Re-Post Friday

Join us as we look at the second warning found in the book of Hebrews! Read it HERE!

Where Does Your Friendship Lie?

We have all been around them, those fake friends who smile at your face but talk behind your back. Those who try to play it both ways and present themselves to each group differently. I am sure we can all think of how poorly things have gone when the lies have been exposed. However, did you realize that there are those who practice this misguided behavior when it comes to their walk with Christ? This is the next topic that James discusses in his fourth chapter.

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

James 4:4-10

Once again we see that James does not mince his words, he attacks the issue head on. And once again, I wish that the topic he discussed was only prevalent in the church of that day; but this is simply not true. James begins this topic by pointing out that those who claim to follow God but still seek to be apart of the world, are adulterers. James is quick to remind the readers that to keep one foot in the world, to follow the desires that lead us to sin, places us in enmity against God. God is pure, He can have nothing to do with sin. 1 John 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John also continues with a message similar to what James is stating here, 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” 1 John 1:6. You see, we can’t have it both ways. We cannot follow after the things of the earth which keep us bound to sin, and also follow God who wants to free us and have a relationship with us. This is why James uses the word “chooses”. We all have a personal choice, we can either follow the world or follow God. It cannot be both ways.

James continues by reminding the readers that God is jealous. He wants our undivided attention and to have a relationship with Him, it is why He sent His spirit to dwell in us. But do to free choice, there are some who choose to ignore Him for the desires of the world.

If the passage were to end here, the outlook would be pretty bleak. However, James continues to remind the reader that while God is a jealous God, He also gives us grace an aspect that no distraction in the world can offer. How do we receive this grace? By humbling ourselves and realize that we are trying to be a fake friend to God. We try to devote our time to Him but at the first chance we get we run for what separates us from Him. This is why James says that we must submit to God. When we come before Him and acknowledge that we are pursuing things that draw us farther from Him, we become humble. In this humility we receive the strength to resist temptations and then draw nearer to God! How amazing is that? This process simply proves that salvation cannot be won on our own merit, but by the grace of God! When we turn from what is causing us to sin, we begin to hear Him more, we are no longer the double-minded individuals that James discusses in verses 1:8 and 4:8.

Again, if the passage were to end with the acknowledgment that we are double-minded and adulterers, we would lose hope. This is why I love how James ends the discussion on this topic, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” James 4:10. How amazing is it to think that the God who created heaven and earth will exalt us! And the only thing that we need to do for this to occur is to acknowledge that He wants a relationship with us, not one that is fake and double-minded, but a pure and true relationship that strives to know Him more!

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Time For Acts III

Typically when a moment in history is discussed we look at the “BIG” picture moments. The moment when the hero or villain does their feat, forever changing the affairs of the time or even the world. Ironically, when reviewed people skip the minor actions and details of what had been leading to the larger spoken of events. This happens to Peter. When people think of the first acts of the Church they jump to the Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. However, they first miss Peter standing up for the Word in a different environment. Let us look at Acts chapter 1.

Imagine, Jesus has left and all 120 of them are praying and waiting for what Christ had promised when He said, “You have heard from Me for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:5. Now they wait. Acts 1:12-14 identifies what is going on. “12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” For more details about the significance of this go back two weeks and see our first post in the series.

While praying and being in fellowship, Peter realizes he needs to speak. While we do not know the details of how or why specifically him, we know Peter knew the calling. I can only imagine the moment he recognized what was going on, it was God’s word coming alive in his mind. We can be sure of one thing, it was as clear as when Peter first heard Jesus talk to Him, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4:19 or when God the Father revealed to him who Jesus really was, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” Matthew 16:17. This is not something caused by the Pentecost but rather a relationship with Christ, nurtured by the Holy Trinity.  His heart must have been racing, we do not know his thoughts and if there was any doubt if he should talk or not; but what we do know is when he stands up, we have a new Peter. The Peter of the Pentecost did not start on the Pentecost, but rather in a room filled with prayer with other brothers and sisters. Instead of bringing the attention to himself, he goes directly to scripture; and because of Doctor Luke, we have the capacity to read what was said.

Acts 1:16-26 “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 “For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT’; and, ‘LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.’ 21 “Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- 22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen 25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.”

