I’ve done some researching on what you’ve said about all the people inhabiting Israel being Edomites. As I researched it, I came to four important conclusions that I believe hurt the Church, rather than aid her in her mission. As followers of the one who said, “I am the truth” (Jn 14:6), we should be taken up with possessing and guarding the truth in all things. And as our salvation is a relationship with the Truth (Jn 17:3), all the more.
It does appear that the nation (ethnic group) of Edom (or Esau) has been absorbed into the Jewish race. But this is not a biblical conclusion, nor does it nullify the race of Jews. The fact that the Edomites were absorbed into Israel is a fact of historical, extra-biblical knowledge. And that this fact were true, it does not require that today’s Jews are no longer Jews but Edomites. Throughout OT biblical history, Gentiles were “grafted in” to the Jewish race and religion. We have the story of Ruth, who willingly joined herself to the people of Israel, and in fact is included in the Jewish Messiah’s genealogy.
We have the famous verse that is so often taken out of context and put on wedding cakes:
Ruth 1:16 16 But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
So the Edomites, being conquered by Israel, in no way dilutes the gospel promises to the Jewish nation. In fact, within the Torah, Yahweh gave pronouncements for what to do if such wanted to be included among the Jews.
Secondly, the Jews, or Israelites (descended from Jacob) were not God’s chosen people primarily because of their ethnic descent and purity. Amos 9:7 7 "Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons of Israel?" declares the LORD. "Have I not brought up Israel from the land of Egypt, And the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir?
The Jewish people are God’s chosen because of Yahweh’s free elective grace. The people born into Israel chose no more to do so than the people of Edom. And the Lord chose the place and the times where all men would live (Acts 17:26). So the qualities of being a Jew have to do primarily with the keeping of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 15:18, 17:2-9), and secondarily with the ethnic purity. Now a case could be made that the Jews were prohibited from taking a wife from among the Gentiles, in order to keep the Jewish tribes pure. True. But this was precisely the case because the Jews were the only nation on earth that had Yahweh’s truth in revelation. So in order to protect this truth, and the line through which Yahweh would bring the Messiah into the world, He made this prohibition to keep doctrines of false gods and demons out of Israel.
Thirdly, believers who view the people within Israel are missing what God is accomplishing in the world. He has prophesied that after a time of exile for their sins, God wold indeed bring Israel back into the land He had given them. And God made the land desolate for hundreds of years, until the turn of the twentieth century, when the Jews first began to return, the rains also began to return.
Leviticus 26:32-34 32 'I will make the land desolate so that your enemies who settle in it will be appalled over it. 33 'You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste. 34 'Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies' land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths
Leviticus 26:44-45 44 'Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God. 45 'But I will remember for them the covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD.'".
The land was made desolate, by the Lord, so that people could not inhabit the holy land until the return of God’s chosen, the Jews (Isaiah 35:7; 32:15).
Recently, when speaking at Auschwitz, Poland, to mark the anniversary of the end of the concentration camps, Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed to all the world that the prophecies of Ezekiel 37 had been fulfilled. Messianic Jews in America took note. Jan Markell recently made mention of this event, and also stated that the wars of Ezekiel 38 and 39 are expected soon to follow. But I thought this statement was key: "There is a degree of spirituality in Israel, recently with this Benjamin Netanyahu saying that Ezekiel 37 is now fulfilled," she notes. "So I'm encouraged when the top leader in the nation of Israel comes out and stands up for the Bible. This is absolutely tremendously good news." http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=898508
And lastly, I think by the teaching of this erroneous view, it will turn the attention or energies of well-intentioned evangelical believers away from, or maybe even against the current inhabitants of Israel. Having been there and traveled throughout the country, I met and interacted with many of the Jewish people there, and found that indeed, many of them were there now because of making ‘aliyah’ or there migration from the countries to which they’d been exiled. I encountered Russian Jews, which Russia had a large Jewish population. I spoke with some young Jewish men who had flown in for the summer from Germany. I lived in the Slovak Republic from two years, during which time I made several trips to Prague, where they have a walled-in, historic Jewish town, where the Jews were imprisoned under Communist control.
During this time, when according to prophecies, we are living in the last days, the nations of the world are turning against Israel (according to their ruler/god- 1 Jn 5:19), the evangelical Christians are the last true friend and ally who will stand up for the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, through which righteousness and peace will be brought to the earth.
Of recent years, there have been more Jews recognizing Yeshua as their Messiah, than any other time in history. Yet they will not recognize him as a nation, until Yahaweh returns (Zech 12:10), at the battle of Armageddon, and they will look upon Him whom they pierced. And so shall all Israel be saved. This is when the truth of the teaching of Salvation by Grace will be seen in its fullness:
25 So that you will not be conceited, brothers, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery: a partial hardening has come to Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written: The Liberator will come from Zion; He will turn away godlessness from Jacob. 27 And this will be My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.
