Jesus Christ as the Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophesy?

Although orthodox and rabbinical Judaism as well as fundamental Christian believers accept the Old Testament as the sacred and inspired word of God, yet both religions interpret the prophetic utterances radically different. This conclusion is never more apparent when it pertains to those holy writings which depict the coming of the ‘Messiah’ or “Savior,” and the blessed hope which all of the followers of these ‘Faiths’ anticipate. For the Jews, it is the restoration of the Temple with its sacrifices, reestablishment of the Davidic Monarchy over a united Israel (Judah and the Lost Tribes of Israel); Israel living as an independent and separate nation within their own borders and on the land promised to them through the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and to be delivered from the yoke or control of foreign nations (Gentiles or “goyiim”) by a Mighty One or Savior, a descendant of the royal house of David, and Who is to be King and the Ruler over all Israel.

The Christian, however, looks forward to the return of the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the Son of God, Who will judge the good and evil deeds done in the earth, destroy the devil and the wicked angels, abolish Death & Hell, and take those faithful and martyred saints who have been faithful in keeping His commandments to go live with Him eternally in heaven. Jesus will resurrect those bodies that have been buried and turned to dust to receive their reward, and those who are appointed for salvation and in the kingdom of God will receive immortality and have their bodies transformed to be like that of our Savior just as the ones who are alive and will be changed from physical substance to spiritual substance in an instant.

One of the more intriguing and surprising things is the very few references in the New Testament outside of the Gospels, in which the Old Testament Scriptures as proof, specifically stating that Jesus is the highly exalted Son of God, His only-begotten who sits at His right hand [of power]. In searching the N.T. books from ACTS to REVELATIONS, only ACTS is the more comprehensive of any known canonical material sources in the ‘Church Age’ that mention Jesus Christ as revealed in the O.T. Prophets writings.

ACTS
2: 33a
Men and brethren let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God has sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He will raise up the Christ to sit on His throne (Cp. Psalms 132: 11); he foreseeing this, spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, neither did His flesh see corruption (Cp. Psalms 16: 10). This Jesus, God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God.

34-36
For David did not ascend into heaven, but he says himself, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool
(Cp. Psalms 110: 1).“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

3: 18, 26
But those things which God foretold by the mouth of the prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has fulfilled. To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you in turning away every one of you from your iniquities (Cp. Isaiah 53: 5, 11).

8: 26-34
NOTE: The Holy Spirit led Philip toward the south along a desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a treasurer under Queen Candace, who was a worshiper of God and was returning from Jerusalem. The eunuch was reading from the O.T. book of Isaiah while riding in his chariot where the Holy Spirit told Philip to join himself to this man’s chariot.

35
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at the same Scripture (Isaiah 53: 7b-8), preached Jesus to him.

NOTE: This is the ‘ONLY’ place in the entire New Testament where such an explicit example of using a passage from O.T. Scripture where someone explains that Jesus is whom the prophet is directly referring to, and on top of that, the person is baptized.

9: 20; 17: 2-3; 18: 5b, 19; 19: 1b, 8
Immediately he [Saul or ‘Paul’] preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures [Jewish O.T.], explaining and demonstrating that Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ. Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. And he came to Ephesus, and left them [Aquila & Priscilla] there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

NOTE: It would have been helpful to know what O.T. Scriptures Paul used or did he expound on this great ‘Truth’ by logic and rhetorical skills of persuasive argumentation based upon teachings from the oral ‘Torah,’ which was considered just as authoritative as the written Law given to Moses, since he studied at the feet of the famous Jewish rabbi, Gamaliel (Cp. Acts 5: 34; 22: 3).

ROMANS
15: 12
And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.

NOTE: Isaiah actually says (11: 1, 10):
“A shoot will come forth from the stem of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.”

HEBREWS
1: 1-3
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through who also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Cp. Acts 2: 35; Psalms 110: 1).

5-6
To which of the angels (??) did He ever say: You are My Son, today I have begotten You (Psalms 2: 7)? And again: [I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son].

NOTE: The bracketed quotation is not found anywhere in the Old Testament; as far as I have been able to determine.

8-9
But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness [‘iniquity’]; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than your companions (??). {Psalms 45: 6-7}

10-12
You Lord, in the beginning laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands (Cp. Psalms 102: 25). They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.

13
But to which of the angels (??) has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool?” (Cp. Acts 2: 35 & Psalms 110: 1)

II PETER
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
(Cp. Psalms 118: 22)

A few things worth noting is that for the Jews it seems, perhaps, as though there is no concept of an afterlife and any type of bodily resurrection might seem rather odd because the O.T. Scriptures do not appear to pinpoint to such an event. In fact, death was something viewed as quite morbid and even the words used to describe it; ‘Sheol’ (the grave, pit, darkness) carried with it a sense of fear, dread, foreboding, terror, and despair.

