Several opinion polls have been taken over recent years regarding the viewpoint of the average American citizen pertaining to their view of the afterlife, and by an overwhelming majority, nearly three out of five believe in the existence of 'heaven.' Those same polls, however, by about roughly the same margin, reject the belief in a place called "hell." To the many respondents, it is inconceivable that a God of LOVE could actually create such an awful place, and not only that, but condemn someone to suffer in agony and torment for all eternity; to wit, how could the righteousness, justice, and holiness of God our heavenly Father who is ‘Love’ be satisfied with such an outcome since it states in I Timothy 2: 4, that it is God’s will for all men to be saved.
Romans 9: 14, 17-19
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in [against??] you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills, He hardens (Cp. Exodus 4: 21b; 8: 32). You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?”
This serves as a perfect introduction to the concept of freewill and predestination; that is the idea that humans have a ‘choice’ in their lives and social interactions independent of divine intervention, design, or effect in the decisions they make; and the consequences based upon acting or not acting upon the exercise of decisions independent of the influence of God, and the circumstances planned by Him in advance to bring about a certain desired outcome; whether good or bad.
Freewill 2: The freedom of humans to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or made by divine intervention [or will??].
Predestination 2: The doctrine that God in consequence of His foreknowledge of all events infallibly guides those who are destined for salvation.
NOTE: The converse of this is that God does not guide those who are not destined for salvation and allows them to choose a path of living which leads to damnation.
Again, continuing in Romans 9: 21-23
Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known (Cp. 17b), endured with much longsuffering, the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand [before the foundation of the world??] for glory.
Romans 8: 29
For whom He knew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Ephesians 1: 5, 11
Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. In whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
Proverbs 16: 4
The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom [evil; destruction??].
Isaiah 45: 9a, b
Woe to him who strives with His maker . . . Shall the clay say to him who forms it, what are you making?
64:8
But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You are our potter, and we are the work of Your hand.
Jeremiah 18: 1-6
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred [ruined; imperfect??] in the hands of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!”
Some of the greatest thinkers, Philosophers, Intellectuals, and Theologians who ever lived, have debated and wrestled within their own conscience and spirit in an attempt to explain one of the most perplexing as well as fundamental questions of human existence.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 26, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Taking the Issue of Sin Seriously, Part II
Most of the time when ‘sin’ is expounded upon and condemned by pronouncements of doom and hellfire by the clergy, missionaries and zealous believers alike, it usually has to do with those practices which are sometimes perceived as the most socially repulsive, heinous, and divisive such as abortion, incest or rape, homicide, and homosexuality (GLTB); to name a few. However, the sins in this study and for which most of the writings contained in the New Testament are those offenses which are practiced among Church-going, Bible-believing Christians.
I Corinthians 5: 9-10a, 11-13
I wrote to you in an epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean the sexually immoral people of this world . . .But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner-not even to eat [a common meal??] with such a person. For what have I to do with those who are outside [the body of Christ]? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person.
6: 9-11a
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists will inherit the kingdom of God, and such were some of you.
13b, 18
Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body (??), but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
I Corinthians 9: 27
But I discipline my body and bring it to subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
I Corinthians 12 20-21
For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, backbiting, whisperings [gossips??], conceits, tumults [fighting??]; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and the lewdness which they have practiced [are practicing??].
Wrath - a desire or intent to punish or revenge.
Romans 13: 13
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry, and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife or envy.
Revel; carouse: 2; to take intense pleasure or satisfaction.
Carouse 1: to drink liquor freely or loosely.
Lewd (evil, wicked, obscene, vulgar) 2 a; sexually unchaste or licentious.
Licentious 1: lacking legal or moral restraints; esp.: disregarding sexual restraints.
Galatians 5: 19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envies, envy, [murder], drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
NOTE: It is very doubtful that the Apostle Paul would have written this letter to the unbeliever but rather as correction and disciplinary action for those who are believers.
Ephesians 4: 29a, 31; 5: 3a-5
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth. . . Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, loud quarreling [clamor], and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetousness man who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Wrath 1: strong vengeful anger or indignation.
Anger 1: a strong feeling or emotional state.
Malice 1: the desire to cause pain, misery, or distress to another.
Colossians 3: 5, 7-9a
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness which is idolatry; in which you once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourself are to put off all these; wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Blasphemy 1 a; the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God.
I Thessalonians 4: 3-5a
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust.
Titus 3: 3
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
James 3: 14-15
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
4: 1-4a
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members [body]? You lust and you do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?
I Peter 2: 1
For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles- When we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
To reiterate, all of these aforementioned scriptural references have to do with reminding the believer that they are a new creation in Christ and as a result are to put away from themselves the deeds of the flesh, the sinful acts of their former selves before receiving the remission of sins through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. To wit, the members of the Church, Christ’s body need to take a good look within her own house first before judging those who are outside. It’s like the lyrics in a song by the 1960’s Soul Music group, ‘The Temptations’: “If you’re living in a glass house, don’t throw no stones.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 21, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
I Corinthians 5: 9-10a, 11-13
I wrote to you in an epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean the sexually immoral people of this world . . .But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner-not even to eat [a common meal??] with such a person. For what have I to do with those who are outside [the body of Christ]? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person.
6: 9-11a
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists will inherit the kingdom of God, and such were some of you.
13b, 18
Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body (??), but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
I Corinthians 9: 27
But I discipline my body and bring it to subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
I Corinthians 12 20-21
For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, backbiting, whisperings [gossips??], conceits, tumults [fighting??]; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and the lewdness which they have practiced [are practicing??].
Wrath - a desire or intent to punish or revenge.
Romans 13: 13
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry, and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife or envy.
Revel; carouse: 2; to take intense pleasure or satisfaction.
Carouse 1: to drink liquor freely or loosely.
Lewd (evil, wicked, obscene, vulgar) 2 a; sexually unchaste or licentious.
Licentious 1: lacking legal or moral restraints; esp.: disregarding sexual restraints.
Galatians 5: 19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envies, envy, [murder], drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
NOTE: It is very doubtful that the Apostle Paul would have written this letter to the unbeliever but rather as correction and disciplinary action for those who are believers.