Romans 11:25-27 (HCSB)
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, October 26, 2009
God's word hidden in our heart?
119:11 I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 119:11
What does it mean to have God's word laid up/hidden in our heart? Some versions translate the word 'laid up' as 'treasured.' That we value God's word above silver and gold. Above game-cubes and video games. Above iphones and tvrs. We value God's word above R-rated movies, so we don't spend out precious stewardship of money on filth that blasphemes God and defiles His saints (TV movies too). When we lay God's word up in our hearts, it's in there. We know it. We can recall it, and it effects our decisions, values and attitudes, that we may share in the divine nature, and escape from the corruption in the world (2 Peter 1:3-10).
Let us forsake the allurements and temptations of the world, that sin so attractively sells us. Let us lay up God's word in our hearts, so that our desires will be His desires, and the things we love he loves, and the things He despises, we despise, that when he appears, we may not have shame before Him at His coming.
Psalms 119:11
What does it mean to have God's word laid up/hidden in our heart? Some versions translate the word 'laid up' as 'treasured.' That we value God's word above silver and gold. Above game-cubes and video games. Above iphones and tvrs. We value God's word above R-rated movies, so we don't spend out precious stewardship of money on filth that blasphemes God and defiles His saints (TV movies too). When we lay God's word up in our hearts, it's in there. We know it. We can recall it, and it effects our decisions, values and attitudes, that we may share in the divine nature, and escape from the corruption in the world (2 Peter 1:3-10).
Let us forsake the allurements and temptations of the world, that sin so attractively sells us. Let us lay up God's word in our hearts, so that our desires will be His desires, and the things we love he loves, and the things He despises, we despise, that when he appears, we may not have shame before Him at His coming.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A response to pastor Scott
This is a note from a friend posted to me of her friend, pastor Scott. She wanted to know my comment, and not taht I am anything, but deception is great in our time, so I thought this deserved attention so people will begin to know what they have got themselves into by electing Barrack Obama.
******
Last year I had the privilege of attending Sojourners Call to Renewal in Washington D.C. Along with amazing thinkers like Jim Wallis, Brian Mclaren, Shane Claiborne, Lynne Hybels, Freddie Haynes, Joel Hunter (who is pro-life and recently gave the Democratic National Convention opening prayer) - I was able to also see the three main Democratic contenders at that time; John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama.
(By the way, I ran into and got to speak to Freddie Haynes this week as I was coming out of Whole Foods in Dallas...he is an awesome guy and was nearly chosen to be the next president of the NAACP, but alas he is a disciple of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's brand of black liberation theology and they couldn't stand up to the controversy.)
Anyway, I wonder if you might watch a clip of what I recorded that night from Obama (facebook readers will have to follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQTaaro_Vog -be prepared to turn up the volume -
Last year I had the privilege of attending Sojourners Call to Renewal in Washington D.C. Along with amazing thinkers like Jim Wallis, Brian Mclaren, Shane Claiborne, Lynne Hybels, Freddie Haynes, Joel Hunter (who is pro-life and recently gave the Democratic National Convention opening prayer) - I was able to also see the three main Democratic contenders at that time; John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama.
(By the way, I ran into and got to speak to Freddie Haynes this week as I was coming out of Whole Foods in Dallas...he is an awesome guy and was nearly chosen to be the next president of the NAACP, but alas he is a disciple of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's brand of black liberation theology and they couldn't stand up to the controversy.)
Anyway, I wonder if you might watch a clip of what I recorded that night from Obama (facebook readers will have to follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQTaaro_Vog -be prepared to turn up the volume -
What Obama is describing is a Christian view of "the common good". It really is a Biblical idea that turns Cain's question to God around:
"Am I my brother's keeper?"
And, of course, the answer is, "yes".
It also strikes at the very center of the central commandment, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
It is unfortunate that we as Christians often base our political philosophy more on Darwinism than we do on the words of Jesus. It is as if we have taken an extreme notion of "self reliance" and personal responsibility from the pages of On the Origin of the Species; preferring laissez-faire capitalism and survival of the fittest over "whatsoever you do unto the least of these, you do also to me."
The Common Good understands that when an individual in our society suffers, we all suffer. The homeless Vietnam veteran I encounter at the intersection near my apartment...is my problem. The single mother of the little girl that sits beside my son in kindergarten - who is unable to miss work for fear of being fired when her daughter is sick should stay home...is my problem. The 500 Dallas teachers who were just laid off. The families I know who are trying to live on minimum wage... These are my problems.
These "personal problems" affect us all.
We ask, "Am I my brother's keeper?" and God says, "Yes."
Often some of my friends will say, "Yes, but it isn't the governments job to __fill in the blank___".
Often, advances in what the "government" provides are demonized as "socialism". But I wonder, who do we think that the "government" is? In this representative Democracy aren't we the government? Isn't this supposed to be a government of the people, for the people, and by the people? If it is we who pay the taxes, we who elect our representatives who pass the laws, and we who are the true "deciders" - then aren't we really saying, "Yes, but it isn't MY job to __fill in the blank___."
