Reverential Fear

Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name:  Jeremiah 31:35

In the verse above and Exodus 15:11, we are reminded of the awesome power and authority of God.  When we understand this, we develop what is known as "awe" of God.  Awe is a reverential fear.  This is not fear that sends us running for a secure place to hide (as if that existed with God).  This is the type of fear that recognizes the power and majesty of the All Might; the type of fear that produces respect for the greatest power in the universe that loves us beyond any human understanding.  We see and understand the power of our Creator.  This can be related to the awe we had of our parents when we were young.  We recognized that they had the power to reject, reward, discipline, deny, give and create the atmosphere of our lives.

Once we reach this state of "awe", we want to worship and praise in gratitude -  just as we felt about our parents.  When young, they controlled our entire world and we stood in awe of the way they went about the business of work and providing everything.  In Psalm 68:35, we are told of the power of God that He can give to us.  In Isaiah 66:2, we are told of who He favors among His people. 

Our parents were proud of us and bragged on us when we were respectful.  We were rewarded when we obeyed them and did as we were instructed.  I recognized that my mother had all authority and she demanded respect.  We feared what she could do if she did not get that respect (awe) through our disobedience.   At the same time, we were certain of her love because of the way she commanded right living.  I loved my mother, obeyed her and she returned this with love.  I respected her for her power over me and she loved me for it.

God bestows good things, blessings, on those who who trust Him.  Psalm 31:19.  In Luke 1:50, we are told that proper fear of God grants us mercy from Him.  We learn in Psalm 103:11 that God loves those who love Him.  Love comes from respect, a type of awe.  Isaiah 33:6 tells us that through fear/awe of the Lord, we will be given salvation, wisdom and knowledge as treasure.

The Lord listens to and hears those who fear Him.  Malachi 3:16-17   Proverbs 14:27 tells us we can receive health and long life  through fear of the Lord.  Proverbs 19:23 goes further to add that our life will be content and untouched by trouble when we fear Him.  Finally, we see in Proverbs 22:4 that even riches and honor are added to our life for fearing the Lord.

How do we stand in awe and fear the Lord?   We accept His unconditional love and grace imparted to us as a free gift through the sacrifice of His son on the cross.

We do not have to earn this love from God; His grace is a free gift.  Our sins were forgiven on the cross.  Hebrews 10:12 Amen

Grace Over Law

The child grew and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned.  Gen 21:8

 In the verse above we see Isaac weaned off of milk so he could consume solid food.  Hebrew children were weaned at three to five years of age and their religious training began at that time.   In a spiritual way, babes in Christ grow to taking solid food; the word of God.  We grow from taking God's word in literal form to reading with understanding as we grow.  We learned the 10 Commandments as children.  As we mature and grow in the understanding of Jesus, His sacrifice and the grace we have through Him, we are said to be eating the "bread of life" - Jesus.  We realize we no longer need the milk (God's perfect law) because we cannot grow healthy on just milk.  We now have bread (the grace of Jesus).  Through understanding grace over law, we can mature in Jesus.  We, as Christians, can grow in understanding and reflect the light of Jesus in this world.

Just a few years ago, I did not understand the bread of Communion for healing.  I saw speaking in tongues done in the wrong way and did not accept it.  There was a time that I did not believe in anointing for healing.  I thought the 10 Commandments were our absolute law for living; that we could loose our salvation if we did not keep them.  I was self righteous; I was judgemental..  I did not have joy.  I thought the rapture was folklore.  I recently realized that I did not grasp the concept of the trinity.  Over the past couple, or three, years I have been shown the grace of God and my understanding of all these things has come to light through scripture.  I can now read with greater understanding.  I was the babe on milk until I was taught the grace of God and found the bread of life; Jesus.

And you shall love the Lord your God out of with your whole heart, and with all your soul and out of with your mind - with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding - and out, of with, all your strength.  Mk 12:30 & 31
My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.  II Cor 12:9

Redemption Covenant

This plan of redemption, this great mystery is the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus that covers us with the blood of the perfect sacrifice to be seen as pure in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.  We have been redeemed from all our past, present and future wrong doings.   Bible says, "Once and for all."

Here's how it works:  

We do our best to live according to Jesus example and don't worry about anything else.  We are pure in the sight of God.  We do not have to work for our salvation; God gave it to us through Jesus.  When God the  Father, looks at us He only sees righteous beings.  He cannot see past Jesus pure blood of His son that covers us.