Ephesians 4: 29a, 31; 5: 3a-5
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth. . . Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, loud quarreling [clamor], and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetousness man who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Wrath 1: strong vengeful anger or indignation.
Anger 1: a strong feeling or emotional state.
Malice 1: the desire to cause pain, misery, or distress to another.
Colossians 3: 5, 7-9a
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness which is idolatry; in which you once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourself are to put off all these; wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Blasphemy 1 a; the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God.
I Thessalonians 4: 3-5a
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust.
Titus 3: 3
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
James 3: 14-15
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
4: 1-4a
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members [body]? You lust and you do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?
I Peter 2: 1
For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles- When we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
To reiterate, all of these aforementioned scriptural references have to do with reminding the believer that they are a new creation in Christ and as a result are to put away from themselves the deeds of the flesh, the sinful acts of their former selves before receiving the remission of sins through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. To wit, the members of the Church, Christ’s body need to take a good look within her own house first before judging those who are outside. It’s like the lyrics in a song by the 1960’s Soul Music group, ‘The Temptations’: “If you’re living in a glass house, don’t throw no stones.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 21, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Some Faith Practices of the Early Christians
There are some Christian denominations who identify themselves as God’s Chosen/Elect people because of certain faith practices such as observance of the Jewish Sabbath and dietary laws, reverentially pronouncing the sacred Name of God (‘Jehovah’) and being His Witnesses (Cp. Isaiah 43: 10), and some claim ancestry from one of the Lost tribes of Israel (‘Nephi’) and practice “baptisms for the dead”
(Cp. I Corinthians 15: 29). Just a few comments are in order although this is not complete. Although the Prophet Isaiah did reference ancient Israel as Witnesses for the Lord (‘Yah’), Acts 14: 12 states, “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no ‘other’ name under the heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” The “Witnesses” the New Testament speaks about are those who witnessed our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead (Cp. Acts 3: 15; 4: 33;
5: 31-32; 13: 30-31).
The rite of “baptisms for the dead” has no precedent in Scripture because there is no example of it but the rather awkward wording in I Corinthians 15: 29. The confusion, although not apparent at first, can be solved by a careful and prudent examination of the context, keeping in mind the emphasis on concern over there being no resurrection for the dead; which would include by extension, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. If that is the case and if someone is baptized into Christ believing in His resurrection as a prelude to their own and if this is not true, then the passage asks a really good question. So, keeping that thought in mind,
read Romans 6: 3-4a, 5; I Corinthians 15: 12-14, 17-18, 29; I Thessalonians 4: 13 for more clarification. Irrespective of the various points of view which are presented in this particular work, the following are some of the characteristics which the New Testament leaves as a footprint in the sands of time as to the traditions which the earliest believers engaged in which helped them grow in the most precious ‘Faith.’
Acts 1: 14
One accord, prayer, supplication.
2: 1
Gathered together in one place with one accord.
42
Apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread (common meals), prayers.
44
All believers were together, had all things in common.
46
Continued daily with one accord in the temple, breaking bread (common meal) from house to house and ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.
6: 1
Providing food distribution for widows.
6
Praying and the laying on of hands.
Romans 12: 12
Continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
I Corinthians 10: 14-21; 11: 17-34
(“The Lord’s Table”)The Communion of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
16: 1-4; II Corinthians 8: 1-24; 9: 1-14
Special offering (‘gift’) for the saints in Jerusalem [Judea].
Colossians 3: 16
Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord.
4: 2
Continue earnestly in praying, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
I Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Timothy 2: 1, 8 {esp. 2-4}
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and the giving of thanks be made for all men. I desire therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CHUCH OFFICIALS:
Bishop/Overseer
I Timothy 3; 1-7
Deacons
I Timothy 3: 8-13
Elders
Titus 1: 5-9
I Timothy 5: 1-16
Taking care of the widows.
17-18
Supporting the Elders who labor in the word and doctrine.
THE RITE OF BAPTISM:
(References)
Acts 2: 37-38; 8: 5, 12, 35-36, 38-39; 9: 17-18; 10: 44-48; 15: 29-33; 16: 14-15;
18: 24-26; 19: 1-6; Romans 6: 3-7, 17-18; 10: 8-11; I Peter 3: 20-21
THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
(References)
Romans 12: 3-8; I Corinthians 1: 4-8; 12: 1-11, 27-31; 14: 1-33, 36-40;
Ephesians 4: 7-13; I Thessalonians 5: 19-20; I Peter 4: 10-11
I Timothy 4: 14
The laying on of hands.
5: 22
Do not lay hands [on anyone] hastily, nor share in other people’s sin; keep yourself pure.
James 5: 14-16
The Elders of the Church anointing the sick with oil [olive??] in the Name of the Lord.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 20, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
(Cp. I Corinthians 15: 29). Just a few comments are in order although this is not complete. Although the Prophet Isaiah did reference ancient Israel as Witnesses for the Lord (‘Yah’), Acts 14: 12 states, “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no ‘other’ name under the heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” The “Witnesses” the New Testament speaks about are those who witnessed our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead (Cp. Acts 3: 15; 4: 33;
5: 31-32; 13: 30-31).
The rite of “baptisms for the dead” has no precedent in Scripture because there is no example of it but the rather awkward wording in I Corinthians 15: 29. The confusion, although not apparent at first, can be solved by a careful and prudent examination of the context, keeping in mind the emphasis on concern over there being no resurrection for the dead; which would include by extension, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. If that is the case and if someone is baptized into Christ believing in His resurrection as a prelude to their own and if this is not true, then the passage asks a really good question. So, keeping that thought in mind,
read Romans 6: 3-4a, 5; I Corinthians 15: 12-14, 17-18, 29; I Thessalonians 4: 13 for more clarification. Irrespective of the various points of view which are presented in this particular work, the following are some of the characteristics which the New Testament leaves as a footprint in the sands of time as to the traditions which the earliest believers engaged in which helped them grow in the most precious ‘Faith.’
Acts 1: 14
One accord, prayer, supplication.
2: 1
Gathered together in one place with one accord.
42
Apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread (common meals), prayers.
