Since the dawn of time, mankind has chosen to disregard his creator and follow a path of wilfull disobedience. Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden of Eden because they violated the Lord's direct command. "Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?", Gen 3:11b. The great flood was brought upon mankind early in his existence because of disobedience. "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.", Gen 6:5-6.
The Holy Bible continues to be the best selling book each and every year, but its clear instructions are disregarded as mankind chooses his own thoughts and ways. It is not surprising that the unbelievers, agnostics and atheists have no respect for the word of God, but quite astonishing when those who claim to be "Christian" embrace beliefs or practice customs and traditions that are in direct oppostion to the teachings of the very Bible they revere. It is not, however, surprising to God. Jer 17:9 reveals, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" The Psalmist says, "The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity", Psa 94:11.
We have all grown up in a ready-made world. Before we were old enough to distinguish between right and wrong or good and bad, our thought processes were already conditioned by our parents, peers, teachers and ministers. Most people simply follow the staus quo; the time honored beliefs, customs and traditions of the culture in which they live. Few ever think for themselves or question the authority figures in their lives. I grew up the same way. I was taught, from a very early age, to conform to the values, traditions and customs of family and society at large. I was introduced to the celebrations my individual family had embraced for generations, as well as the religious beliefs they held dear. Through the years, as I became a woman and started my own family, I raised my daughter in the same manner. Our family fit in nicely with other family members, our neighborhood, our community, our chosen religious affiliation, and so on. We were no different from anyone else, until the day I discovered what the Bible really said! Of course, it didn't really happen in a single day. It began one momentous day, with one revelation, and has continued for twenty-five years. As God has dealt with me through the years, he has patiently revealed his word to me here a little, there a little, line upon line, precept upon precept, Isa 28:9-10. I no longer blindly follow the "establishment". I read and study the word of God to discover what the Bible says and not what I've been told it says. I encourage others to do the same and dare to stand up for truth, no matter how unpopular it may be. I encourage others to question their practices and beliefs and expose them to the light of God's word. The following are only a small sampling of direct biblical teachings that fly in the face of accepted practices, teachings and beliefs.
God's word declares in Ex 20:4-5a, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them...". How does one reconcile this commandment with the statues, images and portraits of Jesus, the virgin Mary, so-called saints and angels housed in many of the churches and cathedrals throughout the world? This is a direct command written on a tablet of stone by the very Creator himself. It is plainly written and quite easy to understand. Yet, millions of people bow down and worship before these statues on a regular basis as part of their religious experience.
Ex 20:8,10 instructs,"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God." How is it that the majority of modern Christianity has disregarded this commandment and has exchanged the sabbath day with the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week and long-understood pagan celebration of the Sun-God? Many will cite the accepted explanation that we worship on Sunday now because it is the day of our Lord's resurrection. Did God give us authority to change the very day that he sanctified and made holy on creation week? No, but He did reveal that the keeping of the sabbath day is a sign between himself and his children.
Many religious leaders accept the title of "Father", even "Holy Father". Matt 23:8-9, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Also, there are some that have no problem being revered, worshipped or exalted. In contrast, Paul and Barnabas protested greatly when the people of Iconium attempted to worship and sacrifice before them as gods, Acts 14:11-15. Paul responded, "Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God...".
In the same vein, many religious leaders take unto themselves the role of intercessor between God and man, receiving the confessions of their followers, taking unto themselves the role of Christ. I Tim 2:5 tells us, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
Regarding the issue of priests abstaining from marriage, I Tim 4:1-3a, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron, Forbidding to marry."
There are those who pray to angels or saints. They believe that these intecede before God on their behalf. Matt 6:9 tells us "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." Concerning angels, Col 2:18 says, "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind." As for saints, who are thought to reside in heaven interceding for the living, Jesus himself said, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven." King David, a man after God's own heart,has not yet ascended into the heavens, Acts 2:34. Hebrews 11, which catalogues all the great men and women of old, ends with these words, "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise (eternal life): God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
As for repetitious prayers, Matt 6:7 instructs, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." As a young child, the denomination I was being raised in encouraged me to pray the Lord's prayer 10 times in a row as I knelt before the alter facing a statue of my Lord. I was also taught to worship the virgin Mary in the same manner, repeating a prayer to her multiple times.
Regarding public, showy prayers, Matt 6:6a teaches, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret..."
Some teach that man has an immortal soul which shall never die. Ezek 18:4,20 both tell us, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." I Tim 6:16 reveals that God alone possesses immortality. I Cor 15:53 declares that "mortal" man will one day put on "immortality", but we don't have it now.
Despite the fact that most of us have been taught to believe that there is no death, only eternal life in heaven or hell, the bible teaches the very opposite. John 3:16 is one of the most memorized verses in the scriptures, yet people don't really see what it says. Those who believe in Christ will be granted everlasting life, while those who don't PERISH! Mal 4:1-3, "FOR BEHOLD, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of Hosts."
There is so much more. As I stated earlier, this is just a small sampling of scriptures that absolutely fly in the face of man's traditional beliefs. It will take another article to expose our customs, traditions and celebrations, which all stem from pure paganism. What is wrong with us? Why are we so prone to close our eyes to God's word and replace it with the ancient ideologies of pagan nations that didn't even worship God? Rev 12:9 reveals that Satan has deceived the whole world. However, our very nature despises authority. We don't like to admit it, but we are hard-wired toward evil rather than righteousness. Like spoiled children we want our own way, and don't like God telling us how to behave. II Tim 4:3-4 pretty well sums up the condition we're in today. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Isa 30:8-10 spoke of a time to come, "Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits." Jesus dealt with this while on the earth. He accused the religious leaders of his day "Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.", Mark 7:9. Also, in Matt 15:8-9, he said "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Nothing has changed. Modern-day Christianity is guilty of the same today. You would think our bibles were written in an unknown language. Millions attend religious services each week, yet most don't have a clue as to what the bible says. Generation after generation follows the previous one like blind sheep. If one goes off the cliff, they all follow. No one questions; none ponders why there is so much "religion" in America, yet Americans remain so spiritually empty inside, always searching for meaning, never able to discover their true passion. It is time to lay aside our preconceived ideas based on what we have been taught and dare to open the word for ourselves, that we might discover what it really says. Don't count on anyone else to instruct you, for there are many false prophets out there. There are a multitude of ministers that continue to perpetuate the same false teachings that Satan has peddled since the dawn of time. Believe me, God will reveal himself to those who are willing to see.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Subject of Hell
Many Christian denominations have, as one of their key tenets of faith, a belief that there is a hell where non-believers are assigned at the end of their physical lives. This is a place of eternal torment from which there can be no escape. We are all familiar with this concept, in which an underground cave deep in the heart of the earth has been prepared as a kind of torture chamber for those who have not accepted Christ's sacrifice for their sins and spurned God's call to salvation. Satan, who is the ruler of hell, relishes in forms of punishment that we can scarce fathom. Those who dwell there are tormented with fire and brimstone continuously, and so will it be for all eternity, time without end.
Does this belief have its roots in the bible? Is this what the bible actually teaches, or does this idea stem from some other source? We owe it to ourselves to study this subject, for the bible itself tells us in II Tim 3:16, " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". The bible should be our only source of truth when it comes to our core beliefs.
As I have studied the subject of hell in the scriptures, I have learned that the English word "HELL" appears 53 times in the bible, 30 times in the Old Testament. The original Hebrew word from which hell was translated was "Sheol". Strong's Concordance defines Sheol as "hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates:- grave, hell, pit."
