Monthly Archives: June 2020

Church

What is Church?-Israel’s Failures Repeated?

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“The person who fails to learn from history is destined to repeat it.”

This thought or phrase is thought to have originated from the writer-philosopher George Santayana. However, this is the exact warning given to the church by Paul regarding the failures and consequences of Israel’s story:

“Now, these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them…These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…” 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11

Other writers have said similar things,

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” EG White

“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” – Winston Churchill

As I write these, there is rebellion in the land and the unlearned are destroying American history. History is a teacher. They are killing the teacher and attempting to purge the land of the mistakes this country has made. But, they don’t understand if the mind were to be wiped clean of all the bad history, we would be destined to repeat it.

The Bible student or local church who seeks God and His will must look at the story of Israel’s faults to become more Biblically grounded in Christ so that the same mistakes are not by Christ’s church.

Despite the mistakes and failures of Israel, God was long-suffering towards them. He desired them to listen and obey, but they chose to trust in their own heritage, traditions, and lusts. In our study next time, we will see that God gave them a period of time to repent, but they did not. For now, let’s look at a few warnings from the New Testament delivered by Jesus to religious leaders in a parable and then from a couple of short sermons by Peter and Paul.

Jesus’ Instructions to the Disciples

Jesus said something that is confusing until it is understood in the light of a prophecy in Daniel. We will study that next time. Jesus told his Apostles:

“These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.”But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ” Matthew 10: 5, 6

Why would Jesus tell the Apostles to NOT go to the Gentiles? Here is another similar statement by Jesus as recorded later in Mathew:

But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15: 24

If you continue to read the story in Matthew 15, you see that a woman from Cannan (Gentile) who was pleading with Jesus to cast a demon that was in her daughter. Jesus said something to her that would be considered racist or at least disrespectful in today’s sensitive world:

“It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” V. 26

The woman was very cleaver in her answer:

“Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” V. 27

Jesus eventually complimented her on her faith and healed her daughter. Even though Jesus had a priority i.e. the lost sheep of the house of Israel, he did not neglect those in need regardless of their nationality, race, or otherwise. God is no respecter of persons as Peter stated after learning through a vision that God does not call the Gentile unclean those whom he has cleaned:

God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: Acts 10:28, 34

Jesus’ Teaching on Israel

To the Religious leaders, Jesus was much more firm. They had no cleaver answer nor did they understand the mission of Jesus. But he sent a strong message that the end for them was in sight and the mission of God would be turned over to the Gentiles. Let’s look at the proof of that from a parable Jesus delivered to them. It is found in Matthew 22: 1-14

You can read the entire parable, but here is a summary:

1.) The King (God the Father) arranges a marriage for His son (Jesus). Jesus is often referred to as the bridegroom and the church is His bride. (See Isaiah 61:10, Matthew 9:15, Matthew 25:1, Rev. 21:2

2.) Those who were supposed to be His friends and close to Him were invited by His servants (The prophets). They either ignored the invitation and went back to work (V. 4, 5) or they killed the servants (The prophets)

3.) The King was furious and sent His armies to burn and destroy the “murderers” and “burn up their city” (V. 7)

4.) God counted those who were invited as “not worthy” “The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.” (V. 8)

5.) At this point, The King (God the Father) tells the servants (Prophets) to invite all those who were not invited, “both good and bad.” They gladly came and “filled the wedding hall.” (V. 10)

It is clear from this parable and the two preceding it in Chapter 21 (Parable of the Two Sons and the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers) that…

“the kingdom of God will be taken from you (Israel) and given to a nation (Gentiles) bearing the fruits of it.” Matthew 21: 43

Again, the King in the Parable of the Wedding Feast said,

“…those who were invited were not worthy.” Matt 22: 8,

This became to theme of Paul and Barnabas when Paul said the same message of unworthiness in Acts 13: 46:

“It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.“

What makes the difference between the people of promise (Israel) and the Gentiles? It is one thing alone. It is not different promises or covenants, it is Jesus:

And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29

Did you catch that? If we belong to Christ and have a saving relationship with him through faith resulting in obedience, all the promises given to Abraham belong to you. That would mean the literal nation of Israel does not receive the promises since they rejected their Messiah as a nation. But as shown in the parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21). Repentance is necessary for an individual Jewish person just like it is for anyone else. The leaders, on the whole, didn’t like the story of a sacrificial Savior and rewrote the story according to how they wanted it to end.

