Prayer Warriors – Who are these folks?
The term “prayer warrior” is not used in Scripture. Nevertheless the term is often used by many well-meaning Christians. I suppose the idea is that certain people or methods have more sway with God so that their prayers and methods get more results from God than the average Joe Sinner. Really?
“Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I receive. But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, God, have mercy on me, a sinner! I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)
I like to think that some folks pray for me from time to time, and I have had times in my life that I felt I needed prayer. I tend to pray for myself, but if others want to pray for me, I hope it is by Joe "sinner” rather than a “Pharisee”.
”And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:5-8)
Old Joe does not dwell among the "hypocrites", and is the kind of "sinner" who has been "humbled" and "justified" by God and most likely prays without "many words" in "secret"….
"Very strong is a working supplication of a righteous (justified) man." (James 5:16 YLT)
For my wife, children and grandchildren..and anyone else who may be interested!
Paul,the Evangelist
The apostle Paul was an "evangelist" in the true meaning of the word - a bearer of the good news from God. I do not find any evidence that those who consider themselves evangelists today even know what the "evangel" (good news) is so here it is from Paul, the evangelist.
"God commends His love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His son.” (Romans 5:10)
“For the wages of sin is death,but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“For even as in Adam ALL are dying, thus also, in Christ shall ALL be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting their sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile ALL unto Himself.” (Colossians 1:20)
“God our Savior…will have ALL men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4)
"...there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who have himself as a ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:5-6)
“Trust in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL men.” (1 Tim. 4:10)
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THE EVANGEL (GOOD NEWS)
"Prescribe and teach these things." (1 Tim. 4:11)
"God commends His love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His son.” (Romans 5:10)
“For the wages of sin is death,but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“For even as in Adam ALL are dying, thus also, in Christ shall ALL be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting their sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile ALL unto Himself.” (Colossians 1:20)
“God our Savior…will have ALL men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4)
"...there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who have himself as a ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:5-6)
“Trust in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL men.” (1 Tim. 4:10)
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THE EVANGEL (GOOD NEWS)
"Prescribe and teach these things." (1 Tim. 4:11)
The Real Good News-Without My Random Thoughts
“Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all welcome, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15)
“I am entreating, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, pleadings, thanksgiving be made for all mankind…for this is ideal and welcome in the sight of our Savior, God, who wills that all mankind be saved…”
(1 Timothy 2:1-4)
“Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome…that we rely on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind.” (1 Timothy 4:9-10)
“For the saving grace of God made its advent to all humanity…the advent of the glory of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:8-14)
“For there is one God, and one Mediator of God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, who is giving himself a correspondent Ransom for all, the testimony in its own eras…” (1 Timothy 2:5-7)
“For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified…that God may be All in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
“And I perceived a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth pass away…God Himself will be with them. And He shall be brushing away every tear from their eyes. And death will be no more, nor mourning, nor clamor, nor misery; they will be no more, for the former things passed away…And He is saying, write, for these things are faithful and true.” (Revelation 21:1-6)
“I am entreating, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, pleadings, thanksgiving be made for all mankind…for this is ideal and welcome in the sight of our Savior, God, who wills that all mankind be saved…”
(1 Timothy 2:1-4)
“Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome…that we rely on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind.” (1 Timothy 4:9-10)
“For the saving grace of God made its advent to all humanity…the advent of the glory of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:8-14)
“For there is one God, and one Mediator of God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, who is giving himself a correspondent Ransom for all, the testimony in its own eras…” (1 Timothy 2:5-7)
“For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified…that God may be All in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
“And I perceived a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth pass away…God Himself will be with them. And He shall be brushing away every tear from their eyes. And death will be no more, nor mourning, nor clamor, nor misery; they will be no more, for the former things passed away…And He is saying, write, for these things are faithful and true.” (Revelation 21:1-6)
Death To The Wicked
“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked declares the Sovereign LORD? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23)
God takes no pleasure in enforcing the wages for sin – death. And the death of the sinner settles all wrongs. But in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus God demonstrated his love as only a loving omnipotent Father can do. He reveals the rest of the story, the resurrection of the sinful child to make him brand new!