The 30 times sheol was translated hell, it was used to signify the unseen state of the dead. The bible translators for the King James Version also chose to translate sheol 29 times as "grave" and 3 times as "pit".
So, if we look at the original word sheol, we find it refers to the grave or the place of the dead. The English revisers have, therefore, inserted the Hebrew word sheol where hell, grave and pit were used in the KJV. so as to keep the integrity of the original text. See the New American Standard Bible.
The word hell appears 23 times in the New Testament and was translated from the Greek word "hades" 11 times. Strong's Condordance defines hades as "the place (state) of departed souls: - grave, hell". Hell is translated 10 times from the word "Geena", defined as "Valley of (the son of) Hinnom, gehenna (or Ge Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem: used (fig.) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: - hell.
Hell is translated from the Greek word "tartaros" once in II Pet 2:4,"For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to HELL, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment". Tartaros is defined as "(the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: cast down to hell". Notice that it is the abode of the ANGELS that sinned, not man.
We can see that the majority of scriptures using the word hell refer to the grave or state of the dead. However, it is the translation of the Greek word gehenna that seemingly gives the impression of eternal punishment of the wicked. Jesus Christ was the only one who used the term, except for one passage in James 3:6, most often in conjunction with fire. See the exerpts below.
MATTHEW 5:22 Thou fool, shall be in danger of HELL fire.
MATTHEW 5:29 that thy whole body should be cast into HELL.
MATTHEW 10:28 able to destroy both soul and body in HELL
MATTHEW 18:9 having two eyes to be cast into HELL fire
MATTHEW 23:33 vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of HELL?
MARK 9:43 hands to go into HELL, into the fire
MARK 9:45 to be cast into HELL, into the fire
It would seem, from Jesus' warnings, that modern Christianity is on the right track with regard to the fate of the wicked being eternal fire. However, one must view the bible in its entire context. No one can rightfully claim to understand every scripture and there are those that are hard to grasp. Others, when taken out of context, are often used to build a complete doctrine that is completely contrary to the plain teachings of God.
When one studies the bible in its overall context, a theme emerges that is quite contrary to the teachings of modern Christianity. First of all, the bible does not teach that the dead are consciously alive and dwelling in any location, be it heaven or hell, in the terms that Christians have come to believe. The dead, we are plainly told are asleep in their graves awaiting a resurrection. We are told in I Cor 15 that Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected. Verse 20 "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the FIRSTFRUITS of them that slept". Verse 23 "But every man in his own order: Christ the FIRSTFRUITS; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming". Verse 24, "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the KINGDOM to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power."
In fact, the Apostle Paul made it quite clear that the only hope for the believer is the resurrection of Christ. I Cor 16-17, " For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ RAISED: And if Christ be not RAISED, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins".
The major theme of the bible is the revelation that God has provided a way for the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection at his first coming and that he has appointed a day in which this same Jesus will return to earth a second time to usher in the kingdom of God. As we have seen in I Cor 15:23, the righteous will be raised at the Lord's coming. Rev 20:4-6, "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a THOUSAND YEARS. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the THOUSAND YEARS were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a THOUSAND YEARS".
What happens to the unbeliever? Jesus tells us they will indeed have their part in the lake of fire. Rev 10:15 tells us, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE". Rev 20:12, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the BOOK OF LIFE: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And whosoever was not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire". Is it, however, a place of never-ending torment? Rev 21:8 reveals, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and BRIMSTONE: which is the second death". Did you catch that? IT IS THE SECOND DEATH! What is death? Death is not life. Death is the opposite of life! Mal 4:1 tells us,"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall BURN as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall BURN them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Verse 3 continues, "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts". Rev 11:18 speaks of that day, "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest DESTROY them which DESTROY the earth".
The wicked shall surely be destoyed in that day. But, as we see from the bible, their punishment will be swift and complete. They will be totally destoyed, no longer to have their place among the living. Our creator is a merciful God. He is not in the business of torture. In Ezek 33:11, the Lord spoke through the prophet to his people,"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel"? Surely, that is God's plea to all mankind! "Turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die"?
Does this belief have its roots in the bible? Is this what the bible actually teaches, or does this idea stem from some other source? We owe it to ourselves to study this subject, for the bible itself tells us in II Tim 3:16, " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". The bible should be our only source of truth when it comes to our core beliefs.
As I have studied the subject of hell in the scriptures, I have learned that the English word "HELL" appears 53 times in the bible, 30 times in the Old Testament. The original Hebrew word from which hell was translated was "Sheol". Strong's Concordance defines Sheol as "hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates:- grave, hell, pit."
The 30 times sheol was translated hell, it was used to signify the unseen state of the dead. The bible translators for the King James Version also chose to translate sheol 29 times as "grave" and 3 times as "pit".
So, if we look at the original word sheol, we find it refers to the grave or the place of the dead. The English revisers have, therefore, inserted the Hebrew word sheol where hell, grave and pit were used in the KJV. so as to keep the integrity of the original text. See the New American Standard Bible.
The word hell appears 23 times in the New Testament and was translated from the Greek word "hades" 11 times. Strong's Condordance defines hades as "the place (state) of departed souls: - grave, hell". Hell is translated 10 times from the word "Geena", defined as "Valley of (the son of) Hinnom, gehenna (or Ge Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem: used (fig.) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: - hell.
Hell is translated from the Greek word "tartaros" once in II Pet 2:4,"For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to HELL, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment". Tartaros is defined as "(the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: cast down to hell". Notice that it is the abode of the ANGELS that sinned, not man.
We can see that the majority of scriptures using the word hell refer to the grave or state of the dead. However, it is the translation of the Greek word gehenna that seemingly gives the impression of eternal punishment of the wicked. Jesus Christ was the only one who used the term, except for one passage in James 3:6, most often in conjunction with fire. See the exerpts below.
MATTHEW 5:22 Thou fool, shall be in danger of HELL fire.
MATTHEW 5:29 that thy whole body should be cast into HELL.
MATTHEW 10:28 able to destroy both soul and body in HELL
MATTHEW 18:9 having two eyes to be cast into HELL fire
MATTHEW 23:33 vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of HELL?
MARK 9:43 hands to go into HELL, into the fire
MARK 9:45 to be cast into HELL, into the fire
It would seem, from Jesus' warnings, that modern Christianity is on the right track with regard to the fate of the wicked being eternal fire. However, one must view the bible in its entire context. No one can rightfully claim to understand every scripture and there are those that are hard to grasp. Others, when taken out of context, are often used to build a complete doctrine that is completely contrary to the plain teachings of God.
When one studies the bible in its overall context, a theme emerges that is quite contrary to the teachings of modern Christianity. First of all, the bible does not teach that the dead are consciously alive and dwelling in any location, be it heaven or hell, in the terms that Christians have come to believe. The dead, we are plainly told are asleep in their graves awaiting a resurrection. We are told in I Cor 15 that Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected. Verse 20 "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the FIRSTFRUITS of them that slept". Verse 23 "But every man in his own order: Christ the FIRSTFRUITS; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming". Verse 24, "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the KINGDOM to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power."
In fact, the Apostle Paul made it quite clear that the only hope for the believer is the resurrection of Christ. I Cor 16-17, " For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ RAISED: And if Christ be not RAISED, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins".
