"These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the Lord God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth. 2Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: 3And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. " Exodus 12
When I was in bible college my Old Testament professor gave a clear representation of the commands in the Old Testament and how they apply to us. There are 613 Levitical laws which God gave to the Hebrew children. These laws can be divided into two categories; specific commands and universal principles. There were some laws which were specific commands to the Hebrews such as Deuteronomy 22:8. When the Hebrews built a new house they had to construct battlements or parapets around the roof top. This was basically a railing to protect people from falling off the roof. While this does not specifically apply to us there is a universal principle involved here where we must be responsible for the safety of others on our property. Insurance is one way we fulfill this universal principle.
In the feature text noted above we find this command repeated over and over and over again to the Hebrews in Exodus, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, I & II Samuel and I & II Kings and again in Ephesians 5:11 and II Cor. 6:14. I consider this commandment to be specific and universal.
As a very young Christian in 1981 I could not understand where all of the traditions and customs of Christmas came from. They most certainly do NOT come from the Bible which means they are unbiblical. Christmas trees are found in the scripture and we are specifically commanded not to participate in this heathen activity;
"Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." Jeremiah 10
There is no defense of the Christian to support this pagan practice. Wreaths, garland and yule logs are all symbols of the prince of darkness yet you participate in these abominable things Christian? Do you think God is turning a blind eye? Even the nativity is a lie because it does not follow the scriptural narrative. The Magi were not in Bethlehem at the manger. They did not appear until Jesus was nearly 2 years old in his house in Nazareth.
Most professing Christians today who claim to be "bible believing" are also pagan practicing. When the Hebrew children were preparing to enter Canaan God commanded them to utterly and completely destroy everything that was pagan. And when the Hebrews entered Canaan God repeated this command. Canaan is a type of the Christian life. When one becomes a Christian all things become new and old things are passed away II Cor. 5:17. This command still stands today dear friend.
Its time for God fearing Christians who truly want to please God to throw off the shackles of popular Christianity and stand true to Gods word. Tear down that tree in your living room, take that pagan wreath off of your church door and heed the words of Joshua,
"14Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. 15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24
A Voice Crying
"Be Ye Separate Saith the Lord" 2 Corinthians 6:17
Friday, December 15, 2017
Sunday, December 3, 2017
The Deception of Constantine
I don't want to make a habit of posting videos or content from other sources but I cannot avoid this posting. In light of this holiday season where professing Christians engage in customs and traditions that have NO biblical basis I feel obligated by the light of biblical truth to pass this on.
The following documentary is from the History Channel. In general I do not like the History Channel and rid my self of cable television in 2010 when they admitted they were going to "reinterpret" history. This is probably the most honest documentary I have seen the History Channel do. I have done some of this research in a limited way, see my post, "Have a Drunken Christmas" but this documentary is very revealing.
Just keep in mind that every time they use the word, "Christian" what they really mean is Roman Catholicism. While the host of the documentary does not overtly make this connection he does make the statement several times that what Constantine was representing was NOT Christian and the subtitle of the documentary is "The beginnings of Roman Catholicism.
The following documentary is from the History Channel. In general I do not like the History Channel and rid my self of cable television in 2010 when they admitted they were going to "reinterpret" history. This is probably the most honest documentary I have seen the History Channel do. I have done some of this research in a limited way, see my post, "Have a Drunken Christmas" but this documentary is very revealing.
Just keep in mind that every time they use the word, "Christian" what they really mean is Roman Catholicism. While the host of the documentary does not overtly make this connection he does make the statement several times that what Constantine was representing was NOT Christian and the subtitle of the documentary is "The beginnings of Roman Catholicism.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Earthquakes in Diverse Places
When we think of earthquakes in the United States most people think of California and the San Andreas fault. However, there are many other fault lines active today. I lived in Pennsylvania Dutch country for nearly 20 years and there is an active fault line in Western Lancaster county around Mountville. The New Madrid fault line in the Midwest is the most dangerous fault line I have read about. It could literally split the country in two if a major quake occurred along this line and it could create a cascading effect triggering the other major fault lines. See those lines on this 2013 report: http://strangesounds.org/2013/07/fault-lines-in-the-usa-this-map-shows-the-major-earthquake-hazard-areas-within-the-united-states.html
In the past month there have been numerous reports of "mystery booms" occurring around the world with no explanation, see a report here:http://www.wnd.com/2017/11/boom-mystery-blasts-rattling-the-globe/.
The previous home I lived in was near a fault line in Summerville, SC a suburb of Charleston, SC. Three years ago I was sitting in my living room and heard a loud "boom". I knew it was not an explosive detonation or a sonic boom. This was a different sound that shook my house. About three miles from my house was the epicenter of the minor quake registered at 3.0 on the richter scale. There is seismic activity occurring frequently in this area. This fault line situated about 24 miles outside of Charleston leveled the city of Charleston in 1886 with an earthquake estimated at 7.3.
3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matthew 24
Jesus said that these things will be the beginning of sorrows and true believers, followers of the risen Lamb will be killed for His names sake. It behoves you to read the entire chapter of Matthew 24 and get right with God. Matthew 24 alone debunks the pre-trib rapture heresy. Get ready.
In the past month there have been numerous reports of "mystery booms" occurring around the world with no explanation, see a report here:http://www.wnd.com/2017/11/boom-mystery-blasts-rattling-the-globe/.
The previous home I lived in was near a fault line in Summerville, SC a suburb of Charleston, SC. Three years ago I was sitting in my living room and heard a loud "boom". I knew it was not an explosive detonation or a sonic boom. This was a different sound that shook my house. About three miles from my house was the epicenter of the minor quake registered at 3.0 on the richter scale. There is seismic activity occurring frequently in this area. This fault line situated about 24 miles outside of Charleston leveled the city of Charleston in 1886 with an earthquake estimated at 7.3.
3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matthew 24
Jesus said that these things will be the beginning of sorrows and true believers, followers of the risen Lamb will be killed for His names sake. It behoves you to read the entire chapter of Matthew 24 and get right with God. Matthew 24 alone debunks the pre-trib rapture heresy. Get ready.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Silence Is Golden
While this ancient expression is not scripture the sentiment can certainly be found in Proverbs 13:3
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
As a young man I was very good at keeping my mouth shut. I was ignorant of the world at large and knew it. The older I grow the more vocal I am. This outspoken vocalization has cost me dearly over the years. It’s extremely difficult for me to keep my mouth shut when I see injustice or hear lies. When I reflect upon my early years as a Christian I recall that people were more apt to entertain what I had to say because I was not quick to offer my viewpoint rather I was more reflective and introspective. I have often prayed Proverb 13:3 when I am disturbed about something but I admit that it is not a practice I have mastered.
My enthusiasm for the Gospel of Jesus Christ has sometimes been counter-productive for the Kingdom, at least from this mortal perspective. God in His amazing sovereignty can take our faults and failures and make triumphs from them. His word is unfailing. I must rest in His Sovereign grace.