Reminds me of another guy who was full of excuses..."Really, God, I mean, am I my brother's keeper???"
Yes, Cain, yes you are.
The next time your kid goes to a public school, you accept an educational grant or subsidised college loan, you collect unemployment benefits, you work 40 hours a week instead of 80, you drive on a public road, go to the mailbox and check the mail, ride in an airplane that doesn't collide into another one, drink water that didn't come from a well, eat out and don't get sick, enjoy the protection of the US military, visit a state park...be thankful that there are a lot of people who believe in the common good.
Now, of course I am not advocating that we sell everything we have and give it to the poor! That would be crazy! But I wonder if we might start taking some steps in the right direction by at least acknowledging that our neighbors problems affect us all...and then on a very local and personal level we do something about it.
The person with the broken down car that you pass in traffic is your neighbor - and his problem is your problem.
The family living with no health insurance - that's not just their problem.
Ahhhh - has Satan convinced you of the myth of scarcity? Do you really believe that there isn't enough to go around? There is - if each of us only takes what we need...but that's another post.
My Response -
Yeah, the emergent church is behind Obama and Rick Warren, and is part of the great Apostasy. Not only does lighthousetrails watching this stuff, so does www.sliceoflaodicea.org, www.christianresearchnetwork.com, www.carm.org, there's lots of them that see the dangers! We've got to be on our toes!
In his paragraph about govt responsibiliities, and personal (Christian responsibilities ~ which ins some cases, b/c of red tape, the Church can't perform it's Biblical mandates, i.e., caring for the orphans and widows, at least, not wtihout going through govt. "training," or conditioning!) he criticizes those who "demonize" socialism, while socialism doesn't believe in personal property. It does not allow people to prosper form their own work and excellence, but takes the reward, or "wealth," and gives it to those who will not work. The Bible says, if a man does not work, he should not eat! Care and helping those in trouble is to be of a free, generous heart, and not through a government collectivized network of paid employees who are not able or equipped to give the compassion and loving care to each individual that the Bible demands.
This great democratic country was birthed out of the Protestant Reformation, before it, nothing like the U.S.A. had been known on earth. As our nation abandons the great, godly heritage from whence it came, we our losing our freedoms, and having enemies increase against us. God has removed His blessing from our nation.
******
Last year I had the privilege of attending Sojourners Call to Renewal in Washington D.C. Along with amazing thinkers like Jim Wallis, Brian Mclaren, Shane Claiborne, Lynne Hybels, Freddie Haynes, Joel Hunter (who is pro-life and recently gave the Democratic National Convention opening prayer) - I was able to also see the three main Democratic contenders at that time; John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama.
(By the way, I ran into and got to speak to Freddie Haynes this week as I was coming out of Whole Foods in Dallas...he is an awesome guy and was nearly chosen to be the next president of the NAACP, but alas he is a disciple of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's brand of black liberation theology and they couldn't stand up to the controversy.)
Anyway, I wonder if you might watch a clip of what I recorded that night from Obama (facebook readers will have to follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQTaaro_Vog -be prepared to turn up the volume -
Last year I had the privilege of attending Sojourners Call to Renewal in Washington D.C. Along with amazing thinkers like Jim Wallis, Brian Mclaren, Shane Claiborne, Lynne Hybels, Freddie Haynes, Joel Hunter (who is pro-life and recently gave the Democratic National Convention opening prayer) - I was able to also see the three main Democratic contenders at that time; John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama.
(By the way, I ran into and got to speak to Freddie Haynes this week as I was coming out of Whole Foods in Dallas...he is an awesome guy and was nearly chosen to be the next president of the NAACP, but alas he is a disciple of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's brand of black liberation theology and they couldn't stand up to the controversy.)
Anyway, I wonder if you might watch a clip of what I recorded that night from Obama (facebook readers will have to follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQTaaro_Vog -be prepared to turn up the volume -
What Obama is describing is a Christian view of "the common good". It really is a Biblical idea that turns Cain's question to God around:
"Am I my brother's keeper?"
And, of course, the answer is, "yes".
It also strikes at the very center of the central commandment, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
It is unfortunate that we as Christians often base our political philosophy more on Darwinism than we do on the words of Jesus. It is as if we have taken an extreme notion of "self reliance" and personal responsibility from the pages of On the Origin of the Species; preferring laissez-faire capitalism and survival of the fittest over "whatsoever you do unto the least of these, you do also to me."
The Common Good understands that when an individual in our society suffers, we all suffer. The homeless Vietnam veteran I encounter at the intersection near my apartment...is my problem. The single mother of the little girl that sits beside my son in kindergarten - who is unable to miss work for fear of being fired when her daughter is sick should stay home...is my problem. The 500 Dallas teachers who were just laid off. The families I know who are trying to live on minimum wage... These are my problems.
