Death and Resurrection

Halloween, Spirits, Death, Jesus, and Resurrection

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Halloween is approaching…that great holiday of celebrating ghosts, spirits, and gore. Get out the candy, costumes, and crazy thoughts about ghosts and wispy spirits from the dead. Why does this fascinate us? It may be because there are so many unreliable ideas about death, spirits, and the afterlife. Subconsciously, perhaps, we want to be able to communicate with the dearly departed.

Mystery of Life and Death

Probably the greatest mystery about life is death. It falls upon all rich, poor, blind, healthy, black, white, tall, short…you name it. It will get everyone regardless of their culture or color. It does not discriminate! This we understand, albeit reluctantly. We push back against dying, we try to postpone it, but eventually, it will win.

What happens at the moment of death and beyond remains a mystery to most people despite the subjective, anecdotal experiences of people who claim to have seen the great beyond (light, heaven, or hell). They write books and give TV interviews. Are they giving false hope to everyone about communicating with the dead and their soul living forever regardless of the life they lived on this planet? Is eternal life for everyone? Is it true, as the scary preacher warns, that everyone will live forever in one of two places-heaven or a place of torture called hell?

These are questions that often run through the minds of human beings, but firm answers seem to be impossible to know.

There has been a multitude of books, movies, ancient philosophies, and personal experiences on death and beyond, but somehow, they fail to give a consistent description of the other side satisfactorily. How can we put stock in those people who “died” for only a few seconds or minutes before the defibrillator jumped-started their hearts, returning oxygen-deprived brains? Or the preacher who wants to scare and threaten you into a saving relationship with Christ?  Isn’t death scary enough?

The only people who know about death and then live again are those described in the Bible. They were not dead for just a few seconds or minutes but extended periods:

1.) Jesus- 3 days; (John 2: 19-21)

2.) Lazarus- 4 days; (John 11:17)

3.) Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter- the Bible doesn’t disclose the time she had been dead. (Mark 5: 21-43), but Jesus walked to Jarius’ house and stopped to heal a woman, so it had to be more than a few minutes.

4.) Widow of Nain’s son-(Luke 7: 11-16). He was already in the casket!

5.) Many of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised” (Matthew 27:51). They had likely been dead for some time.

But, all of these did not write a book or have their words recorded by other writers about the “afterlife.” Why? The answer is revealed by Jesus and His disciples.

Opinions and Philosophy

Human beings have varying opinions and philosophical reasoning about death; but how does that compare with God’s word? Do we believe the great philosophers about death as a “friend”(Socrates 470 BC – 399 BC, dead at age 71) or his student Plato (427 BC – 347 BC-dead at age 80) who taught that the grave is a step to a higher existence? A promotion, as it were, from the pain of physical presence to the carefree joy of a spiritual reality. Or do we believe Paul, who said that death is the last enemy and it will one day end? (1 Corinthians 15:26)

How about reincarnation or the nihilist’s view? A nihilist proposes that our existence has no particular reason or purpose. Their approach to death would be pretty different from that of Plato or Socrates. Nihilists don’t expect to move up to another plane of existence. They don’t expect to go anywhere at all. Their mantra would be,

“Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”

This seems to be the attitude of most people, including atheists. But in our hearts, we feel this is just not right. Death seems to be an unplanned invader of life.  There must be more.

Vain Philosphoses have entered the Christian church. It is as subtle as the often-used words,

“He is in a better place,” or those who say,

“we will never see them again.”

Even the idea that we have an immortal soul that will live somewhere forever comes from ancient Egyptian teachings.

It is sad to hear a preacher describe what the dearly departed are doing in heaven at this very moment. They don’t know. With good intentions, they attempt to comfort the bereaved by saying that they are looking down on them. I’m not sure how that is heaven to the one looking down.  Where is the Biblical evidence?   This idea of immortal souls opens wide the door to Spiritism and unclean deceiving spirits (Revelation 16:13). The idea that we can talk to the dead has its roots in the first lie of the Bible…”You will not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4)

God forbade His people from such people who claim to have this power. Instead, He asked them to seek Him.

‘Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God…..And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God?

Leviticus 19:31 and Isaiah 8:19

Interestingly, the phrase “immortal soul” is not found in the Bible. Actually, it says the opposite:

“…the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23

“The soul who sins shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4.

God can (and does) destroy the soul of the unrepentant and lost (Matthew 10:28).

Nevertheless, Jesus gave hope of eternal life with a real body, God has the best plan. “He doesn’t want any to perish…”2 Peter 3:9. Perish is the operative word here that is also included in that famous passage of John 3:16, where “perish” is the penalty for unbelief. One last question before we turn to the Bible for answers: How does the second coming of Jesus fit into all this? Does it, as some suppose, reunite the body with their spirit/soul?

Comfort About Death

The comfort for the living over the loss of a loved one is found in the Bible in the words of Jesus, the prophets, and the disciples. In their united context, they give satisfaction and consistency to the truth of death and the afterlife. God’s revealed truth about death is troubling. But there is comfort and hope in God’s word, unlike any philosopher or skewed religious thinking. 

Death and the Resurrection

While living a decade in Mississippi, I attended a few funerals.  They are included comforting words for the bereaved.  Most were not Biblical, and most excluded the resurrection and the second coming of Christ.  They ranged from a combination of truth and untruths to the ridiculous. 

“They are resting peacefully. They are watching over you.” 

How can that be?  Resting in peace and actively observing all your movements?

“Old Uncle Harry is up there right now enjoying his favorite cigar and hunting with his best dogs.” 

While people laughed, it was a poor attempt to comfort the family of a man who never indicated a desire to know Jesus, much less follow Him.  Heaven has become a place where any person can indulge in the human activities of worldly happiness.  This raises the question of what the saved will be doing in eternity.  Playing harp on a billowy cloud forever is not very interesting to me. Next time, we will explore the Bible to understand a few things God has revealed about activity in heaven, the new heavens, and the new earth.

Biblical Comfort for the Bereaved

The Apostle Paul gave words of comfort and hope to a group of mourning believers in the Corinthian church.  They were concerned that the brothers and sisters in Christ, who were dying, would miss the second coming.  He told the truth about those deceased followers and ended with this phrase: “comfort one another with these words.”

It all centered on the return of Christ and the resurrection.  Paul recorded letter to the Thessalonians gives us one of the most straightforward descriptions of the return of Christ as found anywhere in the Bible.  Listen closely and imagine the scene of Christ’s return.  It is plain, simple, and addresses their concerns.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring (raise up) with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thess 4: 13-18

 Paul wants the brothers and sisters to be informed.  This would mean they didn’t understand the return of Christ and the condition of those who had died.  He encourages them not to grieve like those who go to funerals with no hope of ever seeing their loved ones again.  Then he begins to describe that glorious scene of Jesus’ return found many places in the Bible (another study for another time). 

Then he uses an interesting phrase, “…will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.”  “Precede is an interesting word.  It answers the Corinthian believers’ questions about the timing of eternity for everyone.  The Greek word (phthanō) has been translated as “precede” or “prevent.”  It means “to come before.”

This answers the implied question about some getting to heaven before others. Paul describes a grand reunion of the dead (those fallen asleep) and those alive when at Jesus’ promised return.  Both groups are “harpazō,” translated as “caught up” or lifted up and carried off to meet in the air and be with the Lord! 

What a great reunion day that will be!  No one “precedes” or comes before the other; we all go to the Lord and eternity at the same time….” We will be with the Lord forever!” starting then. 

Another interesting phrase not often discussed is “we who are still alive and are left.”  The coming of Christ is destructive (See especially 2 Peter 3, especially Verse 7).  The lost are being “kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”  So those who are “left” are similar to a library fire.  Some books are burned, and there are those remaining (KJV) and those “left” or left over…not left behind as some would try to teach.

If a pastor wants to comfort those who have lost a loved one, use the words of Paul that he told would give comfort in 1 Thess. 4:18.

“Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” 

Jesus said it too!  He doesn’t want our hearts to be troubled, so he describes the many rooms and points us to the fact that he is preparing a spot for each of us, and He is coming back to get us in the future at His second coming!  Those mansions must wait until He returns, but what a glorious hope we have!

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14: 1-3

The return of Christ is the comfort and hope of all Christians!  No other imagined words can comfort like the truth of Jesus’ return to unite both the living at that time and the dead of all ages and take us as one group to where He is now. 

Rest in Peace.  Death and Sleep

Both Jesus and Paul describe the dead as “asleep.” This is radically different from the ancient philosophers who saw the soul leaving the body to a higher plane…an ancient serpent’s lie. Sleep seems to be Jesus’ and the disciples’ favorite description of death.  This, my friends, should comfort us to know that death is like an unconscious state where the passage of time is a mere wisp of a second, and then Jesus takes us out of our graves to be with Him. Below are some of the Bible references to death:

  1.  Matthew 9:24, Luke 8:52- The little girl that had died, Jesus described as sleeping
  2.  Matthew 27: 51- The graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;  
  3.  John 11:11- Jesus describes Lazarus as sleeping, then He plainly says, “he’s dead.”
  4.  1 Corinthians 11:30- Paul describes the sick and those who sleep (dead)
  5.  1 Corinthians 15: 6- Over 500 hundred who had seen Jesus were still alive, but some had “fallen asleep.” 
  6.  1 Corinthians 15: 18- Those who have “fallen asleep” have perished if there is no resurrection.
  7.  1 Thessalonians 4: 13- Paul doesn’t want us to be ignorant about those who have fallen asleep.
  8.  1 Thessalonians 4:14 and 15. Those who sleep waiting for the return of Christ
  9.  Acts 7:60- Stephen was stoned and fell asleep
  10. 1 Corinthians 15:20 -Jesus has become the “first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

In 2004, I had to have open heart surgery. When they wheeled me into the operating room, they hooked up the anesthesia that would put be asleep during the procedure. Just before the nurse injected me, she said,

“Good night Mr. Armstrong.”