The blood sacrifice was installed when God killed animals to clothe Adam & Eve after they sinned.  Then, God was angry with Cain because he gave an offering of vegetables from the ground that God had cursed.  Abel followed what he was taught and gave a blood offering.  Nothing is cleansed without blood.  We don't need animals because we are redeemed to God by Jesus blood.

We don't have to stop and repent of every wrong thought throughout our day.  Recognize you did did it and know you have been forgiven - 2,000 years ago.  It is done for us for all time.  Jesus cannot crawl back up on the cross to be another sacrifice every time someone sins.   The plan is magnificent in it's simplicity! ! !  What a clever God we have.  What a loving Jesus.

We are the righteousness of God through what Jesus has sacrificed.  God is righteous because of His loving grace to us.  We are righteous in His sight.

As God's perfect law, the 10 Commands make a great guide line.  Just don't expect to keep them or judge yourself when you fail.  You do not have to follow the letter of the law for your salvation.   You cannot get into  heaven on your own efforts.  YOU NEED THE BLOOD OF JESUS.  He already shed it.  You are going.  You have your ticket.  Stop trying to make your salvation all about you.  It's all about Jesus.  Only He is perfect enough to atone for us.  

Believe.  Faith.  Love God above all else and love your neighbor as much as yourself.      -      Easy- peasy!

God made it easy for us because man failed time after time.  God knew we could not save ourselves.  Accept it.  Be free.  Claim Jesus.  The great "I Am".
Amen

Thanksgiving

This year, my husband and I decide (actually I decided) we would stay home for our meal.  My husband's huge family is hours away and since his parents are both gone, his siblings have their own children and grandchildren to feast with.  My remaining family is hundreds  of miles away.  I always miss my grandmothers' recipes and wanted some leftovers on my favorite holiday of the year.

For the past ten years Steven and I have attended the community buffet meal provided by a large church in our small rural town.  It is always nice to see town folk that you know and don't know.  We sit at a large table with friends and neighbors who didn't cook for one reason or another.  Some are elderly and not well, some bring their family, some live alone and various other reasons that make a community meal so inviting.  Desserts, turkey and salads are always donated by the community and a jar is available for donations to help pay for the side dishes.  Volunteers from church and community start early to prep everything in the large kitchen and make deliveries to shut ins.  Sometime after the first or second shift, Santa shows up with small gifts donated by fire and police personnel.  It is an amazing community effort.

When I got up this morning, my thoughts went to friends and how they would be spending the day.  

I have one friend that has already had one holiday meal.  She is part of a family and extended family that can never decided when and who will host the meal.  Parents want one, in-laws want one and children want a meal with their parents and kids.   I envy her all the food but not all the fussing and hurt feelings that hang over this holiday.  All in all, my friend makes a great effort to appease everyone and look for the bright side.

Another friend will host a meal at her dining room table with family and be exhausted for days.  She prays all the grandchildren make it  home and anxiously accommodates  great grandchildren.   She loves her family.  Her house is decorated for Christmas and there is a parade on the television as prelude to the football game.  Lots of food from her kitchen and her children's.  They will have time to catch up on what each other has been doing lately and how they are contending with health and family issues.  Lots of talk across the table, coffee with the dessert buffet and sleepy heads afterwards.  

A neighbor friend is surely sad this year.  She is not able to cook and serve her family in the tradition she has created.  She has been fighting terrible infections for a couple months now, due to an injury that is not healing.  She has created a family that depends on her.  However, this is their chance to shine and take care of things for her, as I am sure they will.  This is the kind of woman who is always busy serving others and it will not be easy for her to sit and be waited on but well deserved.  It is important to be on the receiving end of the giving once in awhile.  We seldom stop to think of the great pleasure we derive from doing the serving.

I am concerned about another friend having health issues; seems like one after another for several years now.  She and her husband will be going to family for their meal and socializing.  Grandchildren will be visiting from the city with a new beau or news of a job promotion.  Some even bring pets with them, which are always accepted.  I am sure she will come home exhausted but oh so happy not to have clean up in her home this year.  It is so great to have family to share with.  

One friend I am particularly happy for this year.  She and her husband have been invited to the house of her daughter in the city for her meal.    It seems that for a reason, unknown to her, that the relationship between the two of them has been distant for several years.  This meal was her daughter's idea and my friend is elated.  It will  be a wonderfully special day for her.

