What the Bible says about light and seed
The True Light "In him, (the Lord Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world,…the world didn’t recognize him." John 1:4,9.
The Good Seed and the Weeds “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seeds in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.” Matthew 13:24,25.
The Good Seed and the Weeds “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seeds in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.” Matthew 13:24,25.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
Elijah on Mt. Carmel
Elijah’s 3000 year assignment was truly “Mission Impossible”
… and it’s not accomplished yet.
So (King) Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God follow Him, but if Baal is God follow him” (1 Kings 18:21)
During this time all those in the Northern Kingdom who remained faithful to God migrated south with the Levites (2 Chron 11:16) so all the 12 tribes were represented in the Southern Kingdom. The notion of 10 tribes being lost following the subsequent defeat of the Northern Kingdom by Assyria is not Scriptural, and any doctrine based on the so-called lost 10 tribes is therefore suspect. But that’s a topic for another day.
Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has 450 prophets. Get 2 bulls for us. Let them choose one for themselves and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire – He is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.” (1 Kings 18:22-24)
All that morning the prophets of Baal called upon their god. They danced around their altar, and cut themselves with knives, part of their religious practice. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder,” he said, “Surely he is a god. Perhaps he is relieving himself or busy or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened” (1 Kings 18:27). This went on all through the day with no response from Baal. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice Elijah took 12 stones, one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel, and built an altar for the Lord. He dug a trench around it and placed wood upon it. He cut the other bull into pieces and arranged them on the wood. Then he had the people bring 4 large jars filled with water that he poured on the offering and the wood. “Do it again,” he said and they did. “Do it a 3rd time,” he ordered and they did. The water ran down around the altar and filled the trench. And then he prayed. “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that You are God in Israel, and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that You O Lord are God and that You are turning their hearts back again” (1 Kings 18:36-37). Talk about a grandstand play. Can’t you just feel the tension mounting each time the altar was doused?
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil and even licked up the water in the trench. When the people saw this they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord – He is God. The Lord – He is God” (1 Kings 18:39). Elijah had them seize the pagan prophets and execute them according to Mosaic law (Deut 13:1-5) and shortly thereafter rain fell on the land of Israel for the first time in 3 years, a sign of God’s pleasure. Jezebel swore out a death curse on Elijah but God took him alive into heaven. The people later abandoned God again, judgement came in the form of the Assyrian armies, and the Northern Kingdom ceased to exist.
At the end of the age, Elijah will once again bring drought upon the earth at the Lord’s command, and for the 3rd time will implore the people to repent of their sins, and again the hearts of many will be turned to God. The antichrist will think he’s put him to death, but again God will take him live into heaven (Rev. 11:11-12). Judgement will come in the form of the Lord’s armies and the world as we know it will cease to exist.
The Millennium is man’s last chance; there is no 4th mission for Elijah. But at the end of the Millennium in spite of utopian conditions with Satan bound and 1000 years of personal rule by the Lord Jesus Himself, there’s still enough residual evil in the heart of unregenerate man for Satan to mount a rebellion as soon as he’s freed (Rev 20:7-10). This illustrates man’s total inability to remain faithful to God. In spite of 7000 years of history filled with the undeniable revelations of God’s existence and His endless patience in dealing with us, only the shed blood of Jesus is able to make us fit to dwell in His presence.
And now you know the adult version.
… and it’s not accomplished yet.
So (King) Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God follow Him, but if Baal is God follow him” (1 Kings 18:21)
A Little Background Please
As King David’s life was drawing to a close, the Lord chose his son Solomon to succeed him. It was the time of Israel’s closest approximation to the Messianic Kingdom promised by God. There was peace in the land and Israel’s influence in the world was with out parallel. Kings from every land came and paid homage to Solomon, whose wisdom was legendary. Solomon reigned in peace and prosperity for 40 years but toward the end of his reign began to pay the price for his one act of disobedience. The Lord had forbidden the Israelites from marrying foreign women, knowing that they would bring pagan gods into Israel and lead their husbands into false religion (1 Kings 11:2). In violation of the Lord’s prohibition Solomon had taken 700 wives and 300 concubines, many of them foreign, and had permitted them to worship their own gods, even building idols of some on a hill east of Jerusalem. This angered the Lord and caused a civil war in Israel that resulted in the Kingdom being divided. Following the death of Solomon, the Northern Kingdom, called Israel and consisting of the land given to 10 of the 12 tribes, descended rapidly into idol worship while the smaller Southern Kingdom, called Judah and consisting of the land given to the remaining 2 tribes, remained faithful to God.During this time all those in the Northern Kingdom who remained faithful to God migrated south with the Levites (2 Chron 11:16) so all the 12 tribes were represented in the Southern Kingdom. The notion of 10 tribes being lost following the subsequent defeat of the Northern Kingdom by Assyria is not Scriptural, and any doctrine based on the so-called lost 10 tribes is therefore suspect. But that’s a topic for another day.
How Long Will You Waver Between Two Opinions?
For the next 80 years the people of the Northern Kingdom vacillated between allegiance to God and allegiance to various Canaanite deities, sometimes worshiping all of them at the same time. During Elijah’s time there had been a drought in Israel for 3 years, a sign of God’s displeasure with this ongoing flirtation with paganism. Ahab was King of Israel and had married a daughter of the King of neighboring Phoenicia (Lebanon), a powerful and influential woman named Jezebel. She personally supported 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah. It was these prophets that Ahab summoned to Mt. Carmel in response to Elijah’s “invitation.” In the presence of all the people Elijah (his name means God is Lord) challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest designed to reveal the one true God.Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has 450 prophets. Get 2 bulls for us. Let them choose one for themselves and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire – He is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.” (1 Kings 18:22-24)
All that morning the prophets of Baal called upon their god. They danced around their altar, and cut themselves with knives, part of their religious practice. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder,” he said, “Surely he is a god. Perhaps he is relieving himself or busy or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened” (1 Kings 18:27). This went on all through the day with no response from Baal. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice Elijah took 12 stones, one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel, and built an altar for the Lord. He dug a trench around it and placed wood upon it. He cut the other bull into pieces and arranged them on the wood. Then he had the people bring 4 large jars filled with water that he poured on the offering and the wood. “Do it again,” he said and they did. “Do it a 3rd time,” he ordered and they did. The water ran down around the altar and filled the trench. And then he prayed. “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that You are God in Israel, and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that You O Lord are God and that You are turning their hearts back again” (1 Kings 18:36-37). Talk about a grandstand play. Can’t you just feel the tension mounting each time the altar was doused?