44
All believers were together, had all things in common.
46
Continued daily with one accord in the temple, breaking bread (common meal) from house to house and ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.
6: 1
Providing food distribution for widows.
6
Praying and the laying on of hands.
Romans 12: 12
Continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
I Corinthians 10: 14-21; 11: 17-34
(“The Lord’s Table”)The Communion of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
16: 1-4; II Corinthians 8: 1-24; 9: 1-14
Special offering (‘gift’) for the saints in Jerusalem [Judea].
Colossians 3: 16
Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord.
4: 2
Continue earnestly in praying, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
I Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Timothy 2: 1, 8 {esp. 2-4}
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and the giving of thanks be made for all men. I desire therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CHUCH OFFICIALS:
Bishop/Overseer
I Timothy 3; 1-7
Deacons
I Timothy 3: 8-13
Elders
Titus 1: 5-9
I Timothy 5: 1-16
Taking care of the widows.
17-18
Supporting the Elders who labor in the word and doctrine.
THE RITE OF BAPTISM:
(References)
Acts 2: 37-38; 8: 5, 12, 35-36, 38-39; 9: 17-18; 10: 44-48; 15: 29-33; 16: 14-15;
18: 24-26; 19: 1-6; Romans 6: 3-7, 17-18; 10: 8-11; I Peter 3: 20-21
THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
(References)
Romans 12: 3-8; I Corinthians 1: 4-8; 12: 1-11, 27-31; 14: 1-33, 36-40;
Ephesians 4: 7-13; I Thessalonians 5: 19-20; I Peter 4: 10-11
I Timothy 4: 14
The laying on of hands.
5: 22
Do not lay hands [on anyone] hastily, nor share in other people’s sin; keep yourself pure.
James 5: 14-16
The Elders of the Church anointing the sick with oil [olive??] in the Name of the Lord.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 20, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Are You Offering Strange Fire to the Lord?
Exodus 19: 20-22
Then the Lord came down on Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. And the Lord said to Moses,”Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.
20: 18-20
Now all the people witnessed the thundering, the lightening flashes, the sound of the trumpet (??), and the mountain smoking; and the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us lest we die.” And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you so that you may not sin.
Consecrate 2 a: to make or declare sacred; esp.: to devote irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony [or oath].
Leviticus 9: 23-24a
And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the fat on the altar.
II Chronicles 5: 13-14
And it came to pass when the priests came out of the Most Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves. . .), indeed it came to pass when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and the cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
NOTE: This is very instructive because God was so pleased with the worship of adoration by the people that His cloud [‘Shekinah’] of glory saturated this holy place such that the services could not even continue.
Leviticus 10: 1-3
Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered [profane] fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.’ “So Aaron held his peace.
Holy 1; exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.
Glorify 1 a: to make glorious (marked by great splendor and beauty) by the bestowal of honor, praise, and admiration.
Acts 5: 1-3a, 4b-5, 9-10
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the land yourself? You have not lied to men but to God. Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So, great fear came upon all who heard these things. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately, she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
I Corinthians 3: 16-17
Do you not know that your body is the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are (Cp. Ephesians 2: 21-22).
Leviticus 11: 44a
For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.
19: 1-2
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
20: 7-8
Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am the Lord your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
I Peter 1: 15-16
But as He who called you is holy, you must also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
I Peter 5: 9
You also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ.
So what does all these Biblical references have to do with the worship practices and attitudes of believers in the Christian Church in modern times; everything! Jesus said in Matthew 18: 20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them.
It can be clearly seen, especially from citations taken from the Jewish Old Testament the important seriousness of God’s requirement to come before His Presence in reverential fear and praise. The priests were strictly admonished to live exemplary lives as examples of God’s holiness and represent Him before the people in the administration of sacrifices and offerings. Any violation of God’s laws and statutes were seen as impiety and the sin of rebellion in which His just punishments and judgments were swift and sure.
Today, however, it doesn’t seem as though the worship of God as the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe and Creator of Heaven and earth is approached with the same degree of solemnity and reverence. Many parishioners treat the occasion as more of a religiously-theme social gathering full of singing performances, memorized verbal anecdotes, and oratorical pomposity or pious exuberance for our entertainment; but not out of godly fear. Although all of this may outwardly appear to encapsulate the essence of ‘pure’ worship, sadly, it is not it at all.
Think about it for a moment: Some of the faithful come habitually late to nearly every service when these same people arrive early enough and on time to catch a train, bus, airplane, or boat. Also, there area few who constantly talk socially with others, incessantly move about in the assembly, engage in other distracting activities, or entertain thoughts of being somewhere else; and yet, is this the best that we can offer up to God for all His goodness and blessings?
Are we like those rebellious and stiff-necked Children of Israel, who after being liberated from Egyptian slavery, it says in I Corinthians 10: 5-7: But with most of them God was not pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the end of the ages has come.
Coming to Church services isn’t about seeking to get something from God, but rather to offer up something to Him for all that He has done in our lives. In Hebrews 13: 15, it reads: Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 20, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Then the Lord came down on Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. And the Lord said to Moses,”Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.
20: 18-20
Now all the people witnessed the thundering, the lightening flashes, the sound of the trumpet (??), and the mountain smoking; and the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us lest we die.” And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you so that you may not sin.
Consecrate 2 a: to make or declare sacred; esp.: to devote irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony [or oath].
Leviticus 9: 23-24a
And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the fat on the altar.
II Chronicles 5: 13-14
And it came to pass when the priests came out of the Most Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves. . .), indeed it came to pass when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and the cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
NOTE: This is very instructive because God was so pleased with the worship of adoration by the people that His cloud [‘Shekinah’] of glory saturated this holy place such that the services could not even continue.
Leviticus 10: 1-3
Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered [profane] fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.’ “So Aaron held his peace.
Holy 1; exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.
Glorify 1 a: to make glorious (marked by great splendor and beauty) by the bestowal of honor, praise, and admiration.
Acts 5: 1-3a, 4b-5, 9-10
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the land yourself? You have not lied to men but to God. Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So, great fear came upon all who heard these things. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately, she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
I Corinthians 3: 16-17
Do you not know that your body is the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are (Cp. Ephesians 2: 21-22).