Do you see yourself in any of these situations?  Steven and I do not have children, family is unaccessible and friends are preoccupied.  We are looking forward to our meal together with hearts full of gratitude for all of God's blessings which includes our marriage.  We always miss family but are making our own tradition.

I know that grace of great gratitude will be said at each table I have mentioned.  

May the Lord bless you and your family today with loving conversation, fellowship, great food and safe travels.

Amen

Onward Christian Soldiers

This message is not directed to any reader in a country that oppresses Christianity.  God does not condone putting your life at risk.  You are created for life and life more abundantly.


Does the world see you as a Christian?  A follower of Christ?

Are you selfish, thoughtless, impatient, rude, confrontational?  Do you wear a cross around your neck and grumble at the sales clerk?  Do you have a fish decal on your car and honk your horn at every little offense?  do you say grace at home but not in restaurants?  Do you gossip and cuss?

If you are going to wear the cross, display "I am a Christian" decal, hang images on the walls of your home or carry your Bible for everyone to see, you had better be walking the walk; not just talking the talk.  The world is watching us. 

Awhile back, I wrote in this blog about saying grace in public and got lots of praise for speaking out on this subject.  I wonder how many of the people who praised me for that actually do it themselves.  I seldom see people saying grace in public - even after I published that writing.
  I live in a very small, rural town with a church on every corner.  We have an annual day of prayer at the flag poll in the park.  We have an annual prayer breakfast sponsored by our Ministerial Alliance.  We pray at every Bible Study and church meal.  There is prayer before and closing every Sunday school class.  Our churches have prayer weeks that open their doors for people to commit to an hour of prayer.  Our churches preach prayer from the pulpit.  Why do I not see more public personal prayer/grace over meals?  Is it just reserved for church?  If we pray in church and at home, why won't we pray in public?

Are you hung up on the parable of the man who prayed openly, bragging to God with pretty words?  This was an example of self righteousness - not an example of how we are to live our lives as a light to the world.

Even if you are in a place or a situation that might put you in physical jeopardy, you can always think a silent prayer of thanks to your Lord and Savior.  No one can take your thoughts from you.  There is no mechanical detector for mind reading.  How many of you, right now, are cheering what I am saying and will go out to lunch, in a public place, and NOT say grace?

You do not have to stand up and impose it on everyone in the place.  You do not have to speak it out loud.  You do not have to use glorious, poetic words.  Even a group of you can bow your heads in silent prayer as an example - let the world know there are Christians among them.  You are not expected to make a spectacle of yourself.  God will make your actions known to those whom He wants to notice.  You speak volumes with quiet humility.  Christians are non aggressive warriors.  Our actions, appearance and public behavior are our weapons.

Beyond grace in public, what else are you doing for the world to see you as set apart?  Take a test:  Stand in front of a mirror.  Are you clean or unkempt?  Do your cheeks show under your hem line?  Does your neckline expose your naval?  Is your tee shirt dirty and full of holes or satanic images?  Are your clothes so tight that your cellulite is visible underneath?  For goodness sake!  A Christian is supposed to stand out - not blend into the world.  The Bible tells us we are set apart.  Everywhere you go, you are a representative of heaven and the glorious world to come.

Now, don't get your panties in a wad.  I am not against tattoos, piercings or jeans in church.  Jesus accepts you as you are.   Everyone is growing at a different pace.  The Spirit deals with each of us as we are ready.  There are many churches and individuals out there doing great work reaching those people who are uncomfortable in the traditional church setting.  Jesus went into places to commune with people that society and the pharisees looked down on.  People will never be reached if we look at the book by it's cover.  In church, we are preaching to the choir.  The need is outside the church and you have to reach people on their own turf.

I am saying:  m o d e s t y.   Most of us come to the point of our spiritual growth where we want to present ourselves as clean and neat in appearance.  We represent the kingdom of God.  We are the bride of Jesus Christ Himself.  What sort of example do we set when we smoke, drink and wear short shorts?  When I went into the Native American community, I dressed down so as not to offend BUT I maintained a certain standard as an example. Paul said: "I am all things to all people".
Story:  Years ago, I was at a Christian celebration for the day.  We were in skirts and heels with the men in suits.  We broke for lunch and a group of us went to a fast food restaurant.  It was noon and it was busy.  There was a long line waiting to place their order.  When we walked in, all eyes turned to us.  We did look a little out of place among the tee shirts and sandals.  We took our place at the end of the lines and the waters parted.  I promise you, people stood aside to let us order ahead of them.  I have never witnessed anything like it.  I have never forgotten that.  People in that restaurant assumed, from our appearance, that we were special in some way.  