Does the modern church do the same thing as Israel when they hold to traditions and how they would prefer the story to end?

Paul goes on to tell us this truth:

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. Romans 2:28, 29

Does the Christian church signify they belong to Christ? What is that signification? Is it a lot of words, beautiful music, seminars, and endless rounds of ceremonies? How do we become lights to the world?

The Jews had turned to righteousness by works. They sought to make themselves acceptable to God by their works. This was never the desire of God. He desired works to come from righteousness by faith in Jesus and by a changed heart of trust rather than righteousness by their own efforts.

Paul and Peter’s Sermons

Both Peter and Paul began to understand that the gospel burden would go from a nation that rejected the Son of the King (Israel) and then go to a people appreciative of the history of Israel who understood that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

In a vision given to Peter, he exclaimed the meaning of the vision of the sheet of unclean animals in these words:

Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean Acts 10:28

Peter was breaking from tradition and accepting all who would come into the fold of God’s people..

The separation between Israel and “another nation” was meant originally to keep the relationship between Israel and God healthy, safe. and a light to the world (See Isaiah 61). They were to be the teachers and priests of God. God’s desire was to bring every nation to an understanding of the true God through Israel who was led by God Himself. The sanctuary and the sacrificial systems were their training ground for understanding sin and its forgiveness by the “lamb of God which takes away the sin of the word.” John 1:20. The sanctuary covered it all, including the ministry of Jesus in heaven for us now…even the day of judgment and the end of sin.

But one day, God would do something that should have provoked Israel to jealousy (Romans 10:19). Instead, it made them more stiff-necked.

Then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’ Hosea 2:23

God’s people would be the people of other nations. Paul picked up on this when he quoted from Hosea:

As He says also in Hosea: “I will call them My people, who were not My people, And her beloved, who was not beloved.” Romans 9:25

This brings us to the sermon of Paul in Acts 13:. This will help us understand why Jesus told the Apostles to not go to other nations, but to “the lost sheep of the House of Israel.” Matt 10:6 and Matt 15:14:”

Paul’s Sermon-Israel’s Unworthiness

Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch in Pisidia. This was a gentile city and the home of a gentile Christian church, but there was also a Jewish Synagogue. Paul and Barnabas go in and sit down. But after the reading of the Prophets and the Law (a tradition of the Jews. V.27), they were invited to talk.

Paul directs his sermon to “Men of Israel, and you who fear God.” There were two groups there: Jews and Gentile believers. He then begins to review the history of God’s people Israel:

The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. V. 17

Here he signifies that the nation of Israel was favored and their fathers were “chosen and exalted when God performed miracles to keep His promise to rescue them out of Egypt after 450 years of slavery. He talks about their 40 years in the wilderness and the destruction of seven nations in Cannan in order to give the land He had promised hundreds of years earlier.

Next he goes through some of the highlights of their history:

1.) The appointment of a King at their request through a reluctant Samuel

2.) From the seed of David, “according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus V. 23. Notice that the Savior was “for Israel.”

3.) Next Paul moves quickly to John the Baptist who preached “the baptism of repentance TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL

4.) Then Paul ties Jesus into the Prophets and the law and particularly things they thought referred to their highly honored King David. Example:

 Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;  V. 35, 36

Paul quotes this to show that Jesus was resurrected, David was not.

5.) Paul warns that what is written in the prophets may come upon them

Next the “Jews went out of the synagogue.” V. 42. Then “the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Also V. 42

An interesting point here. This was in the year 48 AD or about 18 years after the ascension of Jesus. If the disciples of Jesus were meeting on the first day of the week (aka Sunday), Paul had the perfect opportunity to to preach to the Gentiles the next day. But he didn’t. The reason? The day to remember in the 4th Commandment had not been forgotten or changed. It is not a Jewish commandment, but a commandment for everyone that has been changed by tradition and force alone. Sunday observance would not start until about 300 years later when there was a combining of pagan and Christian practices. Another topic for another time.

What happens next leads us into the topic next time. Here are the exact words:

On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.  But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” Acts 13: 44-47

Almost the exact wording of Jesus parable about the Wedding Feast. The nation of Israel on the whole “counted themselves unworthy… “since they rejected the word of God.” Consequently, the gospel burden and to be a light to the world passed to the Gentiles who became the heir of the promises to Israel.