“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body….just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man…for the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These, then, are the things you should teach.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-49; Titus 2:11-15)
Mankind has a fatal disease, sin. Not all of us are wicked, but all of us are sinners, and the prognosis for sin is death. But God is not through with us when death comes. Those in Christ will be raised to bear the "image of the heavenly man", "zealous for good deeds".
God takes no pleasure in enforcing the wages for sin – death. And the death of the sinner settles all wrongs. But in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus God demonstrated his love as only a loving omnipotent Father can do. He reveals the rest of the story, the resurrection of the sinful child to make him brand new!
“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body….just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man…for the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These, then, are the things you should teach.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-49; Titus 2:11-15)
Mankind has a fatal disease, sin. Not all of us are wicked, but all of us are sinners, and the prognosis for sin is death. But God is not through with us when death comes. Those in Christ will be raised to bear the "image of the heavenly man", "zealous for good deeds".
As you know from reading this blog, I believe the Scripture teaches us that all mankind are "in Christ" just as all of mankind are "in Adam". Most Christians are taught that only Christians are "in Christ" as a result of some decision they made. Nevertheless, the Scripture says all "in heaven and earth, and under the earth" will confess the Lord and be reconciled to God.
"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their transgression to them...For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven...have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure..." (1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 1:19-20;Philippians 2:4-13)
I am all for the death of the wicked, the sooner the better, yet I know it is God's "good pleasure" to make them brand new.
"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their transgression to them...For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven...have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure..." (1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 1:19-20;Philippians 2:4-13)
I am all for the death of the wicked, the sooner the better, yet I know it is God's "good pleasure" to make them brand new.
Set The Captives Free
"Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them...The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord...There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Psalm 68:18; Romans 6:26; Ephesians 4:4-8)
All mankind are captives of sin because of Adam, and all mankind are freely justified and set free from the penalty of sin by the second Adam, Christ Jesus.
“Thus it is written, the first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit...through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.” (1 Corinthians 15:45; Romans 5:18-19)
We are not to OFFER salvation and WIN the lost to Christ, but to tell lost people the wonderful good news that they have been WON through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus, and instruct them how to live a life that shows God that they appreciate it.
“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf…you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another and aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
It is the this message that sets the captives free from religious condemnation into the "glorious liberty of the children of God".
"Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:21)
All mankind are captives of sin because of Adam, and all mankind are freely justified and set free from the penalty of sin by the second Adam, Christ Jesus.
“Thus it is written, the first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit...through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.” (1 Corinthians 15:45; Romans 5:18-19)
We are not to OFFER salvation and WIN the lost to Christ, but to tell lost people the wonderful good news that they have been WON through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus, and instruct them how to live a life that shows God that they appreciate it.
“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf…you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another and aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)
"Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:21)
Then What?
"Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
OK, so after believers have met the Lord in the air, then what?
“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation…” (Ephesians 3:2, 10-11)
Most likely, you have not heard about it in Church. I didn't…I read about it in the letters of the Bible written by Paul…
“His intent was that now, through the ecclesia (out called) the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Ephesians 3: 10-11)
You are aware that we are not alone in this Universe, or are you? The Bible tells of the Angels, Seraphim, Cherubim, Satan, Demons, and most likely other created beings who are not human and are under those "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (among the celestials)". The "mystery" is that we, the out called at the return of Jesus will make known "in the heavenly realms" the wisdom of God which is "to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ". That is our purpose after we are "caught up...to meet the Lord in the air".
“With all wisdom and understanding he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ”. (Ephesians 1:8-10)
We are to be a part of Christ’s work in bringing "unity to all things in heaven and on earth"! Not now, but AFTER Jesus returns.
“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to Him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
So there you have it…those of us "caught up... in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" will tell every created being "in heaven and on earth" about Christ Jesus, revealing his saving Grace, and play our part in finishing the glorious good news of the reconciliation of the whole creation to God by the blood of Christ, shed on the cross "so that God may be All in All".
