Conclusion

We have reached the end of our study in the book of James. While this study took longer than I expected, I hope you all found encouragement in this study! The book of James provided us the ability to discuss several topics such as having joy in our trials which brings opportunity to grow stronger in the faith. Having a saving faith in Jesus Christ will produce fruits in our life. This is not based on our own merit, but because we are striving to imitate more of Him. Our works do not save us, they are simply a reflection of our faith in the only One who is perfect, Jesus Christ.

We have also been provided tools to grow in our faith, such as the knowledge to test everything against the scriptures. Anything that goes against what the scriptures states is not something that should be taught or put into practice. We only follow what the scriptures states and those who teach otherwise are not followers of Jesus Christ. We learned that spending time with the Lord will naturally cause us to draw closer towards Him. This means that the more time we spend learning about Him through reading His scriptures, the more understanding we will have about God and how much He loves us! Finally, we learned the importance of prayer, we do not need to be a superpower in the faith to have God hear our prayers. When we come before Him with both our sorrows and our praises, God hears us. I hope this study has been impactful in your life as much as it has with me. Personally, my faith has grown by doing this study and I hope yours has as well. If you have questions regarding this study, or other Bible related questions, we would love to hear from you.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Study in Genesis

The study of Genesis has more fundamental significance than most understand. There are only two world views that impact all of us. The prevailing view is that everything is the result of an accident. This view claims that we came from nothing and have magically, over billions of years, turned into what we are now. This view ultimately leads to horrific acts such as shootings at schools, the mass killing of innocent children in the womb, and subjugating those who might not look exactly like the rest of us. This view claims there is no authority outside of what a person can do right now.

The second view states we are the result of a deliberate design by a Designer. From this view stems one true answer and unfortunately, many false religions. Every world view can be tracked to one of these two suppositions. However, it is Genesis that points man to the answers for the below questions.

This study into Genesis will examine the truth of the following.

1.      Who am I?

2.      Where did I come from?

3.      Why are we here?

4.      Where are we going when we die?  

It is my opinion that Genesis, Matthew, and Revelation are the three most important books of the Bible. These three books stand at critical junctures in human history, connected through the emphasis of Jesus Christ.

Genesis reveals the emphasis of Jesus creating the universe and all life. In Genesis, we see the Son of God interacting with man according to the outcome of our accepting sin. In Genesis, we see the promise of what Christ will do and His actions being established for a future fruition. The book of Matthew connects to Genesis and envelopes human history into realizing the truth of what Christ had to do to save us. Matthew also builds on the accounts in Genesis, providing greater focus into what Christ did for you and I on the cross; culminating with what He will do at the end of human history. The book of Revelation is the finale of human history as we know it. Here the promises and actions of Jesus Christ are ultimately fulfilled, Jesus finishes what He said in Genesis in the book of Revelation. This is why these three books stand as a testament that only Jesus Christ is capable of creating, saving, and finalizing mankind.

The importance of Genesis cannot be understated. Even the enemy recognizes the importance, thus aims to undermine its authenticity. Especially the first eleven chapters, which we will get into shortly.

These attempts to undermine Genesis can be refuted when we review archaeological evidence, documentary discoveries, and apply competent analysis. Arguments by skeptics are mercilessly shredded by the facts when we analyze and use our God given intellect. However, we need to recognize Genesis does not stand alone, it was designed to be with the other 65 books of the Bible. While its importance can be argued, for the reader its full understanding can only be seen when examined with all other 65 books.

This is important because unlike other books, the Bible is unique beyond what skeptics will tell you or even fellow Christians for that matter. There are 66 books of the Bible, over 40 authors, and written over 2,000 years. However, all 66 books reveal an integrity of the whole, this is only possible when we realize that the source of the Bible is outside of our time dimension. Thus allowing books like Genesis to have claims and statements that might seem impossible to the viewer. However, when read in context with the entirety of scripture and with the understanding of the source being free of our confines, Genesis is easier to understand. While we study the book of Genesis, it is ok to ask the questions “How” or “Why”, it is not ok to stop there. Questions to God’s Word can be answered by thoughtful study and having a relationship with the Creator. God created us to have a rational and logical brain, 1 Corinthians 14:33, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace”. As we will see, from the very beginning God built up human history for the very purpose of establishing to the creation exactly what they are; something created by Him the Creator.

Thus, as the creation we are obligated to listen and learn from the Creator, for only the God of the Bible can reveal to man what He has done, is doing, and will do. Isaiah 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done.”

 Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Join us in understanding the importance of sharing your testimony! Read it HERE!

Power of Prayer

We have reached the last verses in our study of the book of James. As we have seen throughout our study, James continuously strikes at the heart of issues found within the church and an individual’s walk with Jesus Christ. James ends his book now with a reminder to the believers.

“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. 19 My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

James 5:13-20

To often when we are suffering we try to go through it alone, to often when we are happy we place the source within ourselves. In these final verses, James is directing the audience toward the true source of comfort and joy; God. When we are suffering and faced with hard times we are called to pray. When we are cheerful and have everything going the way we would like it to, we need to praise the One who is giving us these blessings. In both the highs and the lows of life, we need to seek God.

James then continues with the acknowledgement that we are not meant to walk through our faith by ourselves. This is why he points out that when we are faced with issues we need to call upon the church to pray for us. Through corporate prayer, much can be accomplished! This idea of corporate prayer is also to encourage us to hold ourselves accountable to our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we do sin, we need to confess to God and to those we have sinned against, in this our sins are forgiven.

James then ends his book with the desire to show the power of prayer, a trait that is often overlooked. James brings up Elijah who prayed that it would not rain due to Ahab’s sins (1 Kings 16:29-17:1). Elijah was an ordinary man, there was nothing that set him apart. Nothing except his faith in God, he knew that God heard him and knew that God was angry regarding Ahab’s sins, thus Elijah knew that if he asked for God to show his righteousness by denying rain it would be done. Just as he knew that God would hear his prayer to bring the rain back to the land. Verse 20 may seem out of place when you place it within the story of Elijah, but it really is not. James is encouraging the readers that when they pray for those who are sinning, God hears them just as God heard Elijah. When we pray for others, God does mighty things, including softening the heart of sinners to bring them back to Him. A prayer for an individual actively sinning, who then turns from their sins, this prayer will be able to stop a multitude of sins from occurring. This is why we need to continuously pray! Prayer is a powerful tool for the born-again believer, but it is not often utilized enough.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Study in Genesis

Today we start our journey through the book of Genesis. You might be wondering why this book? Well unfortunately, many believers today are asking the question “Why is this happening?” And ironically the answer can be found directly in the book of Genesis.

The Old Testament is paramount to our spiritual wellbeing and growth, without which the New Testament has no power.  The book of Genesis is the catalyst on which the rest of the books of the Bible are built upon. Only one book stands alone by itself without any previous written word; only Genesis can make the claim that origins of man, right and wrong, good and evil, why man is the way he is, salvation, why there are demons in this world, the dinosaurs, universe and scientific research, the beginning, the present, and the end are all declared.

Genesis allows us to answer difficult questions that are presented to us everyday. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 “15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

It is in Genesis that we see what is described in Colossians played out. Colossians 1:26 “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”

We see God’s interaction that brought about the world we live in Ephesians 3:9 “and to make all see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.”

Most importantly, it is in Genesis that we see our first glimpse of our Messiah Jesus Christ as referenced in Luke 1:35 “And the angel answered and said to her, “[The] Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”

I am excited about taking this journey with you. What I ask you to do is spend some time in prayer and read ahead; jump into Genesis and prepare for a journey into the origins to every question ever asked. This journey will have moments of adventure, darkness, horror, sorrow, joy, romance, comedy, scientific discovery, philosophy, and most importantly a specific love letter written to you and I from the creator of the universe. We will see the King and our very own future. Remember if you have questions, we here at Mill House Ministries are happy to assist and help in any way we can.

See you all next week.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

An overlook of the book of Joshua! Read it HERE!

Regarding Our Brothers and Sisters

Last week we began our study in the last chapter of the book of James. The main theme of the first six verses of the chapter is that those who place their hope on earthly things, those who continue in their sin without turning to God will ultimately have their reward here on earth. This is to their detriment because those who place their faith in Jesus Christ, will have rewards far greater than anything found here. While last week was aimed at those who do not have a saving faith in Jesus Christ, this week James has a message for those who have acknowledged Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

7 Therefore be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.9 Do not complain, brothers and sisters, against one another, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 10 As an example, brothers and sisters, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

12 But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you do not fall under judgment.”

James 5:7-12

James begins this message for believers with a message to be patient. It can be very difficult to look at the world, to see all the wrong that is occurring and not feel as if God has lost control. For the believer, we need to remember that there is nothing outside of God’s control, these things are occurring according to His plan and it is with the purpose to draw mankind back to Him. This is why James now describes the believer as a farmer. If you have ever attempted to grow any type of plant, you know that it does not occur overnight. Often times, when a plant is beginning to grow we find ourselves wondering if it will ever take root. Then the next time we look at it, we see a sprout and our hope for the plant begins. This is the same process for believers today, the Bible gives us events that must occur before Jesus comes to reign on earth. Matthew 24 gives further detail on what these events must be. However, for the believer when we see these signs taking place, we should not be worried. Instead, we need to look at it with hope because it means that our rewards will be here soon.