In what felt like a nanosecond, I heard,

“Wake up, Mr. Armstrong,”

I asked,

“When are you guys going to start the procedure?”

The nurse replied,

“Honey, you have been asleep for over two hours!”

This is what death is like for those who have died, regardless of how long they have been dead.

The After Death Experience of A Man Dead Four Days

The story of Lazarus, Martha, and Jesus in John Chapter 11 gives us insight into the state of the dead and what transpired for Lazarus for those four days he had been dead (sleeping).  It also provides us with the hope that Jesus gave Martha.  Jesus had told the disciples that Lazarus was sleeping and that he would wake Him up.  They were confused, and Jesus finally told them He was dead. Verses 11-14.  Again, Jesus’ favorite description of death, i.e., sleep.

Let’s focus on the comfort Jesus gave Martha starting at verse 21:

 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now, God will give you whatever you ask.”  Verse 22

Martha was so glad to see Jesus.  If He had been there, Jesus could have healed her brother.  Martha also had great faith and hinted that God could bring Lazarus back to life if Jesus asked God the Father.  Then Jesus pointed her to the great resurrection day at the end of time as a source of comfort:

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Verse 23

Martha understood, from the teachings of Jesus, about the resurrection at the end of time. 

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Verse 24

Her theology was correct.  There is a resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ on the last day.

Jesus then reminds her that He is the one who will give life to the dead on the last day:

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Verses 25 and 26

Look closely at Jesus’ words. It almost seems like a contradiction. Even though they die, they will live again, but then He says if you believe in Him, you will never die. So what is it? Die or never die? This becomes clear when you understand that we are all subject to death, but for those who don’t believe, they die forever (the second death) after their resurrection of the condemned that Jesus spoke of in John 5:29. John makes it even clearer when He was inspired to write these words:

There are two resurrections! You are blessed if you are in that first one because you will live forever. But in the second one, you die twice. The second death is eternal.

Now back to our story…

Martha then acknowledges her belief in the identity of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and the power of Jesus to raise people back to life:

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” Verse 27

Jesus looked upon the people weeping and felt their sorrow for the dead and rotting Lazarus. Jesus called out with a loud voice.

 “Lazarus, come forth!”

Here is what Jesus did not say:  Lazarus come down or back from heaven.  If Lazarus was in heaven, how cruel would that be to snatch him out of paradise back to a sinful, dying planet?  If Lazarus was in heaven, we should have a book of Lazarus describing the place of angels and the throne of God.  But Lazarus is silent, as were the others raised from the dead during Christ’s time on earth.  Why?  Because they were in an unconscious state of sleep.  They knew nothing as one of the wisest men in the Bible (Solomon) stated:

For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten….Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

Ecclesiastes 9: 5,10

In Peter’s sermon to the Jews about the Messiahship of Jesus and His resurrection, he told them this:

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day… “For David did not ascend into the heavens,

 Acts 2: 29, 34

Peter didn’t say David was in heaven…and he was not on the throne that Jesus now occupies because He had been resurrected, and the disciples were eyewitnesses of it. (verse 30:31)

Our Faith is Futile Without the Resurrection

Paul argues that if we don’t believe that Jesus was resurrected, we are wasting time with our belief in Him.  His resurrection gives us hope in our resurrection when He comes.  Follow Paul’s logic to the Corinthian church and group of Sadducees) who say, “there is no resurrection” (See Matthew 22: 23). 

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if, in fact, the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”  1 Corinthians 15 12-19

So, here are the consequences of what Paul is saying if there is no resurrection:

  1.  Paul’s preaching is useless, as are all preachers
  2.  Our faith is useless
  3.  The Apostles and disciples were all liars
  4.  Your faith is futile
  5.  You are still in your sins (lost)
  6.  Those who have fallen asleep (dead) are lost for eternity.
  7.  This type of Christ (non-resurrected) means He is dead, and we should be pitied for our belief!

Sadly, the resurrection is hardly mentioned in our churches anymore.  In many churches, Easter is the only time to talk about the power of resurrection, and the emphasis is only on Christ’s resurrection.  Our own resurrection through the power of Christ at the end of time is minimized, at the least, or ignored at the most. 

Instead, churches have adopted the pagan idea that the soul is separate from your physical body.  They claim the soul is immortal and goes to one of two places when you die (heaven or hell).  These are the teaching of that ancient Serpent who lied when he said, “thou shall not surely die.”  This theme has been around a long time and promoted by Greek philosophers like Hermes Trismegistus, Socrates, and Plato.

The Bible clearly teaches the opposite of Satan and those misguided philosophers who ignored the truth of the Bible.: You will surely die:

From Dust, We Were Taken

“For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19

“All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.” Job 34:15

“You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.” Psalm 104:29

All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust. Eccl 3:20

But praise God, He can take the dust of the ground, rebuild that which was lost, and give that person immortality at the second coming.  Even the oldest book of the Bible acknowledges this great hope.  Hope in the coming of the Lord.

And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,

That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself,

And my eyes shall behold, and not another.

How my heart yearns within me! Job 19: 26-27

Here is my hope, joy, and comfort.  God has a crown of eternal life waiting for me, not just me, but all those who love His appearing.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

Eternal life cannot be separated from the second coming of Christ. He is the life giver. At His return is when we receive immortality and not before. The mystery of death is solved. We sleep, awaiting Jesus’ return.

 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed—  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible (not subject to deay), and we shall be changed. For this corruptible (subject to decay) must put on incorruption, and this mortal (subject to death) must put on immortality (no longer subject to death). So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15: 51-54

We can never say, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” until Jesus returns. But hallelujah! Glory to God!.. Jesus has demonstrated the power and given us the proof that He will bring us out of the dust of the ground and breath into us the breath of life when we are resurrected. He will not forget you! Then we will be with Him forever and countless others who have put their faith and life on the line for Jesus. What a day that will be!

Next time, we will talk about what the Bible says we will be doing for eternity on the new earth that the meek inherit.

The Law of God

Did Jesus or The Apostles Modify The Fourth Commandment?

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If they did, we should see clear evidence of a distinct command or example of such a change. To start, let’s review the names of the weeks and their Biblical numbers. After all, the fourth commandment is about a day of the week that God proclaims as holy. God’s words are not arbitrary. He is the Creator, and He wants us to remember that!

Names and Numbers of the Week

The phrase “first day of the week” appears in the New Testament only nine (9) times in eight (8) verses. Of course, the word”Sunday” never appears because it is the pagan designation for the Sun’s day. The Bible refers to the day we now call Sunday as “the first day of the week.” The day Jesus was resurrected from the dead. Another question to consider: “Does the Bible call Sunday or the first day of the week, The Lord’s Day?” Sure, a man may make that designation, but does the Bible?

All of our English names of the days of the week are related to planetary gods of regional culture. (See the Appendix for further detail and the origin of these names)

Examples:

Tuesday: Tyr’s day.” Tyr was the Norse god of combat.

Wednesday is the day of the Woden or Odin, the father of the Gods.

The Creator God simply numbered the days of the week after the days of creation.

Example:


God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

Genesis 1:5

Although the days were number one (1) through seven (7), the seventh day was blessed by the Creator when He ended His creative work. Only this particular day was given a name with meaning. He gave it the name “Sabbath” (Hebrew word: šabāṯ), meaning rest. Our calendar shows the end of the work week to be the seventh day or the Sabbath (pagan name: Saturday).


And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.

Genesis 2:2

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. Exodus 20 8-10

While the Bible mentions the phrase “first day of the week” only nine (9) times in the New Testament, There are 59 verses in the New Testament about the Sabbath. Further, there is one (1) passage in Hebrews 4:4 that uses the phrase “the seventh day,” which points back to the seventh day of creation and God’s rest (Sabbath). So, there should be no doubt as to which day God designated as the Sabbath. We cannot make a day holy or proclaim any day we wish to be the Sabbath.

For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”

Hebrews 4:4

The first day of the week and the seventh day are not the same days; neither is Sunday and the Sabbath the same.

The Lord’s Day

The one phrase that stands by itself is “The Lord’s Day,” which is found only one (1) time in the Bible (Revelation 1:7)

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet” Revelation 1:10

There is no clear designation for which day of the week John refers to, but within its context or the verse and the entire eschatology of Revelation, it appears John is referring to the day of Christ’s return which is accompanied by a loud trumpet.

For the Lord, Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

While a good case could be made that the Sabbath is called the Lord’s day in the following passage, this is not the purpose of this article. I explore this in detail in the article called Patmos and the Lord’s day.


Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:28

Here Jesus proclaims to own or be the Lord of the Sabbath. Since He was the Co-Creator according to John 1: 1-13, Colossians 1: 15-17, and Hebrews 1: 8-10, He actually participated in the sanctification of the seventh day as a weekly memorial of His creatorship. Jesus claims the Sabbath day as His, for a good reason, but uses a different order of words.

But did the disciples change the First Day of the week into “the Lord’s Day” to refer to the resurrection of Christ? Let’s take a look at all the verses regarding the first day of the week (aka Sunday). On the flip side, was the Sabbath only for the Jews or stricken/changed from the ten (10) commandments? (This last question will be explored in a later article)

New Testament Passages on the First Day of The Week

Of the eight verses about the first day of the week, only three have any indication that the disciples met on the first day of the week for religious reasons. But were they really together to worship, or was it for some other reason?

Click here for all 8 verses. They are described below:

1.) Matthew 28:1 -Matthew recounts the time when the two Marys came to the tomb after the Sabbath, and early on the first day of the week. We know the rest of the story; they found an empty tomb. Jesus had risen from the dead! This resurrection of Christ is what separates the true religion of Christ from all the other false gods. Paul said it is so important that those who do not think it possible that Jesus was resurrected (that it didn’t happen), then all the preaching, including our faith, is empty, futile, and we are, of all men, the most pitiable. It would also mean that the disciples are all liars. Further, those who have died (fallen asleep) have perished.

But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.  Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise.  For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.  And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have [fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”

1 Corinthians 15: 13-19

Did you catch that? If Jesus was not resurrected, then here are the effects on your Christianity:

1.) All the preaching you hear is empty

2.) Your faith in Christ is empty

3.) The eyewitnesses of the resurrection (disciples) are liars (False Witnesses).

4.) Your faith in Christ is futile

5.) Your loved ones who fell asleep (died) in Christ have perished. We have no hope of seeing them again

6.) We are still in our sins. The cross would mean nothing!

7.) We are, of all men, the most pitiable.

But praise God Jesus was resurrected, and this ensures we will be resurrected when He returns:

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thess 4: 16-18

If ever there was a reason to make the First Day of the week Holy, it would be the fact of Jesus’ resurrection. But look closely, there is not indication from this verse or any verse on the resurrection that Sunday has become a holy day for worship and that the Sabbath has been done away with.

2.) Mark 16:2 They came to the tomb The next two passages are Mark’s account of the resurrection on the 1st day of the week. Again, no indication of a change or pending change of the fourth commandment. the same for #3-6 below.

3.) In Mark 16:9, Jesus appears to Mary

5.) Luke 24:1 Luke’s account of the resurrection.

6.) John 20:1 John’s Account of the resurrection

If we are going to find an example or command for the change from the Sabbath to the first day of the week, it will be clear in the only two verses remaining:

7.) John 20:19 The disciples gathered together on the first day of the week. It was not for the reason of worship at this point but because of “fear of the Jews.” In the midst of their fear gathering, Jesus appears to them. No indication of a change of the day of worship here.

8.) Acts 20:7 The disciples came together on the first day of the week to break bread. Was it a Sunday morning communion service? There is nothing to indicate it was. The breaking of bread can also refer to eating together. This they did daily.

 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, Acts 2:46

The reason they came together? Paul was preparing to leave the next day. This text is part of a running narrative describing various incidents of Paul’s homeward trip to Jerusalem at the close of his third missionary journey. The whole story requires two chapters.

Notice there is no holy title (Lord’s Day) given to the time they came together. Also, the Lord’s supper is the description of what we often call the communion service of eating bread and wine. This is not limited to any particular day.

“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

1 Corinthians 11:25

No mention as a requirement of each Sunday. It is as “often” or” when”you do this. It is apparent that celebrating the Lord’s supper can be any day of the week.

As you read the verse, you see that this is a night gathering (many lights in the chambers), and Paul preached into the night (midnight). Wow! long sermon! But notice that this was the “dark part” of the first day of the week. This is important because the day (in biblical reckoning) always changed at sunset. See Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31, Leviticus 23:32

Therefore, the dark part of that “first day of the week” was what we would describe as Saturday night.” This was a Saturday night service!

Conybeare and Howson, in their authoritative work, Life and Epistles of the Apostle Paul, write as follows concerning the time of the meeting:

“It was the evening which succeeded the Jewis sabbath. On the Sunday morning the vessel was about to sail”

Life and Epistles of the Apostle Paul, Page 520 (1-vol. edition)

Some translations of the Bible rightly translate this late evening meeting as Saturday night.

On Saturday evening, we gathered together for the fellowship meal. Paul spoke to the people and kept on speaking until midnight since he was going to leave the next day.

Acts 20: 7 (Good News Translation)

Notice the footnote reference in the Expanded Bible.

On the first day of the week Sunday; or perhaps Saturday night since the Jewish day began in the evening (Greeks reckoned from the morning)],

Acts 20:7 (Expanded Bible)

Whatever the time, there is no evidence that this meeting is an example of the Sabbath being rejected and the first day of the week becoming a holy day. Only one day was proclaimed holy by God Himself, the seventh day Sabbath.

9.) 1 Corinthians 16:2– Paul is instructing the Corinthian church “lay aside or store up something (offerings for the poor in Jerusalem) so that there would be no collections when Paul arrived. So they are not taking up an offering in a church service but storing it up to give to Paul whenever he arrives. This was more of a bookkeeping type of instruction rather than an act of worship. Doing this at the start of the week made since it was after the rest day of the Sabbath.

Speaking of this text, the commentator declares that, as to the practice of Christians to meet on the first day of the week, “we cannot infer it from this passage.”

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Published by the Cambridge University Press and edited by Church of England clergymen.

This follows the comment on the phrase “lay by him”

i.e. at home, not in the assembly, as is generally supposed….He (Paul) speaks of a custom in his time of placing a small box by the bedside into which an offering was to be put “whenever prayer was made”

The First Epistle to the Corinthians, edited by J. J. Lias, p. 164

So, there is no evidence that Jesus or His apostles ever changed the solemnity of the Sabbath as found in the 10 commandments in favor of a different day of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus is celebrated as the symbol of baptism and the rebirth experience:

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

So, Who Made the Change from Sabbath to the Lord’s Day?

 Pope Sylvester officially named Sunday “the Lord’s Day,” and in A.D. 338, Eusebius, the court bishop of Constantine, wrote, “All things whatsoever that it was the duty to do on the Sabbath (the seventh day of the week) we (Constantine, Eusebius, and other bishops) have transferred to the Lord’s Day (the first day of the week) as more appropriately belonging to it.”

From the Catholic Catechism of Catholic Doctrine. “We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church, in the Council of Laodicea (336 A.D.) transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday…”  “The Church substituted Sunday for Saturday by the plentitude of that divine power which Jesus Christ bestowed upon her.” Rev. Peter Geiermann, C.SS.R., (1946, p. 50.

Wjo is our authority on religious matters? Tradition, Popes? Preachers? Wikipedia? Google? No! It is the infallible word of God.

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Appendix

Brief description of the meaning of the names of the week:

  • Sunday-Sun’s day. The Papacy didn’t like this name, so they attempted to change it to the Lord’s day.
  • Monday-Monandæg, meaning “day of the Moon”
  • Tuesday-Tiwesdæg, meaning “Tyr’s day.” Tyr was the Norse god of combat.
  • Wednesday-Wodnesdæg means the day of the Woden or Odin, the father of the Gods.
  • Thursday Þunresdæg, or Thor’s day. Thor was the Germanic and Norse god of thunder.
  • Friday-Frigg, the Norse goddess of beauty Frigg
  • Saturday-Saturday is the only English day of the week to retain its Roman origin. Saturday “Day of Saturn”
The Soon Return of Jesus, The Truth About The Fate of The Lost

TWO DIFFERENT DESTINIES

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Jesus said, “the meek will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 cf Psalm 37:11). But it won’t be this tired old wasted earth, it will be a new one full of peace. The cleansing of the earth will be by fire. God will destroy His creation, not mankind. It is reserved for the day of judgment and fire:


But the heavens and the earth, which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and *perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:7

*The Greek word for perdition is “apōleia.” It means “utter destruction)

(Over time, the old sinful ways of the earth will not be remembered, nor will the acts of sinful men.

Peter, John, and Isaiah all describe this new earth:

“Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

2 Peter 3:13

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”

Revelation 21:1

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

Isaiah 65:17

But what happens to the wicked?

David tells us plainly…

“For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace

Psalm 37:99-11

Malachi confirms their destruction:

“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

Peter also describes the end of this earth through fire. This verse is 3 verses before Peter’s description of God’s creation of a new 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

Then Peter encourages us to live a life in anticipation of that great day! Peter is linking the coming of Christ with the destruction of this earth.

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,

2 Peter 3: 11-12

Mercifully, the Lord “delays” His coming so as to give people time to repent and not perish.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

“Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus”

Rev 22:20

Hell, Pain and Suffering, What is God Like?

KNOWING GOD-PART 3-HIS CHARACTER

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Those who know God know His character.

But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:24

The platform for understanding God’s character must start with John’s bedrock description of God Himself:

All Biblical understanding must conform to this grand description of God the Father and Jesus Christ.