Leviticus 11: 44a
For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.
19: 1-2
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
20: 7-8
Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am the Lord your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
I Peter 1: 15-16
But as He who called you is holy, you must also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
I Peter 5: 9
You also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ.
So what does all these Biblical references have to do with the worship practices and attitudes of believers in the Christian Church in modern times; everything! Jesus said in Matthew 18: 20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them.
It can be clearly seen, especially from citations taken from the Jewish Old Testament the important seriousness of God’s requirement to come before His Presence in reverential fear and praise. The priests were strictly admonished to live exemplary lives as examples of God’s holiness and represent Him before the people in the administration of sacrifices and offerings. Any violation of God’s laws and statutes were seen as impiety and the sin of rebellion in which His just punishments and judgments were swift and sure.
Today, however, it doesn’t seem as though the worship of God as the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe and Creator of Heaven and earth is approached with the same degree of solemnity and reverence. Many parishioners treat the occasion as more of a religiously-theme social gathering full of singing performances, memorized verbal anecdotes, and oratorical pomposity or pious exuberance for our entertainment; but not out of godly fear. Although all of this may outwardly appear to encapsulate the essence of ‘pure’ worship, sadly, it is not it at all.
Think about it for a moment: Some of the faithful come habitually late to nearly every service when these same people arrive early enough and on time to catch a train, bus, airplane, or boat. Also, there area few who constantly talk socially with others, incessantly move about in the assembly, engage in other distracting activities, or entertain thoughts of being somewhere else; and yet, is this the best that we can offer up to God for all His goodness and blessings?
Are we like those rebellious and stiff-necked Children of Israel, who after being liberated from Egyptian slavery, it says in I Corinthians 10: 5-7: But with most of them God was not pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the end of the ages has come.
Coming to Church services isn’t about seeking to get something from God, but rather to offer up something to Him for all that He has done in our lives. In Hebrews 13: 15, it reads: Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 20, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Taking the Issue of Sin Seriously
American society is one that takes political correctness to new heights, as perhaps unlike any other country in the entire modern world. It seems we wear our feelings on our shoulders and become very restless as well as sensitive to criticism or when someone challenges our most cherished traditions, beliefs, history, and social practices. We pride ourselves in our independence, system of justice, rights of freedom of the press and free speech, and moral responsibility; but where are we as a people when it comes to ‘sin’? The Wisdom of Solomon says in Proverbs 14: 34, Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.
Of course, the usual response to this important issue is met with scorn, suspicion, and in some instances, violence. It is one of those ‘mind your own business’ if you know what’s good for you social withdrawal mechanisms. No one wants to talk about it, and those who do run the risk of being labeled ‘demagogues,’ narrow-minded, or accused of fostering hate-speech; which can lead to criminal charges of attempting to promote a “hate crime.” Nobody wants to hurt another person’s feelings or make them feel ashamed or embarrassed so the topic is essentially VERBOTEN (Ger. ‘forbidden’). Maybe this is why the ‘OBITUARY’ section in most newspapers is written in such a way where all the deceased are treated with dignity and respect, even though some of them might have been quite the rascal and hell-raiser when they were alive.
Has the Christian Church abdicated her responsibility to take a firm stand against behaviors (not individuals) which are contrary to God’s commandments? Of course, taking on this potentially controversial subject might just make the community of faith a religious ‘pariah.’ So then, appeasement is the more prudent course of action than face the sobering reality of the effect of sin on families, communities, and the entire nation. Sin is a spiritual condition and not a moral malaise or social aberration that the APA, JAMA, and AMA can merely just explain away based upon clinical studies and scientific research.
Even moral reasoning or rationalization is nothing new because Proverbs 21: 2a states: “Every way of man is right in his own eyes.” But the folly of it is also captured in Proverbs 14: 12“There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.” Our weakness and reluctance to challenge sin in the body of Christ is appalling, and consequently we tolerate, or more accurately, approve the appointment of clergy and other officials to minister ‘spiritual’ things to the flock who themselves are guilty of shameful deeds or thoughts.
The question is: from what perspective should ‘sin’ be viewed?
Romans 3: 23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
And now, how does all this relate to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 9: 26b, 27
But now, once at the end of the ages, He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the Judgment.
John 7: 24
Therefore I say to you that you will die in your sins, for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.
Acts 4: 12
Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven among men by which we must be saved.
NOTE: Salvation does not come from being a disciple of Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Wayne Dyer, J.Z. Knight (RAMTHA), Madame Helen Blavatsky, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Rav Michael Berg, the CHANGE-YOUR-LIFE Church of “O," and a host of others.
Some might reason that the Biblical pronouncements of doom and gloom are from a more religiously suspicious, less enlightened age because surely the God who is ‘Love’ would not pronounce such a dire fate as eternal torment upon broken, imperfect, weak, and flawed humanity.
John 5: 40; 6: 46
“But you are not willing to come to me that you might have ‘Life.’ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has Everlasting Life.”
II Thessalonians 1: 7b-9
The Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of is power.
Hebrews 10: 31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.
I Corinthians 5: 10-11b
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.
And what of those individuals who may consider themselves charitable, socially conscientious, morally excellent, religious, and there are even some who appear to have special spiritual gifts? Well, Jesus answers them in Matthew 7: 21-23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. “Many will say to me in the day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness!”
One of the overriding admonitions spoken by Jesus is in the warning of His sudden appearing as ‘A thief in the night,’ which is echoed throughout all the books of the entire New Testament; in one way or another. It seems that many people aren’t too bothered or concerned and go about their daily routine as to not give it a second thought. The few that have a slight touch of conscience will justify their actions based upon the circumstances at the time and deal with the consequences later; still others deem themselves ‘untouchable’ and sin with impunity.
II Peter 3: 3-4, 9
Knowing this first: that, scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The assurance of Jesus’ return is underscored in the following:
John 5: 28-29
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth-those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation.”
The final words of prophesy from the Lord Jesus to humanity is found in the book of Revelation.
Revelation 20: 11-15
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before the throne of God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the ‘Book of Life’. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged each according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.