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
(2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
So if you are among those who "will be caught up" (some call it the rapture), go outside on a clear dark night and look up at the amazing view of your destiny, think about that "mystery" Paul shared with you, and then shout with John…
“YES, COME LORD JESUS!” (Revelation 22:20)
But you say, I thought we are to save the world in this life...nope, you just are not capable of such a thing, that's why Christ did it himself.
So, what are we to do until we're "caught up"...glad you asked and I will again let Paul tell you...WARNING the following may be more Bible than you have read at one time, and probably not what you learned in the last evangelism conference or from the Democratic socialist party...
"Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another and aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.Therefore encourage one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:1-18)
OK, so after believers have met the Lord in the air, then what?
“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation…” (Ephesians 3:2, 10-11)
Most likely, you have not heard about it in Church. I didn't…I read about it in the letters of the Bible written by Paul…
“His intent was that now, through the ecclesia (out called) the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Ephesians 3: 10-11)
You are aware that we are not alone in this Universe, or are you? The Bible tells of the Angels, Seraphim, Cherubim, Satan, Demons, and most likely other created beings who are not human and are under those "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (among the celestials)". The "mystery" is that we, the out called at the return of Jesus will make known "in the heavenly realms" the wisdom of God which is "to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ". That is our purpose after we are "caught up...to meet the Lord in the air".
“With all wisdom and understanding he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ”. (Ephesians 1:8-10)
We are to be a part of Christ’s work in bringing "unity to all things in heaven and on earth"! Not now, but AFTER Jesus returns.
“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to Him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
So there you have it…those of us "caught up... in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" will tell every created being "in heaven and on earth" about Christ Jesus, revealing his saving Grace, and play our part in finishing the glorious good news of the reconciliation of the whole creation to God by the blood of Christ, shed on the cross "so that God may be All in All".
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
(2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
So if you are among those who "will be caught up" (some call it the rapture), go outside on a clear dark night and look up at the amazing view of your destiny, think about that "mystery" Paul shared with you, and then shout with John…
“YES, COME LORD JESUS!” (Revelation 22:20)
But you say, I thought we are to save the world in this life...nope, you just are not capable of such a thing, that's why Christ did it himself.
So, what are we to do until we're "caught up"...glad you asked and I will again let Paul tell you...WARNING the following may be more Bible than you have read at one time, and probably not what you learned in the last evangelism conference or from the Democratic socialist party...
"Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another and aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.Therefore encourage one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:1-18)
Grief Does Not Last Forever
"For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone." (Lamentations 33:31-33)
It would be nice if Christianity believed this. Then all Christians would become Believers. Calling yourself a Christian does not make you a Believer.
"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive...For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (1 Corinthians 15:22; Psalm 30:5)
It would be nice if Christianity believed this. Then all Christians would become Believers. Calling yourself a Christian does not make you a Believer.
"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive...For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (1 Corinthians 15:22; Psalm 30:5)
Did He Die In Vain?
"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain" (Galatians 2:21).
Those who grew up in church should ponder the above. Every church I know of, including the one I grew up in, teaches that salvation is being offered men, but that the offer must be accepted and received by faith in this life. The minimum requirement in my church is to “believe and accept” the gospel. The most legalistic of the churches teach one must repent, be baptized in water and join the church. Some even go so far as teaching that you can lose this salvation if you fall into sin later.
But however minimal the requirement...such teaching implies that Christ died in vain. Salvation is a free gift by the Grace of God, not by works.
“…for the free gift of God is eternal life…For by grace are you saved…for the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men….” (Romans 6:23b; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11-13)
God has guaranteed the salvation and reconciliation of "ALL people". That is trustworthy and should be accepted and taught...