The major theme of the bible is the revelation that God has provided a way for the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection at his first coming and that he has appointed a day in which this same Jesus will return to earth a second time to usher in the kingdom of God. As we have seen in I Cor 15:23, the righteous will be raised at the Lord's coming. Rev 20:4-6, "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a THOUSAND YEARS. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the THOUSAND YEARS were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a THOUSAND YEARS".
What happens to the unbeliever? Jesus tells us they will indeed have their part in the lake of fire. Rev 10:15 tells us, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE". Rev 20:12, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the BOOK OF LIFE: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And whosoever was not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire". Is it, however, a place of never-ending torment? Rev 21:8 reveals, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and BRIMSTONE: which is the second death". Did you catch that? IT IS THE SECOND DEATH! What is death? Death is not life. Death is the opposite of life! Mal 4:1 tells us,"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall BURN as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall BURN them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Verse 3 continues, "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts". Rev 11:18 speaks of that day, "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest DESTROY them which DESTROY the earth".
The wicked shall surely be destoyed in that day. But, as we see from the bible, their punishment will be swift and complete. They will be totally destoyed, no longer to have their place among the living. Our creator is a merciful God. He is not in the business of torture. In Ezek 33:11, the Lord spoke through the prophet to his people,"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel"? Surely, that is God's plea to all mankind! "Turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die"?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Fight The Good Fight
Many Christians will tell you that belief in the Lord Jesus is all that is required for salvation. Indeed, the bible does tell us we are saved by grace through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8-9). Many of us can quote from memory 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". Notice the word "SHOULD", not WILL. Matt 7:21-23 quotes Jesus' teaching that not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of God. Some will declare that they have prophesied in his name, cast out devils, and performed many wonderful works, again in his name. He will say he never knew them for they were workers of iniquity.
There are no doubt billions of people who think of themselves as Christians, based upon their belief in the Lord and acceptance of his sacrifice for their sins. We are told, though, in Matt 7:13-14, that MANY will follow the path that leads to destruction. In comparison, relatively FEW will find the path that leads to life. Are we therefore missing something? Is there a disconnect with regard to our understanding?
I ponder these things as I am reminded of teachings such as those above, as well as those of the Apostle James, who tells us that faith without works is dead, James 2:20. The Apostle Peter teaches us that God will judge us according to our works (I Pet 1:17) and in II Pet 1:5-8 he instructs us to add to our faith the following; virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. In verses 10-11 he teaches that we are to make our calling and election sure, that we MAY be granted entrance into the kingdom of God.
There are many more examples throughout the bible that admonish us to live godly lives before our God. The Apostle Paul writes in Rom 12:1-2 that we are to offer our bodies a LIVING sacrifice to our Father, and to be not conformed to this world but tranformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is the good and acceptable will of God.
He never, however, deceived those he taught into believing that it would be an easy road. He likened the Christian's life to warfare. We have to battle, not only our own flesh and the sinful nature within us, but Satan, who wants nothing more than to destroy us. He wrote in Eph 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." He followed in verse 13, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." I Pet 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Paul used this analogy throughout his letter to Timothy, his spiritual son and fellow-laborer in the work. He charged him to fight a good warfare, encouraging him to be strong and to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. He warned him to refrain from entangling himself in the affairs of this world, but to flee the temptations that destroyed the lives of others. He reminded Timothy to study the word to show himself approved of God, rightly dividing the word of truth.
In word and in deed, Paul himself lived what he taught. But again, he didn't shy away from the truth; that it takes commitment, endurance and strength, in addition to faith, to attain unto salvation. To the Phillippians, he wrote, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before; I PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus", Phil 3:13-14. Toward the end of his life, he wrote, "For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith (II Tim 4:6-7).
Paul was speaking of an active faith. This kind of faith is evidenced by works, as we learn from the book of James. The 11th chapter of Hebrews is often referred to as the "Faith" chapter of the Bible. We are given an historical glimspe into the lives of some of the greatest people who have ever lived, people of great faith. Each verse resonates with the results of such faith; By faith Abel offered God a more excellent sacrifice, by faith Enoch was translated, by faith Noah moved with fear and prepared an ark, by faith Abraham obeyed and went out, not knowing where he went, by faith Moses refused to be called Pharoah's son and forsook Egypt. The Bible gives numerous examples of this active faith, a faith in God so strong, that obedience to Him was never questioned. No hardship, no threat to life, no offer of fame, fortune or riches could shake such absolute faith in their God and the glory that would one day be theirs if they overcame. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced a fiery furnace, Daniel braved the lion's den, and our Savior spurned Satan's offer of immediate glory in exchange for his worship.
Finally, Christ's message to the seven churches of Revelation all end with the same admonition, To him who OVERCOMES! Yes, we can only be saved by God's grace, through faith. However, real faith will be evidenced by lives of overcoming, of service and obedience to God.
There are no doubt billions of people who think of themselves as Christians, based upon their belief in the Lord and acceptance of his sacrifice for their sins. We are told, though, in Matt 7:13-14, that MANY will follow the path that leads to destruction. In comparison, relatively FEW will find the path that leads to life. Are we therefore missing something? Is there a disconnect with regard to our understanding?
I ponder these things as I am reminded of teachings such as those above, as well as those of the Apostle James, who tells us that faith without works is dead, James 2:20. The Apostle Peter teaches us that God will judge us according to our works (I Pet 1:17) and in II Pet 1:5-8 he instructs us to add to our faith the following; virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. In verses 10-11 he teaches that we are to make our calling and election sure, that we MAY be granted entrance into the kingdom of God.
There are many more examples throughout the bible that admonish us to live godly lives before our God. The Apostle Paul writes in Rom 12:1-2 that we are to offer our bodies a LIVING sacrifice to our Father, and to be not conformed to this world but tranformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is the good and acceptable will of God.
He never, however, deceived those he taught into believing that it would be an easy road. He likened the Christian's life to warfare. We have to battle, not only our own flesh and the sinful nature within us, but Satan, who wants nothing more than to destroy us. He wrote in Eph 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." He followed in verse 13, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." I Pet 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Paul used this analogy throughout his letter to Timothy, his spiritual son and fellow-laborer in the work. He charged him to fight a good warfare, encouraging him to be strong and to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. He warned him to refrain from entangling himself in the affairs of this world, but to flee the temptations that destroyed the lives of others. He reminded Timothy to study the word to show himself approved of God, rightly dividing the word of truth.
In word and in deed, Paul himself lived what he taught. But again, he didn't shy away from the truth; that it takes commitment, endurance and strength, in addition to faith, to attain unto salvation. To the Phillippians, he wrote, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before; I PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus", Phil 3:13-14. Toward the end of his life, he wrote, "For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith (II Tim 4:6-7).
Paul was speaking of an active faith. This kind of faith is evidenced by works, as we learn from the book of James. The 11th chapter of Hebrews is often referred to as the "Faith" chapter of the Bible. We are given an historical glimspe into the lives of some of the greatest people who have ever lived, people of great faith. Each verse resonates with the results of such faith; By faith Abel offered God a more excellent sacrifice, by faith Enoch was translated, by faith Noah moved with fear and prepared an ark, by faith Abraham obeyed and went out, not knowing where he went, by faith Moses refused to be called Pharoah's son and forsook Egypt. The Bible gives numerous examples of this active faith, a faith in God so strong, that obedience to Him was never questioned. No hardship, no threat to life, no offer of fame, fortune or riches could shake such absolute faith in their God and the glory that would one day be theirs if they overcame. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced a fiery furnace, Daniel braved the lion's den, and our Savior spurned Satan's offer of immediate glory in exchange for his worship.