We cannot be respected unless we first show respect to ourselves.  Plain and simple, our appearance is a matter of self respect.  There looks to be so little today.  A lot of people do not look like they respect themselves so it is easy to discount them.  This should not be.  I truly believe that Jesus did not go around in sack cloth.  He was given expensive gifts when he was an infant (gold, frankincense and myrrh).  Many believe he owned his own house in Cappernaum.  Why would the Roman soldiers, at the cross, gamble for his robe if it was not of quality?  There is a verse that says it was made of one unbroken thread.  He was a Hebrew teacher who wore his prayer shawl - what the woman with the issue of blood touched.  Jesus was not a slob.

Do you offer everyone a smile or a scowl?  This earth is a battle ground.  Satan goes to and fro seeking who he may devour.  He is the enemy.  What are we doing to fight him and his tyranny?  I am not talking about taking a gun and making a public statement.  Violence is not of our Lord Jesus.  I am talking about the quiet personal strength that God supplies when we do His work.  Being a helpful, joyful, determined ambassador for heaven is doing the work of your Lord.

Are you aware of your surroundings?  Are you open to helping a stranger?: the woman struggling with loading groceries, returning a shopping cart for someone, moving a cart away from the path of traffic, picking up a piece of trash or hundreds of other little gestures.  Are you patient waiting in line?  Are you a patient listener?  Do you encourage where there is negativity?  Are you actively seeking opportunities to show yourself to the world as an example of something (or some place) better?

God wants others to want what He has given us.  How can they if we show how rude, grouchy and unhappy we are with all our complaining?

The end of the age is closer all the time.  We are Christian soldiers in this world today; the salt of the earth that makes life taste better.  More of us should be quietly and humbly fighting this battle.  Let's show the world the good side of Christianity.  Let's show others our joy so they will want what we have.  Bring your inner peace out of you as a testament to the world.  Let's be fishers of men in our own little corner of life.  Let's show others that we have a life they need and make them want it by being the "nice people".
Amen
 

We Are His Children

I don't know who created this image but I dearly love it.  (I hope there is no copyright penalty for using it.  If I knew the artist, I would give them full credit.  It was on the inter net so I assume it is for public use.)

As someone who was an abused child, I give great meaning to this scene.  Let's consider this image together.  

The child has a most content look on his/her face.  We don't know if this is a boy or a girl so we understand anyone can relate.  I see "child" in this little person:  the shy, the playful, the innocent.  He/she is very comfortable.  There is no fear.  They are happy to have all the attention placed solely on them at this moment; reveling in the company.  

I believe this is how our loving Heavenly Father intends for us to feel:  safe, secure, trusting, confident, doted on - loved.   He wants us to accept His Son as our atonement, the sacrifice paid for us.  We can feel clean and free to allow Him in anytime.

Then, there is Jesus.  His hands folded and space between him and the child.  No threat here.  He is not invading the child's space.  He is not even reaching out to the child.  There is genuine interest in His expression.  He is totally in the moment: there is only Him and this little child.  He makes no pretense to be anything other than the simple and humble person that He is.  His figure towers over the child but is not overwhelming - does not threaten but, rather, seems protective.

This is my Savior.  He is not pushy.  He does not come in to me unless I ask Him to.  He never forces Himself.  He respects my space and my choices; right or wrong.  I am free to make those choices with confidence He will be available if I need Him for advice, shelter or forgiveness.  He dotes on me and wants only to help, to see me safe, happy and healthy doing His will.

They are sitting on solid rock, surrounded by rock; symbolic of the strength of Jesus as the cornerstone of life; our security for eternal life. 

Notice the light that surrounds the head of Jesus.  Halo?  Light of the world?  Light in the darkness?  All of the above.

Notice also the vine around the stalk.  Jesus is the vine.  He is the stalk and we are the branches.

There was a lot of thought and planning put into the structure of this image.  God put a lot of planning into His master plan for us.  Jesus is the central part of that plan.

   Now, take a look at this scene:

The child has consented to sit on the lap of Jesus, in his hands and we see from his/her posture there is no fear.  The child is relaxed, at ease, content, feeling safe and happy.  

