Uncategorized – Page 8 – Living Words of Encouragement

THE ALTERNATIVE TO WORRY, ANXIETY, AND/OR STRESS

Philippians 4:5b-7 (Tree of Life translation), “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything–but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made-known to God. And the shalom(peace) of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Messiah Yeshua.”

Are you feeling worried, anxious, or stressed out?

Have you asked yourself why?

Are you a Christian?

What is your spiritual foundation?

Can it weather a severe storm?

Have you built wisely or foolishly?

If we are honest with ourselves, I am sure everyone of us can identify something that we are uneasy about whether we are a believer or a non-believer.

How many times in God’s Word are we told, encouraged,or reminded, not to be worried, anxious, or stressed out?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explicitly teaches in Matthew 6:25-34 not to concern ourselves ‘about the economy’.

(I recommend that you read Matthew 6: 25-34 from your own Bible.)

I also know I am taking a great liberty here; but I ask you, does the text ‘fit’ the time in which we are living?

I am sharing from the TLV, Tree of Life Version, Matthew 6:25-34.

“So I say to you, do not worry about your life–what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They neither toil nor spin(they don’t get anxious or stressed out!). Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these(I take this to mean that Solomon was not as relaxed as the lilies of the field in spite of all he possessed). Now if in this way God clothes the grass–which is here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow–will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith. (I do not believe this is a demeaning comment by Jesus. Our faith may only be the size of a mustard seed; but Jesus said it could move a mountain.) Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans(non-believers) eagerly pursue all these things! But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you(believers in Christ). Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (emphasis mine, inserts mine)

Worry creates(visualizes) its own drama! Our words can animate and escalate that drama with anxiety which leads to stress; or our words can quiet that drama and bring peace, calm, and stillness.

What is your habit pattern?

Sounds daunting, but in the Lord there is hope.

There is HOPE because of the CROSS.

(H.O.P.E. : Hope Offers Peace Everyday; (and) Hope Offers Peace Eternally)

Do you remember singing these words, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…” (if you do, then sing them…)

Let’s consider the word for worry. Using the Word Wealth found in the Spirit Filled Life Bible (pg 1415) {6:25 worry, merimnao (mer-im-nah-oh); Strong’s #3309: From Merizo, “to divide into parts.” The word suggests a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress, and pressure. Jesus speaks against worry and anxiety because of the watchful care of a heavenly Father who is ever mindful of our daily needs.”}

How many of us have cried out to God, “don’t you see what’s going on?”,”don’t you care?”, “do you even realize what I am facing?” or some such plea!

In the hour in which we are living, there are certainly enough reasons to be distracted, preoccupied, anxious and stressed over the economy.

But, can we be at rest in this ‘uncertain economic’ condition? Yes!

In the commentary, on the same page as mentioned above (pg 1415) , it comments about Matthew 6:25-34: “Jesus assumes the theme of single-hearted devotion to God and deals with the related attitude of freedom from anxiety over daily needs. He illustrates the worthlessness of worry by showing that it is unnecessary (vv. 26,28-30), unfruitful (vs. 27), and unbecoming to a Christian (vv. 31,32).

Yeah, right; that is easy for someone to write; but how about living it out.

That is another thing.

But the truth is, Jesus said it.

It is important to note that this admonition, teaching, encouragement comes immediately after He has just said in Matthew 6:24(TLV) “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate one and love the other, or he will stick by one and look down on the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (emphasis mine)

Are we as a nation serving ‘money’ (mammon)?

Money and the economy are complements; they feed each other or they starve each other; but they do go hand in hand.

Question: What is my, your, our heart’s relationship to money?

If the economy fails?; if the stock market crashes?; if the housing market bottoms out?; if I lost my job? (actually I am retired, so if social security stopped?); How will I, you, we respond?

Will we be worried, anxious, and/or stressed out?

Probably, but this does not have to be; there is an alternative.

Where is my trust focused?

I may not be in the same circumstances as you; but the questions are still relevant to me too. We, Christians, are not immune to an economic downturn. I am not saying the economy is going to crash (it might); but the nation is struggling with inflation. (insert mine)

Jesus, after His teaching in Matthew 6:25-32, makes this statement in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (what things? what you shall eat, drink, and wear) shall be added unto you.” (insert mine)

The question again is, what are you focused on? Am I, are you, are we so focused on the economy that it causes us to worry, be anxious, and stress out? The economy is a ‘what’. We should be focused on the Lord; the Lord is a ‘Who’, a Person.

What does Jesus tell us to focus on? vv.33–“to seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” I submit to you that that is relationship with the Lord.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans makes this statement. Romans 14:17, 18 (TLV), “…for the kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but righteousness and shalom(peace) and joy in the Ruach ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit). For the one who serves Messiah in this manner is pleasing to God and approved by men.”(inserts mine)

What did Paul tell the Romans to focus on? The kingdom of God and its righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

How are we going to accomplish that? by “serving” the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you have read my previous posts about the ‘unprecedented unrest’, we, like Noah and his family, are in God’s A.R.K.(Adonai’s Righteous Kingdom); and our A.R.K. is a Person, Jesus Christ, Who is Adonai’s Righteous King. Now you can understand why we must ‘seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness’. We are to keep our focus upon Christ.

The storm clouds have gathered. The clouds are emptying a deluge of rain(chaos, confusion, lawlessness, turmoil, see 2 Timothy 3:1-17) upon the earth.

The flood waters are rising, the nations are in unrest, and the ARK is being tossed about. The irony is that Hebrews 12:25-29 tells us that everything that can be shaken will be shaken; but in Christ we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Why?

Because our God Reigns!

Our helmsman is Christ.

What will be shaken?

Everything that is “earthly and temporal” (Spirit Filled Life Bible, Hebrews 12:25-29 commentary, NKJV)

Will this happen in the church?

Absolutely.

How much in the church today is worldly, temporal, or even unrighteous?

Your reaction to these words may be that I have overstepped my bounds making such a statement; but I ask you to reflect upon the ‘state of the church’ in our nation, and in the world.

Is the church fulfilling its mission?

The one the Lord purposed for it to do.

If not, then why not?

Have you ever asked yourself which one of the letters written to the seven churches in Revelation, Jesus might send to His church today?

Or, if Jesus were to write a new letter to His church today, what would He say?

Note: There are many who teach that the letter to the Laodicean church (Revelation 3:14-22) represents the church in the last days; therefore, this letter or type of letter would be sent to the churches today. (insert mine)

I am personally confident such a letter would end with these words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Ruach (Spirit) is saying to Messiah’s communities.” (TLV)

These words are included at the end of each of the seven letters to the churches found in Revelation 2:1-3:22

The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:17-19, (TLV), “For the time has come for judgment to begin with the house of God (who is the house of God? believers). If judgment begins with us first, what will be the end for those who disobey the Good News of God? Now if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what shall become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will–let them trust their souls to a faithful Creator while continuing to do good.” (insert mine)

I am so thankful for the grace and mercy of God. Thank you Father for the ARK. Thank you Father for Jesus Christ, Who is our ARK in the time of the storm. The ride may be rough but ‘in Christ’ we are safe and secure in the midst of the ‘shaking'(See Psalm 46). Being tossed ‘to and fro’ is anything but peaceful and calm. Jesus said, in the Upper Room, to His disciples, prior to His arrest, “These things I have spoken unto you, so that in Me you may have shalom(peace),[for what purpose?] In the world you will have trouble (tribulation:in the midst of which, Jesus is promising His peace; which means that we do not have to have worry, anxiety, or stress in the midst of the tribulation, the storm, the unprecedented unrest, the turmoil, etc. PTL), but take heart! I have overcome the world!” (Matthew 16:33 TLV) (emphasis, inserts mine)

Such may be our experience during the ‘unprecedented unrest’ that is mounting and will shake our nation and the nations of this world.

The Church will experience an unsettling due to the storm; but all that are ‘in Christ’ are safe and secure. (Read Psalm 91)

At the outset of this post, I highlighted the issue of the economy. There are many other issues that our nation is facing that have and are causing worry, anxiety, and stress among believers (and non-believers). (insert mine)

What stands out in your mind? What brings you worry, anxiety, stress?

Before we go forward, let me ask, how should we be praying in the midst of the ‘unprecedented unrest’?

How do we rest?

I suggest the following to quiet the unsettling around us..

Philippians 4:4-7 Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible), “Rejoice in the Lord always: Again I will say– Rejoice! Let your considerateness (forbearance,friendliness, kindness, mercy, etc.) be known unto all men, The Lord is near (at hand):–For nothing be anxious, But in everything by your prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, Let your petitions be made known unto God; And the peace of God, which riseth above every mind shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” (insert, emphasis mine)

Selah.

As a nation, we are witnessing the systematic destruction and decay of the very institutions that have been the foundation of our nation and the stability of our society.

What pillars are fundamental to all stabilized nations? I suggest that they are their government, their businesses, their educational system, their justice system , their economics, their culture, their media, and the strength of their family units.

What have I not mentioned?

The Church.

Are the above mentioned pillars undergoing deterioration in our nation? in the world?

I am not suggesting that these pillars have not been without sin throughout their existence in our nation or any other nation.

What I am saying is that our Judeo-Christian foundation, that was a major influence in the founding of this nation under God is being maligned, assaulted, questioned, and marginalized.

Our foundation is on a ‘slippery slope’. People suggest and strongly argue that our Judeo-Christian roots have no place in our government. The problem then is that you have to ignore what is written in our Constitution; and that is exactly what they are doing and refuse to acknowledge that God, Himself, was instrumental and influential in establishing this nation.

Our Declaration of Independence says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This is very straight forward and simple to read and understand unless you have an agenda to disprove these words.

The scripture says in Psalms 33:12, (TLV), “Blessed is the nation whose God is Adonai…” (I recommend that you read Psalm 33 for the context of this verse))

I would like to share an analogy.

Our nation was established on a foundational rock of Biblical principles and belief in a Sovereign God.

There are many in our nation today that do not share that belief.

That foundation is being ignored, not taught, re-written, and removed deliberately from our mental and moral consciousness.

Our nation that was founded upon a ‘rock’ is being ‘re-constructed’ upon a foundation that is ‘sand’.

Jesus told a parable about building on a foundation of ‘rock’ or on a foundation of ‘sand’.

His parable was spoken at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 7:24-29, please take time to read the parable).

Prior to telling this parable, Jesus sternly warned His listeners (Matthew 7:15-23, TLV) that began with “Watch out for false prophets“, and ended with “…get away from Me, you workers of lawlessness.” (emphasis mine)

“False prophets” and “lawlessness”, two significant thoughts found in Matthew 24,25. (emphasis mine)

After a major confrontation with the Pharisees at the Temple, Jesus and His disciples left the Temple area. Jesus’s disciples for some reason decided to point out “the buildings of the temple” (Matthew 24:1 NKJV). Jesus responded with information about the destruction of the Temple. This prompted the disciples to ask Jesus three questions which Jesus answered in Matthew 24,25. (insert mine)

In previous posts, I have shared about Jesus answering His disciples questions.

What needs to be emphasized at this time?

Are we personally prepared to walk with the Lord through the ‘shaking’ and the ‘unprecedented unrest’ that has and is coming to our nation. Remember, we are safe and secure in the ARK; we are in Christ, Who is our ARK.

Remember, ‘shaking’ will affect His church also. He will remove what is not of ‘His Church’, not of ‘His Word’, and not of ‘Holy Spirit’.

In conclusion, recalling, Jesus’ instructions (from Matthew 24/25) , He told us to watch, (be) ready, (be) alert, and pray. He warned us not to be deceived by false prophets (Matthew 24: 4,11) and said that lawlessness (Matthew 24:12)would be rampant; but those who endured to the end(Matthew 24:13) (when He returns) would be saved. There will be troubled times (count on it); but there is work to be done (this Gospel will be preached(Matthew 24:14) throughout the whole world, to all nations, and then the end will come). (inserts and emphasis mine)

He exhorted us to be like the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) who were prepared for the bridegroom’s coming, and not to be like the unwise virgins who were unprepared, complacent, and not ready for the coming of the bridegroom. He also instructed us to be responsible servants/stewards (Matthew 25:14-30) doing, fulfilling, and carrying out the tasks and using the gifts that have been given to us, as we wait for His return.