These "personal problems" affect us all.
We ask, "Am I my brother's keeper?" and God says, "Yes."
Often some of my friends will say, "Yes, but it isn't the governments job to __fill in the blank___".
Often, advances in what the "government" provides are demonized as "socialism". But I wonder, who do we think that the "government" is? In this representative Democracy aren't we the government? Isn't this supposed to be a government of the people, for the people, and by the people? If it is we who pay the taxes, we who elect our representatives who pass the laws, and we who are the true "deciders" - then aren't we really saying, "Yes, but it isn't MY job to __fill in the blank___."
Reminds me of another guy who was full of excuses..."Really, God, I mean, am I my brother's keeper???"
Yes, Cain, yes you are.
The next time your kid goes to a public school, you accept an educational grant or subsidised college loan, you collect unemployment benefits, you work 40 hours a week instead of 80, you drive on a public road, go to the mailbox and check the mail, ride in an airplane that doesn't collide into another one, drink water that didn't come from a well, eat out and don't get sick, enjoy the protection of the US military, visit a state park...be thankful that there are a lot of people who believe in the common good.
Now, of course I am not advocating that we sell everything we have and give it to the poor! That would be crazy! But I wonder if we might start taking some steps in the right direction by at least acknowledging that our neighbors problems affect us all...and then on a very local and personal level we do something about it.
The person with the broken down car that you pass in traffic is your neighbor - and his problem is your problem.
The family living with no health insurance - that's not just their problem.
Ahhhh - has Satan convinced you of the myth of scarcity? Do you really believe that there isn't enough to go around? There is - if each of us only takes what we need...but that's another post.
My Response -
Yeah, the emergent church is behind Obama and Rick Warren, and is part of the great Apostasy. Not only does lighthousetrails watching this stuff, so does www.sliceoflaodicea.org, www.christianresearchnetwork.com, www.carm.org, there's lots of them that see the dangers! We've got to be on our toes!
In his paragraph about govt responsibiliities, and personal (Christian responsibilities ~ which ins some cases, b/c of red tape, the Church can't perform it's Biblical mandates, i.e., caring for the orphans and widows, at least, not wtihout going through govt. "training," or conditioning!) he criticizes those who "demonize" socialism, while socialism doesn't believe in personal property. It does not allow people to prosper form their own work and excellence, but takes the reward, or "wealth," and gives it to those who will not work. The Bible says, if a man does not work, he should not eat! Care and helping those in trouble is to be of a free, generous heart, and not through a government collectivized network of paid employees who are not able or equipped to give the compassion and loving care to each individual that the Bible demands.
This great democratic country was birthed out of the Protestant Reformation, before it, nothing like the U.S.A. had been known on earth. As our nation abandons the great, godly heritage from whence it came, we our losing our freedoms, and having enemies increase against us. God has removed His blessing from our nation.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tzipi Livni: Real life ALIAS!
Certainly these are some of the most tumultuous times that we are living in! I'm watching the Middle East, and watching Israel, God's time clock. Olmert has come out with a ridiculous (not religulous!) assertion that those who believe in Biblical prophesies of a greater Israel are delusional. Then A'mad says Israel's not going to survive, even a lesser Israel!
So Olmert is being indicted on bribery charges, and has resigned his post of PM of Israel. Tzipi Livni has stepped in from his cabinet to carry out his duties... and if she is able to form a stable government in the next 45 days, she will be the next Israeli PM.
So I was wondering what sort of person she would be to lead Israel. I looked her up, and read some on her, and I was impressed! Remember the series ALIAS, with Jennifer Garner? Well Tzipi Livni is the real live Sydney Bristow! Let me share just a few quotes from this article.
Livni joined Mossad [Israeli Intelligence] after leaving the army with the rank of lieutenant and completing a year at law school. From her base in Paris she travelled throughout Europe in pursuit of Arab terrorists.
“Tzipi was not an office girl,” said an acquaintance. “She was a clever woman with an IQ of 150. She blended in well in European capitals, working with male agents, most of them ex-commandos, taking out Arab terrorists.”
Livni has never talked about her years with Mossad, but a glimpse of the nature of the work was given by her closest female partner on European assignments. “The risks were tangible,” said Mira Gal, who became head of her ministerial office. “If I made a mistake the result would be arrest and catastrophic political implications for Israel.”
And as to her upbringing? Check out her parents!
Both her parents were arrested for terrorist crimes in the 1940s. Her mother Sarah, who died recently aged 85, was a leader of Irgun, the militant Zionist group that operated in Palestine at the time of the British mandate and whose exploits included train robbery.
“I was disguised as a pregnant woman and robbed a train carrying £35,000,” she said in an interview shortly before she died. “Then we blew up another train en route from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.”
Livni’s father, Eitan, was sentenced to 15 years in jail for attacking a British military base. He escaped.