Their opportunity to repent as a nation and to embrace the promised Messiah had come and ended. Did you know there is a time-line prophecy predicting these things including the coming of Jesus, his crucifixion, and His directions to “go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” which they did until Paul’s sermon above?

Is Christ’s bride making the same mistakes as Israel prompted by disobedience and writing a story of how they want it to be rather that how it will be. We will see next time. Blessings as you consider these things.

Church

WHAT IS CHURCH?-Part 2-Israel and the Church

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Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition (counsel or warning), upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

Review of Part 1-What is Church?

Biblically, we determined:

1.) Jesus loves the church. We know this because He gave Himself for her. The relationship is so protective that He compares Himself to a loving husband.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:25.

In another place He calls Himself the Bridegroom in Luke 5: 34, 35

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. Luke 5: 34-35

He is so much a part of the church that it is considered part of his body.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18

Jesus also compares himself as the most important part of a building: The Cornerstone.

*The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone: Mark 12:10

*The “scripture” He refers to is both Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16

We also saw clearly that the church is not built on, nor belongs to Peter. In fact, His church is built on the Apostles, the Prophets,and His believers:

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, Jesus Christ Himself being the CHIEF CORNERSTONE, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, n whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2: 19-22

We looked at the words in the Bible for literal buildings like Temple, House of God, Synagogue, Sanctuary. etc. These were places the children of Israel learned about the coming Messiah and received forgiveness of sins by faith in the coming of the “lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” Sinners on this side of the cross receive forgiveness by faith also in what Jesus did at the cross. The cross is the focal point for both Old and New Testament believers.

Daniel 8 pt. 2: The Cleansing of the Sanctuary - Loud Cry of the ...

Purpose of Israel-God’s People

The Mission of Israel

 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?  Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles (scriptures) of God. Romans 3:1

There was a purpose for the buildings and services in the Old Testament.  It was to be a Schoolmaster or Shadowy examples of the purpose and the coming Messiah (Galatians 3, Hebrews 10).  The School Teacher showed them in literal ceremonies the nature of Christ’s mission. He was to be a sacrifice like the lamb of God.  But, because of the tough lesson of trusting in God and also the blood sacrifices, they came to dislike what the teacher was illustrating and looked for a different story…a conquering king on a large white horse who comes to rescue them from their enemies.  They changed the story.  We must learn from them.  If we don’t like the story, we shouldn’t try to change it.  Embrace the truth and it will make you free.

The Schoolmaster also helped the people understand about sin, its penalty (death, and even the eventual Day of Judgment and the end of the story of sin (Atonement and cleansing of the Sanctuary)

So the literal buildings and its laws of sacrifice and ceremony had a purpose to prepare the people of God to know the truth.  Some did and some didn’t.  As a whole, they rejected the truth, failed to follow, and obey God.  When their Messiah came, they didn’t like Him because they didn’t like the story.

But the purpose of Israel was to do the same as Jesus commanded his disciples. They were to be a special people who followed God and were blessed for it.

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60: 1-3

If they obeyed God, not for the purpose of eternal salvation, but out of love and respect for Him and his laws, they would be blessed, educated, healthy, and happy. They would have been a contrast to the world and the knowledge of God would show the world the truth as it is in Him. People would be drawn to them by their love and blessings then bestowed upon them. This is how God worked (and I might say still works) to get the people’s attention: He draws them to Himself.

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:13

When a person sees and understands God’s love for them and his eagerness to forgive and help, they will be convicted of their sins, repent, and turn to Jesus. Out of a grateful heart will come to a following and obedience to His will. This has always been God’s method to draw people to him. The Cross is the ultimate illustration of God’s capacity to love and forgive sinful men.

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will DRAW all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.” John 12: 32-33

This gospel was also part of the Old Testament and the children of Israel.

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: Exodus 19:5

The same for the people of the New Testament. 1 Peter refers back to the Old Testament verbiage to call us to be lights to the world.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

Who is this referring to? Verse 5 tells us:

you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

These “lively stones” are the Christian believers who were sojourners in various cities. They too are part of the “spiritual house.” This is the church! This would include those today that are followers of Jesus. They are not a denomination, they are a congregation of believers everywhere!

Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Verse 6

 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, Verse 7

Did you notice that Jesus is precious to those who believe in Him, but those who are disobedient, they “disallow” Him. Is it not clear that the children of Israel were disobedient and that they did not glorify God nor the lamb that takes away the sins of God.”

“A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense.”