There are many things that Christ said that are truly mysterious and sometimes very uncomfortable. The truth can be and often is painful. In this politically correct world of hyper-sensitivity Jesus is no doubt considered a bigot and racist by many though they may not verbalize this. Today's snowflakes would be running for their "safe spaces" if Jesus were publicly preaching today. He preached more about hell and punishment of the wicked than anything else. I’m surprised the SPLC has not listed Jesus Christ as a hater. Consider the following verse;
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6
Our Lord equates certain people to “dogs” and others to “hogs”. The swine reference is equating people to the lowest perceived form of life on the planet, an unclean animal. Apparently, there are people who cannot accept the Gospel. My Arminian friends may have a difficult time with that statement but that’s OK. I don’t wear any theological labels. God is sovereign and can do as He pleases.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
I have seen the power of God’s word melt people and I have been the recipient of this two edged sword on many occasions. The word of God can move mountains, heal the sick, free the demon possessed and literally transform the wicked into saints. I have seen it happen. Yet Christ spoke in parables for a reason.
“10And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” Matthew 13:10-17
Some may suggest that this statement applies only to the apostles but I see this to be still in effect today. “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed”. No other time in the history of this world can this statement be more true than this present age. Just look around you and witness the chaos, mayhem dissension and compromise that exists in and out of the church.
In Matthew 11:25 Jesus said, “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”
I have, on more than one occasion, cast the pearl of the Gospel at the feet of swine in defense of the innocent and for this I seek God’s forgiveness. I have learned that the Gospel can be my motivation for helping the innocent but it should not be a weapon to attack the guilty. I have shared the word of God with those who are hostile to it and they trampled it under foot and attacked me just as Christ stated. The word of God must be treated like a loaded weapon. Don't point it at anyone without intent to use it. And when you use it you better be prepared to defend why you used it. I Peter 3:15 If you are going to use the word of God you better know it well and how to use it lest you bring shame upon yourself. The same is true with a loaded gun. Sometimes it's just better to keep our mouth shut. Silence is golden.
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
As a young man I was very good at keeping my mouth shut. I was ignorant of the world at large and knew it. The older I grow the more vocal I am. This outspoken vocalization has cost me dearly over the years. It’s extremely difficult for me to keep my mouth shut when I see injustice or hear lies. When I reflect upon my early years as a Christian I recall that people were more apt to entertain what I had to say because I was not quick to offer my viewpoint rather I was more reflective and introspective. I have often prayed Proverb 13:3 when I am disturbed about something but I admit that it is not a practice I have mastered.
My enthusiasm for the Gospel of Jesus Christ has sometimes been counter-productive for the Kingdom, at least from this mortal perspective. God in His amazing sovereignty can take our faults and failures and make triumphs from them. His word is unfailing. I must rest in His Sovereign grace.
There are many things that Christ said that are truly mysterious and sometimes very uncomfortable. The truth can be and often is painful. In this politically correct world of hyper-sensitivity Jesus is no doubt considered a bigot and racist by many though they may not verbalize this. Today's snowflakes would be running for their "safe spaces" if Jesus were publicly preaching today. He preached more about hell and punishment of the wicked than anything else. I’m surprised the SPLC has not listed Jesus Christ as a hater. Consider the following verse;
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6
Our Lord equates certain people to “dogs” and others to “hogs”. The swine reference is equating people to the lowest perceived form of life on the planet, an unclean animal. Apparently, there are people who cannot accept the Gospel. My Arminian friends may have a difficult time with that statement but that’s OK. I don’t wear any theological labels. God is sovereign and can do as He pleases.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
I have seen the power of God’s word melt people and I have been the recipient of this two edged sword on many occasions. The word of God can move mountains, heal the sick, free the demon possessed and literally transform the wicked into saints. I have seen it happen. Yet Christ spoke in parables for a reason.
“10And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” Matthew 13:10-17
Some may suggest that this statement applies only to the apostles but I see this to be still in effect today. “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed”. No other time in the history of this world can this statement be more true than this present age. Just look around you and witness the chaos, mayhem dissension and compromise that exists in and out of the church.
In Matthew 11:25 Jesus said, “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”
I have, on more than one occasion, cast the pearl of the Gospel at the feet of swine in defense of the innocent and for this I seek God’s forgiveness. I have learned that the Gospel can be my motivation for helping the innocent but it should not be a weapon to attack the guilty. I have shared the word of God with those who are hostile to it and they trampled it under foot and attacked me just as Christ stated. The word of God must be treated like a loaded weapon. Don't point it at anyone without intent to use it. And when you use it you better be prepared to defend why you used it. I Peter 3:15 If you are going to use the word of God you better know it well and how to use it lest you bring shame upon yourself. The same is true with a loaded gun. Sometimes it's just better to keep our mouth shut. Silence is golden.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Are You Worldly?
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."I Jn.2:15-17
The only way we can love the world is to have an unbiblical perception of the world. What we think of the world, as John describes, must be fashioned by the Word of God and not the world itself. Unfortunately, the professors of Christ today have allowed their concepts of what is, "worldly" to be narrowed down to simply ones attitude about sensitive issues. Or they may simply equate "worldliness" with hedonism, greed or materialism. While worldliness may encompass all of these it goes much deeper than these superficial/tangible aspects of life.
Worldliness is how we think and move through life.
Accepting what is socially acceptable today is worldliness. Satan was defeated by an empty tomb nearly 2,000 years ago but he has not yet been deposed from his throne. "He is still the prince of the power of the air, the ruler of the darkness of this world" Ephesians 6:12 and an angel of light deceiving most people on earth. II Cor. 11
What influences you in your perceptions of what is happening in the world? Do you "go with the flow"? Governments are the source of nearly all public information that shapes the ideas and actions of its citizens. This country does not have a free press. It has not had a free press for over 160 years. If the government feels threatened by what you print or say they will discredit you, assassinate your character and ultimately throw you into prison. Never forget that the government of this country officially rejected God publicly in 1960. The official stance of this government is denial of and hatred of Holy God. Can you really trust a government that denounces God. The counter-culture revolution of the 60's was an anti-God movement and yet some of you reading this think the 60's were a wonderful time. Woodstock was nothing but the devils playground where the participants shook a defiant fist in the face of Holy God.
What is popular is not of God. That which is Godly is not popular.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." II Cor. 6:14-18
This passage is often quoted interpreted to mean that Christians should not marry an unbeliever. While this is true that is NOT the meaning of the text. We are not to have fellowship with unbelievers in any respect. Its one thing to be friendly to a sinner and another thing to be a friend with sinners. When you associate yourself with unbelievers and engage in the same activities with them you cannot insulate yourself from their influence. "Be ye separate and I will receive you". When we are bonded with the lost we are disconnected from God.
Satan is the father of lies, Jn. 8:44. All that Satan does is motivated by a lie. The worlds governments, news sources, media and the entertainment world are all firmly in the grasp of Satan with a diabolical motive to take as many created beings to hell with him as possible. Nothing is as it seems. Stop believing things at face value and question every narrative that comes down the road.