Jesus is smiling, happy to have us secure within his hands.  He is offering happiness and safety.  This is a confident man.  No one would dare confront Him to take us away now that we have consented to accept Him.  We are His and He is ours.

Amen

The Gospel Truth, Pt 3

Ro 11:4 - 6  In this passage, the word "works" is more correctly translated (from original Greek) to "law".

Ro 13:10  Paul tells us love fulfills the law.  Love God, love your neighbor.  And, the love of Jesus through His sacrifice.

The Ten Commandments are referred to as, "The law written on stone.  IICor 3:7 (Ex 24:12)  This has to be the law that Paul referred to.  Sacrificial laws were done away with because of the blood of Jesus, yes.  But, they were not written on stone. 

Gal 3:10  This verse explains everyone relying on the law is cursed.

Gal 4:22 - 27  In this passage, we are told that the slave woman gave birth to the son of flesh and the free woman, Sarah, gave birth to a son born of spirit.  Sarah's son, Isaac, was an ancestor of Jesus.  This references the law vs grace, which was a constant question in the early church.  Church leaders were preaching law and Christ had died to bring the grace of God allowing us to live according to the will of God and not to His law.  His will is our wellfare.

Eph 2:20  Christ is the living stone (of grace) - replacing the law on cold, dead stone.

Col 2:13 - 15  Our indebtedness, canceled and nailed to the cross.  This is grace over law.

Heb 10:8  Here, Paul explains the animal sacrifices offered with the law; not the law itself.

Heb 11, called "The Faith Chapter":  All these people named here, lived BEFORE the law (Ten Commandments) were given on Mt. Sanai.  They lived by their faith.  They were counted righteous - by faith, NOT by their own works through the law written on stone, or sacrificial laws.

Heb 12:15  is a statement of grace (over law).

Heb 12:18 - 24  Paul compares a mountain of fear, Mt. Sinai, to a mountain of joy, Zion.  The law of the Ten Commandments was given on Sinai and Jesus died on Zion.  He calls Mt Sinai to be feared because the people could not bear what was commanded.  He refers to Jesus as mediator of a new covenant (one without laws). 

 
* Since the resurrection, God no longer tells us "Do this", "Don't do that"; which results in our own efforts.  He gives us freedom to choose to follow the examples and teaching of Jesus and live through His efforts.



Titus 3:9 & 10  Paul instructs Titus to try twice to help people understand the gospel.  If they will not open their minds and listen, avoid them.  He called them warped, sinful and self-condemned.  Jesus, Himself, instructed His disciples to wipe their feet at the house of those who would not listen and move on to those who wanted to hear.  This resulted in Christ taking the gospel to Gentiles, opening up the doors of salvation to everyone.   

Laodicea church: In Revelation 3, God tells this church they are neither hot or cold, meaning they do not teach one or the other, just grace or just the law.  They were trying to live with both.  He goes on to describe His feelings toward this attitude.  It's not good.

Quote:  WHAT a glorious covenant the second covenant (New Covenant) is!  Well might it be called a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.  Heb 8:6

It is so glorious that the very thought of it is enough to overwhelm the soul, when it discerns the amazing condescension and infinite love of God, in having framed a covenant for such unworthy creatures, for such glorious purposes, with such disinterested motives.

It is better than the other covenant, the "covenant of works", which was made with Adam; or that covenant which is said to have been made with Israel, on the day when they came out of Egypt.  It is better, for it is founded upon a better principle.  The Old Covenant was founded on the principle of merit; it was serve God and you shall be rewarded for it.  If you walk perfectly in the fear of the Lord, God will walk well towards you, and all the blessing of Mount Gerizim shall come upon thee, and you shall be exceedingly blessed in this world, and the world which is to come.

But the covenant fell to the ground, because, although it was just that man should be rewarded for his good works, or punished for his evil ones, yet man being sure to sin, and since the fall infallibly tending towards iniquity, the covenant was not suitable for his happiness, nor could it promote his eternal welfare.

C H Spurgeon

Amen

The Gospel Truth, Pt 2

Mt 22:36 - 40  This is where Jesus tells us to love God and love our neighbor.  He ends by saying the law and the prophets hang on these two commands.  He cannot be talking of the sacrificial laws; they have nothing to do with loving God and neighbor or the writings of the prophets.