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

Jesus became a stumbling block to them (and it happens today). Why did Jesus become a stumbling block? Because they stumbled at the word. They did not want to believe and follow God’s plan word. Therefore they made their excuses and became disobedient. They don’t like the story.

Purpose of the Church

Trust and Obey

The purpose of the church of Jesus Christ is to do the opposite, they are to not stumble at God’s word and become obedient. Please don’t fall for the false teaching that obedience is not required for the New Testament believer. While obedience alone can not save you from eternal death, obedience is proof that you truly love and respect Jesus and desire to follow Him. The first act of conversion is an act of obedience i.e. baptism. Jesus confirms that we are to follow Him and the words that God the Father gave Him.

In fact, we can’t call Jesus Lord if we don’t follow his commands:

But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Luke 6:46

He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4

Individuals who make up the church who do not obey are building a house on sand and will not stand.

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: Matthew 7:26

I want to end here with two verses. The first one points to the last-day people of Jesus’ church. They are identified by three things; 1.) Satan (the dragon) is enraged at them because 2.) they are obedient to God’s commandments and 3.) they have a personal testimony about Jesus. Remember, the church of Jesus Christ is redeemed believers everywhere in different denominations who follow Jesus. It is not a denomination it is a universal Jesus’ congregation.

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

There are no differences for those who are “In Christ.”

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

The next verse was troubling for the Jew and encouraging for the Gentile in the time of the early church.. This we will discuss over the next couple of studies as we begin to understand the mission of the church…particularly in the last days.

Paul was talking to the Jews when he said,

 “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.  For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed Acts 13: 46-48

Something prophetical happens here. A new sense of urgency in the mission and the identification of God’s people and His church.

Next time we will learn from the mistakes of Israel, as the scripture encourages us to do so.

Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 1 Corinthians 10:6

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition (counsel or warning), upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

The things about Israel are meant to be council and warning for the church living in the end of time.

“Nevertheless they were disobedient
And rebelled against You,
Cast Your law behind their backs
And killed Your prophets, who testified against them
To turn them to Yourself; Nehemiah 9:26

Tiny Church (With images) | Old country churches, Church steeple ...
Church

WHAT IS CHURCH?

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May I ask a few questions about your understanding of Church? When you think of Church; what comes to mind?  Here are a few of the typical answers I would anticipate. I am sure there are more.

A majority would probably think of a building they attend weekly to worship, sing, learn, and socialize with people of like faith. It is a place you go to be fed spiritually. Maybe your thoughts about the church are less endearing. Do you think of a building only?  Do you think it is a place of hypocrites? Do you believe a church is not a true church if it’s not your denomination? Perhaps your thoughts are very negative. When you think of church, you think of hurt and disappointment. Maybe you were forced to go to church as a child and now have no desire to be part of “organized religion.”

These are all real and legitimate feelings, but from a Biblical perspective, what did its Creator design it to be? What is the purpose of the Church? When did “church” begin.? Is it only a New Testament experience.? Are His people only in one church/denomination or are they in many places? What is meant by phrases such as “the body of believers?” These are the questions we will examine over the next few weeks.

Hopefully, with study and prayer, we can come to some new conclusions about the church that will give us hope and focus on the mission or intentions of God to build up “His church.” His desire is that :

He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27

Along the way, in the study, we will begin to see the hand of God in working with “His people” throughout scripture. The Bible is filled with stories of how God works with “His people” and a rebellious planet. Who are “His people” anyway? Why so much division and denominations? Was Jesus’ prayer for unity unanswered? It seems to the casual observer it was never answered. People will point at the two large main divisions between Catholics and Protestants. Then there are about 200 different Protestant denominations in America alone, not to mention the many different sects and schisms within Catholicism!

In this Biblical study, we will see God pulling back the curtain to reveal the conflict between His church and the church of the Beast in Revelation 13.

Jesus’ Thoughts about the Church

Love

To start, let’s examine some important statements about the Church from Jesus and His Apostles. The most important statement Jesus gave us is mixed in with a command about how a husband should treat his wife:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her…” Eph. 5:25

There is no doubt that Christ’s love for the church is sacrificial…He “gave Himself for her.” It is important to understand, also, that the church is referred to as a “her.” This will become important in understanding symbols later which will give us a more detailed view of the church and its relationship to Christ.

Peter and the Church

Matthew recorded a conversation between Jesus and Peter in the 16th chapter that illustrates something very important about the church. But the misunderstanding of the words of Christ, taken without reference to other Bible scriptures, created a very false understanding about His church. Let’s unpack this a little here, but it will be examined in detail later.