However, right after giving the believer a reason to hope, James then turns and gives us further instructions and it is again something that can be difficult for us to do. James then instructs us to not complain against our brother and sisters in Christ. In the end, there are going to be believers who we just don’t connect with on a personal level. However, this does not mean that we complain about them. We need to remember that they are fellow brothers and sisters and love them for that simple fact.

James ends this section of verse with one last encouragement to endure the world we are in. He encourages us to look at those who have endured challenges well. James gives us two examples. Our first example is the prophets. If you have spent any amount of time reading the Old Testament you will see that the prophets endured a considerable amount. And yet, they never took their eyes off of God and were rewarded for it. Then take a look at the lives of the disciples and fellow believers in the New Testament. Paul was stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned; yet he continued to preach the word of God that caused many to believe. Stephan was stoned because he spoke to the religious leaders about Christ, but he saw Jesus on the throne! Finally, we have Job; a man who lived during the Old Testament, who has his own book, if you have not read the book of Job, you should. In this book you will see that Job loses all his property, his children, his wife tells him to curse God and die, and he is struck with multiple sicknesses to name a few things that happen to him. However, because Job remains steadfast and endures all of this without cursing God; we find at the end of the chapter that he is blessed with more land, more children, and a renewed health. We will face challenges and pain in this life as believers, but this should not sway us from preaching and teaching the word of God. We must patiently endure and continue to spread the gospel.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Return To Sender

It is the day after Resurrection Sunday and what does that mean for us the believers? We just witnessed what we hope is a Sermon regarding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All religions claim to be authentic in a relationship with God, but only Jesus came through.

But what now? We have been called to be sent out to the world but…what do we have to look forward to personally now?

Each of us has our own relationship with Jesus Christ, this means an adventure when lived out with Him at the helm of our lives. However, when it comes to events such as the first coming of Jesus Christ, what do believers have to look forward to? For that I would encourage you to examine Jesus own words. He first identifies believers as,

John 10:27-30 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of My Father’s hand. 30 “I and [My] Father are one.”

For those who are born again, they understand and know the passage is clear and vibrant to us today. As we go about our day, God speaks to us through His word. There have been times in my own life that I was in doubt regarding what I should do, and suddenly the Bible verse and the clear and encouraging voice of my Heavenly Father directing me on my actions. Yet, this section of scripture is also giving us a glimpse to something Jesus and later the apostles will build on.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” This means exactly what I said earlier, but also that in an event that the Lord calls to us, we will hear Him and follow Him. This is a promise!

Second promise is “and no one is able to snatch [them] out of My Father’s hand.” This means we cannot lose our salvation if we are truly saved. Praise God, because otherwise we are doomed. No human is good enough to keep God’s commandments, no human is good enough to attain the needed righteousness for God to say we are good. It is in Christ alone we are saved and kept saved. Thus, for those who are not saved and act as a follower for a time and than turn away, they have not lost their salvation but rather have only gone back to being what they were inside. However, this promise also builds on the first promise. If we know God’s voice and will follow Him, He is promising that no one will be able to stop us from following Him. This is spiritual in nature right now but as we will see, this is also in the physical realm.

John 14:1-6 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if [it were] not [so,] I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, [there] you may be also. 4 “And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus is making a very clear and unequivocal declaration that He is coming for the Church and will take them to be with Him. Naturally, Thomas cries out, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” And Jesus answers, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

This seems strange to us as if Jesus is giving an answer that does not make sense. Unless you had read chapter 10. Believers know His voice, and when He calls; we follow Him and cannot be snatched, thus He is the way, His voice is the truth, and His promise of keeping us safe is life!

Now we have to ask ourselves, does Jesus in His own words say anything else to us regarding this event? Ironically, He does. Let’s examine Revelation 3:10 “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

Here we see God making a promise to believers saying, that He will keep us from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. For the believer, the test is over. We are saved, no one can snatch us from Jesus’ hands, we know His voice. For the Church the test is accomplished in present age. Yet, the world and those who are not saved have a global test coming, one that will finally make people decide once and for all, are you following Jesus or Satan.