Even King Solomon, one of the wisest men to have ever lived, reflected the contemporary philosophical perspective of ‘Life’ in this way: For what happens to the sons of men also happens to the animals; one thing befalls them [all]; as one dies, so does the other. Surely they have one breath; man has no advantage over animals. For all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all return to the dust. Who knows whether the spirit of the sons of men goes upward and whether the spirit of the animals goes downward to the earth?

To the believing Christian however, this perspective is rejected as absurd, ‘fatalistic,’ depressing, and it is totally contrary to the hope we have in Jesus; to wit, the resurrection of the body and bestowal of the gift of immortality, and to live in God’s presence forevermore. Not only that, but Christians believe that in death, one goes to a better place awaiting the Great Day of Judgment and in the meanwhile are in some non-physical existence where we are aware of the activities in the land of the living.

Lastly, one final point; the citations from the Old Testament that are used by the Gospel authors and sources, some of which are different in this study, such as (Psalms132: 11: 16: 10; 110: 1; Psalms 2: 7b; Isaiah 11: 1, 10; 45: 6-7; Psalms 102: 25-27). The most frequent references appear to be found anywhere are possibly those in Isaiah 50 & 53 and Psalms 22 & 118.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 25, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

The Jewish O.T. Prophesies of Jesus Christ found in the N.T. Gospels

It is an almost no-brainer for those believers of the Christian faith in the inerrancy of the Old Testament Scriptures, most specifically the Prophets, in foretelling the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; but the question is how did each of the Gospel sources view this grand and blessed event and what writings of the Prophets were utilized to attest to God’s promise of the anointed Messiah and descendant of David to sit on the throne and be Ruler over Israel.

The book of MATTHEW will be used as the basis for this study since it contains the most consistently relevant record of Messianic prophecies and a numbering system from 1 to 14 will be used to keep all Biblical citations in some kind of consistent order. The other references in MARK thru JOHN are listed in the order in which the events occur using their sources, but the numerical coding is still based on MATTHEW’S chronology.

MATTHEW
3: 3
(1) Isaiah 40: 3
The voice of one crying in the wilderness; Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

4: 14-16
(2) Isaiah 9: 1b-2
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; By way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who walked in darkness saw a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a great light has shown.

12: 17-21
(3) Isaiah 42: 1-4
Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My Soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break; and a smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth [He will not fail or be discouraged], till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands [‘Gentiles’] shall wait for His law. In His name the Gentiles will trust.

21: 4-5
(4) Zechariah 9: 9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; [He is just and having salvation], lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.

9
(5) Psalms 118: 26a
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord [Hosanna to the Son of David].

42
(6) Psalms 118: 22-23
The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone
(Cp. I Peter 2: 7). This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.

26: 31, 56
(7) Zechariah 13: 7b
Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.

57-63a
(8) Isaiah 53: 7-8a
He was oppressed and He was afflicted; Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth; He was taken from prison to judgment.

63b-65
(9) Daniel 7: 13-14
I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came before the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom; that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.

67-68; 27: 27-31
(10) Isaiah 50: 6
I gave My back to those who struck Me, and my cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

27: 34, 48
(11) Psalms 69: 21
They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

35
(12) Psalms 22: 18
They divide My garments among them. And My clothing they cast lots.

46
(13) Psalms 22: 1
My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? [Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning].

60
(14) Isaiah 53: 9a
And they made His grave with the wicked- but with the rich at His death.

MARK
1: 3; 11: 9-10; 12: 10-11;
(1) Isaiah 40: 3; (5) Psalms 118: 26a; (6) Psalms 118: 22-23;

14: 27, 50; 60-61a; 14: 65 & 15: 17-20;
(7) Zechariah 13: 7;(9) Daniel 7: 13-14; (10) Isaiah 50: 6b;

15: 23, 36; 24; 34;
(11) Psalms 69: 21; (12) Psalms 22: 18; (13) Psalms 22: 1;

46
(14) Isaiah 53: 9a

LUKE
3: 4-6; 13: 35b & 19: 38; 20: 17;
(1) Isaiah 40: 3-5; (5) Psalms 118: 26a; (6) Psalms 118: 22;

22: 37
(14) ‘Isaiah 53: 9, 12b

22: 63-65; 66-71; 23: 24b;
(10) Isaiah 50: 6; (9) Daniel 7: 13-14; (12) Psalms 22: 18;

23: 35 (??)
Psalms 22: 17
I count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.

36
(11) Psalms 69: 21

JOHN
1: 22-23
(1) Isaiah 40: 3

7: 41-42
*Micah 5: 2*
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from old, from Everlasting.