There are those few Christian apologists who explain that REVELATION is a book of symbols and is one of the most Jewish books in the New Testament along with, not surprisingly, HEBREWS. And like most literature, certain writing techniques such as metaphor and simile are intended to convey a message that is not always apparent to the reader. Within the body of this work are elements of the Prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel and certainly the Gospels; which should reinforce the need for everyone to examine themselves and ask, if when the Lord returns, will they be ready to meet Him?
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 13, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Of course, the usual response to this important issue is met with scorn, suspicion, and in some instances, violence. It is one of those ‘mind your own business’ if you know what’s good for you social withdrawal mechanisms. No one wants to talk about it, and those who do run the risk of being labeled ‘demagogues,’ narrow-minded, or accused of fostering hate-speech; which can lead to criminal charges of attempting to promote a “hate crime.” Nobody wants to hurt another person’s feelings or make them feel ashamed or embarrassed so the topic is essentially VERBOTEN (Ger. ‘forbidden’). Maybe this is why the ‘OBITUARY’ section in most newspapers is written in such a way where all the deceased are treated with dignity and respect, even though some of them might have been quite the rascal and hell-raiser when they were alive.
Has the Christian Church abdicated her responsibility to take a firm stand against behaviors (not individuals) which are contrary to God’s commandments? Of course, taking on this potentially controversial subject might just make the community of faith a religious ‘pariah.’ So then, appeasement is the more prudent course of action than face the sobering reality of the effect of sin on families, communities, and the entire nation. Sin is a spiritual condition and not a moral malaise or social aberration that the APA, JAMA, and AMA can merely just explain away based upon clinical studies and scientific research.
Even moral reasoning or rationalization is nothing new because Proverbs 21: 2a states: “Every way of man is right in his own eyes.” But the folly of it is also captured in Proverbs 14: 12“There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.” Our weakness and reluctance to challenge sin in the body of Christ is appalling, and consequently we tolerate, or more accurately, approve the appointment of clergy and other officials to minister ‘spiritual’ things to the flock who themselves are guilty of shameful deeds or thoughts.
The question is: from what perspective should ‘sin’ be viewed?
Romans 3: 23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
And now, how does all this relate to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 9: 26b, 27
But now, once at the end of the ages, He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the Judgment.
John 7: 24
Therefore I say to you that you will die in your sins, for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.
Acts 4: 12
Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven among men by which we must be saved.
NOTE: Salvation does not come from being a disciple of Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Wayne Dyer, J.Z. Knight (RAMTHA), Madame Helen Blavatsky, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Rav Michael Berg, the CHANGE-YOUR-LIFE Church of “O," and a host of others.
Some might reason that the Biblical pronouncements of doom and gloom are from a more religiously suspicious, less enlightened age because surely the God who is ‘Love’ would not pronounce such a dire fate as eternal torment upon broken, imperfect, weak, and flawed humanity.
John 5: 40; 6: 46
“But you are not willing to come to me that you might have ‘Life.’ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has Everlasting Life.”
II Thessalonians 1: 7b-9
The Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of is power.
Hebrews 10: 31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.
I Corinthians 5: 10-11b
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.
And what of those individuals who may consider themselves charitable, socially conscientious, morally excellent, religious, and there are even some who appear to have special spiritual gifts? Well, Jesus answers them in Matthew 7: 21-23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. “Many will say to me in the day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness!”
One of the overriding admonitions spoken by Jesus is in the warning of His sudden appearing as ‘A thief in the night,’ which is echoed throughout all the books of the entire New Testament; in one way or another. It seems that many people aren’t too bothered or concerned and go about their daily routine as to not give it a second thought. The few that have a slight touch of conscience will justify their actions based upon the circumstances at the time and deal with the consequences later; still others deem themselves ‘untouchable’ and sin with impunity.
II Peter 3: 3-4, 9
Knowing this first: that, scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The assurance of Jesus’ return is underscored in the following:
John 5: 28-29
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth-those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation.”
The final words of prophesy from the Lord Jesus to humanity is found in the book of Revelation.
Revelation 20: 11-15
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before the throne of God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the ‘Book of Life’. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged each according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.
There are those few Christian apologists who explain that REVELATION is a book of symbols and is one of the most Jewish books in the New Testament along with, not surprisingly, HEBREWS. And like most literature, certain writing techniques such as metaphor and simile are intended to convey a message that is not always apparent to the reader. Within the body of this work are elements of the Prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel and certainly the Gospels; which should reinforce the need for everyone to examine themselves and ask, if when the Lord returns, will they be ready to meet Him?
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 13, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
Where will God’s Elect/Chosen Spend Eternity in the Afterlife?
The hope of all the faithful Christian believers is to live forever with God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the holy angels in the heavenly mansions. Many of the liturgical imagery inspired in portraits and in the composition of songs whose lyrics touch deep within the soul, conjure up scenes of the celestial splendor and unspeakable joy, but is that really what the Scriptures teach? As the old saying goes, “Let us speak where the Bible speaks and let us be silent where the Bible is silent.” The following is a list of references for thoughtful prayer and reflection:
Colossians 1: 5a
Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.
I Peter 1: 4
To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.
II Corinthians 5: 2b
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.
Hebrews 12: 23
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in
heaven. . .
NOTE: None of the preceding passages says that believers will go to live in heaven, but rather that heaven is the source or place of their citizenship and reward.
I Thessalonians 4: 16-17
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with “them” in the clouds to meet the lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
NOTE: A couple of things should receive further consideration, namely, who are ‘them’ and verse seventeen doesn’t say that ‘we’ shall go be with the Lord in heaven but rather, “we will always be with the Lord.”
I Corinthians 15: 23
But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.
Revelations 14: 1, 4
Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Revelation 7:1a, 2a, 3-4
After these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east (??) having the seal of the Living God, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until we have sealed the servants (prophets??; Revelation 22: 6, 8b-9a) of our God on their foreheads. And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed.
Matthew 24:31
And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
II Thessalonians 2: 1
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him. . .
NOTE: Some believers think that God’s people, the political, religious and national state of Israel is no longer a concern but rather Christ’s Church; however, is that true?