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil and even licked up the water in the trench. When the people saw this they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord – He is God. The Lord – He is God” (1 Kings 18:39). Elijah had them seize the pagan prophets and execute them according to Mosaic law (Deut 13:1-5) and shortly thereafter rain fell on the land of Israel for the first time in 3 years, a sign of God’s pleasure. Jezebel swore out a death curse on Elijah but God took him alive into heaven. The people later abandoned God again, judgement came in the form of the Assyrian armies, and the Northern Kingdom ceased to exist.
Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It …
At the close of the Old Testament, the Lord promised that Elijah would return to earth to herald the coming Messiah. He would once again turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, or else God would strike the land with a curse (Mal 4:5-6). Jesus said that John the Baptist was the promised Elijah (Matt 17:11-13), and although the hearts of many were turned to God King Herod put him to death. 38 years later the land was struck with a curse, judgement came in the form of the Roman armies and the Nation Israel ceased to exist.At the end of the age, Elijah will once again bring drought upon the earth at the Lord’s command, and for the 3rd time will implore the people to repent of their sins, and again the hearts of many will be turned to God. The antichrist will think he’s put him to death, but again God will take him live into heaven (Rev. 11:11-12). Judgement will come in the form of the Lord’s armies and the world as we know it will cease to exist.
This Is Your Last Chance
Elijah used 4 jars of water to douse the altar 3 times. 4 is the number of the earth (by the end of the 4th day its creation was complete) and the water can represent the pouring out of the Holy Spirit (see John 7:37-39). If so then the three dousings of the altar hint at Elijah’s three missions to earth offering God’s Holy Spirit and imploring the people to turn their hearts back to Him. After limited success each one ends in failure and is followed by a judgment. Each time the Lord in His mercy provides His people another chance.The Millennium is man’s last chance; there is no 4th mission for Elijah. But at the end of the Millennium in spite of utopian conditions with Satan bound and 1000 years of personal rule by the Lord Jesus Himself, there’s still enough residual evil in the heart of unregenerate man for Satan to mount a rebellion as soon as he’s freed (Rev 20:7-10). This illustrates man’s total inability to remain faithful to God. In spite of 7000 years of history filled with the undeniable revelations of God’s existence and His endless patience in dealing with us, only the shed blood of Jesus is able to make us fit to dwell in His presence.
And now you know the adult version.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Saturday, August 27, 2016
The World Is Nine Meals From Starvation
Republished from http://www.thecommonsenseshow.com
The World Bank
is boldly proclaiming that extreme food shortages and subsequent food
riots will take place in the near future largely due to the rapid
increase in food prices.
In their recent report, only released a few days ago, the World Bank cites the disturbing fact that there have been 51 food riots in 37 countries in recent memory due to high food prices and the further escalation of food prices has no end in sight. The World Bank further speculates that the present state of food prices could lead to political instability and this is the kind of stuff that wars are made of. And what is the number one cause of rising food prices according to the World Bank? It is the increasing demand (see attached PDF) for food from a growing population inside of China. The future military implications should be self-evident.
The staple crop of wheat has risen 18% in the past year.
There are even more dire factors to consider.The elite are busy buying up the world’s water supply as evidenced by T. Boone Pickens and his continuing acquisition of the Ogallala underground water aquifer which dominates water supplies from Texas to South Dakota. The Bush family has purchased water rights of a similar proportion in Paraguay and the globalist beat goes on. The bottom line is that there are too few people controlling a disproportionate amount of the world’s water supplies. And without the proper distribution of water, there is no food cultivation. Add to this concern is the fact that GMO’s are highly vulnerable to devastation because it is a genetic mono-crop.
Some have speculated that food prices are being artificially being manipulated upward, through hording, in order to create a food shortage issue which could result in desired political instability and could result in a large scale war. This may or may not be true. However, what is undeniable is that the world is poised to experience a monumental food crisis that could kill off a significant number of the world’s population.
Josef Stalin engaged in his own Soviet-style Holocaust when, in 1932 and 1933, an estimated six to 20 million people in the Ukraine died from starvation when Stalin implemented his prescription of “hope and change” policies in order to eliminate the Ukrainian’s desire for becoming their own nation-state.
Upon assuming power, the Stalinist Communist regime rapidly nationalized the food industry and forced all of the region’s farms into collectives. This is exactly what is happening under the Obama administration and the dramatic rise of corporately owned farms.
Stalin’s version of the Holocaust came to fruition in what history has dubbed, the “Holodomor,” in which millions perished in only a two year period when the Soviet government began to exterminate the Ukrainian population by taking control of food and food production. And why would Stalin do such a thing to his own people? The Ukrainians were discussing and publicizing some very dangerous ideas about freedom, liberty and the ability to act on their desire for political autonomy. Americans would be wise to heed this warning as despots hate freedom. The parallel between Stalin and collectivist farms and American corporately owned farms is very disturbing.
Hitler proclaimed that food could be used as a tool “…to discipline the masses” and he did not hesitate to use the control of food as a type of carrot and stick in which he would reward accomplishment and punish failure as well as to ferment preferential class distinctions in which his armed forces received the largest food ration cards. Skilled workers who were engaged in industries critical to the building of the German war machine, received food ration cards which were slightly less in value. And, finally, the prisoners and the Jews received the lowest valued Nazi food ration cards. Food ration cards were also utilized as incentives to increase industrial production and were also increased in value when productive Nazi workers would be promoted. Food ration cards were diminished in value for the failure to meet Nazi production goals. Hitler’s use of what psychologists refer to as classical conditioning techniques reduced the will of the German population to a pack of Pavlovian dogs who were conditioned to be totally dependent upon the government for their survival. The presence of 50 million Americans on food stamps would certainly make an applicable parallel to Hitler’s practices and the potential for Obama, or another future president to follow in Hitler’s footsteps with regard to food management.
In their recent report, only released a few days ago, the World Bank cites the disturbing fact that there have been 51 food riots in 37 countries in recent memory due to high food prices and the further escalation of food prices has no end in sight. The World Bank further speculates that the present state of food prices could lead to political instability and this is the kind of stuff that wars are made of. And what is the number one cause of rising food prices according to the World Bank? It is the increasing demand (see attached PDF) for food from a growing population inside of China. The future military implications should be self-evident.
The staple crop of wheat has risen 18% in the past year.
Are Food Prices Being Artificially Being Manipulated for Purposes of Political Control?