So, Jesus’ own words have shown us that we who are saved right now, know His voice, and when called we will hear it and come to Him. This calling no one, not even ourselves mess up, when it is time and Jesus calls, we will go to Him. He left to prepare a place for us and for two thousand years, He has been doing just that. He promised He would come back to get us and promised it would happen prior to a global event testing the world on who they would follow.

Simple and yet powerful. At this moment as believers, we have only read Jesus Christ’s own words. From this alone, I can be patiently waiting, knowing that Jesus is preparing a place for me, to be with Him and the Father in Heaven and when He calls me, I will know His voice and will come to Him without obstacle. He will do it before a global trial comes to the earth. What a promise! This is the next event for the believer in the Church age today.

See how simple it is to read God’s own words and see that if we take away all of the preconceived ideas and just examine Jesus Christ’ own words we can be expectant of a future event?

Now let us see what Apostle Paul says regarding this event and see if it matches up with what Jesus said.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive [and] remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

If you know Jesus Christ’ words then this section of scripture by Paul expounding on the next future event for the Church makes complete sense. This event is commonly known as the Rapture of the Church. The term Rapture is Latin for the Greek word to be “snatched up”. Someone plucked up. You might envision a giant hand plucking someone from the ground, how ironic is it that Jesus said in John 10:28, “and no one is able to snatch [them] out of My Father’s hand. 30 “I and [My] Father are one.”

Paul tells us to encourage each other with these words. Some quickly say because of the death brothers and sisters in Christ. But when we reflect on Jesus’ own words again, we see that He is keeping us from the hour that is coming on the whole world to be tempted. This is an encouraging moment that Paul is giving us more information on what Jesus had been speaking of already.

Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God has gone back to Heaven to prepare a place for you and I. He has promised to come back and take us to where He and the Father are. He is doing this to keep us from the hour that is coming on the whole world. Based on this alone, we can assume the Rapture is next for the believer in the Church. We need to be ready. We need to be about His business and preaching the gospel, teaching God’s entire Word and encouraging one another to stay the course.

So even though it is one day late, Happy Resurrection Sunday Christian! Keep your eyes on the work God has sent us to do and be ready to hear His voice, which you will recognize and go to Him without obstacle and all before the hour of trial comes to the world. We will return to the Sender.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

An overlook of the book of Judges. Read it HERE!

One For All

We are only a few days away from celebrating Jesus Christ, the Son of God rising from the dead. Many are preparing messages regarding the importance of what Jesus did on the cross as payment for the sins of the world. While many others are simply looking at Resurrection Sunday as any other day, ignoring the importance that it plays with reconciling themselves to God the Father. This attitude is really no surprise, although I wish it wasn’t so. In fact, John 11 shows us that this attitude has always taken place.

“Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council meeting, and they were saying, “What are we doing in regard to the fact that this man is performing many signs? 48 If we let Him go on like this, all the people will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take over both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor are you taking into account that it is in your best interest that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish instead.”

John 11:47-50

This passage occurs after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, we find that when news of this and the other acts of Jesus Christ reached the Pharisees ears, they become afraid of what Jesus is doing. In their eyes, Jesus is a man who is going about healing individuals, who is not abiding by the Pharisees laws, and who is proclaiming that He is the Son of God. Jesus is directing the Jewish nation away from the legalistic religion and towards a personal relationship with God. Not only that, by the Pharisees are afraid that by directing the people away from their religiosity that the Romans will come and tear down the temple thus removing them from their jobs as priests as well as uprooting the nation.

And so we find that the chief priest’s solution is to state that it is better for one man to die for the whole nation. However, he did not understand or see the big picture of God’s promises for salvation. What the Pharisees believed would happen once Jesus Christ was killed, would be that all that He had preached would die with Him, thus in the eyes of the Pharisees saving the nation. Born-again believers know that the Pharisees were missing the mark when it came to the importance of the death of Jesus Christ, a fact that John points out in John 11:51-52.

Now he did not say this on his own, but as he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation;52 and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

Despite having the Old Testament scriptures which provide many examples of how God was going to bring salvation to mankind, the Pharisees and others were looking for a political savior not a spiritual savior. And so they placed the Son of God on the cross to “save” the nation. Unknowingly to them, they were fulfilling the scripture and being apart of God’s plan for bringing salvation to the world. With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, He is the answer to bring everyone together into the family of God. An act meant to “save” the Jewish nation, instead brought salvation to the whole world.