“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)
I have had only 2 persons, friends or foes, come to me IN PERSON to object to my telling them that the Bible teaches salvation of all people. One said that he could not agree with me because it went against everything he had been taught in church, but that he would study the Bible until he could tell me why. About one year later he simply said. “I have finished my study...and you are right.” The other just says it makes common sense that an omnipotent God whose nature is Love would find a way to save everyone he created, and that it had always bothered him that God would torture some people in hell forever.
"...there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all..." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
What God Sees
"God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them...He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)
What does God see when He looks at people of the world?
I think that from the time Jesus "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death" on the "cross", God no longer focuses on the sin of mankind. God is not confined to time. He sees mankind in its finished product as if it has already been manifested. What He sees is the inevitable result of "Christ reconciling the world". He looks at mankind and sees "every knee" bowing and "every tongue" confessing "Jesus Christ is Lord".
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)
Old Wives' Myths
“Neither give heed to myths…” (I Timothy 1:4).
“Refuse profane and old wives' myths…” (I Timothy 4:7).
“They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto myths” (II Timothy 4:4).
“Not giving heed to Jewish myths, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth” (Titus 1:14).
Paul was warning about this over 1900 years ago. It makes good common sense for us to think about the "myths", "old wives’ myths" and "commandments of men" which get embedded in church doctrine from time to time and return to the truth if we have been "turned" to these "myths".
“Refuse profane and old wives' myths…” (I Timothy 4:7).
“They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto myths” (II Timothy 4:4).
“Not giving heed to Jewish myths, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth” (Titus 1:14).
Paul was warning about this over 1900 years ago. It makes good common sense for us to think about the "myths", "old wives’ myths" and "commandments of men" which get embedded in church doctrine from time to time and return to the truth if we have been "turned" to these "myths".
"It is a trustworthy saying, deserving full acceptation, and it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers, Prescribe and teach these things." (1 Timothy 4:9-11)
So Go Ahead
“...So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne! Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil. Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.”
(Ecclesiastes 9:5-10)
Do you get it? Let's review...
1. “Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!”
2. “Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!”
3. “Live happily with the woman you love...”
4. “The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.”
5. “Whatever you do, do well.”
I Got it...Especially the part about Sue Ann!
(Ecclesiastes 9:5-10)
Do you get it? Let's review...
1. “Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!”
2. “Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!”
3. “Live happily with the woman you love...”
4. “The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.”
5. “Whatever you do, do well.”
I Got it...Especially the part about Sue Ann!
Speak To The People
“But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” (Acts 5:19-20)
What are the “words of this life” that they were instructed to speak to the people?
“…they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” (Acts 4:2)
The “words of this life” – the gospel – is our resurrection from death through Jesus. Paul speaks of it as if it has already occurred…
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world …deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that IN THE COMING AGES he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:1-8)
Speaking of something to happen in the future as if it has already occurred is a literary way of proclaiming the certainty of a promise from God. Obviously we are not at this time resurrected from death, because we all have to die first. And we are not now raised up and seated beside Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms…but it is so certain that Paul speaks of it as if it has already occurred and declares that it is this new covenant promise of our resurrection from death that we are to be ministering to people…
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life…For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive…so will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable…it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.” (2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 15:22-46)
What are the “words of this life” that they were instructed to speak to the people?
“…they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” (Acts 4:2)
The “words of this life” – the gospel – is our resurrection from death through Jesus. Paul speaks of it as if it has already occurred…
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world …deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that IN THE COMING AGES he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:1-8)
Speaking of something to happen in the future as if it has already occurred is a literary way of proclaiming the certainty of a promise from God. Obviously we are not at this time resurrected from death, because we all have to die first. And we are not now raised up and seated beside Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms…but it is so certain that Paul speaks of it as if it has already occurred and declares that it is this new covenant promise of our resurrection from death that we are to be ministering to people…
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life…For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive…so will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable…it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.” (2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 15:22-46)
Holy Spirit - The Power of God's Love
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He
who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow
rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the SPIRIT.” (John
7:37-39)
God is love. We will become the image of God. The power of love will flow as rivers of living water from us after
this fleshly body is destroyed and we have been resurrected a “Spiritual body”…
”So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body
that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in
dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in POWER;
it is sown a natural body, it is raised a SPIRITUAL body.”