Before answering this question, it might be more prudent to ask if the food distribution system can survive the economic catastrophe’s which are poised to ravage the world’s economies and subsequent money supplies. If the dollar ever collapses, the rest of the world currencies will fall like a row of dominoes. If the multinational corporations are broke, how will food be shipped? Remember, the United States has a $17 trillion dollar deficit, a $240 trillion unfunded set of liabilities and the derivative debt is placed at about $1.5 quadrillion dollars! Setting aside your cognitive dissonance for a moment, what does your common sense tell you about the long-term viability of the dollar?There are even more dire factors to consider.The elite are busy buying up the world’s water supply as evidenced by T. Boone Pickens and his continuing acquisition of the Ogallala underground water aquifer which dominates water supplies from Texas to South Dakota. The Bush family has purchased water rights of a similar proportion in Paraguay and the globalist beat goes on. The bottom line is that there are too few people controlling a disproportionate amount of the world’s water supplies. And without the proper distribution of water, there is no food cultivation. Add to this concern is the fact that GMO’s are highly vulnerable to devastation because it is a genetic mono-crop.
Some have speculated that food prices are being artificially being manipulated upward, through hording, in order to create a food shortage issue which could result in desired political instability and could result in a large scale war. This may or may not be true. However, what is undeniable is that the world is poised to experience a monumental food crisis that could kill off a significant number of the world’s population.
The Historical Precedent of Using Food As a Weapon
The two most notable examples of dictators using food as a weapon in order to destroy the free will of their people, comes from the regimes of Stalin and Hitler.Josef Stalin engaged in his own Soviet-style Holocaust when, in 1932 and 1933, an estimated six to 20 million people in the Ukraine died from starvation when Stalin implemented his prescription of “hope and change” policies in order to eliminate the Ukrainian’s desire for becoming their own nation-state.
Upon assuming power, the Stalinist Communist regime rapidly nationalized the food industry and forced all of the region’s farms into collectives. This is exactly what is happening under the Obama administration and the dramatic rise of corporately owned farms.
Stalin’s version of the Holocaust came to fruition in what history has dubbed, the “Holodomor,” in which millions perished in only a two year period when the Soviet government began to exterminate the Ukrainian population by taking control of food and food production. And why would Stalin do such a thing to his own people? The Ukrainians were discussing and publicizing some very dangerous ideas about freedom, liberty and the ability to act on their desire for political autonomy. Americans would be wise to heed this warning as despots hate freedom. The parallel between Stalin and collectivist farms and American corporately owned farms is very disturbing.
Hitler proclaimed that food could be used as a tool “…to discipline the masses” and he did not hesitate to use the control of food as a type of carrot and stick in which he would reward accomplishment and punish failure as well as to ferment preferential class distinctions in which his armed forces received the largest food ration cards. Skilled workers who were engaged in industries critical to the building of the German war machine, received food ration cards which were slightly less in value. And, finally, the prisoners and the Jews received the lowest valued Nazi food ration cards. Food ration cards were also utilized as incentives to increase industrial production and were also increased in value when productive Nazi workers would be promoted. Food ration cards were diminished in value for the failure to meet Nazi production goals. Hitler’s use of what psychologists refer to as classical conditioning techniques reduced the will of the German population to a pack of Pavlovian dogs who were conditioned to be totally dependent upon the government for their survival. The presence of 50 million Americans on food stamps would certainly make an applicable parallel to Hitler’s practices and the potential for Obama, or another future president to follow in Hitler’s footsteps with regard to food management.
When will it be our turn?
Friday, August 26, 2016
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Faith Without Works is Dead -- Not Lost
Republished from omegaletter.com
In Defense of the Faith
Friday, September 04, 2009 Jack Kinsella - Omega Letter Editor
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:17-18)
The second chapter of James, often called the "works" chapter, seems to contradict other places in Scripture that salvation is by faith and stands independent of works.
Paul writes to the Galatians; "I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)
To the Ephesians, he writes; "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
And to the Romans, Paul writes: "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."
Then, just about the time you think you've got this whole thing figured out, somebody whips out James 2:20: "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
And you're right back where you started. A recent email illustrates my point:
The Apostle Paul outlines the "whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:13-17) with which Paul says "ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Paul names truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation as the Christian's defensive weapons.
In Paul's day, armor had to put on in a particular sequence in order for all the parts to fit together properly. And until one was properly armored, one didn't pick up one's sword.
The last defensive weapon one puts on before picking up the Sword of the Spirit is the helmet of salvation. In hand to hand combat, the quickest way to win is to score a head shot. Stun your opponent and his sword is useless to him.
What then, is the 'helmet of salvation' and how does it protect you in combat with the enemy?
The most fearless warrior is the one who is certain the odds are with him.
Satan means 'accuser'. If the enemy can convince you that you aren't worthy to share the Gospel, you won't.
So his primary focus is to convince you that you aren't really saved. Every time you pick up the Sword to explain the Gospel to somebody else, it cuts you -- and you put it back down.
Is this not logical? If you are in constant conflict and turmoil about your own failures to live a perfect life, what time do you have left to tell other people about Jesus?
And if you aren't sure whether or not you are truly saved, how convincing are you going to be? And finally, how joyful are you about your salvation?
Don't forget the context of this war we're in. The enemy can't touch you directly without seeking permission from God. (Job 1:12) You're beyond his reach, but tactically, you are still a threat that needs to be neutralized.
If he can't get through your armor (truth, righteousness, peace and faith) then maybe he can stun you by attacking you at your weakest point.
"Am I really, truly saved?" . . . "Was I ever truly saved?" . . . "Am I saved at this moment?" . . . "I am completely confused." . . . "Hi. Let me tell you about Jesus. . . "
If you aren't convinced about your own salvation, you're not going to be very convincing sharing it with somebody else. Score one for the enemy side. That's why Paul's epistles are so filled with references to eternal security.
Paul was called to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 18:16, 22:21) and was trained in his calling by Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:16)
Here's the point. It is important to understand that the epistles of Paul, James, Peter and John are letters written to different churches with which each was intimately acquainted.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians in the context of their local customs, culture and conditions. He approached the Romans in the context of their own cultural understanding. His letters to Timothy were written in the context of a teacher to a beloved student.
Peter was a Galilean. His epistles were primarily addressed to the Jews of Galilee who were steeped in a thousand years of customs and traditions and understandings and written in that context.
James was the Lord's biological half-brother -- and that fact tended to color most of his teaching, as well.
Perhaps consequentially, a faction emerged within the early Church, led by James the Lord's Brother and supported by Peter, that argued that Gentile Christians should have to convert to Judaism and obey the Law in order to become Christians.