Mk 3:5  This is the only place where "Jesus was angry" is recorded.  Why was Jesus "angry"?  Because Pharisees were hung up on Sabbath/legalism/law (written on stone).

Jn 1:17  The law came through Moses (a servant).  Grace & truth came through Jesus Christ (the son).  Grace trumps law.  This passage would not refer to sacrificial laws.

Paul turned from being a Pharisee.  The Pharisees were devout in the law; all the laws of the Pentateuck, sacrificial and the Ten Commandments.  They lived and condemned through the law.  They used the law to be superior to others and keep the people in fear and bondage in order to control them.  Paul turned from the law after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.  If he were turning from the laws of sacrifice, why would he do it after his encounter with Jesus, who struck him temporarily blind?

"The law" Paul spoke of cannot be laws of animal sacrifice; they were not written on stone.  And, if Paul were arguing against animal sacrifice alone, he would have said so.  He specifically named circumcision when he discussed it.

When does Paul teach the Ten Commands?  He doesn't!  Over and over Paul calls them the "Law of death".

Ro 5:20 & 21  This passage tells us God gave the law so people would know what NOT to do.  If you don't have dark, how can you understand light?

Ro 6:1 & 2 This is Paul's answer to whoever asked: if the law is dead, is it now okay to sin?  "By no means!" was his answer.  God's perfect law gives us example only.

We are righteous in God's eyes.  Because the ultimate blood sacrifice was made by Jesus through His scourging and death.  Our lamb has sacrificed once and for all.  Ro 6:10  Once and for all.  Once for all believers, for all time.  He cannot climb back up on the cross for another cruecifiction every time we commit a sin.

Ro 7:4 - 12  Paul states we have died to the law through the sacrifice of Christ and ends with a statement of the new way of the Spirit (the grace of God) and not the old way of the "written code".

We are not bound by the law: Ro 7:6 - 13  Here, Paul explains the law as God's perfect law.  It was given so we might know what we should strive for - not be governed by.  Jesus has written the law of grace on our hearts.  

Ro 9:33  In this passage, Paul refers to the stone in Zion which is our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the rock that makes people fall, which is the law (the one written on stone).  It's all about Jesus NOT about us "doing" anything. 

Ro 10:3  Paul is talking of the Israellites seeking to establish their own righteousness through obeying laws.  Because they insisted, God gave them perfect law which they (as flawed human beings) could not keep.  All any believer has to do is submit to their righteousness freely given to us through Jesus' sacrifice.  We are perfect in God's eyes because of Jesus blood covering over us and our bad deeds.  Someone paid our debt for sin.  Now, we (ideally) want to follow the standards set by Christ.  With His blood covering us, we need only keep trying.  We are free of law and free of sin and judgement.

To be continued . . . . .

The Gospel Truth, Pt 1

Grace, through belief in Jesus the Christ, is our law today; love God and love your neighbor.  Mt 22:36  The amazing grace (love, forgiveness, kindness) is what Jesus replaced the law with.  Paul wrote in every one of his letters about God’s grace replacing the law. 

Col 1:26 states the “mystery that has been kept hidden” referring to God’s plan of redemption.  This plan replaces God’s perfect law of the Ten Commandments with the sacrifice of Jesus. 

Are we led by spirit or a written code of law?  Christians who belong to Christ are led by the spirit we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior.

Spirit did not dwell in men in the Old Testament.  It fell on men.  It came and went as men and women of the Bible needed it.  God supplied when there was a need for strength through Him.  Today, we receive the Holy Spirit to dwell IN us when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  Once given and received, He does not leave. 

The Arc:  God commanded a piece of manna, Aaron’s rod and the Ten Commandments to be placed inside the arc.  They are signs of the rebellion of the Israellites.  The people broke the first commandment even before Moses came down from Mt. Sinai.  The arc is made of wood covered with gold.  Wood is a symbol of man.  The cover, the Mercy Seat, is solid gold, representing diety.  The Mercy Seat is where sacrifices were made - replaced by the sacrifice of Jesus - diety.  The lid, Jesus/grace, covers the law inside; the Ten Commandments.

What about Sabbath?  Jesus broke Sabbath time and again - one of the Ten Commandments.  He was confronted by the Pharisees about breaking the Sabbath.  Jesus said if you break one law, you are guilty of breaking all.  Christ showed us, by example, that the commandments were erased, when He came to fulfill the law, by taking all our guilt and shame, on Himself and nailed our sins, under the law, to the cross. 