I mean, this is Kimpossible fodder! The author of the article notes that she does support the idea of giving up the West Bank, but she is not playing games with Syria or Iran, and will want to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. If she stays, and Bibi doesn't get it, I think she take out Iran... though I think giving out the West Bank is a bad idea. Hopefully she doesn't hold to Olmert's ant-Biblical views.
For full article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article4040016.ece
So Olmert is being indicted on bribery charges, and has resigned his post of PM of Israel. Tzipi Livni has stepped in from his cabinet to carry out his duties... and if she is able to form a stable government in the next 45 days, she will be the next Israeli PM.
So I was wondering what sort of person she would be to lead Israel. I looked her up, and read some on her, and I was impressed! Remember the series ALIAS, with Jennifer Garner? Well Tzipi Livni is the real live Sydney Bristow! Let me share just a few quotes from this article.
Livni joined Mossad [Israeli Intelligence] after leaving the army with the rank of lieutenant and completing a year at law school. From her base in Paris she travelled throughout Europe in pursuit of Arab terrorists.
“Tzipi was not an office girl,” said an acquaintance. “She was a clever woman with an IQ of 150. She blended in well in European capitals, working with male agents, most of them ex-commandos, taking out Arab terrorists.”
Livni has never talked about her years with Mossad, but a glimpse of the nature of the work was given by her closest female partner on European assignments. “The risks were tangible,” said Mira Gal, who became head of her ministerial office. “If I made a mistake the result would be arrest and catastrophic political implications for Israel.”
And as to her upbringing? Check out her parents!
Both her parents were arrested for terrorist crimes in the 1940s. Her mother Sarah, who died recently aged 85, was a leader of Irgun, the militant Zionist group that operated in Palestine at the time of the British mandate and whose exploits included train robbery.
“I was disguised as a pregnant woman and robbed a train carrying £35,000,” she said in an interview shortly before she died. “Then we blew up another train en route from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.”
Livni’s father, Eitan, was sentenced to 15 years in jail for attacking a British military base. He escaped.
I mean, this is Kimpossible fodder! The author of the article notes that she does support the idea of giving up the West Bank, but she is not playing games with Syria or Iran, and will want to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. If she stays, and Bibi doesn't get it, I think she take out Iran... though I think giving out the West Bank is a bad idea. Hopefully she doesn't hold to Olmert's ant-Biblical views.
For full article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article4040016.ece
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Excitement of Fulfillment
I've been thinking about doing this for some time... the fulfillment of scriptures. It's very exciting to see it take place, and to say, "I knew that would happen," for it's written in God's word. I found this report at the Iranian blog on the Middle East Media Research Institute.
The Iranian website Asr-e Iran reported that the head of the Moscow-based Center for Studies on Modern Iran, Rajab Safarov, has presented to the Kremlin a proposal to establish an Iran-Russia strategic and military alliance, following the tension between Russia and the West in the Caucasus and the possibility of Georgia and Ukraine joining NATO.
Under the proposal, Russia would form a security pact with Iran and Syria, and would also maintain military bases in Iranian Azerbaijan in northwest Iran and on the Iranian island of Qeshm, near the Strait of Hormuz, in the Persian Gulf, in order to monitor the movements of the West and NATO in the region.
In exchange, Russia would promise Iran military support in the event of a U.S. or Israeli attack, and would provide it with nuclear technology.
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran
'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of [b] Meshech and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army... and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. 5 Persia, Cush [c] and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, 6 also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.
22 I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. (from Ezek. 38)
The stage for the fulfillment of Ezek. 38 continues to be filled out. Tensions are high right now, things are almost in place for when our Savior brings about the consummation of His will to establish His rightful reign on earth (Zech 14:9). Will Psalm 83 be fulfilled, with along with Isaiah 17:1, preapring the way for Magog to come out of the north? Time will shortly reveal... and I can tell you where my hope is! Maranatha!
The Iranian website Asr-e Iran reported that the head of the Moscow-based Center for Studies on Modern Iran, Rajab Safarov, has presented to the Kremlin a proposal to establish an Iran-Russia strategic and military alliance, following the tension between Russia and the West in the Caucasus and the possibility of Georgia and Ukraine joining NATO.
Under the proposal, Russia would form a security pact with Iran and Syria, and would also maintain military bases in Iranian Azerbaijan in northwest Iran and on the Iranian island of Qeshm, near the Strait of Hormuz, in the Persian Gulf, in order to monitor the movements of the West and NATO in the region.
In exchange, Russia would promise Iran military support in the event of a U.S. or Israeli attack, and would provide it with nuclear technology.
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran
'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of [b] Meshech and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army... and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. 5 Persia, Cush [c] and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, 6 also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.
