John the Baptist said of Jesus, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire.” [1]
Jesus transforms our lives by giving us His Word and Spirit.
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” [2]
God’s Word and Spirit renew our mind so that we are able to prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect in the sight of God.
God’s Word and Spirit is the light in the darkness.
God’s Word and Spirit help us to see the difference between right and wrong, and between the holy and unholy.
God’s Word and Spirit reveal truth to us.
God’s Word and Spirit help us discern the presence and work of evil spirits and can cast those spirits out.
God’s Word and Spirit cast down vain imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. [3]
A relationship with God is not an inconvenience, it is a miracle. We do not deserve to know Christ as our Savior, but God in grace is willing to give us such faith if we are earnest to receive it. This is why the Bible says that if today you hear God’s voice, do not harden your heart. [4]
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who baptizes people with the Holy Spirit.
[1] Matthew 3:11
[2] Romans 12:2
[3] 2 Corinthians 10:2
[4] Hebrews 3:13
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
The Holy Spirit's Help
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” [1]
Wolves refers to false prophets. Jesus urges us to be wise and harmless when among them.
“Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.” [2]
“Deliver you up. This is a technical word, in this context, used for handing over a prisoner for punishment. Persecution of believers has often been the official policy of governments. Such persecution gives opportunity for testifying to the truth of the Gospel.” [2]
“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should say. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” [3]
What a blessing! The Spirit of the Father speaks for us when we do not know what to say.
Twice, while riding trains between Shenzhen and Guangzhou, China, I witnessed to men who happened to be communist party members.
During the first incident, the man began yelling out hate crimes that Christians have committed against humanity. During his tirades, I was asking the Lord what to say. Finally, he stopped yelling and waited for me to reply. By this time, it seemed to me that everyone in the train car was staring at me. I spoke slowly, respectfully, and as I would to a friend, “Sir, I do not know about the hate crimes you have spoken about, but I do know that since I gave my life to Jesus, He has not led me to hurt anyone. I am in your country helping widows and orphans. I tell people that God loves them.” Miraculously, he did not say another word after that, and when the train rolled to a stop, he did not have me arrested.
During the second incident, a soldier dressed in civilian clothes told me that he had killed Christians. He said that if a Christian-God existed, that the Christian-God would kill him. I was speechless until the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance the story of the thief on the cross. I told him how Jesus forgave the thief and promised to him eternal life. Jesus could forgive him as well. The man did not convert, but he did not arrest me either. He told me that he was with the secret police.
The Holy Spirit is the Wonderful Counselor. He can bring forth truth in the most unlikely places to the most unlikely recipients. Our part is to be led by Him and to have confidence in His ability to bring the Gospel of Jesus to others through us.
[1] Matthew 10:16
Wolves refers to false prophets. Jesus urges us to be wise and harmless when among them.
“Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.” [2]
“Deliver you up. This is a technical word, in this context, used for handing over a prisoner for punishment. Persecution of believers has often been the official policy of governments. Such persecution gives opportunity for testifying to the truth of the Gospel.” [2]
“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should say. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” [3]
What a blessing! The Spirit of the Father speaks for us when we do not know what to say.
Twice, while riding trains between Shenzhen and Guangzhou, China, I witnessed to men who happened to be communist party members.
During the first incident, the man began yelling out hate crimes that Christians have committed against humanity. During his tirades, I was asking the Lord what to say. Finally, he stopped yelling and waited for me to reply. By this time, it seemed to me that everyone in the train car was staring at me. I spoke slowly, respectfully, and as I would to a friend, “Sir, I do not know about the hate crimes you have spoken about, but I do know that since I gave my life to Jesus, He has not led me to hurt anyone. I am in your country helping widows and orphans. I tell people that God loves them.” Miraculously, he did not say another word after that, and when the train rolled to a stop, he did not have me arrested.