Early church did not keep Sabbath.  We do not keep the Sabbath today.  The Sabbath is Saturday - ask any Jew.  Christians keep Sunday.  Sunday was the day Christ rose from death to new life.

If Pharisees were so good at keeping the law, why didn’t Christ get along with them?

Jer 31:33 & 34 Here God tells Jeremiah of a second covenant.  The first with Adam and the second through Jesus. He tells him the law will be written on their hearts.  People will no longer need a written code of law they have to obey because true believers will want to follow the will of God.  Also IICor 3:3

For the Jews who rejected Jesus as their Messiah, animal sacrifices done in obedience to the Old Testament covenant were stopped in A.D. 70, at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the armies of Rome.  Jesus warned of this in the Gospels.

The ten commandments are done away with - Mt 5:17  Jesus fulfilled the law (10 Commandments) and the prophets.  The law is God’s perfect law.  Man is carnal and cannot keep a perfect law - that is why Jesus had to fulfill it and prophecy.  Prophecy cannot be done away with.  It is the will of God.  Jesus fulfilled the prophets by fulfilling the law.  He did it for us.  Once and for all.

Christ teaching:  Mt 5:18 & 19 In verse 18, Jesus explains that He has not yet fulfilled the law because He has not yet died for us.  Christ tells us anyone who sets aside even the least of the laws and teaches it will be called least in heaven. 

He goes on to give an example by explaining murder, adultery and a couple other issues like divorce and oaths.  He begins his explanation by stating the law and then corrects it by saying, “But I tell you”.  Here He is explaining that to even think the wrong is the same as doing the wrong.  What human being (other than Himself) can keep such law?  No one.  He knows that.  That is why He was sent - the perfect man to take the perfect law.

To be continued . . . . .

Every Day Miracles

We live with miracles every day.  God, our Father, wants us safe, healthy and prosperous.  
Think: how many times and how many ways have you been saved from near tragedy?  Sometimes you have to be away from the situation in order to see it.  God is always close to us.  I mean, He is as close as living inside of us.

Once we accept Jesus, He never leaves.  He comes and makes His home within us.  Jn 14:23

Let me share a story from my misspent youth: I had been out late one evening, by myself.  (I preferred to go by myself because there always seemed to be a "situation" if I went with a friend.  I had some wild and crazy friends.)  Anyway, I was out drinking in the bar of a bowling alley that I frequented because there was a young crowd, the music I liked, a friendly bartender and I knew a few of the clientele.  It was clean and fairly up scale in a nicer part of town. You never know.  Good and bad looms everywhere together.  Personally, I believe the more good that is present, the more evil is lurking.  

That particular night, the crowd was rowdy.  There was a young woman in the crowd that had too much to drink and she was making a physical spectacle of herself and taunting male clientele by removing parts of her clothing while standing on a table.  The bartender had a couple of her friends remove her and take her home.  I decided it was a good idea for me to call it a night and left for my car in the well lit, parking lot.

I had just put the key in my car's door lock and opened the door when I was pushed inside.  I landed, face up, on the seat with my legs dangling outside.  A stranger was looming over me and coming in on top of me.  The only thing I can remember is thinking to my self, "Oh God".  

Funny how a short simple prayer can be all you need.  The fact that you just think of God when you need Him shows faith.   I had been dedicated to God as an infant, been baptized and went to church regular until the age of 18.  I knew of God's existence.  God knew me even though I had become a wayward "prodigal".  This simple prayer was all that was needed.

I have no idea what happened in the next few moments of time.  The next thing after seeing this man looming over me, I was behind the wheel with my car door shut, and locked.  The man was outside my window knocking on the glass and yelling.  I was anxiously trying to put my car key in the ignition, which I did and drove off.  Surely, you can understand how upset I was and I have never forgotten that simple prayer that has worked for me several times since.

When you belong to God (by belief in His Son), He never lets you go.  You are never alone again.  He loves you and only wants you to believe in Him; just accept Him as our Creator and Savior.  He makes it so easy for us.

Every miracle is not always so dramatic.  More often, they are small miracles throughout the day.  Many times, we do not even recognize them as miracles.  Many times we are not aware of them at all.  We can be delayed in traffic in order to save us from a wreck.  He can remove something harmful from our path that we will never know about.  