Romans 11: 1, 5, 25-26a, 28-29
I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I am also an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to grace. For I do not desire brethren, that you should be ignorant of this ‘mystery,’ lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles should come in. And so all Israel shall be saved. . . Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election, they are beloved for the sake of the fathers (Cp. Genesis 12: 3b; 22: 18; 26: 4; 28: 14). For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Hebrews 6:13-17, 18
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could not swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie. . .
Ephesians 3: 1, 3-4, 6
I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles-how that by revelation He made known to me the ‘mystery’ (as I have written briefly already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the ‘mystery’ of Christ) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.
NOTE: Now that the aforementioned references clearly indicate that Israel is God’s special concern and that along with the Gentile believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are heirs and partakers of the promises to Abraham, but exactly what does this look like?
II Corinthians 11: 2
For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy: For I have betrothed you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Revelation 19: 7-9
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
NOTE: The final piece of this theological puzzle has to do with where the heirs of the ‘Promise’ or the Lord’s bride will live for endless ages.
Revelation 20:11
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them (Cp. Isaiah 34: 4a; II Peter 3:10-11a, 12b).
Revelation 21: 1-3
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. . . Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
9-10, 12, 14
Then one of the angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away ‘in the Spirit’ to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Also she had a great high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
There are some believers in the body of Christ who believed the redeemed saints will enjoy the blissful, idyllic life and social as well as conjugal relationships in a restored and perfected Garden of Eden, which Adam and Eve forfeited (Cp. Genesis 1: 27-28; 3: 22-24), but such is not the case according to the words of Jesus:
Matthew 22: 29-30; Mark 12: 24-25
Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels [of God] in heaven.
Revelation 5: 10b
And we [they??] shall reign on the earth.
Regardless of the many disapproving DISPENSATIONAL viewpoints and theological hand wringing that this study may provoke among some of the more religiously conservative, the Apostle Peter seems to sum up our hope the best in II Peter 3: 13:
Nevertheless, we according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 12, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Colossians 1: 5a
Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.
I Peter 1: 4
To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.
II Corinthians 5: 2b
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.
Hebrews 12: 23
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in
heaven. . .
NOTE: None of the preceding passages says that believers will go to live in heaven, but rather that heaven is the source or place of their citizenship and reward.
I Thessalonians 4: 16-17
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with “them” in the clouds to meet the lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
NOTE: A couple of things should receive further consideration, namely, who are ‘them’ and verse seventeen doesn’t say that ‘we’ shall go be with the Lord in heaven but rather, “we will always be with the Lord.”
I Corinthians 15: 23
But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.
Revelations 14: 1, 4
Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Revelation 7:1a, 2a, 3-4
After these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east (??) having the seal of the Living God, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until we have sealed the servants (prophets??; Revelation 22: 6, 8b-9a) of our God on their foreheads. And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed.
Matthew 24:31
And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
II Thessalonians 2: 1
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him. . .
NOTE: Some believers think that God’s people, the political, religious and national state of Israel is no longer a concern but rather Christ’s Church; however, is that true?
Romans 11: 1, 5, 25-26a, 28-29
I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I am also an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to grace. For I do not desire brethren, that you should be ignorant of this ‘mystery,’ lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles should come in. And so all Israel shall be saved. . . Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election, they are beloved for the sake of the fathers (Cp. Genesis 12: 3b; 22: 18; 26: 4; 28: 14). For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Hebrews 6:13-17, 18
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could not swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie. . .
Ephesians 3: 1, 3-4, 6
I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles-how that by revelation He made known to me the ‘mystery’ (as I have written briefly already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the ‘mystery’ of Christ) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.
NOTE: Now that the aforementioned references clearly indicate that Israel is God’s special concern and that along with the Gentile believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are heirs and partakers of the promises to Abraham, but exactly what does this look like?
II Corinthians 11: 2
For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy: For I have betrothed you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Revelation 19: 7-9
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
NOTE: The final piece of this theological puzzle has to do with where the heirs of the ‘Promise’ or the Lord’s bride will live for endless ages.
Revelation 20:11
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them (Cp. Isaiah 34: 4a; II Peter 3:10-11a, 12b).
Revelation 21: 1-3
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. . . Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
9-10, 12, 14
Then one of the angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away ‘in the Spirit’ to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Also she had a great high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
There are some believers in the body of Christ who believed the redeemed saints will enjoy the blissful, idyllic life and social as well as conjugal relationships in a restored and perfected Garden of Eden, which Adam and Eve forfeited (Cp. Genesis 1: 27-28; 3: 22-24), but such is not the case according to the words of Jesus:
Matthew 22: 29-30; Mark 12: 24-25
Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels [of God] in heaven.
Revelation 5: 10b
And we [they??] shall reign on the earth.
Regardless of the many disapproving DISPENSATIONAL viewpoints and theological hand wringing that this study may provoke among some of the more religiously conservative, the Apostle Peter seems to sum up our hope the best in II Peter 3: 13:
Nevertheless, we according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 12, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Sign of the Times and End of the Age
Perhaps one of the most intriguing narratives in the Synoptic (side by side) Gospels contained in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke is the ‘End of the World.’ Each writer has their own individual perspective gleaned from the sources which were used to compile and reference this unique event in which each one of them conveyed to a particular audience. In most instances there is agreement with the other accounts and as it shall be shown, there is a widely divergent viewpoint as to what the Lord Jesus Christ actually said.
To set the stage for this momentous discussion, Jesus had just wrapped up teaching at the Temple in Jerusalem, and His disciples had commented about the beautiful stones and buildings of the temple, to which Jesus replied, ‘There will not be one stone left standing on top of another.” The disciples asked Him privately by the Mount of Olivet, “What was going to be the Sign of the Times and the End of the Age?” (Cp. Matthew 24: 3; Mark 13: 3; Luke 21: 5). This occasion was about two days before the Passover (Cp. Matthew 26: 1-2; Mark 14: 1; Luke 22: 1??)
All three authors start off with "THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE"
(Cp. Matthew 24: 1-2; Mark 13: 1-2; Luke 21: 5-6)
NOTE: Luke does not mention about the Gospel being preached to the entire world. (Cp. Matthew 24: 14: Mark 13: 10)
Matthew 24: 26-28
“Therefore, if they say to you, Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man be, “For wherever the carcass is, then the eagles will be gathered together (Cp. Revelations 19: 17-18??).
