Jesus and Paul

Pre-Conditions of a Church Leader
If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he's talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap. (1 Timothy 3: 1-7, The Message) A church leader must be:

1. well-thought-of Is this true about you? Be honest, don't delude yourself.
2. committed to his wife You may feel totally committed to your wife, but does she know it?
3. cool and collected Have you blown your temper lately? All leaders come under pressure at times and it's these times that can truly test this particular leadership pre-condition.
4. accessible Is your office door open or closed right now? What does this tell you?
5. hospitable Is it important to you to provide a welcome environment for others?
6. he must know what he's talking about Do you faithfully and diligently do your homework?
7. not be overfond of wine If it happens to be an area of vulnerability, watch out.
8. not pushy but gentle Do you manipulate or do you lead?
9. not thin-skinned Count your blessings, ignore your blisters!
10. not money-hungry Money is never ever more important than people.
11. handle his own affairs well Are any of your personal affairs in shambles?
12. attentive to his own children and having their respect Don't place your ministry ahead of your family.
13. must not be a new believer You probably satisfy this one.
14. outsiders must think well of him What is your reputation in your community?

NOW WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT JESUS AND PAUL?

expository preaching

Expository preaching—properly understood and practiced—is our calling.



Gentle reader,

Before I go further, please don’t miss the phrase, “expository preaching—properly understood and practiced.” Much of what goes by the name “expository preaching” amounts to little more than a running commentary on the ancient biblical text (“Last Sunday we got through chapter 7, verse 12. Today we begin with verse 13…”). Information without relevance. Knowledge without application. No central idea. If this is expository preaching at all, it is bastardized expository preaching! As taught and modeled by Haddon Robinson, expository preaching is as crisp and relevant as the Bible itself. An expository sermon can take many forms—inductive, deductive, narrative, and yes, even topical. So what makes an expository sermon expository? An expository preacher never brings his sermon idea to the text. He draws his sermon idea from the text. In other words, an expository preacher never imposes a topic on the text. He lets the text speak for itself and shapes his sermon accordingly.

Reductionist Justice

Where Job's friends went wrong about suffering.
Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. Guest post

Few cases in life or in the Bible pose the problem of what seems to be innocent—and therefore unmerited—suffering more strikingly than the biblical depiction of Job. When Job's life is held up against what Psalm 1 and the book of Proverbs teach about the consequences of righteous and unrighteous living, something seems out of whack. Where did Job's three friends (Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite), and Job himself, go so wrong as to call forth God's reprimand at the end of the book?
The prologue to the Book of Job is critical in beginning to answer this question. Satan is given permission to see if Job's piety would hold firm (as God had announced to Satan it would) if Job were assaulted and stripped of his possessions, family, and his health. Job, of course, was unaware of all of this. In effect, it was not Job but God himself who was on trial. Satan's charge was that Job, and all righteous people like him, served God because he blessed them so generously. Job's first response was: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be blessed (Job 1:21b). After Satan tested Job in the area of his health, Job still responded magnificently: "Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?" (Job 2:10b).

Nevertheless, Job's three friends pressed the case against Job, contending that suffering was the result of sin in Job's life. Their arguments went as follows:

Eliphaz: "Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?" (Job 4:7).
Bildad: "Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?" (Job 8:3).
Zophar: "Yet if you devote your heart to [the LORD] and stretch out your hands to him, if you will put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame … But the eyes of the wicked will fail … Their hope will become a dying gasp" (Job 11: 13-20).
Their reasoning is that Job must have sinned and thus deserved all the suffering and discomfort, because God is a fair judge and rewarder of all that is right. Their case is a reductionistic one: Doing what is right brings prosperity, while sin and wickedness routinely bring suffering and misfortune. Perhaps these "friends" were thinking of texts such as:

"Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm" (Prov. 12:7); or
"No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble" (Prov. 12:21); or
"Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers … He is like a tree planted by streams of water … Whatever he does prospers" (Ps 1:1-3). (Also see Psalm 125).
Notice that the citations from Proverbs are cast into proverbial forms. A proverb is not the same as a promise. While a proverb gathers the majority of instances into a memorable saying that has a bit of saltiness to it, it cannot be universalized, for it does not take up the exceptions at that point. For example, "Look before you leap" is good advice for those contemplating a quick marriage, but "She who hesitates is lost" can be just as sound—and more personal—in the same situation. In the same manner, the psalmists trace the main paths of what happens to those who trust the Lord, but there is no inference or commitment in the text that says those same persons will never face suffering, evil, or testing as Job did. Instead, "Those the Lord loves he chastens" (Heb. 12:5-6).