It is an amazing thing to be a child of God.
Amen

It's A Mystery

At a recent Bible study - I won't say where (My point is not to condemn or point fingers at anyone person or church.), we were on the topic, "mystery kept hidden for ages" in Col 1:26.

This mystery being about Jesus Christ made known through the prophetic writings  Ro 16:26.  These prophetic writings would be Psalms and Isaiah, among other prophets. 

It's all about Jesus; the Old Testament and the New.  The Old Testament leads to and points at His coming.  The New Testament is about that life and death and the second coming.  Yes!  Jesus.  All Christians know this much.  No problem in the Bible study group.  So why is it called a mystery? 

Let me back up by saying that this revelation is a bit new to me.  I never could understand the writings of Paul until I understood this "mystery", which has been made clear to me in the recent couple years.  Then, Paul's writings took on so much meaning.  I have been in church for many (many) years.  A couple years back, I really stuck my nose into "the book".  I purchased a Hebrew Bible with translation and have learned more in the past two years than in my other sixty-nine.  I am so thrilled with what I am seeing that I want to study 24/7.

The "mystery" is the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.  Again, something all Christians understand:  Jesus took our sins upon Himself so we might be free of sin.  Let's pause and think about that statement for a minute.  Jesus took our sins on Himself.  All of them; past, present and future.  After all, He is the beginning and the end.  We are free of sin.  FREE of sin; past, present and future.  How does that work?

This plan of redemption is: grace trumps the 10 commandments.   There, I said it.  I said it in that Bible study and really opened a can of worms.  People were demanding I show a verse that states this fact.  Well, there is none.  No one verse that specifically states "the ten commandments are done away with through Jesus".  You have to read and search out answers; we are told to "seek and find", "knock and the door will be opened".   I went home in shock.  Shouldn't have because, until two years ago, this was new to me.  I had come to believe that I was the odd man out for years - the only one who did not understand grace over the 10 commandments, the "law".  I thought every believer knew.  Now I am thinking there are more people out there walking a fine line of me or God, self centered or God centered, I do or God gives, law of stone or grace of God.

I always thought "the law" meant the temple laws, the sacrificial laws.  Not so.  Bible refers to the 10 commandments as "the law written on stone".   Ex 24:12, Ex 31:18,  Ex 34:4   Paul constantly refers to law versus grace.  

There is nothing wrong with the Ten Commandments.  They are perfect; perfect law of God.  Only a God can keep them.  They were broken before they were given on Sinai and through to the end of the Old Testament.  They are still broken today by good Christians everywhere.  God knew when He gave these laws that they could not be kept by mortals.  (Satan himself, as a high ranking spirit being, could not keep them.)  God had the plan of redemption (the great mystery) in mind when He gave the laws. 

You cannot go through life and keep the letter of the law.  Example, stealing: ever cheat on income taxes?  Ever keep the wrong change from a store clerk?  Example, false witness (lying):  Ever stretch the truth to save the feelings of a friend?  Lie!  Ever exaggerate a story?  Lie!  Ever wish someone dead in your mind?  Murder!  Ever admire a friend's spouse in a lustful way?  Adultery!  Do you go to church on Sunday?  Sabbath!  Do you value your children over God?  Idolatry!  Jesus explained in the Beatitudes that even thinking against the law is breaking it. The "law" can't be kept.  We all break the law on a daily basis in thought and/or deed. 

Here's the Good News (gospel means "good news"):  We don't have to keep the law "written on stone".  Jesus brought new law:  "Love your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself".  Then, Jesus took all our sins (past, present and future) on Himself, once and for all.  (Ro 6:10)  It is over, done, finished, ended.  Jesus took ALL our sins upon Himself and nailed them to that cross.  We are free and do not have to put the stress upon ourselves to abide in a law that cannot be kept.  This is what grace is.

Oh, great, that means we can all go do any evil we want.  Of course not!  As believers in Jesus and what He has done, we don't want to.  That would be tantamount to slapping our Savior in the face.  What a wonderful thing He did for us.  As understanding believers who are grateful for His sacrifice, we want only to please Him.  That is all we have to do - believe, turn our back on a wayward life and try.  Easy - peasy!  God and The Son have made it easy for us - out of perfect love.  No one wants to knowingly defy such love.

This plan of redemption, this great mystery is the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus that covers us with the blood of the perfect sacrifice to be seen as pure in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.  We have been redeemed from all our past, present and future wrong doings.

It's all about Jesus, the Great "I Am" 
Amen