12: 13; 14-15;
(5) Psalms 118: 25-26; (4) Zechariah 9: 9;

34
*Micah 4: 7b & Isaiah 9: 7*
So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. NOTE: This passage is a fusion of both references in Micah and Isaiah, and it is probably the only place here where such a technique is used in the New Testament Gospels in such a manner.

16: 32; 19: 3; 7-9;
(7) Zechariah 13: 7b; (10) Isaiah 50: 6b; (8) Isaiah 53: 7;

18
Isaiah 53: 12b (i)
And He was numbered with the transgressors (Cp. Luke 22: 37).

19: 24; 28-30;
(12) Psalms 22: 18; (11) Psalms 69: 2;

John 19: 36
Psalms 34: 20
He guards all His bones; not one of them is broken. NOTE: This is very similar to the quote found in ‘Psalms 22: 17a’.

37
Zechariah 12: 10b (i)??
They look and stare at me. They will look on me who they pierced.
NOTE: (Cp. ‘Luke 23: 36; Psalms 22: 17a’)

There are a few things worth noting, and that is, aside from the book of MATTHEW as the source, MARK excludes #’s 2, 3, 4, 8; LUKE doesn’t use #’s 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 13 and 14; JOHN omits #’s 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, and 14. Additionally, of the major prophesies found in Isaiah, Psalms, Zechariah, and Daniel, LUKE has no references from Zechariah and JOHN doesn’t include any citations from Daniel, but he does quote the prophet ‘Micah’.

There is remarkable consistency in all the Gospel accounts and gives more weight to the author or sources which MATTHEW used because essentially all the other Significant prophesies about Jesus by MARK, LUKE, and JOHN are found in MATTHEW. Finally, MATTHEW quotes Isaiah 9: 1b and 42: 1-4 that are not used by anybody else. LUKE and JOHN are the only ones to use Isaiah 9: 7; 53: 12b(i), and JOHN exclusively quotes not only from the book of Micah (4: 7b; 5:2), but also Psalms 34: 20 and Zechariah 12: 10b; 13: 6.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 21, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Chronology of the Parables of Jesus

In an earlier study to determine the narrative sources for the Gospels, Jesus’ Parables were not used; now they are. Again, it is necessary to reiterate the traditional teachings of Bible scholars and clergy in the Christian Church as to the gospel of MARK being the narrative source material for MATTHEW or LUKE, because it was supposedly the earliest account of the Life and teachings of Jesus recorded. In this lesson however, the abundance of evidence seems to favor the book of MATTHEW as having the greater compilation of the Parables of Jesus found anywhere else among the other Gospel authors. Additionally, one must keep in mind the particular audience to whom Jesus was expounding these obscure and deep truths concerning the kingdom of heaven; and not to always, as it were, to think that the specific teachings and life lessons which Jesus revealed as always applying to the Christian Church.

MATTHEW
(“The Multitudes”)
5: 3-12 “The Beatitudes;” 13-16 Salt and Light; 17-20 Christ Fulfils the Law; 21-26 Murder is in the Heart; 27-30 The Law of Adultery; 31-32 The Law of Marriage and Divorce; 33-37 The Law of Oaths; 38-42 The Law of Going the Extra Mile; 43-48 The Law of Love Your Enemies;

6: 1-4 Do Good to Please God; 5-15 “The Lord’s Prayer;” 16-18 The Law of Fasting; 19-21 Laying up Treasures in Heaven; 22-23 The Eye is the Lamp of the Body; 24 Serving God and Mammon [Riches]; 25-34 The Law regarding Worry;

7: 1-12 The Law against Judging One Another; 13-14 The Narrow Way; 15-20 Know them by their Fruits; 21-23 Jesus says, I Never Knew You”; 24-28 The House Built on the Rock;

11: 20-24 Jesus Pronounces Woes

(“The Pharisees”)
12: 34-40 A Kingdom Divided against Itself Cannot Stand; 31-32 The Unpardonable Sin; 33-37 A Tree is Known by Its Fruits;

(“The Scribes and Pharisees”)
12: 39-42 The Sign of Jonah; 43-45 The Return of an Unclean Spirit;

(“The Multitudes/The Twelve”)
13:3-9 “Parable of the Sower;”

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
13: 10-17 The Purpose of Parables; 18-23 The Purpose of Parables Explained;

(“The Multitude”)
13: 24-30 Parable of the Wheat and Tares; 31-32 Parable of the Mustard Seed;
33 Parable of the Leaven; 34-35 Parables mentioned in Prophesy;

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
36-43 Parable of the Tares Explained; 44 Parable of the Hidden Treasure; 45-46 Parable of the Pearl of Great Price; 47-52 Parable of the Great Dragnet;

(“The Pharisees and Sadducees”)
16: 1-4 Seeking a Sign; the Sign of Jonah;