And now as we are preparing to celebrate the day that Jesus was crucified and then rose from the dead three days later, I ask you what this means for you? Do you believe as the Pharisees did that Jesus was just another man, one who was interfering with the legalistic religion? Or do you believe that He is Lord and Savior, come to earth as wholly man and wholly God, who lived the perfect life, who died on the cross for our sins, was raised to life, and now sits at the right hand of God?

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

The Good, The Bad, To Christ

There are two men who exemplify the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a unique way that only they could. Today, I want to talk about the first man who died and the last man to die before Jesus’ death on the cross. Together they represent humanity that is saved; independently they reflect the uniqueness of the need for Christ. When you look at their lives, you could boil it down to “The Good, The Bad, to Christ”

Our two men are Abel and the repentant man on the cross. While we do not know the repentant man’s name, for simplicity we will call him, Repentant.

Separated by minimum of four thousand years, both men understood that Christ was needed in their life. Both reflect the uniqueness in the Gospel message is meant for all.

Our first example, is found with Abel who we first hear about in Genesis.

Genesis 4:1-4 “Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the LORD.” 2 Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller off the ground. 3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. 4 Abel also brought off the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering.”

Abel was a man who understood that blood was needed for the payment of sin. He understood that because of his parents sin, he was born with the need of a savior. This savior was first represented by the shedding of blood. Abel lived before the levitical code, before the Jewish priesthood, before the Jewish nation, and even before Abraham. Abel lived during a time known as the Antediluvian age, inaccurately assumed as “prehistoric” by secular scholars today. Even though there was no levitical code, Abel lived in a time when God directly spoke to man. Because of this, God’s truth found in Leviticus 17:11 was understood by Abel.  “For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it [is] the blood [that] makes atonement for the soul.” Abel recognized that his personal sin was enough to separate him from God forever. Thus he needed to remember that God would provide an atonement for his sin, but until that time a symbolic act was performed. This act did not save the person, but rather the faith in God to provide a perfect sacrifice. God looked at the heart, we are reminded of Samuel’s discussion with God regarding a suitable King for Israel, 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For [the LORD does] not [see] as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Abel lived for the Lord his whole life. He represents what many people can say, who lived their life in the church. They had parents who knew God and wanted to raise their children Godly. This doesn’t mean they have a perfect life, but it is vastly different than the last man to accept Christ before Jesus’ death on the cross. Nevertheless, Abel knew he needed Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:4 states “It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.” Abel died for his devotion to God and the faith that Jesus would come to save him eternally.

Now there might be some reading this and saying, “I didn’t grow up in this type of home, my life is a life of bad decisions to bad decisions.” Well good news, for the last man to accept Christ before Jesus died was Repentant. He was on the cross next to Christ.

Luke 23:39-43 “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

This small section of scripture reveals the depth of man. On one hand, we see an evil man who to his dying breath is blaspheming his only chance of salvation, simple but some just will not believe and we need to be ok with this. On the other hand we have Repentant who is a testimony of bad decisions to bad decisions; and yet he at the very end of his life, truly finds what life is all about. As his body died, his soul and spirit came to life. For Repentant, his last breaths were comforted by Jesus confirming what had happened in his heart. He was alive for the first time, the world had rightfully condemned him; and yet Christ was able to redeem him.

Abel and Repentant were complete opposites, and yet both are united in knowing God as their savior. The lies that Jesus did not pay for our sin is ignorant to the facts that both of these men understood.

1 John 2:2 “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

This word “propitiation” is the Greek word “hilasmos”. This word means one who makes satisfaction. Our sin came with wages, we earned death. Yet, Jesus own words point to what He was satisfying, thus, His death was payment for our required death. This is why Jesus says, in John 19:30 “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” When Jesus states, “It is finished” He is claiming that the bill is paid for with His blood. Abel and Repentant both knew this, and it is why they are both declared righteous.

So now we come to the major point with both Abel and Repentant’s life. No matter if you had the loving parents who knew God, or if your life is a prime example of bad decisions, or a mixture of both; we need Jesus Christ. Jesus paid for our sins, a sacrifice that was necessary for us to have reconciliation with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For us to be in relationship with them again it does not matter what our life was like. You can be the good child living for God or even the criminal, but if you do not have the moment of faith you are separated from Him. So this coming Resurrection Sunday, let us reflect on the good news of Christ and remember that it doesn’t matter where you are coming from; as long as you meet Jesus and accept that He was the Son of God and accept His sacrifice for your sins. The payment is done, all you need to do is accept and ask Christ to join you today.