If God’s character of love does not transfer into our own experience, it is a demonstration that we don’t really know God. If we don’t have love in our hearts for God and other people (even our enemies), we don’t know God. John said this very clearly:

 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 

1 John 4: 7-8

If our understanding of God rejects these characteristics, it is likely due to a misunderstanding of who God is. If this is the case, certain Bible texts about the nature of God will be twisted to make God uncaring and cruel beyond belief.

A Modern Parable

There was a certain young boy who loved his father very much. We will call him Jim. His Dad, Bill, took an interest in everything Jim did. They often talked about life while fishing or working around the house. His Dad taught him many things about relating to family, friends, and even enemies. He encouraged Jim to love them all and to honor each person. To love them as God loves them.

As far back as he could remember, Jim’s Dad read to him. Nightly, many good books, including the Bible, brought peace and understanding to Jim. Dad taught him how to pray. In the morning, Jim would see his Dad on his knees at the window, praying to God.

When war came, Jim’s Dad volunteered for service and went away to war. Bill was a good soldier that could be trusted. He was promoted rapidly as a leader and was in charge of taking men into battle. After the war, Bill was decorated for his bravery and leadership. Jim was so proud of his father!

The boy grew, and so did his relationship with his father. The boy knew his Dad better than anyone else. He wanted to be like his brave and kind father.

Jim went off to college. While there, he met some young men whose dads had also been to war. They remember the stories told to them of the war. One young man, in particular, had heard of Jim’s decorated Dad. The young man said his father had told stories about Bill torturing the enemy troops that were captured. In detail, Jim’s classmate described the torture of burning a prisoner a little at a time and keeping them alive to suffer even more. The prisoner would cry out for mercy and even death, but Bill ignored them.

Jim was shocked!. He knew his Dad was not that kind of person and rejected the gruesome story of torture.

After discussing this with his Dad, the true story came out. The father of the young man at college was someone who disliked Jim’s Dad and was angry because he did not get the promotions in rank as did Bill. He began to spread rumors and lies to smear Bill’s good name and character. The truth was turned into lies and events twisted to satisfy the narrative of cruelty.

Jim knew his Dad. Because of this, he was certain Bill was not capable of torturing anyone. It was beyond reason and contradicted everything he knew about his Dad. The lessons taught to Jim about God’s love and compassion, even for enemies, did not square with the conflicting characteristics of someone who did not know his Dad nor his God.

God’s Character

Image a God who tortures his enemies for eternity. Is this a God of love and mercy? To believe that God gives no relief from the flames lost sinners can suffer without end means one of a couple of things:

1.) Passages of scripture have been twisted to teach that the lost have eternal life in burning flames even though the Bible clearly states that the wages of sin is eternal death, not eternal life in flames. We may have created a God, in our heads, where His wrath is never satisfied. Unlike God, we want revenge on the evil person and for them to pay for their wrongs through suffering. We want revenge, but God wants justice.

How is it justice that my lost relative who refused to believe in Jesus or go to church should burn without end for his free choice?

2.) We don’t know God. We like the idea of hell where people burn for their evil deeds, but remember…When we talk about salvation, we are talking about the good moral people who don’t care for Jesus or religion. They pay their taxes, have families, and are good neighbors. Should they burn forever along with Hitler? Is it justice to live for 30 years in riotous living, die in a car wreck, and then burn for 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 + years?

Someone suggested I don’t believe in hell. I always tell them, “I believe in a hell that is hotter than the one you support. The hell of the Bible burns up and leaves no root or branch. It is not meant to torture.

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

This means nothing will be left of the person for eternity. Even Satan is turned into ashes:

Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you.

Ezekiel 28:18

So yes, I believe in a firey END…not firey torture. Sodom and Gomorrah are no longer cities, but they are examples of what will happen to the ungodly at the end of time:

 and 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

Destruction awaits the lost. Jesus tells it plainly:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

Matthew 7:13

Do you know God?

Do you know God like Jim knew his Dad bill? If God takes no delight in the death of the wicked, He would take no delight in unmerciful torture.

‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. 

Ezekiel 33:11

Do you really believe our Heavenly Father, that sent Jesus to die for our sins, would make the penalty of unbelief flames licking at their body parts of melting skin and bones in a torture chamber where people cry out to die? We would need to alter several verses to support this idea. The most famous one of God’s love, John 3:16 would need to be changed to read:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish (burn in flames) but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

Wages of sin is death life in a burning hell for eternity.

Romans 6:23


He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. has a life in burning flames called hell.

1 John 5:12

Friends, salvation is a matter of life or eternal death. Eternal death is punishment enough. But it is also an act of mercy. Heaven is not the place for those who love sin. Their reward or their heaven is while they are on earth living a life of selfish indulgence. Their philosophy is “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.”

Salvation also includes the victory over the sins that we love. A born-again follower of Jesus is given a new heart, God replaces that love of the world of sin with a love for Him and other people.

Salvation and eternal life are more about who you know rather than what you know:

Author

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3

We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

God does not scare people into accepting Him. He uses powerful words of reason, demonstration, and understanding. It is His love, mercy, compassion, and kindness that win people to Him for eternal life. It is the cross of Christ that draws people to Him.

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Jeremiah 31:3

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

John 12:32

This is the God of love that we serve and preach to a dying world. There is no opposing character in our God. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He never changes (Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6).

He loves even the sinner and desires him/her to turn (repent) and live. If this is you, will you do that just now?

Faith, Reasons to Believe

KNOWING GOD-PART 2-WISDOM IN THE BASICS-THE FACE OF A CHILD

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And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3

In the last article, we looked at the idea that it is possible to know God. Keep in mind that this is different from a complete understanding. We will have an eternity to contemplate the love of God expressed in God the Father’s sacrificial love…Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection, mediation, and His creation of a new earth,

God Wants Us to Know and Understand Him

God wants us to know and understand Him, but mastery of this knowledge is impossible because of who we are (His creation) and who He is (The Creator). But, it is the basic things about knowing God that is important anyway. The most powerful and simple intercessory prayer recorded in the Bible came from the heart of Jesus before His death on the cross. As we read it in John 17, we will begin to know the basic things about God the Father and Jesus. These elementary things are powerful and dynamic. Let’s read the first five verses of Jesus’ prayer

Jesus spoke these words, lifted His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.  And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

John 17: 1-5

What can easily be seen in Jesus’ prayer is His acknowledgment and acceptance that His time had come. His pending painful death for our sins is only hours away. Jesus wants to avoid this death. He wants the cup of suffering to pass over Him. Nevertheless, Jesus defers to the Father’s plan that the sorrowful cup of sacrifice is drunk to the last drop. Jesus, the innocent lamb of God who knew nothing but love, and compassion, would die the death we deserve so that we can enjoy the life He deserved. We won’t have scars on our palms or side forever.  He will. The only imperfection in heaven will be those scars on the glorified body of Christ. These scars will remind us of our redemption from a sin-crazed world. That is why sin and rebellion will never raise their ugly heads again. See the source image Jesus’ death on a splintery rugged cross would bring glory to both the Father and the Son: even though the enemy thought it would scare Jesus away.  But love was stronger. In Jesus’ prayer, we can see that authority over all of us is given from God the Father to Jesus.  This is not a “bossy” authority but a protective authority.  Jesus, in turn, Jesus provides eternal life for those given to Him. But this eternal life is not arbitrary, by chance, ancestry, or anything else; it is through a developed knowledge of God the Father and Jesus. How does this life-saving knowledge come to the saved?  It is by learning about God through at least three basic sources in this world. Today, we will describe the first 2:
  1. God’s communication through His creation.
  2. The face of a child.
  3. The preserved word of those God inspired to write about God’s dealings with humanity from the very beginning. The story provides understanding.
    •  The life of Christ
    •  The faith of those who knew God.
Any of these are sufficient to create faith (trust) in a Creator God. This faith will lead to a changed heart.

His Creation

Anyone with eyes and ears can learn about God through His creation, or what we call nature. A simple walk or hike will lift the heart upward. As a young man with job responsibilities and a family, I would sometimes need to escape. This I did by hiking with a couple of Chrisitan friends for a few days in the Great Smokey Mountains or other such places near home.  I can still remember the burden removed from my shoulders as I walked only a hundred yards on the path into the woods. Today, the daily habit of short walks in the country setting of my home re-connects me to the reality of a Creator God. May be an image of tree, nature and grass Paul tells the Romans in the first chapter that God’s creation is sufficient proof of God’s existence and that we have no excuse for believing otherwise.

For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Romans 1:20

Nature can help us understand the great mystery of His eternal power and even the Godhead!  Wow!  Think about that for a second or two.  But many will reject this knowledge.  Paul continues…

…because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.

Romans 1:21-22

So even though the evidence is right there in their faces, they choose to be unthankful for the things that reveal God and sustain them.  Their thoughts become futile and dark.  They think they are wise, but they are fools—such a sad train of reasoning of the lost.  But God searches for ways to appeal to their intellect.  He draws them to Himself with kindness and the deep meaning of sacrificial love, as shown on the cross.

With everlasting kindness, I will have mercy on you,” Says the Lord, your Redeemer.

Isaiah 54:8

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, with lovingkindness, I have drawn you.