Job refused to buy the three "comforters'" analysis of his situation, because they traced only one thread of God's method of operating: his judgment for sin. But what happens when someone suffers because God chooses that person to illustrate his grace and glory? Job forthrightly affirmed: "I have not denied the words of the Holy One" (Job 6:10c); "I have kept to [God's] way without turning aside" (Job 23:11) and "my lips will not speak wickedness and my tongue will not utter deceit" (Job 27: 4). Consequently, Job continued to make his appeal to God, whom he called his "umpire," "arbitrator," or "mediator" (Job 9:33), or his "witness" who was in heaven and would plead his case (Job 16:21) and the One he would see in his flesh after his body was resurrected (Job 19:26b).

So what did God say to Job and his friends' banter about the justification for God's ways? Surprisingly enough, God makes no charge against Job in all of this. In fact, God had already declared Job "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1); that is why he had been chosen for this test. That did not mean, however, that Job was absolutely without fault. Job did acknowledge his sin (Job 7:20-21; 13:26), but claimed he was without duplicity, hypocrisy, or pretense and that he loved and served God with his whole heart. More significantly, the epilogue of Job 42:8 indicts Job's three friends (but not Elihu, who argued that Job's suffering was instructive) for wrongly applying to Job the doctrine of retributive suffering. "You have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has," concluded the Lord.

Where then did Job's three friends go wrong? They reduced all evil to "retributive suffering," which is caused by sin and disobedience to God. But there are seven other types of suffering mentioned in the Bible: educational or disciplinary suffering as in Proverbs 3:11 or Hebrews 12:5-6; vicarious suffering, as in the case of our Lord's death on the cross; empathetic suffering, where one person's grief affects many others, as Isaiah 63:9 illustrates; evidential or testimonial suffering, as in the first two chapters of Job; doxological suffering for the glory of God, as in the man born blind in John 9; revelational suffering, as in the case of the prophet Hosea's wife abandoning him; and apocalyptic or eschatological suffering that will come at the end of this age.

While we cannot deny that the issue of suffering in the lives of God's people, such as Job, still contains a good deal of mystery, it is just as much a horrible misconception to declare that suffering is God's normal route for every believer as it is to declare that God's goodness means life will always result in prosperity and riches for those who serve the Lord.

Our decision must be to follow God and trust his justice, wisdom, and goodness whether we are in the throes of suffering or enjoying good health and blessing. Such a decision would surely cut the ground out from under Satan in the spiritual warfare of our day and age. Thus, the law of God does not contradict the Psalms, the historical writings, prophets, or the wisdom books. Believers will continue to suffer, but it will always be under the permission or direction of a merciful and wise heavenly Father who works for our good in the way of the truth and fairness of the gospel.

Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. is president emeritus and Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

THE HOUSE BEHIND THE WEEDS

THE HOUSE BEHIND THE WEEDS

Just two little boys
Walking down a dusty lane....
They came upon this old white house
With broken window panes.

The paint was faded, the shine was gone,
The grass had grown so high....
Still they made their little feet go
To see what was inside.

They opened up the squeaky door
And then it came to light;
This must have been an old church house....
Once upon a time.

Dirty, dusty wooden pews,
A pulpit that still stood.
A Bible laid upon it,
Though the pages weren't too good.

An offering plate and song books too
Were lying on the floor....
They must have left this old church fast,
The day they closed the doors.

And over in the corner
A piano was still there.
It must have played a pretty tune....
But I guess nobody cared.