Finally, Christ's message to the seven churches of Revelation all end with the same admonition, To him who OVERCOMES! Yes, we can only be saved by God's grace, through faith. However, real faith will be evidenced by lives of overcoming, of service and obedience to God.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Old Wineskins
Jesus once used an analogy as a comparison between what man considered true worship and that which pleased our heavenly Father. Three of the gospels recorded his comments; Matthew, Mark and Luke. Matthew's version states, "No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved." The original Greek meaning of the word translated "bottle" is a leathern or skin bag used as a bottle, or wineskin.
What was Jesus speaking of? If we look at the context, he was explaining to his disciples that the Pharisees, or religious leaders of their day, had many teachings, customs and traditions that needed revisiting in the context of the new life that he was offering them. The Pharisees lived by the letter of the law, but Jesus was introducing his followers to a higher spiritual law. This law could not be contained in the requirements of the old covenant, for it would indeed replace the physical requirements of the Mosaic law with the spiritual requirements of a new covenant. Hebrews 8:10 defines it for us. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."
If we accept this new covenant today, we may also find that we need to address many of our teachings, customs and traditions in light of our Lord's teachings. If we are honest, we may find that we are trying to put our new wine into old wineskins. Many Christians would counter with, "We don't follow the old Jewish laws. We are not under law, but under grace. We accept Jesus as our Lord and savior and he has washed away our sins."
That may be true, but have we perhaps been deceived into following other ways that might be considered "old wineskins" that our Lord cannot pour new wine into? Let me give you an example. I begin with some background that will clarify this subject for you as we move along. When the Lord called ancient Israel to be his called-out people, his chosen nation, he warned them regarding the form of worship he would accept, as well as that type of worship that would be considered an abomination. When he separated them from the other nations upon the earth, he commanded them, "Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise", Deut 12:30. What type of "worship" did these pagan nations practice? What were the customs and traditions that the Lord warned his children not to follow after?
Deut 18:9-14 gives us insight into the sin of witchcraft. "When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer (a seeker of the dead). For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do."
I read this and can think of so many practices that we engage in today that would not be pleasing to the Lord, based on this scripture; Fortune-telling, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot card readings, etc. Look at the increase in our nation's obsession with books, movies and video games containing satanic themes. Horror films are on the increase, the bloodier the better. In addition, Halloween is growing in popularity, second only to Christmas in sales. Do you know the origins of Halloween? There are a multitude of articles on the internet regarding Halloween and the customs and traditions associated with it. Although each focuses on a different aspect of this holiday, they all seem to agree on the earliest origins that spawned the celebration that we observe today.
The earliest celebrations from which we get our Halloween today have their origins with the ancient Celtics of Northern France, Ireland and Britain. November 1st was the first day of the Celtic new year. The night before was the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the summer or harvest season and the beginning of the dark winter season. It was believed to be the time when the veil between the living and the dead was the thinnest, allowing the spirits of the dead to return to earth and roam the streets. To ward off these roaming ghosts, the superstitious Celtics would wear masks and light bonfires, carve scary faces in pumpkins and place them in their windows or leave gifts outside their houses hoping to spare themselves or their homes from harm. Celtic priests offered sacrifices of crops and animals to their dieties and practiced fortune-telling, believing that contact with the spirit world was closest during this season.
In 43 A.D. the Romans conquered the Celtic world and merged Samhain with the Roman festivals of Feralia, which commemorated the passing of the dead and that of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruits and trees. Her symbol was the apple, from which we get our custom of "bobbing" for apples today.
Eventually, Christianity began to take hold in Europe. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1st All Saints Day to honor saints and martyrs. The night before became known as All-hallows Eve and later Halloween. He was attempting to replace the old Celtic practices with new traditions that reflected a more Christian view. However,the results proved to be a mixture of the earlier Celtic customs, Catholic and Roman religious rituals and European folklore merged together.
As European immigrants migrated to America, they brought with them many of these customs and, over the years, they were blended together forming the secular holiday we now celebrate on October 31st. Most Americans don't consider Halloween to be anything other than innocent fun. Does God feel the same way? We saw earlier in this article what he thinks of the dark practices of withcraft and the occult. Is He amused by our making light of demons, witches, ghosts, evil spirits, hauntings, and Satan himself? Is God pleased when we masquerade in costumes that depict these beings? Many would say, "It's all fun and games!" Maybe so, but it is an abomination to God and He forbids his children to partake of such things.
The Apostle Paul instructed the Christian converts in Corinth to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers or have fellowship with unrighteousness. He asks, "What communion hath light with darkness?", II Cor 6:14. He told the Ephesians, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light", Eph 5:8. He goes on to say in Eph 5:11, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." The spirit world is very real. We are told in Eph 6:12 that, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places". Those who dabble in the practices of spiritism will be punished when Christ returns to earth. Rev 21:8 includes sorcerers and idolaters as those who will have their part in the lake of fire at the end time.
Christians are to keep themselves separate from evildoers and from the unfruitful deeds of darkness. There is nothing about Halloween that can remotely be considered Christian, therefore, it behooves true Christians to refrain from taking part in this holiday. We should refrain from joining in with a world that makes a habit of recycling ancient pagan customs and traditions (old wineskins) and attempting to pour Christianity into them.
What was Jesus speaking of? If we look at the context, he was explaining to his disciples that the Pharisees, or religious leaders of their day, had many teachings, customs and traditions that needed revisiting in the context of the new life that he was offering them. The Pharisees lived by the letter of the law, but Jesus was introducing his followers to a higher spiritual law. This law could not be contained in the requirements of the old covenant, for it would indeed replace the physical requirements of the Mosaic law with the spiritual requirements of a new covenant. Hebrews 8:10 defines it for us. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."
If we accept this new covenant today, we may also find that we need to address many of our teachings, customs and traditions in light of our Lord's teachings. If we are honest, we may find that we are trying to put our new wine into old wineskins. Many Christians would counter with, "We don't follow the old Jewish laws. We are not under law, but under grace. We accept Jesus as our Lord and savior and he has washed away our sins."
That may be true, but have we perhaps been deceived into following other ways that might be considered "old wineskins" that our Lord cannot pour new wine into? Let me give you an example. I begin with some background that will clarify this subject for you as we move along. When the Lord called ancient Israel to be his called-out people, his chosen nation, he warned them regarding the form of worship he would accept, as well as that type of worship that would be considered an abomination. When he separated them from the other nations upon the earth, he commanded them, "Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise", Deut 12:30. What type of "worship" did these pagan nations practice? What were the customs and traditions that the Lord warned his children not to follow after?
Deut 18:9-14 gives us insight into the sin of witchcraft. "When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer (a seeker of the dead). For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do."
I read this and can think of so many practices that we engage in today that would not be pleasing to the Lord, based on this scripture; Fortune-telling, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot card readings, etc. Look at the increase in our nation's obsession with books, movies and video games containing satanic themes. Horror films are on the increase, the bloodier the better. In addition, Halloween is growing in popularity, second only to Christmas in sales. Do you know the origins of Halloween? There are a multitude of articles on the internet regarding Halloween and the customs and traditions associated with it. Although each focuses on a different aspect of this holiday, they all seem to agree on the earliest origins that spawned the celebration that we observe today.