22 I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. (from Ezek. 38)
The stage for the fulfillment of Ezek. 38 continues to be filled out. Tensions are high right now, things are almost in place for when our Savior brings about the consummation of His will to establish His rightful reign on earth (Zech 14:9). Will Psalm 83 be fulfilled, with along with Isaiah 17:1, preapring the way for Magog to come out of the north? Time will shortly reveal... and I can tell you where my hope is! Maranatha!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Difficulty of Being Saved
21 Then, looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” 22 But he was stunned at this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.
23 Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 But the disciples were astonished at His words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:21-25 (HCSB)
Jesus told the rich man what was required to enter the kingdom of heaven. Was it that you must sell all your possessions, give it to the poor, and follow Christ in a state of poverty? No. This young ruler worshipped his wealth, his possessions. The apostle John tells us later that we are not to love the things of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of possessions, is not from the Father, but is from the world (1 Jn 2:15-18).
Immediately after this situation, Jesus’ first word to his disciples was, “How hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!” These were amazing words! His disciples were astonished! Jesus, seeing their incredulity, didn’t soften his words. He said it again, if not with more emphasis this time. Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
What Jesus was telling the rich young ruler, and the disciples, is that he requires absolute allegiance! Many times we read these stories and think that they are for other people, not us. But this scripture should hit home with, if anyone, most certainly us!!! Though economically, we are going through a hard time, yet the average American household still has more “possessions” than the average household anywhere else in the world.
If there is anything that takes God’s place in our lives, that is the one thing that we must get rid of us. The rich young rulers idol was his wealth. Jesus told him to sell all his “stuff,” and follow God. He made him get rid of the idol that was in his life, so he could follow God.
Let me talk to you now. What keeps you from God’s word, or from attending and serving in the church? Do you have time to get on the internet to check you email, and your five websites, but don’t have time for reading the Bible? Do you have time to train and practice for sports or band, but can’t come to church? Can you text 40 friends in 30 minutes, but can’t read the Bible for 10!?? Children, HOW HARD it is to enter the kingdom of God!
What keeps us out of heaven is that we all have idols in our lives. Sometimes, even after we are saved we will get idols… What idols do you have in your life? What things are part of your daily schedule that keep you from spending time in God’s word? Our lives must unreservedly given to and following the LORD Jesus Christ if we are to enter heaven. My Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of heaven! Do you need to surrender your life to Christ today?
23 Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 But the disciples were astonished at His words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:21-25 (HCSB)
Jesus told the rich man what was required to enter the kingdom of heaven. Was it that you must sell all your possessions, give it to the poor, and follow Christ in a state of poverty? No. This young ruler worshipped his wealth, his possessions. The apostle John tells us later that we are not to love the things of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of possessions, is not from the Father, but is from the world (1 Jn 2:15-18).
Immediately after this situation, Jesus’ first word to his disciples was, “How hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!” These were amazing words! His disciples were astonished! Jesus, seeing their incredulity, didn’t soften his words. He said it again, if not with more emphasis this time. Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
What Jesus was telling the rich young ruler, and the disciples, is that he requires absolute allegiance! Many times we read these stories and think that they are for other people, not us. But this scripture should hit home with, if anyone, most certainly us!!! Though economically, we are going through a hard time, yet the average American household still has more “possessions” than the average household anywhere else in the world.
If there is anything that takes God’s place in our lives, that is the one thing that we must get rid of us. The rich young rulers idol was his wealth. Jesus told him to sell all his “stuff,” and follow God. He made him get rid of the idol that was in his life, so he could follow God.
Let me talk to you now. What keeps you from God’s word, or from attending and serving in the church? Do you have time to get on the internet to check you email, and your five websites, but don’t have time for reading the Bible? Do you have time to train and practice for sports or band, but can’t come to church? Can you text 40 friends in 30 minutes, but can’t read the Bible for 10!?? Children, HOW HARD it is to enter the kingdom of God!
What keeps us out of heaven is that we all have idols in our lives. Sometimes, even after we are saved we will get idols… What idols do you have in your life? What things are part of your daily schedule that keep you from spending time in God’s word? Our lives must unreservedly given to and following the LORD Jesus Christ if we are to enter heaven. My Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of heaven! Do you need to surrender your life to Christ today?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Great Earthqaukes & Disasters foretold in the Bible?
This morning I was reading the Bible in part of my devotion time, and I was reminded again of you. I thought I might share some of my notes with you.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives. 31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful.
Prov 11:30-31 (HCSB)
· I just read this in light of the Islamic teaching of Jihad. The wicked (those who deny the testimony of the Lord Jesus - 1 John 5:10-11) are being repaid for their idolatry, and their rejoicing in the power and rage they feel when the commit these acts. The are having their earthly lives cut short, but sadly they are being taught that this is the way to paradise. And this is a sinister lie of the serpent, that sends them straight to hell.
Have you seen the news reports about the wildfires, the cyclones, the earthquakes? All of these are terrible human tradgedies. But you know, all of this was predicted by Jesus, and recorded in three different books of the Gospels (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).
Matthew 24:5-13 5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. 6 "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be bfamines and earthquakes. 8 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
The bible teaches us that God is a God who punishes unrihgteousness both now and for eternity. I think we agree on that.