So little Bill looked up at Tommy
And Tommy looked at Bill.
'Why don't we clean this old church up,
And get these old pews filled?'

They took a rag and wiped the dust,
To try and make things shine,
And then they took the offering plate
And put in their last dime.

They took a broom and swept the floor
And picked up broken glass....
They got it all so nice and neat,
And then they mowed the grass.

They lifted up the old church sign
And stood it by a tree.
Right down by that old dirt road,
Where everyone could see.

They ran back home, to find Daddy gone
But their Momma was inside.
Just to find her hurt again,
When Daddy had made her cry.

'Don't cry Momma, wipe those tears,'
Little Bill and Tommy smiled,
'Cause we have a big surprise for you
Just down the road a mile.'

Hand in hand they tugged at her
Until they made her run....
'What Is it Bill, Oh Tommy,
Just what have you kids done?'

And then they came upon the house
Once hidden by the weeds
And there it stood, a country church,
Just like it used to be.

'But what is it, Mother? What's with your tears?
We thought this would bring you joy.'
'Yes, but hush kids now and listen close....
My two sweet precious boys.'

They both got quiet and stood real still
For the words they heard so true
Was Daddy praying in the church....
With his head bowed on the pew.

'Forgive me Lord! Forgive me Lord!
Though I'm not worthy of Your love,
Shine down on this sinner man....
Sweet Salvation from above.'

'For I've been out in the world, You know,
Living my life all wrong....
Until I came upon this church--
The place where I belong.'

'I never noticed it before,
All those times I passed it up.
I guess I wasn't looking, Lord....
Or maybe I was drunk.'

'Bless oh Lord, yes, bless oh Lord,
The one who made me see
This little church that used to hide....
Behind all those tall weeds.'

And then he raised his head and stood
With his hands high in the air....
To find two, dirty, tear-faced boys
With Momma standing there.

They ran up to him, hugged him tight
As their tears fell on the floor.
'Don't worry kids, I'm not the Dad,
The one you've known before.'

Things are different for us now.
So keep on those pretty smiles
And let's go gather people in....
To walk down these church aisles.'

Then Bill looked up at Tommy
And Tommy looked at Bill,
'Come on brother, let's get to work,
To get these old pews filled.'

'We need no special blessing
For cleaning up this church,
Cause, God gave us back our Daddy....
And that's more than gold is Worth!'

Sunday morning, pews all filled
And smiles on every face,
Especially two little country boys....
The ones who found this place.

Though it was hid back in the weeds
And so far out of sight.
Nothing's ever hard to find....
If you're walking toward God's light.






1 John 1:7
'We walk in the light as He is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ.
His Son cleanses us from all sin.'

10 things

10 Things You Never Hear in Church
1. Hey! It's my turn to sit in the front pew!

2. I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went 25 minutes over time.

3. Personally I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.

4. I've decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.

5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.6. Forget the denominational minimum salary. Let's pay our pastor so he can live like we do.

7. I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before!

8. Since we're all here, let's start the service early.

9. Pastor, we'd like to send you to this Bible seminar in the Bahamas.

10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like our annual stewardship campaign!