Our foundation for accomplishing this means that we need to be watchful, be ready, be alert, and be praying. These disciplines will keep us prepared to respond like the wise virgins, and be responsible like faithful servants of the Lord. (emphasis mine)

Being obedient to His Word builds a living, vibrant relationship and life, walking with the Lord, establishing our foundation on a solid ‘rock’ and that ROCK is Christ Jesus our Lord. (emphasis mine)

Closing the parable, Jesus tells us how to build on a solid foundation.

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house; and yet it did not fall, for its foundation had been built on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and winds blew and beat against that house; and it fell–and great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27 TLV)(emphasis mine)

Question: Are you going to build on rock or sand? Are you going to live as wise or foolish? I submit that your answer and lifestyle regarding these two questions will determine the worry, anxiety, and stress you face in your daily life.

Christians are not immune to these two questions; in fact, these thoughts are directed to His disciples.

Remember singing these words, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” *

These words are to be our testimony.

Selah.

Blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

*My Hope is Build on Nothing Less, written by Edward Mote (1797-1874), music by William Batchelder Bradbury (1816-1868)

“How Shall We Then Live?” Francis Schaeffer

The last two posts have been centered on the words of Jesus found in Matthew 24 and 25. A good number of my latest posts have emphasized the ‘unprecedented unrest’ that I believe the Lord shared with me that is coming to our nation and to the nations of the world.

The title, then, for this post is apropos. 40 years ago, Francis Schaeffer, wrote a book and proposed the question, How Shall We Then Live?

It is said in a book review the he was “one of the foremost evangelistic thinkers of the twentieth century… Francis A. Schaeffer long pondered the fate of declining Western culture. Profoundly aware of the similarities modern culture shares with societies that came before, Schaeffer embarked on a journey to uncover the movements that gave rise to modern culture and resulted in the decline of the Christian worldview…Schaeffer argues that the erosion of society begins with a shift away from biblical truth. To support this claim,he walks readers through history, beginning with the fall of Rome, through the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment, and up to the twentieth century. This latest edition analyzes the reasons for modern society’s state of affairs and present the solution: living by the Christian ethic, fully accepting God’s revelation, affirming the moral, values and meaning of the Bible.” (preach it, brother Schaeffer!) (insert mine)

During this time of ‘unprecedented unrest’, we are abiding in Christ, our ARK, focused upon Him, His Word, listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church, and being guided by the Holy Spirit.

In the last post, we pointed out four words that we needed to recognize in our daily walk with the Lord. Those four words are Watch, Ready, Alert, Pray.

In Matthew 24:45 NKJV, Jesus asks this question. ”Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?”

I suggest that a ‘faithful’ and ‘wise’ servant is one who begins his or her day watching, being ready, alert, and praying. Embracing these discipline, the servant will with faithfulness and wisdom be directed by the Holy Spirit to carry out his or her duties as a servant.

Matthew 24:47 is the servant’s reward; and Matthew 24:48-58 details a dire warning to a servant that shirks his or her responsibility as a servant and seeks to please him or herself, not taking one’s servanthood seriously.

In Matthew 25:1-3, the Lord gives us another vivid picture of embracing our four words that admonish us to be watchful, ready, alert, and praying.

The parable is about the ten virgins. Jesus says that five of them were wise and five of them were foolish. In essence, the five wise virgins watched and prayed and they were ready and alert. Read the parable carefully and look for their watching, praying, readiness, and alertness.

Some of us may stumble over Matthew 25:5 NKJV, which says, “while the bridegroom tarried (delayed), they all slumbered and slept.” I suggest that when the bridegroom came the five wise virgins were prepared because they had watched and prayed and were ready and alert to respond in a timely fashion.

In Matthew 25:10-13, Jesus shares the consequences of not being ready and prepared when the bridegroom comes. Question: Is the consequence similar to what took place in the day of Noah, when the door to the ark was shut, and the flood came? How so? Jesus says that a day is coming when those who are ready will join Him at the wedding; and those who are not(the foolish virgins) will be saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us! But he answered and said, “Assuredly, I say unto you, I do not know you.” (Matthew 25:11,12 NKJV) (insert mine) [Note: Jesus explains those words in Matthew 25:31-46]

The good news is that this ‘unprecedented unrest’ is not the great tribulation, nor do I believe that it is the Second Coming of Christ. The door into the ARK, is being ‘in Christ’. It is still open.

Jesus said in John 10:7-10 NKJV,

“Then Jesus said to them again, Most assuredly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”

The Lord is being very gracious. His admonition to us is a wake-up call for all humanity, our nation, and the nations of the world. It is especially a wake-up call to His Church. The Lord is preparing His people for how to live now and the upcoming ‘unrest’. Those ‘in Christ’ are being stirred to watch and pray and to be ready and alert. Believers are being challenged to live as the Lord’s faithful and wise stewards doing what He bids His servants to do in the last days. He is calling us to live as wise virgins and not as foolish virgins.

In the parable of the virgins, what is the difference between the wise and the foolish virgins?

Matthew 25:3,4 NKJV says, “Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessel with their lamps.”

The wise virgins were prepared; the foolish virgins were complacent. The foolish virgins were not prepared for the bridegrooms coming.

Jesus follows up the parable about the five wise and five foolish virgins telling another parable about the stewardship of talents.

Question: Is there a direct connection between the two parables?

Selah.

I will begin with another question. Stepping back to an earlier teaching by Jesus, what was the difference between the ‘faithful and wise servant’ and the ‘evil servant’ Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24:45-51 ? Jesus said in Matthew 25:48 NKJV, “But if that evil servant says in his heart, “My master is delaying his coming” “, and lives a wanton lifestyle, that servant faces sever consequences (see Matthew 24:45-51).

Thought: The foolish virgins were not ready because of the bridegroom delay.

Jesus, now, continues to picture for His listeners what it is going to be like prior to His return and shares His expectations outlining how His followers should live. This expectation is portrayed for us in a parable entitled, The Parable of the Talents. (Matthew 25:14-30)

At this juncture, I would like to quote from the Spirit Filled Life Bible regarding this passage of scripture. Let me also interject that I believe this quote incorporates what has been previously shared. I trust you will concur.

Matthew “24:14-30 Watchfulness does not mean idleness, but a faithful discharge of one’s responsibilities. The wise use of gifts and abilities entrusted to us results in greater opportunities, while their neglect results not only in the loss of more opportunities, but of that which was entrusted to us.”

It would be good to stop and re-read the Parable of The Talents at this time.

Please bear with me. I am aware that I am being highly repetitive; and that can be detrimental keeping one’s audience’s attention. I guess this is a throwback to when I taught math. I would be highly repetitive in my teaching.

The ‘unprecedented unrest’ in which we are living and which is growing in its intensity will bring judgment upon many individuals (God knows who they are, not me) because of their evil ways. This ‘unprecedented unrest’ will also bring a great awakening and awareness to multitudes of humans regarding the abundant mercy and grace of God. As I have said previously, the door to the ARK is not closed. Our ARK is the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is the door to the ARK.

Even now, today, the Good News of the Gospel is being preached throughout the world, and many are being saved, healed, delivered, and set free from the bondage of sin, and receiving the forgiveness of their sins. Praise the Lord.

I recommend that you see a network like, the Christian Broadcasting Network, CBN, on YouTube TV. There you can read and see what God is doing in His world.

We are on the ‘doorstep’ of a great awakening in our nation. God is going to bring to this nation ‘A Righteous Revelation Of Wrong-doing’. It may be very tumultuous. For those who have read the post, ‘The ARROW Of God’, the context of the statement is found in Psalm 64, specifically verses 7-10 (TLV)

“But God will shoot them with an arrow–suddenly their wounds will appear. So their tongue will be their downfall. All who see them will flee away. Then all men will fear. So they will declare the work of God, and ponder what He has done. The righteous will be glad in Adonai and take refuge in Him. Let all the upright in heart give glory. (give glory to God and not gloat) (insert mine)

Are you a believer/follower/disciple of Jesus Christ? Then you are in the A.R.K (Adonai’s Righteous Kingdom) and you are safe and secure in the storm, just as Noah was safe in the ark, during the storm (see Psalm 91).

As a follower of Christ, let us recall what Jesus has taught and instructed us about How Shall We Then Live? until He returns, irregardless of how chaotic, tumultuous, confusing, traumatic, dark, “the valley of the shadow of death” or…despair, distraught, discouragement, desperation becomes?

Remember, ”The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want”… ”He leads us in paths of righteousness for His name sake”… Even “though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death.I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and You staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1,3b,4 NKJV)

Our God and Father, is the God of all comfort. Spirit Filled Life Bible, Word Wealth, Strong’s Concordance, nacham, #5162, To comfort, console, extend compassion, sigh with one who is grieving…In its sense of comfort, nacham does not describe casual sympathy, but rather deep empthay. It is like “weeping with those who weep,” or actually “sighing with those who sigh”.

See 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.

We are to stay focused upon Christ as our Savior, Lord, Master, and Coming King. We are to faithfully serve Him, and walk in His wisdom. We are to faithfully use our talents and not bury them in fear of Him. We are to keep an attitude of watchfulness and not become complacent. We are to be prepared at a moments notice to respond to Him as wise virgins. The Holy Spirit enables us to walk with Him. Therefore, we must daily watch, pray, be alert, and ready (prepared). (insert mine)

Let us remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24 NKJV:

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” “

Paul, lived out this instruction daily in his life this way: Galatians 2:20 ,21 NKJV, ”I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

So today, let us look forward into the spiritual horizon: watching, praying, being alert, and ready; prepared for the bridegrooms coming; serving as a faithful and wise servant; using our talents responsibly for His Kingdom.

Like the servant, Ezekiel (I Kings 18) sent to view if the storm clouds were gathering on the horizon to bring rain, know that the storm clouds have and are continuing to gather. We can see and hear their thundering in our midst.

Just like Ezekiel was looking for rain as an answer to his prayer to God to end the drought, let our prayers ask God to end the Spiritual drought of the rain of the Holy Spirit, the latter rain; this will also bring His reign in freshness to His Church, His people, and to the nations of the world.

Father, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Let it RAIN/REIGN!

Blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

What’s This Post’s WRAP?

Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus spoke to His disciples prior to His ascension and gave to them instructions which have been identified as the great commission. What we must must keep in perspective is that before the disciples embarked upon the great commission, Jesus, “being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which”, He said, “you have heard from me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ (Acts 1:4-8, NKJV)

I wonder how many times, me included, I, we, have hurried off to accomplish the work of the Lord, that we have been assigned to do, and have not stopped long enough, to be sure we are really ready to move forward in and by the Spirit of God, and not running ahead in our own fleshly strength.

The Lord, commanded, them to wait. What if they had just run off in their own strength? What would have been the outcome?

I suggest that much activity done by the Church today is not governed by the Holy Spirit. I believe that the Lord is going to ‘shake’ His Church during the coming ‘unrest’ and realign the Church so that it will accomplish the great commission as He intended it to be done.

Like the disciples in Acts, The Church needs to wait in their ‘Jerusalem’ for the Promise of the Father. I know that not everyone agrees theologically with what I am saying. Suffice it to say, the Church cannot do the ministry of the Lord, as the Lord intended it, without the direction of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the CEO of the Church–the Chief Executive Officer.

The Promise of the Father was explained to the disciples in the Upper Room the night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest prior to His trial and crucifixion. (See John 13-17)

The Promise of the Father, was the ‘rain’ of the Holy Spirit that came down on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit was to empower His followers to do the work of ministry. The coming of the Holy Spirit was the coming of Christ into the believers. He had told them in the Upper Room in John 14:15-18 NKJV, “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever–the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphan; I will come to you.”

I agree with the commentary in the Spirit Filled Life Bible explaining John 14:18, “Jesus refers to His coming in the Person of the Holy Spirit.” and in John 16:16 “A little while, and you will not see Me and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.” ( I am aware that every one may not agree with this commentary.)

Acts 2:1-4 records the coming of the Holy Spirit. At this time, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter, arises(Acts 2:14) to the occasion and says, “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ”And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon into blood, Before the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.” Acts 2:16,17a,20-21 (NKJV). This is what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 24.

As we begin this new year, let us wait on the Lord; let us ask Him to pour out His Spirit upon us; let us be empowered by the Spirit to do the bidding of the Lord during the ‘unprecedented unrest’.

I want to turn our attention to Matthew 24:42-44 (NKJV), it reads,

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour Your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

What instructions does Jesus give to His followers?

What words in the text would you underline and/or highlight in your Bible?