This post today is inspired by an article I saw regarding Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews attacking a female Israeli soldier. We have been led to believe that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitic. This is a lie. Zionists make this claim to discredit anyone who opposes them. The staunchest modest radical opponent of Zionism is orthodox Jews. Can an ultra-orthodox Jew be an anti-Semite? See the article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5001110/Israeli-soldier-karate-kicks-violent-crowd-bay.html
And learn more about the Ultra Orthodox Jewish opposition to the state of Israel here: http://www.nkusa.org/
Caution: do not think that either Zionists or Anti-Zionist Kosher Jews are "friends" of Christians. Jesus told the Pharisees, "if you knew the Father you would have known me" Jn. 8:19. The ultra orthodox Jews are practicing the same cultic religion of the Pharisees.
The media has led us to believe a narrative about Zionism that is NOT true. One can be anti-Zionist but that does not make them Anti-Semitic.
This same method of misleading public perception to advance a diabolical agenda has crippled the United States for over 160 years. The notion that slavery in this country equated to racism is an outright lie. And the narrative that slavery is "evil" is a lie as well considering that slavery has always existed since the beginning of time and is quite prevalent in the U.S. today. I have never heard a preacher or theologian give any biblical argument against the institution of slavery. Please someone show me from scripture that slavery is evil.
The 1860 census of the United States revealed that 250,000 free blacks lived in the Southern states. Of those free blacks 11% owned slaves. Less than 9% of whites owned slaves. The people who owned the largest number of slaves in South Carolina and Louisiana were black men. Stop believing the lie that slavery is racist. This lie persists to advance an evil agenda.
The commonly accepted most popular notions of slavery and Zionism in our society today are not biblical and thus they are not from God. For you to accept these lies is to be a friend of the world. Popular societal notions must be filtered through Gods word. We must consume Gods word until it consumes us and gives us the ability to detect the lies of the enemy. Christians must not adopt the popular narratives of any issues but "be ye separate saith the Lord".
The only way we can love the world is to have an unbiblical perception of the world. What we think of the world, as John describes, must be fashioned by the Word of God and not the world itself. Unfortunately, the professors of Christ today have allowed their concepts of what is, "worldly" to be narrowed down to simply ones attitude about sensitive issues. Or they may simply equate "worldliness" with hedonism, greed or materialism. While worldliness may encompass all of these it goes much deeper than these superficial/tangible aspects of life.
Worldliness is how we think and move through life.
Accepting what is socially acceptable today is worldliness. Satan was defeated by an empty tomb nearly 2,000 years ago but he has not yet been deposed from his throne. "He is still the prince of the power of the air, the ruler of the darkness of this world" Ephesians 6:12 and an angel of light deceiving most people on earth. II Cor. 11
What influences you in your perceptions of what is happening in the world? Do you "go with the flow"? Governments are the source of nearly all public information that shapes the ideas and actions of its citizens. This country does not have a free press. It has not had a free press for over 160 years. If the government feels threatened by what you print or say they will discredit you, assassinate your character and ultimately throw you into prison. Never forget that the government of this country officially rejected God publicly in 1960. The official stance of this government is denial of and hatred of Holy God. Can you really trust a government that denounces God. The counter-culture revolution of the 60's was an anti-God movement and yet some of you reading this think the 60's were a wonderful time. Woodstock was nothing but the devils playground where the participants shook a defiant fist in the face of Holy God.
What is popular is not of God. That which is Godly is not popular.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." II Cor. 6:14-18
This passage is often quoted interpreted to mean that Christians should not marry an unbeliever. While this is true that is NOT the meaning of the text. We are not to have fellowship with unbelievers in any respect. Its one thing to be friendly to a sinner and another thing to be a friend with sinners. When you associate yourself with unbelievers and engage in the same activities with them you cannot insulate yourself from their influence. "Be ye separate and I will receive you". When we are bonded with the lost we are disconnected from God.
Satan is the father of lies, Jn. 8:44. All that Satan does is motivated by a lie. The worlds governments, news sources, media and the entertainment world are all firmly in the grasp of Satan with a diabolical motive to take as many created beings to hell with him as possible. Nothing is as it seems. Stop believing things at face value and question every narrative that comes down the road.
This post today is inspired by an article I saw regarding Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews attacking a female Israeli soldier. We have been led to believe that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitic. This is a lie. Zionists make this claim to discredit anyone who opposes them. The staunchest modest radical opponent of Zionism is orthodox Jews. Can an ultra-orthodox Jew be an anti-Semite? See the article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5001110/Israeli-soldier-karate-kicks-violent-crowd-bay.html
And learn more about the Ultra Orthodox Jewish opposition to the state of Israel here: http://www.nkusa.org/
Caution: do not think that either Zionists or Anti-Zionist Kosher Jews are "friends" of Christians. Jesus told the Pharisees, "if you knew the Father you would have known me" Jn. 8:19. The ultra orthodox Jews are practicing the same cultic religion of the Pharisees.
The media has led us to believe a narrative about Zionism that is NOT true. One can be anti-Zionist but that does not make them Anti-Semitic.
This same method of misleading public perception to advance a diabolical agenda has crippled the United States for over 160 years. The notion that slavery in this country equated to racism is an outright lie. And the narrative that slavery is "evil" is a lie as well considering that slavery has always existed since the beginning of time and is quite prevalent in the U.S. today. I have never heard a preacher or theologian give any biblical argument against the institution of slavery. Please someone show me from scripture that slavery is evil.
The 1860 census of the United States revealed that 250,000 free blacks lived in the Southern states. Of those free blacks 11% owned slaves. Less than 9% of whites owned slaves. The people who owned the largest number of slaves in South Carolina and Louisiana were black men. Stop believing the lie that slavery is racist. This lie persists to advance an evil agenda.
The commonly accepted most popular notions of slavery and Zionism in our society today are not biblical and thus they are not from God. For you to accept these lies is to be a friend of the world. Popular societal notions must be filtered through Gods word. We must consume Gods word until it consumes us and gives us the ability to detect the lies of the enemy. Christians must not adopt the popular narratives of any issues but "be ye separate saith the Lord".
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Ethnicity or Kingdom?
"3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24
In this discourse on the end times Jesus makes a distinction between nations and kingdoms. Americans, in particular, have little understanding of the nature of a nation. Most Americans think the U.S.A is a nation. I believe this confusion began during the U.S. period of reconstruction after the War Between the States in an attempt to create unity but instead it has created confusion.
In verse 7 above the word nation comes from the Greek word ethne from which the modern word "ethnicity" is derived. A kingdom would be more closely related to a country or system of governance and not a people. We can literally read the text as thus," For ethnicity shall rise against ethnicity..."
I have never read or heard of any concept of "race" in antiquity. People of the same race can have different ethnic backgrounds. Native Americans identify themselves more by their nation than their race,i.e. the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, Sioux Nation, etc. During the American War Between the States the North and South were not divided just politically but ethnically. They were peoples of 2 separate nations and these distinctions are still evident today in customs, language and traditions. The British subjects who settled New England came from different social class and different regions of Great Britain than those who settled in the Southern colonies. Same race different cultures.
It is my personal belief that the idea of "race" is not of God. God divided the people in the earth more specifically by ethnicity. Wherever we find the words, "nation" and "gentile" in the New Testament they both are the Greek word, "ethne". It is my contention that God's will is that ethnicity's remain unmingled as defined in the table of nations in Genesis 10 and Paul's sermon on Mars hill in Acts 17 where he states, "And hath made of one blood all nations(ethnicity's) 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. " Nimrod was the first globalist attempting to break down these God ordained borders and the globalists today are doing the same thing. Politically correct globalism is radically hell bent on creating an ethnically neutral person. Pay attention to marketing and advertising and you will see more and more models whose ethnicity is unidentifiable. This is precisely what Nimrod was attempting to create and God confused their language at the tower of Babel. Language alone is proof that God never intended for ethnicity's to mix.