Peter recognizes that scripture must be fulfilled. The courage to stand up here amongst those who knew him, those who knew his sin and his shame only a month prior, in abandoning and denying Jesus appears to not even be calculated. This Peter is different, this Peter is the Peter Christ called him to be. The believers recognized the moment and acted accordingly. Instead of doubting they examine the word and act accordingly. What a testimony to you and I! Listen, compare the scripture to what we have heard, and act accordingly. The Pentecost has not even happened and yet we are starting to see a foundation established of what the Church should be acting like. Separated from the World in our thoughts, actions, and attention to be laser focused on the Lord and His Word. Not influenced by the world, but influencing the world to recognize that Jesus is the answer to it all. We need to make sure our actions are based out of an abundance of time and study in God’s Word. So that we may know when to speak and when not to, the moment to stay still and then the moment to act.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-Post Friday

Understanding the age we are in gives hope to the future! Read it HERE!

Source of Conflict

As James begins the fourth chapter in his book, he turns to the source of conflicts. And just as James does not shy away from any other hard topics, he makes it clear where the source of conflict stems from.

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is the source not your pleasures that wage war in your body’s parts? 2 You lust and do not have, so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures.

James 4:1-3

We can see pretty quick that James points to individual motives as the source of conflicts. An individual wants what they cannot have so the conspire to get it. Someone is jealous of a role that another has so they spread vicious rumors. We do not come before God to ask that He help us, or when we do ask it is with a motive that stems from self rather than a desire to serve God.

When looking at this passage in James 4, I am reminded of Cain and Abel.

3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:3-7

Both brothers brought an offering before God, but only one was accepted. I do not believe that Abel’s offering was much more impressive than the of Cain; but it came down to the motives behind the offering. Abel brought his with the desire to serve and honor God, while Cain brought his with the desire to serve and honor himself. We see the result of this motive in the death of Abel by Cain’s own hand and his callous answer when God asked where Abel was. The source of Cain and Abel’s conflict stemmed from a desire to serve self rather than glorify God!

Now this is not to say that sometimes conflict isn’t necessarily a good thing. After all, if someone is misusing the word of God and teaching false doctrine we need to stand up to it. This act will no doubt cause a conflict, but in the end the difference is in the motive behind it.

So if you find yourself in the middle of a conflict, I ask that you take a moment and really consider why you are in this situation. Are you seeking your own glory or are you wishing to follow after God?

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Treasure In His Word

Recently I had the opportunity to be reminded about a truth that I believe all saints need to hear from time to time. The mystery is still in God’s Word. You might be wondering what I am talking about, but take a moment and think of all of the scholars, theologians, pastors, students, teachers, critics, and even casual bystanders for centuries who have read God’s Word. Yet we are still learning new things. Science is developing and advancing to find out what God’s Word has already known. As Robert Jastrow once stated, “For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance, he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.”

As prophecy of the Last Days approaches, we advance our knowledge of the accuracy of His perfection in declaring future events. Daniel 12:8-9 “I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.”

This promise does not have an ending, but rather is a declaration without limits or boundaries. Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” Like the rest of God’s Word, His declarations of His character and how He interacts with us is unchanging. Malachi 3:6  “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” With this understanding we can take each day with God’s Word and study it with the intensity that we are possibly looking at a discovery that has never been seen before. This is unique only to His Word because it is alive. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” So as we study God’s Word and we believe we have found something new, look at God’s Word in other sections and see if it collaborates your theory. Talk to other believers but most importantly pray! Ask the Lord to guide you.

So you might be wondering what caused me to be reminded by this lesson? The answer is simple and a series that I am planning for this coming late summer/early fall.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-Post Friday

Join us as we go over the first warning found in the book of Hebrews! Read it HERE!

Introduction to James Chapter 4

We have slowly been making our way through the book of James; a very concise writer who does not shy away from difficult subjects. His writings are very much to the point and often require the reader to do some self-reflection. While some may find his writings hard to manage, it is actually one of my favorite books of the Bible. James truly gets to the heart of issues that are still prevalent in both the Church and the Christian individual.

In his first chapter, James discussed such topics as endurance in faith, the difference between a trial and a temptation, the dangers of doubting, and our reaction to the Word of God. We learned that we cannot simply be hearers of the Word of God, but doers (James 1:22). We also learned that God does not tempt us (James 1:13-14). We learned what it means to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger when it comes to God’s Word (James 1:19).

