“Before Abraham Was”

Acts 20:28  “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

Acts 20:29  “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”

These two verses appear right next to each other, but I listed them separately as two needful truths are contained in them.  They were spoken by the apostle Paul as he was addressing the Ephesian elders for the final time in person.  In the first, the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ is established.  The very next passage talks about grievous wolves entering into the midst of the saints who would seek to contradict this.  These would bring about heretical teachings and end up preaching another Jesus instead of the one who is God manifest in the flesh.  Every false doctrine; whether it has a christain sounding facade or not, goes about denying that Jesus is who the bible declares that he is.  (John 14:9) They go about trying to present a “less than from everlasting” Jesus; a deception that’s been, in effect, going on ever since the rebellion. 

It all started with a thought.  A thought which led to an attitude of pride and became so hateful that it led to the rebellion in heaven.  All of the turmoil, heartache, suffering and travail of this realm is the result of a single thought.  Lucifer, who was, at the time, one of the most beautiful “created” beings, became full of himself and desired to be above his own Creator.  He set in motion, a plan to establish his throne above God, who has no beginning and is perfect in every way.  He convinced a third of the angels, who were also created by God, to abandon their first estate and partake of this rebellion.  He was, in effect, preaching another Jesus; suggesting that God was less than all-powerful and could be overthrown.  Lucifer was cast out of heaven, along with those who alligned themselves with him, and he’s has been speaking lies ever since. 

Today, in 2008, the devil is still fathering lies; many of which resemble truth just enough to lure away those who aren’t grounded.  (His deceptions will always pander, in some fashion, to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life)  I would sincerely ask any to not simply follow a doctrine and what others say, but to seriously check things out.  Each of us must prayerfully search the scriptures in sincerety as each of us must stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  A daily prayer for me is that if I’m proclaiming error in any form, that the Lord will reveal it to me.  (Jeremiah 33:3, John 5:39, John 14:26, Acts 17:11, Philippians 3:15, I Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:1-8, James 1:5-7, Revelation 22:13)  One cannot adequately express how serious it is that we not simply follow men, but to sincerely seek truth and understanding which can only come from the Lord.  

Luke 24:45  “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.”

I apolagize for the flurry of scriptural references, but this is imperative.  We are one hundred percent dependant upon the Lord Jesus for understanding.  Just as he explained to Peter that his understanding didn’t come about by his own ability, revelation comes from God and will line up with the scriptural record that he has maintained throughout the ages. 

John 1:1-4  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

John 1:14  “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

The testimony of Jesus Christ; not as just a good teacher or a prophet, but as the Son of God.  Perfect and Holy, an equal part of the Godhead.  When he walked the earth, he turned the religious establishment upside down by proclaiming “Before Abraham was, I am.”  He is perfect in every way and well acquainted with our grief.  He was tempted in all points as we are and yet without sin.  When he went to the cross and shed his innocent bloood, he tasted death for every man; that whosoever would believe on him should have everlasting life.  Three days later, he arose from the dead and is alive forever more.  His return is drawing ever closer and every eye shall behold him. 

Revelation 12:11  “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Revelation 19:10  “And I fell at his feet to worship him.  And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

As christians, born of the Spirit, we have the testiony of Jesus Christ who washed away our sins with his own precious blood and has gone to prepare a place for us; that we may abide with him forever.  This testimony will be challenged by a world that’s growing increasingly darker and we must hold fast the profession of our faith unto the end.  When all of the physical evidence would suggest that we’re nutty, we must know that greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.  We should be aware of the fact that the days ahead will be filled with such convincing falsehoods that if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.  Jesus warned us of false Christs and false prophets which will show great signs and wonders as to draw people away from the truth that can make them free. 

John 8:36  “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” 

When we are in Christ, we are made free.  The true Jesus; the only begotten Son of God can take the most contrary person and make them a new creation.  Victory over the weak and beggarly elements of this world and living water springing up from within.  True life that doesn’t require favorable ambient conditions or an abundance of atoms in order to be enjoyed.  The joy of the Lord is, quite honestly, “out of this world” and only the Jesus of the bible can offer it. 