Christian, never forget that the ways of the world are not the ways of God. Popular culture and the globalist elite agenda of social engineering is NOT of God but invites the wrath of God even upon people who may be well intended. The path of good intentions can lead straight to hell. We must be ever vigilant in prayer and discerning of the age we live in lest we fall prey to deception.
In this discourse on the end times Jesus makes a distinction between nations and kingdoms. Americans, in particular, have little understanding of the nature of a nation. Most Americans think the U.S.A is a nation. I believe this confusion began during the U.S. period of reconstruction after the War Between the States in an attempt to create unity but instead it has created confusion.
In verse 7 above the word nation comes from the Greek word ethne from which the modern word "ethnicity" is derived. A kingdom would be more closely related to a country or system of governance and not a people. We can literally read the text as thus," For ethnicity shall rise against ethnicity..."
I have never read or heard of any concept of "race" in antiquity. People of the same race can have different ethnic backgrounds. Native Americans identify themselves more by their nation than their race,i.e. the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, Sioux Nation, etc. During the American War Between the States the North and South were not divided just politically but ethnically. They were peoples of 2 separate nations and these distinctions are still evident today in customs, language and traditions. The British subjects who settled New England came from different social class and different regions of Great Britain than those who settled in the Southern colonies. Same race different cultures.
It is my personal belief that the idea of "race" is not of God. God divided the people in the earth more specifically by ethnicity. Wherever we find the words, "nation" and "gentile" in the New Testament they both are the Greek word, "ethne". It is my contention that God's will is that ethnicity's remain unmingled as defined in the table of nations in Genesis 10 and Paul's sermon on Mars hill in Acts 17 where he states, "And hath made of one blood all nations(ethnicity's) 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. " Nimrod was the first globalist attempting to break down these God ordained borders and the globalists today are doing the same thing. Politically correct globalism is radically hell bent on creating an ethnically neutral person. Pay attention to marketing and advertising and you will see more and more models whose ethnicity is unidentifiable. This is precisely what Nimrod was attempting to create and God confused their language at the tower of Babel. Language alone is proof that God never intended for ethnicity's to mix.
Christian, never forget that the ways of the world are not the ways of God. Popular culture and the globalist elite agenda of social engineering is NOT of God but invites the wrath of God even upon people who may be well intended. The path of good intentions can lead straight to hell. We must be ever vigilant in prayer and discerning of the age we live in lest we fall prey to deception.
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Blessing and Offence
"13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." Matthew 16
I. Blessed Revelation - "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."
I have often suggested that the moment a person comes to the revelation that Jesus is the Messiah then this is the moment of salvation for them. The revelation comes from the Father, not from empirical evidence, not from rational deduction. It seems logical to my finite mind that if God chooses to entrust a revelation to me then it must indicate a favorable standing with God, right? If the revelation alone was proof of salvation then why is Jesus calling Peter the devil in verse 23 of this passage? Also, in chapter 18 Jesus comments that the disciples are not converted yet. I will expound on Matthew 18 about some serious misconceptions in that chapter in another post.
Matthew 16:18-19 is a proof text of the Roman Catholic church to support that Peter was the first pope. I have mentioned before that proof texting is often used by cults to establish false doctrine and lure people into its hellish clutches. There is absolutely NO scriptural basis to support that Peter was even in Rome. He was the apostle to the Jews. Read both of his epistles and this is clear. If anyone should be given the title "Pope" it should be Paul. He lived in Rome for 3 years, wrote some of his epistles from there and evidence exists that one of his converts was the first to preach in the British Isles. But these arguments are for another post.
"Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Well, the gates of hell surely prevailed against Peter not only in the context of this conversation when Jesus called Peter, Satan but hell most certainly prevailed against Peter when he denied the Lord 3 times. There is only ONE rock and that rock is Jesus. Paul refers to Christ as the "cornerstone". In ancient times the corner stone was a chiseled and fashioned rock. The revealed Christ is the rock. Never forget that "church" is not an organization but an organism. Upon this rock I will build my "assembly of the called out".
II. Baneful Offence-"thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
In verses 16-19 Peter must have been feeling rather good about himself knowing that the Father was revealing spiritual truth to him. That all changes in verse 21 because Jesus tells his inner circle what great things He will suffer and the death he will face. Peter rebukes the Lord telling him this can't be. Peter was probably clutching his sword when he made this rebuke. Apparently the revelation that Jesus is the Christ must have some qualifiers to it. Jesus said that Peters desires were not those of God but of men. Peter perceived that Jesus would be a conquering king. After all, in fulfillment of prophecy, Christ is to take the throne of King David his ancestor. As is with most people even today when you tell them a story they focus in on one thing they hear or read that they don't agree with and ignore everything that is being stated. This happened to me recently when my friends refused to see the whole of what I had written and zeroed in on something they did not like. Peter completely ignored that Jesus told them He would die and rise again the third day. That's a very important piece of information amidst the suffering and killing.
There are certainly varying degrees of revelation. Some people are given the ability or insight to perceive spiritual truths that is not as obvious to others. The 12 apostles were the inner circle of Christs disciples and not the whole. There are numerous occasions where Jesus challenges their inability to understand spiritual truths i.e. Matt. 17:17. I can almost envision Jesus shaking his head in disbelief at their disbelief (pun intended). There are certain people that God chooses to reveal things. Sometimes He chooses to use me to shed light on His revelation, not offer new revelation. I trust that is happening as you read this blog. The 12 apostles were the inner circle and they were privy to spiritual things that others were not. In this age of equality I remind you that all things are not equal in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The revelation that Jesus is Christ may not be indication in itself that one is born again. But this revelation is most certainly a necessity. Consider that the disciples had witnessed all of Christs miracles and sat under all of His teaching. Christ also gave the disciples authority and power to heal the sick, cast out demons and perform other miracles yet they still did not believe. At the beginning of this chapter Jesus warns the disciples to beware of the leaven of the scribes and Pharisees. The disciples reasoned among themselves that Jesus was talking about bread because they did not bring bread for their journey. They were actually worrying about how they may get bread when in the previous chapter they took up baskets of food left over from Jesus feeding the 5,000 and the 4,000. This miracle was fresh in their minds but they still worried about their next meal.
Divine revelation is a necessity but not a stand alone faith factor. Jesus elaborates on this at the close of Matthew 16
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
One would think that the disciples would have a grasp of this by now but they do not. Here we find another reference to the things of man or the world. Though one have a true revelation of God and yet still walk in the ways of fleshly delights that revelation does not profit them but only adds to their damnation.