(1 Corinthians 15:42-44)
The Holy Spirit is the POWER of God, and love is the most powerful attribute of our omnipotent God. Love is the flowing
river of living water now pouring from Calvary. It flows unquenched out of the
heart of God through his Son Jesus.
Frederick Lehman grasped this Love in his great hymn…
Frederick Lehman grasped this Love in his great hymn…
The love of God is
greater far
Than tongue or pen can
ever tell;
It goes beyond the
highest star,
And reaches to the
lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed
down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He
reconciled,
And pardoned from his
sin.
When years of time shall
pass away,
And earthly thrones and
kingdoms fall,
When men, who here
refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and
mountains call,
God’s love so sure,
shall still endure,
All measureless and
strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s
race—
The saints’ and angels’
song.
Could we with ink the
ocean fill,
And were the skies of
parchment made,
Were every stalk on
earth a quill,
And every man a scribe
by trade,
To write the love of God
above,
Would drain the ocean
dry.
Nor could the scroll
contain the whole,
Though stretched from
sky to sky.
O love of God, how rich
and pure!
How measureless and
strong!
It shall forevermore
endure
The
saints’ and angels’ song.
Turn Them Off
"Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams, declares the LORD, and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:32)
It is hard to distinguish between what God has actually said from what men say that God says. Both can come from the pulpit of a well meaning and respected preacher. Following is an example...
“Adam sinned and immediately died spiritually. Eventually, he died physically”
The verse of Scripture he was commenting on was…
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)
Do you see the word “spiritually” in that verse?
There is no such thing as “spiritual death” to be found in the Scripture. You are either dead physically or you are alive because you still have spirit (breath-power) in you. If you do not have “spirit”, you are not alive…you are in the grave just like King David.
“Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David…Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.” (1 Kings 2:10; Acts 2:29)
David will not be spiritually alive until the return of Jesus to resurrect him. The same is true of all others…
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)
When someone says he has a word from God turn them off if he is not reading from the Bible.
It is hard to distinguish between what God has actually said from what men say that God says. Both can come from the pulpit of a well meaning and respected preacher. Following is an example...
“Adam sinned and immediately died spiritually. Eventually, he died physically”
The verse of Scripture he was commenting on was…
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)
Do you see the word “spiritually” in that verse?
There is no such thing as “spiritual death” to be found in the Scripture. You are either dead physically or you are alive because you still have spirit (breath-power) in you. If you do not have “spirit”, you are not alive…you are in the grave just like King David.
“Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David…Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.” (1 Kings 2:10; Acts 2:29)
David will not be spiritually alive until the return of Jesus to resurrect him. The same is true of all others…
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)
When someone says he has a word from God turn them off if he is not reading from the Bible.
A Prayer Of Faith
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for ALL people. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants ALL people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for ALL people...." (1 Timothy 2:1-7)
Paul instructs us to pray for "all people" because God wants "all mankind to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth".
I have heard the phrase "prayer of faith" all my life. But what is that prayer?
Paul instructs us to pray for "all people" because God wants "all mankind to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth".
I have heard the phrase "prayer of faith" all my life. But what is that prayer?
It is asking God for what He wants - not what we want. If we pray for what God wants we can rest assured that it will be answered for God gets what He wants!
Unanswered prayer is simply not what God wants at the time. There is nothing wrong with praying for your wants and those of others. It gives us peace to place our wants in the hands of our Father. We are encouraged to do so by Paul.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
But praying for our wants is not a "prayer of faith”. That only comes when one is "enlightened" with "the spirit of wisdom and revelation" as God reveals to us in His word what He wants.
"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... I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:16-18)
God "wants all people to be saved" and asking for that is the prayer of faith that will be answered.
All other prayer is just asking our Father for stuff we want, like all kids do.