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
18: 6-9 Jesus Warns of giving Offense; 10-14 Parable of the Lost Sheep; 15-16 A Sinning Brother; 21-35 Parable of the Unforgiving Servant;
20: 1-16 Parable of Workers in the Vineyard

(“The Pharisees/Chief priests/Elders”)
21: 28-32 Parable of the Two Sons; 33-44 Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers
22: 1-14 Parable of the Wedding Feast;
23: 1-36 Woe on the Scribes and Pharisees

(“The Disciples/The Twelve”)
24: 32-35 Parable of the Fig Tree; 45-51 Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servant;
25: 1-13 Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins; 14-30 Parable of the Talents;

MARK
(“The Multitude”)
4: 2-9 “Parable of the Sower;”

(“The Twelve”)
4: 10-12 The Purpose of Parables; 13-20 Parable of the Sower Explained; 21-23 The Eye is the Lamp of the Body; 26-29 Parable of the Growing Seed;30-32 Parable of the Mustard Seed;

(“The Pharisees”)
8: 11-12 The Sign of Jonah (??)

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
9: 42-48 Jesus Warns of giving Offense; 49-50 tasteless Salt is Worthless;

(“The Multitudes/Pharisees”)
10: 1-12 The Law of Marriage and Divorce;

(“The Chief priests/Scribes/Elders”)
12: 1-12 Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers;

(“Peter, James, John, and Andrew”)
13: 28-31 Parable of the Fig Tree;

LUKE
(“The Multitudes”)
6: 20-23 “The Beatitudes;” 24-26 Jesus Pronounces Woes; 27-36; The Law of Love Your Enemies; 37-42 The Law against Judging One Another; 43-45 A Tree is Known by its Fruits; 46-49 The House Built on the Rock;

(“The Multitudes”)
8: 4-8 “Parable of the Sower;”

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
8: 9 The Purpose of Parables; 11-15 Parable of the Sower Explained; 16-18 Parable of the Revealed Light;

(“The Seventy”)
10: 13-16 Woe to the Impertinent Cities [Jesus Pronounces Woes??]

(“A Certain Lawyer”)
10: 25-37 Parable of the Good Samaritan;

(“One of the Disciples”)
11: 1-4 “The Lord’s Prayer;” 5-8 A Friend Comes at Midnight; 9-13 Keep Asking, Seeking, and Knocking;

(“The Pharisees”)
11: 14-23 A Kingdom Divided against Itself Cannot Stand; 24-26 The Return of an Unclean Spirit;

(“The Multitude/Crowd??”)
11: 29-32 The Sign of Jonah; 33-36 The Eye is the Lamp of the Body; 42-53 Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees;

(“One in the Crowd”)
12: 13-21 Parable of the Rich Young Fool;

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
12: 22-31 The Law regarding Worry; 32-34 Laying up Treasures in Heaven;
35-48 The Faithful and Evil Servant;

(“Some at the Synagogue)
13: 6-10 Parable of the Barren Fig Tree; 18-19 Parable of the Mustard Seed;
20-21Parable of the Leaven;

(“One in the Crowd”)
13: 22-30 The Narrow Way;

(“One of the invited guests of a Pharisee”)
14: 7-14 Parable of the Lowly Place; 15-25 Parable of the Great Supper;

(“The Multitudes”)
14: 25-33 Leaving All to Follow Christ; 34-35 Tasteless Salt is Worthless;

(“The Scribes and Pharisees”)
15: 1-7 Parable of the Lost Sheep; 8-10 Parable of the Lost Coin; 11-32 Parable of the Lost (‘Prodigal’) Son;

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
16: 1-13 Parable of the Unjust Stewart;

(“The Pharisees”)
16: 18 The Law of Marriage and Divorce (??); 19-31 Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus;

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
17: 1-2 Jesus warns against giving Offense; 3-4 A Sinning Brother;
18: 1-8 Parable of the persistent Widow;

(“The Pharisees”)
18: 9-14 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector;

(“The Crowd/Disciples in Jericho; 19: 7, 11??”)
19: 11-27 Parable of the Minas [‘Talents’??]