The second chapter of James was as much of a reflection of the individual’s walk with Christ as the first chapter. In James chapter two, we learned that the outward appearance of an individual is not a mark of their faith, and to show partiality towards someone based on their appearance is wrong (James 2:9). We also learned that while we are not saved by works, our works will show the world who we belong to (James 2:17-18).

The third chapter was admonishing those who would wish to be in a leadership role in which we saw that those in leadership are held to a higher standard (James 3:1). We also learned that the smallest muscle can cause the most harm (James 3:5-6), as well as reached an understanding of what true wisdom is (James 3:17-18).

Now we reach the fourth chapter in the book of James. In this chapter James will ask the reader to reflect if they are a friend of God or of the world, where do conflicts arise from, and if we should be boasting about what tomorrow brings.

I hope you are excited to join me as we learn from a man who lived with Christ and yet it was not until later did he come to acknowledge Jesus as his Lord and Savior. I would challenge you to prepare your hearts, spend time in prayer and read ahead as we start James chapter four. Remember that if you have questions, you can always reach out to the ministry on our contact page. This is going to be a marvelous time for us to examine what God has to say to us and I am excited to have you with me on this adventure.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A TIME FOR ACTS II

Have you ever watched a professional sporting event on television or in person? You see the players with incredible speed, accuracy, strength, and talent. Increadible and yet, this is not what makes them different from amateur players of the sport. What makes them different is before the game. What we see is the final accumulation of what the player has been working, striving, and practicing for years. Before there is ever action in front of the viewer, the player has been training. This can also be applied to the church. Before the church ages began, there was practice being done.

Christ had ascended into heaven and now the early church was reminded by two angels that the Messiah would return in such manner at the appointed time. The age we are currently in was just starting, the age of the Church had begun.

Yet, the very first act of the Church does not happen at Pentecost, but rather before. Here we see the gathering of believers together. Instead of huge miracles, they gathered together and prayed.

Acts 1:12-14 “12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” Instead of mighty speeches and increadible acts in front of massive numbers of people, the believers are gathered together separated from the outside world and are in prayer. Even though they could no longer visually see Jesus Christ, they had not lost their relationship and connection to Him. Like Jesus’s continuous exmaple on earth of constant communication with the Father, so to the Church would be in constant communication with the Son of God.

This in itself is an incredible act. The first action by the congregation of believers in the church age was not to feed the poor, was not to help the homeless, was not to preach the gospel; but to gather together separate from non-believers and pray. Breaking this down even further, we can see that the very first act of the Church was seperating themselves from the world and being relationship with the Lord. This actually is the basic distinction from a born again Christian and a non Christian. Both are sinners, Jesus died on the cross for both, both have salvation offered in Jesus’s resurrection; but only one has accepted it and has a relationship with the living God.

What this passage of scripture teaches us, is the greatest act a believer can first do is be in prayer with other believers separated from the world all with one mind. What does this one mind mean? The Greek word is “homothumadon” which is a compound word to describe a group together having a fierce passion at the same place and same time. What does this mean in context? This group knew that there was something coming as Jesus had promised in Acts 1:4-5 “4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Church waited upon the Lord, prayed and waited for Him to make the first move. I can tell you from personal expirence that if you ever try to push God into your timeline or by your own effort, you will be disappointed. Look at Joshua in the battle of Ai in Joshua chapters 7 and 8.

While this is not a post on prayer, we should recognize its significance in our individual life and corporately as a church! Their first act was coming together and doing just that. Secondly, we should recognize the differences between us and the world, we have a heavenly relationship, a direct connection to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whereas the outside world does not. Our actions need to reflect this; our understanding needs to be wrapped around the foundation that we as believers, prior to any such action with the outside, need to be acting inside the church with one accord.

The very first act of the Church in the Bible is separating itself from the world to be in fellowship with one another and with God. I hope this sinks in, as we see the actions of the church interacting with the outside world. Remember, that all the actions of the church first start, even if not noticed by most, with prayer and fellowship in the Lord.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-Post Friday

Our second post regarding the time that the church is in! Read it HERE!

Made Clean

Last week we discussed the matter of freedom and acknowledged that those who place their faith in the works of Jesus Christ can experience true freedom. We do not need to be slave to the desires that keep us separated from God. This week, I want to give you a visual representation of Christ removing our sins and creating something new. It is a passage that is often looked at, but just like many passages there is a deeper meaning to it.