Unanswered prayer is simply not what God wants at the time. There is nothing wrong with praying for your wants and those of others. It gives us peace to place our wants in the hands of our Father. We are encouraged to do so by Paul.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
But praying for our wants is not a "prayer of faith”. That only comes when one is "enlightened" with "the spirit of wisdom and revelation" as God reveals to us in His word what He wants.
"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... I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:16-18)
God "wants all people to be saved" and asking for that is the prayer of faith that will be answered.
All other prayer is just asking our Father for stuff we want, like all kids do.
We are to bring It...not offer it!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God, bringing salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
"bringing salvation to everyone who believes". What does that mean?
Let me illustrate it this way. If a benefactor gave me a new car it would be good news. But that good news would only have power if someone brought it to me and I believed it was mine. The title was transferred to me as a free gift from my benefactor. It is mine whether I accept it, believe it, or even know about it.
Salvation is a free gift from God. It was given to me, and all others, by the "grace of God". It is ours right now. We did not earn it and we cannot lose it. This good news (gospel) is the power that brings salvation to us...the knowledge of that salvation. And when we believe we have peace and joy.
The bad news of sin brings shame and death to us all, but the good news of the grace of God brings salvation to "all people".
”For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord…the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people…we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people…teach these things and encourage the believers…” (Romans 6:23; Titus 2:8-15)
Bring it!
What Is Your God's Batting Average?
”Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." (1 Timothy 1:15)
When I was a kid playing peewee baseball I read a book entitled "The Kid Who Batted 1000". I loved that book but of course batting 1000 over a baseball career is impossible.
So how about God? In the game of salvation, what will be God's career batting average?
"...John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world...he is the atoning sacrifice for our sin, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world...we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world." (John 1:29; 1 John 2:2; 4:14)
I heard an evangelist say that about 10% of mankind will make it to heaven while the other 90% will be eternally separated from God...or worse. His god has a poor batting average and will not make the big leagues.
God, the real one, informed John and Paul of His success rate in the game of salvation...
"God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him..For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all will be made alive... so that God may be ALL IN ALL..we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things." (John3:17; 1Corinthians 15:22, 28; 1 Timothy 4:10-11)
God sent Jesus to "take away the sin of the world" by becoming "the atoning sacrifice...for the sin of the whole world". Therefore he is "the Savior of the world" and "those who believe...teach these things".
When I was a kid playing peewee baseball I read a book entitled "The Kid Who Batted 1000". I loved that book but of course batting 1000 over a baseball career is impossible.
So how about God? In the game of salvation, what will be God's career batting average?
"...John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world...he is the atoning sacrifice for our sin, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world...we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world." (John 1:29; 1 John 2:2; 4:14)
I heard an evangelist say that about 10% of mankind will make it to heaven while the other 90% will be eternally separated from God...or worse. His god has a poor batting average and will not make the big leagues.
God, the real one, informed John and Paul of His success rate in the game of salvation...
"God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him..For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all will be made alive... so that God may be ALL IN ALL..we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things." (John3:17; 1Corinthians 15:22, 28; 1 Timothy 4:10-11)
God sent Jesus to "take away the sin of the world" by becoming "the atoning sacrifice...for the sin of the whole world". Therefore he is "the Savior of the world" and "those who believe...teach these things".
For a religious institution, a 1000 batting average is impossible...and so they settle for 1 hit out of 10. But not God, He goes 10 for 10...every time.
"Who then can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Luke 18:26)
"Who then can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Luke 18:26)
He's Been Set Free
“…those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint…It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 5:1)
Until last Saturday, I had not had to deal with the death of a sibling. Now I have…my oldest brother Dee has been set free. Pondering our relationship over the years there are some regrets for not spending more time with him, but I keep coming back to the last conversation we had on the phone the day before. We planned on spending the next day together and the last words exchanged between us was just what he knew I needed to hear and what he wanted to hear back from me…
Dee: “See you tomorrow, love you”
Me: “Look forward to it, love you too big brother”
Regrets are real, but love covers a multitude of sins. Dee and I will still see each other tomorrow, that was our mutual faith and hope. And we both knew Yogi was right when he quipped “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over”.