Well, I’ll close this out for now as I have to get some things done around here.  I pray that all of us would draw closer to the Lord Jesus who purchased us with his blood and with whom we shall abide throughout the eons to come; world without end.  There are so many things that I wanted to touch on here, however, I’m already past 1160 words.  (According to the little counter that sits to the left of the “save and continue editing” button.)  So until the next time, I wish to all a blessed day in Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Councellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” 

“Persuasions”

John 6:66  “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

 This is one of the most chilling passages in scripture and I’m convinced that the numbers assigned to this verse at a much later time didn’t fall there by accident.  It speaks of people who once walked with the Lord, but stopped doing so.  This crowd had been following him, beholding the miracles and being fed when Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves of bread and fishes.  In fact Jesus had to depart; perceiving that they would seek to take him by force to make him a king.  (verse 15)  Later, when they locate him in Capernaum, he makes the statement below; one that should be a warning to every true saint of God today. 

John 6:26-27  Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” 

A lot of professing christians today are labouring for the meat which perishes.  Building up earthly kingdoms, heaping treasure, and overcharging themselves with the things of this world.  (Everything that we own here will, at some point, cease to be under our jurisdiction)  The crowd above was failing to look at things from an eternal perspective and in the following verse, Jesus makes a statement that sifts out the disingenuous.

John 6:65  “And he said Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” 

The crowd dwindled from a multitude down to twelve and even one of them wasn’t as he appeared on the surface.  The multitude had been following Jesus and even been miraculously fed in a wilderness setting, but departed when he made a statement that didn’t sit well with them.  I just remembered what Phil mentioned recently; that we need to seek the face of Jesus and not his hands.  When we begin to focus on stuff, the stuff becomes our priority and we begin to associate physical gain with godliness instead of being content with such as we have.  Our joy and peace is in the Lord Jesus Christ; not in the physical circumstances that surround us. 

Earlier tonight, I came across a blog; written by a person who claims to have once been a christian, but is now an agnostic.  Even more astonishing is that this person appears to have a lot of company as there were several comments left by folks who claim to have been christians, but are now agnostic or even athiestic in their beliefs.  (It’s quite possible that many of these folks never had a genuine encounter with the Lord Jesus)  In scripture, we’re warned that “falling away” would be a bellwether of the end times where falsehoods masquerading as truth will lure away those who are “almost persuaded.”  Last winter, I was pondering this falling away while shoveling out the driveway.  While normally, I’m not one who has visions, I saw, for a split second, a battlefield covered with fallen soldiers.  The uniforms looked like those of the early or mid 1800s and they covered the ground in every direction. 

John 6:68-69    “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?  thou hast the words of eternal life.  And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”   

When Jesus asks his remaining disciples if they want to join in the exodus, Peter affirms his belief that Jesus is the Messiah.  It hits on something that’s been on my mind a lot lately, but I’ve not been able to put it into a post yet.  Our testimony is of utmost importance as “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  In the book of Revelation, “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”  Our testimony of Jesus Christ when all of the physical evidence will appear contrary.  We’re entering a time of unimaginable deception and if we’re not completely persuaded that Jesus is the way the truth and the life, we’ll fall.  Thus the exhortation to “examine ourselves” in II Corinthians 13:5 should be taken seriously.

Time doesn’t permit going into it, but the parable of the sower is incredible.  (Matthew chapter 13)  While the seed that fell by the wayside represents those who hear the word but it never has a chance to take root, the seed that falls on stony places and in the briars represents those who are converted.  Some aren’t adequately grounded and so they endure only while things are going smooth.  The others are overcharged by the cares of this world and become unfruitful.  Three more verses.

Luke 12:15  “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he posesseth.”

Colossians 2:8-9  ”Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

II Peter 3:17  “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.”

These three verses have a notable word in common.  “Beware!”  We’re admonished to be watching and seeking the Lord continuously.  To keep our heart with all diligence and not allowing a root of unbelief to pop up.  One more verse that just came to mind. 

I Corinthians 10:12  “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

It’s imperative to not think that we’re in such a place spiritually that drifting isn’t a danger.  While none of us would admit thinking this; even to ourselves, it’s an attitude that I once held (although I didn’t recognize it at the time) and it resulted in a season of rebellion.  The issues of the heart are imperative and should not be taken lightly.  There seems to be a lot of lightness these days as too many fail to grasp the dangers.  Drifting can take place so subtily that by the time we recognize a problem, we’re miles off course. 

Well, it’s now 1:40am and while I’m on a three week layoff, I have a lot to get done tomorrow.  Until the next time, have a blessed day in Jesus.

The Return of Jesus (Episode III)

Daniel 11:27  “And both these kings hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. 