(“The Chief priests and Scribes”)
20: 9-19 Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers”)

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
Parable of the Fig Tree;

JOHN
(“The Pharisees”)
10: 1-6 Jesus is the true Shepherd; 7-18 Jesus is the Good Shepherd;

(“Some Greeks, Andrew, and Phillip)
12: 20-26 The Fruitful Grain of Wheat;

(“The Disciples/The Twelve??”)
15: 1-8 Jesus is the True Vine;

SCORECARD:
Of LUKE’s 45 Parables, 28 of them are found in MATTHEW; 9 of MARK’s 10 Parables are recorded in MATTHEW; None of JOHN’s Parables are found in any of the Gospel books, and MATTHEW contains the most Parables of Jesus, with roughly 50 of them.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 19, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

How to Really Worship the Lord God

In most Christian worship services today there are instances of a lack of solemnity, reverence, or even joy; that is, unless one chooses to attend one of the few Pentecostal or Holiness Churches; and even among them, there may be a lot of enthusiastic activity and the outward appearance of being overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit, but is that singularly indicative of praise in worship acceptable to God? There are those who feel that certain liturgical elements draw them closer to God such as observance of the ‘Eucharist’ (“The Lord’s Supper”) or for others, it is the preaching of the Word of God with an emphasis on the “Passion of Christ” (His Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection). It seems from examining the sacred writings of the Jewish Old Testament that one can get a glimpse of the importance of singing praises as crucial in offering up to God the heartfelt expressions of thankfulness, reverential fear (“awe”) and joy that is acceptable to Him.

Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7
Oh come; let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Oh come; Let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the sheep of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.

96: 1-4a, 6-9
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Give to the Lord, O families of peoples, bring an offering and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.

98: 1a, 2, 3a, 4-6
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things. The Lord has made known His salvation. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm, with the trumpets and the sound of a horn; shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.

Praise 2: To glorify by the attribution of perfection.

Rejoice (‘joy’) 1 a: The emotion evoked by well-being, success, good fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.

100: 1-2
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

101: 1
I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.

104: 33-34
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being (Cp. Psalms 146: 1-2). May my meditation (Cp. Psalms 119: 15) be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.

105: 1-2
Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!

111: 1
Praise the Lord! I will praise The Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

149: 1-2a, 3
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their maker. Let them praise His name with the dance. Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

150: 1a, 3-6
Praise the Lord! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with the loud cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

It would seem that the Children of Israel offered up to God some very loud, lyric compositions with singing accompanied by shouting and musical instruments which would doubtless sound very strange to modern ears; let alone that the voices would have been in a Semitic tongue closer to Aramaic or Hebrew than in Anglo-Saxon English. The sounds may have been a combination of something akin to the diverse religious ceremonies and musical instruments of ancient Middle Eastern tribals or clans and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Whatever the case may be, the participants were wholly engaged in this endeavor because to them it was “a way of life,” and not just something to do or experience one or two days a week for a brief amount of time.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 16, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

The Calling Into Christian Ministry is Not an Occupation

This article is intended to show what preaching the Gospel is all about. Today, it seems, that those who enter the ministry pursue it as some sort of religious professional career with fringe benefits such as a 401-K Plan/Pension Annuity fund, Life Insurance, travel reimbursement, housing [‘parsonage’] allowance, vacation benefits, college tuition for children in some cases, stock options, royalties from book deals or sermons recorded on CD’s, and other amenities or perks; much like entertainment celebrities or Executives of FORTUNE 500 Companies.

Of course this rather extreme example pertains to just a few preachers of Mega-Churches attended by members who are affluent, college-educated professionals and business owners, mostly living in the residential communities of suburban America. Even among those who appear on the surface to be dedicated soldiers of the cross, and who do not fall into this category, nonetheless fail to grasp or even emulate the sacrifice like the ones who first held aloft the bloodstained banner of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ the Nazarene.

How many of the clergy, ministers of the Word of God have so upset people that they were brought before the Courts, denied certain legal protections guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States, abused while in custody or during interrogation, and sentenced to prison; all for preaching the Gospel? How has the “Good News” reached the ears, hearts, and minds of those who live in the communities and cities rampant with gang activity, violence, poverty, illiteracy, prostitution, drugs, despair, hopelessness, and a shrinking or almost non-existent economic base; what will the words of Jesus or the grace of God mean to them? In most Christian Church services there is way too much preaching to the choir (those who believe the way we do) and when there is a response to the Gospel invocation, in a few instances it may only be superficial and not a real deep commitment to living for God (Cp. Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23).

Many of those who preach do not want to face the challenges of struggle, deprivation, pain, isolation, anxiety even questioning the role of God in their lives as some of the greatest saints who ever lived have had to struggle with. These spoiled ecclesiastical clouds without moisture want to enjoy all the comforts of an affluent society and would not consent to living among those and proclaiming the message of salvation in the most impoverished towns on earth; but they eagerly bestow their blessings on others (missionaries) who feel guided by God to do so. How many applications have been filed for passports and travel visas to live in the most remote communities on planet earth by those of the true ‘Faith’?

There is a sense of national fear and vulnerability since September 11, 2001, and at present we live in what is called “A New Normal;” but is that really true? It seems that every strategy is defensive or responding after-the-fact and the
word “terrorism” has entered our vocabulary in ways never before conceived, almost to the level of ‘paranoia.’ It is time to seize the initiative and go on the offense because it states in II Corinthians 10: 4: The weapons we fight with are not weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Even Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 16: 18b: Upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against It.