Un-Confusing the Confusion

Un-Confusing the Confusion Some time ago on TV, Ravi Zacharias was discussing various aspects of Christianity with a large crowd of Columbia University students. He was asked what he felt was the main problem facing Christianity in America today. His answer was swift and to the point. He said (paraphrasing his words), “Churches are shallow. There is very little thinking. They are message unfriendly. There is no depth. Music is everything. Teaching and ideas are needed. Parroting of phases is too common. Young people need answers.” His feeling, however, that all was not lost in America was exhibited by the large turnout in the auditorium. He emphasized that young people such as those in the audience were there because they did have questions and wanted answers. He proclaimed that he was seeing the greatest hope for Christianity in Korea, China and India (his home country). Clearly more than half and possibly as much as 75% of the audience was of Asian descent. Whether Asian students in the United States on student visas or Asian U.S. Citizens, was not known. It seemed to reinforce what Ravi had just said concerning the condition of American Christianity. We could add to this discussion a fact that is being noticed in this part of the country. Many churches are sorely lacking in youth attendance. Catching the interest of young people before they get addicted to video games and such is a main concern for many entities that are vying for the next generation’s participation. As one example: The State’s Game and Fish Department has reduced the age at which young people can hunt from fourteen to twelve as long as they have an adult along with them. Studies that prompted the decision showed that the hunting and fishing interest had severely dropped over the last several years and was accredited to the fact that there are many more “single parent” families, generally headed by mothers instead of fathers, resulting in no male leadership toward hunting and fishing pursuits. Going way back in time, there is a recollection of instructions given to all new military personnel. Communism was the big hammer hanging over America, which at the time was symbolized by the Russian empire. Their strategy, G.I.s were told, was focused on undermining America’s cultural foundation. Basically, they were going to destroy America from within. Subvert their moral foundation and patriotic zeal and the battle would be won. Later in a college atmosphere that still revered our country’s Judeo-Christian beginnings, sociologists accredited the decline in American social stability to the destruction of the family unit. There have been any number of “facts” reported over the last couple of decades that would indicate nothing of surprise to a fairly well informed Christian public. To the secular public, it’s going basically unnoticed. It’s just the way it is. Recently it was reported that divorces in the U.S. dropped significantly over the last several years. No reason to be jubilant over that data. The reason isn’t that married people are getting along better but rather that fewer people are getting married and simply choosing to live together. So, the family unit, which has for so long been a stabilizing building block on the foundation of Christianity, is disintegrating. http://www.summit.org/about/world/ The opening paragraph of the article above paints a vivid picture of the current status of Christianity and the world today, particularly in our American society. Combining all of the previous information, points to a clear and present reality. America! We have a problem! So what’s the answer? That mainline Christendom will answer the challenge and develop programs to stimulate a contemplation of scripture among old and young alike, otherwise, get people to really ponder, chew on, digest and seek answers in God’s word, is extremely remote. That a secular society will recognize there is a problem is even more remote. Our apostle Paul painted a clear picture of America today in Romans 1:21-32. Will there be a massive “revival” in America that will address and solve all social ills? Some misinformed Christians think so. Scripture says otherwise. The world situation is going to get a lot worse. Instead of calling for a revival across America, there is a need to get Christians to contemplate the word of God but the odds are that it won’t be facilitated by mainline Christendom. So who’s going to “carry the ball”? It seems clear that those in the body of Christ, who understand how to rightly divide, clarify and reveal the mystery to any and all individuals and Christians whose hearts are opened by God, so that questions developed by their inquisitive minds can be answered and sustain them in this age of confusion. That those informed individuals in the body of Christ will reach all mankind before the Tribulation begins, is not part of God’s plan. The hope of the age is to bring as many as have their hearts opened, to understanding the basics of right division then allow their Berean inclinations the opportunity to explore the word of God and through it all, find the inner peace so many are seeking today. God’s plan is being carried out to the nth degree, completely unnoticed by society as a whole and ignored by an uninformed Christian community. To those involved in the study of scripture, it should be of great consolation and comfort to see the reality of God’s hand at work and the verification of His Holy Word. Paul gives ample advice to us concerning how we are to conduct ourselves in this day and age. We have a debt to promote the real gospel and be ambassadors (Ro 1:14, 2 Co 5:20). The charge is awesome but lightened considerably when we know what the Word really says. It gives the peace we so desperately need in this age, un-confusing the confusion. In Christ,

What america thinks about

CHURCH!

"Most people have some sort of religion, at least they know which church they're staying away from"

Gentle Reader,

What you see is a building! Duh Not a church!!! Although most people (including many Christians) think that's what church is all about. In America, I get ask all the time "What denomination are you?" As if you can put me in the same box that you try to put God in. Well I never seem to have the right answer for some. "I'm a child of God" " What do you mean by that?" I am a Grace believer" "So where do you preach" "I am a bible teacher" "I never cared for Sunday school!" "No, no I mean I study the Bible, the history, language, customs, I have spent some 30+ years in the Study of the Word of God." "Couldn't find a real job, huh"! Sweet working only one day a week!"