I would like to suggest the following:

In Matthew 24:42, underline “watch”, Strong’s Concordance #1127, it means to keep awake, be vigilant, wake, (be)watch(ful). This is the same word Jesus used speaking to Peter, James, and John in the Garden of Gethsemane. He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death. Stay here and watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38 NKJV) In Matthew 24:43, He uses the word watched speaking to them, the same word that He used previously.

In Matthew 24:44, underline be “ready”, Strong’s Concordance #2092, it means prepared, (make)ready(-iness, to our hand) This is the same word Jesus used in His parable of the wedding feast. Matthew 22:4-8 NKJV, “Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and fatted calf are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding. ” ‘…”Then he said to his servants, The wedding feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.”

Our words are watch (Matthew 24:22) and ready(Matthew 24:44).

I would like to suggest two additional words, I believe, are important. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples did not watch with Him. Three times He found them asleep. In Matthew 26:40-41 NKJV, “then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping and said to Peter. ”What could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray lest you fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”

In our watching, we need to pray. Paul writing to the Colossian church, says in Colossians 4:2 KJV, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” The NKJV reads, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Paul is exhorting watching earnestly in prayer.

Diligent watching includes our persistent praying.

The Greek word for watch, gregorio, Strong”s #1127, means either literally to be or keep awake (possibly as in vs.43 and parallels) or figuratively to be watchful and alert (as here) {Matthew 24:42}. No NT usage appears to be entirely without some sense of being watchful, on guard, or vigilant. The word came to be used more or less absolutely as a Christian virtue (see I Cor. 16:13) and to designate watchful preparedness for the Lord’s return (see Rev. 16:15; see also Col. 4:2) In I Thessalonians 5:10 it takes on the metaphorical meaning of being alive. The word is also used in Matthew 26:41. [Word Wealth: Spirit Filled Life Bible, page 1422]

Another word that I would like to add to our list, and one which I believe is implied, and is mentioned in the above Word Wealth, is alert. The concept of being alert is the basis of the meaning of Matthew 24:43 NKJV, “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched (been alert)[see above], and not allow his house to be broken into. (inserts mine)

As mentioned above, the word watch is found in I Corinthians 16:13, NKJV; Paul writes, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” As explained in the Word Wealth, to watch is identified as a Christian virtue, that is united with “standing fast in the faith, be brave, be strong”. All of these are virtues that a believer needs to exhibit in their walk with the Lord, especially in the last days.

Our words for consideration in this section are prayer (Colossians 4:2) and alert (Matthew 24:42)

In the Book of Luke, we have a parallel account of Jesus’ words that we have been considering in Matthew’s Gospel.

Let us consider Luke’s account of what Jesus said about watching. This is found in Luke 21:34-38 NKJV.

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and cares of this life, and the Day come on you unexpectantly.” (This is expressly referring to the Second Coming of the Lord; but do you see its application to Jesus’ words about, “as it was in the days of Noah”?) “For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole 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.” (Insert mine)

What are the four words that I have emphasized: watch, pray, alert, ready.

I submit that all four of these words are woven into the fabric of thought in Luke’s account of Jesus’ words quoted in the above text.

What is the importance of these four words?

As we walk with the Lord in the end times, when there will be ‘unprecedented unrest”, as we are abiding in the ARK of His refuge: we need to be watchful; we need to pray; we need to be alert; and we need to be ready.

It might help you to think of the word WRAP to remember these four words: Watch,Ready,Alert,Pray–W.R.A.P.

Well, that’s a WRAP for this post. (lol)

I believe that these four words are foundational stepping stones paving our pathway as we walk with the Lord in tumultuous times. He has highlighted these four words for our spiritual guidance, strength, and knowing.

Re-read Matthew 24:42-44, and think about these words.

Question: What adjustments, if any, do you need to make at this time in your life as you walk with the Lord? Ask Him.

Now, I would like to suggest that you read Matthew 24:45-51, Matthew 25:1-13, and Matthew 25:15-30 in preparation for the next post.

Blessings, deo

THE RAIN/REIGN OF GOD

“It’s beginning to rain, hear the voice of our Father, Saying “who-so-ever will come drink of my water; I promise to pour out my Spirit on your sons and your daughters.” If you’re thirsty and dry, look up to the sky, it’s beginning to rain.”

That is a chorus from IT’S BEGINNING TO RAIN, Words and music by Gloria Gaither, C. Aaron Wilburn & William Gaither.

As I have been sharing in my lastest posts, the storm clouds are gathering and there will be ‘unprecedented unrest’. I am referencing that ‘unrest’ in the context of Jesus’ words found in Matthew 24, 25 (NKJV).

Storm clouds bring rain, some times, torrential downpours, such as the world experienced in the days of Noah. Jesus referenced those days in Matthew 24, telling us, that “as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Based upon what He had earlier explained in Matthew 24, those days will not be pleasant.

As we enter a new year, many individuals are looking forward with anticipation to fulfill personal goals and even lofty expectations. That excitement is not wrong; however, as I have been sharing , there is an ‘unprecedented unrest’ thundering in the storm clouds that have and are forming throughout the world. That unrest is ‘shaking’ nations. It is even shaking our nation, and I suggest that that shaking will increase. What kind of ‘flood’ will deluge on our nation will be seen and experienced in 2024 and possibly beyond.

The good news is that while this ‘unrest’ is shaking our nation, God, the Father, has a parallel outpouring that is, and will continue to grow, and take place on the nations of the world, and on our nation.

That parallel outpouring is an outpouring of His RAIN. What is that rain? It is found in the words of the chorus above. He is pouring out the rain of His Spirit on His sons and His daughters. This is an outpouring of His Presence, His Power, and the Preaching of the Gospel. This activity is accomplished by His Spirit poured out upon His Church, His followers of Christ, the Bride of Christ, and His sons and His daughters. Matthew 24:13,14 NKJV, ”But he who endures(holds one’s ground in conflict) to the end shall be saved, And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (insert mine)

It is time, not to get caught up in the ‘what ifs?’ of the ‘end-time’; it is time to focus on the gospel being preached to the nations.

Yes, the dark, foreboding, clouds have and are continuing to gather. There are two types of rain being poured out upon the world. The rain of ‘unprecedented unrest’ and the rain of the Holy Spirit.

The first rain is described by Jesus in Matthew 24:4-8; the results of this ‘unrest’ are outlined in Matthew 24:9-12. All of these are “precursors to the end times”. (notes in Spirit Filled Life Bible).

As previously mentioned in Matthew 24:13-14, Jesus alludes to another rain. Let me offer this thought: The rain of the Holy Spirit is a manifestation of the ‘reign’ of God.

God, the Father, sovereignly rules over all rain being poured out on the world.

Jesus is emphasizing His reign as the King of His Kingdom.

We, as believers, are ‘in Christ’. Jesus is our ARK. The ARK is A Righteous Kingdom. The Kingdom, Adonai’s Righteous Kingdom, is ruled by Christ Jesus who is our King. In the Kingdom, we are governed by the Holy Spirit, God’s rain, who directs us to fulfill His reign in our lives.

We are in the A.R.K. In the ARK, we are safe and secure in the midst of the storm. (We are not immune to suffering) The ARK is our place of refuge. It is our dwelling place in the Presence of the Most High God.

Matthew 24;8, referring to the previous seven verses, outlining the tumultuous times; Jesus says, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:8, Spirit Filled Life Bible study notes: Beginning of sorrows refers to “labor pains”, which were expected to precede the end, making the transition from this age to the Age to Come. The severe labor pains, followed by delivery and fulfillment, are also a pledge to the end and the joy at the time of “delivery”.)

We are being told what it will be like now, what to expect, what we are to do, and what the end result will be when Christ returns.

In the previously written posts, we, have understood that this current ‘unprecedented unrest’ is NOT the great tribulation. These storm clouds are bringing God’s Sovereign intervention into the affairs of mankind. There are issues that must be judged; but simultaneously, there will be an outpouring of His grace and mercy seeking to redeem His fallen humanity before the return of Christ. That is the work of the cross.

In Matthew 24: 15-28, Jesus shares the details surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D..

In Matthew 24:29-31, Jesus redirects His dialogue to the time of His return; then in Matthew 24:32-35, He tells a parable to His listeners focusing them on a natural event that prepares them for His next statement, a parable about the fig tree.

In Matthew 24:36-41, He reflects upon the days of Noah (see posts entitled: The Storm Clouds Are Gathering; The Entrance To The Ark Is Shut; go to livingwordsofencouragemnt.com) explaining what the climate of the culture and the society will be like prior to His return. I think that it is safe to say that we are living in that same climate and that is growing increasingly hostile and becoming more corrupt.

In the previous posts that I recommended that you read, it was emphasized that we needed to be be grounded in our relationship to the Lord, knowing that to be ‘in Christ’ is to be in the ARK. Saying it again, the ARK is a Person; and that Person is Jesus Christ. In Him, we will ride out and weather the storms that impact our nation and the nations of the world.

It’s 2024, It’s beginning to ‘rain’ as He continues His ‘reign’.

I want to encourage you to re-read Matthew 24: 1- 41.

Now, turn your attention to Matthew 24:42-44.

This is where I will begin in the next post.

Blessings, reminder, “It’s beginning to rain, hear the Voice of the Father, if you are thirsty and dry, lift your hands to the sky”… because the rain of the Holy Spirit is coming afresh to fall upon you. You are His sons and His daughters in Christ.

deo

Christmas According to AI

This is the third revision to the original post: Incarnation: Significant or Insignificant.

Humanity can be actively alive in their daily lives, yet dead in relationship to Divine life.

How is that possible?

Outside of Christ, mankind is dead in their trespasses and sin. Humanity is lost, estranged from their Creator, God the Father.

But, God, has not abandoned His creation.

He loves them deeply.

So, what is God the Father’s solution for His fallen creation of humanity?

What if I answered this question with one word?

Christmas.

Most people throughout the world are busily ‘hustling and bustling’ getting ready for the celebration of Christmas. If you asked a number of people what is the meaning of Christmas, no doubt you would receive a myriad of different answers? I suggest that all the answers would fall into one of two major broad categories. One, it’s the remembering of Christ’s birth; and two, it’s a day to give and receive gifts, with little or no response to Christ. I think that it is safe to say that for many people, it is a combination of both, the recognition of Christ’s birthday, and the giving and receiving of gifts. Most have heard about Christ’s birth, or formally recognize it; and they celebrate Christmas with the giving of gifts to their family and friends. It is a time of festivity. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Unfortunately, I suspect that there are a growing number of people who ignore Christmas because they have turned their back on the Church; they have turned their back on God; they have no religious upbringing in their life; and/or they deemed it irrelevant because of their political and cultural persuasion.

There is a lot that could be said about each of the above categories; however, the historical fact remains that Jesus was born.

Incredible statements surround the birth of Jesus.

Those statements are made in God’s Word, the Bible.

Some people revere God’s Word; some people denounce God’s Word; and some people embrace God’s Word as it is personally convenient for them.

I am one, who reveres God’s Word.

So, my title to this blog is ‘Christmas According to AI’.

What am I implying?

Luke 2:11 (NKJV), ” For there is born to you in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.“

Christmas According to ‘Adonai’s Incarnation’.

Adonai is the Hebrew word for Yahweh, the LORD.

What does the word incarnation mean?

John 1:14, NKJV says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

So, who is the Word of God? John 1: 1-4, NKJV says, “In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

Paul writes in Philippians 2:5-7, NKJV, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men.” The words ‘coming in the like of men’ is referring to the incarnation. Take time to reflect upon these words. Now go back to John 1:14 and re-read that verse in light of the words, ‘coming in the likeness of men’.

How magnificent is this truth!

The time line of the Bible says that Isaiah lived 700 years prior to Christ’s birth.

Isaiah 9:6, NKJV says, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Recently I had this thought when reading this verse. I submit it to you. The words, ‘a Child is born’ may refer to Jesus’s birth as the Son of Man, His Perfect Humanity; and the words, ‘a Son is given’ may refer to His Deity as the Perfect Son of God: Jesus is both fully Man, fully God.

Coupling this verse with Isaiah 7:14, NKJV says, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son (the Perfect Son of Man), and shall call His name Immanuel (the Perfect Son of God, God is with us). (inserts mine)

Let us turn our attention back to Paul’s writing in Philippians. Take the thoughts from the passages in Isaiah and filter them through Philippians 2:5-7. Jesus Christ, ‘being in the form of God’, ‘made of Himself no reputation, taking on the form of a bond servant’, ‘coming in the likeness of men’. Here, we have reference to Jesus Christ, in all His Deity, coming in human flesh, and becoming the Son of Man embracing humanity.