Acts 4: 1-3
Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day.

5: 17-18, 33, 40
Then the high priests rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. When they had called the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

13: 50
But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

14: 5, 19b
And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers to abuse and stone them. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

16: 22-24
Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

18: 12, 17
When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.

24: 1-2a, 5
Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence [‘discovery’??] to the governor against Paul. And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation [‘deliberation’??]

II Corinthians 1: 3-4a, 8-9a
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation (comfort) also abounds through Christ. For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia; that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves.

II Corinthians 7: 4b-5
For I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.

Hebrews 10: 34a
For you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plunder of your goods.

13: 3, 23
Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-those who are mistreated-since you yourselves are also in the body. Know that our brother Timothy has been set free
[from ‘prison’??], with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.

COMMENT:
In numerous instances the New Testament Gospels as well as the Epistles mention about being brought before the rulers (both secular and religious), as well as betrayal by those within your own family, beatings, mistreatment in the local community or foreign lands, as well as imprisonment. The one thing that stands out in Paul’s letters is the mention of being a ‘prisoner.’ Today’s Christian Church talks about a “Prison Ministry” to bring the ‘Good News’ to felons who committed a civil crime against society based upon the Criminal Law Code, but in the First Century, the Christians were subjected to the cruelty of the ancient penal system simply because of their testimony and witness to the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. How many members of the clergy can boast and glory in the Lord that they were arrested and incarcerated for the same? A final thought is summed up in II Corinthians 6: 3-5:

We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed [‘ineffective’??]. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God; in much patience (endurance), in tribulations, in needs [‘deprivation’??], in distress, in stripes [beatings], in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, [and] in fasting [and ‘prayer’??]


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 6, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

The Different Churches and Individuals of the Christian Movement

Acts 1: 15
1) *Jerusalem
23
Joseph called Barsabbas (“Justus”), Matthias (Cp. Luke 3: 24-25??)

2: 5
Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.
8-11
“And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus (“Aquila”; Cp. 18: 2) and Asia, Phygia and Pamphylia (“Perga”), Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs; we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”

4: 36
Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was called Barnabas (“Son of Encouragement”) {Cp. 1: 23; 15: 22??}

5: 1; 9: 10
Ananias husband of Sapphira, Ananias a disciple in Damascus.

6: 1
Hellenistic Jews and native Hebrews
5
Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch
9
Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians and Alexandrians, some from Cilicia [“Tarsus”?? ], and Asia argued with Stephen

7: 58; 8: 1, 3
They began stoning Stephen and the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

8: 1
A great persecution against the church in Jerusalem and they (??) scattered throughout the region of 1) Judea and 2) Samaria; except the apostles (??)
4-5, 12-13, 25
Those who were scattered went preaching the word; Philip proclaimed the word to 2) *the city of 2) Samaria [“Sebaste”] and the people believed and were baptized. Simon the magician, he who was called, the “Great Power of God,” became a believer also
40
Philip preached the gospel at Azotus and from there all the cities until he came to 3) Caesarea (“Galilee”).

9: 1, 10-11, 19
Synagogues of 4) Damascus (“Syria”); a certain disciple named Ananias; the house of Judas ( a disciple, the Galilean {Cp.5:37}, or Iscariot??)
30
The brethren in Jerusalem brought Saul down to 3) Caesarea [“Galilee”] and sent him away to Tarsus 5) [“Cilicia”]
31
The church throughout all 1) Judea and 3) Galilee and 2) Samaria had peace.
32, 35, 38, 43
Peter came down to the saints at 1a) Lydda, all who lived at Lydda and 1b) Sharon turned to the Lord, the disciples in 1c) Joppa send for Peter and many believed in the Lord

10: 1-2, 22, 24, 44-48
A man who lived in 3) Caesarea (“Galilee”), Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian cohort, who was a worshipper of God with his entire household and gave much alms to the Jewish people, became a believer along with his relatives and close friends.

11: 19-21
Those (??) who were persecuted in connection with Stephen came to 6) Phoenicia and 7) Cyprus and Antioch (“Syria”), speaking the word to no one except the Jews alone. Some of them (??) who were from Cyprus and Cyrene (Cp. 2: 10) who came to 7) Antioch (“Syria”) spoke to the Greeks also and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
22, 25
The church in Jerusalem send Barnabas off to Antioch, and he leaves for Tarsus (“Cilicia”) to look for Saul.
NOTE: It was probably smart for the Church to send Barnabas, since he was from Cyrene (Cp. 4: 36) and may better understand the Greeks; but they could have also sent Nicolas, who was actually from Antioch (Cp. 6: 5).
26
Barnabas and Saul spent an entire year in Antioch meeting with the church and the disciples were first called “Christians” in 8) Antioch.