During the second incident, a soldier dressed in civilian clothes told me that he had killed Christians. He said that if a Christian-God existed, that the Christian-God would kill him. I was speechless until the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance the story of the thief on the cross. I told him how Jesus forgave the thief and promised to him eternal life. Jesus could forgive him as well. The man did not convert, but he did not arrest me either. He told me that he was with the secret police.
The Holy Spirit is the Wonderful Counselor. He can bring forth truth in the most unlikely places to the most unlikely recipients. Our part is to be led by Him and to have confidence in His ability to bring the Gospel of Jesus to others through us.
[1] Matthew 10:16
[2] Matthew 10:17-18
[3] Matthew 10:19-20
The Little Lion Became a Beast
Standing before a US Senate subcommittee Pastor Richard Wurmbrand answered many questions about the communist exploitation of religion in Romania. Below is one answer he gave to the US Senators on May 6th, 1966:
“A little lion in its first days you can play with him just like with a puppy. When he becomes great, only then he is a lion. Yugoslavian communism is this little communism. And American communism a very little one and English communism is a very little one. When they grow, then, they can do whatever they will to do, then, only we can see them. With us, in the beginning, we also had a very nice communism. I have seen in Romanian Communist demonstrations signs with the slogan, ‘God save the King.’ I have seen the communist Secretaries of State making great crosses, showing themselves as being on the side of religion and making compliments to religion and bowing to religion and saying they are Democrats. They were nice until they had all the power in hand. When they had the whole power in hand, they have done things exactly as in Russia, and so they will do everywhere. There is no difference.” [1]
The baby lion that was not a cause for alarm transformed into a devouring beast.
Pastor Wurmbrand and many others were tortured for their faith in Christ by the communists. [2]
The Bible says, “The mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” [3]
Praise the Lord that for the many years God has restrained those who would turn the US into a communist country. However, the Lord tells us when a nation forsakes Him, He will turn them over to a ruler unlike Himself... “That they may distinguish My service from the service of the kingdoms of the nations.” [4] I pray that the Lord will grace the US with a mighty return to Him before it is too late.
Once, the Lord stops restraining lawlessness, an antichrist will appear. The antichrist is worse than any other ruler in history. Revelation 13:1 describes him as a beast. Beasts are hard to control. They buck restraints. They destroy those who defy them.
The beast has a minister of propaganda who has the appearance of a lamb but speaks like a dragon. He causes people to worship the antichrist. He deceives and kills people. [5]
What did God’s people in the Bible do when evil rulers oppressed them? They humbled themselves. They cried out to the Lord. They returned to worshipping and serving the Lord.
“Lord, please send a revival.”
[1] avivamientos.net/en/books/richard_wurmbrand/exploitation
[2] The movie about Wurmbrand is entitled, “Tortured for Christ”
[3] 2 Thessalonians 2:7
[4] 2 Chronicles 12:5-8
“A little lion in its first days you can play with him just like with a puppy. When he becomes great, only then he is a lion. Yugoslavian communism is this little communism. And American communism a very little one and English communism is a very little one. When they grow, then, they can do whatever they will to do, then, only we can see them. With us, in the beginning, we also had a very nice communism. I have seen in Romanian Communist demonstrations signs with the slogan, ‘God save the King.’ I have seen the communist Secretaries of State making great crosses, showing themselves as being on the side of religion and making compliments to religion and bowing to religion and saying they are Democrats. They were nice until they had all the power in hand. When they had the whole power in hand, they have done things exactly as in Russia, and so they will do everywhere. There is no difference.” [1]
The baby lion that was not a cause for alarm transformed into a devouring beast.
Pastor Wurmbrand and many others were tortured for their faith in Christ by the communists. [2]
The Bible says, “The mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” [3]
Praise the Lord that for the many years God has restrained those who would turn the US into a communist country. However, the Lord tells us when a nation forsakes Him, He will turn them over to a ruler unlike Himself... “That they may distinguish My service from the service of the kingdoms of the nations.” [4] I pray that the Lord will grace the US with a mighty return to Him before it is too late.