Only God could do this.

That happened with the virgin birth.

For many, the details of the birth of Christ enriches their hearts every Christmas season as they read and remember the story as told by Matthew and Luke.

I recommend that you read Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38.

In these passages the dynamics are set into motion in lives of two people, Joseph and Mary.

Surrounding these two individuals are other people and events that dramatically impact the total story of the birth of Christ.

I leave that to your reading.

Christmas is Adonai’s Incarnation. (Christmas According to AI)

Well, I given to you verses to think about regarding the coming of Christ; but I have not formally given to you a definition of the word, incarnation.

Suppose we simply look at a dictionary definition. I googled, ‘incarnation definition’. I found the following: Oxford Languages: incarnation means, a person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit or abstract quality.

Question: Is Jesus Christ a deity who was embodied in the flesh? As a person who reveres God’s Word, I can affirmatively say, yes. For me, that is John 1:14, which says (NKJV), “And the Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh (humanity) and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten Son of God, full of grace and truth.”

Now let’s consider if this is significant or insignificant?

What do you think? and why?

To answer this question, I would like to refer you to gotquestions.org. , “What is the meaning of the Incarnation of Christ?”.

Their answer puts forth two important reasons regarding the significance of the incarnation.

They, begin with their definition of incarnation.

They say that it means, “the act of being made flesh”. They reference John 1:14.

They substantiate this definition historically relating it to the Church’s “use of the Latin Vulgate throughout the Middle Ages”. Because of this extensive use they say that “the Latin term became standard”.

I am setting aside their Biblical support of Jesus’ humanity, and transitioning to the meaning of the incarnation.

“The Son of Man came in the flesh in order to be the Savior of mankind”.

They put forth two reasons: 1. “It was necessary (for Jesus) to be born under the law” (Galatians 4:4); and 2. “it was necessary for the Savior to shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins”. Matthew 26:28 NKJV says, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (inserts mine)

These two requirements are the Gospel.

This is weaved throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

How do we summarize these two thoughts?

First of all, I am going to assume that most of my readers know the Lord.

Therefore, I believe you are familiar with what these two statement mean; and secondly, I will remind you of scripture that addresses each point; and finally, I am relying on the Holy Spirit to guide my thinking incorporating the thoughts from the answer to the question in gotquestions.org.

All humanity has sinned and failed to keep God’s law (See Romans 1-3).

Romans 3:23, NKJV says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Jesus, “born under the law” (Galatians 4:4) came and perfectly kept the law .

Jesus said, Matthew 5:17 NKJV says, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

He perfectly kept the Law so that He could represent humanity who did not keep the Law, meaning what?

2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV says, “For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus). (inserts mine)

At this point I would like for us to focus on a passage found in Hebrews 10.

The reality of what we are considering is the topic of the entire Letter to the Hebrews. Chapter 10 specifically addresses what we are considering.

I recommend that you read chapter 10 before proceeding.

(Pause )

We want to focus on Hebrews 10:5-7. It is a quotation from Psalms 40:6-8.

Hebrews 10:5-7 NKJV says, “Therefore , when He (Jesus) came into the world (His birth, incarnation), He (Jesus) said, “Sacrifice and offering You (God) did not desire, but a body (human flesh) You (God) have prepared for Me (Jesus). In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You (God) no pleasure. Then I (Jesus) said, ‘Behold, I (Jesus) have come (birth, incarnation)–In the volume of the book (Law and Prophets) it is written of Me (Jesus)–To do Your (God) will, O God. “” (inserts mine)

From this passage we understand that all the sacrifices of the Old Covenant served an intermediary purpose but they could not fulfill the complete purpose of the satisfaction of God’s anger and wrath against sin. So, God, the Father, undertook solving the problem Himself within the eternal counsel of the Trinity before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1)

The Father would send His Son to be born of a virgin.

That Son would be a unique human being.

There would be no one else like Him born in human form.

That Child would be a human being, fully God and fully Man, without sin.

As such, God in the flesh, in a human body, would be a perfect sacrifice to be offered for the purpose of satisfying God’s wrath and anger against sin justifying Divine Judgement.

Therefore, we can strongly state that the first significance of the incarnation is that God came in the flesh so that there would be a body that could be sacrificed for sin.

That is not a pleasant thought at Christmas, but it is what God was providing so that His grace and mercy could be freely given to as many as would receive His Son as their Savior and Lord.

This brings us to our second consideration.

In preparation for this consideration, I would like to refer you to Romans 4-5. Please take time to read it. (

Pause)

Jesus, the Son of Man/Son of God, that unique human being created by God, in a human body, is the Perfect Lamb of God, who will take away the sin of the world. (see John 1:29-36)

Referencing Jesus as being the Lamb of God, tells us what? Lamb’s were for sacrificing under the Law for the atonement of Israel’s sin.

Jesus understood this from before the foundation of the world.

He was born so that He would live in a human body that would be the means for the shedding of its blood for the remission of sin.

However, because His body was unique as a result of the Incarnation, His blood would, too, be unique because He is the Son of Man/Son of God without sin.

There is not trace of sin in Him. He is the Perfect Sacrifice.

Read Romans 5:6-11

This brings us to Hebrews 9:22b, NKJV says, “…without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” Again, I ask for your patience.

I recommend that you read Hebrews 9 in its entirety. In this chapter you will clearly understand the power of Christ’s blood and its efficacy. As the chorus says, ‘there is power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb’,(by L.E.Jones).

For blood to be shed there must be the killing of an animal.

That was first pictured in Genesis.

It is referenced in God clothing Adam and Eve, see Genesis 3:21(not stated but assumed).

However, in Genesis 4, it tells us that Abel was a keeper of sheep, and when he brought an offering before God, Genesis 4:4 NKJV says, “Abel also brought of the first born of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering”, why, because it foreshadows the type of offerings that are outlined in the Law to be brought before God.

We see the same kind of offerings being offered up by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Book of Genesis.

The assumption is made that the sheep was killed and its blood was spilled out.

Ultimately, it foreshadows the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the shedding of His blood as the Lamb of God.

In the article, about the Incarnation in gotquestions.org, this statement is made: “Without the incarnation, Christ could not really die, and the cross is meaningless.”

Do not read that too fast. Read it again, and consider what you have been reading about the incarnation.

The incarnation is significant. Jesus was both fully Human and fully Divine: therefore, He is the unique, Perfect Sacrifice; His body and blood is without sin; He perfectly kept the Law. He alone is Worthy of all praise, glory and honor.

In Revelation 5, we encounter the Lamb.

John records what he saw transpiring in the throne room of heaven.

John writes, Revelation 5:6 NKJV says, “And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain…Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.”

Our Ascended Lord, Jesus Christ, The Lamb of God, the One who is “…worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals”; the One who was proclaimed as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Rood of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

This same Jesus, the Lamb, to Whom was sung a new song: “Your are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:2b; 5b; 9,10 (NKJV) (the titles referred to by John are titles found in prophecies recorded in the Old Testament) (insert mine)

And then there were “ten thousand times ten thousands, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:11b,12 NKJV

When Jesus came into this world, the heavens declared the glory of God.

Luke 2:14 NKJV says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

And the adoration still continues, “And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever. Then the four living creature said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13,14 NKJV

Worship is eternal.

Let us give Glory to God in the Highest this Christmas season.

When you sing the Christmas songs, remember the importance of the Incarnation as you lift praises to God. The truth of the Incarnation is found in many of the songs, hymns, and choruses that we sing.

(Note: As I was proof reading this blog, it struck me that at Communion, when we eat the bread and drink the wine, which Jesus said symbolize His Body and Blood, we are partaking of the elements of the Incarnation that we have been studying. Jesus said, that when we take Communion, to do this in remembrance of Me. Thought: when I take communion I need to remember the Incarnation that made His death on the Cross a reality.)

In closing I would like to share something that my wife said to me that was separate from what I was doing. She said this yesterday. It summarizes what I have saying with many words; and, it expresses the same summary thought in gotquestions.org.

Christine said, “Without Christmas and the manger, there is no Calvary, No Cross.” Today she drew a picture depicting what she said, and it was posted on Facebook for 24 hours.

Thank you Father for your unbelievable grace, mercy and love.

You have given the ultimate present, Your Son, in a body, to be a Perfect Sacrifice so that we might become Your sons and daughters.

You spared no cost giving us Your Son.

Thank you Father for Your unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Blessings to all, Merry Christmas

Rejoice a Child has been born, a Son has been given.

The Incarnation of Christ, the Son of God brought something else besides being the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.

The Incarnation provided a human body through which the Authority of God was revealed to a hurting world. Jesus manifested His Father’s A.I.-Authority Incarnate.

Isaiah 9:6-7 NASB20, “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders, and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.”

Not only was the wrath of God satisfied; our sins forgiven; but the authority that Adam forfeited to Satan was reclaimed through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

As He said to His disciples just prior to His ascension, “All authority(all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on the earth has been given unto Me.” (Matthew 28:18, Amplified Bible)

Learning to be governed by Christ’s Authority, deo

[originally published 12-19-2022, part 1, with the title, Incarnation: Significant or Insignificant?]

[edited and re-published 12-13-2024 under the same title: Christmas According to AI}

THE ENTRANCE TO THE ARK IS SHUT.

Looking backward to the post entitled ‘The Storm Clouds Are Gathering’, that post concluded with two passages of scripture. One found in 2 Peter 2:4-6; and the second one found in Hebrews 11:7. Both of these scriptures gave us information about Noah.

Remembering Jesus’ words spoken in Matthew 24:37-39, He told His audience that the coming of the Son of Man would be as were the days of Noah.

So an appropriate inquiry would be to ask ourselves what were those days like? Does the Word of God give us any understanding?

Let us begin by looking at Peter’s words found in 2 Peter 2:4-6; and then examine what the writer to the Hebrews recorded in Hebrews 11:7.

Peter compared God’s judgment upon the sinning angels to His judgment upon the world by means of a flood. Peter specifies that God did not spare the world; but He did spare Noah and his family.

Why? Peter says that Noah was a “preacher of righteousness”. Peter also infers that Noah’s witness brought “in the flood on the world of the ungodly.”

In Hebrews 11, which is referred to by many as the ‘hall of faith’, the following is recorded about Noah. Noah heard God’s voice, received God’s Word, and responded obediently in faith.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV, defines faith as follows, “Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (confidence) of things not seen.” (inserts mine from marginal notes)

The definition is exactly what is said of Noah.

Hebrews 11:7, NKJV, “By faith Noah being divinely warned of things not seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

Noah’s obedience, by faith, to God’s word was a witness and a testimony of the coming judgment that condemned the world. Noah’s obedience faithfully preached the righteousness of God to a godless society.

Question: What is the witness of the Church in the world today?

Does it obediently preach the righteousness of God to a godless society?

Who is the Church?

We are the Church, believers in Jesus Christ.

Is my life, a witness of righteousness to a godless society?

The answer to that question is between you and the Lord.

Selah.

What was the impetus that compelled God to bring judgment upon the earth?

What did God see then? He saw darkened sinful hearts ignoring Noah’s preaching.

What does God see now? He sees darkened sinful hearts ignoring His Voice.

Remember Jesus’ words, “As it was in the days of Noah…”

Let’s visit Noah day.

The back round for Noah’s day is found in Genesis 1-5. The major stories are the Creation account; the Fall of Adam and Eve; and a history of humanity until the days of Noah.

I will leave the study of the events recorded from Genesis 1:1 through Genesis 6:4 to your personal study, and the commentaries.

I will begin with Genesis 6: 5-8 (NKJV). I see these scriptures as a succinct summary of what God saw.

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great *(of major importance) in the earth, that the intent *( thoughts) of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually *(all the day). And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, I will destroy man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” (*marginal notes)

The commentary for Genesis 6:5 in the Spirit Filled Life Bible says, “The degeneration of the human race was proceeding rapidly inspite of a few good men such as Enosh (Enos), Enoch, and Noah.

What are their testimonies in scripture?

Genesis 4:26, “And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.” (NKJV)

Genesis 5:24, “And Enoch walked with God; and was not, for God took him. (NKJV)

The third person is Noah. He is the one front and center mentioned in the words of Jesus.

Reviewing the testimony of Noah, Peter said, Noah was ‘a preacher of righteousness’. Hebrews said, Noah responded in faith to God’s voice, obeyed His directions, built an ark, and in doing so condemned the world.

Genesis 6:9 (NKJV) says of Noah, “This is the geneology of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect, in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Reminder, God always has His remnant.