Jeremiah 31:3

Yes, even the modest of God’s creations tells of the character of God.  Because of this, no man has an excuse to wonder about God.
“God is love” is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green — all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy The word of God reveals His character. He Himself has declared His infinite love and pity. Steps to Christ, p. 10

The Face of A Child

Perhaps nothing can reach the heart of anyone like the face of a child. There in that little t face with those bright eyes is the unspoiled, innocent face of God looking back at you. The love that a Mother and Father have for a child is evidence of a loving, caring, protective Heavenly Father. The righteous feelings and pride of parents explain the necessity of the sacrifice of their own lives and the overwhelming desire to protect to the uttermost. To parents, the life of that child supersedes anything else in this world. In the same way, God calls us adults, his children. How Jesus treated the little children of His day tells us how much He cares for us.

 Once when some mothers were bringing their children to Jesus to bless them, the disciples shooed them away, telling them not to bother him.

 But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very much displeased with his disciples and said to them, “Let the children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they. Don’t send them away! I tell you as seriously as I know how that anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child will never be allowed into his Kingdom.”

Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and he blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Image result for images of the face of a child
“Let the children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they” Jesus
Some of the most direct and threatening words of Jesus relate to those who would abuse a “little one.” There is good evidence in Jesus’ words that the little ones are not just children but adults who are tempted by another person

 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves.

Luke 17: 2-3

If you want to know God, observe the innocence of a child and how Jesus relates to them. If you want to see Satan, look at how he and his followers treat a child for selfish sake. Jesus is our protector and the apple of His eye. He, as our Heavenly Father, looks upon us as His children. This is what we can know about God through the face of a child.
Reasons to Believe

KNOWING GOD-PART 1-IS IT POSSIBLE?

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 Thus says the Lord:

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,

Jeremiah 9 23-24

There are many in this world (mostly atheists and agnostics) who say it is impossible to know God, much less prove his existence. I recently read on an atheistic website called The Center for Inquiry these abstracted and unprovable claims:

___________________________________________________

1. Humans will never have the cognitive capacity to directly understand anything with infinite powers or qualities.

2. Humans will never have intellectual reasons to indirectly demonstrate the existence of anything with infinite powers or qualities.

3. There are only two kinds of proofs for God: direct understanding or indirect demonstration.

Conclusion: Humans will never have any proofs for God.

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They boldly make this statement:

“There is no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy life. “

It is interesting they assume that believers don’t enjoy life. They also suppose that believers are worried about proving God’s existence. If God’s people don’t enjoy life and are worried, maybe it is because of the ceremonies of religion and not the reality of the good news about God.

This same author wrote an article revealing the atheist’s hatred for religion. It was also ingrained into my brain when I embraced the faith of unbelief.

“Not Even God Could Make Me Religious.“

The words of atheists reveal the stubbornness of not seeking but rather falling back on superficial philosophical word games. Rarely do I meet an unbeliever who does not display a superior attitude and pride in their exegetic philosophies. The ideas of atheists rely on humanistic viewpoints within their circles that feed off each other. They claim science backs them up. This is their proof for unbelief and an excuse for hedonistic living.

Interpretive science is merely expositions that reach conclusions based on one theory of man’s existence and meaning-Evolution. A Creator is not considered because they don’t want to contemplate anything they can’t see and put in a test tube. Evolution conveniently takes away a superior being and the possibility of accountability for a life filled with narcissistic reasoning and unrestrained pleasure seeking. The theme can be summarized in one statement

Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”

When Jesus told the parable of the rich man, He repeated the condition of a self-serving approach to living….a short period of 70 years on earth.

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.

Luke 12:19

Then, Jesus made this blunt statement of accountability:

But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Luke 12:20-21

As a convert from atheism to a believer of the only Creator God, I also hold a destain for religion. Even Jesus Himself reserved His most severe and condemning words for the religionists of the day.

Religious zeal can take two forms: One marked by an air of superiority, self-righteous judgment, and control. But true religion, demonstrated by real believers, will exhibit humbleness and concern for those who are on a dark road that ends in eternal disaster. Love and servitude will dominate the character.

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…

James 1:27

Over the next several blogs, we will explore the difference between being religious and being real. But mostly, we will explore the fact that knowing God is not only possible, it is also critical.

This study of knowing God is not directed towards the atheist nor the agnostic, it is what God reveals to those who claim to follow Him. The question is: “Who are the religionists, and who is real?” I won’t use the philosophy of my words, but the words of the many people who knew God and had experience with Him as recorded in the books of the Bible.

I am not out to prove anything about the existence of God. There is plenty of proof for that despite the hard-headed unbelievers’ claims. Rather, it is God’s words spoken directly or indirectly through those who were inspired by His Spirit that will direct our paths. For those who seek God, whether a church-attender or not, a journey to know God will result in something an atheist stubbornly resists: real peace, real happiness, real hope, and real eternal life

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 1 John 15:13

Daniel and Revelation, Prophecies for Our Time, The Soon Return of Jesus

The 144,000 and The Vast Multitude-Who is Able to Stand?

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The most important question in Revelation 6 and 7 is not the identification of the 144,000 and the Vast Multitudes. Instead, it is John’s heartfelt, but worried, inquiry:

“…who is able to stand?”

Revelation 6:17b

Why would he ask this question? For context, let’s look at John’s vision in the last few verses of Chapter 6.

 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 

Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,  and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Revelation 6: 12-17

The events preceding John’s question are graphic! There is nothing to suggest the scenes are symbolic or related to anything other than the second coming of Jesus. God reveals to us, through John’s vision, the effects of the dramatic cosmic phenomenons on the earth and the lost who are alive at the second coming of Jesus:

  • The sky rolls back like a scroll as it prepares for the entrance of Jesus and His entourage. It is a glorious scene! The sky is filled with the glory of Jesus, the Father, and all the holy angels:


For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels,…

Matthew 16:27

  • Every mountain and island is moved out of its place. A universal upheaval of the mountains, islands, and seas. The Old Testament prophet Amos, like John, describes the earth as trembling; swelling, heaving, and the people mourning:

Shall the land not tremble for this,
And everyone mourn who dwells in it?
All of it shall swell like the River,
Heave and subside
Like the River of Egypt.

Amos 8: 8

  • This scene frightens men (mankind) who think they are powerful and rich…the so-called leaders of this world. They are contrasted with the powerful King of the Universe, who is making His way back to earth many of its inhabitants are shaking and mourning because the reality of their demise has arrived.
  • All the lost of this world run to dark places (caves) and ask the rocks to fall on them so they won’t see the face of the Lamb. They recognize that the day of His wrath has come. The redeemed have a different response:

“Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

Isaiah 25:9

  • The lost ask the question: “Who is able to stand?” or, put another way, “who is able to survive the appearance and wrath of the Lamb?

Revelation Chapter 7 answers the question, “Who is able to stand?”

Author

Malachi asked a similar question:

“But who can endure the day of His coming?

And who can stand when He appears?

Malachi 3:2

Many today are confused about the second coming of Jesus, but the Bible has a multitude of verses clearly describing Jesus’ appearance. It is a destructive event that every eye can see (Rev. 1:7) No one will be wondering if He is coming or has come. It is not kept a secret. His coming is like the glowing light of lightning spreading across a dark prairie shining from the east to the west.

 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 

Matthew 24:27

The lighting is not about its quickness but rather the light that all can see.

The first time Jesus came to this earth, he came quietly wrapped in swaddling clothes as a babe in a manger. But the second time, he comes like a Lion, as a conquering King. God’s prophets and Apostles describe the events as cataclysmic in nature. Here are a few from both Old and New Testament prophets:

They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty When He arises to shake the earth mightily. 

Isaiah 2:19

And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the Lord of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger.

Isaiah 13:13

The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

Joel 2: 30-31

Our God shall come and shall not keep silent; A fire shall devour before Him, And it shall be very tempestuous (violent storm) all around Him.

Psalm 50:3

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (unexpected), 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

“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

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The Answer:

Immediately after John asks the question, “Who is able to stand?” we are shown a cosmic scene of 4 angels, on the 4 corners (North, East, South, and West), holding back 4 winds:

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. Then 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 granted to harm the earth and the sea, Revelation 7: 1-2

These 4 angels have the power to harm the earth and the sea or let them be harmed. So they are holding back the winds of strife until given the order to do so. But a 5th angel cries out with a loud voice.

“Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”

Revelation 7: 3

This “loud voice” in Revelation is like Paul’s description of Jesus’ return Paul records a shout and the voice of the Archangel (1 Thess 4: 16)

 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.

1 Thess. 4:16

This 5th angel appears to be Jesus. The One in charge. But this is another study for a different time.

The Seal of God

Thee harm, or destruction towards the earth, is held back so the 5th angel, who has the “seal of the living God.” can do the work of “sealing” the servants of God in their foreheads. The forehead (or frontal lob) is the seat of human thoughts, logic, and feelings. So this is a very real work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, although symbolically presented. The purpose of sealing is to both protect and secure the person receiving this work of God the Spirit.

The prophet Ezekiel uses the same language and work when he talked about the people of Jerusalem being marked or protected before the destruction of Jerusalem:

“…and the Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it

” Ezekiel 9:4

It is interesting and revealing that the ones who had the “mark” on their foreheads (symbolic mark, not literal) were those who had sad feelings about the abominations done within its walls. They had a soft and humbled heart about the troubles and sins of the people. In the last days, those whose hearts hurt over the sin of this world will likely be candidates for the sealing taking place before the Lord comes. Jesus has recreated in them a new heart of flesh and, like Jesus, they seek the lost sheep to bring salvation.