Once, the Lord stops restraining lawlessness, an antichrist will appear. The antichrist is worse than any other ruler in history. Revelation 13:1 describes him as a beast. Beasts are hard to control. They buck restraints. They destroy those who defy them.
The beast has a minister of propaganda who has the appearance of a lamb but speaks like a dragon. He causes people to worship the antichrist. He deceives and kills people. [5]
What did God’s people in the Bible do when evil rulers oppressed them? They humbled themselves. They cried out to the Lord. They returned to worshipping and serving the Lord.
“Lord, please send a revival.”
[1] avivamientos.net/en/books/richard_wurmbrand/exploitation
[2] The movie about Wurmbrand is entitled, “Tortured for Christ”
[3] 2 Thessalonians 2:7
[4] 2 Chronicles 12:5-8
Life Winds Upward for the Wise
“Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth...” [1]
Jesus filled the void that John’s imprisonment left. He left Nazareth for Galilee.
“Galilee was a fertile area of about sixty by thirty miles; Josephus says that there were some 204 villages with none having less than 15,000 people... a population of more than three million for the region. Galilee was predominately Gentile in its population, but with a large number of Jewish cities and citizens.” [2]
Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy by bringing light to this region. “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” [3]
“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” [4] To preach (Greek) is to herald a proclamation from a king. Jesus continued John’s preaching of repentance. John announced the Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah.” [5]
Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him from Galilee. “He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.” [6]
“Jesus called the apostles as they were casting a net into the sea or mending their nets. God often calls workers from survival work to work for God. Moses was tending his father-in-law’s flock.
Gideon was threshing wheat. David was keeping his father’s sheep. The shepherds were guarding their flocks. Amos was farming in Tekoa. Matthew was working at the tax collector’s table.”
“’They immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.’ Following Jesus means leaving some things behind. The Samaritan woman left her pitcher, Matthew left his tax table, and blind Bartimaeus left his cloak to follow Jesus.” [7]
The ministry of Jesus involves teaching, preaching, and healing. [8] “The difference between teaching and preaching is one of emphasis. Preaching is the uncompromising proclamation of certainties; teaching is the explanation of the meaning and significance of them.” [9]
The teaching of Jesus was aimed at saving people’s souls. As the proverbs says, “The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.” [10]
The wise follow Jesus and their lives go upward. Not so, for the fool, who says their is no god. “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God...” Life does not wind upward for fools who live as though there is no god. “God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’” [11] Fools end up in hell.
[1] Matthew 4:12
[2] Morgan - Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Isaiah 9:1-2
[4] Matthew 4:16-20
[5] Barclay – Enduring Word Commentary
[6] Matthew 4:17-20
[7] Enduring Word Commentary
[8] Matthew 4:23-25
[9] Barclay – Enduring Word Commentary
[10] Proverbs 15:24
[11] Psalm 14:1; Luke 12:20
Jesus filled the void that John’s imprisonment left. He left Nazareth for Galilee.
“Galilee was a fertile area of about sixty by thirty miles; Josephus says that there were some 204 villages with none having less than 15,000 people... a population of more than three million for the region. Galilee was predominately Gentile in its population, but with a large number of Jewish cities and citizens.” [2]
Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy by bringing light to this region. “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” [3]
“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” [4] To preach (Greek) is to herald a proclamation from a king. Jesus continued John’s preaching of repentance. John announced the Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah.” [5]
Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him from Galilee. “He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.” [6]
“Jesus called the apostles as they were casting a net into the sea or mending their nets. God often calls workers from survival work to work for God. Moses was tending his father-in-law’s flock.
Gideon was threshing wheat. David was keeping his father’s sheep. The shepherds were guarding their flocks. Amos was farming in Tekoa. Matthew was working at the tax collector’s table.”