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

John 2:1-12

I wanted to give you all the passage in context, but the main section that we will be discussing today is verses six through nine. While many look at this passage and see it as Jesus’s first miracle, I also believe that it is a visual representation of a concept that has not yet been discussed in the book of John. And that is that Jesus removes our sin and makes us a new creation. The six stone water jars mentioned are used in a purification ritual. In this case, it would be a purification of the bride. These jars would only be used as part of this purification process and in doing so, the bride would be made clean for her husband.

Now Jesus had the servants place water inside the jars and changed the water into something new. This is where the visual representation of Jesus cleansing us of our sin comes into effect. We are all born sinners and are unclean, it is only through the purification of the blood of Jesus Christ that allows us to become a new creation, “17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. When we accept that Jesus died for our sins and now reigns, then we become a new creation. We effectively have gone from being water to wine. John 2:1-12 shows how the bridegroom (Jesus Christ) has made His bride (the church) clean through a purification ritual (the cross).

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Christian Liberty

While it is that season for the United States, I thought it would be prudent to have the discussion of Christian liberty that all Christians, no matter what country you reside in, can reflect on.

Galatians 5:1-6 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who [attempt to] be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.”

As Christians, we are free from sin and the need to follow the old law “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Our liberty, our freedom, is purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. Now this does not mean we are to intentionally sin, but rather recognize and be assured in our salvation.

However, in this particular passage Paul is wanting to discuss to the self righteous person. The individual who believes they can do their own righteousness and be saved. “Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.” The term circumcised here is in the context of the Jewish believers who made up most of the early church. Here Paul is saying that if we leave the faith and believe our own works can get us into heaven we are mistaken. There is a freedom in Christ that cannot be mistaken as something we earn or purchase ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9  “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” There are people who claim to be believers in Christ, who think they are following the law and are perfect in what they do. In fact, they do not realize that the law points to only one righteous person and that is Jesus Christ. The law does not save you, the law serves one purpose and that is to point you to the need of a savior. “3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who [attempt to] be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.”  It is important to understand that man has a basic desire wound tightly into an unqualified pursuit of proving themselves worthy. This desire is to our detriment, for man is not capable of proving anything other than unworthiness. Thus why Christ’s unfailing love and free gift of salvation is so liberating. This gives us the opportunity to love the Lord and pursue righteousness, but with the understanding that it is Christ who finished His good work in us. We can only thank Him and follow the commandments set forth for our present age as the Church. So take this time to reflect on the liberty we have in Christ Jesus.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-Post Friday

The introduction post to our series on the warning found in the book of Hebrews! Read it HERE!

Are You Freed?

The idea of freedom is portrayed quite common nowadays. We are bombarded with news of freedoms being taken away, someone gaining freedom, and how certain people are going to ensure our freedoms. For the Christian, the idea of freedom however, means something much more; and yet our freedom is often overlooked. So today I want to ask you, are you really free?

What I mean is are you really free from the control of sins in your life? Not saying that you must be perfect, after all we cannot be completely perfect until we are present with the Lord, but do you find yourself continually going back to the very thing that you ran from to follow Christ? If this is true, then I would argue that maybe you aren’t experiencing true freedom.

There is good news however! The scriptures state that once we place our faith in Christ, we are no longer bound to the aspects of this world that have kept us from Him!

“What should we say then? Should we continue to sin so that God’s kindness  will increase? 2 That’s unthinkable! As far as sin is concerned, we have died. So how can we still live under sin’s influence?

3 Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 When we were baptized into his death, we were placed into the tomb with him. As Christ was brought back from death to life by the glorious power of the Father, so we, too, should live a new kind of life. 5 If we’ve become united with him in a death like his, certainly we will also be united with him when we come back to life as he did. 6 We know that the person we used to be was crucified with him to put an end to sin in our bodies. Because of this we are no longer slaves to sin.”

Romans 6:1-6

We do not need to return to our unprofitable desires because we have something greater! We are freed from our sins! So today if you find yourself struggling to walk away from something that you know is against scripture, I ask that you don’t continue to look back. Instead, focus on Christ and pray that He helps you to remove the desire for it.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A TIME FOR ACTS

ACT Part 1

Today I want to start a study regarding specific characteristics of the early church. This study will primarily be coming out of the book of Acts with some added context from other books. I want us to examine what our brothers and sisters two thousand years ago were able to do in  the Lord. My plan is for us to examine what was done and ask three simple questions.