On the other side was the Apostle Paul, who put forth the opposite position that the Law was fulfilled in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I don't want you to take my word for it. The dispute was aired in its entirety in Scripture. The disagreement over legalism was the reason for convening the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35) Here are the high points:
The Jerusalem Council was convened to settle the issue. The Council heard first from Paul and Barnabas, then Peter and James.
Peter largely agreed with Paul in this instance, asking the Council why they would seek "to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" (15:10)
On the other side of the question, James eventually settled for a watered-down form of legalism, saying that Gentiles needed only follow three Jewish laws.
They were derived by the rabbis from Genesis 9:1-17 in which God charged Noah and his sons to replenish the earth:
Paul tells the story of the Confrontation at Antioch between Peter and Paul over James and his followers.
Paul called that "dissembling" -- the dictionary defines 'dissembling" as "concealing one's true motives, feelings or beliefs" -- a pretty serious charge to lay at the feet of two Apostles.
Not just any two Apostles, but Peter the first Apostle called, and James, the brother of Jesus. Those are the two he accused of dissembling.
Understanding Scripture in context goes a long way towards rightly dividing the Word. The ministry of James and Peter was to the Jews, whose unique relationship with God went back to the time of Abraham.
The ministry of Paul was to the Gentiles whose gods and goddesses were mainly a matter of social intercourse, not eternal matters of faith and salvation.
Peter and James were burdened with explaining that the Gospel of Christ was not a refutation of Moses and the Prophets. That the liberty of Christ was not the embrace of a false god.
They had to explain to people who lived all their lives under the 613 rabbinic Commandments that obedience to the Law would not save them.
That is not to say that James and Peter are doctrinally untrustworthy. The books they penned were composed long after the Jerusalem Council or Confrontation at Antioch.
Doctrine continued to be harmonized as God provided the revelation and consequently, no Book of Scripture contradicts another. James does not contradict salvation by faith nor does he preach salvation by works.
In understanding what James means in the "Works Chapter" you first have to get a grasp of what constitutes "works" from God's perspective -- as opposed to 'works' from the perspective of an observant Jew.
God's entire plan for the ages is about only one thing -- your salvation.
The Bible lists the fruits of the Spirit. Those "fruits" are evidence of salvation -- but they are not a prerequisite. You don't first get the fruits and then later get the Spirit. It works the other way round.
And there is but one 'work' that bears fruit -- work that brings about the salvation of a lost sinner.
This is the only direct expression of God's universal will that I can find in Scripture -- the salvation of the repentant. It is the only thing we can logically do for God.
We are saved by grace through faith but we are obligated to spread the Gospel. We are His messengers by Divine Appointment.
Every work is judged at the Bema Seat for rewards according to whether it serves God's will or our own. Our faith is demonstrated by our works, James says. ". . . shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. "
That is different than faith PLUS works. ". . . faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith can only be demonstrated by works. Works do not demonstrate salvation -- or the Pharisees would have been saved without Christ.
It is works as a demonstration of faith that James is discussing here, not works as a requisite element of salvation. First comes faith and faith is demonstrated by works.
Works are a byproduct of faith, a person who is saved is spiritually compelled to see others saved. But works can't save somebody who is already saved by faith.
The fruit of our works, when taken to its logical conclusion, can only be those we lead to Christ. "Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17)
What does that mean? Consider an orchard of peach trees. All of them are bearing peaches except one tree that can barely manage to produce leaves.
As a peach tree, it is 'dead' -- even though the tree itself may just be withered and barren and unable to produce fruit. But note this fact well.
It is STILL a tree!
A person whose faith does not bear fruit has a dead (unproductive) faith -- but he is still a Blood-bought believer. It is the Blood that purchases salvation, not the behavior of the purchased.
He will stand before the Bema Seat without receiving any crowns, Paul says.
Faith without works IS dead. That is clear enough, when one understands it in context. That's why Paul says to put on the helmet of salvation first.
So that you don't cut yourself on your Sword -- before you have a chance to do any works worth bragging about.
In Defense of the Faith
Friday, September 04, 2009 Jack Kinsella - Omega Letter Editor
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:17-18)
The second chapter of James, often called the "works" chapter, seems to contradict other places in Scripture that salvation is by faith and stands independent of works.
Paul writes to the Galatians; "I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)
To the Ephesians, he writes; "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
And to the Romans, Paul writes: "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."
Then, just about the time you think you've got this whole thing figured out, somebody whips out James 2:20: "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
And you're right back where you started. A recent email illustrates my point:
"But this very issue keeps me on the edge of my seat. . . I am nowhere nearer understanding it than I was 40 years ago. Doesn't this verse prove that one must have works to go along with their faith? As usual, I am completely confused."We'll get back to James in a minute. First, let's deal with the confusion. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1st Corinthians 14:33)
The Apostle Paul outlines the "whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:13-17) with which Paul says "ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Paul names truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation as the Christian's defensive weapons.
In Paul's day, armor had to put on in a particular sequence in order for all the parts to fit together properly. And until one was properly armored, one didn't pick up one's sword.
The last defensive weapon one puts on before picking up the Sword of the Spirit is the helmet of salvation. In hand to hand combat, the quickest way to win is to score a head shot. Stun your opponent and his sword is useless to him.
What then, is the 'helmet of salvation' and how does it protect you in combat with the enemy?
The most fearless warrior is the one who is certain the odds are with him.
"If God be for us, who can stand against us?" - Romans 8:31That's why Paul equated the head with salvation. The first area that the enemy targets is one's perceived position with God.
Satan means 'accuser'. If the enemy can convince you that you aren't worthy to share the Gospel, you won't.
So his primary focus is to convince you that you aren't really saved. Every time you pick up the Sword to explain the Gospel to somebody else, it cuts you -- and you put it back down.
Is this not logical? If you are in constant conflict and turmoil about your own failures to live a perfect life, what time do you have left to tell other people about Jesus?
And if you aren't sure whether or not you are truly saved, how convincing are you going to be? And finally, how joyful are you about your salvation?
Don't forget the context of this war we're in. The enemy can't touch you directly without seeking permission from God. (Job 1:12) You're beyond his reach, but tactically, you are still a threat that needs to be neutralized.
If he can't get through your armor (truth, righteousness, peace and faith) then maybe he can stun you by attacking you at your weakest point.