 You see, gentle reader, many Americans think that church is a place to go or stay away from one day a week, or to go a couple times times a year!

 And America prides itself on that fact they have the biggest churches, largest congregations etc, etc. But you see Scripture teaches differently.

Stephen, before going down under a hail of stones said(being killed by the religious people of his day) "The Most High God dwelleth not in a temple made with hands" But of course the world hasn't heeded this at all-the Christian world. And they still go on making temples and houses for God! And why? Well, I think it's a wee bit more convenient if they can put God somewhere off in a house where He can stay alone and people can come to Him, Oh once a year at Easter or maybe more often at Christmas. But He's not wanted in the home, that's the whole thing. The social life, He isn't wanted there, or in business, He has no place there. So a building is made for Him, and it is called THE HOUSE OF GOD, and they just hope He stays there.

 How about you do you know where God lives?

Love,

Denis

The Hebrew sage...

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The impossible just takes a smidgen longer.

SILENCING THE FOOLISH
"For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." [1 Peter 2. 15]

Egotistical and arrogant foolishness are the humanistic, blasphemous attacking criticisms that are against God’s Holy Word and HIS people. "Professing to be wise, they became fools." [Romans 1. 22] "HE WHO is enthroned in heaven laughs; the LORD mocks and ridicules them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 2. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Yes, the wicked man schemes against righteousness -- but "the LORD laughs at him, for HE knows that his day will come." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Thus, the best way to silence foolish men, is by doing good.

"When you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God." [1 Peter 2. 20] "For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." [1 Peter 3. 17] "Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." [1 Peter 4. 19] "Shun evil and do good, and you shall abide forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The LORD MESSIAH JESUS is the best example of this, "who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously." [1 Peter 2. 23] "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He was submissive, He did not open His mouth; like a sheep being led to slaughter, like a ewe, dumb before those who shear her, He did not open His mouth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] best

Of course, everyone has the right to reject every argument and even ridicule such a life, but they must eventually come to see its sure foundation. "When they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." [1 Peter 2. 12] "Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices GOD is well pleased." [Hebrews 13. 16]

Yeshua ha’Mashiach bid those who would , "follow Me." Furthermore, it is "the will of God" that we identify ourselves with our wonderful LORD by "doing good," as we emulate our Heavenly Father. And when the Chief SHEPHERD, the OVERSEER of believers appears, those who know HIM will be glorified. Such joy and hope we have!

Enough already

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"Enough" is as good as a feast! Happy and blessed is the man content with little.

UNTIL I COME
"So he (a certain nobleman) called his ten servants and delivered to them ten minas, and said unto them, 'Do business (occupy) till I come.'" [Luke 19. 13]

With this parable, the Lord Messiah Jesus was trying to teach His disciples that they should stay busy using whatever abilities and opportunities they had in the Lord's service until He returned. This practical illustration is also suggested where Paul forewarned Timothy, "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." [2 Timothy 2. 4] Paul is cautioning those who would be "good soldiers of Messiah" against becoming involved in the "affairs of the world" if they are really wanting to be pleasing to their COMMANDING OFFICER.

The LORD Christ Jesus says to stay busy with the practical affairs of life until He returns, then Paul affirms not to get involved with such things - - this is no real contradiction IF the motivation is considered. Whatever may be our vocation in life, as led by the Most HOLY ONE, we are to perform joyously and all the other daily responsibilities of life diligently and faithfully for "HIS sake."

However, IF we allow these things to become an end in themselves or use them for any other purposes than for "HIS glory" - we are then becoming tangled up in the affairs of this life, which will vanish. The LORD of GLORY, blessed be He, encourages us to "hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations." [Revelation 2. 25 - 26] Yeshua ha'Mashiach desires that we be diligent in whatever He has called us to do UNTIL HE COMES, for when He comes, we will be judged on our FAITHFULNESS.

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD comes, Who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from GOD." [1 Corinthians 4. 5] It will be worth it all!

Faithfulness is the Key Gentle reader

REMEMBRANCE

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Wisdom is like gold ore in the ground mixed with sand and rock; Logic is the mercury used to extract the gold.