21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." Matthew 16
I. Blessed Revelation - "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."
I have often suggested that the moment a person comes to the revelation that Jesus is the Messiah then this is the moment of salvation for them. The revelation comes from the Father, not from empirical evidence, not from rational deduction. It seems logical to my finite mind that if God chooses to entrust a revelation to me then it must indicate a favorable standing with God, right? If the revelation alone was proof of salvation then why is Jesus calling Peter the devil in verse 23 of this passage? Also, in chapter 18 Jesus comments that the disciples are not converted yet. I will expound on Matthew 18 about some serious misconceptions in that chapter in another post.
Matthew 16:18-19 is a proof text of the Roman Catholic church to support that Peter was the first pope. I have mentioned before that proof texting is often used by cults to establish false doctrine and lure people into its hellish clutches. There is absolutely NO scriptural basis to support that Peter was even in Rome. He was the apostle to the Jews. Read both of his epistles and this is clear. If anyone should be given the title "Pope" it should be Paul. He lived in Rome for 3 years, wrote some of his epistles from there and evidence exists that one of his converts was the first to preach in the British Isles. But these arguments are for another post.
"Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Well, the gates of hell surely prevailed against Peter not only in the context of this conversation when Jesus called Peter, Satan but hell most certainly prevailed against Peter when he denied the Lord 3 times. There is only ONE rock and that rock is Jesus. Paul refers to Christ as the "cornerstone". In ancient times the corner stone was a chiseled and fashioned rock. The revealed Christ is the rock. Never forget that "church" is not an organization but an organism. Upon this rock I will build my "assembly of the called out".
II. Baneful Offence-"thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
In verses 16-19 Peter must have been feeling rather good about himself knowing that the Father was revealing spiritual truth to him. That all changes in verse 21 because Jesus tells his inner circle what great things He will suffer and the death he will face. Peter rebukes the Lord telling him this can't be. Peter was probably clutching his sword when he made this rebuke. Apparently the revelation that Jesus is the Christ must have some qualifiers to it. Jesus said that Peters desires were not those of God but of men. Peter perceived that Jesus would be a conquering king. After all, in fulfillment of prophecy, Christ is to take the throne of King David his ancestor. As is with most people even today when you tell them a story they focus in on one thing they hear or read that they don't agree with and ignore everything that is being stated. This happened to me recently when my friends refused to see the whole of what I had written and zeroed in on something they did not like. Peter completely ignored that Jesus told them He would die and rise again the third day. That's a very important piece of information amidst the suffering and killing.
There are certainly varying degrees of revelation. Some people are given the ability or insight to perceive spiritual truths that is not as obvious to others. The 12 apostles were the inner circle of Christs disciples and not the whole. There are numerous occasions where Jesus challenges their inability to understand spiritual truths i.e. Matt. 17:17. I can almost envision Jesus shaking his head in disbelief at their disbelief (pun intended). There are certain people that God chooses to reveal things. Sometimes He chooses to use me to shed light on His revelation, not offer new revelation. I trust that is happening as you read this blog. The 12 apostles were the inner circle and they were privy to spiritual things that others were not. In this age of equality I remind you that all things are not equal in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The revelation that Jesus is Christ may not be indication in itself that one is born again. But this revelation is most certainly a necessity. Consider that the disciples had witnessed all of Christs miracles and sat under all of His teaching. Christ also gave the disciples authority and power to heal the sick, cast out demons and perform other miracles yet they still did not believe. At the beginning of this chapter Jesus warns the disciples to beware of the leaven of the scribes and Pharisees. The disciples reasoned among themselves that Jesus was talking about bread because they did not bring bread for their journey. They were actually worrying about how they may get bread when in the previous chapter they took up baskets of food left over from Jesus feeding the 5,000 and the 4,000. This miracle was fresh in their minds but they still worried about their next meal.
Divine revelation is a necessity but not a stand alone faith factor. Jesus elaborates on this at the close of Matthew 16
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
One would think that the disciples would have a grasp of this by now but they do not. Here we find another reference to the things of man or the world. Though one have a true revelation of God and yet still walk in the ways of fleshly delights that revelation does not profit them but only adds to their damnation.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Righteous Hatred
"16Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.17How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?22I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139
In this politically correct world we live in hatred has been redefined to mean that any idea contrary to political correctness is hate. The infamous Southern Poverty Law Center claims there are over 900 hate groups in America. Many years ago they were the authority on identifying and monitoring the activities of such groups as the KKK, Neo-Nazis, Skinheads, Nation of Islam and the likes. These groups should be monitored. But this legitimate platform from which the SPLC began morphed into a monstrous beast of unfounded hate labeling of God fearing, bible believing Christians. If they remain true to their pattern of slander it’s inevitable that the bible will eventually appear on the SPLC list of hate. In reality, the SPLC has become the very thing they claim to oppose, hatemongers.
Hating the things of God will invite the wrath of God. And those who are born from above must not stand by and allow this wicked institution to attack the innocent and the righteous. Righteous hatred will always favor the innocent and bring honor to God. I hate Mark Potok and Morris Dees but this does not mean that I wish evil upon them. I pray that these men repent of their wickedness and surrender their hearts to God. I wish no violence upon them because the only true violence that will mean anything is that violence God Himself will bring on their unrepentant souls. Vengeance is mine saith the Lord.
A perfect hatred is pure and holy. God hates evil and so should we. David, the warrior king, cries out to God to search his heart and see if there be any wicked way in him. We must always take a position of humility lest we be guilty of wickedness that we accuse others of. The bible does not tell us its wrong to judge others. People take Christs words out of context and make a universal application that is not in the text.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?" Matthew 7
The context of Christs statement is in reference to judging your brother in the Lord and does not apply to our judgements of the wicked. What does universally apply is the measure whereby we judge someone else we ourselves will be measured. The fact is that our own personal judgement is vital to our survival. If you choose to associate with people of questionable behavior then be prepared to face the same fate as them.
Which brings us to another word that is misused or misunderstood…wicked.
In American culture the word wicked is often reserved for those involved in the occult or those who have done incredibly horrible bloody crimes against people such as; Hitler, Stalin or Abraham Lincoln. These men indeed were wicked because they butchered innocent citizens of their own countries. Wickedness is not limited to such acts of depravity but is far more encompassing. All sin, no matter how “harmless” it may seem is wickedness. Even the act of hating can be wicked.
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” I John 3:15
He who hates his brother is a murderer. In verse 14 John is addressing the brethren. The context of this hate is in reference to a Christian hating their brother in the Lord. This principle does not apply to hating people in general. I do not suggest that we should go around hating people whom we do not like. Even Jesus said that we could be angry with our brother if we had a good reason to be angry.
“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” Matthew 5:22
Hating your brother or sister in the Lord is murder but hating those who hate God and righteousness is another thing and may be just.
How do we hate the wicked and love God at the same time? Jesus did this quite often especially when talking with the religious leaders of His day. He called the Pharisees and Scribes snakes, white washed tombs full of dead men’s bones and even told them on more than one occasion that their father was the devil. Can you see yourself going down to the local church and publicly telling the pastor and his church board they are a bunch of snakes and children of the devil? This is precisely what the church reformers have done down through the ages. They have stood up against the wickedness of Church tyranny and proclaimed those corrupt people in authority to be children of the devil. This is what makes Martin Luther a real hero of the faith. Men like this are hard to find today.