Continuing in Genesis 6:11-12 (NKJV), we are told, “the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked on the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.”

Summarizing what we just read, “the Lord saw the wickedness of man”; it was great(large in number); man kinds thoughts in his heart were “evil continually”. (insert mine, marginal note)

The word corrupt is mentioned three times in Genesis 6:11-12, and it says “the earth was filled with violence”.

Sounds very dark to me.

Did the dark storm clouds gather?

Is there a storm pending?

Is there a righteous remnant in the ark?

The answer to all three questions is YES!

Except for Noah and his family, did the rest of the people have any idea what was about to take place?

According to Jesus, the answer is no.

The current series has been forecasting a gathering of storm clouds; and that there will be an ‘unprecedented unrest’ that is about to ‘rain’ on our nation and the the other nations of the world.

I believe the ‘unrest’ has already begun.

How else does one describe what happened with Covid? the Ukraine/Russia war? the Israel/Hamas conflict? invasion of Armenia? China’s desire for domination? North Korea’s threats of nuclear war? Increased persecution of the Church throughout the world? the political, social, and cultural unrest in the United States? And these only touch the tip of the ice-berg.

All of these events and many more speak of ‘unrest’.

Considering the words of Psalm 64:7-10, God’s ‘unprecedented unrest’ is the result of His arrow that has been launched at those who have bent their bows to shoot “their arrows–their bitter words” at the citizens of this nation. (Psalm 64:3b, NKJV)

The result will be that those who spoke bitter words will be wounded by God’s arrow. ”So He (God) will made them stumble over their own tongue (they will reap what they have sown) (inserts mine)

Psalm 64:8b tells us that all who witness their wounding will flee away (separate themselves from them) It continues saying that all who fled and in are in fear will “declare the work of God (this is God’s doing, no fake news); For they shall consider His (God’s) doing”. (inserts mine)

The word ‘all’, I believe speaks of all humanity, believers and unbelievers. Why? Because of the Sovereign impact of God’s work that brings both judgment and redemption.

Now picture with me, Psalm 64:10 in the context of Noah’s ark.

Noah and his family were in the ark because Noah had “found grace in the eyes of the Lord”. So, we too, those of us who have “found grace in the eyes of the Lord’, and are ‘in Christ’ are in ‘principle’ in the ark. The difference is that the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ is our Ark.

Just as Noah and his family were safe and secure in the ark as it ‘rode out’ the flood waters that God had unleashed upon the earth; so we too, are safe and secure in our ark, Christ Jesus, as we ‘ride out’ the ‘unprecedented unrest’ that God is allowing to take place throughout the nations of the world and our nation.

Just as the ark did not sink, but was buoyed as a vessel ‘riding out’ the waves of the storm; so Jesus, our ark, walks on the water for us in the midst of the storm.

Psalm 64:10 says (NKJV), “The righteous shall be glad in the Lord and trust (take refuge) in Him. And all the upright of heart shall glory.” (insert mine-from Tree of Life Bible)

What part of the ‘all’ are you? The righteous remnant that is Christ; or the unrighteous people who do not know Christ?

What are we safe from?

What is God confronting?

Peter said that the flood came because of ungodliness and not heeding Noah’s preaching of righteousness. Genesis 6:5 told us that there was continuous wickedness in the heart of mankind; Genesis 6:11-12 told us that the earth was corrupt and filled with violence.

What else can we expect from humanity that is totally depraved with darkened hearts ?

The ungodliness of Noah’s day is no different than the ungodliness of humanity today. There is constant corruption; and the earth is filled with violence.

Does God see that today? Absolutely!

If God had not promised to flood the earth again because of corruption and violence, would He be justified in doing it again today ? Yes.

There will not be another flood because God said so. He made that promise.

But there will be a ‘shaking’.

The storm clouds have gathered. ’Unprecedented unrest’ is being showered upon the nations, and that includes our nation, the United States of America.

God is revealing Himself to humanity.

All will become fearful.

Some will be judged; other will seek refuge in the Lord..

All will recognize that this is the work of God.

God is seeking the lost; and He is seeking the prodigal.

Humanity’s safety is ‘in Christ’, our ARK

How we endure the storm will be determined by the grace of God and our knowledge (ginosko) of the Lord. (see the previous posts in this series)

Noah had to wait it out in the ark

We, too, will be waiting it out ‘in Christ’.

I commend to you Genesis 7 to use as a fact check of Noah’s story.

In conclusion, I want to quote Robert Mumford from his Plumbline 44:2, ‘The Arena of Truth: the Trouble with Truth’.

Truth is often troublesome when encountered in the arena of life. Truth requires active pursuit. As followers of Christ, our life’s journey is not an accumulation of facts and theories (ekoi). We seek moral and spiritual alignment (ginosko) with reality in God. (inserts mine)

The ‘unrest’ is upon us. We, who know Christ are shut up in our ark, Christ Jesus. We now wait it out, during the ‘unrest’.

I think we had a foreshadowing of that during the Covid shutdown.

The ‘unrest’ may become more violent than we are personally perceiving at this time.

I recommend Psalm 61, 62, 46, and 91. They are Psalms of Refuge.

We, also, need to finish looking at Matthew 24-25.

Jesus gave us instructions that are apropos for our current situation.

Blessings, a brother in Christ, waiting in the ark, deo

Luke 2: 10-11 ESV, The angel said to the shepherds, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Christ the Lord.”

“Fear not”, the ark is under construction.

Merry Christmas!

A MOMENT OF DIGRESSION

Part 8

For the past several weeks, I have heard teaching messages from three different pastors at the local church I attend.

The content of their teaching has confirmed the words that I have been sharing in the current post series.

I am grateful for the Holy Spirit’s confirmation of His direction through the Word being shared by other ministers in the Body of Christ.

On November 12, 2023, Jeremy Pray shared from Romans 8:18-30 outlining how the Lord uses suffering in our lives today. He encouraged us by emphasizing that “God is for us!” Life can be hard; but God works it out for our good.

He listed seven statements of hope from the text of Romans 8:18-30.

He closed his teaching emphasizing that as a believer we have no cause to worry as long as everything is ok between the Father and the Son-we have no issues to fear.

Therefore, in the context of the blog series, we have ‘no issues to fear’ as believers in Christ during the time of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

The following week, on November 19, 2023, Matt Rehrer’s, sermon was a continuation of the text found in Romans 8. He shared verses 31-39.

His teaching was entitled: Anchorings, and Moorings of the Soul.

He began with showing a picture of a vessel in a severe storm that was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, entitled ‘The Storm on the Sea of Galilee’.

When I saw the picture on the screen, I immediately thought of the impending ‘unprecedented unrest’.

Pastor Rehrer shared our moorings in Christ.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Who can wrestle me from God? Is my sin too much for God? The answers are unequivocal: No one, No one, and NO!
“In Christ, I am not just, justified, but I am declared righteous.”
Not only did Christ die, and was resurrected, but He, also, ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of His Father. The act of being seated speaks to us of the permanency of His atoning work. His work is finished. His work is completed. He said, hanging on the cross before He died, “It is finished”. Jesus eternally secured our salvation.
In heaven, He is our High Priest and He ever lives making intercession for the saints. Hebrews 7:25, NKJV, says, “Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

Therefore, as we go through the storm of ‘unprecedented unrest’, our High Priest is making intercession for us before the throne of grace. We have that mooring.

Because of our moorings in Christ, we can walk in security. We can ‘ride out the storm of ‘unprecedented unrest’ as we stay focused on Christ.

We are secure in Christ, Who is our Ark. We are safe and secure just as Noah and his family were safe and secure inside the ark being tossed about in the ‘unprecedented storm’ that God unleashed to flood the earth.

After sharing about our moorings, Pastor Rehrer shared from the same passage our anchors in Christ.

Does God have a purpose allowing us to encounter storms in our life? Is there a purpose for suffering?

I ask, Does God have a work He is doing in the earth using a storm of ‘unprecedented unrest’ at this time in our nation and the nations of the world?

As I have previously shared, I see a two-fold purpose. The two-fold purpose is judgment and grace. God’s judgment upon those who need to be judged; and God’s grace available for those who turn to the Lord to receive the message of the Gospel. It’s a picture of Calvary. The Cross judged sin and becomes the instrument of new life in Christ.

As Pastor Rehrer emphasized, ‘in Christ’, we have an anchor of security in the present and security in the coming age. In Christ, we have safety. I do not need to live in fear and doubt. ‘In Christ’, no circumstance will separate me from God’s love. He is the anchor of my soul. ‘In Christ’, my suffering, my trial, my tribulation, my personal turmoil is not pointless.

Let me turn our attention to Hebrews 5: 5 b, 7-9, NKJV. It is written of Christ, “You are My Son, Today, I have begotten You…Who(Christ), in the days of His flesh(in a human body); when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him(His Father) Who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son; yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect (Gr. teleios, mature, a word that means the goal, purpose or end for which something exists or is performed.) He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (inserts mine)

Q: If God’s Son, Jesus, learned obedience here on earth through suffering, robed in human flesh, how do you think, we, who are here on earth, robed in human flesh ,are going to learn obedience and grow into maturity?

A: Through suffering: suffering is the paramount means that God will use to bring His children to maturity in Christ. It comes by the way of the Cross throughout our life. It is the ‘inwrought’ discipline that takes us through the process of sanctification.

Consider Paul’s words found in Colossians 1:24-29, NKJV.

Q: What is the goal of Paul’s ministry as he understood it from the Lord?

A: “I now rejoice in my suffering for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages, and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known (ginosko) what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect (teleios, mature) in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (insert,emphasis mine)

What did Paul understand regarding the impact of his ministry ? Preach Christ, and water that preaching so that believers could mature ‘in Christ’, NOW!

I realize that this ‘diversion’ has been extensive; but I believe that it is necessary because it verifies that God is doing a work in the earth. He is stirring the ‘unrest’; He is moving the puzzle parts of the nations; and He is pouring out His Spirit saving the lost in a darkened world.

In the midst of this ‘unrest’, our security, safety, and refuge is in our ARK, Christ Jesus, the Lord.

Recalling Psalm 64:10, NKJV, “The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust (find their refuge) in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.” (insert mine)

We now give our attention to the Senior Pastor at NCC.

On December 10, 2023, Pastor Kent Dresdow, shared from Matthew 20:17-34.

At the conclusion of His teaching, he addressed the congregation forcefully, yet compassionately as a shepherd feeding and tending his sheep.

In Matthew 20: 29-34, it records an interaction between two-blind men, calling out to Jesus, and a large crowd that was following Jesus. The two-blind men called out to Jesus saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” The crowd accompanying Jesus, “warned them that they should be quiet; but they (the two-blind men) cried out all the more saying, “Have mercy upon us, O Lord, Son of David! (insert mine)

Jesus stood still and called to the blind-men, and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” There response was direct, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”

Pastor Kent confronted the congregation lovingly inferring that we, in the days in which we are living, can be like these blind-men, not seeing what is happening around us and to us. He said that we need to cry out to the Lord that we may see.

How so, you ask? We are blind to the darkness and death all around us.

Strong words, but words we need to embrace in the hour in which we are living, because the ‘days are evil’.

We are not spiritually aware (seeing) what is happening daily in our homes, our families, our community, our work place, our state, our nation. He exhorted us and encouraged us to be like the blind beggars who cried out, “Have mercy upon us, O lord, Son of David!” For what are we crying out? to receive sight!

He warned us that just as the crowd told the beggars to stop it; the world, will tell us to stop it; you won’t find any help from God, from religion, from Christ. Are we going to listen to the world; or are we going to turn to the Lord?

Pastor Kent, told us that we can be as ‘blind-men’ in this age. We need to cry out to the Lord. We need to humble ourselves, ask the Lord to heal us, so that we may ‘see’.

Why? So that we will have eyes to see the world as it is; to see the Lord working in our lives; but most importantly to see the world as the Lord, Himself, sees the world.

In summary, these three sermons have been sharing the same subject matter that the Holy Spirit has been emphasizing in the current series of posts.

Jesus said, Matthew 24:37-39 NKJV, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know (ginosko) until the flood came, and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (insert mine)

Jesus’s words imply blindness to what was happening in their midst. Noah obediently built an ark for the safety of himself and his family, and all the animals, creatures, and fowl God directed to come into the ark. But the people who witness the construction of the ark were blind to what was taking place.

The ark was God’s appointed place of safety for the coming ‘unprecedented unrest’ that He was going to unleash upon the world, in the form of a flood.