NOTE: Omitted in Mark and Luke.
Luke 21: 18-19
“But not a hair of your head shall be lost.“By y our patience possess your souls.”
NOTE: Matthew and Luke do not mention this.
22
For these are “the Days of Vengeance,” that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
NOTE: Instead of that phrase, Matthew and Mark use the term, the Abomination of Desolation spoken by the Prophet Daniel (Cp. Matthew 24: 15; Mark 13: 14; Daniel 11: 31; 12: 11). It seems more likely that the source for Luke’s use here is taken from the Prophet Isaiah (61: 2b; 34: 8-15), and possibly Malachi 4: 1, 3??
Luke 21: 24
And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be carried away captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the “Times of the Gentiles” are fulfilled. (Cp. Revelations 11: 2??)
NOTE: Excluded by Matthew and Mark.
Matthew 24: 29-31; Mark 13: 24-27; Luke 21: 25-28
"THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN"
NOTE: Luke account differs in that he does not mention anything about His (Christ’s) angels gathering the ‘elect’ from the four corners of the earth.
Matthew 24: 32-35; Mark 13: 28-31; Luke 21: 29-33
"THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE"
Matthew 36-44; Mark 13: 32-37
"NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR"
NOTE: Matthew includes “The days of Noah” (37-39) and “Two men working in a field”
(40-41); Mark uses “A man going into a far country”(34).
NOTE: Luke omits this.
Matthew 24: 45-51
"THE FAITHFUL SERVANT AND THE EVIL SERVANT"
25: 1-13
"THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS"
14-30
"THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS"
31-46
"THE SON OF MAN WILL JUDGE THE NATIONS"
NOTE: Mark and Luke do not include these.
Luke 21: 34-36
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkedness, and the cares of this life, and that ‘Day’ comes on you unexpectedly. “For it will come as a snare on all them who dwell on the earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
NOTE: This is not included in the other Gospel books of Matthew and Mark but interestingly, Luke uses the word ‘snare’ whereas in Jesus’ other warnings about His Second Coming, He uses the phrase, returning as “A Thief in the Night” or coming suddenly, when people are caught unaware and unprepared.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 8, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
To set the stage for this momentous discussion, Jesus had just wrapped up teaching at the Temple in Jerusalem, and His disciples had commented about the beautiful stones and buildings of the temple, to which Jesus replied, ‘There will not be one stone left standing on top of another.” The disciples asked Him privately by the Mount of Olivet, “What was going to be the Sign of the Times and the End of the Age?” (Cp. Matthew 24: 3; Mark 13: 3; Luke 21: 5). This occasion was about two days before the Passover (Cp. Matthew 26: 1-2; Mark 14: 1; Luke 22: 1??)
All three authors start off with "THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE"
(Cp. Matthew 24: 1-2; Mark 13: 1-2; Luke 21: 5-6)
NOTE: Luke does not mention about the Gospel being preached to the entire world. (Cp. Matthew 24: 14: Mark 13: 10)
Matthew 24: 26-28
“Therefore, if they say to you, Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man be, “For wherever the carcass is, then the eagles will be gathered together (Cp. Revelations 19: 17-18??).
NOTE: Omitted in Mark and Luke.
Luke 21: 18-19
“But not a hair of your head shall be lost.“By y our patience possess your souls.”
NOTE: Matthew and Luke do not mention this.
22
For these are “the Days of Vengeance,” that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
NOTE: Instead of that phrase, Matthew and Mark use the term, the Abomination of Desolation spoken by the Prophet Daniel (Cp. Matthew 24: 15; Mark 13: 14; Daniel 11: 31; 12: 11). It seems more likely that the source for Luke’s use here is taken from the Prophet Isaiah (61: 2b; 34: 8-15), and possibly Malachi 4: 1, 3??
Luke 21: 24
And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be carried away captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the “Times of the Gentiles” are fulfilled. (Cp. Revelations 11: 2??)
NOTE: Excluded by Matthew and Mark.
Matthew 24: 29-31; Mark 13: 24-27; Luke 21: 25-28
"THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN"
NOTE: Luke account differs in that he does not mention anything about His (Christ’s) angels gathering the ‘elect’ from the four corners of the earth.
Matthew 24: 32-35; Mark 13: 28-31; Luke 21: 29-33
"THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE"
Matthew 36-44; Mark 13: 32-37
"NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR"
NOTE: Matthew includes “The days of Noah” (37-39) and “Two men working in a field”
(40-41); Mark uses “A man going into a far country”(34).
NOTE: Luke omits this.
Matthew 24: 45-51
"THE FAITHFUL SERVANT AND THE EVIL SERVANT"
25: 1-13
"THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS"
14-30
"THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS"
31-46
"THE SON OF MAN WILL JUDGE THE NATIONS"
NOTE: Mark and Luke do not include these.
Luke 21: 34-36
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkedness, and the cares of this life, and that ‘Day’ comes on you unexpectedly. “For it will come as a snare on all them who dwell on the earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
NOTE: This is not included in the other Gospel books of Matthew and Mark but interestingly, Luke uses the word ‘snare’ whereas in Jesus’ other warnings about His Second Coming, He uses the phrase, returning as “A Thief in the Night” or coming suddenly, when people are caught unaware and unprepared.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 8, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Monday, January 5, 2009
Have the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Ceased?
There are many Bible scholars, clergy, as well as believers in the Christian Church who claim that the extraordinary manifestation of spiritual gifts ceased in the first century with the death of the last Apostle; and even a few others will concede that this phenomenon ended with the completion of the New Testament canon in later generations. All of this may sound plausible on the surface, especially by those of the ‘Faith’ who have not personally experienced this unique demonstration of the working of the Holy Spirit. Tradition is not always the custodian of ‘truth’ so it is imperative to search the Scriptures for the internal evidence and biblical narrative to either prove or disprove this important matter of faith practice and eternal salvation.