Paul said that one way to defeat our enemies is to heap hot coals of fire upon their heads through kindness. Being kind to those who hate you can be a tremendous weapon though not easy to use. I have seen this weapon work. And I have seen the wicked only take advantage of this to assault the innocent even more. There are times we must take a stand for righteousness in the defense of the innocent. This is the most overwhelming characteristic I see in the cause of the Confederacy that evokes my highest adulation. The South was fighting an army 3 times its size to defend their homes and families. In the face of overwhelming odds they fought valiantly for the innocent. God rewarded them beyond what they expected.
For nearly 3 years spiritual revivals were occurring throughout the Southern armies beginning in 1862. It was a spiritual awakening on par with the first great awakening in early 18th century New England. The effects of these Confederate revivals were far more reaching and longer lasting than any other spiritual awakening except going back to the day of Pentecost or since. For proof one only has to consider that the late great Bible belt of America is comprised of the Confederate States of America. The Southern Baptist Convention has been the largest denomination in the country for many years. Consider that the population of the Southeastern U.S. has always been less populated than the North and yet it has the larger concentration of Christians and churches in the U.S. Three days ago I was at a local state park that is off the beaten path. This park is situated along the Lumber river in N.C. I was talking with a park ranger when a van with a large Orthodox Jewish family pulled up asking about the park. I was talking with the young father of 8 children and learned they evacuated from Miami to escape hurricane Irma. He made the comment that he never saw so many churches, “There are more churches than homes”. I explained he is in the bible belt. I also explained that most of those churches he saw were not so much spiritually oriented any more rather they are social hubs of the community. The spiritual awakening in the South was the result of Christians defending the innocent.
It is the duty of the Christian to defend the innocent and those who are defenseless.
“God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82
This Psalm is addressing the shortcomings of those in authority. The word “gods” in verse one is not a reference to pagan or false gods but to kings and princes. The U.S. government today is a socialist form of government. The constitution is referenced by politicians only when it meets the diabolical needs of our wicked leaders. Our welfare society is supposed to meet the needs of the poor which raises a conundrum for the believer. If I am already giving huge amounts of my well earned income to the federal government with the expectation that they will use the money for its intended purposes am I still liable to care for the needy? As the Lord is preparing mansions for His faithful children so the Devil is preparing a special place for “public servants” who have violated the trust of its citizens and turned those citizens into subjects of the state.
Providing for the needy should not include a false sense of social or economic equality. Since the beginning of time there have always been social and economic classes in society. A classless society can only be achieved under a tyrannical government. The USSR made the best attempt at creating a classless society and at best it was a bloody, brutal, wicked failure. Classless societies will always result in masses of innocent people suffering at the hands of tyranny. Even heaven itself will have a class structure and maybe I will write more about this later. As a Christian, I will always defend the innocent even if it means losing my friends, family or my life.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
The Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Friday, September 1, 2017
No, Not in Israel
"5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Matthew 8
In Matthew 15 Jesus stated he was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. In that context He and His disciples were being annoyed by a Canaanite women who persisted in getting his attention to heal her daughter. The disciples and Jesus were noticeably perturbed at her insistence to the point that Jesus refers to her as a dog. In today's politically correct world Jesus would be labeled a bigot and probably IS considered one by ANTIFA and BLM. Pardon my digression. But the point is that Jesus was determined to remain focused on His mission for the redemption of the house of Israel and could not ignore the persistent faith of this woman. She demonstrated her faith by her humility not her demands nor insistence upon her "rights". God will always acknowledge the truly humble (James 4:10)
The Centurions faith was also demonstrated by his humility when he said, "I am not worthy that you should come under my roof". Humility like these biblical examples is lost in this current age of people "demanding their rights". Truly, the only right we have is to die and go to hell. It is God's pure grace and mercy that anyone is even reading this right now.
The encounter with the Centurion was at the beginning of Christs ministry and already those outside the house of Israel are eager to know who this Jesus is. In fact, Christs ministry began just after His 40 day fast and temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4. He left the wilderness and went to Northern Galilee. He was thronged there by people from Syria and the Decapolis. The Decapolis is ten ancient cities of which all but one were East of the Jordan river. Christs fame was more widespread among gentiles than Jews. The targeting of Christians in Syria by ISIS is striking at the very birthplace of Christianity. It was in Syria where the oldest sect of Christianity outside of Jerusalem arose. Aleppo was a major early Christian town. Antioch is where the term Christian was first used (Acts 11) Syrian Antioch is often referred to as the "cradle of Christianity" not Rome.
Christs appearance on earth was fulfillment of biblical prophecy. God and God alone knows the future and He knew that Abraham's seed would reject His word and ultimately the redemptive work of His Son. The Old Testament is a testimony to this endless cycle of Israel rejecting God, repenting and rejecting God again. Rabbinic Judaism came along about the same time that Old Testament prophecy ended. Rabbinic Judaism codified and interpreted biblical law or the laws of Moses in what is called the Mishna. Judaism today is based more upon this Mishna interpretation of Gods law instead of God's law itself. The Scribes and Pharisees were Christs biggest enemies because they led the Jews astray from the law of Moses. It was their adherence to mans interpretation of Gods law instead of the law itself that brought out the anger of our Lord, " 23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." Matthew 23
The Judaism in the world today is exactly the Judaism that Jesus condemned. Judaism today is not the faith of Abraham, David or Elijah. Jesus said, "If you knew my Father then you would know me". How can we know the Father? By knowing, believing and obeying His word. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17 Jesus said,
"17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5
Israel today is the same Israel that cried out, "Crucify him. Release to us Barrabas". Jews are not brothers to the Christian. Jews today are not even walking in the path of Moses. Jesus prophesied in the passage above, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Those who are truly born again, regenerate believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will be sitting down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not post second temple Jews. Some eschatology beliefs suggest there will be a regathering of Israel and many will turn to Jesus Christ. Perhaps that may be true but do not make the mistake of counting Jews as your "brothers in the Lord". A kosher Jew today is no different than the Pharisee of the 1st century. Don't be fooled if a Jew tells you he believes Jesus "was" a prophet. We should never speak of Jesus in the past tense as though he no longer exist. He is risen. Anyone who accepts Jesus as a prophet but not as God incarnate, God in the flesh, has made Jesus a false prophet and a liar.
Just to be clear, I'm not denigrating a people, I'm attempting to expose a false notion that many evangelicals have regarding Israel and Jews. Christian, do not for one minute think that every Jew you meet is going to "see the light" and accept Christ as the Messiah. In fact, most Jews are not religious Jews. And even those who observe Passover, Yom Kippur and other Jewish feasts may do so as a custom and tradition not a religious observance. Jesus said the Jews would be cast into outer darkness and exist in torment. Naturally, there will be exceptions to this. I have met completed Jews who have been converted to Christ and acknowledge Him as the Messiah.
Jesus marveled at the faith of the gentile Centurion. May my faith rise to a marvelous level.
