersey? I think the expression is: I have no earthly idea.  I guess the answer is the wonder of the working of the Holy Spirit.

 Here is the organ from the view of the music director, Dr. Austin C. Lovelace.  

....the wonder of the working of the Holy Spirit....

Jesus And The Jews (Pharisees)

John 8
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

In this chapter Jesus has a lengthy discussion with the Pharisees. Above he comments on these Pharisees, these sons of Abraham. His condemnation is harsh.

The apostle Paul continues the discussion of the Jews in the book of Romans.

Romans 9
1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
2 that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Truth Of The Call

John 6
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

This is the truth, as I understand it and as I have experienced it.

Jamieson Faussett Brown
draw him--by an internal and efficacious operation; though by all the means of rational conviction, and in a way altogether consonant to their moral nature.

The Holy Spirit

John 14
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The Holy Spirit can pass by you, like a warm breeze. The Holy Spirit can, from time to time, fill you. The Holy Spirit can dwell in you.

I remember the day that I first knew that the Holy Spirit "shall be in you."

More From John 14
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Preaching

Philippians 1
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

This passage suggests some conflict among the Philippians, possibly involving self-seeking Judaizing, but conflict just the same. I personally, would never underestimate the harm that can come from contentious preaching.

But, in the end, Paul's conclusion is, if they preach Jesus, they are acceptable:

Philippians 1
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Daily, Righteous Life

Romans 14
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Here, Paul warns us that we are spoken evil of because of the little, insignificant, stupid things we do.  Things, however, that somehow get noticed.

After we are saved, we must learn to be Christian.  To me, passages that help us to live a daily, righteous, humble life are most important.  This is a simple, clear doctrine that each and every one of us can understand and, hopefully, joyfully accept.

What Is Important?

Romans 14
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

In this chapter Paul continues to discuss the subject of the righteousness of the law versus the righteousness of faith. It is about Hebrew ceremonial activities and the Christian liberty from these activities.

In passing, Paul seems to suggest that weak Christians are those who follow Hebrew dietary and feast day laws, and strong Christians are those who exercise Christian liberty and do not follow those laws of Moses. I sense that the issue of weak Christians versus strong Christians is not very important.

So, what is important?

More From Romans 14
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

The Messiah Returns

Isaiah 63
1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

This chapter is about the grand return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  

More From Isaiah 63
3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

And this is about the works of Jesus, the Messiah, and his vengeance. The people who were "none for me" are the grapes that He tramples. Their blood stains His garments.

Whoa.....

I guess Christ has many names.  Here it is Christ, the avenger.  And that's alright.  But, my first thought of Christ will always be Christ, the reconciler.

These Are They Whom The LORD Hath Sent To Walk To And Fro Through The Earth

Zechariah 1
8 I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.

This passage gave me goose bumps before I studied it. And I don't know why. Before I had even an inkling as to what it might mean, the image of these men, riding horses, sent by God to walk to and fro through the earth, were etched on my brain.

In the end, after some consideration, I find this passage truly does contain good words, and comforting words. Here is how I understand it:

Zechariah 1 (Edited)
8 I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.
10 And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
13 And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.
16 ....thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies....
17 ....and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Dim Glimmer Of God's Truth

Ezekiel 1
4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

In passages from Zechariah, Ezekiel, Revelations, what some of us get is only a dim glimpse of God's profound truth, God's glory.  And that dim glimpse is, wonderful....

Webster's 1828 Dictionary
GLIMPSE
1. A weak faint light.
2. A flash of light; as the lightning's glimpse.
3. Transient luster.
4. A short transitory view.
5. Short fleeting enjoyment; as a glimpse of delight.
6. Exhibition of a faint resemblance.

Who Is The Watchman

Isaiah 62
6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
7 And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Do a little reading and you find that the watchmen could be angels or kings or mourners or princes or civil magistrates. The phrase is powerful and triggers thoughts of our fears and also thoughts of those who protect us.  I believe watchmen are the prophets of the Old Testament and ministers of the Gospel in the New Testament.

The rest of the passage suggests we pray and pray until Jesus, the Messiah, comes.....

Local Church Or Body Of Christ

Romans 15
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Who is Paul addressing here? The local church of Rome?  Or the body of Christ.?

Either way, this is just a difficult standard to live up to. It is especially difficult standard for those disperate members the body of Christ.

Difficult Doctrine

Romans 9
21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Here, in the 21st Century, I find this passage to be difficult. How should it be explained? How should it be applied?

More From Romans 9
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory...

Maybe there are passages that are best not discussed. And, here is the Old Testamen echo of Romans 9:21:

Isaiah 64
8 But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand.

Our Use Of The Law

Romans 7
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

How should we use the law, that is found in the Old Testament?

This is an important consideration, if you are studying theology. On the other hand, if you're just trying to get through the day, with a little God-pleasing humility, then the answer is easy.

Follow it, as best as you can....

Defiling Graven Images

Isaiah 30
19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
20 And [though] the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

Here is a prophesy of happy times to come for righteous Hebrews.  And, part of the prophesy, in verse 22, shows the Hebrews defiling graven images. 

This really is a wonderful, comforting prophesy.  But, in all honesty, I do not understand the need for the vivid imagery of verse 22. I just do not understand.

Sold Under Sin

Romans 7
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Slavery is the metaphor here. Even though I am saved, I am sold, like a slave, under sin. Even though I am saved, I am enslaved to sin. 

More From Romans 7
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.

You get saved. And then, you begin your the grand, glorious struggle with the flesh.....