Starting in the 13th verse, Jesus ask his disciples,

 “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

They gave him the answers…all wrong! People said He was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets. Then Jesus made His question personal:

“But who do you say that I am?”

As a follower, ever person must settle this personal question in their own mind. Peter gave an answer that brought joy to the Savior:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

This answer was correct…but the mission of Jesus’ life would not be completely understood by Peter anytime soon resulting in his denial of Christ three times (Matt. 26: 69-75) and Paul’s criticism for his hypocritical actions (Gal 2: 11-13). For now, however, one can feel the excitement and encouragement from Jesus in His response to Peter.

 …“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Verse 17

Jesus tells Peter how blessed he is to have a revealing from God The Father which cannot come from human beings. There is no record of Peter having a dream or a vision to reveal this to him. Peter understood the answer because he had been living with Jesus! The truth about Jesus always comes from God through His word and being with Jesus. We all need to learn how to be with Jesus even though physically He is not here (John 20:29).

Jesus continues to direct His words to Peter in the hearing of the other disciples:

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Verse 18

Wow! At first glance it sounds like the church is going to be built around and on Peter. But notice that Jesus says He will build “My church.” The church does not belong to Peter nor can he be the basis for it along. Also, consider this: Why would Jesus state the obvious in this conversation by saying, “you are Peter…“? The answer is found in the contrast between the Greek word for Peter and the phrase “this rock” The word for Peter (Petros) means a stone or a piece of rock. “This rock” is a different word. It is Petra, which means a massive or large rock.

Indeed Peter would become a piece of the rock. But, the basis for the church is the fact revealed to Peter by the Father:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

All of Apostles Are Part of the Foundation for the Church.

Paul provides a pivotal understanding of the foundation of the church and its relationship between ALL of the disciples, prophets, the Gentile believers, and even you and me regarding His church in one powerful statement to the Ephesians:

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners (that us Gentile believers), but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom ALSO ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER FOR A DWELLING PLACE OF GOD IN THE SPIRIT..Ephesians 2: 19-22

Notice that the Household of God (the church) has been built on ALL of the apostles and prophets! Jesus is the firm large rock of the Cornerstone. Peter is a piece of the rock foundation along with the apostles and (don’t miss this) the prophets. The old testament Prophets also contributed to the church or “Household of God.”

Then, here comes the personal part: “you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

You and I are part of God’s dwelling place in the Spirit if we belong to Christ the Son of the living God!

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19

Please note the command just before this verse.

“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” Verse 18

This is an important message, particularly TO “His people” and secondarily to a world that thinks there is no such thing as “sexual immorality.”

The Real Rock

Peter is never referred to as The Rock (Petra) in the Bible, but God the Father and Jesus are referred to as the rock several times in Scripture. Here are a few:

There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:3 (KJV)

God’s House-The Building

When you think of places of worship, several words from the Bible will come to mind depending on who you are and your upbringing. Let’s look at some of those words and a summary of its usage (in alpha order):

Word# times in Old
Testament		# times in New
Testament		Notes
Church086Mostly Acts (20)
God’s House10Gen. 28:22
House of God816
Sanctuary1505Hebrews Only in NT
Synagogue041Mostly Acts (17)
Temple245111
Congregation3311Acts 13:43 (NT)
*King James used in research

A few observations about the words used above:

“Church” was a new word for the believer at that time. Jesus uses the word for the first time as recorded in the writings of the gospels, but He probably spoke it in Aramaic. The Greek translation is ekklēsia. It means a gathering or those called out. It does not reference a building. The other words in the chart above mostly signify a physical building, but can also refer to almost any place where God shows up! (See Genesis 28:22 and Jacob’s dream).

“Congregation” almost always refers to the congregation of the children of Israel.

“House of God” and “Sanctuary” are often used interchangeably and are the same. The Sanctuary was built upon the pattern given Moses on Mt. Sinai as shown below:

And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it. Exodus 25: 8-9

A pattern insinuates an original. Paul confirms this with these words:

…who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”  Hebrews 8:5

Note that the purpose of the earthly sanctuary was so God could “dwell among them.” It was a physical place for a spiritual God.. The spiritual application of our bodies being the temple of God is also for the reason that God would “dwell among” us.