In Matthew 15 Jesus stated he was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. In that context He and His disciples were being annoyed by a Canaanite women who persisted in getting his attention to heal her daughter. The disciples and Jesus were noticeably perturbed at her insistence to the point that Jesus refers to her as a dog. In today's politically correct world Jesus would be labeled a bigot and probably IS considered one by ANTIFA and BLM. Pardon my digression. But the point is that Jesus was determined to remain focused on His mission for the redemption of the house of Israel and could not ignore the persistent faith of this woman. She demonstrated her faith by her humility not her demands nor insistence upon her "rights". God will always acknowledge the truly humble (James 4:10)
The Centurions faith was also demonstrated by his humility when he said, "I am not worthy that you should come under my roof". Humility like these biblical examples is lost in this current age of people "demanding their rights". Truly, the only right we have is to die and go to hell. It is God's pure grace and mercy that anyone is even reading this right now.
The encounter with the Centurion was at the beginning of Christs ministry and already those outside the house of Israel are eager to know who this Jesus is. In fact, Christs ministry began just after His 40 day fast and temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4. He left the wilderness and went to Northern Galilee. He was thronged there by people from Syria and the Decapolis. The Decapolis is ten ancient cities of which all but one were East of the Jordan river. Christs fame was more widespread among gentiles than Jews. The targeting of Christians in Syria by ISIS is striking at the very birthplace of Christianity. It was in Syria where the oldest sect of Christianity outside of Jerusalem arose. Aleppo was a major early Christian town. Antioch is where the term Christian was first used (Acts 11) Syrian Antioch is often referred to as the "cradle of Christianity" not Rome.
Christs appearance on earth was fulfillment of biblical prophecy. God and God alone knows the future and He knew that Abraham's seed would reject His word and ultimately the redemptive work of His Son. The Old Testament is a testimony to this endless cycle of Israel rejecting God, repenting and rejecting God again. Rabbinic Judaism came along about the same time that Old Testament prophecy ended. Rabbinic Judaism codified and interpreted biblical law or the laws of Moses in what is called the Mishna. Judaism today is based more upon this Mishna interpretation of Gods law instead of God's law itself. The Scribes and Pharisees were Christs biggest enemies because they led the Jews astray from the law of Moses. It was their adherence to mans interpretation of Gods law instead of the law itself that brought out the anger of our Lord, " 23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." Matthew 23
The Judaism in the world today is exactly the Judaism that Jesus condemned. Judaism today is not the faith of Abraham, David or Elijah. Jesus said, "If you knew my Father then you would know me". How can we know the Father? By knowing, believing and obeying His word. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17 Jesus said,
"17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5
Israel today is the same Israel that cried out, "Crucify him. Release to us Barrabas". Jews are not brothers to the Christian. Jews today are not even walking in the path of Moses. Jesus prophesied in the passage above, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Those who are truly born again, regenerate believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will be sitting down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not post second temple Jews. Some eschatology beliefs suggest there will be a regathering of Israel and many will turn to Jesus Christ. Perhaps that may be true but do not make the mistake of counting Jews as your "brothers in the Lord". A kosher Jew today is no different than the Pharisee of the 1st century. Don't be fooled if a Jew tells you he believes Jesus "was" a prophet. We should never speak of Jesus in the past tense as though he no longer exist. He is risen. Anyone who accepts Jesus as a prophet but not as God incarnate, God in the flesh, has made Jesus a false prophet and a liar.
Just to be clear, I'm not denigrating a people, I'm attempting to expose a false notion that many evangelicals have regarding Israel and Jews. Christian, do not for one minute think that every Jew you meet is going to "see the light" and accept Christ as the Messiah. In fact, most Jews are not religious Jews. And even those who observe Passover, Yom Kippur and other Jewish feasts may do so as a custom and tradition not a religious observance. Jesus said the Jews would be cast into outer darkness and exist in torment. Naturally, there will be exceptions to this. I have met completed Jews who have been converted to Christ and acknowledge Him as the Messiah.
Jesus marveled at the faith of the gentile Centurion. May my faith rise to a marvelous level.
Friday, June 30, 2017
The Supreme Doctrine
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:6-9
With the continued immigration and procreation of non-Christian peoples into the Western World the extinction of that institution called the "church" is imminent if not already happened. I'm not referring to the organism, the Body of Christ, rather the visible organization called the church. No longer can Christians easily seek refuge where sound doctrine and discipline are taught. The pastor is to be a shepherd, protecting and nurturing the flock. Today, if a pastor calls out or denounces false doctrine he and his congregation are labeled bigots. The apostle Jude admonishes us to "contend for the faith once delivered to the saints". 150 years ago most churches in the Western world would do just that. Not anymore.
A driving objective of churches today is syncretism. Merriam-Webster defines syncretism as:
1 the combination of different forms of belief or practice
2 the fusion of two or more originally different inflectional forms
The modern church is a perfect example of syncretism at work in the Body of Christ. The modern church adopts the perversion of American culture on many levels. The modern church appeals to the hedonistic nature of Americans. We must be entertained. Americans do not want to think, they want to feel. Modern churches appeal to the amusement of Americans. Reverence for God is completely lost in the modern church. The mega-church is also a syncrestic incorporation of the modern box store. I recently joined Costco. Its huge and has a variety of things to "meet your needs" in large quantities. The church is not to exist for the purpose of "meeting peoples needs". The congregation of the Lord exists to worship God Almighty, not provide an array of social services to meet your needs.
Syncretism has been occurring for decades in different forms. The most prominent form of syncretism in the West has been the New Age movement. There are no clearly defined doctrines of the New Age. New Age thought is a form of syncretism accepting all forms of metaphysics and religion for the purpose of achieving a higher conscientiousness and oneness with the universe. Its roots are in Hinduism and Pantheism. Pantheism teaches that God is everywhere and in everything thus every thing is God. In the text above the New Age is found in those who follow after the "rudiments of the world". The word "rudiments" can also be translated "elements". Pagans worship the elements of nature; wood, fire, earth and water.
New Age thought has become so ingrained in Western Society that the term is rarely ever used anymore. In the majority of churches I have visited over the past 20 years, including conservative "bible believing" churches I have heard or observed New Age syncretism in some form. Because the average Christian today is not, "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith" they accept things that sound good on the surface but underneath spiritual death is lurking.
Syncretism blends not only religious thought but culture as well. The domination of Western culture by Negro culture is syncretism. Every time you see a young Caucasian person listening to Negro music or emulating a Negro, that is syncretism. (Note: I do not use the term Negro in a derogatory manner. Negro is the proper designation of the race of people who come from Sub-Saharan Africa.)
Quite frankly, syncretism is satanic. God defined the boundaries of every cultural/racial group in Genesis 10 and when they defied God by integrating under Nimrods leadership God segregated them by confusing their ability to communicate with one another. Thus, language is God ordained segregation.
The most heinous damnable thing about syncretism is the denial of Christ as the fullness of the Godhead bodily. One cannot be warm and embracing of cultures and religions that deny this fundamental teaching that all Christian churches have accepted down through the centuries. Jesus alone is God in the flesh. To accept Muslims, Hindu's and Buddhists as your "brothers" is to denounce the exclusive deity of Christ.