STONES of REMEMBRANCE
"Take two lazuli stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth. On the two stones you shall make seal engravings - the work of a lapidary - of the names of the sons of Israel. Having bordered them with frames of gold, attach the two stones to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, as Stones for Remembrance of the Israelite people, whose names Aaron shall carry upon his two shoulder-pieces for remembrance before the LORD." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 9 - 12 Tanakh, Torah]

Just as the stones were secured on the shoulders of the High Priest, Messiah Jesus bears those He has redeemed upon His shoulders [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] which is the place of courage and strength. He promises, "I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with My victorious right hand." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 41. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The ministry of New Covenant priests is to bear one another's burdens [Galatians 6. 2] - the strong bearing the infirmities of the weak. [Romans 15. 1] We are commanded to pray for one another and to strengthen one another in the LORD. [Luke 22. 32; James 5. 16]

Not only does the shoulder signify "courage" and "strength" but it is the place representing leadership of government and is in open or public view. Messiah Jesus leads His people, they are Divinely governed; His ministry is to His people, open and public.

There was a certain arrangement and a certain stone to be placed on the High Priest's shoulders. Six names of the sons of Israel were engraved in an onyx (lazuli) stone on one shoulder, and six names of the sons of Israel were engraved in another onyx (lazuli) stone on the other "according to birth. "

The names are associated with the stones as a very part of them for they were engraved permanently there. Each of the names had the same kind of stone . . . no difference. Each of us who are sons of the Holy GOD, born into GOD's Kingdom of Priests, are the same; we are equally recognized in Messiah Jesus according to our NEW BIRTH. We are each engraved on the same kind of stone, encased in gold, brilliant, flashing with the luster of the fiery Holy Spirit, lifted high upon the shoulders of our great High Priest, borne up above the earthly ties and boundaries to a place in the heavenlies! There is a precious truth told in the meaning of these names. {We will draw attention to just the first and last names, which are all-inclusive.}

"According to birth" tells us that since Reuben was the firstborn of Israel (Jacob), his name engraved first in order on the shoulder stone. "REUBEN" means "behold (see) a son." This directs our attention to the Greater SON, our Lord Yeshua ha'Mashiach. The angels announced His birth in Beit'Lehem; the prophet Isaiah declared of Him, "A Child is born, a SON is given." The Almighty One informed the disciples concerning CHRIST, "This is My Beloved SON, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" [Matthew 17. 5] And who of GOD's people can forget that most precious verse, "GOD so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten SON." [John 3. 16] "REUBEN! Behold, a SON!"

The last name on the shoulder stones was Benjamin. Remember the story of his birth? Rachel, because she was dying, named him "Benoni" -- "son of my sorrow." But Jacob (Israel) named him "Benjamin" - "son of my right hand." Jesus was born into this world and fulfilled the first name, Benoni, for HE was a MAN of sorrows, acquainted with grief. HE was despised and rejected of men; HE suffered, bled and died, the SON of Sorrow. Benjamin was the only son named by his father, Israel. "Son of my right hand" signifies an exalted and honoured place - in an equal position. The Lord Yeshua gave His life (One Sacrifice for sins forever) and is seated at the right hand of GOD Eternal in an exalted, honoured place. The Heavenly Father says of Jesus, "BENJAMIN! SON of MY RIGHT HAND!"

Through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, we are born of the Most High & Lofty One and given the right to be the sons of GOD. The GREATER SON, our Messiah & Lord, rejoices in the presence of the angels when a sinner receives Him. And, it is as though all heaven rejoices with Him when they see this take place. Now it can be said of this sinner, "Reuben! Behold, a son!"

After this new birth, there is joy and yet there is sorrow for the dying soul of men as we enter into "the fellowship of His sufferings." But, if we suffer with our Wonderful Redeeming Lord, we shall also reign with Him in glory. We can only wear the "golden crown" at last IF we were able to wear the "thorny one" first. As sons in the SON will be exalted to the position that He promised, "He that endures to the END shall receive a Crown of Life." [James 1. 12] "To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My throne." [Revelation 3. 21] Then, in that day the LORD OF HOST will say to us, "Benjamin! Son of My right hand!"