If you have any questions and need help with this, or if you have chosen to follow Christ and need help in how to continue in this new adventure, we are here to help.

 Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

What is the importance of sharing our testimony? Find out HERE!

A Rich Warning

We have seen time and time again throughout our study in the book of James, that he does not shy away from difficult topics. While the majority of the book is for the believer to reflect upon their faith so they may mature, James five begins with a warning.

 “Come now, you rich people, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver have corroded, and their corrosion will serve as a testimony against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! 4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of armies. 5 You have lived for pleasure on the earth and lived luxuriously; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous person; he offers you no resistance.”

James 5:1-6

The beginning of chapter five is a continuation of James 4:12-14, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, judging your neighbor? 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.” The concepts of God as the only Lawgiver and Judge are expounded upon in chapter five as well as dealing with those who find themselves boastful regarding the future.

First let us look at those who are boastful. As we saw in James chapter four, mankind is prone to think that their future extends forever; and so we continually make plans regarding our hopes and desires. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be if you do not put into consideration God’s will for your life. It is why James admonishes the believers, “15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” James 4:15.

So then why does James begin his last chapter with a warning against the rich? The answer is actually simple, those who have all their needs met here on earth are those who have a more difficult time leaning on the Lord. Now this is not to say that those who are wealthy cannot be saved, after all God wants to provide for His children, this can and does include financially. James is not addressing the wealthy born-again believers, he is addressing those who boast in their own talents, the ones who take advantage of others in order to increase their own earnings. These individuals do not acknowledge God’s control in their life.

However, we see that those who do not place their faith in God but in material things, James warns that it will be taken away from them. They have placed their hope on earthly goods, not heavenly. “19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21. Those who place their treasure on earthy things, receive their payment in full on earth.

When we read this passage, it would almost be too easy for the believer to become discouraged. On the surface the opening to James five makes it appear as if the unbelievers win and the believers are doomed to pain and suffering at their hands. However, this is not the case and while we will expound upon this topic more later on, I want to draw your attention to one very important fact.

“Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of armies.” James 5:4

Again, this is a continuation of a thought found in James 4, and that is that God is the only Lawgiver and Judge. He is aware of all that has occurred to His children, and He will not leave the acts against us unpunished. While we should not wish for punishment for those around us (Proverbs 24:17), we can find peace in knowing that one day it will come.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Eschatology 101 Part Fifteen

This week we end our study on Eschatology 101, this was not an in-depth study of all of Eschatology nor was it a thorough overview of the subject. This study was meant to empower you to read and study God’s Word. You might be wondering, “We didn’t even get into the tribulation or the millennium reign of Christ on earth”. This was intentional! There is so much to God’s Word and Eschatology, and we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the best Bible study is a Bible study between you and God. Proverbs 18:24b “But there is a friend [who] sticks closer than a brother.” There is so much richness and treasure for the believer of Jesus Christ just in this life! His word being paramount, Him being with us as we study is something no other faith can claim. Only in Jesus can a believer request God to teach them.

As believers, we need to take God’s Word seriously. I personally, believe that the Bible is a manuscript that is not taken seriously. It was the late Chuck Missler who said, “The Bible is the only book that hangs its entire credibility on its ability to write history in advance, without error.” Thus Eschatology should be taken seriously. Many pastors and Bible students today neglect to realize the Bible for what it is. When God makes a claim, this can be taken seriously and God can be held accountable for that. We like to take the Gospel seriously, but why not the rest of God’s Word? This is why we as believers fail to understand that if Gabriel says in Daniel 9:24 “Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity” we should take it as a fact, much like the laws in the scientific community.

This is why I want to end on the final promise made in the Bible, Revelation 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Jesus has made a singular promise for all believers in every age. Jesus is promising a final outcome, a moment when there will be an answer. He has the final word!

As you read, remember the blessings that Jesus gives in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed [is] he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time [is] near.”

Do you know why there is a blessing? Because you have to read the rest of God’s Word to connect to what is being stated. This is why Eschatology is so important. It shouldn’t make us hide, but rather more eager to share the gospel to those who are not saved. The Rapture does not make me give up, it energizes me to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Eschatology is a motivator for those who are saved and a declaration of future events that no other person can predict.

Remember that Jesus Christ is in control. Only to the world does it look like things are spinning out of control; for the Bible believing, serious student of scripture, everything is going the way it was told. We have an engagement with Christ and we need to make sure as many people get to know Jesus before we are called home.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

What should our attitude be when we confront sin? Find out HERE!

Introduction to James Chapter Five

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 individual Christian.

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 in God’s Word what it means to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (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).

The fourth chapter discussed the concept of if we are friends of the world or of God (James 4:4). That we need to humble ourselves to God ( James 4:10), and that God is the Lawgiver and Judge; it is through Him that our future plans come from (James 4:15).

We have finally reached the last chapter in this book that has been filled with admonishment, encouragement, and reflection on our walk. In this last chapter, we will see such topics as patiently waiting for the Lord, endurance in our faith, and the importance of prayer.

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 five. 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

Eschatology 101 Part Fourteen

Last week we discussed the Rapture of the Church and how this would occur pre-tribulational. It only takes a serious examination of God’s Word to realize that the Rapture of the Church is a promise made by Jesus Himself,

Promise of the Rapture.

John 14:1-3  “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

Promise before the seven years of Tribulation.

Revelation 3:10 “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

These two quotes from Jesus’s own mouth indicate that the Rapture of the Church will happen, and it will happen prior to the seven years of tribulation.

However, there is a unique scene in Heaven that must happen for the seven years of tribulation to start. Imagine, the Rapture has happened and now all believers from past to the moment Jesus shouted for us are in Heaven. What a glorious moment, and yet we are part of the very scenario to kick start the needed players for the seven years.

Revelation 4:2-4 “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. 3 And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.”

John witnesses a scene in Heaven, a moment in time. Unfortunately, many today depict Heaven based on moments of time. The term for this is Falsus Caelum Assidue (FSA). Many people have been duped into believing we will stand for eternity only saying  “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty” Pastors who commit FSA need to recognize that some scenes in Heaven are events. Instead of only looking at verses in a snapshot, we should examine the scene for what it is.

John is witnessing an event. This event is the opening of the title deed of earth.

Revelation 5:1-4 “I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it.”

Why is John weeping? Because he understands that nothing will change on earth until those seals are broken and the title deed of earth is written. Yet, man gave up his rightful place as ruler of this world when we sinned. We gave this deed to Satan. Only a perfect man who is without sin can purchase and acquire the title again. There is only one person who can, and John is reminded immediately.

Revelation 5:5-8 “But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” 6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

Now we come to a point in our scripture reading that translations differ. I am quoting from the New King James Version. I think in this one occasion the translators got it right with the NJKV.

Let’s examine the song that is being sung.

Revelation 5:9-14 “ And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power [Be] to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” 14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.”

The key here is “For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” There can only be one group of people that this is, and that is the Church. The New Testemant is littered with verses backing this statement of position and employment by this group singing. However, what is more unique, is what happens next.

Revelation 6:1-2  “Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” The Church will witness the first seal being opened and the rider on the white horse coming and going to earth. This is the antichrist, this means two things. The antichrist must arrive before the seven year tribulation so that he can establish his power in order to produce a treaty. Thus, we know two things from this. First, the Church is not in The Tribulation, (it will go through tribulations but not The Tribulation). Second, this means there must be a gap. We as Christians need to recognize that only in Christ can we escape the coming judgement sent forth by God. Yet, this should make us ever the more get out and witness and proclaim and shine for Christ, because what is coming will truly be devastating. So next time, someone tells you the Rapture isn’t true, or that the Rapture is in the middle of or at the end of the Tribulation, ask them to read the Bible with the verses we discussed tonight and they will either agree and repent or excuse it out of context.

We the Church will not be in the Tribulation, however we will see the starting points and movements that are needed for the final week.

Next week we wrap up our study in a unique fashion, capturing the highlights of study and reasons for individual callings to go deeper regarding God’s Word and the events following the Rapture.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

An overview of the book of Deuteronomy. Read it HERE!

Stand Together Part Two

Last week we looked at an Old Testament example of the importance of having fellow believers around us to help our walk with Jesus Christ. This week, I want to take a look at a New Testament example to show how this is a trait that needs to be continued even today.