Twenty years ago when I was backslidden from the Lord I was dating a woman who professed to be a Christian. As the relationship became more serious I could not avoid the question of how we would raise a child if we married and had children. Up to this point we had never discussed biblical doctrine. I took for granted that since she professed being a Christian she accepted the basic fundamental/orthodox doctrines of Christianity. Just to be sure I asked her. It really takes only one question to determine ones real standing with God. Who is Jesus Christ? She denied the exclusive deity of Jesus Christ, the sin nature, the resurrection, the necessity of being born again to enter heaven and the infallibility of scripture. This woman professed Christianity and yet denied every major doctrine of the faith.
I contend that the supreme doctrine of the Christian is the incarnate Christ. God in the flesh in Jesus Christ. If ones perception of Christ is wrong then it matters not what else they may have right. There are millions of people sitting in church pews in this country alone who do not believe in the exclusive deity of Christ. Oh, they may say He is divine but they also believe Buddha and Allah are divine.
We live in an age of great deception and it will continue to get worse with the domination of Western countries by people hostile to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Beware lest any man spoil you.
With the continued immigration and procreation of non-Christian peoples into the Western World the extinction of that institution called the "church" is imminent if not already happened. I'm not referring to the organism, the Body of Christ, rather the visible organization called the church. No longer can Christians easily seek refuge where sound doctrine and discipline are taught. The pastor is to be a shepherd, protecting and nurturing the flock. Today, if a pastor calls out or denounces false doctrine he and his congregation are labeled bigots. The apostle Jude admonishes us to "contend for the faith once delivered to the saints". 150 years ago most churches in the Western world would do just that. Not anymore.
A driving objective of churches today is syncretism. Merriam-Webster defines syncretism as:
1 the combination of different forms of belief or practice
2 the fusion of two or more originally different inflectional forms
The modern church is a perfect example of syncretism at work in the Body of Christ. The modern church adopts the perversion of American culture on many levels. The modern church appeals to the hedonistic nature of Americans. We must be entertained. Americans do not want to think, they want to feel. Modern churches appeal to the amusement of Americans. Reverence for God is completely lost in the modern church. The mega-church is also a syncrestic incorporation of the modern box store. I recently joined Costco. Its huge and has a variety of things to "meet your needs" in large quantities. The church is not to exist for the purpose of "meeting peoples needs". The congregation of the Lord exists to worship God Almighty, not provide an array of social services to meet your needs.
Syncretism has been occurring for decades in different forms. The most prominent form of syncretism in the West has been the New Age movement. There are no clearly defined doctrines of the New Age. New Age thought is a form of syncretism accepting all forms of metaphysics and religion for the purpose of achieving a higher conscientiousness and oneness with the universe. Its roots are in Hinduism and Pantheism. Pantheism teaches that God is everywhere and in everything thus every thing is God. In the text above the New Age is found in those who follow after the "rudiments of the world". The word "rudiments" can also be translated "elements". Pagans worship the elements of nature; wood, fire, earth and water.
New Age thought has become so ingrained in Western Society that the term is rarely ever used anymore. In the majority of churches I have visited over the past 20 years, including conservative "bible believing" churches I have heard or observed New Age syncretism in some form. Because the average Christian today is not, "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith" they accept things that sound good on the surface but underneath spiritual death is lurking.
Syncretism blends not only religious thought but culture as well. The domination of Western culture by Negro culture is syncretism. Every time you see a young Caucasian person listening to Negro music or emulating a Negro, that is syncretism. (Note: I do not use the term Negro in a derogatory manner. Negro is the proper designation of the race of people who come from Sub-Saharan Africa.)
Quite frankly, syncretism is satanic. God defined the boundaries of every cultural/racial group in Genesis 10 and when they defied God by integrating under Nimrods leadership God segregated them by confusing their ability to communicate with one another. Thus, language is God ordained segregation.
The most heinous damnable thing about syncretism is the denial of Christ as the fullness of the Godhead bodily. One cannot be warm and embracing of cultures and religions that deny this fundamental teaching that all Christian churches have accepted down through the centuries. Jesus alone is God in the flesh. To accept Muslims, Hindu's and Buddhists as your "brothers" is to denounce the exclusive deity of Christ.
Twenty years ago when I was backslidden from the Lord I was dating a woman who professed to be a Christian. As the relationship became more serious I could not avoid the question of how we would raise a child if we married and had children. Up to this point we had never discussed biblical doctrine. I took for granted that since she professed being a Christian she accepted the basic fundamental/orthodox doctrines of Christianity. Just to be sure I asked her. It really takes only one question to determine ones real standing with God. Who is Jesus Christ? She denied the exclusive deity of Jesus Christ, the sin nature, the resurrection, the necessity of being born again to enter heaven and the infallibility of scripture. This woman professed Christianity and yet denied every major doctrine of the faith.
I contend that the supreme doctrine of the Christian is the incarnate Christ. God in the flesh in Jesus Christ. If ones perception of Christ is wrong then it matters not what else they may have right. There are millions of people sitting in church pews in this country alone who do not believe in the exclusive deity of Christ. Oh, they may say He is divine but they also believe Buddha and Allah are divine.
We live in an age of great deception and it will continue to get worse with the domination of Western countries by people hostile to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Beware lest any man spoil you.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
That Look
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Luke 22:31-34;55-62
We can all remember “that look” our parent or guardian would give us when we were children doing something we should not. I knew of kids who would break down crying just from the look their parent gave them. Sometimes that look spoke more loudly than words. In these passages we find that “look” from the Lord directed at Peter. No words were spoken that caused Peter to weep bitterly. No, it was not a tear in his eye nor a lump in his throat or a whimper. He was flat out bawling his eyes out.
We cannot grasp what it must have been like for the piercing gaze of the Lord looking deep into Peters soul. We cannot clearly define when all of the disciples experienced that moment of conversion. Many scholars would say it was on the day of Pentecost in the upper room. That may or may not be so. One thing is for sure in my mind, Peter was changed after realizing he had betrayed the Lord.
There is one thing that can truly change the soul and that is what Peter experienced, a heapin’ helpin’ of humble pie. We all have experienced a moment or two when we have completely humiliated ourselves by something stupid we may have done. And you probably never did that stupid thing again.
That look of the Lord deep into our souls can truly be life changing. How long has it been since the Lord gazed into your soul? Lord, like the Psalmist may I cry; “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Amen
And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Luke 22:31-34;55-62
We can all remember “that look” our parent or guardian would give us when we were children doing something we should not. I knew of kids who would break down crying just from the look their parent gave them. Sometimes that look spoke more loudly than words. In these passages we find that “look” from the Lord directed at Peter. No words were spoken that caused Peter to weep bitterly. No, it was not a tear in his eye nor a lump in his throat or a whimper. He was flat out bawling his eyes out.
We cannot grasp what it must have been like for the piercing gaze of the Lord looking deep into Peters soul. We cannot clearly define when all of the disciples experienced that moment of conversion. Many scholars would say it was on the day of Pentecost in the upper room. That may or may not be so. One thing is for sure in my mind, Peter was changed after realizing he had betrayed the Lord.
There is one thing that can truly change the soul and that is what Peter experienced, a heapin’ helpin’ of humble pie. We all have experienced a moment or two when we have completely humiliated ourselves by something stupid we may have done. And you probably never did that stupid thing again.
That look of the Lord deep into our souls can truly be life changing. How long has it been since the Lord gazed into your soul? Lord, like the Psalmist may I cry; “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Amen
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