Romans 1:18 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Romans 1:21-22 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
See, this is a part of Yahweh's plan, which He has told us about it from the beginning. He took his covenant people, the Jews, descended from Isaac and Jacob, and God, who always keeps His promises, promised through the prophets thousands of years ago to take away the sin of His 'chosen' people, through whom He wanted to bless the earth.
Zechariah 12:9 - 11; 13:1 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. 11 "In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem... Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
We see that the words of the prophets is coming true, namely because not only did the prophecies of the Messiah come true in Jesus (www.100prophecies.org), but Israel was restored in line with God's promises to Israel (Ezekiel 36, 37). And politically things are moving into position to fulfill Ezekiel 38 & 39, when Russia and her Muslim allies come against Israel. Then Yahweh Himself will fight for Israel to defend her.
Zechariah 12:8-9 8 "In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
I hope my friend, that you will hear God's Word.
John 1:14 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 5:9-12 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives. 31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful.
Prov 11:30-31 (HCSB)
· I just read this in light of the Islamic teaching of Jihad. The wicked (those who deny the testimony of the Lord Jesus - 1 John 5:10-11) are being repaid for their idolatry, and their rejoicing in the power and rage they feel when the commit these acts. The are having their earthly lives cut short, but sadly they are being taught that this is the way to paradise. And this is a sinister lie of the serpent, that sends them straight to hell.
Have you seen the news reports about the wildfires, the cyclones, the earthquakes? All of these are terrible human tradgedies. But you know, all of this was predicted by Jesus, and recorded in three different books of the Gospels (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).
Matthew 24:5-13 5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. 6 "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be bfamines and earthquakes. 8 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
The bible teaches us that God is a God who punishes unrihgteousness both now and for eternity. I think we agree on that.
Romans 1:18 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Romans 1:21-22 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
See, this is a part of Yahweh's plan, which He has told us about it from the beginning. He took his covenant people, the Jews, descended from Isaac and Jacob, and God, who always keeps His promises, promised through the prophets thousands of years ago to take away the sin of His 'chosen' people, through whom He wanted to bless the earth.
Zechariah 12:9 - 11; 13:1 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. 11 "In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem... Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
We see that the words of the prophets is coming true, namely because not only did the prophecies of the Messiah come true in Jesus (www.100prophecies.org), but Israel was restored in line with God's promises to Israel (Ezekiel 36, 37). And politically things are moving into position to fulfill Ezekiel 38 & 39, when Russia and her Muslim allies come against Israel. Then Yahweh Himself will fight for Israel to defend her.
Zechariah 12:8-9 8 "In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
I hope my friend, that you will hear God's Word.
John 1:14 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 5:9-12 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Isaiah 55-56
sThese are some of the ramblings I picked up this morning, after reviewing over the daily Proverb chapter, I reviewed Isaiah ch. 12, and then turned to refresh my memory for Is. 55:11, and was drawn into the text. After all, the word of God is living and active... (Heb. 4:12).
3 Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Prov 21:3 (HCSB)
17 The one who loves pleasure will become a poor man; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich. Prov 21:17 (HCSB)
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call to Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked one abandon his way, and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.
Isaiah 55:6-7 (HCSB)
11 so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and will prosper in what I send it [to do] .”
Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
6 And the foreigners who convert to the LORD, minister to Him, love the LORD’s name, and are His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it, and who hold firmly to My covenant— 7 I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” 8 [This is] the declaration of the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel: “I will gather to them still others besides those already gathered.”
Isaiah 56:6-8 (HCSB)
· This passage shows that God’s salvation will go forth to include all nations. It also speaks of Yah’s regathering of the Jews, beyond those that regarthered at first. And this is taking place today, and will consummate when God fights for the nation of Israel against Gog, and shows his glory before all the earth. Amen.
16 For I will not accuse [you] forever, and I will not always be angry; for then the spirit would grow weak before Me, even the breath [of man] , which I have made. 17 Because of his sinful greed I was angry, so I struck him; I was angry and hid; but he went on turning back to the desires of his heart. 18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and comfort him and his mourners, 19 creating words of praise.” The LORD says, “Peace, peace to the one who is far or near, and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the storm–tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waters churn up mire and muck. 21 There is no peace for the wicked,” says my God.
Isaiah 57:16-21 (HCSB)
· Here the LORD promises healing and restoration for his chosen people, who have sinfully erred from His ways. This is such a beautiful, compassionate response, the LORD says, ‘I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and comfort his mourners, creating words of praise!’ Haha, God will heal the sinfully erred people, and restore them to Himself. And we see the beginning of this fulfillment, and that of Ezekiel 36, started in 1948 when the LORD gave the land back to the Jews. Ever since then, the dragon, that crafty serpent has been trying to take it away from them, to wipe THEM off the face of the earth. And even now, through one of his servants in Iran, wants to wipe them off the earth. But according to Yahweh’s word, he will not succeed.
· vv. 20,21 almost appears to be a statement or sentiment more of pity than of judgment, which is normally how this verse is interpreted in contemporary circles.
3 Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Prov 21:3 (HCSB)
17 The one who loves pleasure will become a poor man; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich. Prov 21:17 (HCSB)
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call to Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked one abandon his way, and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.
Isaiah 55:6-7 (HCSB)
11 so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and will prosper in what I send it [to do] .”
Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
6 And the foreigners who convert to the LORD, minister to Him, love the LORD’s name, and are His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it, and who hold firmly to My covenant— 7 I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” 8 [This is] the declaration of the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel: “I will gather to them still others besides those already gathered.”
Isaiah 56:6-8 (HCSB)
· This passage shows that God’s salvation will go forth to include all nations. It also speaks of Yah’s regathering of the Jews, beyond those that regarthered at first. And this is taking place today, and will consummate when God fights for the nation of Israel against Gog, and shows his glory before all the earth. Amen.
16 For I will not accuse [you] forever, and I will not always be angry; for then the spirit would grow weak before Me, even the breath [of man] , which I have made. 17 Because of his sinful greed I was angry, so I struck him; I was angry and hid; but he went on turning back to the desires of his heart. 18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and comfort him and his mourners, 19 creating words of praise.” The LORD says, “Peace, peace to the one who is far or near, and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the storm–tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waters churn up mire and muck. 21 There is no peace for the wicked,” says my God.
Isaiah 57:16-21 (HCSB)
· Here the LORD promises healing and restoration for his chosen people, who have sinfully erred from His ways. This is such a beautiful, compassionate response, the LORD says, ‘I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and comfort his mourners, creating words of praise!’ Haha, God will heal the sinfully erred people, and restore them to Himself. And we see the beginning of this fulfillment, and that of Ezekiel 36, started in 1948 when the LORD gave the land back to the Jews. Ever since then, the dragon, that crafty serpent has been trying to take it away from them, to wipe THEM off the face of the earth. And even now, through one of his servants in Iran, wants to wipe them off the earth. But according to Yahweh’s word, he will not succeed.
· vv. 20,21 almost appears to be a statement or sentiment more of pity than of judgment, which is normally how this verse is interpreted in contemporary circles.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Homosexuality, Not 'Homophobia,' Is Health Risk
I found this interesting report by the FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL:
Some startlingly honest quotes from researchers who have studied the health of homosexual men were published by a "gay" newspaper in Michigan last week. Speaking of one study at a conference of the American Public Health Association late last year, former U.S. Centers for Disease Control researcher Ron Stall, Ph.D., M.P.H., said, "You had a syndemic [interconnecting epidemics] situation going on among a group of men, 80 percent of whom were college graduates, three-quarters of them were white, who were living in some of America's richest zip codes, and yet they had a health profile that looked like they were living in a favela [hillside slum] in Brazil." The gay newspaper article blamed these health problems not on the choice to engage in homosexual conduct, but on society's "homophobia." Yet that "homophobia" obviously wasn't severe enough to keep these men from getting college degrees and earning enough to live in "America's richest zip codes." Another CDC researcher, Richard J. Wolitski, stated that homosexual men report being victims of childhood sexual abuse at "rates that range between 12 and 37 percent [which is] much higher than rates for other men, which typically range from 1 to 4 percent." And those who "came out" as "gay" at an earlier age were the most likely to have had "forced sex before they were 18." Isn't it time we acknowledged that a cycle of sexual exploitation, not homophobia, is the source of these harms?
I mean... how does one person's disagreement of opinion with another inflict disease and STD's?
Some startlingly honest quotes from researchers who have studied the health of homosexual men were published by a "gay" newspaper in Michigan last week. Speaking of one study at a conference of the American Public Health Association late last year, former U.S. Centers for Disease Control researcher Ron Stall, Ph.D., M.P.H., said, "You had a syndemic [interconnecting epidemics] situation going on among a group of men, 80 percent of whom were college graduates, three-quarters of them were white, who were living in some of America's richest zip codes, and yet they had a health profile that looked like they were living in a favela [hillside slum] in Brazil." The gay newspaper article blamed these health problems not on the choice to engage in homosexual conduct, but on society's "homophobia." Yet that "homophobia" obviously wasn't severe enough to keep these men from getting college degrees and earning enough to live in "America's richest zip codes." Another CDC researcher, Richard J. Wolitski, stated that homosexual men report being victims of childhood sexual abuse at "rates that range between 12 and 37 percent [which is] much higher than rates for other men, which typically range from 1 to 4 percent." And those who "came out" as "gay" at an earlier age were the most likely to have had "forced sex before they were 18." Isn't it time we acknowledged that a cycle of sexual exploitation, not homophobia, is the source of these harms?
I mean... how does one person's disagreement of opinion with another inflict disease and STD's?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