1. Is what the individual does special to only them, and/or that scenario?

2. What is stopping me from acting in such a manner? If special only to them, is there a different act that is similar today?

3. What does the act help us understand about Christ?

I am eager to start this series and hope you come along with me for this adventure. I would like to leave you with this, scene as the book of Acts begins.

Acts 1:1-9 “1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” 9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”

Christ appears to have physically left the followers. They eagerly stare into the sky looking up to see if they can catch just one last glimpse of the Son of God. Finally, the clouds surround the Lord and He is no longer in sight. Jesus’s first coming had concluded, His second coming postponed until Israel recognizes their Messiah; for now it was a new age, an age of great exploits, endeavors. and actions. It was the time for ACTS.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-Post Friday

Join us as we reflect on the time that we are in! Read it HERE!

Only A Number

In today’s society, those who are young are often told to remain quiet and listen to their elders. The belief is that those who are older have more life experience and therefore more knowledge to give. While this is oftentimes true, this belief does not hold true when it comes to those in the Christian faith.

Today, I ask you to consider a young man who is often overlooked. Have you heard of Elihu? Can you place him in the scriptures? This young man is among Job’s three friends who sought to offer Job “counsel and wisdom” in his time of need. Throughout the book of Job, Elihu sat quietly as the older men went back and forth seeking to understand why Job was going through these different trials. However, eventually Elihu simply could hold back no more.

“Then these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned against Job; his anger burned because he justified himself before God. 3 And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, yet they had condemned Job. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were years older than he. 5 But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, his anger burned. 6 So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think. 7 I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom. 8 But it is a spirit that is in mankind, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. 9 The abundant in years may not be wise, Nor may elders understand justice.”

Job 32:1-9

Over the next six chapters in the book of Job, Elihu rebukes Job’s three friends of their “counsel” which was really nothing more than an opportunity to complain against Job; as well as remind Job that God is the Almighty and a God of justice. Elihu reminds the older men that God is perfect in knowledge and we do not understand His ways. We can know that Elihu spoke correctly in all that he reprimanded and reminded the older men of because at the end of the book of Job, Elihu is the only one who is not reprimanded by God.

So what is it that the born-again believer can take away from Elihu? It is quite simple, age and spiritual maturity is only a number. If you are a young in age believer do not be afraid to speak and correct older in age believers. If you are a spiritually young believer do not be afraid to speak and correct those who have been in the faith longer than you have. Increased years, either in physical or spiritual, does not mean that the individual has all the answers. Know your scriptures and point out if someone is in error, do not be afraid if you don’t know the words; the scriptures make it clear that when God needs us to speak, He will provide what to say. “for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:12.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Summer Plan and Challenge

Summer is only a few days away and I thought it would be prudent to have a discussion regarding summer plans. Many of you might be planning trips with family, friends, and other loved ones. Some might be planning personal time away from all the chaos that the year brings. I want to give you encouragement and a little something extra to help you plan a summer Bible study. There is no place in scripture where God says we are to take a vacation from Him. It is only reasonable that we take time out of our busy schedule to look at a chance to escape the craziness and enjoy a moment’s break; however, let us use these moments to seek the Lord.

With that said, I have a summer challenge for you. Over the next 13 weeks, take a moment and examine the following topics in the Bible and see what God might be wanting to reveal to you. This summer challenge is 12 weeks long allowing for one week to be extended based on what God might be calling you to do.

These topics are to be taken one by one each week, you can go as deep as need be. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us here at Mill House Ministries or even ask your local pastor, or Christian brother/sister you know.

1. Week One: God’s name. Examine God’s names and see the meanings behind each. Look at what is the first name that is used and the last, compare the two. Look for the most widely used to the least and see how they intertwine.

2. Week Two: Examination of the Father through Jesus’s statements. Examine Jesus’s words describing the Father. Look at what His characteristics are, His actions, and thoughts.

3. Week Three: Examination of the Holy Spirit through Jesus’s statements. Examine Jesus’s words describing the Holy Spirit. Look at what His characteristics are, His actions, and thoughts.

4. Week Four: Read Hebrews chapter 11. See what the author of Hebrews says about each person and what God was able to do in their life.

5. Week Five: Review the accounts of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. Examine their actions and situations, is there applicability in your own life with one of them?