Paul often talked about the Spirit that does the work of sealing, even today. Here are a few examples:

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1: 13-14

Notice the prerequisites for being sealed with the Holy Spirit:

  • Hearing the word of truth. The gospel of salvation (Faith or trust comes by the hearing of the word. See Romans 10:17.)
  • Believing is closely related to faith but is based on substance and evidence. It is not blindly believing; It has reasons to believe. This person uses the forehead to believe God-given logic and education in the word. (Hebrews 11:1).
  • Trust (aka faith) is a result of hearing the word and exercising trust in Christ. Without this faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 1: 21-22

Through the work of God, we are established in Christ, sealed by the Spirit given to us. Be careful that you “assume” you cannot be unsealed. It can happen by grieving away the Holy Spirit:

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4: 30

At the same time, you can be assured that the evidence of the Spirit in you is sealed by a heart that has been changed.

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Romans 8: 16

This mark on the forehead speaks of ownership, as does a seal. A seal on the document often identified the owner and protected the scroll’s contents. Hot wax was dripped on the outside of the document, and a signet ring or stamp was impressed into the wax.

It is a great thing to acknowledge God as your owner. This is beautifully stated by the prophet Isaiah:

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

Isaiah 43:1

In summary, the second coming of Christ is destructive for the lost, but those who look and wait for Him have a different response of joy and praise. Those who are sealed in their foreheads are protected from the wrath of the Lamb when Jesus returns with the glory of His Father and all the Holy Angels.

You can be sealed now IF you trust God and it is demonstrated and confirmed by His Spirit in you.

But what does all this have to do with the 144,000 and the Vast Multitude? Is the 144,000 a literal number and are only 12,000 from the 12 tribes sealed and saved? If not, what is the symbolism saying to us? This we will explore next time.

Inspiration

A Little Child Shall Lead Them…

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“Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days.”

Ecclesiastes 11:1

I am telling this story from memory, as told by a young pastor.  I am sorry that I don’t know the exact names and places. It should not distract from the beauty of the message God has for those reading this. 

It is a true story.  It had a great impact on me as an aging pastor.  It demonstrates how God works mysteriously in people’s lives to accomplish His purpose. 

Often, as shown in the book of Job, we don’t see the way God works and the mystery of the spiritual battles hidden from our eyes.  If we trust God completely, we are not discouraged when we can’t see the fruit of our labors or when our prayers seem to be ignored completely.  This is where faith comes into play, knowing that “our ways are not His ways, nor our thoughts His thoughts.”

This story is about the loss of someone’s faith (trust in God) because it seemed God was working against him to bring the gospel to a village in Africa.  

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A young husband and wife felt God’s calling to go to Africa.  It was an irresistible urge from The Lord to sell all they possessed and go to a small village on this large dark continent to tell the people the story of Jesus. 

After a long journey of planes, trains, and finally a jeep, they set up camp outside a particular village.  Once they settled in, they approached the chief of the village to tell him about Jesus, who cut them off and refused to hear them.  Not only would the chief not listen to their story about Jesus, but he also told the village to ignore these strange pale people and their god.

The husband and wife had little supplies, clothes, and the conveniences they enjoyed in the United States.  They began to pray for God’s guidance.  The chief was kind-hearted enough to supply them with some of their needs, such as water and food.  He sent a young boy regularly to bring them things so they could survive in the dense jungle.  The boy was not to speak to the couple.

But the wife would tell the story of Jesus to the young boy each time he arrived at their campsite.  He said nothing and returned to the village.

After many weeks, the wife became pregnant.  The husband suggested they return to the U.S., but as they prayed, they felt they needed to stay.  Sadly, the wife died giving birth to a little girl.  The husband was heartbroken and so discouraged.  He decided to put the young female up for adoption and move back to America.

Feeling abandoned by God, he left the work unfinished, As he thought about his failures, He soon lost his faith in God and began to drink.

The child he left behind became a young lady and wanted to find her birth father and mother.  She heard the father had moved to America.  After much research, she located his address at prepared to see him.  When she arrived at his apartment, she was surprised to walk into a filthy apartment.  Her dad lay drunk on his bed as she began to introduce herself and tell her story.  The father quickly sat up and heard the sobering words of the daughter he had long forgotten.

The young boy that heard the story of Jesus from his wife began to tell it to the village.  Soon the entire village was converted to Jesus.  Even the chief was converted, and the story of Jesus began to spread to the other villages!  The young abandoned daughter helped in the ministry there in Africa started by this young husband and wife who responded to the calling of God. These words became true for them and will be true for us:

“Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days.”

Ecclesiastes 11:1

As I heard this story, I felt the conviction always to trust God regardless of the circumstances.  How often do we let our faith in Christ be affected by circumstances we didn’t anticipate?  I was discouraged when I planned a series of meetings expecting hundreds of people, but only a few came and sat in a large room filled with empty chairs.

Have you prayed for someone to be healed from a deadly sickness, and then that person died?  Are you discouraged when you give your life to God and things start to go wrong?  I once met a man whose mother died at age 92.  He was so discouraged that God let her die that he left the church and his faith in Jesus.

Are you discouraged and ready to give up on God when you have spent thousands of dollars to repair your car or home…when you’ve lost your job?  A few days ago, the motor in our 200-foot-deep well went out.  We tried to pull out the pipes and make repairs.  But we made mistake after mistake.  It will likely cost us thousands of dollars to get running water again.  But, praise God, He knows our trials and tribulations.  He has a hundred ways and purposes where we can see none.

Many people treat God like the ideal of Santa Clause. Ask, then get precisely what you requested.   We expect God to provide just as we want it…with ease, convenience, and no challenges.  But wouldn’t we be a bunch of spoiled brats if we got everything we wanted and when we wanted it?  I am reminded of Paul’s words:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1: 2-3

Job was known for his patience but also for surviving the testing of his faith.  He was so determined to trust God that he said these words:

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

Job 13:15

Knowing all this, I have begun to pray a prayer of preparation and trust.  It goes something like this. 

“Lord, I praise you for the good life I enjoy now. But when the bad times come, and they are sure to do so, let me trust in you and glorify your name in my spirit regardless of the circumstances.”

This story of the young husband and wife started on a narrow path that seemed to lead to a dead end.  But according to God’s own ways, it ended happily in the growth of God’s kingdom in Africa and the restoration of a man’s faith in his Creator.

How is your trust in God today?  Does it move like reeds in the wind when things don’t go the way you want them?  When things go badly, is your spirit downcast, and do you become irritable and unbelieving?   

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thess 5: 16-18

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Trust Him today…regardless…

Church

5 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CHURCH

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1.) Church is only a New Testament Institution

 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, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2: 19-22

For context, Paul is talking to Gentiles (v.11).

 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh.

Ephesians 2:11

Paul tells them that they (Gentiles) were once “strangers” and “foreigners.” The Unchosen, as I call them. But a change has occurred. They are now “members of the household of God.” How did that happen?

This “household” was built on the foundation of two groups of God-inspired people: “apostles and prophets.: The 12 New Testament apostles and the many Old Testament prophets are co-contributors to the foundation household of God.

Jesus is the chief cornerstone. He is what anchors and fits the building together. Paul continues…the building grows into a holy temple and states “you” (Gentiles) become a “dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Paul points out that this temple of people “fitted together” and becomes a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Paul told the Gentile believers (See verse 2:11) something that caused great joy. They were now “members of the household of God.” This is a complete turnaround for them! Because, at one time, they were “aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel and strangers.” What made this change from strangers to members? It was Jesus! The great unifier! They believed Him! Sadly, a good part of the people of promise did not!

 But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesian 2: 13

In Old Testament times, the Jews separated themselves from the Gentiles. But Jesus did something very radical. He broke down the wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles.

For He, Himself is our peace, who has made both one and has broken down the middle wall of separation.

Ephesians 2:14

Many have speculated about the identity of this “middle wall of separation.” Some say it was the Mosiac law. These laws made Israel unique., but that was a good thing. Why? Because God gave them to Moses to instruct His people in the ways of salvation and the coming character and purpose of the Messiah.

They were to obey them for their own good, but not to be saved. It was to lead them to the source of Salvation…the “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. ” But, they made their way of life a wall to keep out the undesirables i.e. the Gentiles or anyone that was not of Israel.

Paul calls the laws regarding sacrifice and ceremonies a “Schoolmaster” that taught them about the coming Messiah and His method of Salvation (Sacrifice). As the children of Israel participated in the ceremonies, they learned about God, the Messiah’s nature, and His great solution to the sin problem (i.e. sacrifice of God and justification through faith).

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

Galatians 3: 24

It is faith in Christ, the Messiah, that unites both the believers of the Old Testament and those of the New Testament. This brings them into the “household of God.”

“…since there is one God who will justify the circumcised (Jew) by faith and the uncircumcised (Gentile) through faith.

Romans 3:30

Without this faith, it is impossible to please God (See Hebrews 11:6). God was teaching, by the people of God in the Old Testament and the New Testament, the great lessons on faith (or trust in Him as their God.). Many of the Old Testament Characters who lived by faith are listed in Hebrews 11.