"Am I really, truly saved?" . . . "Was I ever truly saved?" . . . "Am I saved at this moment?" . . . "I am completely confused." . . . "Hi. Let me tell you about Jesus. . . "
If you aren't convinced about your own salvation, you're not going to be very convincing sharing it with somebody else. Score one for the enemy side. That's why Paul's epistles are so filled with references to eternal security.
Paul was called to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 18:16, 22:21) and was trained in his calling by Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:16)
Here's the point. It is important to understand that the epistles of Paul, James, Peter and John are letters written to different churches with which each was intimately acquainted.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians in the context of their local customs, culture and conditions. He approached the Romans in the context of their own cultural understanding. His letters to Timothy were written in the context of a teacher to a beloved student.
Peter was a Galilean. His epistles were primarily addressed to the Jews of Galilee who were steeped in a thousand years of customs and traditions and understandings and written in that context.
James was the Lord's biological half-brother -- and that fact tended to color most of his teaching, as well.
Perhaps consequentially, a faction emerged within the early Church, led by James the Lord's Brother and supported by Peter, that argued that Gentile Christians should have to convert to Judaism and obey the Law in order to become Christians.
On the other side was the Apostle Paul, who put forth the opposite position that the Law was fulfilled in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I don't want you to take my word for it. The dispute was aired in its entirety in Scripture. The disagreement over legalism was the reason for convening the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35) Here are the high points:
"And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question." (Acts 15:1-2)("No small dissension and disputation" is Bible-talk for a HUGE doctrinal fight.)
The Jerusalem Council was convened to settle the issue. The Council heard first from Paul and Barnabas, then Peter and James.
Peter largely agreed with Paul in this instance, asking the Council why they would seek "to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" (15:10)
On the other side of the question, James eventually settled for a watered-down form of legalism, saying that Gentiles needed only follow three Jewish laws.
"Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day." (Acts 15:19-21)These three exceptions indicated James believed Gentiles should be bound by those portions of the Law of Moses intended for Gentiles, which roughly coincided with Judaism's Seven Noachide Laws.
They were derived by the rabbis from Genesis 9:1-17 in which God charged Noah and his sons to replenish the earth:
"Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat." (Genesis 9:3-4)This argument continued, back and forth, for some time within the early Church. It is one of the things about the Bible's narrative that argues for its truthfulness -- it tells the story as it happened, warts and all.
Paul tells the story of the Confrontation at Antioch between Peter and Paul over James and his followers.
"And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. . . But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed." (Galatians 2:9-10)Paul's chief complaint was that Peter would "eat with the Gentiles" until the followers of James showed up, when Peter would suddenly get all legal again.
Paul called that "dissembling" -- the dictionary defines 'dissembling" as "concealing one's true motives, feelings or beliefs" -- a pretty serious charge to lay at the feet of two Apostles.
Not just any two Apostles, but Peter the first Apostle called, and James, the brother of Jesus. Those are the two he accused of dissembling.
"For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. " (2:12-13)Notice that even Barnabas, who was commissioned with Paul, got carried away into legalism, separating himself from the Gentiles. Paul lowered the boom on Peter and James, whom he accused of not walking upright according to the truth of the Gospel.
"But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (2:14)Paul then presented his argument in favor of salvation by grace through faith to his two toughest critics, James and John.
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (2:16)The entire six-chapter Letter to the Galatians was a refutation of legalism and salvation by works.
Understanding Scripture in context goes a long way towards rightly dividing the Word. The ministry of James and Peter was to the Jews, whose unique relationship with God went back to the time of Abraham.
The ministry of Paul was to the Gentiles whose gods and goddesses were mainly a matter of social intercourse, not eternal matters of faith and salvation.
Peter and James were burdened with explaining that the Gospel of Christ was not a refutation of Moses and the Prophets. That the liberty of Christ was not the embrace of a false god.
They had to explain to people who lived all their lives under the 613 rabbinic Commandments that obedience to the Law would not save them.
That is not to say that James and Peter are doctrinally untrustworthy. The books they penned were composed long after the Jerusalem Council or Confrontation at Antioch.
Doctrine continued to be harmonized as God provided the revelation and consequently, no Book of Scripture contradicts another. James does not contradict salvation by faith nor does he preach salvation by works.
In understanding what James means in the "Works Chapter" you first have to get a grasp of what constitutes "works" from God's perspective -- as opposed to 'works' from the perspective of an observant Jew.
God's entire plan for the ages is about only one thing -- your salvation.
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."(2nd Peter 3:9)Nowhere in Scripture that I can find is God's will so perfectly and succinctly expressed as in this verse. It's all about your salvation. And once you're saved, it's all about the next guy's salvation -- something the Great Commission makes your responsibility.
The Bible lists the fruits of the Spirit. Those "fruits" are evidence of salvation -- but they are not a prerequisite. You don't first get the fruits and then later get the Spirit. It works the other way round.
And there is but one 'work' that bears fruit -- work that brings about the salvation of a lost sinner.
This is the only direct expression of God's universal will that I can find in Scripture -- the salvation of the repentant. It is the only thing we can logically do for God.
We are saved by grace through faith but we are obligated to spread the Gospel. We are His messengers by Divine Appointment.
Every work is judged at the Bema Seat for rewards according to whether it serves God's will or our own. Our faith is demonstrated by our works, James says. ". . . shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. "
That is different than faith PLUS works. ". . . faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith can only be demonstrated by works. Works do not demonstrate salvation -- or the Pharisees would have been saved without Christ.
It is works as a demonstration of faith that James is discussing here, not works as a requisite element of salvation. First comes faith and faith is demonstrated by works.
Works are a byproduct of faith, a person who is saved is spiritually compelled to see others saved. But works can't save somebody who is already saved by faith.
The fruit of our works, when taken to its logical conclusion, can only be those we lead to Christ. "Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17)
What does that mean? Consider an orchard of peach trees. All of them are bearing peaches except one tree that can barely manage to produce leaves.
As a peach tree, it is 'dead' -- even though the tree itself may just be withered and barren and unable to produce fruit. But note this fact well.
It is STILL a tree!
A person whose faith does not bear fruit has a dead (unproductive) faith -- but he is still a Blood-bought believer. It is the Blood that purchases salvation, not the behavior of the purchased.
He will stand before the Bema Seat without receiving any crowns, Paul says.
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1st Corinthians 3:14-15)Note, however, that he is still standing before the Bema Seat. His salvation was not effected by his lack of good works or by the preponderance of his bad works. His salvation was effected by his faith that Jesus did for him what he could not do for himself.
Faith without works IS dead. That is clear enough, when one understands it in context. That's why Paul says to put on the helmet of salvation first.