There are three aspects of the geo-political realm.  One is the public display where photo-ops are set up, sound bytes are launched and network reporters claim to have an exclusive handle on breaking news.  (Incidentally, whenever I see such meetings, the above verse almost always comes to mind.)  Second is the behind-the-scenes dealings and secret alliances that none of us are privy to but many who watch such events suspect are taking place.  The third, is the spiritual forces behind such dealings as the whole world is being primed to follow a world leader and receive a mark of allegiance to that leader.  While we don’t know exactly what twists and turns lurk around the corner, we can be certain that these are times like none other in history as the basic apparatus for a world government and a cashless society is in place. 

Matthew 24:6  “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

A small verse that tells a lot.  Wars and rumors have been around for generations, but never has such a climate existed as todays where a nuclear exchange could remove entire nations from the face of the earth.  The turmoil in the middle east, the massive buildup of military power in China, (kings of the east) terrorism, (which poses a very real threat, but also serves to obscure a much bigger picture) and the worlds appetite for oil creates a perfect geo-political storm; the course of which is unpredictable at best.  Such things should not trouble those who are in Christ.  On the contrary, times of uncertainty are great times for evengelism; when folks come to grips with the instability of flesh.  It’s a time to shine the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ into every nook and cranny before time runs out.

The words “but the end is not yet” should be a warning to not become overly confident in our charts and the going “fill-in-the-blanks” prophetic teachings of the day.  While I wasn’t around during the second world war, I can imagine that some thought Adolph Hitler to be the antichrist.  (He was “an” antichrist, but not “the” man of sin that will cause the whole world to wonder after him.)  Such a teaching would have seemed to fit the flow of events, but would be erroneous.  The times will grow increasingly intense as the day of the Lord approaches, but none of us have a perfect picture of how it’s all going to come to pass.  Certain things may indeed line up as we perceive and some things may catch us completely off guard.  Our primary focus should be on the Lord Jesus Christ; knowing that he is our strength and refuge while the storms rage on every side.

I Thessalonians 5:2-3  “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  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.”

One may wonder why such a topic should even be discussed when we don’t know how it’s all going to come to pass.  For me, it’s two-fold.  First, Jesus intentionally opened up the topic in Matthew chapter 24 when he stated “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”  This along with the many other biblical references to these times reveal that it’s important for us to be watching.  Just as a watchman would be atop the wall of a city. He may not know exactly what will appear on the horizon, but he will notice when something does and will have to determine whether or not it poses a threat.  Second, it causes me to be mindful of the shortness of time, to draw closer to the Lord Jesus, and be about the business of the kingdom.  If we draw close to him during the peace and safety, we’ll be prepared when the sudden destruction comes. 

Matthew 24:7-8  “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.” 

This is one nation taking action against another.  While it says “rise up against” there’s not mention that it must entail military intervention; although such will most likely be a part of a rising up.  For example; suppose that the Chinese government determined that the time was ripe, for whatever reason, to bring down the United States.  All that they would have to do is dump all of their U.S. dollars.  It would take seconds and those of us in this country would awaken to a very different reality than the one in place when we went to bed the night before.   That’s how percarious our present standing is and how unpredictable the flow of events can be from day to day. 

When one observes the fulfilment of verse seven; nations in dispute, famines, and a noticable uptick in seismic activity, one would be convinced that this simply cannot go on.  yet according to verse 8, these are the beginning of sorrows.  Currently, things appear at a rate where many will say “well we’ve always had wars and famines.”  This is true and I wonder how long before it becomes blatantly obvious that the situation in the world today is far different than the situation of twenty, or even ten years ago.  For those who refuse to see, the upswing in the distress of nations, pestilence, earthquakes, and bizarre weather may not provide enough contrast from past occurrances; even when their own livelihood is threatened.  The following passage is chilling as it portrays the level of hardness that ones heart can reach when they reject the truth that can make them free. 

Revelation 9:20-21  “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:  Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, not of their fornication, not of their thefts.”

While explaining these things on the Mount of Olives, Jesus doesn’t give us a distinct time scale.  He does, however, tell us what to watch for and how to get through these events.  “Endure unto the end.”  To hold fast the profession of our faith regardless of the circumstances of the day or the deceptions which make so much sense that any who are not grounded in the Lord Jesus Christ will be swayed.  To have our affections on things above where we have an inheritance uncorruptible and that fades not away.  In the next installment, the topic of “enduring unto the end” becomes center stage as persecution and false teachings abound. 

Until the next time, I wish to all, a blessed day in Jesus. 