Signs

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Extraordinary parents know how to make their children feel they are special.

SIGNS of the TIMES
"Woe! to those who call evil good, and good evil; who present darkness as light and light as darkness; who present bitter as sweet, and sweet as bitter! WOE! to those who are so wise - in their own opinion; so clever - in their own judgment!" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 5. 20 - 21 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

There is an increasing demand to change the mind-set of entire nations using "collective reasoning" to call what is actually evil, good; and what is good, evil. There are many in high governmental positions, the media, and even churches who are deliberately promoting and tolerating homosexual acceptance, murder of unborn children, rape, debauchery and desires of every kind including cultic practices and worshiping other gods. When people insist that one must be loving, and tolerant, and forced into accepting such abominable practices, they are actually the threat to survival for those who are passionate in their belief and worship of the Most High GOD. To tolerate such sinful indulgence is completely against Almighty GOD and His Righteous Laws. This is not a new thing, "the inhabitants of Sodom were exceedingly wicked sinners against the LORD." [Genesis (Bereshith) 13. 13 Tanakh, Torah] The end result, the Righteous Judge rained down fire and brimstones and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

At the time of the flood, the earth was full of violence. "The earth became corrupt before GOD; and the earth was filled with violence and lawlessness. And Elohiym said to Noah, 'I have decided to put an end to all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence and lawlessness and because of them, I am about to destroy them with the earth.'" [Genesis (Bereshith) 6. 11, 13 Tanakh, Torah]

Those who mention the name of GOD Most High are considered to be criminal, right-wingers, dogmatists, bigots, and even called "a threat to the nation." It is considered intolerant to say the "truth" is the "TRUTH." Common sense has been pushed aside by what is considered common courtesy - - as we dutifully avoid, at all costs, logically inferring that others are wrong.

The Great Creator GOD revels Himself as the unique Measure & Personification of Absolute Truth. He alone holds the singular role of being Creator & Sustainer of the heavens and the earth. [Genesis/Bereshith 1] Our Merciful GOD is intolerant as well as tolerant. . . He makes the standards! When we tolerate what He does not tolerate or fail to tolerate what He does tolerate, that is what the Holy Scriptures call "SIN" and sin leads to death. "Your iniquities have been a barrier between you and your GOD, your SINS have made Him turn His face away and refuse to hear you." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 59. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Although the Holy ONE will not tolerate sin, He is more than tolerant; He is compassionate and merciful, jealous and vigilant. Furthermore, He is "THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE" and His judgment stands. The prophets all tell of GOD's righteousness and of His wondrous redemption and renewal for those who will turn away from the things He absolutely will not tolerate.

What will it take to wake some people up? Messiah Jesus said, "HYPOCRITES! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times." [Matthew 16. 2 - 3]

Some things are worth standing up for (truth, righteousness, morals, integrity); real conviction and concern dictate that we do our best to present the honest facts. "Sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." [1 Peter 3. 15 - 16] "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled...For it is better, if it is the will of GOD, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." [1 Peter 3. 14, 17]

Even now the Author & Finisher of our faith invites us: "Come, let us reach an understanding - says the LORD. Though your sins are like crimson, they can turn snow-white; though they are red as dyed wool, they can become like fleece." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Contend (compete, challenge, argue, fight) for the Truth, it is the only life-giving matter of reconciliation to Omnipotent GOD.

What some pastors know

God's Literal Word
A Gallup Poll finds 54% of Americans who attend church weekly believe the Bible should be taken literally word for word. Only 30% of those who attend monthly and 8% who never do so hold this view. Some 40% of Protestants believe in a literal Bible, while 48% believe in the inspired word of God. Among other Christians, 45% believe the word of God is to be taken literally, and 46% say the Bible is the inspired word of God. The higher the level of education one gets, the less likely he is to believe the Bible is the actual, literal word of God. Overall, the most popular view Americans hold today is that the Bible is the inspired word of God with 47% claiming such a view while 19% believe it is a book of ancient fables, legends and history as recorded by man.

really know!