The earliest celebrations from which we get our Halloween today have their origins with the ancient Celtics of Northern France, Ireland and Britain. November 1st was the first day of the Celtic new year. The night before was the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the summer or harvest season and the beginning of the dark winter season. It was believed to be the time when the veil between the living and the dead was the thinnest, allowing the spirits of the dead to return to earth and roam the streets. To ward off these roaming ghosts, the superstitious Celtics would wear masks and light bonfires, carve scary faces in pumpkins and place them in their windows or leave gifts outside their houses hoping to spare themselves or their homes from harm. Celtic priests offered sacrifices of crops and animals to their dieties and practiced fortune-telling, believing that contact with the spirit world was closest during this season.
In 43 A.D. the Romans conquered the Celtic world and merged Samhain with the Roman festivals of Feralia, which commemorated the passing of the dead and that of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruits and trees. Her symbol was the apple, from which we get our custom of "bobbing" for apples today.
Eventually, Christianity began to take hold in Europe. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1st All Saints Day to honor saints and martyrs. The night before became known as All-hallows Eve and later Halloween. He was attempting to replace the old Celtic practices with new traditions that reflected a more Christian view. However,the results proved to be a mixture of the earlier Celtic customs, Catholic and Roman religious rituals and European folklore merged together.
As European immigrants migrated to America, they brought with them many of these customs and, over the years, they were blended together forming the secular holiday we now celebrate on October 31st. Most Americans don't consider Halloween to be anything other than innocent fun. Does God feel the same way? We saw earlier in this article what he thinks of the dark practices of withcraft and the occult. Is He amused by our making light of demons, witches, ghosts, evil spirits, hauntings, and Satan himself? Is God pleased when we masquerade in costumes that depict these beings? Many would say, "It's all fun and games!" Maybe so, but it is an abomination to God and He forbids his children to partake of such things.
The Apostle Paul instructed the Christian converts in Corinth to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers or have fellowship with unrighteousness. He asks, "What communion hath light with darkness?", II Cor 6:14. He told the Ephesians, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light", Eph 5:8. He goes on to say in Eph 5:11, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." The spirit world is very real. We are told in Eph 6:12 that, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places". Those who dabble in the practices of spiritism will be punished when Christ returns to earth. Rev 21:8 includes sorcerers and idolaters as those who will have their part in the lake of fire at the end time.
Christians are to keep themselves separate from evildoers and from the unfruitful deeds of darkness. There is nothing about Halloween that can remotely be considered Christian, therefore, it behooves true Christians to refrain from taking part in this holiday. We should refrain from joining in with a world that makes a habit of recycling ancient pagan customs and traditions (old wineskins) and attempting to pour Christianity into them.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Change We Can Believe In
During the last presidential campaign, the Obama camp used the slogan "Change we can believe in". The night he won the election, the air was electrified as people filled our cities' streets celebrating. It was like nothing I had ever witnessed. Unfortunately, many would say today that this isn't the change we were hoping for. But I ask you.....is it ever? I can't remember a time when there wasn't disappointment and disallusionment following the election of a new president, be he a Republican or Democrat. Let's face it! Our nation is so polarized; divided by nationality, religion, ideology and socio-economic conditions. We are indeed a melting pot so diverse, it's a mystery as to how we can possibly agree upon anything. From the halls of government to main street America, we seem to argue and fight over everything and, with new technology, we do it electronically via facebook, twitter, You Tube, you name it.
I find it interesting that our government bodies are called "houses", in light of Jesus' words, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand". It is a sad state of affairs when our elected officials refuse to work together for the good of our country. They are so concerned with playing party-politics, they are taking us down the road to ruin.
There is hope on the horizon though, despite how gloomy things appear to be at the present time. However, that hope is dependent upon the realization and acceptance of a higher power who is in complete control over the affairs of man. King Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon learned that lesson the hard way. He boasted of his great power and the kingdom he ruled over until the Lord punished him with madness. For seven years his dwelling was with the beasts of the field and his food the grass of oxen until he confessed that the most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever he will, Daniel 4:28-37.
Psa 75:6-7 tells us, "Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another". We read in Jer 27:5, "I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed meet unto me". Again in Daniel 2:21 we see, "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings".
There are several examples that come to my mind that confirm these passages. The apostle Paul spoke of God's words regarding the Pharoah of Egypt who held ancient Israel captive, saying "even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth". Many years later, King Cyrus of Persia was placed in power by God for the purpose of releasing the Jews from seventy years in Babylonian captivity and allowing them to return to their homeland, Isa 44:28, 45:1-3, Ezra 1:1-2.
Through visions given to the prophet Daniel God revealed the rise and fall of kingdoms before they appeared on the scene. He was given the meaning of a dream King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had which revealed the rise of three great kingdoms that would follow his reign. They proved to be Persia, Greco-Macedonia and Rome. Read Daniel, chapter 7 for this remarkable prophecy.
Throughout history, God has intervened in the affairs of men as he willed in order to bring about his ultimate purpose for mankind. We mistakenly think we are in control. Nations fight one another for supremacy and some dare to aspire to total world domination. We cannot see what will transpire in the near future. God may allow evil to prevail for a time, as he did many times in the past. In fact, the history of the nation of Israel testifies to the veracity of that statement. God resorted to famine, pestilence and national captivity several times as punishment for their willful disobedience. He actually put it into the hearts of evil kings to come against his people according to his purpose. Then he would turn his punishment toward them in the end, destroying their nations.
The important thing to remember is that this earthly experience is but for a season. No power abides apart from God's knowledge and purpose. We often despair of the evil that reigns throughout the world and those nations that would destroy all life on this planet through their misguided, often insane leaders. Ultimately they will be brought down. One day we shall have one world government and it will be ruled by a righteous king, Jesus Christ. Let us return to the book of Daniel. "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever", Dan 2:44. Jesus will take over the kingdoms of this world very soon now and set up the Kingdom of God. Only righteousness will dwell there. There will be no more pain or suffering, no war, no tears. All will live in peace and safety and no one will make us afraid. Our children will enjoy healthy, happy lives. The earth will be made new and there will be beauty everywhere. We will be healed of our diseases and our minds will be cleansed and made whole. There will be no poverty or lack for there will be plenty for all. We will be taught the statutes and judgments of God and worship only him. The entire world will be filled with the knowledge of God. In that day we will truly have change we can believe in!
I find it interesting that our government bodies are called "houses", in light of Jesus' words, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand". It is a sad state of affairs when our elected officials refuse to work together for the good of our country. They are so concerned with playing party-politics, they are taking us down the road to ruin.
There is hope on the horizon though, despite how gloomy things appear to be at the present time. However, that hope is dependent upon the realization and acceptance of a higher power who is in complete control over the affairs of man. King Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon learned that lesson the hard way. He boasted of his great power and the kingdom he ruled over until the Lord punished him with madness. For seven years his dwelling was with the beasts of the field and his food the grass of oxen until he confessed that the most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever he will, Daniel 4:28-37.
Psa 75:6-7 tells us, "Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another". We read in Jer 27:5, "I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed meet unto me". Again in Daniel 2:21 we see, "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings".
There are several examples that come to my mind that confirm these passages. The apostle Paul spoke of God's words regarding the Pharoah of Egypt who held ancient Israel captive, saying "even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth". Many years later, King Cyrus of Persia was placed in power by God for the purpose of releasing the Jews from seventy years in Babylonian captivity and allowing them to return to their homeland, Isa 44:28, 45:1-3, Ezra 1:1-2.