The point is this: Jesus’ church (believers) now has no walls or boundaries that separate Jews and Gentiles. We are all one in Christ.


There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

Therefore, the church is the fellowship of believers from the Garden of Eden to the last church before Jesus comes. Metaphorically speaking, the believers are the building. The building is not brick and mortar or a denominational name. His temple is made of redeemed flesh and spirit. This is where God wants to dwell…in our hearts and minds. Therefore, our bodies and minds is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

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?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body AND in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Corinthians 6: 19-20

God has always had His people. Although the word “church” is not used in the Old Testament, it is used 177 times In the New Testament. The Greek word is ekklēsia. The primary translation, according to Strong’s Greek Concordance, is “a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly. It can also mean the assembly of the Israelites.

In Old Testament times, the church is referred to as an assembly of the congregation. The Hebrew word for this group is qāhēl and is used 123 times.

So the terms church and assembly are universal in nature. It is a simple term for the coming together of God’s people, but the building (people) is what Jesus loved, similar to a husband in love with His wife. He lived and died because of this great love for His people, whether in ages past or modern times.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.“

Jesus gave Himself for the church (assembly) of those who accepted the sacrifice of Jesus by faith, regardless of the time period they lived. The sacrificial system taught sacrifice and faith. It pointed forward to Jesus. It was the shadow of “things to come.”

“… the shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 

Colossians 2:17

2.) Jesus built the church on Peter

“…having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,”

Ephesians 2:20

As mentioned at the start, the “building” of believers was built on the “apostles and prophets.” and they are unified or stabilized by Christ the cornerstone. The prophets mentioned here are a direct reference to the many prophets of the Old Testament.

So, it is not Peter alone who participates in the building; it is all the other eleven apostles as well. Included in these numbers are Old Testament believers such as Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, David, and many others. Each had a particular purpose in building a body of faithful believers.

Nevertheless, Peter’s confession or statement of faith is the bedrock of Christ’s church.

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

Matthew 16:16

Here is the starting point for all believers, both Old and New Testament people. To be people of faith, the believer must acknowledge and trust that Jesus is the promised Messiah, but also the Son of God, to be true members of the household of God i.e. the church.

Jesus reminded Peter that he was a stone even though his God-inspired statement was a rock; it is the foundation for all believers who make up the church.

Jesus stated He would build “His church” on Peter’s inspired confession. It is the transition from the shadows of the Old Testament….the faith of the loyal who looked forward to the day the Apostles were living the reality of their experience of “God with Us.”

Jesus gave Peter (petros) his name, which means a pebble or stone:

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

John 1:42

Compared to the mighty power of the bedrock belief in Jesus as both the Messiah and His deity, Peter is just a stone. While Simon Peter is referred to as a stone, Jesus is often called the Rock (Petra). Peter had nothing to do with the work of Jesus in Old Testament times, but Jesus did! Here are just a few examples:

“…all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. “

1 Corinthians 10:4

“No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.

1 Samuel 2:2

“The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation!

1 Samuel 22:47

For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?

Psalm 18:31

The only head of the church is Christ. No man, no prophet, no pope , no man or womand can claim that title:
He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
And He put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1: 20-23

There is no other name (including Peter, John, Paul, Pope Francis, etc.) that is responsible for our salvation.


Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12

Jesus is to be given “preeminence” (first place) above all others:

And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 

Colossians 1:18

 Preeminence in Greek is Prōteuō.  It means to be first or hold first place.  He is in first place before Peter, Paul, Mary, John, and any other.  Is there any doubt as to who is the head of the church?  Who should be first in our lives, and where we go to seek answers?

I like Paul, but Jesus is better.  I like John, Isaiah, and Moses, but Jesus is better.  He is number 1!  He must have preeminence in our lives. He is number 1 ahead of our pastor or priest. No one is entitled to come between us.

A pastor priest is no longer needed in the process of salvation. God has made a way for us to go directly to the throne of grace for confession, forgiveness, and help:

Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Only Jesus can forgive sins. He doesn’t assign silly things to do or recite to be forgiven. If sin is confessed to God, He freely forgives and provides what no earthly priest can give…power over the sin.

Only Jesus can forgive sins. He doesn’t assign silly things to do or recite in order to be forgiven. If sin is confessed to God, He freely forgives and provides what no earthly priest can give…power over the sin.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing. 

John 15:5

3.) God commands us to go to church

Going to church is sometimes used as a test of whether a person is in Christ or not. When asked if Jesus is Lord and Savior, the response might be, “Yes, I go to church.”

Someone once said, “Going to church doesn’t make me a Christian any more than going to a garage makes me a mechanic.”

Can it be shown from the Bible any commandment to “go to church?” How about the 4th commandment?

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.  For in six days, the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Exodus 20: 8-11

Many people say that the 4th commandment is obeyed by going to church. But the commandment says nothing about remembering to go to church. The direction from God is to “Remember.” It gives the believer the right to rest by ceasing from the labor of the previous six days and by keeping it holy. Why? Because God blessed the Sabbath (Seventh-Day) and made it holy. Keeping it holy is confusing to many believers because the experience of being holy or sanctified is foreign in a materialistic secular world. This is a study for another time.

Most of Christendom does not remember the seventh day to cease labor and keep it holy because it is not convenient. It is often rationalized away as being for Jews only or changed by Jesus (both unbiblical).

God is not just giving another rule to follow or showing that He is God. He is giving His creation the gift of rest from their labors, both physical and spiritual.

Obviously, missing from the commandment is the idea of going to church. Going to church on the Sabbath is not prohibited. It is no doubt part of keeping the day holy. But neither is attending church on any other day of the week prohibited. Either way, the blessing of the seventh day still stands as a day that God blessed and made holy.

We can not make anything holy, but God can. Any other day of the week is not blessed and made holy as with the seventh day.

Jesus said,

The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Mark 2:27

From Jesus’ words, we understand that God made the Sabbath for you and me (mankind), but, too often, restrictions were made by the religious leaders so that people felt like they were serving the Sabbath. The only things God asked us to do is to remember that He blessed the day and made it holy and to cease our labors. If you do, you now have time to be with God, whether in worship, with family, or hiking along a trail. The Sabbath is to be a delight:

if you call the Sabbath a delight
    and the Lord’s holy day honorable,…then you will find your joy in the Lord, Isaiah 58 13b-14a

Unfortunately, the religious leaders in Christ’s time put a burden of a multitude of rules and regulations on the Sabbath and turned it into a day of restrictions rather than allowing people to find their joy in the Lord. In many ways, these restrictions continue today. On a Jewish website, I found a few of these restrictions customized to modern times:

  • No writing, erasing, or tearing;
  • No business transactions:
  • No driving or riding in cars or other vehicles;
  • No shopping;
  • No using the telephone:
  • No turning on or off anything which uses electricity, including lights, radios, television, computer, air-conditioners, and alarm clocks;
  • No cooking, baking, or kindling a fire;
  • No gardening and grass-mowing.
  • Reference: The Thirty-Nine Categories of Sabbath Work Prohibited By Law (ou.org)

Fortunately, God did not give lists of “no-nos”. He gave guidance using the words: “Remember,” “holy,” and “joy“. The only restriction was to cease our labor. Of course, religionists felt a need to help God out by making lists related to what labor or work meant. It seems that “not working” is the emphasis of the commandment rather than a day of joy in the Lord with family, friends, and fellow believers.

The only encouragement I can find in scripture about assembling together is here:

“ …not forsaking the assembling (episynagōgē) of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:25

This passage in words or context does not specify the day of assembling (church-going). At every opportunity, we should gather with other Christians, especially as we see the signs of Christ’s return.

After Christ ascended and the Day of Pentecost had come, Jesus’ followers did not limit coming together to just one day. It was daily! And they met in each other’s houses! Small groups! They were so excited about Jesus!

“…continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, Acts 2:46

Oh, that Christ meant that much to us today, and we greatly anticipated His return!

4.) Going to church will save me

The assembling of God’s people in a building of brick and mortar is for at least seven good reasons that I can think of: In no particular order, it is to…

1.) Worship the Creator;

2.) Encourage others;

3.) Encourage self;

4.) Learn about God;

5.) Serve others in the congregation (particularly those in need)

6.) Disciple the lost;

7.) Serve the community

Not one of these seven reasons saves a person as good as the reasons may be. Salvation is through Christ alone.

Going to Jesus saves you. Going to church should encourage you, but it won’t save you. It doesn’t help gain any favor with God. Faith or trust in God please Him.

Going to Jesus saves a person, not going to church. But, participating in these activities builds up strength in the Lord and thereby helps keep them from the sinful pull of the world. Involvement in the church, with good leaders, will build up (edify) the body of Christ and encourage each individual to go and make disciples of the lost. The church, or assembly of believers, has one main purpose: To equip the saints and take the gospel to the world.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying (building up) of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Ephesian 4: 11-13

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16: 15

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, Matthew 28:19

5.) My church is the only true church

There is a true church.  It is the body of Christ.  The church is not a building, not a name above the doors or on the sign out front.  It is a body of believers wherever they may be.  His church transcends time and space.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Of the 2.5 billion Christians in the world today, there are over 34,000 denominations to choose from Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Church of Christ, Baptist, and Non-denominational, plus many others. 