“’They immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.’ Following Jesus means leaving some things behind. The Samaritan woman left her pitcher, Matthew left his tax table, and blind Bartimaeus left his cloak to follow Jesus.” [7]
The ministry of Jesus involves teaching, preaching, and healing. [8] “The difference between teaching and preaching is one of emphasis. Preaching is the uncompromising proclamation of certainties; teaching is the explanation of the meaning and significance of them.” [9]
The teaching of Jesus was aimed at saving people’s souls. As the proverbs says, “The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.” [10]
The wise follow Jesus and their lives go upward. Not so, for the fool, who says their is no god. “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God...” Life does not wind upward for fools who live as though there is no god. “God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’” [11] Fools end up in hell.
[1] Matthew 4:12
[2] Morgan - Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Isaiah 9:1-2
[4] Matthew 4:16-20
[5] Barclay – Enduring Word Commentary
[6] Matthew 4:17-20
[7] Enduring Word Commentary
[8] Matthew 4:23-25
[9] Barclay – Enduring Word Commentary
[10] Proverbs 15:24
[11] Psalm 14:1; Luke 12:20
Friday, June 26, 2015
Wise Rulers Reverently Serve the Lord
“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against His Anointed,
saying,
‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath,
saying,
‘I have installed My King on Zion, My holy mountain.’
I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son; today I have become your Father.
Ask Me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.’
Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate His rule with trembling.
Kiss His Son, or He will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for His wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”
Psalm 2
Monday, June 22, 2015
Your Name in the Lamb’s Book of Life
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” [1]
“Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be My children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” [2]
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” [3]
Is your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life? He is the One to put it there. Have you believed in Him with your heart and confessed Him with your mouth. The Lamb’s Name is Jesus Christ. Salvation is by faith in Him alone. Only in Him can you inherit the Kingdom of God.
[1] Revelation 21:1-4
[2] Revelation 21:7-8
[3] Revelation 21:27
“Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be My children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” [2]
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” [3]
Is your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life? He is the One to put it there. Have you believed in Him with your heart and confessed Him with your mouth. The Lamb’s Name is Jesus Christ. Salvation is by faith in Him alone. Only in Him can you inherit the Kingdom of God.
[1] Revelation 21:1-4
[2] Revelation 21:7-8
[3] Revelation 21:27
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Resolve To Reach
My high school classmate asked me what I was drawing. I had drawn a picture of Jesus on the cross. I was reluctant to show him but because he prodded me, I did so. He asked me, “Why did you draw that?” The teacher looked our way and told us to be quiet. The moment passed, and I did not think to say anything to him after class was over. Sadly, a couple of days later, I learned that he (Timothy James) was killed in a car accident.
On the one hand, a horrible memory! Involving the death of a young classmate! On the other hand, a memory that reminds me of the necessity of sharing the good news of the Gospel!
Jesus our Lord said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [1] Spread the faith, include the new believer in your discipleship group, and know the Lord is always with you in this effort!
God asks us, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” [2]
We have good news to share with people. The good news is, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please stir in us a holy passion to share the Gospel with that someone who does not know You. Please endue us with Holy Spirit resolve to reach that him or her before it is too late. I pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 28:19-20
[2] Romans 10:14-15
[3] John 3:16
On the one hand, a horrible memory! Involving the death of a young classmate! On the other hand, a memory that reminds me of the necessity of sharing the good news of the Gospel!
Jesus our Lord said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [1] Spread the faith, include the new believer in your discipleship group, and know the Lord is always with you in this effort!
God asks us, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” [2]
We have good news to share with people. The good news is, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please stir in us a holy passion to share the Gospel with that someone who does not know You. Please endue us with Holy Spirit resolve to reach that him or her before it is too late. I pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 28:19-20
[2] Romans 10:14-15
[3] John 3:16
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Faithfulness
Have you ever experienced grief over idolatry? It seems everything under the sun is praised except our God to whom all praise is due. Walter Brueggemann said, “Without grief, there is no newness.” In other words, nothing changes as long as we are content to let it continue.