6. Week Six: Review the accounts of Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab. Examine their actions and situations, is there applicability in your own life with one or more of them?

7. Week Seven: Pick one book of the Bible and read the entirety. Before starting, ask God to share with you something that week, ask for Him to identify something that you need to know within that book of the Bible. Take notes and look for any verses that connect with what you are reading and write them down in your Bible.

8. Week Eight: Examine each of the disciples interactions and accounts on how they were called to follow Jesus. Then examine your own story and write it down. See which of the disciples comes closest to yours. Don’t worry it will not be a perfect fit but there might be one that you gravitate towards more than the others. (You can also look at the women discussed who were there as well).

9. Week Nine: Pick one section of scripture and memorize it. Suggestions are the following, Luke 1:32-33, Romans 4:17-18, Philippians 3:20-21, and finally Revelation 22:12-13. No matter what you pick, see how it is applicable to you. Does the scripture bring about a commandment? Does it bring about understanding or is it focused on something entirely different?

10. Week Ten: Examine 1st Timothy and see evaluate if your own Church is following what is commanded.

11. Week Eleven: Examine the fruits of the Spirit and see which you need to work on. Prioritize this each day for the week looking for ways to practice. Ask the Lord to provide opportunities to use the fruits.

12. Week Twelve: The final week seek the Lord through prayer and examine what these last weeks have been for you. Ask the Lord to help you continue on with your studies and prepare for the coming Fall. Write down your thoughts and ideas so that you can reflect on them later on.

I hope this challenge will be more of a launch pad for deeper personal studies for you with God. Remember, that if you ever have questions, concerns, or requests we at Mill House Ministries are here for you. If this seems to be overwhelming, don’t worry God makes two promises you need to know about. First, God promises that He is intimately aware of the hidden treasure within His word for us, but also that it is for our betterment we seek that treasure, Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” And finally, God knows our intentions and wants to help us, God declares in Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Happy Summer!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-Post Friday

A challenge from 2022! Read it HERE!

Heavenly Father

Perhaps it is due to our own earthly father’s failings that we often overlook one key aspect of who God is. Many suffer from father’s who have failed to show an accurate portrayal for their children regarding our Heavenly Father’s love for us. There are those who have had neglectful fathers, absent fathers, fathers who struggle with idols, as well as many other characteristics that make it hard to see God the Father as someone who truly cares for us. So today, I wish to remind our readers who may feel as if our Heavenly Father is one who is absent, unapproachable, or reckless in His love and design for us that this is far from the truth.

To put it bluntly, God has not forgotten you dear readers. God’s love for His children is without measure, and because He loves us He protects and defends us.

5 A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,
Is God in His holy dwelling.
6 God makes a home for the lonely;
He leads out the prisoners into prosperity,
Only the rebellious live in parched lands.

Psalm 68:5-6

God is aware of all the tribulations that we face in this age, and even so He provides for us. When our own earthly fathers fail, we have a Heavenly Father who never will. God gives us peace and a hope for a better future. No matter how many times we fail, He loves us.

God is not absent in our lives, in fact He wants nothing more than to be the center of our hearts! God wants a relationship with us! How crazy is it to imagine that the God who has made the innumerable stars, knows exactly how many hairs are on our head!

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29-30

We were not put here by a freak accident, nor is God just sitting idly by and seeing how His creations handle the events being thrown their way. God is an active Father and He cares for you and I! We have been created with a purpose, a design, and if we allow God to work through us we begin to realize exactly how much He cares for us!

8 Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
    We are the clay, you are the potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

I hope today that you take time to reflect that God cares for you, He wants a relationship with you. No matter the circumstances our Heavenly Father cares and is there. This means He is there in the good times and bad times, He is there when we want Him there and even when we think we do not need Him. If you are a father or hope to be one some day, remember that our Heavenly Father is the perfect depiction of what a father should strive to be. While this goal is impossible for earthly fathers, pointing to the Heavenly Father is not. Each action of a father, no matter in success or after a failure, needs to point to why we need a Heavenly Father. An important rule needs to be recognized, God created the Father role in such a way as to only be perfected by Himself. Likewise the human race was created to survive through the role of what a father does, pointing towards the importance that God has placed in this role for Himself. Only He can ascertain the level that is required, we need to be able to recognize this accomplishment by God and know He is there for us each and everyday.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex