The Ways Of God. Part [1] Sabbath Afternoon 08/31/2019

Many people become bewildered or frustrated with God, if they have prayed for help and guidance in a matter but things did not turn out the way they had expected. In many instances these disappointments could be traced back to our lack of understanding of the ways of God, which often causes folks to harbor unrealistic expectations of Him.

Others erroneously believe that He is unpredictable, and thus, when some of us pray, it’s with a question mark hanging over our heads, about whether God is going to answer or not. Thus, many persons live the Christian life with uncertainty, as if the ways of God cannot be known.

But while God is omniscient and knows everything, and while His ways are infinitely higher than ours, yet it is possible for us mortals to know Him. If this were not the case, then our relationship with God would be a vain experience, riddled with doubts, and unanswerable questions.

God desires us to have an intelligent understanding of His character which in turn will cause us to run the Christian race with a steady, and even tread. At the same time, our confidence in God will build with an increasing knowledge of His ways so that we may view Him as being dependable, and consistent, One who can be relied upon in good times and bad.

Now, there are certain passages of scripture, which on the surface may seem to suggest otherwise, but these must be understood in context, for when the various verses are studied line upon line, there will appear a golden thread of consistency, so that all who would, may come to know Him.

Indeed, a relational, hands on knowledge of God is at the heart of Christianity, being the essence and stability which so many are in need of. Therefore, in getting to know Him, we must study His ways, what He does, how He does it, when He does it, and why He does it, wherever such information is revealed in scripture, and also in His providential workings.

Wherever possible, persons who endeavor to seek to know God and His ways should study the truths written in Bible, for several passages teach us that God can be known, and they also give assurance that He will be found of them who search for Him diligently. Let’s read:

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord.

However, at least in some instances a different take on the same matter of knowing God is raised in the scriptures. But before jumping to any erroneous conclusions, we should seek to understand the very context in which those words were uttered, for in one instance they were spoken by one who had an indistinct view of the ways God, and for which he was later rebuked. Let’s read:

Job 11:1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

7 Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

8 It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?

9 The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

Job 42:7 And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

In another passage we read that the ways of God are past finding out. Such passages should not ever be understood to mean that as Christians we are to live in limbo, thinking that God is capricious in His ways. The misunderstandings of God referred to in the Bible primarily pertain to those who have not known God personally, for when taken together the Bible passages explain themselves perfectly. Let’s read:

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.

18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

1st Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Therefore, we who are living in the 21st century, are cautioned not to repeat the same errors of the past, by which many persons claimed to know God, but in reality, only had a superficial knowledge of Him. In the book of Hebrews, we read that after forty years of experience, the majority of God’s people still did not know Him. Let’s read:

Hebrews 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.

9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they

have not known my ways.

11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.

Thus, there are some fundamentals about God that we should understand. In this segment we will seek to address a few basics, then we’ll move on to some practical illustrations which would help us to better understand what God does or permits, and why it is that certain experiences occur.

[1] God is a God of order.

Everything that God does, pertaining to heaven and earth is done in an orderly manner. Nothing is left to chance or mere feeling, for feelings will fluctuate, whereas principle is eternal. Thus, for starters, the ways of God are characterized by consistency, and perfect order. Confusion, disorder, and untidiness are all products and derivatives of evil angels. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

John 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Deuteronomy 23:12 Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad.

13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee.

14 For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore, shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.

Acts 10: There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius.

3 He saw in a vision evidently an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him;

5 Send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter.

6 He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Some may have wondered why in both instances in Acts, The Lord, and the angel from heaven sent to Cornelius wouldn’t divulge the information needed, but instead, put the persons in question in contact with an ordained messenger of God.

That is because order and protocol is being followed because wherever a prophet, or messenger of God, or an ordained person has been established among His people, God speaks His will through that person primarily. Hence the reason why our references are to be taken from the Bible primarily, for it’s written, holy men of God spoke as they were moved by The Holy Ghost.

This brings us to the experiences of Moses and the Hebrews, for God had specified that Moses was to be the human channel through which His will for the people would be made known. Information and instructions would be disseminated from The Lord through Moses, and from Moses to the people, just as it was with Jesus, Saul, and Ananias, the angel Peter and Cornelius. Let’s read:

Exodus 19:3 And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus, shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

9 And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee and believe thee forever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord.

Numbers 12:1 And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

2 And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it.

4 And the Lord spoke suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation.

5 And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam.

6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Therefore, Moses being God’s chosen vessel, their murmurings against him would be an affront to God who sent him in the first place, and as the Hebrews continue to falsely accuse Moses they would trigger experiences which demonstrate the ways of God in His dealing with similar situations.

There will be both negatives and positives that will accrue as a direct result, and the way in which the difficulties are resolved will teach us some valuable lessons in the ways of God, if, and when problems arise in our own experience. Let’s read:

Exodus 17:1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?

3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

4 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?

8 Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

This attack by Amalek was a direct result of the murmuring of the Hebrews. Continual complaining for no valid reason will often cause our defense to depart from us for murmuring effectively opens the door to great temptations. On the other hand, the attitude of praise and thanksgiving will often dispel darkness and forces the enemy into retreat. Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever.

This particular instance occurred at a time when the Hebrews were surrounded and vastly outnumbered by their enemies, who were hell bent on wiping the entire nation off the face of the earth. Did the Jews have reasonable cause for grave concern? Yes, they did; but instead of dwelling on the ominous clouds before them, and instead of indulging the “why me” syndrome, they took a different route of praise, and thanksgiving, and the rest is history. Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 20:22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Here it is again. The Lord is teaching us how to fight to win, how to surmount difficulties, instead of the tendency to grovel in our misfortunes. God never proposes to us that the road will be easy, but He provides a never-failing Refuge in Christ, if we will be humble and willing enough to access Him when difficulties arise. Let’s read:

Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

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

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Whenever we are in difficulty, or whenever we face seemingly insurmountable problems, an attitude of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving to God will trigger a multitude of blessings and deliverances, if like Paul, Silas, and the Hebrews in Jehoshaphat’s day we do not dwell on the negatives. Let’s read:

[Messages To Young People. Pp 53] Satan cannot endure to have his powerful rival appealed to, for he fears and trembles before Christ's strength and majesty. At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan's whole host trembles and when angels, all-powerful, clothed with the armory of heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, Satan and his host fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost.

Exodus 17:9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek.

11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

12 But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

In this instance, some of the Hebrews were actually lost to the Amalekites whenever Moses’ hands were let down. Real people died as a result, which is one of the sobering truths we need to understand about the ways of God. Let none be deceived into thinking that their problems, and enemies will be defeated without prayer.

As Moses lifted his hands to the sky, just so we too must lift our hands to God in prayer whenever the enemy comes in like a flood, for this is when God will lift up a standard against him. But the human tendency is to try to go it alone, without God, and the sure result is that “Amalek” will prevail if we do not pray for help. Let’s read:

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

It’s a delusion to think that we can beat back the forces of the enemy without help from God. In one particular instance the angel Gabriel had to call for reinforcements from heaven as he battled satan for 21 days without success. Then, we who are mortals, who were made lower than the angels should never even think of fighting battles on our own because failure will be the result. Let’s read:

Daniel 10:2 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

20 Then said he, now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia.

Let us then not fail to know, and understand the ways of God, for the things that are written in the Bible are there for our admonition and instruction, especially as we will have to fend off numerous and determined attacks against our souls in these last days. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will enable us to live victoriously each and every day. Let’s read:

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely, he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

God Bless!

Tit For Tat Laws. Sabbath Afternoon 08/24/2019

The strict administration of justice often appeals to man’s carnal nature, whereas the dispensation of mercy to one’s enemies goes against our natural grain. And it is easier hold grudges than to let go and let God. It’s not that there is anything inherently wrong with our sense of justice, but the Bible shows us a better way of dealing with our fellow men, instead of pursuing justice to the letter.

There is a strictly fair way of dealing with others and then there is a royal way of interacting with others. The reason why God instructs us to choose the royal way is because this is what He delights in, because it is an integral part of His character. However, mercy does not cause God to be insensible to strict justice, for the two characteristics are perfectly blended in His Person, into one indivisible whole.

And we must always remember that when God sent Jesus to die for us, God did not deal with us fairly, He dealt mercifully, and therefore, having saved us from the consequences of our own sins, He asks us to do the same in our dealings with individuals who may have wronged us. These instructions in no way make us blind to justice; instead, it allows mercy to be one of the preeminent traits of character, just as it is with God. Let’s read:

Exodus 34:6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.

Psalms 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalms 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

If God was to deal with us only from a strict sense of justice, we would all be dead men, for the wages of

sin is death, and nothing but human life can atone for sin. But, by sending Jesus to die on the cross, He was able to blend mercy with strict justice, so that the requirements of the broken law could be met, while at the same time He could save us from the consequences of our actions.

Thus, the ruling trait of character which motivates God is love, from which springs His mercy, kindness long-suffering, and a delight in seeing the repentant sinner go free. To take pleasure in knowing that a wrongdoer is pardoned, is essentially another level of Christianity, to which too many are foreigners. It is one thing to breathe a sigh of relief when justice is being served but it is another matter to rejoice when mercy is granted.

Therefore, as we study the Tit for Tat laws written in the Bible, it should be from a perspective of being merciful, even in situations where showing mercy may seem wrong. Indeed, when mercy is granted to the undeserving, the one who was wronged must of necessity absorb at least some, or all of the cost, and there are times when we’ll discover that mercy can be quite expensive.

It is not natural for the unconverted heart to show mercy, and therefore, as we study, we should keep in mind that we must allow God to dwell within us, so that grace, mercy, and long-suffering may come from our hearts, and not merely the ritualistic, rigid form that savors more of regret or resentment. Let us remember that God not only shows us mercy, He takes pleasure in doing so.

The tit for tat laws were given to the Hebrews after they were freed from Egyptian bondage, and even though it wasn’t God’s ideal, yet it represented, at least in kindergarten form, the beginnings of some sort of justice, whereby fair judgments could be administered in governing the people. Laws of strict justice must be written, because mercy, even when it is enjoined upon persons, is optional.

Some may choose to show mercy, while others may not, but justice between fellow citizens, neighbors, and friends must be written down as a road-map for judges to follow. In most cases, the Hebrew judges were not left to dispense mercy at their discretion, because there would be great temptation to show favoritism. This is one reason why it was necessary to write the laws of justice in stone, as it were. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 16: 18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Exodus 21:24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Numbers 35:33 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

This last passage is important for it delineates in no uncertain terms, that when innocent life is taken by a person, he must pay with his own life, or else the land would suffer as a direct result. But, in dealing with His people God demonstrated that there is a royal and merciful way to deal with the very same situation. Mercy could be granted by God, because Jesus Christ would absorb the natural backlash on the cross.

This administration of mercy has perplexed some to the point where they are tempted accuse to God of injustice, or favoritism in some instances. But this is absolutely not the case, because there was some provision for mercy included in the instructions that were given to Israel. The provisions always included the sacrifice of innocent life pointing us to the great fact that Christ would pay for all the injustices done. Let’s read:

Leviticus 4:1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;

14 When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

15 And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the Lord: and the bullock shall be killed before the Lord.

20 And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

22 When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord his God concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty;

23 Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish.

26 And the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

There are times when God’s mercy was granted to an individual, and it may seem to some that such a person got off free. But there is no such thing as free mercy, because every sin and injustice would be reconciled in Christ. Thus, the legal basis for the administration of mercy is Christ. At times, persons may have borne some of the cost, but at the end of the day, it’s Jesus who bears the brunt of our sins.

In the case of David, when he sinned by ordering the death of Uriah, the cost was partially deflected to the child of the adulterous relationship, yet, he himself avoided death because he complied with the provision upon which mercy is granted. In the 51st Psalm we read of his confession, and his plea for grace, and because his repentance was genuine, he was accepted by God. Let’s read:

Psalms 51: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

9 Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities.

But even with the death of his newly born child, we must not conclude that absolute justice was served, for the letter of the law specifically states that David and not the child should suffer. Thus, the remaining penalties that were due, were transferred to Christ on the tree, and thus, David, together with all of us could be saved in God’s kingdom if we repent and turn.

These are the reasons why we read certain passages of the Bible which demonstrate the strict justice of God. At times some people may wonder if it is the same God of mercy who delights in love that caused His wrath to fall so heavily upon His own Son.

Bolts of lightning seemed to be hurled against Christ on the cross, and the weight of our sins upon Him resulted in tremendous mental anguish, that caused Him to die of a broken heart, long before the other two thieves passed.

Let us then beware, lest we fall short of His grace, and the same recompenses become our lot, for if we neglect so great salvation and mercy, there will be nothing else He could do to save us from the full consequences of our sins. God’s grace and mercy is free to all, but very expensive to Christ. Let’s read:

Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my Shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

Isaiah 53:4 Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Therefore, seeing that mercy was provided at such a cost, with Jesus suffering the recompense for our deeds, let us turn to the royal law, the royal way of dealing with those who may have done us wrong. A man owes a king a certain sum, the king, like all of us, tries to collect on his debt, but the man doesn’t have the wherewithal to pay, so, he asks for mercy and mercy is granted, full and free. Let’s read:

Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will

pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me what thou owest.

29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.

There are several important issues to be observed from this parable.

[1] The unmerciful debtor had good intentions, for he planned to repay the debt. The only problem is that he couldn’t. Let’s read:

Matthew 18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Thus, he went out, and in a desperate effort to collect all that was owed him, he tried to make up the sum that he owed to the king. He either forgot, or didn’t really believe that mercy had been freely granted him. This attitude often stems from a heart of distrust, because if we truly believe that God has forgiven all our debts, there will be no need for us to try to repay God.

[2] Nothing was wrong with him trying to recover that which was owed, because the king in the parable had also made attempts to collect on his debts. Let’s read:

Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The problem is the way in which the unmerciful debtor tried to shake down his fellow man. If one is owed a debt, there is nothing wrong with trying to collect, but there are certain things we must not do, in our efforts at recovery, certain lines we shouldn’t cross, as Christians who represent Christ.

We are a spectacle unto the world, unto angels and to men, and thus, if we adopt un-Christlike methods or practices, we thereby cause folks to view God in the same light. In the parable, Christ says that the unmerciful man took the other by his “throat”.

God would have us understand there are many, and different ways, we too may try to take our debtors by the throat. Some may launch a flurry of harassing phone calls late at night, with verbal assaults, when debtors need to sleep. Some resort to threatening legal action; and others may even stalk the one who owes, at home, at work, and even at church.

And there are some others who may even resort to violence. All of these actions constitute taking one by the throat, for the unforgiving spirit which drives the various deeds is what God is against. There isn’t anything wrong per se in the pursuit of strict justice; all God is saying is that if we choose that route, He will have to deal with us in the same currency, for justice begets justice, and mercy begets mercy.

[3] When mercy is to be granted to one, a conscious decision must be made to absorb some, or all loss. Let’s read:

Matthew 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

When it was determined that there was no other way for us to pay our debts to God, Jesus made a deliberate, conscious decision to absorb the entire debt, and thus, the king in the parable made that decision too.

There are times when Christians would be severely tempted to adopt tit for tat methods in dealing with perceived, or real injustices. No one should expect that showing mercy will always come naturally, for Christ must be formed within us, in order for such decisions to come from the heart.

Therefore, Christ’s emphasis to us is not so much on the doing, as on the being. Yes, it will call for stern self-denial in some instances, and yes, it may hurt, or may cause some to be financially compromised, for mercy carries a cost, yet, to show mercy is God’s royal way, and we too should be willing to follow in His footsteps. This method of dealing with injustices is enjoined in several passages of scripture. Let’s read:

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

21 Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.

1st Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you.

In what some refer to as The Lord’s prayer, we ask God to forgive us “As we forgive our debtors” which means that we ourselves state the terms by which we expect to be treated. But many do not know the extent or importance of this prayer, and that’s why many who claim to believe in Jesus may still be in an unforgiven state.

If we put a limit on our forgiveness of others, God will also put a limit on His forgiveness to us. If we allow forgiveness to be open-ended, mercy will be open-ended towards us. And if we draw a red line in the sand which others should never cross, a similar red line will be drawn in our sand which we should never cross.

That is exactly what the phrase “As we forgive our debtors” means. Therefore, we are encouraged to take the high road, to live according to the royal law, and to always keep in mind, the sacrifice that was made by Jesus to set us free, because, in the contemplation of his great act of mercy that we can never repay, our own dealings with our fellowmen will reflect our gratitude for the cancellation of our debt.

We therefore close with a gentle reminder that God says what He means, and His words to us on these matters will be fulfilled exactly as they are written. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

God bless!

The Centurion. Sabbath Afternoon 08/17/2019

One of the issues we will need to be reconciled to, as it pertains to the ways of God, is that He says what He means, and means what He says. In other words, when He gives us commands or instructions, He expects them to obeyed in entirety, for partial obedience is not accepted in His sight. Moses had found that out on the way back to Egypt, when he was stopped by a holy angel, for not circumcising his son, according to God’s instructions.

The children of Israel found that out too when they went out to gather the manna God had provided. At that time, it was instructed that they should gather one omer for one man, but because some of them were probably dieting, while some others may have thought it should be buffet style, some gathered more, and some gathered less. But their final tally sheds light on the importance of exact obedience. Let’s read:

Exodus 16:16 This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.

17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.

18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack.

Good intentions are no excuse for not following the instructions of God either, for if good intentions are not followed up with obedience, they are useless. When king Saul spared Agag and brought back the best of the sheep and the cattle, contrary to God’s express command, he offered what some describe as an excuse with good intentions, for he stated that his plan was to offer sacrifices to The Lord.

But as we read further in that narrative, we discover that God couldn’t accept him because any deviation from God’s express will is not acceptable to Him. He says what He means and we should do all within our power to comply with His instructions, because this is where faith and works converge. Indeed, partial obedience is one of the great flaws in contemporary Christianity. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 15:10 Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying,

11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments.

13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord.

14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek.

21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal.

22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

The same issue of exact obedience surfaced when Paul met certain disciples who had been baptized unto John’s baptism. In this particular instance, they had actually obeyed to the best of their knowledge, because John was as kosher as you could get, but they were ignorant of Christ, and the Holy Ghost in the processes of conversion and salvation.

What happens next is an object lesson to us in how we too should comply with God’s instructions to us in any and all matters. After Paul explained to them clearly the requirements of God, they obeyed, and the rest is history, for they then received the gift of the Holy Ghost, not before. Let’s read:

Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them.

This leads us to our case study involving a man by the name of Cornelius, who according to God’s own testimony was doing everything right, as far as he knew. He was benevolent on a consistent basis, he was always praying, and he was devout, meaning that he was living according to righteous principles and laws, to the best of his ability. In addition, he used to invite his friends, neighbors, and family to listen to God’s word. Let’s read:

Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.

24 And Cornelius had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

But there was something Cornelius needed to do in addition to all these good things, and God saw it fit to send an angel from heaven to make him aware of that one missing link. God had approved of what he had been doing so far, for it was being done from the heart, in sincerity, but even sincerity does not make void God’s instructions. Therefore, he is to be informed as to the missing link. Let’s read:

Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming into him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

This is a very high rating given to Cornelius, by the estimation of God, for if one’s prayers and deeds are memorialized before God, then it means that not only is he accepted in God’s sight, but that he has gone over and beyond the call of duty. There is one important issue however, which Cornelius does not know about, and if he would be saved in God’s kingdom, he will need to obey everything that God has required.

God who is rich in mercy, and who winks in times of genuine ignorance, would not leave a single stone un-turned with Cornelius, of which he is not aware. In other words, there is only one more piece to the puzzle that must be put in place, so that Cornelius would be in perfect compliance with instructions in given by God, pertaining to salvation.

Was he doing the right thing previously, and was he accepted by God? The answer is yes, for the Bible says so. However, doing the right thing, and being accepted by God does not release any person from complete obedience. Therefore, Cornelius would be directed to Peter, who will inform him of what he must do. Let’s read:

Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter.

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou ought to do.

7 And when the angel which spoke unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

We notice in verses seven and eight that Cornelius hurried to obey the angel’s instructions, because no sooner had the angel left, than he commissioned a retinue to depart for Joppa. When God speaks to us, or instructs us in a certain course of action, it is of the utmost importance that we hasten to obey, for delay and hesitation can lead to questioning, and questions can lead to doubt, and doubt can lead to noncompliance.

One of the most successful snares of the devil is to tempt us to put off for tomorrow that which should be done today. He tempts us with procrastination on a host of issues, ranging from diet, and exercise, to paying of debt. Very many people who put off an exercise regimen for the 1st of January, when New year’s resolutions are made, stumble and retreat only after a few months.

In many cases, this phenomenon occurs because what should have been done today was put off for a future date. Hence the reason why the Holy Ghost says, “Today” if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, because when it comes to our salvation, today is always the right time.

God has set everything in motion to accommodate obedience on the part of Cornelius. Peter is warned not to call what God hath cleansed unclean, so, on the following day Peter himself hastens to obey, for delay can derail God’s plan for Cornelius. Let’s read:

Acts 10:23 And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did, whom they slew and hanged on a tree.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43 That through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

God had sent Peter for two main reasons: [1] To let Cornelius know of Jesus Christ the Savior. And [2] To baptize Cornelius, for he was already accepted by God, and was doing the works of righteousness. The missing link in the golden chain of obedience was baptism, for even though Cornelius was born of the Spirit previously, he needed to be born of water, in accordance with the teachings and instructions of Jesus. Let’s read:

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Now, it is true that there are many persons who will be saved who had never had the opportunity to be baptized, and many others will be in God’s kingdom who only got sprinkled, for that is all they knew. The times of ignorance and lack of opportunity God will wink at, but all those who have the opportunity to be baptized should do so without delay, for even though the baptism of Jesus stands for all who did not have a chance to do so, yet it’s necessary for us to follow in His footsteps. Let’s read:

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

The tenor of the Bible pertaining to our salvation is to seize the moment whilst the door of opportunity is still open. In all of God’s gracious overtures, and calls to service, immediate action is to be observed. This pattern can be seen in too many instances for us to reach any other conclusion. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Matthew 4: 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

22 And they immediately left the ship and their father and followed him.

Acts 10:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Acts 16: 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

The jailor, and his household were baptized after only one Bible study, for they saw the need to seize the golden opportunity without delay. Therefore, if anyone has believed in God, and may have heard the word; if any like Cornelius has been praying to God always and has been doing genuine works of righteousness from the heart;

If, like Cornelius, some may have been inviting one’s friends and neighbors to hear God’s word, but have not been baptized yet, let them not hesitate, for it is the will of God that His Holy Spirit be poured out in copious measure upon all who would believe, and be baptized. We thus close with an exhortation coming from God, to whomever it may apply. Let’s read:

Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold

the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;

15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

God bless!

Believe His Prophets. Sabbath Afternoon 08/10/2019

After the fall of Adam and Eve, God no longer spoke face to face with human beings, for if He was to do so, instantaneous death would be the only natural result. Therefore, He communicated with man in a variety of ways, sometimes using angels, His Spirit, or prophets. Anytime and every time we may come across in the scriptures where God spoke to man, it was never face to face, even if the Bible says so.

This fact must be made abundantly clear up front so we may understand the study in context. There are at times supposedly conflicting statements made in the scriptures, but when studied line upon line, they are always in perfect harmony. So, let us reiterate this fact again: Since the fall of man, God has never once spoken face to face with anyone. Let’s read:

Exodus 33:10 And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.

11 And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

12 And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

17 And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:

22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.

11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.

12 And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.

15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air.

Thus, after man sinned, the primary means of God communicating with us was through His prophets. These servants were not without faults themselves, but they were conduits through which God’s will was to be revealed. And therefore, their word come to us as it were the voice of God. Indeed, the entire canon of scripture was written by chosen servants of God, with the only exception being the law of ten commandments. Let’s read:

2nd Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Thus, it is imperative that we understand certain things about the prophets sent to us by God. Let the Bible speak for itself on this matter, for it is of grave importance especially as we have entered a new era in the history of the world, in which the 2nd coming of Christ looms large, and the prophecies pertaining to His return will become all the more urgent.

[1] Up until the time of Moses there wasn’t Bible or scripture written anywhere for reference purposes. God spoke through His prophets, and it rested with those who heard to believe or not to believe, for at its core, believing is a choice every person must make. Let’s read:

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

This was not a public announcement whereby God summoned the inhabitants of the earth and spoke directly to them. He spoke through one who was known among the people to be a God-fearing man, and it rested with the people to believe him or not. Indeed, the entire plan of salvation is structured in such a way that only believers could be saved. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Consider very carefully what is being said; for one hundred and twenty years there was no way for the antediluvians to corroborate or verify that God had indeed spoken to Noah. Contemporary science back then could not support his prediction, for there was no historical precedent to base such an apparently wild conclusion upon. And there was no scripture for them to double-check his prophecy. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

6 But there went up a mist from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground.

It was only during the final week of their existence that God gave to the antediluvians some evidence that seemed to support what Noah said, but even then, it was not any angel, nor God who spoke anything directly to people to certify the prophecy of Noah.

God gave to Noah the exact time of its fulfillment, which Noah then disseminated to the people, and some public evidence was also given to the masses, designed to appeal to their intelligence, and then, the choice to believe was left with each person. Let’s read:

Genesis 7:1 And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.

3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

4 For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

5 And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him.

The reason why we are spending so much time on this first point of belief, is because now that we may have the scriptures at our fingertips, the same issue arises, for we would have to believe the Bible for it to have any meaning in our lives. The issue of belief is not so much about the source of one’s facts and the corroborating research done to set the truth in stone.

It has more to do with a disposition to believe, for there are some people living on this planet who will never believe, regardless of how much irrefutable evidence might be presented. Indeed, a plethora of undeniable facts do not cause people to believe. In the case of pharaoh, incontrovertible evidence was piled one upon the next until he buried his firstborn and yet for all this, he refused to believe. Let’s read:

Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.

Exodus 10:7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

Nothing that God did, or said through Moses, and one million plagues would not make pharaoh into a believer, for belief must first pass through the gate of choice, and if one chooses not to believe there is nothing God can do for such a person.

Pharaoh, and Nebuchadnezzar were two peas in a pod as far as pride, and defiance of The Lord were concerned. But beyond that they diverged, and parted ways, for Nebuchadnezzar surrendered to God when undeniable evidence was presented. But pharaoh chose to believe alternate facts. This leads us to our second observation pertaining to God’s prophets:

[2] God reveals His secrets through His prophets. They may speak or they may write, yet because God sent them their words carry equal weight.

Neither Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob or Joseph ever wrote a single word in the scriptures, yet their word carried weight, for it was God who spoke through them. In all of the information, and predictions of the coming plagues on Egypt, not once did God speak personally to pharaoh. In other words, by believing Moses, he would be believing God. Let’s read:

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

2nd Chronicles 36:15 And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place.

16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

“No remedy” means that there is nothing else God can, or will do, if persons choose not to believe His prophets. Miracles, angels, friends, and family, and even a personal visit from The Holy Ghost wouldn’t make a person believe. After Lazarus was raised to life in the presence of the unbelieving Jews, they still chose not to believe. Hence the reason why the next passage is so important. Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

[3] Previous information, and instructions given by God can be superseded by later prophets at God’s discretion.

Exodus 21:23 Thou shalt give life for life,

24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

This information, and instruction was given under inspiration to Moses, and he thus delivered it to the people. But even though it came from God, it was not His ideal, but was justice in kindergarten form, not being blended with mercy. And therefore, as His people matured spiritually over the years, He sent other prophets with information to supersede those previous instructions. Let’s read:

Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.

39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Thus, the role of God’s prophets, and the weight of their words are clearly seen in both the old and new testaments, which leads us to our case study. Paul has been ordained a prophet of God, on the road to Damascus, he has preached the gospel fearlessly to Jew and Gentile.

And because of this he has gotten into trouble with the authorities, and is currently a prisoner, bound in chains with other prisoners and he is scheduled to appear before Caesar. The group would need to sail many days before reaching their destination, and on their way, they would have an important encounter with God, through His prophet. Let’s read:

Acts 26:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

2 And entering into a ship of we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia.

3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

This courtesy was granted to Paul, because Julius, the centurion had some inkling that he was at least a godly man, this being established during Paul’s previous appearance in the courts of king Agrippa. Thus, when a potentially life-threatening situation arose, Paul spoke under the inspiration of God, and it would be left up to Julius, and the other mariners to believe or not. Let’s read:

Acts 26:7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, Paul admonished them,

10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

After giving this prediction, what follows constitutes the most common reasons why people choose not to believe God’s prophets. It is worthy of note that Paul in this instance did not say “The Lord told me”. All he said was “I perceive” yet his word was as the voice of God speaking to those sailors. But, as was stated before, three common factors often tend to foster unbelief in the human mind.

[1] The experts. Let’s read:

Acts 27:11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

It is often the case that the experts will be in direct contradiction to the prophets of God, since worldly wisdom or science as we know it, does not take into account the supernatural.

Whatever cannot be explained from scientific points of views is generally rejected as being irrational, and thus it was that experienced sailors, and weather forecasters were preferred above the voice of one who was on his way to face trial. Science and Noah could not be reconciled, and historical precedents failed to support his prediction of a flood, therefore he was regarded as a fanatic, and folks believed the experts instead.

[2] Popular majority opinion.

Acts 27:12 The “more part advised” to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice.

This means that the majority of sailors, and jailors agreed that Paul’s warning was not to be believed. In Noah’s day, it was not the majority who believed,

but rather a remnant out of a remnant. As a general rule of thumb, the ways of God are often found in the opposite direction of the popular majority.

[3] An inconvenient truth.

Acts 27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in.

13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

The prophets of God aren’t usually sent to prophesy any smooth things, for obedience and belief often incur some level of inconvenience. Staying put will be uncomfortable for the travelers, and so they preferred to risk it all for the sake of convenience.

In Noah’s day, it was an inconvenient truth that was spoken, because it would mean uprooting from the norms of everyday living, relinquishing property, and sharing room and board with wild animals; an inconvenient truth indeed. However, just as it was with Noah, it also happened with Paul. Let’s read:

ATS 27:14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

17 And, fearing lest they should fall into the quick-sands, strake sail, and so were driven.

18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

Another dangerous storm is brewing on the horizon even as we speak, and true to His character, God is sending us prophets to warn us of things to come. These warnings are to be found in the Bible, and in the writings of Ellen G. White, and just like it was in Noah’s and Paul’s experience, it’s up to us whether to believe or not.

The evidences of this coming storm are all around us, for God permits evidences which appeal to our intelligence, but He does not force any person to believe. The general unsettled state of our nation, and the world at large, speak volumes to the truths written in the Bible and through His prophet, sent to our generation. Let’s read:

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

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.

1st Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then, sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

[The Great Controversy pp 622] It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God. Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, “as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.”

While many are promising better days, with less violence, hate and bloodshed, while some may be promising to reduce the federal debt, and while others may be hoping for healing, tolerance, and unity across the nation, God through His prophets, cautions us not to bury our heads in the sand, for the prophecies pertaining to the last days will be fulfilled to the letter, whether we believe or not.

We therefore end with a passage that encourages us to believe, and to take commensurate actions, and make wise choices as we look forward to the 2nd coming of Jesus. Let’s read:

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

God Bless!

Does God Take Too Long. Sabbath Afternoon 08/03/2019

One of the major stumbling blocks to exercising a living faith in God is that we often believe that He takes too long to fulfill His promises to us. We read of promises of health, of good gifts, and of rewards for obedience, but sometimes we find ourselves in a period of waiting, and watching, and waiting. Then, before you know it, the strength of belief begins to get chipped away.

When appropriating the promises of God and their fulfillment, there are several important factors for us to bear in mind. God always sees the end from the beginning, and therefore He is able to plan and execute His plans with pinpoint accuracy. His plans know no haste or delay, for in the fullness of time His promises will be realized.

Again, there are other issues to consider about His promises, because it is not always the case that the fulfillment may do us good at such and such a time. For instance, if Joseph was brought down to Egypt and placed on the throne, without doing some jail-time, where he learned critically important lessons in justice, and where the spoil-child attitudes were consumed in the furnace of trial, he may not have ruled with wisdom and discretion.

Therefore, even though it was God, who by dreams showed him his future work, and the preeminence he would be given over his brethren, yet, in wisdom God saw fit to first prepare him for the fulfillment of the promise, for there are times when God is ready and able to bless us, but it is not always safe to do so prematurely, lest we misuse the blessings or turn our backs on Him. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 8:6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

7 For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

8 A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;

9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

11 Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;

13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

There are some questions that we must address if we are to live confidently, with a settled frame of mind, trusting in God without getting frustrated and not murmuring about His timing, and also avoiding the tendency to worry ourselves out of His hands.

Question [1]: Is our obedience to God’s commands based on promised reward? And if so, will there be a change in our obedience if there is a delay in the fulfillment of His promises.

Question [2] What would we consider a reasonable time-frame for the fulfillment of His promises, after all the prerequisites have been met?

Question [3] If the promises made to us do not get fulfilled in our lifetime, is God then a liar? Take for example:

Psalms 34: 17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Question [4] Are there other factors that can affect the fulfillment of His promises, such as the speed of our obedience, the attitudes we harbor, or external forces that are rigged against our souls?

Question [5] Why are some promises fulfilled as in a moment while others seem to be long delayed?

Question [6] Does God ever take too long?

Let’s just say here, that there are some promises which always get fulfilled instantly, because God is mostly concerned about our salvation. This is the reason why He sent His Son, and thus, whenever we repent and confess our sins in sincerity, the promise of forgiveness is fulfilled instantly, no exceptions. Let’s read:

1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

However, in other instances, the promises in the scriptures are given to us without any specific time frame for their fulfillment, and they are designed that way for particular reasons [1] So that we may exercise faith in God. [2] That we may allow Him to exercise His discretion in the administration of ways and means. [3] So that God may fulfill them to us in the fullness of time, which is always the right time. Let’s read:

Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

The Lord does not say exactly when the windows of heaven would be opened, but He does say that they will be opened. What then should we consider a reasonable timeframe for the windows of heaven to be opened after the prerequisites have been met? Right after returning tithes? Two days later? Or one month? Or one year?

In addition, should our motivation for obedience to this command be based on the reward or should we do it because it is right? Would we continue to obey and believe, even when the promises seem to fail or when human logic, science, and historical precedent may whisper serious doubts to the contrary. Let’s read:

Genesis 12:1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision saying, Fear not Abram, I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

2 And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless?

3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

4 And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Again, no specifics are given for the fulfillment of the promise, and therefore, the question is asked again: What should be a reasonable time frame for the fulfillment of the promise? One year, two years, ten years or twenty. How long should Abraham and His wife Sarah realistically continue to believe obey and wait, especially since her biological clock pertaining to pregnancy has stopped ticking many years ago?

Proverbs 3:9 Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Once more, no time frame is given for the filling of our barns, but they will certainly be filled, for God cannot lie. The problem some folks have is with the timing of the fulfillment, for many Christians believe God takes too long. Therefore, the waiting period in the interim seems difficult to bear, and the more we are impatient, the more vulnerable we become to plan “B”.

Psalms 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

What causes many of us to stumble is God’s timing and discretion, because there are times when the promises of God seem to be fulfilled in an instant, and at other times we may not see sun nor stars for many days. The real issue is whether the motivation behind our obedience is reasonable expectation, or if we will continue to believe and obey when, and if nothing seems to be happening.

So, let’s dig deeper into these issues of reasonable expectation, timing, and discretion as it pertains to God. Nebuchadnezzar has arrayed himself against the God of heaven, and he endeavors to force God’s servants to bow down to his graven image, against their will. They are in an emergency, for the fires of persecution have already been kindled, only waiting for fresh victims.

But the three faithful Hebrews are standing tall, for they are confident that their course of action meets God’s approval. First of all, they have the promises which clearly state that those who dare to interfere with God’s people will meet with retribution. The mega promises were given with pre-conditions, and as far as they know, all those conditions have been met. Let’s begin with the preconditions. Let’s read:

Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.

10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

Zechariah 2:8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior.

The three faithful Hebrews also have precedent to stand on, because they remember clearly, the time in the scriptures when God’s servant was facing the wrath of a certain king, and the God of heaven was not slack, to repay the king to his face. In fact, there were scores of dead bodies scattered abroad when everything was said and done. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 1:3 But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?

4 Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.

5 And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?

6 And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

7 And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words?

8 And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.

9 Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.

10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

11 Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly.

12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

14 Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.

15 And the angel of the Lord said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

Thus, armed with obedience based on their love of God, historical precedent, and the promises of God, the three Hebrews could face the danger before them with confidence; and their expectation of deliverance would be reasonable, for they obeyed the commands of God to the letter and it was their obedience that had triggered the rage of the king Nebuchadnezzar. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near and accused the Jews.

9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live forever.

10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image:

12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar;

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

Based upon the promises given in the scriptures, it was reasonable for the Hebrews to look forward to deliverance because God has specifically stated that obedience to His commands will result in blessings of protection especially when the lives of His people are in danger. The question some struggle with is: When will the deliverance come? Before they are thrown in the fire, or after they are thrown?

But as we read further, we discover that the three Hebrews were managing their expectations in ways that allow God to exercise His own discretion in the matter. In other words, here they have the promise at their back, they have a clear conscience because of obedience, and they have historical precedents, but they leave some wiggle room, just in case God may see it fit to act differently in this particular situation.

The timing for the fulfillment of the promise is also left up to God, because the deliverance could come either before or after the fact, or it may not come at all in their lifetime. The tendency to try to hold God to His throat in the fulfillment of promises He has made, is not good, for it usurps the discretionary prerogative of God in this or that situation. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

The three Hebrews were delivered instantly, and we rejoice with them, but has anyone ever read Fox’s book of martyrs? In the fullness of time, and as God sees fit, are indispensable elements to the exercise of living faith, or else, the obedience that is based solely on expectation will shudder, and collapse on the brink, if or when expectation isn’t realized.

Nothing is wrong with reasonable expectation that is based upon the promises made in the Bible. But we should allow God the room to have discretion in the fulfillment of any promise, or else, if we try to hold Him to an ultimatum we will discover that very severe temptations will be spawned as a result, and these in turn could shake or destroy our faith.

John trembled on the brink in prison, because his expectation wasn’t realized. Thus, it’s important for us to serve and obey God, not merely because of reward or promise, but because we love Him, and it is the right thing to do.

When we do this from the heart, we will find that many promises would be fulfilled in our lives, for God desires the service of love only. Therefore, we end with a brief history of those faithful who have gone before, so that we may be encouraged in our own personal experience. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment.

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

God Bless!

Who Is My Neighbor. Sabbath Afternoon 07/27/2019

In the current environment we’re living in, where vitriol, hate speech, lying, and cruelty have become the order of the day, it has become necessary for us, especially professed Christians, to revisit some of the fundamental teachings of Christ, especially as it pertains to the treatment of others, for whenever any harm or injustice is done to persons, it is felt in the Person of Christ.

This fact must never be lost sight of, for there is a tendency, both nationally and individually to isolate ourselves from the sufferings of others, for reasons which have no foundation in the scripture. It’s much better for one to not affiliate himself or herself with Christianity, than to misrepresent the character and purposes of Christ, because this causes would-be converts to stumble.

Thus, the study today is of particular importance, in light of what is on display across the nations of the earth. Self-preservation has become the ruling law with many persons, and mercy, truth, kindness, and willingness to bear the burdens of the less fortunate have been supplanted by a spirit that seeks its own benefit, and is willing to trample upon other people to have the first and highest place.

This spirit is foreign to the Spirit, and character of Christ, because in all that He says and does, there is to be seen a noble benevolence, genuine goodness, and a willingness to put the interests and well being of others before Himself. The very purposes of God are thus encoded throughout the scriptures, so that none should err concerning who God is. Let’s read:

1st John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

James 2:8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

When the love of God is shed abroad in the hearts of Christians, and other persons, there is no picking and choosing as to who is our neighbor, because wherever we go and whoever we may encounter, a uniform kindness and benevolence without bias will be manifested. There is no qualification for God to love us, and there should be no qualification in our esteem of others.

For instance, when Abraham saw three strangers coming towards him, at high noon, they instantly became his neighbors, for their apparent need of food and drink made them neighbors. Therefore, prompted by the Spirit of God, and motivated by an apparent need, Abraham “Hasted” to bring relief to his new-found neighbors, and the rest is history. Let’s read:

Genesis 18:1 And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant.

4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.

7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

Abraham didn’t ask them what country they came from, nor did he inquire of their religion. He did not see the strangers as a risk to his family or to himself, even though he had not the faintest knowledge of their character or mission. All Abraham focused on was their apparent need, and for that reason they were accounted as neighbors.

Thus, it is against the backdrop of these, and other passages that we’ll begin our study for today: “Who Is My Neighbor” For starters, the scriptures teach us that “My neighbor” is not restricted just to persons living next-door or on our street. The term neighbor according to the scripture, refers primarily to those who are in need, and therefore, the familiar faces, and close proximity are not the only considerations.

The term neighbor is much more far-reaching than locales, and acquaintances, because it transcends borders, ethnicities, and all of the other man-made qualifications which effectively stymie our better impulses. Thus, it was that the question was put to Christ for final resolution, and we would do well to study His response, for it not only deals with one’s qualification as a neighbor, but it also deals with the treatment of such persons. Let’s read:

Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27 And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right this do, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

The previous verse tells us two things about the person asking the question: [1] He tries to justify himself. And [2] He apparently does not know who his neighbors are. That’s a pretty sad condition to be in, for if one does not know his neighbors, it means that he most likely does not know God. Thus, the reply coming from Christ will address both the questioner, and all current and future neighbors. Let’s read:

Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

The priest and the Levite in this true story represent professed believers who should be representative of the knowledge and character of God. They were supposedly familiar with the laws which reflect the principles of God’s kingdom, and which were to be etched into the very fabric of their daily lives.

But alas, we behold a callous disregard for suffering humanity. The priest was not even interested, and the Levite’s curiosity didn’t morph into compassion when he saw firsthand the plight of the man. When the love of God resides in one’s heart, compassion translates into practical deeds of kindness where it is needed, and thus, there was a serious disconnect between the profession and practice of the Levite. Let’s read:

Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Like Abraham, the Samaritan did not inquire as to the man’s ethnicity, country of origin, or religious beliefs. He didn’t ask whether he was in the country legally, nor did he require identification before he helped the man. All he saw was a fellow human being, battered and bruised, and therefore, without stopping to consider his own safety or man-made qualifications, he at once begins to treat him as a neighbor.

Several important accommodations were made by the good Samaritan that we would do well to pay close attention to:

[1] He provided healthcare. Let’s read:

Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine.

Whenever we come across people who are in need of the basic necessities of life, it becomes our moral obligation to provide, even if it costs us, for we see in the story that the Samaritan willingly funded all that pertained to the stranger’s well-being, including health care.

The compassionate treatment of strangers is a big deal with God, and indeed, it is a thermometer of our profession of Christianity. This sacred truth is embodied and is enjoined in several passages of scripture. Let’s read:

Exodus 23:9 Thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Leviticus 19:33 And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.

34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Just Wondering about Sodom!)

One of Christ’s main methods of reaching people, was that he would often address their health issues first, before doing Bible studies. Thus, the Samaritan was indeed a representative of Christ. Let’s read:

Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Luke 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him and healed them all.

[2] The Samaritan provided food, shelter clothing, and transportation. Let’s read:

Luke 10: 34 And he went to him, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Not only did the good Samaritan provide shelter, and transportation to the shelter, but he ministered to his neighbor’s needs in a personal way. According to the story, he stayed the night with his neighbor, providing food, clothing and shelter, and making sure that he was on the road to recovery, before departing on his journey.

This kind of compassion would require rescheduling since the Samaritan was not expecting the situation he came across. But he didn’t think twice to put his personal itinerary on hold, so that his newly-found neighbor could be well taken care of. Self-sacrificing love, and the willingness to bear another’s burdens is one of the most treasured attributes we should cultivate.

[3] He provided for any future needs that became incidental to helping his neighbor get back on his feet. Let’s read:

Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, take care of him and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Hear the word of The Lord now, these three basic essentials of good neighborhood are fast becoming a scarce commodity in our day, where “Me-first” philosophies have done violence to the principles of kindness and benevolence. In the estimate of God, true greatness is demonstrated in a willingness to serve the greater good of others, for this is the example set by Christ.

When it came time for our salvation, Jesus did not just stay up in heaven and command angels to do all the dirty work. Instead, He rolled up his sleeves and got soiled, got bruised, and beaten in the process, towing the line until we were rescued from sin. By becoming one of us, He showed that whatever it may take, whatever it may cost to save life, He was ready and willing to do. Let’s read:

Isaiah 53:4 Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

There we have it before our faces. Pride, boasting, self-centeredness, and me first philosophies are all anathema to humility, and true greatness, in the estimate of heaven, because the love of God in the heart can be condensed into one simple mantra: God first, others next, self, last.

A dark cloud has now engulfed many nations, for selfishness is stifling every good impulse, crushing out the very humanity we were invested with by God, and supplanting brotherhood with otherhood. Thus, the time has now come for us to hit pause, to do some serious soul-searching, to see if the tenor of our lives is personal survival, and protectionism.

Let the nobler traits of character, such as courtesy, benevolence, mutual respect for all persons, and a willingness to help the helpless, as was manifested in Christ, be cherished, and cultivated in practical ways, for the habitual manifestation of these traits will cause a new, and brighter day to dawn in the hearts of millions. We close with a few passages of scripture that we will do well to memorize. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

God Bless!

The Call Of Isaiah. Sabbath Afternoon 07/20/2019

Isaiah 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

This first passage shows us that it was God who had called Isaiah to the prophetic ministry to preach and to teach, to reprove and exhort the Jews, at a time of near national apostasy. The people had adopted the idolatrous practices of the heathen nations, and their methods, principles, and customs had become tainted by affiliation with paganism in its many, and varied forms.

Thus, the cultural, spiritual, and social effects could be seen across the land. The lifestyles of the nations had become so intertwined with the religion of the Jews that currently there wasn’t any real distinction between them, and as a sure result, the land itself was now suffering the adverse effects of the curse the people had incurred. Let’s read:

Isaiah 1:13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates, they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.

15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

It was God’s purpose that this situation should have been the other way around, where the surrounding nations would be influenced by the Jews, where His laws, principles, and methods would be on display for all the world to see, and thus, the nations would conclude that the religion of the Jews was superior in nature and they too would desire to be like God’s people. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

6 Keep and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations which shall hear all these statutes, and say, surely, this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

But as is too often the case, the practices, and the customs of those nations exerted a much greater influence over the Jews, than they exerted over the nations, and thus, it was for this reason that it had now become necessary for God to commission the prophet Isaiah to the ministry of reconciliation, as it were.

God has always encountered much greater difficulty in taking Egypt out of His people than in taking us out of Egypt, and therefore, the ministry of Isaiah was needed. But even Isaiah had his own problems, because at the outset, we observe that he, like so many others whom God has called to serve, had a misconception of his own true condition. Let’s read:

Isaiah 1:4 Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

5 Why should Ye be stricken anymore? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

7 Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

One thing becomes immediately obvious, as Isaiah begins to preach, he is observed to be speaking in the second person, by which he employs pronouns such as: your, they, and ye. This suggests to us that Isaiah views the problems and the sins of Israel as something that pertains to others, not to himself, for he does not employ words such as we, us and ours.

And even though he may like many of us, have been affected by the syndrome of self-righteousness, yet, it was God who called him to the prophetic ministry and who fitted him with the wherewithal to speak forth the words of truth and soberness. God does not call any of us to serve because we are perfect, but despite of our imperfections, for if He was to wait for perfect people to preach the gospel, the world would be lost.

All of the disciples were unconverted when they were called to preach, and God used them in mighty ways, despite their imperfections. James and John had bad tempers, Peter was hasty, and impulsive, and had seeds of revenge in him, and all the twelve were seeking the highest place, for there wouldn’t be any arguments about high positions wherever converted hearts converge.

Then again, David had penned hundreds of sublime psalms in his earlier years, and God used him to slay the giant, yet his imperfections were manifested in his rendezvous with Bathsheba, and in numbering the people, by which his self-exaltation took a toll on his faith, and on the children of Israel, who lost seventy thousand persons as a result.

Abraham had to overcome the habit of telling lies, under pressure, and Moses struggled with anger management, while Aaron succumbed to popular opinions, and Solomon, is described as being “The preacher” even though he amassed 1000 wives and concubines whereby his history became tainted.

But in each case, where the faults of God’s servants are to be seen, there comes a time when God takes the initiative to reveal to them their hidden defects, so that they may realize their true condition, and thus, better understand their dire need of Jesus, just like anyone else who they may be preaching to.

After Abraham had Hagar to wife, God appeared to him and said: “walk before me and be thou perfect” Peter understood himself like never before, after he denied Christ with swearing, and cursing, and after that rude awakening, the Bible says “He went out and wept bitterly”. Even Daniel, of whom nothing negative has been recorded, confessed his sins and iniquities, after God revealed Himself to him.

Thus, it was with Isaiah too, for although he had been commissioned by God to preach, yet he also would need a spiritual audit in God’s presence, so that he may realize his own fallen condition. God does not do this to embarrass or discourage His servants or any other individual for that matter, but the awakening is necessary so that we wouldn’t be deceived as to our own righteousness, and so that we can be prepared for even greater service. Let’s read:

Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.

6 Then flew one of the Seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar,

7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

We observe that in his confession that Isaiah now speaks in the first person, including himself in the general multitude of sinners, and identifying himself with the sins of the people. Thus, he is humbled in his own sight, his estimation of himself falls to an all-time low, and by this experience, God is now ready, and able to load him up with divine power and energy, knowing that he understands as never before, his need of God.

This is exactly what took place with Daniel after the vision of the Most-High, after which he exclaimed, “My comeliness was turned into corruption, and there remained no strength in me”. Thus, through such experiences and revelations of God’s glory to us, we are prepared for a greater anointing of the Holy Spirit, for God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.

But it is important that whenever such revelations of God to ourselves take place, that we respond appropriately because, our course of action after such a revelation can determine our eternal destiny. Cain was granted such a revelation when The Lord revealed Himself to him and showed him the plague spot that needed to be addressed.

But instead of humbling himself under the audit of God, and confessing his sin like Isaiah and Daniel, he chose to encase himself in self-righteousness, and the rest is history, for he never ever again would be reconciled to God. By his own pride, he shunned the assessment of God and thereby slighted God’s grace when God stood ready to forgive and forget. Let’s read:

Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

God is once more doing an audit, not of Abraham, Daniel and Isaiah, but of Laodicea, the Christian church of today, which is suffering from the same plague of self-righteousness, as in days of yore. The Christianity of our time prides itself on a knowledge of the scriptures, and yet the corresponding fruits of Christ’s righteousness are for the most part, missing in action.

Lies, fraud, miscarriage of justice, and respect of persons have become the order of the day, while millions are being denied the basic mercies which are to be expected of professed followers of Christ. The very same assessments which were given by God concerning Sodom and Gomorrah have now become fixed in the characters of many professed Christians. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me, therefore I took them away as I saw good.

In our day, the phrase “Our thoughts and prayers” has become repulsive to many people, and the mention of Christianity evokes feelings of hatred and distrust. Self-preservation has replaced the self-denial Christ called for, and protectionism causes many to turn a blind eye to the millions who are in need of the basic necessities of life.

Christ died to save human beings, and whenever we have a situation where animals, and pets are being treated better than humans, we can be assured that there’s a crisis on our hands. It’s now apparent that the essence of Christianity, and some of the very basic teachings of Christ have become foreign to so many who profess to know God.

For instance, the Bible teaches us that in the final analysis we won’t be judged by how many doctrines we knew, nor by how eloquently we expounded the scriptures. If what we preach is not in harmony with what we actually practice, then our profession of Christianity is a farce. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

In God’s assessment of our current forms of religion and righteousness, Laodicea, the contemporary Christian church has come up really short. A definite disconnect can be seen, between faith and practice.

And therefore, just like the days in which Isaiah lived, God is calling on us individually and nationally to take stock of ourselves, to do some serious soul-searching that we may not be deceived as to our true condition. It’s all written in the cryptic audit given of Laodicea. Let’s read:

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

It’s imperative that the assessments given by God, pertaining to us today be taken seriously, for even though some may preach the fairy tale gospel, and present a subjective God who sits submissively on the back-burner, waiting and hoping for us to make the first move, yet God will judge accurately, and will reward every person according to their works.

Let us then, like Isaiah, when he saw the vision of The Most-High, and realized his own failures; let us be quick to repent and acknowledge our errors, so that our sins too may be purged. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the latter rain will only be realized by those who have made thorough work of repentance, and thereby, prepared the heart to receive the fullness of God.

We end with a reminder that our preaching and doing must correspond, for Christianity to have any meaning in the lives of those with whom we come in contact. Let’s read:

Matthew 5:18 For 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.

19 Whosoever therefore shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For 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.

God Bless!

Two Manner Of People. Sabbath Afternoon 07/13/2019

The Biblical record of Esau and Jacob shows us that there were many similarities between them, but the record also shows that there were stark differences in their characters, in their general attitudes toward things of eternal interest and in the way they valued the Gift of God in our salvation. Both children were made aware of the promise of The Messiah, and it was revealed to them that through their family line the Savior would be born.

But with Esau, that promise never resonated, and throughout his life, he never seemed to realize his own need of salvation. Jacob, on the other hand seemed to be consumed with the promise, and day by day, as he pondered on the prospect, it became all-absorbing, to the point where he was constantly on the alert for any opportunity to procure the gift.

Thus it was, that although there seemed to be many similarities between Jacob and Esau, the Bible says that they were two manner of people. This cryptic explanation of those prenatal struggles in Rebekah’s womb was given by God, not with the intent to set her children’s destiny in stone, but to reveal the real reason behind the disturbances between the two.

There are several discoveries in their life experience from which we can learn valuable lessons which can help us to better understand God’s interaction with men, and also to help us avoid some of the common misconceptions about our own salvation. Therefore, we will take a few observations from scripture, and we will extract sacred truths, which should help us on or journey toward the kingdom. Let’s read:

Genesis 25:20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife.

21 And Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren, and the Lord was entreated of him and Rebekah his wife conceived.

22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord.

Lesson [1] Just because God may answer our prayer it doesn’t mean that everything will be guaranteed smooth sailing. Rebekah was wondering, if God has indeed answered our prayers, what’s the reason for this incessant turmoil in my womb. She, like many of us, probably thought that answered prayer would naturally translate into a trouble-free experience, but history shows that this is not always the case.

There are times in our own experience, when the answers to our prayers may seem to trigger a host of adverse circumstances but we are not to become bewildered or frustrated. In times like these we can, and should adopt the next lesson, for Rebekah went back to God for answers, as we also should, when in answer to prayer, things seem to go off the rails. Let’s read:

Genesis 25:22 And she went to enquire of the Lord.

23 And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

As was stated before, this prediction of God did not set the future of her two children in an iron destiny, from which they could not escape, and in which the freedom of choice would be removed. Each would have ample opportunity to weigh, and evaluate the promises of God, and each would be free to make a choice, uninhibited by any prophecy.

Adverse prophecies of God pertaining to individuals and nations, do not seal their destiny in stone. We make choices, and these are what determine our eternal destiny. In fact, if God has to let a prophecy fail, so that persons may be saved, He will permit it to fail, for Jesus died, not merely to fulfill prophecy but to save people. Thus, Esau’s eternal destiny was simply the result of those choices he had always made throughout his life. Let’s read:

Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Some people have struggled with this truth, after reading what Paul states in Romans chapter nine, but what is there stated is in perfect harmony with other passages of scripture, which bring balance to the equation. And as we read, may God help us to do so without any preconceived ideas or biases, for what is written by Paul concerning Esau and Jacob was inspired by The Holy Ghost. Let’s read:

Romans 9:11 For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;

12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

We must be very careful in our interpretation of the previous passages, for God takes no pleasure in the eternal death of any person; on the contrary He sets in motion, extra grace and mercy where it is most needed. Thus, it is entirely up to the individual, or to the nation to respond appropriately because it’s our response to His grace that makes all the difference.

God does not force anyone to love and obey Him; He presents our sinful condition to us, He shows us our need of The Savior, but He never compels us to choose life. These choices rest solely in our hands, and if we choose wisely, power and grace would be given to enable us to love and obey Him. Let’s read:

Romans 5:20 But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

Ezekiel 18:21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Jonah 3:1 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:

8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

It is important however, for us to understand more of the similarities and differences between Esau and Jacob and what bearing they may have in the bigger picture. Both of them had the very same religious training and both were taught the laws of God from an early age. Both of them were polygamists, and at times both manifested human sympathy, with the genuine expression of emotion. Let’s read:

Genesis 29: 10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.

Genesis 33:1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men.

2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.

3 And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

4 And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.

7 And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.

8 And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.

9 And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.

Very noble traits of character were here manifested by Esau, for not only was he moved by human pity and compassion at seeing his brother with the little children, knowing that he would be their uncle, but he also demonstrated that he was not a grasping person, for when he was offered an abundance of flocks he refused, stating that he was content with what he had.

Yet, Esau is described as a “Profane” person in the scriptures. The question is why does God view him as being profane, when Esau did not practice fraud like his brother Jacob, and manifested compassion in tangible ways? It has to do with “Two manner of people”. There are those who would hear nothing about Christ and His sacrifice to save man, yet, who are at the forefront of social justice.

Some are moved with human pity at what is now taking place at the border, and many tears are shed at the revolting sight of the father, and his daughter who drowned, while crossing the Rio Grande. Yet, with some, the things which pertain to the kingdom of God, are of little or no interest. Thus, the mere manifestation of human pity by itself, is not a sure sign that one is intimately affiliated with God.

Cain was repulsed by the very thought of shedding the life of an innocent animal for sin, for he seemed to be moved with pity at the prospect. Instead, he brought fruit, and saved the life of an animal. Hitler was known for his efforts at championing the cause of animal rights, and he was an environmentalist. Yet, it didn’t seem like a big deal to slay millions of Jews, just as Cain had saved the lives of animals, but took the life of his brother.

In our day, a phenomenon known as “Good without God” is rapidly gaining traction. It is being displayed on billboards across the land and it is showing up on the placards of some protesters against religion and the concept is gaining traction among many who might display genuine compassion and concern for our fellowmen. Here is where there’s a difference in the two manner of people.

One group manifests genuine compassion for the unfortunate, and good deeds spring forth naturally in response to feelings of human pity. But, coupled together with these good tendencies, they realize their need of The Savior, who alone can fill the void in the heart.

This group gladly accepts God’s free gift to man in Christ, and in their estimation, God’s promise of a better world translates into having every temporal concern in subjection to the immortal inheritance. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

The other group, however, manifests the same pity and compassion wherever it is warranted, but their deeds, aspirations, and emotions are often kept prominently in view. There is no mention of God whatsoever, and they couldn’t care less what Jesus did for us on Calvary. This group views the promises of God as wishful thinking without foundation, and therefore sees no need of A Savior. That’s why Esau is described as being profane, or godless. Let’s read:

Genesis 25:33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and a pot of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

The word “Despised” suggests that Esau felt a sense of relief by relinquishing the spiritual aspects of the birthright. He felt as if a heavy burden was lifted off his shoulders, for by selling it, he no more had to think about the laws, and instructions of God, nor would he have to contemplate any sacrifice for sin. Nothing could hurt God more, to the core, than for us treat lightly, what Jesus went through on Calvary to save us from sin.

Another problem which surfaced in Esau is the way in which his decisions were made, for according to the sacred record, he seemed to be motivated first and foremost, by what others thought of him. In other words, he was a creature of circumstance, so that wherever and whatever the popular thing may be at the moment, there he would be found, even if he were not fully convinced in his heart. Let’s read:

Genesis 28:6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;

8 Esau, seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;

9 Went unto Ishmael and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, to be his wife.

Now folks, there is absolutely a problem with this mode of thought and action, because according to the scriptures, his sole motivation for marrying this new person was so that he could please his parents. He would have children by her, and he would take the marriage vow, not because he loved her, but so that he could be in good favor with his parents. That’s a huge problem!

This mode of thought and action highlights another flaw in Esau’s thinking, and which is often reflected in the popular majority. Esau would do things, not because he necessarily loved, or believed in those things, but if by so doing he would gain the approval of men, he would be fine with it, whatever the cost.

In our day, the heathen practices of tattooing and body piercing have resurfaced and are scheduled to be in proliferation just before Christ returns. And many individuals are jumping on the band wagon, not because they are necessarily convinced, but simply because it is the popular, fashionable thing to do.

And just like Esau, once the compliments, and the admirations of man begin to flow, some are thereby induced to get even more tattoos, until the entire body is covered with ink. The words “Inkaholic” and addicted to ink have now become mainstream, and the practices have made inroads even into Christian circles. But it is always better to swim upstream, doing God’s will, than to swim downstream with the flow, where the popular majority converge.

There are millions who make choices and do things simply because it will secure the approval of others, and many people would have never gotten a tattoo, if it had not become the popular thing to do. But for us to do anything, simply because of the admiration of men means that we will go with the flow, where ever the flow may lead us, and thus, when the mark of the beast takes center stage, and becomes most popular, the habit of going with the flow will reach its zenith.

And the problem does not stop with tattoos, and body piercing; it extends to Brazilian butt lifts, and a host of unnecessary cosmetic surgeries and artificial implants into various parts of the body, the most of which are done with the single purpose of soliciting the praise and admiration of men. The phenomena has actually jumped by 98% just in the last 10 years.

Some may argue that such practices have nothing to do with righteousness, but the Bible teaches us differently, for God’s plan of salvation addresses all aspects of the entire person, including the physical body. Therefore, whatsoever we do in the physical will directly affect the spiritual, and vice-versa, as several passages of scripture show. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God, in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1st Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

1st Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (If we let Him)

(Both the mark of the beast and the seal of God will be seated in the body, literally. Let’s read:)

Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.

Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

The forehead contains the frontal lobes, where decisions are made, therefore, let none be deceived into believing that there is not a close sympathy between the physical and the spiritual. Let’s read:

(Live Science) Damage to the brain's frontal lobe is known to impair one's ability to think and make choices. And now scientists say they've pinpointed the different parts of this brain region that preside over reasoning, self-control and decision-making. Researchers say the data could help doctors determine what specific cognitive obstacles their patients might face after a brain injury.

Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.

However, as was stated before, as a general rule of thumb, the destiny of every person is linked to the choices made, and since God does not coerce our choices, there is still hope for those who may have become enslaved to popular opinions and practices.

If for some reason we discover that we have latent Esau-like tendencies; if we find that there is in us, a burning desire to have the admiration and approval of the masses, and if we find ourselves not having much interest in spiritual things, there is still hope.

God does not condemn us for being who we are, but what He desires is that we seek the necessary changes by His grace, that will align our will with His and have us be found in Christ, who alone can cure the many imperfections and short-comings found in humanity.

If Esau had asked God to grant him the desire for spiritual things, if he had requested for himself a realization of his fallen condition, or if he had asked for the gift of repentance, God would have granted the request. Therefore, there is hope.

The election of God never predestines any person to be irretrievably lost, on the contrary the salvation of God through Christ, caters for any, and everyone who will believe, and act on their belief. Thus, we will close with a gentle reminder that God’s purpose in sending Jesus to this world is to save as many as would be saved. Let us never forget this. We read:

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

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

God Bless!

Finding A Spouse. Sabbath Afternoon 06/08/2019

Those who may be looking for a spouse can derive precious instructions from the history of Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah, for the whole experience is fraught with important information relative to the union of two persons for life. It is often the case that one’s expectations may not be met in exactly the way planned or hoped for, and dreams can at times be different from reality.

Thus, since we find ourselves living in an imperfect world, our expectations should be managed in a reasonable manner with the understanding that all men and women are fallen, and thus, there would be room for growth, development, negotiation and adjustments because true marriage is a school from which one never graduates.

However, with the passage of time, most persons become more set in their ways, and one’s search may become more streamlined, because with life’s experiences at our back, we generally know exactly what we’re looking for. Therefore, the knowledge gained from an observation of Isaac and Rebekah, would provide helpful guidelines in one’s search.

Several passages from Genesis 24 will be studied, highlighted, and expounded upon, so that we may obtain a better knowledge of how God works in these matters, and thus, how prospective persons should cooperate with Him. The very first point to be observed, and one that is all-important, is the inclusion of God in all of one’s efforts and planning.

Earnest prayer, a humble dependence on Him, and well-directed effort coupled together with patience are of critical importance, since the decisions made are intended to be for life. God acknowledges our disposition to put Him in the driver’s seat, for it sets the stage for Him to work in our behalf, because He was consulted upfront. Let’s read:

Genesis 24: 2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had,

3 I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell.

7 The Lord God, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.

Here we see that both Abraham and Eliezer were praying persons, for God figured prominently, both in their conversation and in their plans. And having consulted God’s will, and His direction, it was time for the next step of searching, because cooperation with God is an integral part of the exercise of faith in any matter.

Now, on the issue of cooperation it’s important that we do not succumb to fairy-tale concepts of God, by which no effort is made on our part. There is a song that says “Just believe, and it will happen”. But if we were to adopt these words, it will never happen. In every situation, where God worked in a miraculous manner for individuals, they were required to do all they could in the realization of the promises.

This vital principle can be seen in all of the miracles Jesus did, from the raising of Lazarus, to the feeding of the five thousand, from the healing of ten lepers, to the restoration of health to the impotent man at Solomon’s porch. Even the woman who touched the hem of Christ’s garment had to press through the crowd so that her faith could become reality.

Thus, it was also with Joshua and the Hebrews, as they endeavored to conquer Jericho. God had given them the promise, and it was by His power alone that the walls would be thrown down. But they all were required to march, and to blow their trumpets and shout because faith without works is very dead.

An important commentary is written on the relation between faith and works, and we would do well to grasp the essence of the concept, for it is scattered throughout spiritual, temporal, financial, physical, agricultural, and social pursuits. In other words, no worthy endeavor gets done without cooperation with God. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 509] Joshua had received the promise that God would surely overthrow these enemies of Israel, yet he put forth earnest effort as though success depended upon the armies of Israel alone. The secret of success is the union of divine power with human effort.

Therefore, in harmony with the exercise of faith the servant of Abraham sets out on his journey to look for a wife for Isaac. He did not just pray, and stay at home, for there were not any viable prospects at home. It is not accurate to conclude that the only men and women available attend your local church. In seeking for a spouse, persons can and should visit other churches where like-minded believers are in attendance.

Now it may not be necessary for persons to transfer their membership, but they can absolutely visit, for that is what Eliezer did, he visited other “churches” in which like-minded persons could be found. Again, some may have heard it said that there are scarcely any good Adventist men and women to be found for they all seem to be taken.

God categorically debunks that notion, for there are literally millions available. When Paul got frustrated in his efforts to find persons willing to accept Christ, he gave up in despair, and was about to leave, but God stopped him, and revealed that, in fact there were many prospects in that city. Paul couldn’t see them, but God knew who, and where they were. Let’s read:

Acts 18:6 And, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, speak, and hold not thy peace.

10 For I have much people in this city.

Another issue that should receive due attention is that of finances, for there are many who rush into marriage without careful thought or preparation. Ask anyone who has walked this road before, and they will tell you that marriage can be expensive.

Thus, in looking for a spouse, let due consideration be given to the issue of finances, and let there be proper preparation for the children who might be born, so as to avoid the pitfalls of under-funding or financial embarrassment. This is what was put in place early on, so that when Eliezer went in search of Isaac’s wife, he could “Afford” to look for a wife. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold.

That is about $6,700.00 in gold, at today’s current prices. But Eliezer didn’t stop there, for it was also important that Rebekah’s parents know that their daughter would be treated well, and not be wanting for bread.

As was stated several times before on this forum, God is much more practical and down-to-earth in His ways than many persons realize, and therefore, these things are written for those who come after, so that they may choose wisely. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:29 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban.

30 And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, that he came unto the man.

31 And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord;

The earring, and bracelets represent the material concerns of marriage that shouldn’t be overlooked in one’s search for a spouse. Cute doesn’t pay bills, and a man is especially responsible for the financial well-being of his wife and family. There are cases in which two persons who are financially or materially compromised, have tied the knot, without any plan in place to fill the void.

This situation should be avoided wherever possible, for a continual lack of funds can cause undue stress and turmoil in the marriage. Financial security is not to be looked upon as something evil, for it prevents embarrassment, and it tends to lessen worry about where one’s next meal is coming from.

That’s why Eliezer went the extra mile to give some assurance to Rebekah and her family that she would be well-taken care of. Poverty is not a virtue, and those who are thinking of getting married would be well-served if financial planning is incorporated into their expectations and projections.

Realizing most of the common goals of life costs money, and therefore, it’s not a matter to be left on the back burner, with the vain hope that by some miracle, God will provide without any well-directed effort on the part of both. Especially is this true of the man, who in many cases is held responsible for the financial well-being of his household.

That is why Eliezer went over and beyond, to give some assurances to Rebekah and her family, that she will be well-taken care of in a land of strangers. It was not boasting on his part; it was good common sense so that Rebekah’s family would feel confident that she would not be restricted to eating at Burger king. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:35 And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.

Another vital point to consider in one’s search, is that of character, which must take preeminence over externals. Uniform kindness without bias, and a willingness to work diligently, are traits that would prove indispensable to the longevity of a marriage. Again, we are currently suffering from an epidemic of idleness, by which the precious hours are wasted online, whilst others have become addicted to the one-eyed monster.

But Rebekah was different, for it was seen that she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, and kindness to strangers was not something out of her purview. In fact, she was unconsciously fulfilling that which was to be written many centuries later by Solomon, as he outlined the character of a virtuous woman. His observations apply equally to male and female and go a long way in making married life a blessing. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac.

18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Last, but not least, it is often the case that when looking for a spouse, some may feel it necessary to indulge exposure of oneself. But when this is done, then the focus often turns to the externals, and the other weightier matters may be unattended.

Therefore, let decency characterize all interactions between prospective individuals, so that externals do not provoke irrational exuberance, and thereby throw caution to the wind. The principles, methods and standards which govern the secular world are not to be adopted by Christians, wherever there is conflict between truth and error.

Sensualism, and exposure figure quite prominently in dating, whereas with the Christian, a more sober approach is advised, for a person’s good character will tend to longevity, whereas mere externals may stumble when confronted with disease, hardship, or any of the other adverse conditions, which at times may crop up from nowhere. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail and covered herself.

1st Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

The rest of the marriage between Rebekah and Isaac is history, for they were indeed a match made in heaven. That is not to say that they did not have their own issues to deal with, for just as was stated before, marriage is a school from which persons never graduate.

There would be some hills to climb, and there would be some rivers to cross, there would be sunny days, and rainy days, and at times there can be famines, even with the best of financial planning, as Isaac and Rebekah found out. Yet, in all, and through it all, if God is at the center of the marriage, He will make the rough edges smooth, and the crooked places plain.

Whenever, and wherever God is consulted for guidance in marriage, and persons are willing to wait humbly, whilst putting forth earnest effort, the end result will be the best that it can be, for with God, all things are possible, as observed in the history of Isaac and Rebekah, as they sailed off into the sunset. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:63 And Isaac lifted up his eyes, and behold, the camels were coming.

64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her.

God Bless!

The Fullness Of Time. Sabbath Afternoon 06/01/2019

There are certain givens that we must understand about the way God fulfills His promises, whether it be on a personal, or on an international level. God dwells in eternity, but created beings are subject to the constraints of time, and because of this, it may at times appear that His promises have faltered. But God is, and has always been an one-time God.

What may seem like the frustration of His purposes on the part of satan or men, is actually incorporated into the greater scheme of things, so that His will is fulfilled in the fullness of time. Several occurrences in the Bible demonstrate this, so that we should be confident that the promise of His soon return would also be fulfilled in the fullness of time.

What we often interpret as a delay, is in many cases a result of our own doing, or the result of unbelief, hesitation, or stubbornness, but even then God who knows the future, has already incorporated into His planning every variable which would certainly occur and the final product is the fulfillment of His will in a timely and exact manner.

This aspect of God’s methods and ways isn’t nearly understood as it ought to be, and as a direct result, some fall into the error of questioning God’s ability to bring to pass, that which He has promised. Some others resort to mocking God as if there is restraint upon Him. Others go still further, and erroneously conclude that His promises are subject to science as we know it, and thus they limit Him in their minds.

But a close study of His word and His ways reveal a God who fulfills His purposes to the nanosecond, in ways, and at times of which we have not a clue. All the freedom of choice we have, and every assertion that we have situations under our own control will be seen to be folly, in the bigger picture, for God’s will is fulfilled in the fullness of time, with or without our co-operation. Let’s read:

Exodus 10:3 And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

4 Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast.

Here, it seems as if God’s promise is being delayed by the stubbornness of pharaoh, but The Lord has already included stubbornness into His plan, and in the fullness of time, pharaoh’s stubbornness would translate into the fulfillment of prophecy, while no coercion on the part of God takes place. God works through the regular thought processes of man, and thus His will is done. Let’s read:

Exodus 12:41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.

Again, prayer for guidance is offered in matters that will affect the life of the faithful. Isaac needs a wife, and God’s will is invoked, while on the human side of the equation, all the prerequisites for answered prayer are aligned. Thus, Eliezer prays confidently, and before he could say “amen” Rebekah appears, out of the blue, as it seems.

God orchestrated and planned the timing of Eliezer and Rebekah’s meeting with surgical precision. The time it would take for them to travel to the meeting place, the speed at which their donkeys trotted, and the length of Eliezer’s prayer have been calculated with uncanny precision, to the nanosecond and the result is perfect timing, in the fullness of time.

Yet none of them, including their animals have been coerced into doing, or saying anything. God worked through their natural thought processes, and their usual way of doing things to bring His purposes to pass, not in a sloppy, slip-shod manner, but with the exact timing that is characteristic of a God who does everything decently and in order. Indeed, it is a bit frightening. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

12 And he said O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water.

14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Again, when Jesus prophesied that the cock would crow two times before Peter would deny Him three times, the prophecy was fulfilled at the exact time that it should. No coercion of the rooster was done, and Peter’s will was left entirely unrestricted, but at the exact time, both the rooster and Peter fulfilled the prophecy without any “collusion” with intent.

Come with me then, as we revisit the rooster in his tree. He has eaten his corn for the day, and has now retired for the night, but the distance between the porch where Peter will deny Christ and the rooster’s perch is of such that in the fullness of time Peter will hear the crowing. The timing, the location, and the distance are all exact, without any coercion on the part of God. Let’s read:

Mark 14:29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.

71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Again, that which happened to Christ in the garden of Gethsemane, and at Calvary was prophesied, and did not catch God off-guard because everyone from Judas to the disciples, from the priests to the soldier and even to the drink to be served up at the cross, all were prophesied, and catered for by God, and all individuals concerned would play their part without any coercion or coordination, in the fullness of time. Let’s read:

Psalms 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Matthew 27:34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

Psalms 22: 17 They look and stare upon me.

18 They part my garments among them and cast lots upon my vesture.

Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

36 And sitting down they watched him there.

Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones, not one of them is broken.

John 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs.

36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

On the contrary, we find that in the case of Judas or Peter, Christ was actually warning them not to do that which was prophesied; but because God’s own knowledge of the future is 100% accurate, and since we all retain the freedom of choice, prophecies and freedom of choice often converge at the junction of fulfillment. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

The same issue of the fullness of time can be seen in the bigger picture which pertains to our salvation. After God made the announcement in Eden that the Deliverer would come and crush the serpent’s head, it was erroneously understood that the prophecy was to be fulfilled shortly. But it could only be at the time exact time and moment that the promise was to become reality.

Generation after generation of the righteous looked forward, and hoped, and the children of miraculous births raised the hopes of some that this one or that one would be the promised seed. But it was not the right time as yet, and God, whose prophecies know no haste or delay would fulfill His word at the time appointed.

In fact, up until the time when Daniel was given the specifics concerning the time of Christ’s incarnation, there was a certain amount of guessing on the part of satan, for even though he understood that Christ would one day break the yoke of bondage, yet he could not plan properly without a firm time-frame to work with, and as a result he resorted to firing scatter-shots, in the vain hope of hitting his target. Let’s read:

Exodus 1:22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

There are times when we too may not have a firm time-frame from God to work with, just like Sarah, and Abraham, and we may be tempted to also fire scatter-shots, hoping that something would stick. It is by faith that we ought to walk, and not by sight, trusting God, that true to His promise and His track record, He will come through in the fullness of time. Let’s read:

Psalms 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Thus, it was that Christ was born in the fullness of time, not one minute early, and not one minute too late. The “Fullness of time” therefore means that the right set of circumstances must converge at the right time, in order that everything, and everyone concerned would “Click”. Let’s read:

[The Desire Of Ages pp 32>33] The prophecy of Daniel revealed the time of His advent, but not all rightly interpreted the message. Century after century passed away; the voices of the prophets ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel, and many were ready to exclaim, “The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth.” Ezekiel 12:22.

But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God's purposes know no haste and no delay. Providence had directed the movements of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer. The nations were united under one government. One language was widely spoken, and was everywhere recognized as the language of literature.

At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the people. They longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart. While the light of truth seemed to have departed from among men, there were souls who were looking for light, and who were filled with perplexity and sorrow. They were thirsting for a knowledge of the living God, for some assurance of a life beyond the grave.

To the masses of the people, death was a dread mystery; beyond was uncertainty and gloom. In “the region and shadow of death,” men sat unsolaced. With longing eyes they looked for the coming of the Deliverer, when the darkness should be dispelled, and the mystery of the future should be made plain.

There is another prophecy in the scripture yet to be fulfilled, and true to the evidences of sacred history, it will be executed in the fulness of time for many of the very same conditions which were current when Christ first came to earth, have now obtained across the entire globe.

Multitudes have become weary of religion, for they have seen with their own two eyes, and have heard with their own two ears, that many of the clergy, in whom they had trusted and confided have betrayed sacred trusts. Religion has now become a thriving business in most instances, and luxury has replaced humility in many prominent mega-churches.

Again, there seems to be political impasse in Britain and the United States, and in many other countries across the globe where the conflicting parties can’t seem to agree on anything anymore. The eyes of once revered public servants have become blinded, and the masses of people have had it with the lies, fraud, favoritism, and unwarranted violence in places which were once thought safe.

Again, right on our doorstep, and in many countries in the western hemisphere there are problems with migration, where nations are being flooded with so many people fleeing violence and poverty, that the authorities have run out of ideas on how to stem the tide. The systems of earth are literally peaking on every known front.

Then there is the problem of addiction, where we have become prisoners of our own devices. Opioid crises are draining resources of governments and communities, and the cure for drugs has become more drugs. Thus, we are now fighting fire with fire, and all we’re getting is more fire.

Again, numerous violent hurricanes and tornadoes are scheduled to cause havoc as sea levels rise, and the waters of the flood, which were once congealed at the north pole in the form of icebergs are melting at unprecedented rates, causing flooding in coastal areas, from Miami to New Jersey.

Thus, because we are fast running out of options or answers, the fullness of time has almost come for Christ to intervene once more in human history. It is true that the Bible writers have stated He is coming soon, and to many, it may seem as if His promise is delayed, but just remember one thing, when all of the predicted conditions converge, when the earth is ripe for His appearing, Jesus will come.

Contrary to popular teachings of evolution the earth is only about six thousand years old; thus, whenever the great clock of time points towards midnight and the time comes for the seventh millennium, Jesus is going to come, because six plus one equals seven, if we were to ask any mathematician. Let’s read:

Exodus 23:10 And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof.

11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still.

Leviticus 25:2 When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the Lord.

3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;

4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

[The Great Controversy pp 659] For six thousand years, Satan's work of rebellion has “made the earth to tremble.” He has made the world as a wilderness and destroyed the cities thereof. For six thousand years his prison house has received God's people, and he would have held them captive forever; but Christ has broken his bonds and set the prisoners free. For a thousand years, Satan will wander to and fro in the desolate earth to behold the results of his rebellion against the law of God. During this time his sufferings are intense. Since his fall his life of unceasing activity has banished reflection.

But he is now deprived of his power and left to contemplate the part which he has acted since first he rebelled against the government of heaven, and to look forward with trembling and terror to the dreadful future when he must suffer for all the evil that he has done and be punished for the sins that he has caused to be committed.

In the days of Noah God gave the antediluvians 120 years, and when that time expired, mercy and grace came to a screeching halt, and judgment against the nations was executed. It took place with precision to the very day, and thus it will be, when 6000 years will have expired, mercy and grace will again come to a screeching halt, and Jesus will come.

Let us therefore be wary of cute doctrines which put the 2nd coming of Christ far into the future, for the long-awaited event is very near, even at the doors. We therefore close with the certainty of the promise, with the hope that we will not take God’s grace for granted. Let’s read:

2nd Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

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

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

God Bless!

The Sin Of Murmuring. Sabbath Afternoon 05/25/2019

In the tenth chapter of first Corinthians, the apostle warns us not to repeat the same errors made by the Hebrews, in their experiences with God, prominent among which was the sin of murmuring, a sin that is of common occurrence, even in our day. There was a tendency amongst the Hebrews to complain, and murmur about anything and everything to the point where they even found fault with their blessings.

God had emancipated them from the most brutal slavery in Egypt, and in lieu of this they should have been relishing their new-found freedom. Yet, as the sacred record shows, it didn’t take long after having come out of Egypt, for complaining to arise. First it was the charge that they were better off in Egypt as if God did them wrong by freeing them. Let’s read:

Exodus 14:11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

Then there was the complaint about water, even though God had promised to supply their need. The food also became a source of grumbling, and later on they complained about variety. As Christians, we are not to conclude that just because God has made a promise, we will never have to wait. We are living in an imperfect world, and as such, we should not expect everything to be smooth sailing all the time.

Jesus suffered hunger and thirst, and there were times when He had to flee for His life, just like any other human being. He didn’t accuse The Father of ill-treatment or unfairness, instead, He buckled up His shoes and prayed for grace to surmount every difficulty and emergency.

And having set the example for us, we should follow in His footsteps when the going gets rough. however, because of the “fast food” type of systems we have become accustomed to, very few persons are willing to wait anymore. Phrases such as call now, hurry, hurry and just click do not generally work in the spiritual realm for even though these words have become a main- stay of the now generation, patience is still to be an active ingredient in the Christian’s life.

Indeed, murmuring often displays a lack of prayer, for if one is in the habit of waiting upon God, he/she will have a much better understanding of His ways, and methods, than those who sit on the sidelines to grumble. In the book of Malachi, the same spirit of complaining is observed, when it came time for the return of tithes and offerings, for many looked upon the command as a heavy burden. Let’s read:

Malachi 3: 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?

14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?

15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

In fact, it is more blessed to give than to receive and the main reason why God as ordained the return of a portion of our income, is so that covetousness and selfishness may be rooted out of our characters, by the regular practice of giving. God does not need anything from any human being, for whatsoever we may bring as an offering is already His. Let’s read:

1st chronicles 29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

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

Hence the reason why the admonition of Paul is so pertinent, especially in our day, where the spirit of murmuring has taken deep root in almost every sector of society. Even though many folks may not be aware, murmuring is a sin, and as Paul reviewed the history of the Hebrews, he beheld a pattern of unwarranted complaining, which shaped their after-history. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 10: Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for

examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Many people may not know that what one believes will happen to them, often becomes reality, for our thoughts and expectations generally tend to be self-fulfilling prophecies. This is because folks generally make efforts towards what they expect, and what we do not expect, receives little or no effort.

Therefore, we should cultivate positive thoughts by dwelling on, and believing in the promises of God, letting the chips fall where they may, whilst hoping against hope, for wherever hope is lost, the energy and determination to move forward can be severely thwarted.

Harboring evil forebodings, and regurgitating the darker side of our experiences, are not conducive to health, well-being, faith and hope, therefore, we are encouraged to do like Paul, and so many others who surmounted disappointment and trial, trusting God to fulfill His promises in due season. Let’s read:

Philippians 3:13 This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

If someone has hurt you, move on from such an experience. If someone in whom you trusted has betrayed your trust, forgive and forget. If someone owes you money, and is avoiding you, write it off, and instead of rehashing the bitter experiences, you should count your many blessings naming them one by one.

This is what the Hebrews failed to do when they encountered difficulty, because, instead of reaching forward with the eye of faith and thus taking hold of unseen realities, they would continually revert back to the Egypt experience, and thereby, they became blinded by the past, instead of being energized by the future.

The Hebrews had erroneously anticipated that they would die in the wilderness, and by repeating this unfounded premonition, it actually came true, even though God’s promises had been given them to the contrary. Thus, it was by the continual repetition of their evil forebodings, and by refusing to embrace God’s promises, that the thought which began as a phantom, gave birth reality, and haunted them to the grave. Several texts bear this out. Let’s read:

Exodus 16:2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.

3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

Exodus 17:3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

Numbers 16:12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up.

13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that flows with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness?

Numbers 11:6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.

Numbers 14:1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.

2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!

3 And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

Thus, the darkness harbored, the unbelief indulged, coupled together with continuous murmuring, set the stage for the self-fulfilling prophecy to become a reality. One by one, group by group, they fell, until their ominous predictions materialized, and became etched in the pages of sacred history. Let’s read:

Numbers 26:64 But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai.

65 And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Now we turn to the core of our study, to show how the thoughts of murmuring and complaining often directly affect what happens in the real world. The disciples of Christ have just experienced a great day, for they have witnessed with their own two eyes, the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

It seems as if heaven had come down to earth that day, for they saw the little food that was offered to Jesus, multiply in real time, to feed the hungering thousands. Now they seek to make Him King, but for some strange reason, Jesus refuses. They press urgently forward, because they see this as their one and only golden opportunity, but Jesus wouldn’t have it.

And now, they, having been disappointed in their expectations, begin to murmur. They question why Jesus does not want to be made king, if the people are pumped up for the event. Then, this leads to other questions: why did not He deliver John, the Baptist, and why must His followers be subject to reproach and ridicule. Their thoughts were stormy, and it would affect the natural world. Let’s read:

Matthew 14:21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Contrary thoughts often produce contrary events in the natural world, because the spiritual and physical are much more closely intertwined than many folks realize. Our contemporary science teaches that the natural world is governed strictly by natural law and no other input, or cause can be attributed to those upheavals in nature, which often cost us billions.

This science that excludes spiritual factors is known to be profoundly false and flawed, because it is not supported in scripture. Every sin that is done, every lie that is told, every false oath that is taken, and every innocent life that is killed, produces some kind of ripple effect or repercussion in the physical world. In fact, natural law is located downstream of spiritual law. Let none be deceived about this. Let’s read:

Hosea 4:1 Hear the word of the Lord, for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, or knowledge of God in the land.

2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and everyone that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Genesis 4: 9 And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?

10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;

12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

Genesis 35:33 Ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile it is confusion.

24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things.

25 For the land is defiled, and the land itself vomits out her inhabitants.

27 (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)

28 That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.

Thus, the Bible teaches us differently as it pertains to the correlation between the spiritual, and physical and shows in many instances that the state of our minds can affect the state of the natural world, as the disciples are now finding out. They’re fishermen by trade and storms are nothing new, but this one seems to be different, for try as they might, they cannot bring their boat to shore.

Then, added to their predicament, they observe in the distance what seems to be a phantom, the grim reaper as they thought, coming to put the final nail in the coffin. They cry out in fear, for there’s no way out for them to run, and in the heat of the moment, murmuring gives way to panic. Let’s read:

Matthew 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

[The Desire of Ages. pp 380>381]The disciples had that day witnessed the wonderful works of Christ. The memory of that precious, glorious day should have filled them with faith and hope. Had they, out of the abundance of their hearts, been conversing together in regard to these things, they would not have entered into temptation.

There are those in our day who follow the lead of the Hebrews by complaining and murmuring, when they should be pregnant with praises for all of the many blessings God continues to bestow, each and every day. If there’s food on our table, that’s a great blessing, and if we have a roof over our heads that’s another great blessing.

As we view those migrants on the border, many of them having to sleep on the bare ground, with little food or medical care, we who are privileged to have comfy beds and air-condition should have no reason for a mumbling word to escape our lips. Again, if we have jobs and, and are able to pay our bills, that is a blessing too, for there are those who would eagerly work for much less than some of us make. Let’s read:

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Again, if we are able to breathe freely, and if we are in good health, there is much to give thanks for. In fact, as a general rule of thumb, the blessings which God bestows on us each day greatly out-weigh any negatives, so that it is appropriate that praise, and thanksgiving should be our theme and song. But many people fall into the sin of murmuring at God for any perceived inconveniences.

Some complain about the heat in South Florida, so in response God may send rain. But no sooner than rainy season comes, some complain about flooding. Then God in His mercy may cause the temperature to drop to cool us down but there we go again with grumbling about a cold front. Some complain about the boss, the spouse, the kids, the car, the job, the traffic, and the lines at the grocery store.

What many of us may not realize is that the spirit of grumbling and murmuring often sets negatives into motion, which produce adverse situations, because, as we continue to dwell on the darker side of life, our minds, our thoughts, and our general outlook becomes gradually enveloped in an impenetrable cloud of darkness, by which, the many blessings of God can seem to be curses.

Now, we are not minimizing any real problems that some may have, and the Bible does not promise us a bed of roses; we are referring to the willingness to make lemonade of our lemons. In many instances, adverse situations which befall us are the result of harboring premonitions of evil, for whenever we anticipate evil, it is more than likely to come our way.

Therefore, through prayer, faith in God, and if we confess, the spirit of joy and praise will be made to replace the dark outlook on life some of us may be harboring. Let the sunshine of God’s love, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow, energize, and fill us with hope, for wherever faith in God’s promises is cherished, there will always be something good to look forward to. We end with a passage which will encourage us to think big. Let’s read:

Isaiah 61:The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

God Bless!

Character Building. Sabbath Afternoon 05/18/2019

The view that when one accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, that everything will go smoothly from that point forward, is an incorrect view, for although He has promised to be with us always, His leadership involves taking us through very difficult places, and experiences, that by our constancy, obedience, and steadfastness, sterling character will be built. It is described in the Bible as being a cross.

Good character is not the result of an accident, and thus, it is by trials that we are enabled to climb each rung of “Jacob’s” ladder. Therefore, for us Christians to expect only smooth sailing is a misnomer, for the gold of character is freshly minted in the fires of our life’s experiences and obedience is often developed, tested, and confirmed in the presence of opposing forces.

When Adam and Eve first fell into transgression, it was their distrust of God that led them to sin, and in our experiences the same thing often rings true, for it’s discovered that in very many cases our tendency to disbelieve God leads us into transgression. Thus, it is easy to obey God when things are going good, but when the clouds and rainy days come, when the storms of life unload on us, then it is manifested if we will really continue obey.

When things were going good for Job, obedience didn’t require much effort, for he was surrounded daily with blessings and prosperity. But when trials came, and he was tempted to curse God and die, he then had to make a deliberate choice to continue serving God. It is at times like these when a make or break moment often occurs, for God will strengthen but He never interferes with our freedom of choice.

When John was imprisoned in the dungeon he had to regroup and consider whether he would continue believing, and it was only when he decided to move forward with God that his faith is confirmed. Thus, the easygoing brand of Christianity that is subjective in nature, which only loves blessings but hates trials which develop character, often fizzles, and trembles on the brink when trials or temptations appear out of nowhere.

Some Christians balk at the idea of trials as if it were some strange thing that’s unique to our experience alone. But the Bible teaches us that God is deeply involved in the process, that has become necessary on account of sin, and therefore, because faith that isn’t tested cannot be trusted, every human being, including Jesus Christ, must pass through the fiery furnace, for faith and obedience to be made manifest. Let’s read:

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered.

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Again, we behold Jesus as the cup of human woe trembles in His hand, in the garden of gethsemane. His own words at that time of trial reveal the severe internal struggles He experienced in His decision of whether or not to move forward with the salvation of man. Obedience at that time was never a breeze, as we also will find out, whenever tough choices to serve God need to be made. Let’s read:

Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

Matthew 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

If Jesus is asking for prayer, we know things have to be pretty bad. Thus, whenever our turn may come, and we are faced with stark choices of whether or not continue obeying God, then it is that character is being confirmed, and if we do not renege on our obedience nor become impatient and frustrated at the process, we will become much stronger in faith, because when resilience is manifested in difficulty it produces conquerors.

Indeed, trial is not something we should eagerly look forward to, but we are all encouraged not to surrender our faith in God, whenever the going gets rough, because Christ knows what He is doing, and the rough edges, dross, wrinkles and all impurities in our character must needs be purged, if we are to be made mature representatives of The Highest. This is the work of character building that must take place in every true believer. Let’s read:

Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Thus, it is that the experiences God permits us all to pass through, are the means whereby our faith is to be developed. The problem with many of us is that we often permit trials to break us instead of making us, for, like the easy-going Christians of our day, we like to hop on the deliverance band-wagon as soon as any storms arise, not considering that an ongoing work of character building is taking place.

Some of us don’t take the time to look at the larger picture to understand that Jesus died, not merely to forgive us, but to save us from our sins, and as such, the evil traits in our characters must be purged out. Some of us Christians may have very short tempers which flare up at the least provocation. With others, there is often manifested an argumentative spirit, that clamors to have the last word.

Others have a problem with snitching and gossiping by which several juicy tidbits of people’s personal business are dwelt upon with intense interest, while suppositions and forgone conclusions are added to the toxic mix. Then again, some of us like James and John, love to fight, and we cannot rest content until we get even with someone who has done us wrong.

Again, there is the character flaw of impatience, by which many Christians fall into the snare of making our own time-tables for God, and if for some reason His promises do not come through at a preset time of our own making, then we are ready to throw in the towel in the heat of the moment, and thereby make shipwreck of faith.

Therefore, circumstances that will test our patience, situations which would test our anger management, and conditions that would test our resolve to keep quiet when angry words fly left and center, would be permitted to come our way at different times in our experience.

But if by the grace of God, if by our free choice, and in cooperation with The Holy Spirit, we endeavor to keep moving forward with God, we will come forth victoriously at the end of the tunnel, after the trials of obedience are lifted. This takes us into the next segment of our Bible study: “They Will Kill Me”.

Abraham, whom God had called to be the father of the faithful, was living in Ur of the Chaldees. He was well established in the land of his forefathers, when lo and behold he receives a command to leave his hometown and country, to go to a place that he will be shown. This specific call did not come in the days of his youth when he would have time to regroup if things didn’t pan out.

It was given when he was seventy-five years of age, when most people would be concerned about their 401 k, their retirement, and medical bills. It is not an easy thing to entirely uproot from one’s base at the age of seventy-five let alone to go to a land in which there are hostile forces to righteousness. Therefore, in consequence of this major move, Abraham could have asked several pertinent and valid questions, if he was so disposed not to leave.

Will he have enough pasture for his flocks? Will he have a support system for himself and his family in a land of strangers, and would he be able to learn a foreign language at his age? Would he be permitted to return to bury any of the many other relatives he is going to leave behind? But in the face of all these logical questions, Abraham obeyed, and he left, not knowing whither he went. Let’s read:

Genesis 12:1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee.

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families

of the earth be blessed.

4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

But not long after they left, evil forebodings began to appear, because the Canaanite was in the land. In just a short period of time a deadly famine began to overspread the land, to the point where Abraham was forced to relocate temporarily in Egypt, so as to spare his family and flocks the horrors of starvation.

Now, this is where it gets interesting, for the Bible explicitly states that God knows the end from the beginning, meaning, that in this instance, He knew in advance of the famine, He knew what decision Abraham would make in such a situation, and God also knew in advance, that Abraham would tell lies in order to protect himself from what he viewed as an existential threat from the Egyptians.

The question to be considered is “Why would God, in the full knowledge of the future, permit Abraham to go down to Egypt and lie. It is worthy of note that God in no way sanctions any type of falsehood, for He desires only truth in His servants. This particular situation did not take God by surprise, neither was it something He did not cater for, so the question is why would He permit this? Let’s read:

Genesis 12:9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.

11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon.

12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

14 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.

15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.

Thus, it was made manifest to Abraham something he may not have known about himself, but of which God was fully aware, and in order for him to see his need of victory over this character flaw, God would permit circumstances to accrue which will facilitate the discovery of the evil trait. To speak the truth in easy instances is quite different to speaking truth in a difficult, or life-threatening circumstance.

But in each and every circumstance we may come across, God desires that we deal truthfully, and not tell any lies, for we are to be representatives of His character. The conclusions people draw about God depend a whole lot on what they see in those who call themselves Christians, and that’s why He says “Ye are My witnesses”. A witness is not merely a spectator but is to be a living reflection of what he or she has seen and heard of God. Let’s read:

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto

all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Thus, there may be some latent tendencies, some evil propensities in us that might still lay dormant at the moment, but which at some time or another we must be made aware of. Some Christians would tell lies only when they are under tremendous pressure, while others often use it as a natural default mode. David used it, Saul used it, Peter used it, and many in high places currently use it on a daily basis.

Recently, a Christian woman, single, and with five young children was stopped at an intersection by a trooper at an intersection on her way to work, for in her haste to get to her job, she ran a red light. After examination the officer found that she was driving with an expired license and asked her if she was in the country illegally.

Now, the community where she lived is not one of those sanctuary cities across the land where “Catch and release” is practiced. If she was to be truthful in this desperate situation she would confirm what the officer had suspected, which in consequence could lead to her deportation, and possibly separation from her kids, since they were U.S citizens. What was she to do in this instance?

Should she trust God and obey His laws on speaking truthfully in every situation, or should she resort to plan “B”? Should she like Abraham conclude that they will “kill” me, meaning that if she were to tell the truth she would surely face dire consequences. It is worthy of note, that in Abraham’s case, it was his own premonition of evil, that caused him to tell lies.

In fact, nobody was going to kill, Abraham, for he had been given the promises of God’s protection when he left Ur of the Chaldees. Therefore, his own conclusions were based on premonition, not on the promises of God. Sometimes, in our experience, we too may succumb to premonitions, gut feelings, or a hunch.

We often allow intuition, inkling, or our sixth sense to drive us to do or say things, which under a more favorable circumstance, may never be said or done. But God does not desire that we should live by gut feeling or instinct; He has given us mighty promises which, if believed, embraced, and acted upon, will clear the way for us to deal and speak truthfully in every situation.

There are times when it can be quite difficult to obey God, but the consistent practice of doing right will culminate in sterling character building when we are confronted with precarious situations such as those described previously. Our choices, and our decisions, and the repetition of good deeds do form habits, and they in turn form character, and we will often find that God will permit several opportunities for us to grow.

Some of these circumstances may be easy-going, while others may put us at the crossroads, but all in all, they are designed to refine the work of building sterling character, in those who are thus exercised. It is not the will of God that Christians should be made the sport of circumstances, and we should try by His grace to do right the first, and every time, for the trial of faith can become increasingly difficult with every passing round.

Therefore, let the good work of character building continue, let us, instead of buckling under those circumstances that test us, rather look at the bigger picture, for we are not living for the present only, but for the future. In lieu of this fact we will end on a note that should encourage us to stay the course with God, because all things work together for good to them that love Him. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

God Bless!

The Rich man And Lazarus Parable Explained. Sabbath Afternoon 05/11/2019

First why did Jesus teach in parables?

1. Mat 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He 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. 12 For 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. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And 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: 15 For 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.

Jesus spoke in parables to conceal the truths of the spiritual meanings to which He shared to His disciples.

2. Mat 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

3. Psa 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

• Luk 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

To start Jesus describes this rich man garments to be clothed in purple. As most of us know purple is symbolic for royalty.

4. Joh 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,

5. Joh 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

6. Exo 28:39 And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.

7. Exo 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

The rich man garments were symbolic of royalty and the priesthood. Is it true that they fared sumptuously in this figurative statement?

8. Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

So yes they fared sumptuously taking in all the spiritual blessings in which God set for them and around them. They were rich in blessings.

9. Isa 43:10 “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen:”

10. Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

The Jews who were to be His witnesses, a “royal priesthood” who feasted on His blessings eventually despised the surrounding nations.

11. Rom 11:9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

• Luk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

• Luk 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

In opposition to the rich man we now have a beggar named Lazarus. We will again look to Paul’s writings to see how he describes where the gentiles were before Jesus would take it upon Himself to give His life for the world.

12. Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

The Gentiles were beggars desiring to be fed the crumbs (Bread of Life) from the rich man’s table. Now in addition we see it written that dogs came and licked his sores.

13. Mar 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. 25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. 28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. 29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. 30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

As we can see the heathens (dogs) are a description of the unclean Gentile surrounding nations. Yet they desired the spiritual blessings (crumbs under the table) from the Lord.

G2976 Λάζαρος, Lazaros, lad'-zar-os

Probably of Hebrew origin [H499]; Lazarus (that is, Elazar), the name of two Israelites (one imaginary): - Lazarus.

H499

אלעזר 'el‛âzâr el-aw-zawr' From H410 and H5826; God (is) helper; Elazar, the name of seven Israelites: - Eleazar.

God is helper, God is my help, One who God helps, God has helped, He whom God helps.

14. Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

• Luk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

Let’s notice the beggar/Lazarus dies and is carried to Abraham’s bosom, but the rich man dies, and is buried. There is no burial for Lazarus.

What does His Word say about receiving the promises?

15. Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

16. Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

So Noah, Abel, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph etc… All died but never received the promise. Also to conclude that when we die we go to Abrahams bosom is just senseless.

In ancient customs one would give honor to a guest who sits closest to the host.

17. Joh 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

One of the disciples here reclined on Jesus bosom, as a show of closeness.

18. Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

This explains how we are now favored to be carried symbolically to Abraham’s bosom. Not by being by his descendant, but by Faith just as Abraham believed in God.

19. Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

• Luk 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Is this verse now saying that his place of torment (hell) and Abraham place of abode with Lazarus in his bosom is in close proximity?

Hell = G86 ᾅδης hadēs hah'-dace

From G1 (as a negative particle) and G1492; properly unseen, that is, “Hades” or the place (state) of departed souls: - grave, hell.

Hades has a meaning of “unseen”. So in this allegory we can now also see how the rich man (Jewish nation) would fall away from the promise of God, and truly become Unseen by God.

20. Hosea 2:23 declares … “and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

This Parable as we see is about a role of reversal of two nations.

21. Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Why is the rich man unseen?

22. Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Now what about the meaning of “being in torments” in verse 23?

Torments =G931 βάσανος basanos bas'-an-os

Perhaps remotely from the same as G939 (through the notion of going to the bottom); a touch stone, that is, (by analogy) torture: - torment.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/touchstone

Touchstone =

1. A hard black stone, such as jasper or basalt, formerly used to test the quality of gold or silver by comparing the streak left on the stone by one of these metals with that of a standard alloy.

2. An excellent quality or example that is used to test the excellence or genuineness of others: "the qualities of courage and vision that are the touchstones of leadership" (Henry A. Kissinger).

1. a criterion or standard by which judgment is made

2. (Earth Sciences / Minerals) a hard dark siliceous stone, such as basalt or jasper, that is used to test the quality of gold and silver from the colour of the streak they produce on it

The testing and proving of punishment is by the rich man demise. The transfer of the position he lost has become his torture. He just didn’t compare to the standard of genuineness.

• Luk 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Can a drop of water cool ones tongue in a flame of fire? Would not this drop be absorbed before it reaches his tongue? This literal thinking is flawed. Sadly here the rich man is in great distress and is calling upon his forefather Abraham for salvation. His lineage was sufficient for him and his cry of prayer was not to God.

23. Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

24. Joh 8:33 “They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man”

It is understood that Jesus alone is to be exalted.

25. Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

26. Act 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

What is this word here “tormented” in verse 24? “for I am tormented in this flame”

I am tormented = G3600 ὀδυνάω / odunaō / od-oo-nah'-o From G3601; to grieve: - sorrow, torment.

• Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Abraham calls the rich man his son! He is identifying him as one of his descendants. He explains to the rich man how things have changed, and the roles have been reversed.

27. Mat 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

28. Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

A. In 70 A.D. the Roman army led by the warrior Titus came against Jerusalem. This was that terrible prophesied siege which Jesus fore-warned His people in Matt 24:15-16

B. The Edict of Expulsion of 1290. This is where all Jews were expelled from England in the year 1290 by King Edward I. It took 350 years before it was formally overturned.

C. In 1288, the first mass burning of Jews on the stake took place in France

D. 1481 began the Spanish Inquisition in Spain. French-Portugal

E. The Holocaust of Nazi Germany under Hitler.

F. Today the Jews are still being persecuted by the Muslims in the Middle East.

29. Act 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

His blood has ever since been upon that generation of people.

• Luk 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

This passage here Jesus is thus expressing that there is no turning back when probation has closed. While His grace is offered grasp the opportunity. What is that great gulf fixed spoken about here between him and Abraham in verse 26? Disobedience! The self-righteous character of the rich man caused him to be separated from God.

30. Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

What seperates us from God? What causes us to be unseen by God? Sin!

31. Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Jesus here is feeling the separation of the Father as he is dying of a broken heart. He is taking on the sins of the World. The very sins you and I commit every day. Sin separates you from God….Why is this rich man in this place with grief?

32. Joh 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

The day we die our thoughts perish, there is no more reward. There will be two classes at the very end. One who faithfully serves God: His wheat into eternity, or those who serve the world. They will be the tares being prepared for a fiery destruction. You can’t repent from the grave.

Luk 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

In accepting his fate the rich man prays again to Abraham calling him his father. Notice he really leans on Abraham because of his lineage. Also notice it was like he was saying his brothers weren’t fully given evidence.

• Luk 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Now let’s look at the 5 brothers.

Judah the direct ancestors/descendants of the Jews, was the son of Jacob by Leah.

33. Gen 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.

How many brothers did Judah have?

34. Gen 35:23 The sons of Leah; 1.Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and 2. Simeon, and 3. Levi, and Judah, and 4. Issachar, and 5. Zebulun:

His Word has shown you that the identity of the rich man is symbolically the Jewish nation. Notice also the rich man is saying that the lack of being warned is why he is there. “lest they also”.

• Luk 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

Abrahams reply to his cry is that yes they have been fully warned. Proper Light was poured to them (brothers), but they by choice became blind. Evidence of truth was given, but they refused to listen, and became deaf in hearing.

35. Joh 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. 46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

In Jesus earthly ministry we can see the blindness of the Pharisees and the Jewish leaders, as Moses did write about Him in (Deu. 18:15, 18).

36. Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

• Luk 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

In their blindness this very statement showed to be true as Jesus last miracle to them was the raising of Lazarus of Bethany. Four days later after Lazarus was dead Jesus raised Lazarus, but just like pharaoh of the Old Testament they harden their hearts, and refused the Light of evidence.

37. Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Not only refused Him, but they sought to kill Him. (John 12;9-11)

38. Joh 12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.Joh 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Joh 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

39. Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

40. Luk 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

It kind of reminds me that probation comes abruptly to those who seek self.

41. Luk 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

• Luk 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

The law and the prophets is what God appointed for them for salvation. The parable concludes with this saying…As they did not listen to Moses and the prophets, why would they believe the witness of one that rose from the dead? The raising of Lazarus could not persuade them, or the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

42. 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

43. 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There is no sin in being rich. Sin is developed when you forget God.

44. Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Mat 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

Mat 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Mat 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

God Bless!

Samson And Delilah. Sabbath Afternoon. 05/04/2019

The history of Samson’s relationships with women, and the marriages he thus consummated are full of instruction for those who are thinking about tying the knot. His experiences are not unique, but are often repeated to a greater or lesser extent by the vast majority, even among those of us who profess to serve God. But as we observe his history, we will discover some of the common errors that are to be avoided.

A very bright future was set before Samson, for it was stated by God that he would begin to deliver Israel. Thus, from his conception, and on through birth, childhood, and teenage years, circumstances that are favorable to spiritual growth were put into motion, from his diet to his vow as a Nazarene, by which he was under serious obligation to exercise self-denial.

But like so many who have followed in his steps, he did not understand the difference between love and infatuation, for he was attracted primarily to mere externals, and the gold of character and those other important matters, which pertain to happiness and longevity in marriage, were sacrificed all for a pretty face.

Beauty was made to override common sense, and the instructions of God were sacrificed for sensual pleasures, which are fleeting. Those who have thus gotten involved in a marriage relation should try to make the best of their situation, even though those circumstances surrounding their initial decision may not have been ideal.

In other words, if at the first, one married someone because of a pretty face, then when wrinkles, and aging begin to take their toll let them not despair or complain that they acted in haste. In such situations God will grant grace in response to earnest prayers, so that the inner beauty of those persons would be appreciated.

If indeed one made an error in judgment as stated above, then such a person should not make the second mistake by saying a mistake was made. On the contrary, one’s best efforts should be engaged to cultivate that true love, which only comes from God, and in many cases, a change of heart can take place.

For starters, the Bible states that man looks on the outward appearance, and because this is often the case, the weightier matters that could spell success or failure in marriage are often overlooked. External beauty takes different forms because it doesn’t only refer to physiques but includes such things as talent and strength, education and finances, singing and sportsmanship, eloquence and smile.

Now while all of these things are good and not to be condemned, at the end of the day, when the rubber meets the road and the going gets rough, they fail to deliver that resilience, endurance, patience, and understanding that are needed for the marriage to bounce back from the many hurdles, and problems that are often encountered.

A cute smile cannot pay bills and talented musicians might not be able to fix a broken toilet, or mow the lawn. Again, money does not, and cannot buy true love, for when wealth vanishes, as it did for many in 2008 the profession of love was blown away like the chaff in the wind.

Characteristics such as uniform kindness, and that willingness to sacrifice self for the good of the other do not occur by chance, and if a marriage is built on strictly mere externals, it can be in danger of failure. As much as some of us may love to exercise, and be in health, the fact is that if Jesus doesn’t come soon, we will all go the way of the world.

Here is where many persons, like Samson, fall into the snare of the devil, because flattering beauty is often made to drive decisions that are not soberly and prayerfully thought out. That is not to say that a person should marry one for whom there may not be any physical attraction.

But externals should not be allowed to override the weightier matters that will spell success, or defeat, happiness or frustration, after the dust has settled. It is often the case, that after only a few months, or years, persons begin to suffer with buyer’s remorse, as they find out, after the fact, that they have taken the husk without the kernel.

After the euphoria of the marriage ceremony at the altar has faded, and after babies come, and changes in physical appearance begin to take place in both parties, then it is character that will tow the line. Otherwise, those who are only dead set on mere externals will be looking for another pretty face, or a next knight in shining armor to replace that which has faded.

This is one of the main reasons why so many folks in high and low places have married two, three or four times, because they keep on chasing that which will surely fade. Especially is this the case with the rich and famous who may be able to afford the costs of breaking up, and who may not be restricted by such issues as child support.

On the other hand, those who seek to form unions according to the principles set forth in the Bible and who seek to make God first in everything, are given resilience, and grace to weather almost any storm, and even though trials may come, it would be seen that they are enabled walk with a steady, and even tread.

Therefore, the marriage vow should never be taken lightly for it is meant to keep persons happily united in the good times, as well as the bad. A pretty face, and an attractive physique might come down with cancer, as many in Hollywood have discovered, and it is only godly character or genuine love that would keep persons together for the long haul.

The practical matters that will affect your everyday experiences should be considered also, and should never be overlooked on account of external beauty. There are some pretty individuals who cannot cook water to save their lives, and there are others who have spending habits that can threaten your sanity and patience at the same time.

Thus, God advises us to proceed with great caution and prayer making only those decisions that can last a lifetime. It is in these contexts that we will review some of the bad decisions made by Samson, if haply someone may learn these lessons well, and thereby avoid ship-wreck of faith and marriage. The name “Delilah” will be used generically, to represent all of the relationships Samson entered into. Let’s read:

Judges 14:1 And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.

2 And he came and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.

This is the first very mistake, and a common one that is made, for at the very outset we observe that Samson disregarded the plain instructions of God pertaining to marriage with unbelievers. God loves unbelievers, for Christ died to save us all, but as a practical matter, a believer and an unbeliever will scarcely see eye to eye on several important fronts.

Being unequally yoked goes much deeper than just mere incompatibility, because it has to do with the operation of two masters under the same roof. The Bible tells us that no man can serve two masters, so if one is in Christ and the other is not, there may be severe pulling and tugging because of the presence of two different invisible forces in the home.

Now, it is true that the Bible cautions those who are in such a situation, not to separate because of this, however, the Christian in such a relationship would need to spend considerable time on his/her knees, so that Jesus may give grace to manage differences in a manner that may ease the heavy burdens and, hopefully bring the other on board.

Samson will not be able to force Delilah to come to church, and even if she does the service to God that is coerced cannot be accepted. Therefore, unless a union of two persons takes place with them being on the same wavelength spiritually, problems are almost certain to arise, for there will be differences in priorities, in eating habits, in financial priorities, and in many other areas where there should be agreement.

For instance, if Samson and Delilah were to run into financial difficulty for any reason, and Samson with his Christian upbringing decides to return his tithes and offerings, whilst bills are piling up, his wife will most likely raise a serious remonstrance at what she may view as being an unreasonable decision. To put tithes before groceries, while her kids need food on the table can trigger arguments of epic proportions.

Samson on the other hand, who has been trained by his God-fearing parents to trust and obey, will be more inclined to walk by faith knowing that God will come through, since he has probably seen this same movie before, and repeated many times over in the lives of his parents and in his own experience.

Delilah, who has not had any such experience may be more inclined to call 911, or the Department of children and families, for with her upbringing, the temporal things, and necessities always come first, with anything pertaining to worship being held in subjection to the mundane things of life. Thus, the one walks by faith, the other by logic. Let’s read:

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

2nd Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Deuteronomy 7:1 When the Lord thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it;

2 Thou shalt make no covenant with them;

3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods, so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you and destroy thee suddenly.

Again, at the outset we observe that Samson did not consult the wisdom nor the experience of his parents, for had he done so, they would have given him a million and one valid reasons why he should put the brakes on such a relationship. Close affinity with a partner who does not fear God is often the recipe for disaster, for there will be two masters operating in the same house.

But since Samson was now over eighteen, and had become an “adult” as it is right here in the Sunshine state, and since he currently had his driver’s license and a job, and could vote, the counsel of his godly parents seemed to be not worth considering, since, he thought he knew more, and better than they.

The command to honor one’s father, and mother also includes the instruction to consult with them on important matters that can have life-changing consequences. This is particularly applicable where one’s parents are God fearing, because God honors the disposition of children to take counsel. Let’s read:

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.

9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

That’s why in Isaac’s case, God seemed to be in a hurry to provide a beautiful wife, both internal and external, complete with character, because, even though he was forty years of age at the time, Isaac deferred to his father’s experienced judgment. This is not to say that Isaac would have been be out of place to make any input, but his attitude is what made all the difference. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh.

3 And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell.

4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.

10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master and departed.

12 And he said O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water.

14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out.

Another issue Samson encountered, and one that many have yet to meet is that of supposed scarcity of Christian spouses. The argument is often raised that there are scarcely any Christian men or women available, and because of this one has no choice but to go contrary to the scriptural instructions. Let’s read:

Judges 14:3 Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.

In fact, there are millions of God-fearing people, but God knows who and where they are. And if we were to trust in God, and decide no matter what to walk by faith, then in the fullness of time God will provide and when He does you will not be disappointed. It is because we are so prone to doubt and complain or succumb to fore-gone conclusions why it may seem as if there is a lack.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory.

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord.

But as is so often the case, Samson was impatient, as if Delilah was the only fish in the sea. Whenever we set rigid timetables for God, we may effectively remove Him from the driver’s seat, for we should never try to force Him into working within our time frames. We are not to worry about passing the age of child-bearing, for that is not an issue with God, but with man. Let’s read:

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

Job 42:12 So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.

13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.

16 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.

God dwells in eternity, and his thoughts are not our thoughts, and even though His promises may seem to be prolonged, yet those who trust in Him will be enabled to surmount time constraints.

Thus, God is still able to do the impossible, and if we were to trust Him, without murmuring, then the girl of your dreams, or your knight in shining armor may come riding on a horse named opportunity. Isaac was praying, not murmuring, when the woman of his dreams came riding on her own horse (camel). Let’s read:

Genesis 24:62 And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.

63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master. (Your knight in shining armor).

The history of Samson’s marriages should teach us important lessons in waiting upon God. Our moods, and attitudes go a mighty long way in determining whether our prayers will be answered speedily, or if they are prolonged. The children of Israel did enter the land of Canaan after a while, but they could’ve done so forty years earlier, were it not for their continual murmuring and complaining.

Again, it was when the Hebrews raised a song of praise, that God went to work in a frenzy, as it were, scattering far and wide the enemies of His people, and proving once more that when whenever we exchange the spirit of defeat and gloom for the garment of praise and prayer, God goes to work in our behalf. Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 20:19 And the Levites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice on high.

20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever.

22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

[Messages To Young People pp 53] Satan cannot endure to have his powerful rival appealed to, for he fears and trembles before [Christ's] strength and majesty. At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan's whole host trembles. And when angels all-powerful, clothed with the armory of heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, Satan and his host fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost.

Therefore, patience, humility, and deference to all of God’s wise instructions are the keys which unlock heaven’s richest blessings, because His hand is not shortened, neither is His ear heavy, that He cannot bless, save or deliver. Let us therefore trust in Him, knowing that in the fullness of time He will come through for us. We end with a passage of scripture to help us as we look to Him. Let’s read:

Isaiah 40: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

God Bless!

Judgement Day Is Coming. Sabbath Afternoon 04/27/2019

The Bible brings to light several offices with which Jesus is invested, for He is not only Savior and Lord, but He is also King and Judge. Most people prefer to dwell on His capacity as Savior, but in His role of the Judge of all mankind He is hardly recognized or even mentioned. This one-sided perception of Jesus will change soon, as the investigative judgment wraps up in the courts above.

The book of Revelation, as well as several others, do bring to light the fact that Christ, as our Mediator is not biased nor partial in His assessments, neither is He a respecter of persons, as if anyone could curry- favor Him into favorable determinations. The basis of His kingdom is truth, righteousness, mercy and justice, all being blended into one indivisible whole, by which final judgments are to be made either for or against the human agent.

Therefore, it is necessary to lay out in plain simple terms, that which we will all must confront sooner or later. To begin with, there are some misnomers which of necessity must be shaken down from their popular perch for they will greatly impede our basic understanding of what is involved in the judgment.

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God does not permit mercy to interfere with justice.

First of all, individuals who would be saved in God’s kingdom will be saved because of Christ’s death and His righteousness bequeathed to those who believe and obey. Even though some may have erroneously depicted Christ as one-sided in character, as being a God of love, without attributes of justice, yet this is a false representation, and all those who embrace it will be subject to a very great disappointment, and surprise.

God does not permit mercy to interfere with justice, neither does He permit emotionalism to get in the way of executing that which is necessary. When it was time for our salvation to be cemented in stone, Jesus became the recipient of the full extent of The Father’s justice, as He suffered and then died on the cross. This was done, even though The Father felt very sorry for Jesus and suffered with Him.

Again, there are many instances in the Bible where The Lord showed mercy to the sinner, and even the mercy seat was located above the law in the earthly sanctuary. But in every single instance where mercy was dispensed because of sin, it was always against the backdrop of justice, that would be meted out to Jesus Christ in due season. That’s because all sin will be prosecuted to the full extent of the Law, one way or another.

The word “forgive” means to cancel a debt. In one advertisement it is stated that Liberty Mutual does not hold grudges, and they won’t raise your rates for the first accident. Thus, the additional premiums one would have incurred are absorbed by Liberty. At times, individuals who have run deep into debt, and can’t pay, receive some sort of reprieve from the credit card company, by which much of the debt is cancelled.

Again, during the financial melt-down of 2008 some borrowers went under, and loan forgiveness was offered, whereby mortgage debts were cancelled. But, in each and every instance mentioned above, the cost of extending mercy to a person is absorbed by the lender, or the insurance company, because mercy, forgiveness, and the cancellation of debts, always carries a cost.

Thus, God forgives us our debts by transferring the penalties, and the wages of sin to Jesus Christ, who suffered on the tree, and thus forgiveness has been granted to all. But the sin itself must always be paid for in full. Always! In fact, the apostle Paul bids us behold soberly, both the goodness, and justice of God.

In other words, if the forgiveness offered through Jesus is not accepted nor appreciated, the offer of mercy will be withdrawn, and individuals will then have to bear the full brunt of the wages of sin, which will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

After pleading, in tender tones with the people of Noah’s day for 120 years, The Holy Spirit was finally withdrawn, and justice, unmingled with mercy was administered. If the antediluvians had accepted the forgiveness of God, then the justice which their sins had called for would be postponed until Calvary, for God’s mercy is never permitted to interfere with justice. Let’s read:

Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches take heed lest he also spare not thee.

22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

In the case of Jesus, God’s justice was delivered on the cross, and the strict justice then meted out was leveled at The One who is described in the Bible as being God’s “Darling” and His “Fellow”. Now, if God dealt strict justice to His “Darling” just imagine what the end will be for those who despise His law and His grace. Let’s read:

Isaiah 53:4 Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows, yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Now, if God dealt as such with Jesus, who knew no sin, then it tells us that due judgment will be meted out in full to those persons who reject the gracious overtures made by God to us in Christ. This sobering aspect of the gospel is hardly ever referenced to by popular, smooth-talking preachers of the day, and it is an aspect of God’s character that the multitudes, in general prefer not to hear. But let’s read:

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses.

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

[2]

His assessments are impartial and just.

The history of the antediluvian world, and the flood of waters which subsequently engulfed the entire planet, shed light on the accuracy, and impartiality of His assessments, because, after close and factual observation of all the thoughts and actions of men at that time God correctly concluded that only eight persons could justifiably be saved.

Therefore, even though God delights in mercy, yet eight is eight, and nothing else. His assessments are not swayed by sheer numbers even though it was in great sadness that God destroyed the then-known world of approximately 7 billion people. Thus, He destroyed it anyway, because it was the right thing to do at the time. Feeling sorry for persons does not prevent God from doing what is right. Let’s read:

Genesis 7:1 And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

4 For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

This was one of His “Strange acts” but because it is dirty work, God does not refrain from doing it. The argument was put forth in the days of Noah that it is contrary to God’s character to destroy, and thus, those who should have heeded the warning given, shrugged it off as a gross misinformation campaign on the part of the one who delivered the message.

[3]

Good intentions alone are not sufficient to exonerate anyone.

In the days of Noah there were several other people who were employed in the building of the ark, but many of them either died before the flood, or were buried in the watery grave. Good intentions must be coupled with concrete actions for persons to be saved in the day of judgment, because it is not the hearers, but the doers who will be saved. Let’s read:

Matthew 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.

29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

30 And he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

[4]

Sin has to be paid for. Either by Christ, individuals, or satan.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

There is no such thing as sin without consequence, and thus, it behooves us to consider carefully God’s gift to us through Christ by which justice, mercy and truth were blended for our salvation. But there are many who may not see the necessity or the urgency in partaking of the proffered gift, and thus, although Christ has paid the debt for the entire world, such persons will have to pay for their own sins.

Thus, with these few pointers in mind, let’s turn to the topic at hand: “Judgement Day Is Coming”. In the days of Moses, and throughout the history of the Hebrews, God had ordained that judges be put in positions of trust to apply the law of God without impartiality. These judges were given the work of administering judgments that were written in the law of God.

And since the conscience of a nation is seated in its laws, it was, and still is, absolutely necessary that the administration of justice be predicated on those principles that are written in God’s word. Therefore, the judges were strictly warned against interpreting or applying the law in a way that would show bias, preference, or respect of persons, or favoritism.

This in turn would assure equal rights and justice for all, so that no individual would have occasion to feel unfairly treated by the courts, and as a direct result, the populace would have great trust in their judicial system. Thus, the judiciary, under God were given a charge to be faithful and unbiased in the execution of judgment. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 1:16 And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.

17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's.

Deuteronomy 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live.

2nd Chronicles 19:5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment.

7 Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

But throughout much of the history of the Hebrews, the taking of bribes, and the practice of preferential treatment based upon race, creed, class, and wealth became a cancer that ultimately destroyed the very fabric of justice, and before long, the right seemed wrong and the wrong seemed right.

Moral darkness was put in place of light, and bitter instead of sweet, and folks became so blinded that a sense of justice was effectively destroyed, and the once-sensitive conscience, became desensitized to the grossest evils. That’s how Barabbas came to be chosen instead of Christ, and those who slew God’s servants thought they were doing Him service. Let’s read:

Matthew 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

This practice of pardoning a known criminal, for no just reason, did not have its foundation in justice, but was instead an abuse of executive power. But the minds of the people had become so blinded to a sense of justice that the practice had become set in stone, and socially acceptable.

God’s judgement is quite different to the contrary, because His pardoning of known criminals, is always based on justice, for mercy is never to be arbitrarily administered at the expense of justice. Therefore, in every instance where we see Jesus forgiving folks, it was, and is always in the context of the justice that was meted out at Calvary. Not so with the Hebrews who had lost their sense of justice. Let’s read:

Matthew 27:16 And they had a notable prisoner called Barabbas.

17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

It would be well if the miscarriage of justice ended in the days of Christ, but alas, perverted judgement as a stage 4 cancer, has currently metastasized into an open putrefying wound, a deadly infection that is threatening the stability and viability of government and people alike.

Evils, from which we once recoiled as a nation do not raise an eyebrow anymore, and the practice of telling lies in high and low places, has proliferated to the point where the people have come to accept it as being normal. Fraud, and respect of persons, with favoritism, stalk the streets unrebuked and the truth has succumbed to fake news.

Justice is being made subservient to political, or to financial interests, and it seems as if the fear of God and our sense of right and wrong has now become so benumbed that we have essentially traded Christ for Barabbas. Thus, as a nation, we might be doing well financially, but morally, we’re in the toilet, and therefore the prophet Isaiah correctly describes the current situation in our world. Let’s read:

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

6 Their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.

8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.

9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

10 We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.

11 We roar all like bears and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;

13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off, for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter.

15 Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.

Therefore, God is about to take matters into His own hands, for if we continue to pervert judgment, if we continue to call evil good, and good evil, then The Lord will have no choice but to intervene, and when He does it will be quite traumatic, because, true to His history, He will not stop until He has made a full end. Let’s read:

Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore, his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

18 According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies.

Jeremiah 25:29 Should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts.

30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

31 A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord.

32 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

In lieu of these somber warnings, it is necessary that the truth about the coming judgments be told, for all persons must stand before the judgement seat of Christ. There is a hymn that is sung, “Take my life and let it be”; the truth is that Jesus will take all of our lives one way or the next either for destruction or preservation, but He will take it.

This fact has nothing to do with whether individuals profess to believe in Jesus or not, for we belong to God both by creation, and redemption. And thus, it is not necessary for one to believe in Christ for Him to have jurisdiction over his/her life. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.

Again, many misinterpret God’s grace and mercy as being a weakness in His character, and because He is not willing that any should perish, some people have concluded that He will not do good or evil. But the scriptures caution us against such deductions. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him.

13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

Psalms 50:3 Our God shall come and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself.

Therefore, after all the lies have been told, after all the drugs have been sold, after all the sexual abuse by clergy and laity, and after all the violence, and after all the distortions of marriage in high and low place, let us always remember that judgment day is coming soon, a day in which the final reckoning will take place, which will forever determine our own destiny. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

God Bless!

How To Get Out Of Debt. Sabbath Afternoon 04/20/2019

It is a solemn statement that we make, that many of those whose names are enrolled in church registers are becoming more trapped in the financial systems of earth, and therefore, when the mark of the beast engulfs these systems, many who now profess to be Christians will sink down into oblivion. There is still hope, but very drastic and deliberate measures will need to be taken to extricate ourselves from the snares of debt that have been set for our feet.

According to the latest research most of American families cannot handle an unexpected emergency of five-hundred dollars, and according to the New York Fed, Non-housing balances increased by $58 billion in the fourth quarter of the previous year, with auto loans increasing by $9 billion, credit card balances going up by $26 billion, and student loan balances by $15 billion. Thus, household debt stood at 13.54 trillion as of 2018.

And even though there may seem to be resources in abundance, more, and more families are becoming addicted to the snare of plastic, by which many are induced to live beyond their means. As a result, the restrictions imposed by the use of cold cash, have been traded for a sort of dream spending, by which people are enticed to borrow without thought, and the sure result is, that for the most part, many folks become sucked into a bottomless financial pit, from which it is increasingly difficult to escape.

Thus, financial debt is likened unto weight-gain, for it takes very little effort to put on, but tremendous effort to get rid of. It isn’t and never has been God’s will for His people to become trapped in monetary systems which do not bear His stamp of approval. In fact, the habit of borrowing money which we know we cannot pay back will prove the ruin of millions if decided action is not taken.

When we speak of the monetary system, it is to be understood by all, that the system of itself, can be used if godly principles and Biblical instructions are employed to offset the inherent evils those systems are built upon. Since the day that Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden tree most of the inventions of man are tainted with good and evil. Therefore, it is the will of God that we understand the differences and make wise choices that are guided by His word.

For instance, the use of credit is often employed to purchase a home, a new car or any of the big-ticket items which in many instances, as far paying cash is concerned, may be out of reach to the average john doe. Thus, credit can be used for good. But coupled together with that good, comes the evil practice of pre-payment penalty, by which financial institutions often punish consumers for paying their debt early. Now, why should folks be punished for doing right?

Again, credit-card customers who pay all their dues on time each month do not feed the profit margins as those who pay late, and banks profit quite a lot from folks who write bounced checks. In fact, it is quite alarming that banks made over 34 billion in profits just from overdraft fees in the year 2017 and credit-card companies hauled in over 163 billion in late fees in 2016.

Therefore, while much good can be accomplished if the system is used discreetly, very much evil is often the result as the institutions prey on character flaws such as tardiness, covetousness, impulse spending, and general lack of self-discipline. Not one store, car company, credit-card institution, or grocery chain, can force us to spend beyond our means, because the choice is ours.

However, by careful research and observation, it is now firmly established that many use their freedom of choice in ways that cause individuals to become entangled or trapped in financial systems, that can be used for good. Thus, even though Eden is 6000 years in the past, many people are still eating from the tree of good and evil.

The financial institutions are keenly aware of this, and thus, their advertisements are geared towards urging the multitudes to become entangled in their systems, using words and phrases such as call now, hurry, hurry, this sale won’t last, time is running out or just click now, etc.

The sad thing about this situation is that, with our Bibles in hand, many Christians are in a stranglehold of debt, which will become more difficult for us to extricate ourselves from, if we do not make radical changes in our habits and behaviors.

In addition, Christians who are living in the last days of earth’s history will find it quite difficult to escape, (just like Lot’s family), when the mark of the beast overspreads the land, because if we are found to be drowning in debt, the enemy of souls will be all too willing to cut a deal with us. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 607] As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more, bold, the law will be invoked against commandment-keepers. and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith.

Therefore, if anyone listening today finds himself or herself in the unfortunate situation of endless, and revolving debt, the study for this evening can be of great benefit, if implemented in cooperation with God. A well-thought out plan of action must be put in place, no excuses must be made, and no one else must be blamed.

When once we confess our faults to God, and He sets before us a blessing and a curse, let us never return to our old ways, but let us rather determine to live in accordance with the principles God has given us. Some drastic measures, and actions may be required in certain instances, but if we stay the course with Christ, He will grant us the victory. The Bible puts it this way. Let’s read:

Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

This is what is described as the cold-turkey method. This may trigger severe restrictions in our previous spending habits; it may force us to regroup as far as actual needs versus wants are concerned, or it may force us to start budgeting to live within our means, a work that has too long been neglected, but in the end it will produce results that God can approve.

In other words, we must grab the bull by the horns, stop living in a dream, and then make the necessary changes through the power and grace of Christ. The well-directed, and sustained efforts, on a consistent basis will produce positive results and wherever the freedom from debt is achieved, a heavy burden will be lifted from off many shoulders. Let’s read:

Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

The following therefore are some of the steps one can take in getting out of debt. The pointers would feature prominently the principles and instructions God will have us live by, and the Bible will provide the much-needed promises that accompany all our efforts in doing the right thing.

[1] Pray first, asking God to guide us in the implementation of a workable plan.

Putting God in the driver’s seat, and keeping Him there will assure us of consistency, discipline and success, for whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. We should try to avoid doing the right thing on our own, for we may be doomed to failure from the get-go. But with Jesus in the vessel, we are assured of victory, for we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Let’s read:

Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

1st John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.

Romans 8:37 In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

[2] Reconcile our outflows with our inflows.

This will call for strict discipline, because too often we spend unnecessarily, on the spur of the moment or in the heat of excitement when there is a sale. At those moments, our imaginary wants which we can do without, have the potential to become the most urgent needs, and before you know it, there we go again in the vicious cycle. No one needs to purchase an item just because it’s on sale, the choice is ours!

If one’s income is $4000,00 per month, everything that pertains to living including tithes and offerings will have to reconciled to that amount. Unnecessary frills and non-essentials would have to be identified, and deep cuts in our spending may have to be made to bring inflow into harmony with outflow.

“Blings” and “things” may need to be surrendered, and the habit of eating out may have to be curtailed or severely restricted, because the fact is that four- grand is four grand, and nothing else. If any person cannot live within their means, such a person would never be debt free, plain and simple. Let’s read:

Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

1st Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things.

[A.H pp 393] Deny yourself a thousand things rather than run in debt. Avoid it as you would smallpox. Make a solemn covenant with God that by His blessing you will pay your debts and then owe no man anything even if you live on porridge and bread.

[3] Avoid becoming entangled in the wanton use of plastic.

Emancipation from financial slavery should be the goal of anyone currently entangled in the snare of debt. It has been documented that it is much easier to use plastic than to spend your cold cash, and as a result, many persons spend without thought, that a day of reckoning is coming.

Therefore, if we know that we lack the discipline of restraint, credit cards should be promptly cut up in small pieces and burnt on the altar of sacrifice, for keeping them will do us more harm than good. The Bible recommends the cold-turkey method when we are dealing with dangerous habits, and radical changes in our behaviors will be needed.

Plastic may be used in a number of ways by which much benefit can be accomplished, but if for some reason we discover that in our particular situation it has become more of a curse than a blessing, then it may be time to part ways with that which is hurting us and our families. No one will die because of the absence of plastic, and its confiscation may prove to be the day of new beginnings. Let’s read:

Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Deuteronomy 15:6 For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.

Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again…

[4] Save for the rainy day.

Whenever money is earned a stipulated percentage should be set aside for times of real emergency, so that ourselves and our families would not go under because of one unforeseen emergency. It is stated that millions of people are just one medical crisis away from financial ruin, and because a cushion is not present, some may inadvertently fall into the cycle of debt.

Thus, proactive measures must be taken wherever possible to avert as much as possible an unforeseen crisis that may arise. This instruction is particularly applicable to those who run their own businesses, where late-paying customers can put the viability of one’s business at risk, especially when there isn’t a cushion.

One’s workers should be paid with monies that are set aside for that purpose, so that if for any reason there is a hiccup in inflow, the business will not go under. Many have thus been forced out of business and have faced financial embarrassments because there is not any cushion on which to fall back on, when the going gets rough. Thus, the instructions God gives to us is wisdom, and should be adopted whenever, and wherever possible. Let’s read:

Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

Deuteronomy 28:5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

8 The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto.

[5] Be very circumspect when asked to stand security for family members, church brethren, or friends.

A person may be approached with such and such a proposal, with a request to stand security in such and such a situation, and in many cases one’s better nature may move him or her to offer the needed help. This can be done in certain circumstances, but it must always be prayerfully, and carefully thought out, with the risks, the pros, and the cons being weighed in an objective manner.

Very often, the emotional or social attachments are allowed to override sound judgment and sometimes hasty answers or decisions, without prayer can thus prove to be a problem. Therefore, The Lord would have us exercise good discretion in every instance, with mercy and kindness being blended with good common sense, because kindness is never foolish. Let’s read:

Proverbs 6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

Proverbs 17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

On the other hand there must be a balance in our method of evaluating each situation, for we should never forget that God delights in mercy. There are times when standing security for someone may be warranted, if and when God directs. There is not a hard and fast rule, written in stone, which forbids standing security, but with prayer, discretion, and sound judgement every case may be addressed.

At such times, we should make certain that we can actually absorb any potential risks without going under, and if so, then we should move forward. Kindness and mercy are hallmark characteristics of God, and Christians are to follow His lead when it is appropriate to do so. Let’s read:

Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Deuteronomy 15:7 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother.

8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.

10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore, I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Psalms 112:5 A good man sheweth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

If these scriptural instructions are followed in a consistent manner, with petitions being made to God for wisdom in handling every situation, those who are now trapped in debt will have won a great victory, and thereby will glorify God on the issue of debt. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to look and live. Let’s read:

Proverbs 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4 To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5 A wise man will hear and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.

God Bless!

Remember Lot. Sabbath Afternoon 04/13/2019

Most people, when reading of the story of Sodom, and Gomorrah, the demise of those ill-fated cities, and the one family that was rescued in the process, focus on two main facts: (1) that the sexual sins of those cities contributed largely to their demise, and (2) That Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt. While the two facts are note-worthy, many may not be aware that Lot also contributed in a great measure to the deaths of most of his family.

The reason for this conclusion is that by far, most of the responsibility for the temporal and eternal well-being of a man’s family, rests with the decisions and actions taken by him, since, as the designated head of the home, God has vested him with the welfare of each member of his household, and as such what he allows, and what he does, could spell either weal or woe for those who are under his care.

When God created Adam and Eve, not only did He make the man first, but He gave both of them the instructions regarding the tree of knowledge, good and evil. Yet, even though Eve sinned first, and then solicited her husband in transgression, God called to Adam first, as being the one who bore the brunt of the responsibility. Thus, we will find that husbands, to a great extent are the makers or breakers in their homes.

After the dispute with Abraham’s herdsmen, it was decided that the two families could not live in the same location together because of their vast riches, and the proposal was put on the table that Lot will choose first, either to go to the left or the right, as he saw best. And now, having been granted the first choice by Abraham, he lifted up his eyes and he saw that the plains of Sodom were well watered, and fertile.

Thus, through selfishness, he made a decision that would one day prove the ruin of most of his family and in the process, he would barely escape with his own life. Those families who cause the “fertility” of modern day “Sodoms” to impact their decisions of where they make their homes, and those whose first considerations are the pecuniary advantages to be gained in such and such places, will one day find out that they have put their family at much greater risk.

In choosing a home, the influences which obtain in the area are to be given due consideration as to the effects it will have on the spiritual development of the children, and the family as a whole. But if one’s decision is primarily business-based, then the moral corruption that too often accompanies wealth, may have a demoralizing effect on all, and it can become an uphill struggle to keep the kids from gravitational influences which pull them down.

Therefore, from a strictly business perspective, Lot made a wise decision, but from a spiritual viewpoint it was silly and disastrous. The spiritual must always take precedence in any decision-making by the man because it can prove to be ruinous or uplifting for a family. Let God be consulted first, and if He leads to the city, then follow, but if He leads to the country, as He more often does, then the temporal aspects will also be taken care of. Let’s read:

Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herd-men of Abram's cattle and the herd-men of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herd-men and thy herd-men; for we be brethren.

9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

10 And Lot lifted up his eyes and beheld all the plain of Jordan that it was well watered everywhere before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord.

11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.

God would have every believing Christian study and understand the wiles of the devil, for he works and plots in a well-thought-out and determined manner even though most people view him as ridiculous or stupid. On the contrary, he brings centuries of his own experience to the table, and he studies with fiendish intensity the most effective ways to take us down.

One of his most successful methods is the slow-boil technique, by which he sets in motion a protracted process to get persons accustomed to his systems, then when folks have become either immersed, or ingratiated, he seeks to tighten his stranglehold by suggesting that we can’t live without his systems. It was thus that he enticed Lot, and his family to the brink.

From a farmer and herdsman, Lot slowly became accustomed to the luxurious life of Sodom, for he was immersed in their systems of doing things. The educational systems of Sodom inculcated teachings of alternative lifestyles into the curriculum, and the young children became indoctrinated into same-sex marriage philosophies, from an early age.

Thus, Lot sent his children to be taught error in the public schools of the day, and the peer pressure and familiarity with evil produced the inevitable results. Day by day, as Lot’s kids beheld evil taking root, and being practiced in high and low places, without any remonstrance, they were convinced after a period of time that it was normal, and the once country-bound children became desensitized to evil.

The slow-boil technique is still being used and with alarming success, because the more the celebrities and stars come out of the closet, the more the kids will follow in their train, since the game “Follow the leader” is always employed by our adversary. There was a time in the U.S.A, when alternative lifestyles aroused a sort of righteous indignation.

But over a period of time as prominent stars, clergy, celebrities, and so-called “Role-models” have come out from the closet, other skeletons have followed suit until the LGBTQRSTUVWXYZ lifestyles have now been inculcated into our curriculums, being taught to our children, and they have come to be accepted by most people. It did not happen overnight, nor in a vacuum, for it is satan’s slow-boil system at work.

Thus, he seeks to take down religious, political, and social leaders first, for he knows from experience, that the multitudes will generally follow their lead. This is what he did in ancient Babylon when a false system of worship was to be forced on the people. The most prominent leaders of the nation were first indoctrinated, and the rest followed their lead. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

It is amazing that even Lot himself had become so entirely bedazzled by the luxuries of Sodom that it’s stated in the Bible that his soul was vexed every day by the prevailing evils, and yet, somehow, he could find it within himself to leave. The slow-boil method caused him to become immersed in the systems of Sodom, so that like the infamous “Hotel California” he could check in anytime he liked, but he could never leave, even though he was vexed every day Let’s read:

2nd Peter 2:4 For God spared not the angels that sinned,

5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah,

7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked.

8 For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.

Christians in our day are at great risk of becoming so accustomed to the systems, that we may find it quite difficult to leave when we need to. The many comforts of life we now enjoy, and the systems we have come to depend on are exerting a “slow-boil” effect on millions, and even though these are not to be condemned, there are a few verses in the Bible we should never forget. Never! Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

13 These all confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

In the process of time however, God saw fit to put a check on the unbridled iniquity of those cities, and in response to Abraham’s intercession, holy angels were sent to rescue Lot, and his entire family from the impending doom. Thus, it was, after disclosing their real nature, and their mission, the angels sent Lot out to warn his relatives and daughters, so that they too might make a run for it, before it was too late.

But Lot’s influence over them had been weakened over a period of several years, for they witnessed in his experience, the subtle effects of that luxurious lifestyle of Sodom. Therefore, his decisions, actions and influences of a lifetime will scarcely be reversed overnight, as poor Lot soon discovered. When folks have become utterly immersed in systems that are opposed to God, messages from heaven can seem to be incredulous. Let’s read:

Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place.

13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.

14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

Fathers in our day, who become consumed with the money-making, and business of the day, while they neglect the spiritual development and instruction of their families will discover, that in a real emergency, when a message of impending doom is sent by God, their families will have been so brain-washed by the secular systems, that the message will seem funny, as was the case with Lot’s family.

Which brings us to another important observation in the saga of lot, for even though he was sent with the message, it seems that he himself did not fully embrace or believe it. As those angels of God urged upon him the seriousness of the warning, he began making excuse after excuse, why he should be given more time in Sodom.

His hesitation and lingering showed that his faith had grown dim, living in the midst of continual evil, and wherever faith grows dim, questions about the wisdom of God’s instructions are sure to arise, since the effect of spiritual darkness in certain places is to give birth to skepticism about God’s word. Thus, a host of questions arose in his mind, and inevitably engulfed his wife too.

Questions such as: [1] Why the big rush? Why not give us some time to think it over, or to at least let us pack some of our precious belongings, like our family pictures, our passports, and our cell-phones, just in case we may need to make a last-minute call to Sodom. And certainly, it would be reasonable for such a long journey, to pack some fruit, and at least some Oreos.

Thus Lot, as the head of his household set in motion a train of circumstances which confirmed his wife in unbelief and murmuring, because they both came to view the message of God as being unreasonable. In fact, according to the scriptural record, Lot never left Sodom willingly, but had to be literally dragged out of the city; such was the effect of the slow-boil technique.

In like manner, there are millions who embrace and teach the three angel’s messages, but in their heart of hearts they have not fully believed, or embraced them, because those messages foretell of a looming separation from those systems we have all become accustomed to, when we will have to walk by faith in God alone, without the man-made props we too often depend upon.

Thus, like Lot, when the message goes forth to leave the cities, because of the mark of the beast, many of those who may have preached the three angel’s messages, and have warned others, would be very reluctant to give up the life of ease and luxury that has become the norm. And like Lot’s family, some may have to be dragged out, literally. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

It is also worthy of note that Lot had become so immersed in city living that even when he had to run for his life, he pleaded to move to another city. It is a statement of fact we declare, that most of us as Christians today living in the developed world will be very hesitant, if not entirely hostile to leaving the life of city comforts to head out to the country.

And like Lot, the transition will be very difficult for most of us to endure, for if we cannot live without our cell-phones when we attend church for only a few hours, it will be ten times more difficult to live without them for several months or years. Thus, as was stated before, the slow-boil technique of city living can, and will take a fearful toll if we have not learned to trust in God. Let’s read:

Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord.

19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:

20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

22 Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

Let no one think that we can suddenly uproot from systems we have become accustomed to, without maintaining a deep relationship with God all along. It takes time, and practice to trust entirely in God, and therefore, those opportunities He has granted us to do so in our probationary time, will be better spent in His word, and upon our knees, instead of surfing the various systems which often distract us from what is looming just on the horizon. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 160>161] The command was given with startling vehemence: “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” Hesitancy or delay now would be fatal. To cast one lingering look upon the devoted city, to tarry for one moment from regret to leave so beautiful a home, would have cost their life.

The storm of divine judgment was only waiting that these poor fugitives might make their escape. But Lot, confused and terrified, pleaded that he could not do as he was required lest some evil should overtake him and he should die. Living in that wicked city, in the midst of unbelief, his faith had grown dim.

If Lot himself had manifested no hesitancy to obey the angels’ warning, but had earnestly fled toward the mountains, without one word of pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape. The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom.

But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning. While her body was upon the plain, her heart clung to Sodom, and she perished with it. She rebelled against God because His judgments involved her possessions and her children in the ruin. Although so greatly favored in being called out from the wicked city, she felt that she was severely dealt with, because the wealth that it had taken years to accumulate must be left to destruction.

Therefore, in lieu of the history of Lot and the sad demise of his family, let those of us who are now living on the brink of eternity make certain that we learn from his errors, and thereby make straight paths for our feet. While we still live in this world, we can and should use the man-made systems of earth for the furtherance of Christ’s kingdom of righteousness.

However, it’s important and imperative that we do not allow the luxuries and comforts of this earth to eclipse the grandeur of a better world, nor should those who believe in Christ’s soon return, permit themselves to be brain-washed into thinking that it is a long way off, into the future. The very abnormal state of things around us all declare that Jesus is coming soon.

Thus, the following passages from the Bible are to be given due consideration, as we look forward to the future, for if they are understood and applied as God would have them they will serve to balance out the temporal pursuits of life with the blessed hope, the former always being kept in subservience to the latter. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

1st John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world the love of the Father is not in him.

16 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.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

1st Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

God Bless!

Excuse Me Please. Sabbath Afternoon 04/06/2019

Excuses are often given when a person is reluctant or does not want to do that which is required. There are millions of excuses used every day by individuals who do not want to go to work, who desire to get a day or two off of work, and others who do not want to go to church. Reasons given with our excuses run the entire gamut, from the weather to other people to a lack of resources, to a lack of sleep, to a lack of motivation.

Other commonly used reasons include lack of time, not being ready yet, waiting for the new year, and the last-resort excuse, which is used when all others fail, the devil made me do it. Thus, the responsibility for not doing, not being present, not paying and not obeying is generally passed on to other persons, or circumstances, while self is thereby justified in a course of action, other than what is required.

Excuses are also used for cheating on one’s spouse, for lying in certain adverse situations, for not being baptized, for not returning to God that which is due, for not attending church, for arriving late, or for not exercising and for a million and one reasons to keep us from doing that which ought to be done. But it is only when it is virtually impossible for one to fulfill a requirement or pledge that reasons are justifiable.

There’s also a big difference between a valid reason and an excuse, for the former is based on facts, but the latter is based on perceived, or made up facts. Thus, it is important that we be reminded of what an excuse really is. According to the dictionary: It is an attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seeking to defend or justify.

Excuses had their beginnings on our planet at the time sin entered the garden of Eden, when the devil tempted Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit. Then, after succumbing to his wiles, a lot of excuses were given to justify themselves, in a vain effort to relinquish the responsibility for their actions, when questioned by God. Let’s read:

Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

13 And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

Ever since that fateful day, every son and daughter of Adam has fallen prey to the syndrome of excuse making, some more or less. The tendency to blame others, conditions, the weather, and circumstances makes us creatures of circumstance, and if we don’t gain the victory over this sinful habit, it would prove our ruin in this life, and can eventually keep us from the new earth.

The tendency to make excuses is what caused God to reprove Moses when he had given him assurance that He would be with him as he was to go on his mission to Egypt. With every excuse he raised, God then gave a valid reason why it should not be any concern of his. Yet Moses continued to fabricate excuses until God became weary of listening.

Several aspects and varieties of excuses will be seen as we study Moses’ conversation with God. We will also observe that when we are reluctant to do some required or necessary duty, there is no stopping the amount of excuses which we can come up with. And some of the so-called reasons given range from the seemingly plausible to those which make no sense. Let’s read:

[1] Humble Excuses

Exodus 3:7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

This first reason may seem to savor of humility, for Moses may have considered himself as not being worthy to be sent on such a mission. To go in unto the king of Egypt to ask for the release of the work- force was no small matter. But the very fact that the order came from God should have relieved his mind of any valid concerns, for it is possible to be humble yet willing.

On the contrary, when the prophet Isaiah was given a vision of The Most-High God, he also realized that he was utterly unworthy, for according to his own confession, he was a man of unclean lips. Yet he trusted in God to take care of his shortcomings, so that when the call was made for a messenger, Isaiah was willing, humble, and ready to go on The Lord’s errands. Let’s read:

Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.

6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

There are times when persons are asked to serve, to go on The Lord’s errands or to take up some needed responsibility at church, and like Moses, and Isaiah, persons may feel unworthy of the calling. Yet, even though none of us is worthy, we should avoid the pitfall of giving humble excuses because none of the twelve disciples were worthy when they were sent out.

It’s not our worthiness that God is looking for, it’s our willingness.

Exodus 3:12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

[2] Excuses based on perceived circumstances.

Exodus 4:1 And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.

The claim that the people would not believe him was unfounded, for Moses had no such knowledge. To claim that he would not be believed would be to pre-judge the situation, and the outcome, which shows that his faith in God was wavering. There are times when we too may prejudge the outcome of a certain situation, without having hard facts to back up our premonitions.

And even if those facts are true, we may be prone to doubt God’s ability to do the impossible. It is a fact that perceived difficulties are often greater in anticipation than in reality, and excuses that are made on such premises can cause the blessings of God to be turned aside.

The Hebrew’s premonition of the giants in Canaan caused them to wander in the desert for forty years even though God had gone before them and had in fact weakened the resolve of the Canaanites. Thus, the perceived foreboding of an unpleasant outcome prevented the Jews from taking the land, when God was ready and willing to grant them the blessing, a situation that is too often repeated in our own lives. Let’s read:

Numbers 13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 14: 6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

8 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.

Exodus 4:2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

3 And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.

4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:

5 That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.

6 And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.

7 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

9 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.

So far, the Lord has removed any cause for concern or doubt on the part of Moses, for He has given him concrete evidence that supernatural power will be with him on his mission. Yet for some reason Moses is still reluctant to go. Thus, he resorts to what may seem as a logical excuse, one that is often used in a number of situations, right here in Miami.

[3] Excuses of Language barriers.

Exodus 4:10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Language barriers are notoriously used as excuses in the sunshine state, and some folks even get upset when individuals from other countries do not speak fluent English. Now, while it is good to be fluent in the nationally recognized language, there isn’t any reason to use language barriers as excuses for not doing that which needs to be done.

There are several ways and means to overcome this common hurdle, for not only do we have God as our Guide in all matters, but we also have several tools at our disposal such as Babbel, and many English to Spanish translations, or, translations to most of the world’s prominent languages, right at our fingertips. With ready access to the internet, there can be no excuse to use language barrier as an excuse for not doing anything.

Exodus 4:11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?

12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

And now, having run out of any plausible excuses, Moses reveals his reluctance in words which show that there is a deeper problem bothering him, that is fueling all of the excuses and reasons he is giving, why he should not be sent. God has taken care of the language barrier issue, He has resolved all the issues of perceived unbelief by the Hebrews, and his issue with unworthiness has been laid to rest. So, what’s next? Let’s read:

Exodus 4:13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

14 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against

Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

15 And thou shalt speak unto him and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

It was not the ideal will of God that Aaron should be a co-leader with Moses, for looking into the future, God saw that his influence with the people would lead them into idolatry. Yet, because of the excuse-making on Moses’ part, God allowed what He was not in favor of. The use of secondary methods is a common occurrence with us as Christians, when we fail to discern, and readily obey God’s ideal will.

Aaron became the spokesperson for Moses, but he also became the spokesperson for those who were bent on returning to Egypt. In the idolatry that took place at Mt. Sinai, it was Aaron who gave the go-ahead, for it was discovered that under pressure he became a creature of circumstance, and in his turn, he used excuses for his refusal to do the right thing. Let’s read:

Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.

3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears and brought them unto Aaron.

4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made

it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.

6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink and rose up to play.

21 And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?

22 And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.

23 For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

24 And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.

There are very important lessons for us Christians living in the 21st century, as it pertains to the habit of making excuses. We are living in a time where, for the most part, conditions and circumstances do not favor spiritual growth, and character building. We are surrounded with a plethora of attractions, and distractions which clamor for our best energies, our best time, and resources.

And every apparently plausible reason is given, so that the good that needs to be done is somehow left on the back-burner. For every good and upright instruction God has given in His word, there can be found a million and one excuses why we cannot or shouldn’t comply. And as a result, we often live our lives excusing the good and cultivating the evil.

Then again, those of us who have set weight-loss goals, will discover that we have a mortal conflict on our hands, because it takes very little effort to gain but tremendous effort to lose. In fact, our bodies often become quite stubborn in resisting any effort in a good direction, and as we get older, the cycle of gaining and then losing will become more difficult to break.

In fact, the habit of making excuses has been shown to be one of the greatest inhibitors of growth in the lives of many. There are individuals who have great potential that lies untapped, because of the habit of making excuses. Others falter in their aspirations, as they attempt little, because of perceived hindrances or because circumstances may not be ideal.

However, if we can only grow, or do our best when circumstances are ideal, then, whenever an adverse situation arises we will buckle and stumble, because the moral fabric of a person’s character is not often revealed in ideal circumstances but in those adverse situations, that stretch us to the limit. This principle applies to both spiritual, and physical training. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

But there is hope. One of the very important steps in retracing our steps is to stop making excuses, for as was stated before, even though some excuses we make may seem valid, in most instances they’re still excuses. Therefore, it is important for us not to live our Christian lives, being creatures of circumstance, for this can, and will greatly impede those victories and successes God is willing to grant us.

This will call for stern discipline, resolve, resilience, consistency, unwavering faith in God, and faithful obedience to His every word, even when it may go against the gravitational pull of human nature. It is still possible for us to live like conquerors, for it was never God’s will that His people should be lacking in any aspect of Christian living. Godly aspirations and goals may be achieved and realized by all who take hold of Divine power. Let’s read:

2nd Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the

corruption that is in the world through lust.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us therefore take up the mantle of duty, being careful to follow all the instructions and principles given in God’s word, for His blessings will attend us when we make well-directed and consistent efforts by His grace. We therefore end with a quote from the pen of inspiration. Let’s read:

[Christ Object Lessons pp 331>332] Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character.

It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected. Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life.

Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little, because they attempt little. reach. Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress.

Let nothing hinder you. Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.

God Bless!

God's Gift To Us. Sabbath Afternoon 03/30/2019

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

The primary purpose of God’s Gift is to restore the original image of God in man, so that there may be harmony between The Creator and His children. To forgive us without restoring us makes no sense, for it will be something good without a meaningful purpose. Thus, the nature of the Gift, and what God accomplishes thereby should be understood by all.

But before we can truly appreciate the meaning, and the all-encompassing nature of the Gift, there are a few erroneous beliefs which must be laid to rest permanently, for some of the things we may have come to believe over the years, keep many of us from embracing Christ in His fullness.

In our day, Christianity is vastly different from when the Christian church was first founded, and because of this it has become quite popular, and appealing to the many millions who have embraced it. Pride, politics, and secular evolutionary theories have now been interwoven with it, and a multitude of good works, and disobedience, together with emotionally charged praise, has ruined the fabric of Christianity.

Praise of men has supplanted praise of Christ, and man’s own goodness is now viewed as having some merit. Again, a flurry of church activities has been viewed as a meritorious replacement of a personal relationship with Christ and therefore, millions have taken the husk without the kernel. Therefore, the following is a shortlist of some of the theories, and views to be permanently buried.

[1] Involving oneself in a lot of church activities does not make one a Christian. This includes being able to recite our memory verses, giving out tracts, doing Bible studies, and attending pathfinders, as well as feeding the poor on a regular basis. While all these activities are good, and are to be encouraged, they do not make one a Christian. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Nicodemus used to give bible studies, in fact he had his doctorate in theology, and if he was teaching at one of our prominent universities such as Oakwood, Loma Linda or Andrews he would be correcting your exam papers, and he would frequently be called on to review, or critique those dissertations that are necessary for graduation with your doctorate.

Nicodemus would be called upon to explain those difficult passages in Hebrew, for he was well versed in the scriptures, and in the linguistic nuances that other scholars struggled with. However, with all of the titles attached to his name, and all of his good achievements, his deeds in the spiritual realm, lo and behold, Nicodemus wasn’t a Christian. let’s read:

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

[The Desire Of Ages pp 171] Nicodemus was a strict Pharisee and prided himself on his good works. He was widely esteemed for his benevolence, and his liberality in sustaining the temple, and he felt secure of the favor of God. He felt that he needed no change, hence his surprise at the Savior's words. He was irritated by their close application to himself. He wondered that Christ should speak to him as He did, not respecting his position as ruler in Israel.

[2] Being nice does not necessarily translate into being Christlike, for there are many “Nice” people in this world who want nothing to do with Christ, and there are very nice, and mannerly Buddhists, who actually do a great amount of good. There is also such a thing as a nice atheist. Persons may have an excellent moral character, they may be courteous, and well mannered, but again, that’s no guarantee that they are Christians.

[3] Being baptized does not necessarily make one a Christian, because there are millions of Christians the world over, who have been baptized the biblical way, by immersion and who attend church regularly but who are not Christians. Millions of Christians do suffer from a disease called the wet-devil syndrome, which leads one to be baptized without the Spirit of God.

And as a result, the nominal acceptance of Christ does not lead to a renouncing of sin. Instead, the gift of God is used as a charade to cover the basest iniquity, and thus, the rite of baptism is not always an endorsement of The Holy Spirit, very much the same as circumcision was not a guarantee of one being a godly person. Let’s read:

Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before-time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But: (The word but is used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned. In other words, many were being baptized, confessing their sins “But”

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.

Most of the persons who put Christ to death were circumcised and attended church regularly. Many of them were quite diligent in returning a faithful tithe and offerings, and many had spent lavishly on the building of the temple, but they were not Christians because all of these good things do not necessarily equate to being a Christian.

[4] Being born into a Christian household is good, but it does not make one a Christian. The principles of God’s kingdom should be taught quite diligently, and the sacred truths of the Bible may be adhered to and had in reverence, but all those good things do not make one a Christian.

Being born to God-fearing parents is good but being born again by The Holy Ghost is something entirely different because the two experiences are mutually exclusive. In fact, the children of Christian parents are often subject to much greater internal struggles than the unbelieving, because the gravitational pull of fallen nature is pitted against what they have been taught and sets the stage for a severe mental conflict which is not an issue for the secular mind.

But it is always better to know the truth anyway, because it’s principles tend to goodness and life, and they contribute in a marked manner to great success. Great benefit will accrue to any person who subscribes to the eternal principles and laws, for they are good at their core. But espousing them does not make one a Christian, if the gift of God is excluded from the life. Let’s read:

Romans 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

[5] Doing a lot of right things does not make one a Christian. In many cases prayers are offered for God to “help us” do right, but whilst we will always need help, it is not help we need so much, as a change of heart. In fact, God helps even those who may never believe on Jesus, and who may never have asked for any help because that’s just His nature, to help. God does not do us good because of, but in spite of. Let’s read:

Psalms 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.

19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.

John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

[6] Stopping doing bad things does not make us love doing good things, for there’s an ongoing tug of war between good impulses and evil inclination. The pharisees of Christ’s day had adopted a theology that weighed right things against wrong things, and if right things outweighed the bad, then one was considered a child of God.

Thus, the severe internal struggles in the human mind between right and wrong needed to be shown by Paul from a Christian’s perspective. Let’s read:

Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

[7] A nominal belief in Jesus does not make one a Christian either, for the devils believe and tremble. Here in the United States, Christmas is celebrated by the overwhelming majority of people, and many go to extreme lengths and costs, to honor the birth of our Savior. And yet, for all of those efforts, and the expense associated with Christmas, not one person is made a Christian by it.

Loving The Lord and loving His people do not make one a Christian either. While association with God’s people is to be encouraged, it does not add to the gift. Keeping the commandments is good, and it will result in good to those who are thus exercised, but again, the mere keeping of all the commandments does not make one a Christian either.

Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Therefore, having addressed some of the prominent erroneous views pertaining to the Gift of God to us in Jesus, let’s go into the Bible study. Basically, there are two types of Christianity in existence today, one that is performance driven, the other which is Spirit driven.

The performance driven kind of Christianity accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, but it also brings personal good works to the table, and places them alongside the Gift of God in Christ, to make up for perceived insufficiencies. This type holds on to good works as conclusive evidence of one’s Christianity, and often becomes quite frustrated and bewildered if for any reason, slip ups occur.

Satan can then use our several faults, and failures to discourage us, for he poses the question, “If you are really a Christian, how can you do such and such things?” If when we do good things we are disposed to feel worthy, and if mistakes are made we tend to feel unworthy, then our Christianity is designated as the performance based brand, and will be subjected to very severe temptations and discouragement if, and when we sin.

The Spirit-driven brand of Christianity also accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, but it brings nothing to the table to compliment the gift of God. Even after The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in the heart, and good works inevitably follow, this Christianity is not deceived into believing that it has become worthy in any way, over the years.

It avoids keeping track records of how many good deeds were performed, and how many souls have been baptized by its ministry, as evidence of the Spirit working in them. Self is forgotten of, and the closer it comes to Christ, the more unworthy it sees itself. Let’s read:

Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

In fact, if over a period of many years, one comes to think of him/herself as being more worthy, because of a long track-record of good deeds, then such a person has essentially begun to lose sight of the Gift of God. Good deeds and baptism are important, and charitable works are a must.

But if they in any way begin to supplant the unique efficacy of God’s Gift to us, if they are looked upon as warranting us any favors from God, or eternal life, something needs to be urgently addressed in the life. What God has given to us through Christ cannot be added to, it cannot be improved, and it cannot be enhanced by any contribution mortals may make, no matter how good or sincere those efforts may be.

The gift of God to us is a stand-alone gift without any attachments or input from the human agent. Nothing can be added or subtracted, for it must be either received or rejected. God had decided on His own, when none of us were even born, to save us through Christ. Thus, when we accept The Gift via our freedom of choice, a supernatural work takes place on two very important fronts:

[1] Christ takes up residence in our hearts through faith, by the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit who then empowers us to grow, to live, and to do all that a Christian should do. He also empowers us to live victoriously over every curved ball the enemy may hurl at us.

[2] The gift of God in Christ Jesus, replaces our own righteousness with the merits of Christ, so that our lives are hid with Christ in God. What this means, in the most literal sense, is that even though we live victoriously over every sin through the power of The Spirit, yet we are ever mindful that it is Christ’s life, and His righteousness alone that will ever save us.

Christ’s death, Christ’s life and His righteousness are the focus of the born-again Christian, and by looking to Jesus Christ we will be changed from one stage of development to the next. Thus, our own failures, or shortcomings should not discourage us even though we continue to seek to obey God, because, at the end of the day, it’s all about Christ. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law (by law-keeping) then Christ is dead in vain.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Which leads us to the determining factor in whether a person is a Christian or not. As was stated before, the keeping of all the commandments is good, and good charitable deeds are a must, together with all of the virtues mentioned throughout the scriptures.

However, it’s of critical importance that the Spirit of God reign in our hearts, for it’s only when this is the case that anyone, whether preacher, clergy or laity, is considered a Christian, in God’s estimation. Let’s read:

Romans 8:13 Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

This statement raises the prospect of a very serious problem in the Christian churches of today, because in too many instances, members have to prodded, persuaded, encouraged, applauded, brow-beaten, or guilt-tripped into doing right things. Many have to be pleaded with just to share the gospel, while others have to be shamed into taking church duties.

This condition of things points to a fundamental and pervasive problem in the Christian churches:

The Spirit Of God is Absent from many hearts.

When the Spirit of God has taken up residence in the heart, all of the good and right things will follow because His work is to restore God’s image in man. His residence in the heart therefore leads persons to baptism, to good works, to visit the sick, to feed the poor, to distribute tracks, to preach the good news, to take church responsibilities, to be faithful in tithes and offerings, and to live victoriously over every known sin.

Being a Christian therefore, is not so much about doing, as it is about being, and therefore if our own condition is as described previously, we will need to ask God daily for a fresh in-filling of His Spirit so that spontaneous works of Christ’s righteousness will be the natural outflow from a heart in which the Spirit of God dwells. This will not happen by chance, for God does not bypass our choice to force The Gift on anyone, so, we will have to ask for it. Let’s read:

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Therefore, our appeal to us today is not to start doing good or right things, it’s not an appeal to be baptized, or to join in the various schedules and activities of the church; neither is it an appeal to stop sinning; it’s and appeal for us to ask the Spirit of God to take up permanent residence in our heart and then all of the other essentials will follow.

God Bless!

If We Confess. Sabbath Afternoon 03/23/2019

There are promises that are given in the Bible which carry prerequisites, in order for their fulfillment to become reality. When those preconditions are met, the sure results follow, for God is faithful, who has promised. But a strange gospel has surfaced across the land, which teaches its adherents to claim God’s promises while walking contrary to His revealed will and because of this, there is a cycle of expectation and disappointment when promises don’t realize.

Millions have been deceived into a sensational sort of praise which falls short on obedience, and hopes and prayers often remain elusive, and unanswered, since the stipulations in the Bible do not change. It isn’t good enough for us to say we believe, it is also important that what we believe be actually written in God’s word, so as not to become bewildered if things do not pan out.

Therefore, whatever we may believe, let us first make sure that it is written in the Bible, and that God has promised it, so that our expectations can be managed reasonably, for it is not good to look forward to promises which God never made. That passage in the 1st book of John is of that nature, for the promises of forgiveness and cleansing are given on the condition of true confession. Let’s read:

1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This means that whenever the conditions are met in any person, no matter the seriousness of their sin, if it’s not the sin against The Holy Spirit it’s a certainty that God will forgive and put in motion the work of restoration, so that we may avoid the syndrome of never-ending repetition.

In addition, Godly sorrow for sin includes sorrow for wounding Christ and the willingness to bear all the results of our actions. There is a hymnal song that is sung which says: “Jesus paid it all”. This song must be sung with the understanding, for Christ took care of the second death for us. But the other results of sin are usually born by the sinner, especially when others are directly affected.

In some cases God may see fit to institute a reversal of fortunes to a great extent; but in other cases the laws of sowing, and reaping are often permitted to run their natural course. But whether it be reversal of fortune or having to deal with consequences, the one who truly confesses will have his heart set to do right from that point forward. And through the will that is sanctified by The Holy Spirit, he will be able to live victoriously.

Jonah was a prophet of God, and he was sent on a mission to warn the people of Nineveh about their impending danger, on account of the myriad of sins being committed daily in their city. But Jonah chose to do otherwise, and headed for Tarshish, with the vain hope that he could escape the word of the Lord without encountering adverse circumstances.

At the onset of the journey things had seemed to be going pretty smooth for there were clear blue skies, seagulls flew overhead and the white-capped waves beat gently against the hull of the ship. Pleased with his decision, Jonah settled down to sleep, convinced that all would go well because initially, there was no outward sign of impending danger.

This aspect of disobedience is not understood as it ought to be, and many are thus lulled into a false

sense of security. As a general rule of thumb, there is a period of enjoyment whenever sin is committed after which the adverse side effects begin to accrue. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

Whenever sin is committed, more often than not, a delay occurs between the act and the after-effects, during which time most people erroneously believe that they have gotten off scotch free. Hours, days, months and years may pass by without an apparent consequence, and many, like Jonah fall into a deep slumber in sin.

When David slept with Bathsheba, he felt good for a while, and for all intents and purposes it seemed as if he had pulled off one on God. Her husband, Uriah, knew nothing, and the soldiers who had been sent to fetch her kept quiet, having received their “Hush money” and David seemed to enjoy the pleasures of sin “For a season”. Then, it was only when Bathsheba stopped having her monthly cycles that David began to worry.

Again, Eve did not die immediately after eating the forbidden fruit, and she reasoned that God must be misguided in His statements to them. In fact, it was because there were no visible outward effects upon Eve, why Adam was convinced that the curse would not be realized because his wife was before him just as beautiful as she was before eating of the fruit.

But there is no such thing as disobedience without adverse consequences, a common deception which constitutes one of the primary delusions of the last days. Somehow, the sin germinates, and sooner or later it bears fruit, in one way or another, and it is quite often the case that innocent persons may get hurt in the process. Let’s read:

Jonah 1:1 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

Whatever were Jonah’s reasons for going contrary to God’s commands, the fact is that it became sin unto him, and as such it interfered with the normal relationship he had previously with The Lord. Let no one be deceived by smooth-talking preachers into a belief that sin does not carry adverse consequences of some kind. This was the first deception, to which Adam and Eve became casualties.

It is also the very same deception that is causing the ruin of millions of people today, because it has only been repackaged and peddled under a different set of labels. For years folks have freely indulged in the eating and drinking of forbidden food and drink and for all intents and purposes it may seem that what has been proscribed in the scriptures, was written by unlearned men.

Yet, one day we will discover that the overwhelming amount of diseases, and afflictions which affect the human family, can be traced right back to our dining tables. The consequences of our actions may not be readily apparent, but sooner or later the grim truth will be disclosed, because there is no such thing as sinning without adverse consequences.

Thus, as the sailors, and passengers headed out to sea, they expected smooth sailing. After checking in their luggage and loading the vessel with their food and other merchandise they expected to make their journey without any interference from the weather. But not long after setting sail, a dangerous storm of abnormal intensity broke out upon them, but yet, the captain and his crew had no clue as to the real cause.

This brings us to another aspect of Jonah’s sin, for instead of being restricted to the person in question the consequences and results of wrong doing in one person quite often extends to other persons, either directly, or indirectly. In some cases, a material loss may accrue to those who may have had nothing to do with the original decision to sin. That’s just the nature of sin.

Those who indulge in drug abuse, and who decide to overdose on illegal opioids for different reasons, will cause the cost of healthcare and other essential services to go up, and ultimately, others, including you and I will have to pick up the tab in the form of higher taxes. It’s one of the unfortunate byproducts of sinning, and that fact should serve as a deterrent to those who may be thus disposed.

When the universal health-care law was passed in the previous administration, a penalty was imposed on those individuals who did not subscribe, and the term “Pre-existing conditions” was not restricted to persons who were born compromised, but it also included persons who deliberately, or inadvertently indulged in destructive behaviors.

Thus, a person who did all the right things in trying to lead a healthy life, and who was no burden to the system, was required to pick up part of the tab of those who may have chosen to do otherwise. The same thing holds true in our salvation because Jesus picked up the tab for our sins, otherwise we would be eternally lost. The very nature of sin often tends to involve the innocent. Let’s read:

Isaiah 53:5 He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

In the case of Jonah’s sin, material loss was incurred by everyone on board; undue stress about the very prospect of death took its toll, and eventually they lost everything that had been placed on the vessel. All the while Jonah was snoring, down in his cabin, and it seemed for all intents and purposes that the real perpetrator was getting off scotch free. Let’s read:

Jonah 1:5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay fast asleep.

6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

7 And they said everyone to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?

9 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.

10 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.

15 So they took up Jonah and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.

17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

There he was in the whale’s belly, being bleached by the digestive juices, in which he was immersed, and thinking to himself, why did I get myself into this situation. In his predicament, he turns to the God of heaven who is always willing to forgive and grant a new start to those who confess.

Thus, as we study Jonah’s experience and his prayer of confession, important points will be highlighted, so that we too might be instructed on confession, if God forbid, we have fallen into sin. Let’s read:

Jonah 1:12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

Point # [1] “Take me up and cast me forth into the sea”.

True repentance begins with an acknowledgement of one’s wrong and manifests a willingness to bear the consequences of one’s actions. This paves the way for God to forgive and restore, for if folks did not do wrong, forgiveness will not be needed. This is the attitude that was manifested by the thief on the cross, and which opened up to him the gates of heaven. Let’s read:

Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly,

2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.

7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

Point # [2] “I remembered The Lord”.

Whenever we are feeling down and out because of our sins, it is critically important for us like Jonah, to “Remember The Lord” and not grovel in despair. Let us hasten to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and grace to help in time of need, for Jesus takes delight in mercy. He encourages all who have fallen to come just as we are, and His grace will be given to make us whole. Let’s read:

Lamentations 3:19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

20 My soul hath them still in remembrance and is humbled in me.

21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I hope in him.

Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving.

Point # [3] The voice of thanksgiving.

This clearly demonstrates that Jonah accepted the responsibility for his actions. He didn’t blame any other, or global warming, instead he thanks God for His salvation, even though, as a result of his sin he would suffer through bitter experiences. The fact that God stoops low to save us who are unworthy should call forth the deepest gratitude and praise, for He suffered for our sins, who did nothing wrong.

Jonah 2:9 I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.

Point # [4] I will pay that that I have vowed.

This shows a set determination on Jonah’s part to reverse course. In other words, if God so chooses to give him another chance, he is going to do the best he can, by God’s grace to do the right thing.

And the rest is history, because the very next verse clearly demonstrates God’s willingness to forgive. Jesus is The God of new beginnings, and if sinners confess, with a set purpose of doing right, God will fulfill 1st John 1:9 to the letter, because the process of restoration always begins with true confession. Let’s read:

Jonah 2:10 And the Lord spoke unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

Now, it is of critical importance for us to observe what Jonah will do, now that he has confessed his sin and prayed for forgiveness. Will he turn again and do the right thing, or will he continue a wrong course of action after obtaining deliverance? The answer to this question is of critical importance to us because, our course of action after confessing is what will make all the difference. Let’s read:

Jonah 3:1 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord.

The story of Jonah, his prayer of confession, and the forgiveness he was granted, all have great import for us who are living in the 21st century. A pseudo kind of confession has been stalking across the land for many years, where politicians, clergy, lay-people and those in high places only confess when there is no other way out, and even then, many excuses are made, and other people are often blamed for one’s misdeeds.

To confess under subpoena, with the threat of jail time hanging over our heads, with remorse for the adverse results only, is not what the Bible instructs or advises. Godly sorrow for sin, by which a person confesses wrongs for what they are without making excuses, and a willingness to change one’s behavior by the grace of God, is the only type of confession God recognizes.

Therefore, if anyone has sinned, either deliberately or inadvertently, let us ask God to grant us the gift of repentance, so that His salvation to us through Christ may be realized in real time. The work of our restoration will be accomplished through the grace, and power of Christ, coupled together with choices that are in harmony with God’s revealed will, and all who are thus exercised will receive the crown of life if we do not return again to the old ways.

In harmony with this sacred truth, we encourage all of us to make our calling and election sure, by not leaving any stone un-turned but setting our hearts to follow Jesus all the way. We therefore end with a promise which should serve as an incentive to turn again and live, if we confess! Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

God Bless!