12: 1-2
Herod laid hands on some in the church and he killed James, the brother of John with the sword (why??)
3, 12
Herod saw that it pleased the Jews and arrested Peter also.
After the angel let Peter out of jail he went to the house of Mary (??) the mother of John who was called Mark where many were gathered and praying.

*13: 1*
There were in the church at 8)Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called (“Niger”), Lucius (Cp. Romans 16: 21??) of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch (Cp. Luke 3: 1; Acts 12: 1-3??), and Saul.
NOTE: Saul was not even among the upper echelon or tier of prominent leaders in the Church at Antioch, so how did he become such an influential force in the Christian movement??

“FIRST EUROPEAN MISSION”
Acts 13: 2, 4-6, 9
The Holy Spirit set Barnabas and Saul apart and sent them on the
and Mark went along as their helper; they came to Salamis (island of “Cyprus”) and preached the word of God in the synagogue of the Jews and from there they went through the entire island (“Cyprus”) until they reached Paphos (island of “Cyprus”) . Saul was also called “Paul.”
13
Paul and his companions (who are these??) put out to sea from Paphos, John left them and returned to Jerusalem (why ??).
14-15
Arriving at Pisidian Antioch 9) [“Galatia”], on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them and asking if they had any words of exhortation.
48-49
The Gentiles began glorifying the word of God and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed 9) Pisidian Antioch [“Galatia”], and the word of the Lord was spread throughout the region.

14: 1
At 10) Iconium (“Galatia”) they entered a synagogue of the Jews and a great multitude believed, both Jews and Greeks
6-7, 19-20
They fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe (“Galatia”) preaching the gospel. The Jews from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium, won over the crowds and stoned Paul, dragging his body out of the city [“Lystra”], supposing him dead. The disciples (??) stood around him and he arose and entered the city 11)[“Lystra”].
14: 20b -15: 1
Paul and Barnabas (not “we or they”??) went to 12) Derbe, preached the gospel and made many disciples *(Gaius; Cp. 20: 4; 19: 29b??, I Corinthians 1: 14)*
14: 23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in every church (Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch; Cp 14: 21)
26-28
Paul and Barnabas returned back to 8) Antioch (“Syria”) where they had been commended to the work, and reported all the things that God had accomplished through them and about the window of faith that had been opened to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas spent a long time with the disciples.

“FIRST EUROPEAN MISSION COMPLETED”

“INTERVENING EVENT”
15: 1-3
Paul and Barnabas, along with certain others from Antioch went up to Jerusalem to settle the issue of Gentiles being required to observe the Law of Moses. On the way they passed through 6) Phoenicia and 2) Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles; bringing great joy to all the brethren.
22, 32
The Church at 1) Jerusalem along with the apostles and elders chose Judas called “Barsabbas” (Cp. 1: 23??) and Silas, leading men among the brethren who were also prophets to accompany Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch.
33-35
From Antioch, they were sent back to those who sent them (in Jerusalem), [but it seemed good to Silas to remain]. Paul and Barnabas stayed in 8) Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the word of the Lord.

“SECOND EUROPEAN MISSION”
Acts 15:36-40
Paul told Barnabas about returning back and visiting the brethren in every city [in “Europe”] where they proclaimed the word of the Lord to see how they were doing. Barnabas wanted to take Mark [his cousin; Cp. Colossians 4: 10), but Paul didn’t want to because he deserted them in Pamphylia (Cp. 13: 13). They had a major disagreement; Barnabas took mark and sailed to 7) Cyprus and Paul chose Silas and departed.

16: 1-2, 4-5
Paul was traveling through 8) Syria and 5) Cilicia (“Tarsus”) strengthening the churches and came to 12) Derbe and 11) Lystra where he found Timothy, the son of a Jewish mother and a Greek father. And they (??) were passing through and delivering the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the Gentiles to observe (Cp. 15: 19-20).
12
And from there to Phillipi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony; and we (??) were staying in this city for some days.
13-15, 27-33
And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we (??) sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled. And a certain woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabric, a worshipper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household had been baptized as well as a jailer and his household after Paul and Silas spoke the word to him [in 13) “Philippi”].
40
Afterwards they went out of the prison, entered the house of Lydia, saw the brethren [in 13) “Philippi”] and encouraged them then departed.