As I shared, in the previous post, the storm cloud have gathered; there is ‘unprecedented unrest’ in our world. It is growing throughout our nation, and the nations of the world. Do you ‘see’ it?

God has provided a place of safety for His people during this season of ‘unrest’. We are in a time of preparation to ready ourselves for the ‘unrest’. We need to pray and ask the Lord to ‘see’ what is going on, and how to be prepared for what is coming.

The truth is that all who are ‘in Christ’ are always in have a place of refuge. Do you as a believer understand that? Is that knowledge just a fact or a living reality?

We are citizens of His Kingdom. We live in a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Knowing (edoi) that and Knowing (ginosko) that are two different things. (inserts mine) [see the post: Knowing is not Knowing: Edoi is not Ginosko]

We are safe and secure ‘in Christ’.

We will be going through a ‘suffering’ (an unprecedented unrest) that will shake the nation in which we are living and that same ‘unrest’ will be used by the Lord to grow us in our ‘teleios’ (made perfect) which manifests itself in maturity as a son or daughter of God.

end of Part 8

tbc

a brother in Christ, deo

The Storm Clouds Are Gathering, Now What?

Part 7

The word of the Lord has been that an ‘unprecedented unrest’ is coming. It may, in fact, already be upon us; but, are we focused on what is taking place right before our eyes and not seeing it? I am not sure that we are totally conscious of the ‘unprecedented unrest’ growing in our midst.

Why?

That is for you to ask yourself.

What keeps you from knowing what is taking place in our nation and the other nations of the world that is having a direct effect upon you and your family?

What spiritual forces are blinding you to the reality of what is taking place throughout the world, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters, and in our own very nation?

I suggest that we pray and ask the Holy Spirit to awaken us to the events that are happening both in the nations, our nation, and in the Church, both the positive and the negative.

For myself, I need to take advantage of news sites that will give me the information that I need to know about what is truly going on in our world.

But the bottom line is that we stay focused on Christ!

The scripture tells us that God is preparing humanity for the return of His Son, Jesus Christ, to this world.

There are many who believe that what they are seeing and hearing taking place now throughout the world is fast forwarding us to Christ’s return.

I am not saying that is not true; however, what I am sharing is that I believe that the coming ‘unprecedented unrest’ will be used by God, the Father, as a witness to this nation and to the other nations of the world of His Reality,of His Existence, and of His Sovereignty which will culminate in His salvific plan.

This ‘unrest’ will leave no doubt about His Existence and the Truth of the Message of the Gospel of Christ.

In short, God is getting humanity ready for the close of the age.

That said, I do not believe that this ‘unprecedented unrest’ is the Great Tribulation. It will be a trial; it will be a tribulation; and it will bring turmoil; but its purpose is will be two-fold.

One purpose will be to bring judgement upon those who need to be judged; and the second will be the manifestation of God’s grace to a dying world, bringing salvation to the many that are called, and it will shake the Church out of its lethargy.

That two-fold purpose is the message of Calvary.

So what does that mean for us today as believers ‘in Christ’?

I want to revisit Psalm 64:7-10 (NKJV), “But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded. So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away. All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust (take refuge) in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.” (insert, emphasis mine)

God’s ARROW will be the catalyst of the ‘unprecedented unrest’.

God’s people will take refuge in Him, because they trust in Him.

[I have written about this psalm in a previous post. I would like to refer you to: THE A.R.R.O.W. OF GOD. Go to lilvingwordsofencouragement.com]

This nation has been the target of an unrelenting barrage of vociferous words that have incarcerated the nation and put its people into verbal bondage.

We are a nation of POW’s-we are the Prisoners of Words.

God is going to judge those who have lied and deceived this nation; He is also going to bring the truth of the Gospel to this nation afresh in the power of His Holy Spirit; and He is going to bring about a righteous course correction to our nation. His ‘works’ will bring the ‘unprecedented unrest’. There will be ‘spiritual warfare’; In fact, we are currently in the midst of spiritual warfare for the soul of this nation. In addition, there also may be civil unrest that is the result of God working mightily in our midst manifesting His works in our nation.

I know that is a strong statement.

I am not saying that civil ‘unrest’ is a certainty; however, I am saying that it would not surprise me if civil unrest occurs.

Why?

Because we have been witnessing civil unrest taking place throughout our nation for the past several years.

What has been the source of civil unrest? lawlessness

What will be the continued source of civil unrest? lawlessness fighting against what God is doing in our nation.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:12-14 NKJV, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love (agape) or many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Please note, the love (agape) that has grown cold is in believers. Why do I say that; because ‘agape’ is God’s love. The love of God (agape) is shed abroad in the hearts of the believers by the the Holy Spirit.(Romans 5:5)

Do you remember what Jesus said in a letter to the Church in Ephesus, written by the Apostle John, in Revelation 2:1-7, you have left your first love.

Has the Church left its first love? Their agape, love for Christ.

Some of you might be wondering, where are you headed? I am glad you asked.

Matthew 24 and 25 outlines Jesus’ response to His disciples questions after they had asked him an innocuous question about the temple buildings. Jesus begins outlining what will take place regarding the coming destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in 70 A.D. Jesus then switches their attention to answering their questions regarding His coming and the end of the age.

In the context of this post, The Storm Clouds Are Gathering, let us look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:36-42.

First, Jesus settles the issue of His return. In Matthew 24:36, He says “But of that day and hour no one in heaven knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (NKJV)

The inference is that the Incarnate Son of God does not know when He is returning.

Jesus, then, elaborates on the condition of society at the time of His coming.

He says in, Matthew 24:37-39, NKJV, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood , they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came, and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

At face value these words do not sound very troublesome; but..

What can we conclude from His words ?

I would like to take some literary license. Allow me to suggest a speculative picture that probably contains some elements of truth.

What was the normal weather like in Noah’s day? The weather was most likely pleasant. There was no reason to consciously think about changes in the weather. People were enjoying a normal lifestyle. Jesus said they were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage. Sounds like an easygoing community of people. They are enjoying an atmosphere of life that was relaxing, peaceful, and restful. These people are engaged in the normal activities of life.

From Jesus’ words, there doesn’t appear to be any ‘lawlessness’ going on.

Then, one day, sometime during the day, things change. It begins with the weather.

They have never seen weather like this before.

They may not have had the proper words to describe what they are witnessing; but, let me insert these words: they were watching storm clouds gathering.

Storm clouds, what are storm clouds?

As the storm clouds were gathering, it was getting colder, and it was getting darker.

And this was happening during the daylight hours.

There conversations were most likely centered on what was taking place.

What does all this mean? What is going on? I’m cold!

They probably didn’t have proper clothing for the change in the weather.

In a clearing, somewhere, in the vicinity of the people, there was a building project that had been going on for many years. In fact, the building project was now in its 120th year.

Recently, those who had been interested, had observed an unusual activity taking place during the past week at the project site.

There were lots of animals coming from every direction, walking up a ramp into the large construction project.

It would be natural to assume they pondered what this all meant; but I surmise they didn’t have a clue.

Or, did have a clue?; but they never really paid serious attention to what they had been told.

Told what, by whom? Noah.

Quoting T. Austin Sparks, “they heard the words, but they did not hear the Voice”.

In the course of time, during this parade of animals, going up the ramp, into the construction project, the line came to an end. The onlookers also realized that Noah’s family, too, had entered the large structure.

Now what? they thought.

It maybe that some of the family members were the last ones to go inside because Noah and his sons had been assisting and guiding the animals as they sauntered up the ramp into the construction project.

Who knows?

Then, as I just said, the moment comes when the last of the animals are inside, and all of Noah’s family, too, is inside.

The entrance to the structure is closed and secured.

I wonder if the entrance was closed with a bang or shut in silence?

I wonder if anyone was paying attention when it happened?

Chances are, some of the people were inquisitive enough to stay and watch the proceeding to the end.

The reality was that the entrance to the structure was closed.

Some of the people may have dispersed; some of the people may have been mingling around trying to make sense of what was happening; and some of the people may have ignored the whole thing completely, simply because they were not interested.

Suddenly, there was a momentous change in the weather. The heavens opened up; a downpour of rain was unleashed upon earth; and people were filled with a horrific fear and panic.

This fear and panic fell upon all those who were stranded outside this large structure.

Why?

Because of a deluge of rain (what’s that?) came down, and the level of the waters rose, and those who sought for safety found no safe place of refuge.

They found themselves fighting for their very lives.

An ‘unprecedented unrest’ was occurring.

There was no place of escape from the volume of water that was being unleashed upon the world.

Have you ever seen an artist’s rendition of the flood, depicting the horrified people banging on the large structure, crying out for safety in the midst of the rising waters?

For them there was no response of help from inside the structure; nor was there any way to climb up the structure’s side to safety.

The scene was in total despair, a helpless desperation!

What were these people, who are struggling for safety and floundering in the rising waters, going through mentally?

What were Noah and his family members struggling with mentally, knowing that they are safe inside the structure; yet, they are listening to the loud cries of despair of the people who are not inside with them?

One can only conjecture.

Had these people, who had witnessed the building project, ridiculed Noah as he obeyed God, faithfully building the structure? And had these same people refuse to heed the words Noah had spoken to them?

“…had they heard the words, but not the Voice?”

Obviously, Noah’s family believed him, and heeded his word. They were safe inside the building project.

Does the Word of God shed any light on this event in human history?

2 Peter 2:4-6 NKJV, “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;”

What words stand out to you as you read this passage of scripture?

Hebrews 11:7 NKJV, “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

What words stand out to you as you read this passage of scripture?

Remember, Jesus said, that as it was in the days of Noah so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man.

What does this mean to us in light of the two previous verses that you read?

What did God see that caused Him to have Noah build an ark and unleash a flood of water that brought judgment upon the world?

What does God see, today, that would cause Him to bring an ‘unprecedented unrest’ upon this nation and the other nations of the world?

End Part 7

a brother in Christ, deo

Knowing You, Jesus, Knowing You…

Part 6

A number of years ago, Graham Kendricks composed a song entitled, Knowing You Jesus. I do not know if you are familiar with this song; but I do strongly encourage you to listen to it. The chorus begins with these words, “Knowing You Jesus, Knowing You, There is no greater thing, You’re my all, You’re the best, You’re my joy, my righteousness…” To which, I simply say, Amen.

The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:10 NKJV, “…that I may know(ginosko) Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

How does that happen?

That, knowing,(ginosko) does not come from sermons, Bible studies, classes, conventions, books, etc., that knowing (ginosko)comes from embracing the work of the cross in your life, based upon what you have read and/or heard from the Word of God. This life comes from what Paul said is found in the fellowship of His sufferings. It is the work of the cross, based upon the Word of God, to your life by the Holy Spirit.

I am of the opinion that the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings is not something that is taught very much in the Church. I could be entirely wrong. When I reflect upon the teaching sermons that I have heard during the past seventeen years, I do not recall many teachings about ‘suffering as a believer’. I know that it has been alluded too as something Jesus said to expect. I do know that it was emphasized when I sat under the teaching of the the Sermon on the Mount.

How many of us have actually experienced Biblical suffering? I am not talking about inconvenience or temporary uncomfortableness. I have had those experiences; and I am confident that many of you too have had such experiences.

I am referring to persecution, being reviled, having all manner of evil spoken against you, as Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5).

He also taught that if you were going to follow Him as His disciple it would cost you.

How?

You would be treated like He was treated. You would be ostracized, ridiculed, and even rejected (Read John 13-17,the Upper Room Discourse).

Jesus said, to His disciples, when preparing them (Matthew 10:5-31) to be sent out to minister in Matthew 10: 24-26 (NKJV), “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be known.

I have heard this referred too as vocational suffering. It’s suffering that is part of what to expect when you identify with Christ. It is part of your job description.

The Apostle Peter, also, spoke of suffering for Christ’s sake in his first epistle.

I Peter 4:1-19 ( the entire chapter), speaks to believers about suffering. I recommend that you read the entire chapter.

Quoting from this chapter, I Peter 4:1,2,12-19(NKJV):

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God…Beloved, do think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange things happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God, and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now, “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”

Paul summarized his position in the Lord like this (Galatians 2:20-21 NKJV), ” I am crucified with Christ; yet it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

As a believer ‘in Christ’, this is our foundational position. Understanding this position and experiencing it’s reality was the essence of Paul’s life and ministry. This is what Paul taught to the believers throughout the churches he founded ‘in Christ’.

When the shaking comes, that ‘unprecedented unrest’, God will shake everything that can be shaken. This will include everything that has not been established or found to be ‘in Christ’. All will be shaken.

I have been sharing that an ‘unprecedented unrest’ is coming to our nation. Looking at the daily headlines, it is obvious that it has begun and is growing in our nation and throughout the world.

I have shared my concern about believers ‘in Christ’ who will struggle in the time of ‘unprecedented unrest’ because of their lack of spiritual maturity that is the result of knowing (edoi) a lot of information about Christ and the Word of God; but lacking in spiritual maturity because that knowledge(edoi) has not been changed into a living experience (ginosko) in the Lord.

Jesus, in John 17:1-5, NKJV, prayed to His Father, “Father the hour has come, Glorify Your Son , that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life that they many know (ginosko) You, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify me together with Yourself, with the glory I had with You before the world was.”

He continues in verses 14-17 (NKJV), “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Your truth. Your word is truth.

Jesus, continued His prayer for His disciples, and also prayed for those who will come to know(ginosko) Him (John 17:20 NKJV), “I do not pray for these alone but also for those who will believe in Me through their word. ” (That’s us)

Jesus closes His prayer with these words, John 17:25-26 NKJV, “O righteous Father! The world has not known (ginosko)You, but I have known(ginosko) You, and these have known (ginosko) that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it that the love with which You love Me may be in them, and I in them.”

The essence of being born again, is knowing God, the Father and Christ, the Son, as your personal Savior. This is your beginning of being saved; but God’s purpose is for us to mature beyond just being saved here on earth and waiting it out to go to heaven.

When you read Philippians 3, you will see that maturity was Paul’s goal and understanding. Paul ‘presses on’ to know (ginosko) the Lord.

The thrust of the Letter to the Hebrews is to ‘go on’.

Go on to what?

As I have mentioned before, the letters of the New Testament are written to believers to mature them, to come to fulfillment, ‘in Christ’ here on earth.

Let us recall Paul’s words, “… that I might know (ginosko) Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being confirmed to His death. (Philippians 3:10, NKJV)

I understand this statement, Philippians 3:10, to be an equivalent restatement by Paul of Galatians 2:20.

I have been using the word ‘ginosko‘ multiple times in the previous posts and in this one. I have not formally defined the word. I would like to do that now.

In the Spirit Filled Life Bible, the Word Wealth Section for John 8:32 records: know, ginosko (ghin-oce-koe); Strong’s #1097: compare “prognosis”; “gnomic”, “gnomon”, “gnostic”; To perceive, understand, recognize, gain knowledge, realize, come to know. Ginosko is a knowledge that has an inception, a progress, and an attainment. It is the recognition of truth by personal experience.”

Notice the progression: inception, progress, attainment. This presents a progression of growth. There is an implied maturity taking place.. ‘Hearers’ of the Word are becoming ‘Doers’ of the Word. What is taking place? We are Justified (Inception), Sanctified(Progress)–growing into spiritual maturity(teleios),a level of attainment here on earth ,and then glorified (Attainment) in the Presence of the Lord.

We are growing ‘in Christ’ now, as we walk with the Lord.

This is our Father’s purpose for His children.

The last sentence of the definition explains to us how this happens. “It is the recognition of truth by personal experience.” This is what we need to keep before us as we walk with the Lord. This is what is meant when teachers of the Word say that doctrine must become duty. This is what is implied when we are told that what we know objectively (edoi) must be balanced subjectively (ginosko) in our lives so that we can walk in the truth of the Word with the Lord.

We embrace this balance through personal experience . This personal experience is sovereignly applied and/or orchestrated by our loving heavenly Father in our daily lives.

I have been saying that there is coming to our nation a time of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

I suggest that another term for ‘unprecedented unrest’ is God’s Sovereign intervention in the affairs of our nation through tribulation, trial, and testing. I am not referencing moments of inconvenience or momentary uneasiness. I am referring to difficult times. This reminds me of God’s Sovereign intervention for His Chosen nation, Israel, in Egypt.

The scripture has a lot to say about suffering. The New Testament is replete with the role of suffering that matures (teleios) us as believers ‘in Christ’.

This is also true of the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11. Hebrews 11 summarizes their walk of faith; and if you go back and read about their life in the context of the Old Testament you will read about the suffering that they endured and the faithfulness of God working in their lives.

We need to remember and understand that ‘self’ seeks to avoid suffering.

Self is our number one obstacle to following the Lord.

Why? It wants nothing to do with the Cross of Christ.

The truth is that the foundation of the Christian life and growing into maturity (teleios) is by grace through the work of the Cross.

Ask Paul.

Read his letters to the Churches.

Writing to the Corinthian Church, Paul says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise , and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know (ginosko) God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For the Jews request a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. I Corinthians 1:18-25, NKJV) (emphasis mine)

Is “Christ crucified” taught where you assemble with a community of believers?

“Christ crucified” is the foundation of the Christian life for the growth of the Body of Christ.

Jesus said, if you want to be His disciple, a follower of Him, you must learn to deny yourself, reckon your old man dead to sin ‘in Christ’, purposely pickup your cross daily, embrace the work of the cross in your life, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

Do those steps characterize your lifestyle? I submit to you, that you will have difficulty embracing situations that bring ‘suffering’ into your life; then the general times of suffering that you encounter and the time of ‘unprecedented unrest’ will be hard for you.

I encourage you not to despair. Jesus said, to His disciples in the upper room, the night He was betrayed, John 14:18 (NKJV), “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

In Ephesians 3:17-19 (Amplified Version), Paul tells the believers, that he prays for them “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints [God’s people] the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]. (emphasis mine)

Do you understand what Paul was praying for them?

Paul is praying for their maturity to know God’s love for them, not ‘here say’ knowledge, but ‘real’ knowledge.

Paul is praying that the knowledge they have been given which does not have personal experience (edoi) will become practical personal experience (ginosko) in their spiritual growth.

His desire is for them to experience the fathomless love of God and to be completely filled with God’s Himself.

This knowing (ginosko) is a result of God, Himself, working in our lives, walking with us personally through hard times, sufferings, situations, trials, tribulations, testings, and/or circumstances that mature us into His sons and daughters.

As I have shared previously, there is an ‘unprecedented unrest’ coming to our nation and to the other nations of the world.

The magnitude of this ‘unrest’ will be the Sovereign will of God.

Returning to the Apostle Peter’s words regarding suffering, he speaks this benediction, 1 Peter 5:10-11 NKJV, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect (will perfect), establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever, Amen.” (insert mine, from notes in the Study Bible)

I want to close this post with this scripture.

Hebrews 5:7-10, Tree of Life Version, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews, referring to Jesus says, “In the days of His life on earth, Yeshua offered up both prayers and pleas, with loud crying and tears, to the One able to save Him from death; and He was heard because of His reverence. Though He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered. And once made perfect (greek word is teleios: mature), He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him–called by God Kohen Gadol (high priest) according to the order of Melchizedek.” (inserts mine,)

If Jesus, the Son of God, who took on human flesh, was made perfect (teleios, mature) through suffering, what process do you believe God the Father will use to mature(teleios) us who are His sons and daughters ‘in Christ’ ?

God has an eternal plan. He is working out all things for good who are called according to His purpose. The word, purpose is defined as (The greek word, prothesis, suggests a deliberate plan, a proposition, an advanced plan, an intention, a design.) (See : Romans 8:28-30) Insert, emphasis mine, notes from Spirit Filled Life Bible)

Blessings, a follower of Christ, deo

End of Part 6

TBC

Knowing Is Not Knowing: Edoi Is Not Ginosko

Part 5

I hope that you have taken the opportunity to read the previous 4 blogs in this series. The thought is progressive and has been very repetitive as necessary.

I believe there is a shaking coming to our nation and to the nations of the world.

Am I a doom and gloom prophet? I do not believe so. I will leave that to your opinion. I am certain that the Lord shared with me a few months ago that there would be an ‘unprecedented unrest’. I have seen that unfold since He spoke it. I am also persuaded that the Lord showed me that Psalm 64 outlines what has been, and is, taking place in our nation. In many ways it summarizes a previous set of posts that were composed about our nation being a ‘A Nation Of POW’s’, meaning A Nation Of Prisoners of Words. (emphasis mine)

Please understand that I am not predicting what the outcome of the ‘unprecedented unrest’ will look like. I don’t know. Have I thought about it? absolutely. But we know that our thoughts, and God’s thoughts don’t line up unless He makes them known to us.

Let me proceed.

I have a concern for those who name the name of Christ as their personal Savior. I am not questioning anyone’s salvation. Knowing (edoi) Christ as your personal Savior guarantees your eternal salvation. That is an absolute.

Note: [The inserts of ‘edoi’ or ‘ginosko’ are my inserts throughout this post]

This concern was first made evident to me 40 plus years ago. At that time the Lord impressed upon me that prior to His return there would be a mighty outpouring of His Spirit, and a visitation of God that would leave the world with out excuse regarding the existence of God and the truth of the Gospel message in Christ.

I am becoming convinced that now is the time that I will see the fulfillment of what I believe the Lord showed me many years ago. Part of that knowing (edoi) was that there would be many believers who would need personal care and encouragement when this visitation of God took place because they have not been taught the Word of God in a way that would prepare them for such a visitation. What I am saying is that I am concerned that a lot of the factual knowledge (edoi) believers in Christ have been taught, and have embraced, as spiritual knowledge will be found to be insufficient in their time of trial and tribulation, in the ‘unprecedented unrest’. Factual knowledge (edoi) is not personal relational knowledge (ginosko).

What’s the difference?

Simply put, I have factual knowledge (edoi) that I am a direct descendent of John Cooke who was a passenger on the Mayflower, who survived the brutal beginnings coming to this land; but I do not know (ginosko) him personally, I only know (edoi) about him.

I am not seeking to be judgmental. What I am concerned about is the level of spiritual growth and maturity in the Church. Are we, as believers, solid in our knowledge (ginosko) and experience in walking with the Lord that when a level of ‘unrest’ arises will it disrupt our relationship with the Lord? Or, saying this, another way, if the spiritual atmosphere and/or tension, elevates around us and affects us personally so that the level of stress becomes, in our estimation, too much to cope with, what will we do? how will we react? to whom will we turn?

I am sure that all of us at one time or another have faced stressful situations in our lives. How did you fare going through it? What was your attitude toward God? Did you blame God? Or did you seek God to understand the significance of the ‘unrest’?

Have you ever considered the level of stress the nation of Israel encountered when God brought a series of ten plagues to Egypt? It would not surprise me, at all, that many people in the nation of Israel experienced a high level of anxiety and extreme worry as they lived through those plagues. I wonder what the heart palpitation rate was in the Israeli households the night of the tenth plague? Had they been fully convinced having witnessed the first nine plagues and experiencing the word of God as spoken by Moses to be true, so that they could confidently apply the blood of a lamb to the doorposts of their dwellings, believing, that the death angel would ‘passover‘ them? Israel was living through an ‘unprecedented unrest’ that had come upon them because a new Pharaoh had boasted, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know(edoi) the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.” (Exodus 2:2, NKJV) This Pharaoh had no personal knowledge (ginosko) of the God of the Hebrews. And in reality, neither did the nation of Israel at this point in their history. They knew(edoi) enough to cry out to God; but they really did not know(ginosko) Him. That is a major part of the drama surrounding the ten plagues.

God responded to Pharaoh’s boast ‘who is the Lord?” and revealed Himself to Pharaoh, to Egypt, and to Israel. God turned factual knowledge (edoi) into personal knowledge (ginosko) through an ‘unprecedented unrest’.

Does humanity today have a factual knowledge (edoi) of God? Or is God just a concept or idea that is bantered about? Does the Church just know the facts (edoi) about God or does it really have a living relationship based upon a living (ginosko) knowledge?

[I recommend the website, ezraproject.com. Find the title Ginosko–Knowledge that Goes Beyond Information‘ January 24, 2021, please read the article.]

As followers of Christ, I call to your remembrance these words of Jesus’ in Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

This type of interaction has been going on in the world against believers since the time of Christ. The reality is that it has been and is escalating throughout the world. The Church is beginning to experience this type of behavior toward it’s existence being raised to a new heights in our nation.

What if we (you and I) had to ‘live’ out these words? Does the Church have the mental fortitude to walk in that accusatory atmosphere? Am I, are we, is the Church prepared to walk in ‘unprecedented unrest’?

Please read Matthew 24:4-14. Jesus’ words are hard.