…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit…

1 Corinthians 6:19

The temple is the same as Sanctuary. We are a temple or sanctuary for God. A place for Him to dwell and to be made known (glorified). But how does God dwell in a person?

Let the word of Christ DWELL in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3: 16

Let this mind BE IN YOU which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:5

Here is where so many fail at understanding how to be part of the church for the purpose of the mission. God must dwell in us, but not for us only. It must be for others (particularly the lost) When it becomes all about ourselves and following denominational dogma, ministers, preachers, teachers regardless of how much we might like them or respect them, we become cultic in our nature instead dwelling in Him as a part of the body of Christ. Jesus’ last words were Go!

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28: 19-20

Here is the purpose of the church. If it has any other purpose (no matter how good and needed) it has missed the mark.

Christ Prayer For Unity-Answered

Finally consider this, Jesus’ prayer for unity WAS answered. We are one as individuals who are IN CHRIST. Being IN CHRIST is not about going to church or a denomination, it is dwelling in Him and following Him:

so we, being many, are ONE BODY IN CHRIST, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:5

If we are IN CHRIST, we are one body possessing different gifts as Paul goes on to explain in this chapter. Jesus told his disciples:

And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. John 10: 16

Another time, John wanted to stop the ministry of someone who was not part of the disciples, but Jesus told him to not stop him, thereby illustrating that God’s people are not all in one little fold.

“Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.” Luke 9: 49,50

These two verses alone illustrate that God’s people are working for Him in most if not all denominations who lift up Jesus and His word.

Next time, we will study God’s People (the Church) and their mission. Who are they? Were they before Jesus walked the earth or only in the New Testament?

Daniel and Revelation

DANIEL 2 AND 7-REPEAT AND EXPAND

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The image of Daniel 2 unlocks the Prophecy of Daniel 7 & Revelation 13

 “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.  I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

Daniel 7: 15:16

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Daniel 2 Review:

In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he did not understand and it troubled him greatly.  None of the wise men, I call the “Fakers,” could help the King! But, God worked through Daniel and his three companions to remind the king of his dream and also give him the interpretation.

This interpretation comes straight from God to Daniel and needs “no private interpretation.”

Quite simply, Daniel told the king that four (4) great powers would arise.  He identified the first two in scripture as Babylon, then the dual kingdom of the Medes and Persians.  After Daniel’s time, the other two powers appear on the scene as history tells us: Greece (Belly and thighs of brass) and finally Rome (Legs of iron).

Rome was the ruling power when Jesus was on the earth teaching and dying for our sins.  It was a Roman decree and a Roman cross upon which our Lord died.  Rome continued to rule as the disciples went forth with the power of the Holy Spirit and built up the church.

Also, during this time, the church began to receive persecution as we will see later.

The king’s dream does not stop here.  The legs of iron were followed  by the feet and toes of iron and  clay.  These symbols identifie the fall of Rome and breaking into 10 divisions. Some of these countries are strong and some are weak just as clay is weak and iron is strong.   Three countries (powers) were annihilated  and there are no current countries that have roots in these three tribes:  The Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths were the 3 countries (tribes) eliminated by Rome.

The prophecy ends with these startling words:

And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 

And in the days of these kings  (The divisions of Rome or what we now call Europe) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.  Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.”

Daniel 2: 43-45

Never again will the old divisions of Rome (Europe) be joined together. Many have tried and failed, either through wars or marriage.

Over and over, the Bible talks of the 2nd coming as a time of destruction from the Lord.  More specifically, it is described as a time of surprise to the lost and utter destruction to planet earth.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

2 Peter 3:10

It also includes the unsaved. Their fate is symbolized by what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah.:

…turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;

2 Peter 2:6

“For behold, the day is coming,
Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“That will leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:1

So when all the kingdoms of the earth are destroyed, God will create a new heaven and a new earth.  The”Rock” and God’s kingdom will fill the whole earth.  God will be our God and we will be his people.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.”

Isaiah 65:17

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

Revelation 21: 3

“The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” History has proved the dream is “certain” and we can rest in the knowledge the interpretation is correct.

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Daniel 7-Introduction

In Daniel 7, another dream or vision is given.  But, this time, it is given directly to Daniel.  Like king Nebuchadnezzar, the dream troubles Daniel and he does not know what it means. This time, it is interpreted by the attending angels.

Like Daniel 2, we will let the Bible interpret itself and then we will check it out through history.

In this vision of Daniel, we will see that God has a way of revealing the truth and the future in a way as to prepare the heart to receive it.