While others (pastors) don't have a clue

Gentle reader,

Sorry I didn't mean to shout! And wake you up, did you know if all the people who sleep in church were laid end to end they would be more comfortable.

Well now Gentle reader is summer it hot so am I and it's not the heat! It's like I have said continually since I started writing this bit of blogdom trying to reach out and wake up the American people to Irish coffee and what a great privilege they have to worship (or not) God. And really get to know Him because He knows (when you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sakes-there is a song in there somewhere)you.

 What I find is that for the most part God is forgotten laid by the wayside and totally ignored ( By who)? When we discount teens (too busy with friends, text messaging, and Ipods) Business men who only interest is the bottom line ("We are open on Sunday") Atheists (who when they die are "all dressed up and no place to go").

 Well then who does that leave? Why my brother and sisters Christians who as I told them when preached in Homosassa Springs Florida "The Bible is not compromised in this church, it's not compromised...It's totally ignored!"  Sad to say if your faith was or is based on the Bible hadn't you better dust it off and read like your life depends on it? Some of us old fashioned teachers/pastors believe that God can reach out and really change you into the better person that you could be rather than the person you now are. And need I remind you that He wrote the "Book" on joy, peace happiness! So unless you totally happy where you are, what we all need a dose of reality! Read the "Book" you are featured in it!

 Denis   

Kool aid

Well! Gentle reader,

I was going to offer you a wee bit of Ice cream but ran out just before you showed up! Sorry, I still have some ice coffee though!.

Today I want to talk a bit about where we have come to in this country. Where are priorities are. Let's start with the fact that there are no Atheist's in fox holes! and move from there to Paris Hilton, MTV, Hip Hop videos These are and so many more are what takes up all of our time. What about Christians? Well If God were to give a test on what most know (really know) about His best seller (Now I don't mean what their church teaches or "Pastor says" Or ever worse the older men (we call them elders in the church "Why should I have to know what God says that's what we pay a pastor for"!) Shame on them Gentle Reader! Have I hit a nerve yet?

Oh well one could hope, how about these home Bible studies where everyone sits around and reads a verse of Scripture and them tells everyone else what it means to them![did you know that the home is where believers called Christians meet in the 1st century?) America is a waste land, and modern churches are drying up what is left of the spirit of the American people! To harsh you think? Well Let me give you one example. When is the last time your "preacher" taught verse by verse from the last 7 epistles of the Apostle Paul? Or while I'm one the subject ask him or better still ask your self "is the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God the same?"

Let's face the burning truth when the Dan Brown book the De vinci code is a best seller America is hungry for spiritual truths and willing to embrace @#$^&&^$@* (this is a g rated blog fill in my thoughts ) for the lack of real spirituality. We make hero's of Mother Theresa all the while bemoaning that fact that "Where all all the leaders (real) not the people you find in drug rehab programs or on the nightly news (they don't have a clue either!)

Well in the next few days let me bring back a bit of sanity to this kool aid generation!

The Irish church

The Book of KellsThe history of the early Irish Church is connected with the history of the Church in Britain. The British Church evangelized Ireland, for instance with the arrival of the Briton Patrick. (5th century)

After some years it was the turn of the Irish to bring the Gospel back again to Britain, of which Colum Cille is a good example. (563)

Then it was the turn for Rome to launch a mission into Britain with Augustine (596). At the synod of Whitby (664) the Celtic Church in Britain was defeated by this new order.

In 1166 King Henry II – with the blessing of Pope Adrian IV and on request of Dermoth Mac Murrogh King of Leinster - invaded Ireland and after 6 years the new decrees were passed at the synod of Cashel (1172), finishing the independence of the Irish and the Irish Church.

In the sixteenth century the reformation changed the scene in Britain, but in Ireland the reformation was imposed with act of Parliament rather than with the Book of God. When after 80 years a more sincere effort was made, the people had decided against it. The Reformation had come in English cloths - Ireland did not want it in this form!