Misplaced worship yielded horrific consequences for the nation of Israel and for their king...
“…They were taken captive to Babylon because of their UNFAITHFULNESS.” [1]
“Saul died because he was UNFAITHFUL to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” [2]
The Lord is looking for faithful followers...
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a FAITHFUL person who can find?” [3]
“The Lord is faithful...” [4]
“The fruit of the Spirit is... faithfulness...” [5]
“...He who promised is faithful.” [6]
“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” [7]
So, we His followers are exhorted to be faithful...
“...Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” [8]
Faithfulness is a fruit that comes forth from us when we walk with the Lord...
“...He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” [9]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to us. Please remove unfaithfulness from us and from our society. May You be praised and served above all else. For we pray this in Your Son’s Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] 1 Chronicles 9:1
[2] 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
[3] Proverbs 20:6
[4] 2 Thessalonians 3:3
[5] Galatians 5:22
[6] Hebrews 10:23
[7] 1 Peter 4:19
[8] Revelation 2:10
[9] Revelation 17:14
Misplaced worship yielded horrific consequences for the nation of Israel and for their king...
“…They were taken captive to Babylon because of their UNFAITHFULNESS.” [1]
“Saul died because he was UNFAITHFUL to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” [2]
The Lord is looking for faithful followers...
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a FAITHFUL person who can find?” [3]
“The Lord is faithful...” [4]
“The fruit of the Spirit is... faithfulness...” [5]
“...He who promised is faithful.” [6]
“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” [7]
So, we His followers are exhorted to be faithful...
“...Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” [8]
Faithfulness is a fruit that comes forth from us when we walk with the Lord...
“...He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” [9]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to us. Please remove unfaithfulness from us and from our society. May You be praised and served above all else. For we pray this in Your Son’s Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] 1 Chronicles 9:1
[2] 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
[3] Proverbs 20:6
[4] 2 Thessalonians 3:3
[5] Galatians 5:22
[6] Hebrews 10:23
[7] 1 Peter 4:19
[8] Revelation 2:10
[9] Revelation 17:14
Friday, June 19, 2015
The Happily-Ever-After of the Bride of Christ
In the Book of Revelation, two women symbolize two kingdoms.
One woman is called Babylon the Harlot. Harlot in the Bible is used metaphorically for an unfaithful bride of Christ. A corrupt or false church that rides (partners with) the beast or anti-Christ to persecute the true servants of God. Her days are numbered. The Lord will end her era of influence.
“Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast [the anti-Christ] that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adultery. The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.” [1]
“They (sea merchants) will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: ‘Woe, woe to you, great city [Babylon], where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’ Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you.” [2]
The other woman is the Bride of the Lamb (Christ). She loves, adores, and praises Jesus Christ. By the power of Christ’s Spirit within her, she proclaims His promise of eternal salvation to all who listen. Her ambassadors proclaim Christ not themselves. He forgives and cleanses them from sin. His Spirit within them produces fruits of love, joy, and peace. The Bride of Christ remains true to her covenant with God to love Him by keeping His commands and by proclaiming the glories of her bridegroom: Jesus Christ. Jesus has planned a happily-ever-after for her.
“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” [3]
Babylon will fall suddenly. The Bride of Christ enjoys a happily-ever-after thanks to Christ!
A hymn by Timothy Dwight comes to mind:
“I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.
I love Thy Church, O God,
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye
And graven on Thy hand.
Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.
Jesus, Thou Friend Divine,
Our Savior and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.”
[1] Revelation 17:3-6
[2] Revelation 18:19-20
[3] Revelation 19:6-8
One woman is called Babylon the Harlot. Harlot in the Bible is used metaphorically for an unfaithful bride of Christ. A corrupt or false church that rides (partners with) the beast or anti-Christ to persecute the true servants of God. Her days are numbered. The Lord will end her era of influence.
“Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast [the anti-Christ] that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adultery. The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.” [1]
“They (sea merchants) will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: ‘Woe, woe to you, great city [Babylon], where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’ Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you.” [2]
The other woman is the Bride of the Lamb (Christ). She loves, adores, and praises Jesus Christ. By the power of Christ’s Spirit within her, she proclaims His promise of eternal salvation to all who listen. Her ambassadors proclaim Christ not themselves. He forgives and cleanses them from sin. His Spirit within them produces fruits of love, joy, and peace. The Bride of Christ remains true to her covenant with God to love Him by keeping His commands and by proclaiming the glories of her bridegroom: Jesus Christ. Jesus has planned a happily-ever-after for her.
“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” [3]
Babylon will fall suddenly. The Bride of Christ enjoys a happily-ever-after thanks to Christ!
A hymn by Timothy Dwight comes to mind:
“I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.
I love Thy Church, O God,
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye
And graven on Thy hand.
Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.
Jesus, Thou Friend Divine,
Our Savior and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.”
[1] Revelation 17:3-6
[2] Revelation 18:19-20
[3] Revelation 19:6-8
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Beauty-Beast Replaced by Bride-Lamb
“So, he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” [1]
Adrian Rodgers entitled his message on this Bible passage the story of the Beauty and the Beast. Unfortunately for them, they make the fatal mistake of opposing Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and His Bride.
In fact, John the Apostle was given a vision of the beauty that was not pretty at all: “I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.” [2] Her goal was to destroy God’s holy people. And how did they become holy? They believed in Jesus Christ. They bore testimony to Jesus. The Lamb took away their sins, and nothing could stop them from talking about Him.
The victories of” beauty” destroy good people. But her victories turn into losses. The narrative of the Beauty and Beast is suddenly overcome by narrative of the Bride and Christ.
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” [3]
The Lamb wins! And He still has people with Him who are called, chosen and faithful.
After the Lamb’s victory, John hears the voice of a great multitude saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” [4]
The beauty and beast of Revelation 17 do not steal the show. They were unfaithful to each other. [5] No, the true beauty is the Bride of Christ – The Lamb’s people. And the true prince is the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ. And the Lamb and His bride do live happily ever after.
The Lord conquers the beast (the antichrist) and his false prophet. He throws them into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. [6]
We who believe in Jesus have this precious promise in God’s Word, the Bible: “God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [7]
[1] Revelation 17:3[2] Revelation 17:6
[3] Revelation 17:14
[4] Revelation 19:6-7
[5] See Revelation 17:16
[6] See Revelation 19:19-20
[7] 1Thessalonians 5:9
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Three Key Differences Between the Law and Gospel
“What are the three key differences between the Law and Gospel?
1. The Law teaches what we are to do; the Gospel teaches what God has done and still does for our salvation.
2. The Law shows us our sin and the wrath of God; the Gospel shows us our Savior and the grace of God.
3. The Law must be preached to all men, but especially to impenitent sinners; the Gospel must be preached to sinners who are troubled in their minds because of sin.
Conversion consists of a heart broken and contrite because of sin, trusting in Christ for grace and forgiveness.”
A Summary of Christian Doctrine, Edward W. A. Koehler, CPH, 1939
1. The Law teaches what we are to do; the Gospel teaches what God has done and still does for our salvation.
2. The Law shows us our sin and the wrath of God; the Gospel shows us our Savior and the grace of God.
3. The Law must be preached to all men, but especially to impenitent sinners; the Gospel must be preached to sinners who are troubled in their minds because of sin.
Conversion consists of a heart broken and contrite because of sin, trusting in Christ for grace and forgiveness.”
A Summary of Christian Doctrine, Edward W. A. Koehler, CPH, 1939
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