In Daniel 7 God uses the principle of repeating and expanding about the meaning of the prophecies.  We will see the same four powers of Daniel 2, but with more detail about the nature of the beast powers and we will see the addition of a terrible and strong entity arise that comes up (not from the sea) but from one of the powers described in Daniel 2.  It does not get its power from conquering wars over people and multitudes (illustrated by the symbol of the sea)

This vision of Daniel 7 is like meat and not milk.  It will be new to many who read this and you might not be ready to receive it or digest it.  But, the words are certain and are supported by the Bible and history.  As we begin, let’s pray for the Spirit of Truth and let the story reveal itself to us.  Truth from God’s word is always meant for good, for life, and for comfort.  Keep in mind, we have a loving and forgiving Savior who desires us to find peace and assurance in Him and his revelation.

OK?  Let’s begin.

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Daniel 7-Part 1

The book of Daniel 7 is about 4 animals (kingdoms) that give fear and wonder to Daniel.  Daniel 2 was about four metals (kingdoms). But, in Daniel 7, Daniel is particularly interested in  the fourth beast and the little horn power.  This is the first time we see this “little horn power” in scripture.  The interpretation is given to Daniel and it goes far beyond the time he is living even until the coming judgment of planet earth.

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.

Daniel 7:1

This first verse is important because it gives the time and Daniel’s dream.  The first year of Belshazzar would be 540 BC.

Here is what Daniel saw that year:

“I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.”

Verse 2 and 3

As the beasts are described, they look something like below.  Very strange!  Wouldn’t you agree?  They are animals with something unusual about each.

When we read and study the Bible, we should read it as literal unless there is some overall reason to apply symbolism.  Here we have good reason to apply the rule of symbolism because of the unusual and unimaginable description of the beasts. Even more compelling is the fact that there is an interpretation of the beasts given by the attending angels. To think in literal terms would lose the message God is giving. Is that a fair statement?  I will explain as we go along.

To help us with the beginning of this prophecy, let’s look at some passages that unlock the symbolic meaning of this prophecy and others.  In Daniel’s vision, he is seeing “the four winds stir up the Great Sea.”

What does the four winds and the Great Sea represent? We can get our answer from Revelation where these same beasts appear.  Daniel explains Revelation and vice versa.  Perhaps, this is why the book of Daniel ends with these words,

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end.”

Daniel 12: 4

The book of Revelation had to be written and its message understood in the light of Daniel and history before these books could be “opened” 

Revelation describes the four winds in this passage:

After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree…”Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”

Revelation 7:1, 3

Here is a picture of 4 angels symbolically holding back winds that would harm the earth, sea, or trees. What does that sound like? Revelation does not leave any doubt

From this passage in Revelation, we can see that the 4 winds represent turmoil, strife, war, and destruction.  Another passage supports this interpretation:

 Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“Behold, disaster shall go forth
From nation to nation,
And a great whirlwind shall be raised up
From the farthest parts of the earth.”

Jeremiah 25:32

Even more important is the self-interpretation from this chapter about the beasts.  In its interpretation we can see that logically the winds and sea would indeed represent nations arising out of turmoil and wars:

What are the four beasts?  Let’s let the angel of Daniel 7 tell us:

“Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth.”

Daniel 7:17

If four kings or kingdoms arise, where do they come from?  The sea of people and the winds of war.

So early in this prophecy, we can conclude that Daniel is seeing four kingdoms arise from the many people and the results of conquering wars.  King Nebuchadnezzar also saw these four kingdoms:  Babylon, Medes/Persia, Greece, and Rome.  Then Rome is divided into 10 kingdoms (toes in Daniel 2 and heads in Daniel 7).  It is in the days of these 10 kingdoms (countries) that our Lord returns. Never in history could mankind see how close the 2nd coming is until these books were opened.

Image result for Comparison of Daniel 2 and daniel 7

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Daniel 7 goes on to describe the four beasts in more detail. They correspond to the four metals of Daniel 2, but God is adding more detail and explanation.

 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.

Daniel 7: 4

2347-1st-Beastx220

The wings on the lion represent the rapidity by which Babylon conquered its foes under king Nebuchadnezzar.  But, the wings are plucked and a man’s heart is given to it.  The boldness of the Lion wanes as it comes to a close of its earthly domination.  The man’s heart compared to the Lion illustrates the weakness that came about as it lay dormant and exposed caused by wealth and luxury.