A disciple in Damascus ["Syria"] named Ananias went to Saul and laid hands on him that he might be filled with the Holy Spirit(Cp. Acts 9: 10-11, 17).
Romans 1: 7, 11
To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. For I long to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.
12: 6a
Having then gifts, differing, according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them;
15: 18-19a
For I will not dare speak those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word or deed, to make the Gentiles obedient in mighty signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit of God. . .
I Corinthians 12: 1, 4-5, 7, 11, 28, 31a
Now concerning Spiritual gifts brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. But the manifestation of the Spirit given to each one for the profit of all. And God has appointed these in the church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that, miracles, then gifts of healing, helps [interpretations of tongues, etc.??], Administrations, varieties of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. But earnestly desire the best gifts.
13: 8-10, 12a
Love never fails. But whether there are prophesies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away with. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.
COMMENTARY:
The preceding text contrasts things done in part [temporary, impermanent] as a prelude to something perfect and lasting; as well as the time frame of ‘now’ versus ‘then.’ So what is this special ‘something’ that when it arrives, all these others things (“gifts of the Spirit”) will no longer be necessary? The following are suggested:
Hebrews 6: 4b-5
. . . Having tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and powers of the age to come.
Romans 8: 19b, 21b, 23b
. . . The revealing of the sons of God
. . . The glorious liberty of the children of God
. . . Eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body
I Corinthians 1: 4-7
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in every thing by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
I Corinthians 14: 1, 5, 22-25, 39
Pursue Love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless indeed he interprets, so that the church may receive edification. Therefore, tongues are for a ‘sign,’ not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers, but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole Church comes together in one place, and all speak in tongues, and there come in [your midst] those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus, the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
Galatians 3: 5a
Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you. . .
Ephesians 4: 7-8, 11-13
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.” [Psalms 68: 18; not quoted perfectly??]. And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the ‘faith’ and the knowledge of the Son of God.
4: 30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the “Day of Redemption.”
The Apostle Paul also admonished the Church in I Thessalonians 5: 19-20: “Do not quench [resist??] The Spirit. Do not despise prophesies.” Even Timothy, Paul’s fellow-worker and son in the Gospel received his spiritual gift through prophesy and the laying on of hands by the eldership (I Timothy 4: 6, 14; I Thessalonians 3: 1).
The Apostle Peter wrote: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good Shepherds of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks let him speak as the oracle [“mouthpiece”] of God. If anyone ministers [serves??] let him do it with the ability that God supply, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (I Peter 4: 10-11)
So then, to sum it all up:
The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to members of Christ’s body as He chooses, as a sign to unbelievers of God’s presence and to confirm the Gospel record as well as to edify the Church. This supernatural administration is a taste of God’s goodness and demonstration of His power in the lives of the believers to be fruitful, until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to judge the good and the bad. There is no Scriptural reason to surmise that these wondrous blessings have been suspended, and certainly no one in the Household of God wants to appear to have a form of godliness, but deny its power (II Timothy 3: 5a). Lastly, the Apostle Paul wrote: “The kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” (Cp. I Corinthians 4: 19-20)
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 5, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
A disciple in Damascus ["Syria"] named Ananias went to Saul and laid hands on him that he might be filled with the Holy Spirit(Cp. Acts 9: 10-11, 17).
Romans 1: 7, 11
To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. For I long to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.
12: 6a
Having then gifts, differing, according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them;
15: 18-19a
For I will not dare speak those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word or deed, to make the Gentiles obedient in mighty signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit of God. . .
I Corinthians 12: 1, 4-5, 7, 11, 28, 31a
Now concerning Spiritual gifts brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. But the manifestation of the Spirit given to each one for the profit of all. And God has appointed these in the church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that, miracles, then gifts of healing, helps [interpretations of tongues, etc.??], Administrations, varieties of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. But earnestly desire the best gifts.
13: 8-10, 12a
Love never fails. But whether there are prophesies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away with. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.
COMMENTARY:
The preceding text contrasts things done in part [temporary, impermanent] as a prelude to something perfect and lasting; as well as the time frame of ‘now’ versus ‘then.’ So what is this special ‘something’ that when it arrives, all these others things (“gifts of the Spirit”) will no longer be necessary? The following are suggested:
Hebrews 6: 4b-5
. . . Having tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and powers of the age to come.
Romans 8: 19b, 21b, 23b
. . . The revealing of the sons of God
. . . The glorious liberty of the children of God
. . . Eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body
I Corinthians 1: 4-7
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in every thing by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
I Corinthians 14: 1, 5, 22-25, 39
Pursue Love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless indeed he interprets, so that the church may receive edification. Therefore, tongues are for a ‘sign,’ not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers, but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole Church comes together in one place, and all speak in tongues, and there come in [your midst] those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus, the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
Galatians 3: 5a
Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you. . .
Ephesians 4: 7-8, 11-13
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.” [Psalms 68: 18; not quoted perfectly??]. And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the ‘faith’ and the knowledge of the Son of God.
4: 30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the “Day of Redemption.”
The Apostle Paul also admonished the Church in I Thessalonians 5: 19-20: “Do not quench [resist??] The Spirit. Do not despise prophesies.” Even Timothy, Paul’s fellow-worker and son in the Gospel received his spiritual gift through prophesy and the laying on of hands by the eldership (I Timothy 4: 6, 14; I Thessalonians 3: 1).
The Apostle Peter wrote: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good Shepherds of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks let him speak as the oracle [“mouthpiece”] of God. If anyone ministers [serves??] let him do it with the ability that God supply, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (I Peter 4: 10-11)
So then, to sum it all up:
The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to members of Christ’s body as He chooses, as a sign to unbelievers of God’s presence and to confirm the Gospel record as well as to edify the Church. This supernatural administration is a taste of God’s goodness and demonstration of His power in the lives of the believers to be fruitful, until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to judge the good and the bad. There is no Scriptural reason to surmise that these wondrous blessings have been suspended, and certainly no one in the Household of God wants to appear to have a form of godliness, but deny its power (II Timothy 3: 5a). Lastly, the Apostle Paul wrote: “The kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” (Cp. I Corinthians 4: 19-20)
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 5, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
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