“When Jesus came back to Capernaum a few days later, it was heard that He was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer space, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. 3 And some people *came, bringing to Him a man who was paralyzed, carried by four men. 4 And when they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and after digging an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralyzed man was lying. 5 And Jesus, seeing their faith, *said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Mark 2:1-5

Here we see another example of believers in Jesus Christ helping each other out. In last week’s example, we saw that with the help of Aaron and Hur, Moses was able to keep his arms up to allow the Israelites to defeat Amalek. The similarities between that situation and the passage we are looking at today, is that a man of faith is able to accomplish God’s will with the help of fellow believers of Jesus Christ.

However, when I sat to look over this passage more, I noticed something interesting that needs to be noted for all who claim to follow Jesus Christ. In Mark 2, we see that there is a crowd listening to Jesus’s words, we see four men attempting to bring their friend to Jesus but are denied by the crowd. As believers, we should never stand in the way of those who are seeking to see, acknowledge, and know more about Christ. We should always make room for others to come to Him. It is interesting to note that Jesus states that it is the faith of the paralyzed man and his friends that caused him to be healed, not the faith of the crowd at whole. If someone is genuinely seeking the Lord, we would be foolish to stand in their way.

This is not to say that God’s work won’t be completed either way, after all the faith of the men involved caused them to drag their paralyzed friend on top of the house, remove the roof, dig a hole, and lower him down before Jesus. Imagine the faith that the four men had to carry this out, imagine the faith of the paralyzed friend to allow them to do this. These men had the faith to know that if they could only get before Jesus Christ, the paralyzed individual would be made well. This is just one more example of why we need fellow believers near us, so that when the times are rough, they can help lower us through a roof if need be to get closer to our Heavenly Father Jesus Christ. What an amazing thing God has done, giving us fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are able to be there for us and point us to the person we all are connected to. We might not have anything else in common, but in Christ this is the only commonality we need to consider. So my challenge to you is, who do you have in your life that is there to help you seek the Lord? Do you have someone? If you do, do you help push them to Jesus Christ in their walk? If you do not have anyone, ask the Lord to provide someone into your life.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Eschatology 101 Part Thirteen

Mill House Ministres has no problem telling our readers of other sites and missions that you should go read. We recognize that the church is larger than one person or even one mission group. The Church is unique with directives and guidance from the Holy Spirit that can be different but centered with uniformity within the Holy Word of God. With this said, I would strongly encourage you to see the works of Olive Tree Ministries, Behold Israel, JD Farag Prophecy Update, Christ in Prophecy, Pastor Andy Woods, and Prophecy Watchers.

Each provide video and written information regarding the subject of the rapture, which after reading God’s Word for yourself should be utilized as needed to help enrich your understanding of the subject. The links to their individual websites are provided below.

The Rapture as stated last time, is a quick and easy way to get people upset. This is unfortunate because God’s Word discusses this event to help encourage the believer.

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 “we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

In the last supper, the disciples are wanting to know when they will see the Lord again. While the age was beginning, God was giving them the sign of its ending.

John 14:1-3 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

This age comes to an end when the Lord God brings His ambassadors home. Currently, we have been sent out and not even the gates of hell can stand against us.

Matthew 16:17-18 “Jesus replied, You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

There is not one verse in the Bible that gives a sign for when the Rapture will occur. However, there is a large chunk of Bible scripture pointing to events that the rapture must happen first for it to take place. One of those is the revealing of the antichrist.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 “For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.” What holds the antichrist back is the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit to be taken out here would mean we as the Church must be taken out of the way. Thus, we know that the antichrist must be taken out of the way. Why is this important for us to talk about? Because the Rapture plays a pivotal point in the timeline of our own history. Imagine, if you see signs of the coming tribulation (which we are) and you think you have to go through it, it would be terrifying. Thankfully, God’s Word reveals we are not going to. Thankfully even the nay-sayers who are saved will be Raptured and when they are scratching their head in bewilderment, those who studied God’s Word and took it seriously and in context will be there to explain. This might sound like I am ranting, or going down a rabbit hole, but it is needed to be shared to the Church. The biggest attackers of the scripturally promised event of the Rapture is from born again believers. This is why we are providing the resources at the bottom for additional educational material.

Next week we will continue to study what happens to the Church after the rapture and how is the antichrist beckoned. Until that time, feel free to look at the resources we are providing and look at the rich study and scripture analysis written by people who have also come to terms with God’s unique plan when it comes to the Rapture of the Church.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL 

https://youtu.be/6IVyGC-6dEU?si=bvI8v7leh55k-m9X

https://beholdisrael.org

https://www.jdfarag.org

https://christinprophecy.org

https://andywoodsministries.org

https://prophecywatchers.com