Through visions given to the prophet Daniel God revealed the rise and fall of kingdoms before they appeared on the scene. He was given the meaning of a dream King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had which revealed the rise of three great kingdoms that would follow his reign. They proved to be Persia, Greco-Macedonia and Rome. Read Daniel, chapter 7 for this remarkable prophecy.
Throughout history, God has intervened in the affairs of men as he willed in order to bring about his ultimate purpose for mankind. We mistakenly think we are in control. Nations fight one another for supremacy and some dare to aspire to total world domination. We cannot see what will transpire in the near future. God may allow evil to prevail for a time, as he did many times in the past. In fact, the history of the nation of Israel testifies to the veracity of that statement. God resorted to famine, pestilence and national captivity several times as punishment for their willful disobedience. He actually put it into the hearts of evil kings to come against his people according to his purpose. Then he would turn his punishment toward them in the end, destroying their nations.
The important thing to remember is that this earthly experience is but for a season. No power abides apart from God's knowledge and purpose. We often despair of the evil that reigns throughout the world and those nations that would destroy all life on this planet through their misguided, often insane leaders. Ultimately they will be brought down. One day we shall have one world government and it will be ruled by a righteous king, Jesus Christ. Let us return to the book of Daniel. "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever", Dan 2:44. Jesus will take over the kingdoms of this world very soon now and set up the Kingdom of God. Only righteousness will dwell there. There will be no more pain or suffering, no war, no tears. All will live in peace and safety and no one will make us afraid. Our children will enjoy healthy, happy lives. The earth will be made new and there will be beauty everywhere. We will be healed of our diseases and our minds will be cleansed and made whole. There will be no poverty or lack for there will be plenty for all. We will be taught the statutes and judgments of God and worship only him. The entire world will be filled with the knowledge of God. In that day we will truly have change we can believe in!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Reality Check
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God", Psa 14:1. I, personally, am acquainted with many people who don't really "know" God, but only a few that deny his very existence. If such a conclusion weren't so utterly tragic, it would be laughable! Soemeone uses the very mind that God created to dismiss God himself. How does one get up every morning, witness the multitude of miracles all around him, yet deny the creator of them all? How does one explain life itself in all it's forms, this self-sustaining planet that we call home and the universal order that has provided for man's continued existence for thousands of years?
The apostle Paul told the men of Athens, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord; if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring", Acts 17:24-28. King David wrote in Psa 19:1, "The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork".
Paul wrote in Rom 1:18-20, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse". He goes on to explain that, when men choose not to retain God in their knowledge, they become vain in their imaginations. They profess themselves to be wise, but they are fools who are unable to understand truth, their hearts and minds darkened. Does man dare judge God? Does he have the audacity to think himself wiser than his creator, even to the point of questioning his very existence? Can the clay say to the potter, why have you made me this way?
Sometimes, even those who love the Lord make the mistake of questioning his wisdom. Job is a case in point. He was, according to God, a righteous man who feared the Lord and stayed away from evil. However, there came a day when Satan appeared before God and accused Job of obedience for reward. Logic followed that God had put a hedge around Job and had blessed him in all his ways. It was no great thing for Job to honor God. On the other hand, Satan argued, strike him down and watch him curse you to your face. God allowed Satan to have power over Job, except unto death. I'm sure we are all familiar with the sufferings that Satan inflicted upon this righteous man. Through it all, Job did not curse God, but he did fall victim to self pity, anger and doubt concerning God and his dealings with mankind. In his misery he cursed the day he was born. He questioned God, "If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you watcher of humans? Why have you made me your target? have I become a heavy load for you?, Job 7:20 (New Century Version throughout). He continued, "I hate my life, so I will complain without holding back; I will speak because I am so unhappy. I will say to God: Do not hold me guilty, but tell me what you have against me. Does it make you happy to trouble me?", 10: 1-3. He became increasingly paranoid as he rambled on and on, "Your hands shaped and made me. Do you now turn around and destroy me? Remember that you molded me like a piece of clay. Will you now turn me back into dust? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your care you watched over my life. But in your heart you hid other plans. I know this was in your mind, If I sinned, you would watch me and would not let my sin go unpunished", 10:8, 12-14. As he continued, he began questioning God's judgment. Why do evil people live long lives, why do good people suffer, does it do any good to pray, can we plead our case before God, why is life so short and full of trouble, what is gained by living a good life?
Finally, God had enough! It became time for Job to get a "reality check". The Lord thundered, "Who is this that makes my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true? Be strong like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me", Job 38:2-3.
The Lord then subjected Job to question after question, Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth, or when I created the sea and set the boundaries thereof? Do you know how wide the earth is or gone to where the sea begins? Have you ever ordered the morning to come forth. Can you bring out the stars on time? Do you know where light comes from? Do you know the laws of the sky or understand how they rule the earth? Can you bring forth lightning? Who created a waterway for the rain or set the path for the thunderstorm? Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or hail? Who gives food to the birds, or satisfies the hunger of lions? Have you given the horse his strength, or does the eagle fly through your wisdom? "Will the person who argues with the Almighty correct him? Let the person who accuses God answer him", Job 40:2.
The Lord continued to question Job until there seemed to be no end. Humbled, his only response was, "I am not worthy; I cannot answer you anything, so I will put my hand over my mouth", 40:4. The Lord, however, was not finished. "Be strong, like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me. Would you say that I am unfair? Would you blame me to make yourself look right? Are you as strong as God? Can your voice thunder like his?, 40: 7-9. Look at the Behemoth (hippopotamus). It is one of the first of all my works. Look at its powerful stomach muscles, its tail which is like a cedar tree. Though it's bones are like bronze, it's legs like bars of iron, I can destory it. What about the leviathan (sea monster)? Can you catch it on a fishhook? Can you make it a pet? No one can defeat it. People are overwhelmed just by seeing it. No other creature on earth is its equal. There is none who would be brave enough to make it angry. So, who would dare to stand up against me? Everything under heaven belongs to me!
Finally, Job lay completely broken. "I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined. You asked, 'Who is this that made my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand; I talked of things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you questions, and you must answer me.' My ears had heard of you before, but now my eyes have seen you. So now I hate myself; I will change my heart and life. I will sit in the dust and ashes.", Job 42: 2-6.
Eliphaz asked, in Job 4:17, "Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?" I fear that some would dare to think so. I often hear comments like, "If there is a God..." or "What kind of God would....? You can fill in the rest. We all need a reality check from time to time. The scriptures declare in Isa 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts". He sees those who would question him. Psa 94:9-11 tells us, "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall he not correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall he not know? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity". For those who would be proud or boastful against their creator, Hebrews 10:31 warns, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Very soon now, our Lord shall return to this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His glory and majesty will be revealed in that day and all mankind will quake with fear. Isa 2:11-12 prophesies of that day, "The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low". We all should be careful concerning the judgments we make, especially with regard to our creator. Let's take heed to the words of the apostle Paul in Gal 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".
The apostle Paul told the men of Athens, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord; if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring", Acts 17:24-28. King David wrote in Psa 19:1, "The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork".
Paul wrote in Rom 1:18-20, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse". He goes on to explain that, when men choose not to retain God in their knowledge, they become vain in their imaginations. They profess themselves to be wise, but they are fools who are unable to understand truth, their hearts and minds darkened. Does man dare judge God? Does he have the audacity to think himself wiser than his creator, even to the point of questioning his very existence? Can the clay say to the potter, why have you made me this way?
Sometimes, even those who love the Lord make the mistake of questioning his wisdom. Job is a case in point. He was, according to God, a righteous man who feared the Lord and stayed away from evil. However, there came a day when Satan appeared before God and accused Job of obedience for reward. Logic followed that God had put a hedge around Job and had blessed him in all his ways. It was no great thing for Job to honor God. On the other hand, Satan argued, strike him down and watch him curse you to your face. God allowed Satan to have power over Job, except unto death. I'm sure we are all familiar with the sufferings that Satan inflicted upon this righteous man. Through it all, Job did not curse God, but he did fall victim to self pity, anger and doubt concerning God and his dealings with mankind. In his misery he cursed the day he was born. He questioned God, "If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you watcher of humans? Why have you made me your target? have I become a heavy load for you?, Job 7:20 (New Century Version throughout). He continued, "I hate my life, so I will complain without holding back; I will speak because I am so unhappy. I will say to God: Do not hold me guilty, but tell me what you have against me. Does it make you happy to trouble me?", 10: 1-3. He became increasingly paranoid as he rambled on and on, "Your hands shaped and made me. Do you now turn around and destroy me? Remember that you molded me like a piece of clay. Will you now turn me back into dust? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your care you watched over my life. But in your heart you hid other plans. I know this was in your mind, If I sinned, you would watch me and would not let my sin go unpunished", 10:8, 12-14. As he continued, he began questioning God's judgment. Why do evil people live long lives, why do good people suffer, does it do any good to pray, can we plead our case before God, why is life so short and full of trouble, what is gained by living a good life?
Finally, God had enough! It became time for Job to get a "reality check". The Lord thundered, "Who is this that makes my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true? Be strong like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me", Job 38:2-3.
The Lord then subjected Job to question after question, Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth, or when I created the sea and set the boundaries thereof? Do you know how wide the earth is or gone to where the sea begins? Have you ever ordered the morning to come forth. Can you bring out the stars on time? Do you know where light comes from? Do you know the laws of the sky or understand how they rule the earth? Can you bring forth lightning? Who created a waterway for the rain or set the path for the thunderstorm? Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or hail? Who gives food to the birds, or satisfies the hunger of lions? Have you given the horse his strength, or does the eagle fly through your wisdom? "Will the person who argues with the Almighty correct him? Let the person who accuses God answer him", Job 40:2.
The Lord continued to question Job until there seemed to be no end. Humbled, his only response was, "I am not worthy; I cannot answer you anything, so I will put my hand over my mouth", 40:4. The Lord, however, was not finished. "Be strong, like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me. Would you say that I am unfair? Would you blame me to make yourself look right? Are you as strong as God? Can your voice thunder like his?, 40: 7-9. Look at the Behemoth (hippopotamus). It is one of the first of all my works. Look at its powerful stomach muscles, its tail which is like a cedar tree. Though it's bones are like bronze, it's legs like bars of iron, I can destory it. What about the leviathan (sea monster)? Can you catch it on a fishhook? Can you make it a pet? No one can defeat it. People are overwhelmed just by seeing it. No other creature on earth is its equal. There is none who would be brave enough to make it angry. So, who would dare to stand up against me? Everything under heaven belongs to me!
Finally, Job lay completely broken. "I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined. You asked, 'Who is this that made my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand; I talked of things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you questions, and you must answer me.' My ears had heard of you before, but now my eyes have seen you. So now I hate myself; I will change my heart and life. I will sit in the dust and ashes.", Job 42: 2-6.
Eliphaz asked, in Job 4:17, "Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?" I fear that some would dare to think so. I often hear comments like, "If there is a God..." or "What kind of God would....? You can fill in the rest. We all need a reality check from time to time. The scriptures declare in Isa 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts". He sees those who would question him. Psa 94:9-11 tells us, "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall he not correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall he not know? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity". For those who would be proud or boastful against their creator, Hebrews 10:31 warns, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Very soon now, our Lord shall return to this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His glory and majesty will be revealed in that day and all mankind will quake with fear. Isa 2:11-12 prophesies of that day, "The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low". We all should be careful concerning the judgments we make, especially with regard to our creator. Let's take heed to the words of the apostle Paul in Gal 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Broken Government
There is a presentation I have seen a few times on CNN titled "Broken Government". It sheds a light on the major issues that America faces today and the inability of our leaders to provide workable solutions, due to their constant bickering and party politics. Isn't it interesting that, two thousand years ago, Jesus spoke the following, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand", Matt 12:25. If anyone knows something about broken govenment, it is our Lord. The Old Testament prophets had a great deal to say on the subject, as it was a major concern in their day as it is in ours. It should not be a surprise to anyone reading this that nothing has changed. Today's issues are the same ones ancient Israel faced thousands of years ago. We may live in a time of unprecedented advances in education, technology, industry, communication and travel, to name a few, but human nature is the same beast it's always been. As long as man resides in these sinful bodies, human nature will always play a role in his thought processes and decision-making. Without God's spirit, man is not capable of ruling himself.
Let's visit the writings of the ancient prophets to see if we recognize the very same nature we see in our leaders today. Isa 1:23 says, "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them". Isa 5:23 says these, "Justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!". Isa 10:1 declares, "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed". He goes on in Isa 59:14, "And jugment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter".
Jeremiah speaks of the wicked in Jer 5:28, saying "They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge". Ezek 22:27 speaks of Israel's leaders, "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain".
Micah 3:1-3 declares God's word to the leaders of His people, "And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron".
These words could easily have been spoken of our leaders today. Every day we read in our newspapers or hear on TV revelations exposing the downfall of yet another politician, who fell prey to greed, corruption and dishonesty. We're all painfully aware of the Washingtom lobbyists who control legislation through bribery. We witness the chaos, power struggles and party politics that drive our government today and often wonder where it will lead. Add to that the voice of the people, which reveals how divided we have become as a nation. Our polarization is at a fever-pitch, to the point that it is becoming increasingly impossible for lawmakers to serve effectively on our behalf. If we are honest, we may find that we bear some responsibility for our disfunctional government. Many of our politicians' main focus is often on keeping his or her job. It's already evident that their votes on any issue must be balanced between following their conscience or the will of their constituents. We send them to Washington to serve, but if they don't do what we want, we kick the bums out.
I have found the same to be true of our spiritual leaders. In some denominations, a pastor is nothing more than hired help. Instead of being regarded as one within whom is the Spirit of God, who speaks the word of God, some congregations hold sway on what can or can't be preached. If he (or she) strays, the proverbial trapdoor opens and out they go. Nothing has changed. Isaiah speaks to the people of his day, "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits", Isa 30:9-10. I have personally known some ministers who knew a truth that they supressed, because they believed their congregation would not accept it. I have also seen those who dared to preach the truth and had to endure the wrath of their flock and the loss of their job. Maybe that's why so many do not speak the true word of God. It's more important for them to have a following. For some, preaching is nothing more than a job, and a very profitable one at that. Many, in the pulpits across our great land, do not know the word of God. They preach for gain and glory. They tell people what they want to hear. They fear exposing the sins of our nation, or the need for repentence. They are like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, "The blind leading the blind". Isa 56:10-11 says of Israel's leaders, "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter".
Micah 3:11 tells us regarding both civil and spiritual leaders, "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us". Have you ever heard it said, concerning America, "This is God's country", "We are a Christian nation"? It's the same thing that Israel said. We can do what we want. We are God's chosen people.
Read God's scathing judgment upon Jerusalem, His chosen city, through the prophet Ezekiel. "There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst therof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shown difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them:, And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken", Ezek 22:25-26, 28. Jer 2:8 says of them, "The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit". Again, in chapter 5:31, he says, "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
The 23rd chapter of Jeremiah is well worth reading in it's entirety. It is a scathing rebuke against Israel's spiritual leaders, but is applicable for all ages. I will paraphrase in the present tense, so as to help us see how this speaks to our nation today. The Lord pronounces coming judgment upon the pastors that have scattered his sheep, declaring that both the prophet and priest are profane, bringing wickedness into His house, the holy temple. He denounces them for prophesying in the name of Baal, a pagan god, and causing His people to sin. They are guilty of adultery and walking in lies. He says they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none turns from his wickedness. He tells the people not to hearken unto their words, for they speak in vain out of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They speak peace to the people telling them that they can all walk after the imagination of their own heart, yet no evil will befall them. The Lord says, if they had stood in His counsel and caused His people to hear His words, they would have turned from their evil ways. Instead, they prophesy lies in His name, deceit out of their own heart. They cause people to forget the name of the Lord. They prophesy falsely, declaring that they have heard the word of the Lord, when He has not spoken to them, causing the people to err. Habakkuk 1:4 sums up the problem, "Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth".
There is a correlation between the spiritual health of a nation and the manner in which it is governed. When the Lord chose Israel to be his nation, He was to be their total authority in both civil and spiritual matters. There was no separation of church and state. When a nation refuses to hear the word of the Lord, it's leaders cannot possibly lead in righteousness. Wisdom and judgment come from the Lord. Without His guidance we are like rudderless ships, directionless, cast out to sea. America's government is indeed broken, but it follows a broken connection to God and His eternal laws. Every man does what is right in his own eyes. We do not live by absolute authority.
It will not always be so! I have good news for those who long for righteous government. Our Lord is soon to return to this earth to usher in the kingdom of God. Make no mistake. The entire world will one day live by his commandments. Dan 2:44 tells us of the day when our God shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. It will replace all the present governments of this world. David tells us in Psa 145:13 that it will be an everlasting kingdom. Jesus' message at his first coming was concerning the future establishment of this kingdom, where only peace and righteousness will dwell. Read my article titled "Good News" to get a glimpse of what it will be like in that day. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth", Luke 11:2. That should be the constant prayer of all who love the Lord and look for His coming.
email comments and questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Let's visit the writings of the ancient prophets to see if we recognize the very same nature we see in our leaders today. Isa 1:23 says, "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them". Isa 5:23 says these, "Justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!". Isa 10:1 declares, "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed". He goes on in Isa 59:14, "And jugment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter".
Jeremiah speaks of the wicked in Jer 5:28, saying "They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge". Ezek 22:27 speaks of Israel's leaders, "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain".
Micah 3:1-3 declares God's word to the leaders of His people, "And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron".
These words could easily have been spoken of our leaders today. Every day we read in our newspapers or hear on TV revelations exposing the downfall of yet another politician, who fell prey to greed, corruption and dishonesty. We're all painfully aware of the Washingtom lobbyists who control legislation through bribery. We witness the chaos, power struggles and party politics that drive our government today and often wonder where it will lead. Add to that the voice of the people, which reveals how divided we have become as a nation. Our polarization is at a fever-pitch, to the point that it is becoming increasingly impossible for lawmakers to serve effectively on our behalf. If we are honest, we may find that we bear some responsibility for our disfunctional government. Many of our politicians' main focus is often on keeping his or her job. It's already evident that their votes on any issue must be balanced between following their conscience or the will of their constituents. We send them to Washington to serve, but if they don't do what we want, we kick the bums out.
I have found the same to be true of our spiritual leaders. In some denominations, a pastor is nothing more than hired help. Instead of being regarded as one within whom is the Spirit of God, who speaks the word of God, some congregations hold sway on what can or can't be preached. If he (or she) strays, the proverbial trapdoor opens and out they go. Nothing has changed. Isaiah speaks to the people of his day, "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits", Isa 30:9-10. I have personally known some ministers who knew a truth that they supressed, because they believed their congregation would not accept it. I have also seen those who dared to preach the truth and had to endure the wrath of their flock and the loss of their job. Maybe that's why so many do not speak the true word of God. It's more important for them to have a following. For some, preaching is nothing more than a job, and a very profitable one at that. Many, in the pulpits across our great land, do not know the word of God. They preach for gain and glory. They tell people what they want to hear. They fear exposing the sins of our nation, or the need for repentence. They are like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, "The blind leading the blind". Isa 56:10-11 says of Israel's leaders, "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter".
Micah 3:11 tells us regarding both civil and spiritual leaders, "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us". Have you ever heard it said, concerning America, "This is God's country", "We are a Christian nation"? It's the same thing that Israel said. We can do what we want. We are God's chosen people.
Read God's scathing judgment upon Jerusalem, His chosen city, through the prophet Ezekiel. "There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst therof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shown difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them:, And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken", Ezek 22:25-26, 28. Jer 2:8 says of them, "The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit". Again, in chapter 5:31, he says, "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
The 23rd chapter of Jeremiah is well worth reading in it's entirety. It is a scathing rebuke against Israel's spiritual leaders, but is applicable for all ages. I will paraphrase in the present tense, so as to help us see how this speaks to our nation today. The Lord pronounces coming judgment upon the pastors that have scattered his sheep, declaring that both the prophet and priest are profane, bringing wickedness into His house, the holy temple. He denounces them for prophesying in the name of Baal, a pagan god, and causing His people to sin. They are guilty of adultery and walking in lies. He says they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none turns from his wickedness. He tells the people not to hearken unto their words, for they speak in vain out of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They speak peace to the people telling them that they can all walk after the imagination of their own heart, yet no evil will befall them. The Lord says, if they had stood in His counsel and caused His people to hear His words, they would have turned from their evil ways. Instead, they prophesy lies in His name, deceit out of their own heart. They cause people to forget the name of the Lord. They prophesy falsely, declaring that they have heard the word of the Lord, when He has not spoken to them, causing the people to err. Habakkuk 1:4 sums up the problem, "Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth".
There is a correlation between the spiritual health of a nation and the manner in which it is governed. When the Lord chose Israel to be his nation, He was to be their total authority in both civil and spiritual matters. There was no separation of church and state. When a nation refuses to hear the word of the Lord, it's leaders cannot possibly lead in righteousness. Wisdom and judgment come from the Lord. Without His guidance we are like rudderless ships, directionless, cast out to sea. America's government is indeed broken, but it follows a broken connection to God and His eternal laws. Every man does what is right in his own eyes. We do not live by absolute authority.
It will not always be so! I have good news for those who long for righteous government. Our Lord is soon to return to this earth to usher in the kingdom of God. Make no mistake. The entire world will one day live by his commandments. Dan 2:44 tells us of the day when our God shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. It will replace all the present governments of this world. David tells us in Psa 145:13 that it will be an everlasting kingdom. Jesus' message at his first coming was concerning the future establishment of this kingdom, where only peace and righteousness will dwell. Read my article titled "Good News" to get a glimpse of what it will be like in that day. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth", Luke 11:2. That should be the constant prayer of all who love the Lord and look for His coming.
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