Will we be, like His disciples reacted in John 6, when they heard Jesus’ words about ‘eating His flesh and drinking His blood’, say ‘this is hard’, and choose to walk away? [John 6:59-60, NKJV “These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”]

Jesus continued to speak to His disciples other words and eventually the moment came when “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” “Then Jesus turned to the twelve , “Do you also want to go away?” ” (John 6:66-67 NKJV).

What if, as the level of the ‘unrest’ increases, we found ourselves wavering in our commitment, and Jesus turned to us and asked “if we, too, are going to leave? ” What would be your response? I trust that you and I, like Peter, would respond, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, we have come to believe and know (ginosko) that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68 NKJV).

Regarding those who walked away in John 6 Jesus knew that they had not been called by God, the Father.

How do we know (edoi) that?

John 6:64b, NKJV, “For Jesus knew (ginosko) from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.”

When there is ‘unprecedented unrest’ and stressful spiritual challenge, will we be like those to whom the Epistle to the Hebrews was written and contemplate falling away? Or will we be “…anxious for nothing … and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5b-7 NKJV)

What makes the difference?

In Christ, we have peace with God because of our justification by faith through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Roman 5:1) That is our position(edoi) in Christ.

Question: As a believer, have you experienced that positional (edoi)peace experientially(ginosko) in your walk with the Lord as Paul described in Philippians 4:7?

In Philippians 4:5b-7, Paul is saying that peace is not just a factual knowledge (edoi) but also a relational personal experience (ginosko) given to you by the Lord when you need His peace in the trial, the tribulation, the ‘unrest’ that you are walking through and/or experiencing.

This is a lot to comprehend. This is a lot to pray about. But the time in which we are living demands that we be ready in Christ Jesus.

Listen to Jesus’ words to His disciples the night in which He was betrayed. Jesus is preparing them for an ‘unprecedented unrest”. Seeking to quiet their inward ‘unrest’, He says to them, “Indeed the hour is coming , yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33 NKJV.

Jesus knew that what was about to happen to Him would completely ‘undo’ the disciples personal understanding (edoi)of Him, and whatever personal relationship (ginosko) they thought they had with Him. Their knowing (edoi/ginosko) was going to be severely shaken.

Again, I am NOT saying that true believers will lose their salvation. However, I do believe the ‘unprecedented unrest’ will shake (separate) the false from the true. And I believe that the ‘unrest’ will require that true believers in Christ will undergo a radical change in their mentality to be able to peacefully move forward. For some believers this might be a very hard and a stressful process?

In the midst of this teaching that will unravel the disciples’ understanding, Jesus includes these words, John 14:10 NKJV, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

I would like to schedule a stop here and have you take a reflective break. I recommend that you go back and re-read what you have just read. Maybe you need to prayerfully put your thoughts before the Lord and ask Him for guidance and understanding? A simple prayer might be something like this. Lord, am I ready for a shaking of ‘unprecedented unrest’?

Selah.

I trust that you took a break to think and pray about what you have just read.

Looking backward to 2019-2020, the world had an ‘unprecedented unrest’.

It was called Covid.

Question: Did Covid cause mental stress in your life? How did handle it? cope with it? process it? Did it bring changes in your relationship to the Lord?

On the CBN news app, 11-12-23, I read an article about a theologian who is concerned about the lack of Biblical knowledge among believers. The article was entitled, ‘Biblical Illiteracy’ Harming American Christians’ Understanding of the Old Testament. I want to quote from the article.

“To make his case, Youssef referenced the American Bible Society’s latest State of the Bible survey, which revealed a mere 9% of Americans read their Bibles on a daily basis. Only a quarter of respondents said they open the Scriptures each week. Thirty-eight percent said they never use their Bibles.”

Question: How often do you read the Word of God?

Taking this survey at face value, it is easy for me to justify my concern that professing Christians will have difficulty coping mentally with ‘unprecedented unrest’ in this nation or in any other nations in the world.

Why? If Christians are not availing themselves of reading God’s Word (edoi) then how can they be growing (ginosko) in a personal relationship with the Lord?

I can visualize the following happening in the time of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

I John 2:18-23, NKJV, the Apostle John writes, “Little children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know (edoi) that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest that none of them were of us. [Sounds like John 6 when some of Jesus’ disciples left Him because they said His sayings were hard.] But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know (ginosko) all things. I have not written to you because you do not know (ginosko) the truth, but because you know(ginosko) it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the the Son has the Father also.” (insert mine)

The shaking, the ‘unprecedented unrest’, will reveal who really knows (edoi/ginosko) Christ and who is of the truth.

Can we agree, let the shaking come! It is for the good of the Body of Christ.

Jesus said, “You shall know(ginosko) the truth and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32 NKJV

To whom did Jesus speak these words?

John 8:31-32, NKJV, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed (edoi) in Him. If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know(ginosko) the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

You may be pondering? Ok, you say that a shaking is coming. You are saying that it will separate those who falsely say they know the Lord from those who really do know the Lord. Then what is your concern, deo?

Let me strongly say again.

I am not saying a person will lose their salvation. The ‘unrest’ will shake out the false from the true.

But understand this principle, it will also shake out what is false in a true believer.

What am I saying?

Is the Body of Christ mature in its relationship with the Lord to experience a season of hardship that will probably be harder than most Christians have had to personally experience in their Christian life? And that includes me.

Have I, has the Church, grown in its discipleship ‘in Christ’ to weather a storm of ‘unprecedented unrest’?

Why am I presenting this concern? Because, I am concerned for my fellow believers(edoi) in Christ, who have walked with Him, served Him, and ministered to others, who, when their daily life as a believer faces a serious challenge, wonder how they will respond? Do they have a solid experiential ‘knowing’ (ginosko) of Christ as their personal Savior beyond just being saved? And, if these same Christians are not spending time in the Word of God, I believe that will greatly impede their ability to face ‘unprecedented unrest’.

I ask, are we, the Ekklesia, the Body of Christ, the Church, mature enough in the Lord (have we embraced the process of discipleship or have we ignored the process of discipleship?) to be prepared for the coming tribulation/trial of ‘unprecedented unrest’?

That is meant to be a wake up call. A reality check. What I am implying is that church as we know it may not be church as usual; but a church that is going to be different because of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

We may experience Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV), “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

In a time of ‘unprecedented unrest’, the previous verses may take on a whole new, different dynamic and significance.

I know Jesus as my Savior (edoi). I seek to know (ginosko) Him as my Lord.

The bulk of the New Testament was written to believers for their instruction in personal growth to walk with Jesus as Lord and to become mature in Christ here on earth before they go to heaven.

Is it possible to spend so much time emphasizing being saved, and maintaining one’s salvation, that a believer does not grow and properly mature ‘in Christ’ according to our Father’s purpose?

I believe the answer to that is yes.

I encourage you to read Philippians 3. The thrust of Paul’s encouragement and exhortation is “…I press on…”

Are you ‘pressing on’?

Why am I concerned? It comes from what I believe the Lord showed me 40 plus years ago, that in a heightened visitation of the manifest Presence of God, there would be many believers who would be shaken in their relationship to the Lord because they would be experiencing and witnessing things they were not prepared to comprehend.

I am concerned for believers, who love Christ, but will need help to get through the ‘unprecedented unrest’, i.e. the tribulation, the trial, the distress, the uncertainty…whatever comes, as that ‘unrest’ becomes a daily experience and expectancy.

It sounds daunting; but the Lord in His grace has been preparing a people to stand in the gap and help these believers in their time of need.

I am convinced that the Lord has been preparing many believers that will be ready to help struggling believers in the Body of Christ. Those who will need someone to put their arm around them and help them through the turbulent times.

That is what family ‘is’, and that is what family ‘does’.

It may be that you, who are reading this post, will bear witness to what I have just said, and will be used mightily by the Lord to come alongside a struggling believer (family member) in the ‘unprecedented unrest’.

As I said previously, in Part 3, of this series, the Epistle to the Hebrews is as relevant to the Christian community today as it was then to the Hebraic community.

Today’s Christian community must hear, embrace, and resolve to remain steadfast in the midst of the ‘unprecedented unrest’.

Hebrews 12:25-29, NKJV, says, “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised , saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” Now this, ‘Yet once more’, indicates the removal of those things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” (emphasis mine)

There will be a shaking; but we abide in a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. (emphasis mine)

This post is entitled, KNOWING IS NOT KNOWING: EDOI IS NOT GINOSKO.

And so, I summarize my concern. Is it possible for a believer to have a lot of knowledge about the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word (edoi) and have a minimal personal, experiential knowledge (ginosko) regarding the understanding of God’s Word?

I believe the answer to that question is yes.

Simply put, we can be saved and posses a lot of factual knowledge(edoi) about who Christ (edoi) is, which is a positional understanding of our salvation, and not have a practical, understanding of the teachings, the doctrine, and the Word of God experientially (ginosko). In short, what we know(edoi), we have not experienced. We have a lot of objective understanding with little or no subjective understanding that has become real life to us in our walk with Christ. What you have been taught is not false; but it hasn’t been made alive to you. Again, it’s factual, but not part of your Christian life experience. That does not negate your salvation but it reflects not having grown in your relationship with the Lord.

How does the transition from ‘edoi’ to ‘ginosko’ take place? By the work of the Cross.

Question: Have you grown as a disciple of Christ by just listening( hearer ) to the Word of God? Or, have you become a doer of the Word that you have been taught, applying and obediently seeking to live God’s Word to the extent that you become disciplined by that Word? Is the reality of your Christian maturity based upon your obedience to God’s Word making it an integral part of your daily life?

Jesus said If you want to be My disciple and follow Me, you must deny yourself, and choose to take up your cross daily, then follow Me. That is what a disciple must do. When you faithfully do that the principle of the cross is applied to your life. You deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. That following begins with being immersed in His Word. The Word will center you in Christ. The Spirit of God will apply that Word to you as you follow the Lord. What is worked into your life is what Paul preached, ‘Christ crucified’.

What I am sharing is the reality of Jesus’ words to the Jews who had believed in Him, when He said to them, “If you abide in My word (edoi), you are My disciples, and you shall know (ginosko) the truth (Objective Doctrine) and the truth(Subjective Duty) shall make you free.”

Some of you may be saying, you are being too repetitive, I get it. Good, that’s edoi, you have heard the facts; now ask the Lord to make it real in your daily life, that’s ginosko. Ask the Lord to change your objective teaching into subjective doing. Let your ‘doctrine’ become ‘duty’. Live what you have learned, that’s discipleship.

The Apostle Paul said to the Ephesian Christians, “Therefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus(edoi) and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (edoi), the eyes of our understanding being enlightened; that you may know(ginosko) what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” Ephesians 1:15-19 NKJV

What did Paul share with us about how God did this in his life?

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach among the Gentiles…” Galatians 1:15-16a, NKJV

Guess what? This is what the Father wants to do in each of us, His children. He wants to “reveal His Son” in you. God wants to change what you know (edoi) and make it alive (ginosko) in you. Revealing His Son in You becomes the witness of Christ through you to a darkened world.

On the evening of His betrayal, Jesus said to His disciples in the Upper Room, “A little while longer and world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. And that day you will know(ginosko) that I am in My Father and you in Me, and I in you. He who has my commandment (edoi) and keeps them (ginosko), it is the one who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest to him.” John 14:19-21 NKJV.

Note: definition of manifest: cause to shine, to appear, come into view, reveal, exhibit, make visible, present oneself to the sight of another...emphanidzo is the self-revelation of Jesus to believers. A secondary meaning of the word is to declare, make known(Acts 23:15, 22; 24:1;25:2,15). [Spirit Filled Life Bible, Word Wealth 14:21 manifest, emphanidzo (em-fan-id-zoe) Strong’s #1718].

What did Jesus just tell them? The Father and the Son desire to make themselves personally known to you, not just knowing about them (edoi) but experiencing them personally (ginosko).

I want to stop here and encourage you to pray and think through your relationship with the Lord.

Ask the Lord to take what you know (edoi) about God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and ask God to give you a spirit of wisdom and understanding to know them in a more personal way (ginosko).

May the Lord richly bless you as seek the Him, a brother in Christ, deo

end of Part 5

TBC

a brother in Christ, deo

Part 5 has been long, and probably for some very tedious. However, I encourage you to consider the importance of having an ‘up-to-date dynamic’, living relationship with the Lord that transcends just hearing about him, but actually results in fellowshipping with Him on a daily basis. We need Him. He will be our refuge in the midst of the storm of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

Remember, Christ is our Ark, and the Ark rode out the storm.

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