Thinking Outside the Box

Luke 24:45  “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” 

In a recent conversation, Susan mentioned something that I’ve been pondering ever since.  It has to do with the events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ; an event which is drawing closer with each passing day.  She mentioned that some have such a concrete doctrinal stand on how everything will play out that they place themselves at risk of completely missing the obvious things.  (Or words to that effect.  It was really late and I was in a parking lot, cleaning out the van, while we were talking)  In other words, we’ll chart out how we think it’s all going to look and place so much confidence in our “having it all figured out” that we’ll miss key elements of scriptural fulfilment.  (Because, “according to the chart, that’s not supposed to happen yet, so that can’t be what it is.”)  We’ll cling to our positions to the point of being unable to hear what the Spirit is saying unto the churches. 

Susan also gave the example of the wise men that came from afar to worship Jesus.  They followed a star in the sky.  A star which was big enough that one could distinguish it from the others.  They came from great distance while the children of Israel were asleep.  Despite having the scriptures before them; the children of Israel didn’t anticipate  what their fulfilment would look like.  Later on, in the time of Jesus earthly ministry, many were thrown off because Jesus grew up in Nazareth, along with a host of other things which didn’t fit in with their thinking.  All of the scriptural fulfilment that took place when Jesus came was missed by those who knew the scriptures the best.  Even though they claimed to be watching for Messiah.   

While we know that certain things must transpire before Jesus returns, these events may look considerably different than the images that we each have in our minds.  There may be twists and turns that none of us anticipate.  A good example of this would be the seven thunders.  None of us  know what the seven thunders uttered, however, John was intending to record what he heard before a voice from heaven told him to “seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered and write them not.”  One can only imagine how much adjusting our tribulation charts would require if suddenly, we knew what the seven thunders uttered.  It’s so imperative to stay close to Jesus and walk in the Spirit continuously. 

I’m taking a rabbit trail here for a moment, but I wonder what it was like for John to have heard the seven thunders, but not be able to tell anyone what they said.  In fact, this afternoon I was wondering what the reason was for the Lord allowing him to hear the seven thunders and then tell him not to record it.  This is “just a guess,” but I wonder if it was to keep us from getting to confident in our own understanding.  We absolutely must be atuned to the Spirit and not rely upon the teachings of men.  This next verse is well known, but it highlights the need for each of us to be close to the Lord Jesus.  The closer the better.

Matthew 24:24  “For their shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

It’s a perfect storm so to speak.  The enemy parades before us false Christs, false prophets and incorporates a display of supernatural signs in an effort to draw us from the straight and narrow path.  If we’re placing excessive confidence in the teachings of men or our own understanding, we’re placing ourselves in a most dangerous situation.  We must be in close to the Lord Jesus all the time; fellowshipping with him, ensuring that he is our first love.  Spending quality time with him and in his word.  If we do this; make him truly first in our lives and live in complete obediance, he’ll ensure that we’re ready for whatever we must face.  Time for another familiar verse.

Nahum 1:7  “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

It’s natural for us to desire as much understanding of the events leading up to the return of Jesus as possible.  I ponder these things much, however, as we search the scriptures, and ponder, it’s imperative to do so prayerfully; acknowledging that we don’t see the entire picture.  We have scripture before us, but the Holy Spirit will teach us and bring things to our rememberance.  He’ll also let us know if we begin heading down a line of thinking that’s erroneous.  We must be listening at all times, and when those spiritual red flags go up, step back and find out why. 

Well, it’s 1:20 am and tomorrow it’s back to work.  (No problem; I’m on second shift)  Nonetheless, I have a few things to take care of before crashing.  This has been on my mind a lot because we are in very deceptive times.  So until the next time, I wish to all a blessed day, and a blessed 2008 in Jesus.

Jan 2, 2008. 12:25 pm  Hello again.  Just found these links and thought to pass them on.  The first is found on Steve Quayles site and discusses the the big brother aspects of the internet.  The second is David Meyers January newsletter which always does an overview of the major stories to take place during the previous month.  The third is from World Net Daily and discusses the explosive growth of witchcraft in the United States.  All such material requires discernment on the part of the reader, however, both of thses links offer one much to ponder. 

http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/netsys/article.php/3718926   

http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/2008/January2008.html  

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/News/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59488 

To reside close to Jesus and be faithful ambassadors in these strangest of times is paramount.  To ensure that our all is on the altar and that our lamps are filled with oil.  Without a doubt, the return of Jesus Christ is at hand.