So that you don't cut yourself on your Sword -- before you have a chance to do any works worth bragging about.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Monday, August 22, 2016
'Politics' reason behind Israel's rhythmic gymnastics disappointment: coach
Republished form i24 News TV i24news.tv
By i24news
Published: 08/22/2016 - 08:32am, updated: 08:37am
credits/photos
Note by this blogger: Talk about discrimination against Israel which properly named is
anti-semitism. In a venue that touts itself in being a catalyst for
peace and global brotherhood. Another example of phony progressive
hatred of the Jewish people. Don´t worry Israel your time is coming soon
to shine in your rightful place among all the nations of the world.
The team had represented Israel's best hope for a gold medal but eventually finished in sixth place
Israel's rhythmic gymnastics team, in whom
Israelis had placed high hopes for a gold medal in Rio, ended up going
home empty-handed after placing sixth in the finals on Sunday. The squad
finished with 34.549, far off from eventual winners Russia, who tallied
36.233 points.
The Israeli team's coach, Ira Vigdorchik, was unequivocal about what she saw as the reasons for their disappointing performance, the Times of Israel reports.
"I never expected to win a medal," she said in an interview on Channel 2. "Even if we were to do it without any mistakes there is no chance to bring back a medal from the Olympic games.
"There is a situation that happens only at the Olympics," Vigdorchik continued. "In every other competition the contest begins with every country bringing a judge, including us.
"As soon as all of the countries have a judge there is a neutralization of subjectivity, but as soon as we come to the Olympics and we don't have a representative we have a problem," she said.
"Spain has a judge in the International Gymnastics Federation, Bulgaria has a judge, Japan has a judge. These are strong countries and we have no way to deal with it," Vigdorchik added.
In a separate interview with Channel 10, Vigdorchik alleged that the Israeli team was made to train in a hot and humid tent while their competitors were placed in better facilities. At the same time, she hit out at the facilities available in Israel, saying that the conditions at Rio were no better than those at the Wingate Institute where the team trained for the Games.
"Thank you to the Wingate Institute that prepared us for sub-conditions," Vigdorchik said. "It was damp here like there. We trained in a wet tent for two hours, while all the other teams who finished above us trained here," she said, while in the main gymnastics facility at the Games.
Nonetheless, squad captain Ilana Koshbetzki praised the team's efforts.
"I can't describe what we have been through here," she told Walla, cited in the TOI. "We will never forget this experience. I am very proud of everything we did over the years, and especially here in Rio. We reached a great moment that we waited for for a long time.
"We did everything that we could. What happens, it seems, was what was supposed to happen."
Vigdorchik, who has previously been subject to reports that her squad complained about her punitive training methods, said that she would consider staying on as coach if asked, the TOI reports.
The Israeli team's coach, Ira Vigdorchik, was unequivocal about what she saw as the reasons for their disappointing performance, the Times of Israel reports.
"I never expected to win a medal," she said in an interview on Channel 2. "Even if we were to do it without any mistakes there is no chance to bring back a medal from the Olympic games.
"There is a situation that happens only at the Olympics," Vigdorchik continued. "In every other competition the contest begins with every country bringing a judge, including us.
"As soon as all of the countries have a judge there is a neutralization of subjectivity, but as soon as we come to the Olympics and we don't have a representative we have a problem," she said.
"Spain has a judge in the International Gymnastics Federation, Bulgaria has a judge, Japan has a judge. These are strong countries and we have no way to deal with it," Vigdorchik added.
In a separate interview with Channel 10, Vigdorchik alleged that the Israeli team was made to train in a hot and humid tent while their competitors were placed in better facilities. At the same time, she hit out at the facilities available in Israel, saying that the conditions at Rio were no better than those at the Wingate Institute where the team trained for the Games.
"Thank you to the Wingate Institute that prepared us for sub-conditions," Vigdorchik said. "It was damp here like there. We trained in a wet tent for two hours, while all the other teams who finished above us trained here," she said, while in the main gymnastics facility at the Games.
Nonetheless, squad captain Ilana Koshbetzki praised the team's efforts.
"I can't describe what we have been through here," she told Walla, cited in the TOI. "We will never forget this experience. I am very proud of everything we did over the years, and especially here in Rio. We reached a great moment that we waited for for a long time.
"We did everything that we could. What happens, it seems, was what was supposed to happen."
Vigdorchik, who has previously been subject to reports that her squad complained about her punitive training methods, said that she would consider staying on as coach if asked, the TOI reports.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Friday, August 19, 2016
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Friday, August 12, 2016
SPECIAL NOTE AND REQUEST FOR HELP ON BEHALF OF ANDREW´S MOTHER
By Jean-Louis
The first time I met Andrew David Schultz and his family was in 1992 when they visited my church in Hendersonville, NC. As I welcomed them, we made an instant connection. Since then much has happened in our full lives. Now we find ourselves grieving for and mourning the loss of the precious life of an outstanding young man that was a shining example and a model for so many.
The first time I met Andrew David Schultz and his family was in 1992 when they visited my church in Hendersonville, NC. As I welcomed them, we made an instant connection. Since then much has happened in our full lives. Now we find ourselves grieving for and mourning the loss of the precious life of an outstanding young man that was a shining example and a model for so many.
In his unfathomable wisdom our Father God allowed for Andrew´s life to
be cut short. It is something that we can accept, albeit with great difficulty,
because of our limited understanding of the grand purpose of God´s plan for our
lives.
Nevertheless, our broken hearts joined in unison feel the void left by the
physical absence of our dear beloved friend Andrew compensated only to a degree
by the easily recognizable importance of his influence and inspiration in the
lives of many people, young and old from different parts of the world. We had the privilege to experience the blessing of meeting and sharing the
impacting presence of his authentic personality and character that left their mark in their hearts and minds.
I have never solicited any donation on my blog.
I do this because of my love for my friends, the Schultz Family. I invite you, my faithful readers or visitors to participate in this Work of Love by donating
whatever amount you can afford and feel led to give.
What I personally appreciate about “YouCaring” is the option of
anonymity as to the amount and identity of the giver. Click on the link to
learn more about the site: Andrew David Schultz Memorial
I appreciate you and am grateful for your prayers and contribution for Christene, Andrew´s, Benjamin´s and Caroline´s mother.
God bless you.
Jean-Louis.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Water into Wine
Some call it a magic trick, to others it
was a casual favor to a friend, but to John it was the way in which
Jesus showed forth His glory.
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, why do you involve me,” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind the Jews use for ceremonial washing, each holding from 20 to 30 gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” so they filled them to the brim. Then He said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from although the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best till now.”
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His Glory and the disciples put their faith in Him. (John 2:1-11)
By the way, a couple of interesting bits of trivia will help in our understanding. The 3rd day of the week is Tuesday on the Jewish calendar and is still the preferred day for weddings in Israel. That’s because on the original 3rd day, God pronounced things “good” twice; the only time He did so in the 7 days of Creation. Therefore the 3rd day is known as a day of double blessing, the best day of the week to begin a new life. Also Jewish wedding feasts lasted for 7 days, and to run out of wine so early would have been embarrassing to say the least. That’s probably why Mary asked Jesus to get involved in something that was really not their concern.
And lastly the stone jars held water normally used only for ceremonial washing, a symbolic act of cleansing from sin, not for cleaning off the dust of the road or other dirt. They were placed at the door so a person would not enter a friend’s house in a ceremonially “unclean” state and contaminate the house. By dipping their fingers into the water and wiping them dry, a person would symbolically “wash away their sins” and be ceremonially clean. When we say, “I’m washing my hands of this matter,” we really mean we’re trying to absolve ourselves of any responsibility for it. The phrase comes from this practice, which was soon to be immortalized by Pontius Pilate in the matter of Jesus’ trial and conviction. Some believe that this water would also have contained a sprinkling of ashes from a red heifer, in case anyone had inadvertently touched something dead (see Numbers 19).
I am the Bread of Life … 6:35,
I am the Light of the World … 8:12,
I am the Gate … 10:7,
I am the Good Shepherd … 10:11,
I am the Resurrection and the Life … 11:25,
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life … 14:6, and
I am the Vine … 15:1.
His entire gospel covers only about 21 days out of 3 1/2; years, devotes 10 chapters to just one week and nearly 1/3 (237) of the 879 verses of John’s Gospel describe just one day. The richness of John’s symbolism makes his gospel a favorite among those who view scripture from a high level of inspiration, and his story of the wedding at Cana is the crowning touch. Let’s look at it through his eyes.
Jesus commanded unnamed servants to completely fill 6 (the number of man) jars that were stone, cold, and empty (a model of our unregenerate hearts; Ezek. 36:25-27) with water. In John 16:5-14 the Holy spirit is described as One who would not speak of himself, but only of Jesus. In fact the only name by which we know the Holy Spirit is actually His job description; Comforter (KJV) or Counselor (NIV). This title is derived from the Greek word parakletos, which can also be translated intercessor or advocate. These servants are a model of the Holy Spirit, Who accomplishes the work of regeneration in our hearts (Titus 3:4-7), filling us with Living Water (John 7:37-39).
The water, normally used for ceremonial cleansing, immediately turned to wine and so that which had formerly only temporarily cleansed a person from sin now became symbolic of the Blood of Jesus that washes us clean forever (Luke 22:20). The master of the banquet remarked that the bridegroom had saved the best till last signifying that the New Covenant that permanently cleanses us (represented by the wine), is far superior to the Old Covenant that only temporarily set aside our sins (represented by the water). Thus by this miracle Jesus truly did reveal His Glory and you can see why the disciples put their faith in Him.
And now you know the adult version.
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, why do you involve me,” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind the Jews use for ceremonial washing, each holding from 20 to 30 gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” so they filled them to the brim. Then He said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from although the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best till now.”
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His Glory and the disciples put their faith in Him. (John 2:1-11)
What Was That Again?
Aside from the fact that changing water into wine requires supernatural ability, the most astonishing thing about this miracle is that because of it “He thus revealed His Glory and the disciples put their faith in Him.” Helping a friend with a beverage problem as a favor to His mom? Many commentators put this miracle way down their list of great things Jesus did, if they include it at all, but John put it first and attached considerable significance to it. Must be more going on here than meets the eye.By the way, a couple of interesting bits of trivia will help in our understanding. The 3rd day of the week is Tuesday on the Jewish calendar and is still the preferred day for weddings in Israel. That’s because on the original 3rd day, God pronounced things “good” twice; the only time He did so in the 7 days of Creation. Therefore the 3rd day is known as a day of double blessing, the best day of the week to begin a new life. Also Jewish wedding feasts lasted for 7 days, and to run out of wine so early would have been embarrassing to say the least. That’s probably why Mary asked Jesus to get involved in something that was really not their concern.
And lastly the stone jars held water normally used only for ceremonial washing, a symbolic act of cleansing from sin, not for cleaning off the dust of the road or other dirt. They were placed at the door so a person would not enter a friend’s house in a ceremonially “unclean” state and contaminate the house. By dipping their fingers into the water and wiping them dry, a person would symbolically “wash away their sins” and be ceremonially clean. When we say, “I’m washing my hands of this matter,” we really mean we’re trying to absolve ourselves of any responsibility for it. The phrase comes from this practice, which was soon to be immortalized by Pontius Pilate in the matter of Jesus’ trial and conviction. Some believe that this water would also have contained a sprinkling of ashes from a red heifer, in case anyone had inadvertently touched something dead (see Numbers 19).
Let’s Get Mystical
John was a mystic. His Gospel is highly symbolic in the way it presents facts about the Lord and His ministry. He made no attempt to portray events in their chronological order, chose only 7 miracles, followed by 7 discourses and 7 “I am” statements:I am the Bread of Life … 6:35,
I am the Light of the World … 8:12,
I am the Gate … 10:7,
I am the Good Shepherd … 10:11,
I am the Resurrection and the Life … 11:25,
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life … 14:6, and
I am the Vine … 15:1.
His entire gospel covers only about 21 days out of 3 1/2; years, devotes 10 chapters to just one week and nearly 1/3 (237) of the 879 verses of John’s Gospel describe just one day. The richness of John’s symbolism makes his gospel a favorite among those who view scripture from a high level of inspiration, and his story of the wedding at Cana is the crowning touch. Let’s look at it through his eyes.
Jesus commanded unnamed servants to completely fill 6 (the number of man) jars that were stone, cold, and empty (a model of our unregenerate hearts; Ezek. 36:25-27) with water. In John 16:5-14 the Holy spirit is described as One who would not speak of himself, but only of Jesus. In fact the only name by which we know the Holy Spirit is actually His job description; Comforter (KJV) or Counselor (NIV). This title is derived from the Greek word parakletos, which can also be translated intercessor or advocate. These servants are a model of the Holy Spirit, Who accomplishes the work of regeneration in our hearts (Titus 3:4-7), filling us with Living Water (John 7:37-39).
The water, normally used for ceremonial cleansing, immediately turned to wine and so that which had formerly only temporarily cleansed a person from sin now became symbolic of the Blood of Jesus that washes us clean forever (Luke 22:20). The master of the banquet remarked that the bridegroom had saved the best till last signifying that the New Covenant that permanently cleanses us (represented by the wine), is far superior to the Old Covenant that only temporarily set aside our sins (represented by the water). Thus by this miracle Jesus truly did reveal His Glory and you can see why the disciples put their faith in Him.
And now you know the adult version.
Monday, August 1, 2016
What is Contemplative Spirituality and Why is It Dangerous?
Reblogged from https://faithalone.org/journal/1997ii/Caddock.html
One reading was not enough for me to understand The Signature of Jesus. I found that it was like reading a book in a foreign language. I read many new expressions like contemplative prayer, centering prayer, centering down, paschal spirituality, the discipline of the secret, contemplative spirituality, celebrating the darkness, mineralization, the Mineral Man, practicing the presence, the interior life, intimacy with Abba, the uncloistered contemplative life, inner integration, yielding to the Center, the bridge of faith, notional knowledge, contemporary spiritual masters, masters of the interior life, shadow self, false self, mysterium tremendum, existential experience, and the Abba experience.1
I also encountered many writers I have never read before, including Kasemann, Burghardt, Merton, Van Breeman, Brueggemann, Moltmann, Nouwen, K�ng, Steindl-Rast, Rahner, Bonhoeffer, Kierkegaard, and Camus.
I had to read the book three separate times before I was confident that I understood what Manning was saying. I even read it a fourth time for good measure.
Reading this book led me to read a number of other books and articles by and about leading mystics/contemplatives. I learned about the heart of Manning's message, centering prayer.
Ultimately I felt I had to meet the man. I attended one conference he conducted. In addition, I purchased the tapes of another conference he conducted and pored over them.
Altogether I spent hundreds of hours trying to understand what Manning is saying. Why did I do this? Well, I began this study because three Free Grace Christian leaders whom I know endorsed Brennan Manning in his earlier book, The Ragamuffin Gospel. These men are bright, well educated, experienced in ministry, and heads of major works. Yet I had read a cautionary review of that book,2 and I wanted to read Manning for myself.
I continued the study because what I found frightened me and because I felt others needed to be warned. The teachings of Manning are very dangerous.
There is a seductive quality to his writings. He reports grappling with and overcoming fear, guilt, and psychological hang-ups and difficulties, including alcoholism. He gives the impression that he has a very intimate relationship with God and that he has insight to a superspirituality. He regularly meditates and reports having many visions and encounters with God. He is an extremely gifted writer who is able to tug at the emotions of the reader while at the same time introducing ideas that the reader would immediately reject if they were not cloaked under this emotional blanket.
He promises readers that if they apply his teaching they too will gain this same intimacy with God as well as freedom from fear, guilt, and psychological hang-ups and difficulties. This is very attractive. Manning's prescription to achieve this is not by traditional prayer and by the reading and application of the Bible. Rather, the means to this end is a mixture of Eastern mysticism, psychology, the New Age Movement, liberation theology, Catholicism, and Protestantism.3 This mixture will not deliver intimacy with God. It no doubt will lead to special feelings and experiences. Those practicing Manning's methods will likely feel closer to God. However, in the process they will actually move away from Him as a result of a counterfeit spirituality.
Read further: https://faithalone.org/journal/1997ii/Caddock.html
A Review of Brennan Manning's The Signature of Jesus
John Caddock
Winchester, OR
Winchester, OR
The Never-Ending Review
Little did I know when I began to read The Signature of Jesus the time and effort that would be involved in understanding it. I am not a theologian by training. My background is in technical management in electronic component manufacturing. However, I stumbled onto something that I became convinced was very dangerous and little understood.One reading was not enough for me to understand The Signature of Jesus. I found that it was like reading a book in a foreign language. I read many new expressions like contemplative prayer, centering prayer, centering down, paschal spirituality, the discipline of the secret, contemplative spirituality, celebrating the darkness, mineralization, the Mineral Man, practicing the presence, the interior life, intimacy with Abba, the uncloistered contemplative life, inner integration, yielding to the Center, the bridge of faith, notional knowledge, contemporary spiritual masters, masters of the interior life, shadow self, false self, mysterium tremendum, existential experience, and the Abba experience.1
I also encountered many writers I have never read before, including Kasemann, Burghardt, Merton, Van Breeman, Brueggemann, Moltmann, Nouwen, K�ng, Steindl-Rast, Rahner, Bonhoeffer, Kierkegaard, and Camus.
I had to read the book three separate times before I was confident that I understood what Manning was saying. I even read it a fourth time for good measure.
Reading this book led me to read a number of other books and articles by and about leading mystics/contemplatives. I learned about the heart of Manning's message, centering prayer.
Ultimately I felt I had to meet the man. I attended one conference he conducted. In addition, I purchased the tapes of another conference he conducted and pored over them.
Altogether I spent hundreds of hours trying to understand what Manning is saying. Why did I do this? Well, I began this study because three Free Grace Christian leaders whom I know endorsed Brennan Manning in his earlier book, The Ragamuffin Gospel. These men are bright, well educated, experienced in ministry, and heads of major works. Yet I had read a cautionary review of that book,2 and I wanted to read Manning for myself.
I continued the study because what I found frightened me and because I felt others needed to be warned. The teachings of Manning are very dangerous.
There is a seductive quality to his writings. He reports grappling with and overcoming fear, guilt, and psychological hang-ups and difficulties, including alcoholism. He gives the impression that he has a very intimate relationship with God and that he has insight to a superspirituality. He regularly meditates and reports having many visions and encounters with God. He is an extremely gifted writer who is able to tug at the emotions of the reader while at the same time introducing ideas that the reader would immediately reject if they were not cloaked under this emotional blanket.
He promises readers that if they apply his teaching they too will gain this same intimacy with God as well as freedom from fear, guilt, and psychological hang-ups and difficulties. This is very attractive. Manning's prescription to achieve this is not by traditional prayer and by the reading and application of the Bible. Rather, the means to this end is a mixture of Eastern mysticism, psychology, the New Age Movement, liberation theology, Catholicism, and Protestantism.3 This mixture will not deliver intimacy with God. It no doubt will lead to special feelings and experiences. Those practicing Manning's methods will likely feel closer to God. However, in the process they will actually move away from Him as a result of a counterfeit spirituality.
Read further: https://faithalone.org/journal/1997ii/Caddock.html
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