But Jesus says there is only one body, one Spirit, one faith, and one baptism.

Jesus prayed for unity among us.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17: 20-21

Was this prayer answered? It would appear that God the Father ignored this prayer. But, I propose to you it was answered. The great Unifier, Jesus, brings us all into one body identified in a particular way.

If a person is in this one body, they are “in Christ.” The phrase “in Christ” appears some 85 times in the New Testament. Here are just a few:

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 3: 26-27

A summary of these few verses states clearly, “in Christ” we :

  • Have eternal life “in Christ.”
  • There is no condemnation “in Christ.”
  • The old past is passed away, and all things are now new…
  • You are sons of God “in Christ.” We have “put on Christ” if we are baptized “into Christ.”

So the true church is not one of the massive numbers of denominations. It is the Cornerstone, the Unifier, and Stabilizer of Christ alone.

My wife and I have enjoyed this truth. It gives us the joy to seek out our brothers and sisters who are “in Christ” at the different churches or denominations. It is by our love towards each other (not fear, suspicion, or judgment) that demonstrates to the world we are part of the body of Christ and are His disciples:

By this, all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

Let us be careful not to make snap judgments about a person’s relationship with Christ based on the name of their church.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

Romans 12:10

“There will be people in heaven whose theology may not be totally correct, but they have the right spirit of Jesus, but there will not be a person there who has right theology, but the wrong spirit.”

Pastor Ignacio Silverio

A Quick Summary:

1.)  The church (God’s People) has been the “apple of His eye” since the beginning of time. His love for the church transcends time and space.

2.)  Jesus built His church (His people) on the truth that He is the Christ and the Son of God.  The church is not built on anyone else.  He is in First Place above all other names.

3.)  Just going to church does not save us…Only Jesus. The church’s purpose is to edify its members and prepare them for ministry to the community and seek out the lost.

4.)  Jesus doesn’t command us to go to church. The 4th Commandment invites us to have a date with Jesus, whether in church or not.   He invites us to rest in Him.  The Sabbath is to be called a delight. Not a day of dos or don’ts to gain favor with God. We go to church because Jesus saved us or we are looking for him, but the act of attendance does not save us.

5.)  You are the true church only if you are “in Christ“.  A set of beliefs, traditions, lineage, and theology does not make a true Church.  His people are those “in Him” regardless of where they have their membership. Love for each fellow Christian proves that we are truly His disciples—no love…no discipleship.

Church

THE CHURCH AT SARDIS-A Good Reputation, But Dead

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And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

Revelation 3:1-6

Message Structure To All Churches:

Each message to the church has these seven components:

1.) Greeting – God’s knowledge of the church and their works

2.) Description of Jesus – Identification of Jesus in terms relevant to  the condition of this Church

3.) Condition – Condition of the Church.

4.) Problem – What is good and what is not.

5.) Counsel – The solution and consequences of rejection

6.) Conditional Promise – If the counsel is followed

7.) Closing – Universal Council to all readers. Listen to what the Spirit says to the seven churches!

Greeting and Problems

The greetings are always short. God goes straight to the heart of their problem. This would indicate that God is eager to help His church. Only He and His instructions will ensure the shortfalls of the people will be corrected. So if we are listening to what the Spirit says to the churches, we will find the solutions to the problems of our local congregations.

The description of the Sardis church revolves around their reputation as being alive. But they are actually dead spiritually. They have many “works” or what we would call community outreach programs, but it lacks Jesus and the gifts of the Spirit. This fact will always cause a church to die spiritually. Just as faith without works is dead, works without Jesus and the Spirit are ineffective and dead despite a great reputation. Their reputation might be real in the community, or it might be self-deception by this body of believers.

Sadly, many of today’s churches might fit into this category where their concern is more about a good reputation and good works, But the power of God’s spirit to bring souls to a knowledge of Christ is cutoff or dead in this church. Never forget that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He can resurrect a dead church.

Jesus’ Description and His Resources

Jesus’ description of Himself is relevant to this dead church.

Jesus is described as having “seven Spirits of God and the seven stars.”. A casual reading of this snippet might lead one to think this is a new doctrine of seven Holy Spirits. But, when read in the context of others things written in Scripture about the Holy Spirit, it is most likely a description of the complete works of the Spirit even though there are multiple gifts of the Spirit. Jesus “has” access to these gifts, which are given to those who ask for it (Luke 11:13 b). Paul helps clarify this point when he wrote to the once renegade Corinthian church.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1 Corinthians 12: 4-7

Council to the Church

Be watchful– Watchful of what? That would be my first question if I am a member of the Sardis church. God often tells his people to watch and pray. These two usually go together. Jesus told his disciples,

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 26:41

In the case of Sardis, they are weak, as indicated in the next council. Therefore we, like the people of Sardis, must be on our guard and observant of the things around us so that we aren’t tempted away from the side of the Lord.

Strengthen the things that remain. What remains can be found by remembering when they were once strong. There was a spark of life in them because they had, at one time, been living a life of watchfulness and victory over sin.

Remember how you received How did they receive the Lord? It was by faith or trust in God. As time goes by in our spiritual life, we can start up habits, create forgetfulness, and lose sight of the Lord. They had drifted from God and were weak. What remained was only a spark of life. They were on life-support! Their eyes needed to be on Jesus, who started their journey.

“looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith,

Hebrews 12:2

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:21

When we realize we are weak, God asks us to remember how strong God made us when we first began our lives in Him. Remember how God we merciful towards you even though your sins were like smelly sewage. He tells us to hang on and “keep in the love of God.”

Hold Fast– To hold fast takes determination and strength that only God can give you. Many followers of Christ do not realize an enemy is seeking to take away their crown. Even to the Philadelphia church, which received no negative assessments like the other churches, God told them to hang on so that no one would take their crown.

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

Revelation 3:11

The enemy has many arrows in his quiver, many tricks, and programs to tempt the believer away. When a person asks Jesus into their life, they enter a spiritual war. It requires “suiting up” for the battle each day. An honest Christian will know what “weights” and “sins” prevent them from putting on the whole armor of God to ensure victory in the fight with self and the enemy.

“let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ” Hebrews 12:1

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

Ephesians 6:11

Repent – It is interesting that repentance is one of the last councils. But it is in the correct order of things. When a person becomes aware of God counseling them, conviction comes upon them, and they are faced with admitting their need for Christ. They repent and turn from their deadly path. Likewise, If this church doesn’t repent, they will not follow the council Jesus gives this church.

Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.”

Steps to Christ-White

When Peter preached his powerful sermon in the second chapter of Acts, the people were under great conviction and asked,

“What shall we do?”

The very first words of Peter were, “

Repent.” Acts 2: 37-38

Consequences for Rejecting the Council

If the people of Sardis refuse to watch, the remainder of the council cannot be met. They can’t take their condition casually. They are in trouble even though they can point to their great reputation.

Consequently, Jesus sadly says,

I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

This doesn’t sound good. This verbiage is similar to another passage of scripture with the same warning:

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

For those not “watching” for the enemy’s temptations or not “watching” for the return of Christ, the event will come as a surprise. Connected with His coming as a thief is destruction. But those who know the Lord, have repented, and are watching for His return are not overtaken as a thief:

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.”

1 Thess 5:4

Good works alone are of no value unless they result from God working through the born-again believer who knows Jesus personally. This is explained by another group of people, like Sardis, who point to their reputation in the community for doing works of religion, even in the name of Christ, but their results are useless:

Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Mathew 7:22

Conditional Promise

Many of God’s promises have a condition. Here is just one example:

Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

What is the condition? “Delight yourself in the Lord.” Will a person get their heart’s desires if they take no delight in the Lord? No! Will being good, moral, and religious give the desires of your heart? No! It is when you know God enough to take delight in Him!

Sadly, when converted, many people become religious instead of a disciple of Christ. Life in Him by faith is foreign. Consequently, the benefits of being in Christ are not realized. No peace. No Joy, No victory over sins.

This church has a condition to meet if they want the promise, as do we, if met, the promise is sweet!

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Overcoming is a vital part of the Christian experience. But never think that you can do it in your own strength. If we overcome alcohol, drug abuse, infidelity, sexual sins, depression, unbelief, or any other sin that so does so easily beset us, it will be through our connection with Jesus. Otherwise, we can do nothing!

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

The righteous sap of Christ, the vine, feeds the branches and will produce fruit. This means you must be grafted “in Christ.” Being “in Him” was Christ’s prayer for you and me. Will you allow his prayer to be answered in your life?

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us,

Jesus (John 17: 20-21)

Despite all this warning and council, there were

“a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.“ (Verse 4)

Even in the dead church of Sardis, a few who, like Philadelphia, have no warning given them, only praise from a Holy God. They have the white robes of Christ’s righteousness, and they walk with Him! God always has His people, even in the worst of churches. So this message is not for them except as it relates to giving CPR to a lifeless body. Hopefully, this church will be revived and listen to what the Lord says. That brings us to the last council. It is for you and me in 2022:

Closing Council

 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Verse 23

Did you hear what Jesus said to this church? Does it apply to you and me? The council and life support are for us today. We can be resurrected from the dead.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

Ephesians 2:1

If you hear and react to Christ…welcome to life in Jesus! Don’t leave Sardis; help them!

"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28