Image result for images of ancient babylon and the lion

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It is now a perfect target for the next power to arise and take its place.  This power is the dual kingdom of the Medes and the Persians and is represented by the bear that raised itself up on one side and had three ribs between its teeth.

And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

Daniel 7:5

1198-2ndBeastx94

Eventually, the Persians dominated the kingdom and became stronger than the  Medes.  Like a bear putting his weight on his strong side, the Persians came up “last” as we will see in the prophecy in the 8th Chapter.  The Persians also become the dominant power.  The command to devour much flesh was obeyed and it left nothing but three bones.  These represent the three conquests of the Medes and Persians:  Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt

This power represented by the bear ruled from the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus in 538 BC to the battle of Arbela in 331 BC.  A time span of  207 years.  It fell to the next kingdom represented by the four-headed leopard with four wings of a fowl,

After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

Daniel 7:6

1200-3rdBeastx94

If two wings represent speed, then 4 wings on the quick-footed leopard must represent an extremely rapid course of conquests for the next kingdom of Greece under Alexander the Great.  This corresponds with the Daniel 2 prophecy and history.

Alexander has no parallel in historical annals for suddenness and rapidity.

Rollin, Ancient History, b.15, sec.2, gives the following brief synopsis of Alexander’s marches:-

“From Macedonia to the Ganges, which river Alexander nearly approached, is computed at least eleven hundred leagues. Add to this the various turnings in Alexander’s marches; first, from the extremity of Cilicia, where the battle of Issus was fought, to the temple of Jupiter Ammon in Libya; and his returning from thence to Tyre, a journey of three hundred leagues at least, and as much space at least for the windings of his route in different places; we shall find that Alexander, in less then eight years, marched his army upward of seventeen hundred leagues [or more than fifty-one hundred miles], without including his return to Babylon”

Alexander the Great succeeded his father Philip II at age 20 and lived to reign only about 11 1/2 years more.  He died at age 32.  His life spent in the fast lane of wars and debauchery.

The four heads of the leopard represent  the division of Alexander’s empire among his four leading generals:

Cassander (Macedon and Greece in the west)

Lysimachus (Thrace and parts of Asia on the Hellespont and Bosphorus in the North

Ptolemy (Egypt, Lydia, Arabia, Palestine, and Coele Syria in the south)

Seleucus (Syria and all the rest of Alexander’s dominions in the east.)

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Next to arise on the world scene is Rome illustrated as the “dreadful” and terrible beast.”  It was different from the other powers in a way that is more than mere appearances.

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

Daniel 7: 7

There is not a beast in nature that Daniel can use to describe this fourth beast and how “dreadful and terrible” it is.  It’s great teeth devour and “brakes” to pieces the other countries.  It has  10 horns that correspond to the 10 toes of part iron and part clay of Daniel 2.

fourth beast

The nature of Rome was cruel.  They perfected the tortuous death of crucifixion believed to have been invented by the Persians.  Death by crucifixion could last up to 6 days!  Rome merciless stamped on and conquered all that would oppose it.

It was on a cruel Roman cross that Jesus took the shamefulness of our sins upon himself.  This act by the Creator was the ultimate demonstration of the sacrificial love for His creation.  It was part of the good news.  But, the fact that Jesus arose a victor over the death of the cross that the good news message is most nearly complete.  The other part of the good news is that Jesus will one day return to change us and to rescue us forever from the pull and presence of sin.  The good news cannot be captured by a list of events in the life of Jesus.   it is an experience initiated and propelled by the Lord and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Like Daniel, let’s turn our attention to the little horn that arose:

And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.

Daniel 7:20

Who was this power that captured the attention of Daniel?  This horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things and was more stout than the others.

This horn displaces three horns and speaks great things.  Like the 10 toes of Daniel’s image, it is in the day’s of these kings, that God will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.  His kingdom will consume the entire earth.  This is the second coming of Jesus!

Revelation 13 is a composite of the beasts found in Daniel 7:

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. 

Revelation 13: 1,2

Image result for image of Revelation 13

This little horn power that speaks great things exists today! It will bring the final deception of many people on this earth.  It is the beast of Revelation 13. In the next post, we will discover the identity of the little horn and how it is described in Revelation 13 as the Beast that the “whole world wonders after.”

Despite the little horn’s power, we can trust in the One who is greater.  Terrible times will come, but we can find peace in our Lord both day and night.

“By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.”

Psalm 42:8

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