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
See you soon big brother when we rise together to soar “like eagles” and meet "the Lord in the air"...
“We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)
Until last Saturday, I had not had to deal with the death of a sibling. Now I have…my oldest brother Dee has been set free. Pondering our relationship over the years there are some regrets for not spending more time with him, but I keep coming back to the last conversation we had on the phone the day before. We planned on spending the next day together and the last words exchanged between us was just what he knew I needed to hear and what he wanted to hear back from me…
Dee: “See you tomorrow, love you”
Me: “Look forward to it, love you too big brother”
Regrets are real, but love covers a multitude of sins. Dee and I will still see each other tomorrow, that was our mutual faith and hope. And we both knew Yogi was right when he quipped “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over”.
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
See you soon big brother when we rise together to soar “like eagles” and meet "the Lord in the air"...
“We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)
We Don't Really Know Him Yet
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11)
Some have made this verse something to be attained in this life. But to me it is just a simple statement of our “hope” for the next. Like Paul
“I want to know Christ…” – I will really know Jesus only when I meet him face to face in...
“…the power of his resurrection…” – Just as Jesus experienced the power of the resurrection, so too I am to be resurrected, and will see Jesus face to face having experienced...
“…the participation in his sufferings…” – This participation of his sufferings occurs when I die and have become...
“…like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
Only then, after my death and resurrection, will I really “know him”.
As for the present, well...
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known…” having faith that “...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint….” (1 Corinthians 13:9-12; Isaiah 40:31)
Some have made this verse something to be attained in this life. But to me it is just a simple statement of our “hope” for the next. Like Paul
“I want to know Christ…” – I will really know Jesus only when I meet him face to face in...
“…the power of his resurrection…” – Just as Jesus experienced the power of the resurrection, so too I am to be resurrected, and will see Jesus face to face having experienced...
“…the participation in his sufferings…” – This participation of his sufferings occurs when I die and have become...
“…like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
Only then, after my death and resurrection, will I really “know him”.
As for the present, well...
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known…” having faith that “...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint….” (1 Corinthians 13:9-12; Isaiah 40:31)
Cremation Is OK
I have a friend who asked if cremation
was biblical. There is no law in the bible on how we must dispose
of a dead body. However, a dead body is
clearly something that was to be quickly dealt with. Even touching it made the
Jew unclean…obviously for sanitary reasons.
Jewish rabbis and Christian
theologians have argued about cremation for centuries…that is what they are
paid to do. But if one would just use
common sense we would all reach the same conclusion. It is OK with God.
Early in Genesis, when the
dying process was pronounced upon mankind, God said…
“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you
return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to
dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19)
God
does not care how that is accomplished, in my opinion, but eventually the body must
“return” to dust. And that is where common sense comes in, which sometimes is
the opposite of religious teaching and ritual.
What
is the fastest way to get a dead body back to dust (ashes)? Yep, cremation. And for that matter, putting a dead body in a
coffin to protect it from returning to the ground from which it was "taken" slows the
process of God’s intent.
So,
for me, I have instructed my wife and kids to have me cremated and put my ashes
back into the "ground" as soon as possible to complete the will of God and save them some money.
Religious
tradition is very important to some folks, and so if you prefer the traditional
method, by all means, that is OK too. But
even the most expensive vault around a coffin will not prevent the
body from its eventual “return” to dust in the “day of the Lord”….assuming you believe
the bible.
“…and
it will come -- the day of the Lord -- as a thief in the night, in which the
heavens with a rushing noise will pass away, and the elements with burning heat
be dissolved, and earth and the works in it shall be burnt up.” (2 Peter
3:10)
And
on that cheerful note I bid you adu with something more encouraging…
“And
the multitude of those sleeping in the dust of the ground do awake…to bestow on
them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called
oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor”
(Daniel 12:2: Isaiah 61:3)
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“For the law , having a shadow of the good things to come , and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices,...
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"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5) Think about that in light o...
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“...set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly thing...