17: 1-2, 4
Now when they came to Thessalonica (Macedonia) where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths, reasoned with them from the Scriptures (Cp. 16: 2; II Timothy 1: 5; 3: 15). And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks (Aristarchus, Secundus; Cp 19: 29b; 20: 4) and a number of the leading women [in 14) “Thessalonica” of Macedonia].
8
And they stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. And when they had received a pledge [“bribe”] from Jason (Cp. Romans 16: 21) and the others, they released them.
10-12, 14
And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea (Macedonia); and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men (Sopater; Cp. 20: 4; Romans 16: 21) [in 15] “Berea” of Macedonia]. Silas and Timothy remained there.
15-16a
Now those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens (“Achaia”); and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens. . .
32-34
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” So Paul went out of their midst. But some of the men joined him and believed, among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them
[in 16) “Athens” of Achaia]. NOTE: There was no Jewish antagonism in Athens; and it appears no synagogue either??

18:1-2
After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth (“Greece”) And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome [when was this edict??], He came to them.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY NOTE:
Suetonius (Claudius 25) mentions a certain Chrestus and states, “Since the Jews constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus (impulsore Chrestus), he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome. Suetonius may have been speaking of Christians in Rome who were followers of Christ and were not distinguished from Jews. Tertullian says that the term Christianus was sometimes mispronounced Chrestianus. (Apol. 3)

18: 8-9, 11
And he departed from there and went to the house of a certain man named Titius Justus, a worshipper of God whose house was next to the synagogue. And Crispus (Cp. I Corinthians 1: 14), the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household and many of the 17) Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent. And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
17
And they took hold of Sosthenes (Cp. I Corinthians 1: 1), the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. And Gallio proconsul of “Achaia” (18: 12) was not concerned about any of these things. NOTE: Was there more than one leader of the synagogue(Cp. 18:8??).

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY NOTE:
Seneca was brother of Gallio, proconsul of Achaia at the time when Paul (Saul of the Gospels) preached there, yet never mentions anything about Paul or Christ.

18:18-21
And Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for “Syria” and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea (”Greece”) he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow [Cp. 21: 21-24, 26??] And they came to Ephesus (“Asia”), and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. And when they had asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent [why not??]. But taking leave of them and saying, “I will return again to you again if God wills,” he set sail from Ephesus.
22
And when he had landed at 3) Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to 8) Antioch (“Syria”).

“SECOND EUROPEAN MISSION COMPLETED”

“THIRD EUROPEAN MISSION”
18: 23
And having spent some time there [“Antioch”??], he departed and passed successively through the Galatian region {#'s 9, 10, 11, 12} and 18) Phrygia [Colossae, Hierapolis, Laodicea, Miletus] [“Asia”]strengthening the disciples.(Cp. 16:6).
24-28
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandria by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to go to Achaia (“Corinth”; Cp. 19:1), the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples [which churches??] to welcome him; and when he arrived, he helped greatly those who had believed through grace.
NOTE: Priscilla’s name is mentioned before her husband’s, so she must have been a woman of prominence.

19:1-2
And it came about while Apollos was at Corinth (“Greece”), Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus (“Asia”), and found some disciples. And he said unto them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said unto him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
8-10 And he entered the synagogue and continued and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of ‘the Way’ (“Ha-Derekh”) before the multitude, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks (Tychicus, Trophimus; Cp. 20: 4??).
NOTE: Why is there persecution this time around and not previously??
19: 21-24, 26
Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia [Cp. 16:11, 12], saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” (why??) And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus (Cp. II Timothy 4: 20), he himself stayed in Asia for awhile. (Cp. 16: 6; 19: 27??) NOTE: Paul probably wrote the Galatian, Corinthian, and Roman letters at this time.
23, 24, 26-27, 29
And about that time there arose no small disturbance concerning ‘the Way’ (“Ha-Derekh”). For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all.
29
And the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.

20:1, 4-5
And after the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he departed to go to Macedonia (“Philippi”). And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea (Cp. 17: 10-12), the son of Pyrrhus; and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians (Cp. 17: 1-2, 4), and Gaius of Derbe (Cp. 14: 20-21), and Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. But these had gone on ahead and was waiting for us (??) at Troas.

“THIRD MISSIONARY COMPLETED”

20: 6-7
And we (??) sailed from Phillipi (Cp. 16: 15, 29, 30-33) after the days of Unleavened Bread, and we came to them at 19) Troas (Cp. 16: 8) within five days; and there we stayed seven days. And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. NOTE: The first time “FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK” MENTIONED IN MEETING WITH DISCIPLES OR BELIEVERS. This is probably with Gentile believers exclusively because a synagogue is not mentioned, the Sabbath, nor is there any preaching or reasoning from the Old Testament Scriptures.
6-17 (Miletus ["ASIA"])

EVENT: Paul called together the elders of the church Ephesus [“Asia”] (Cp. 19: 1, 8-10; 20: 28-32) and admonished them to guard the flock over which the Holy Ghost had made them overseers. He also said that they would not see him again and reminded them that *for three years* he cried day and night warning them about the troubling times ahead for the church.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 2, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Human Volition/Autonomy vs. God’s Sovereign Will

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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