Re-Post Friday

A look back at a great love story in the Bible. Read it HERE!

Two Brothers, Two Lessons

There are countless sermons when it comes to the prodigal son, but often I feel that the focus is more heavily placed upon the brother who left his father and came back. This is not to say that the lesson here is any less important, after all I am sure we can all think of times that we have wondered away from God wishing to seek out our own desires. However, I do believe that there is a lesson that we can all learn from the brother who stayed.

As a short recap, in Luke 15:11-32, Jesus uses a parable to teach those around Him that God cares for those who come to Him. In this, Jesus uses a father and his two sons. One son decides that he no longer wants to wait for his inheritance, he wants to start living life on his terms and so he asks his father for his share (Luke 15:12). This son then proceeds to squander his inheritance to the point that he has to hire himself out to the citizens of a foreign country (Luke 15:14-15). This son was not treated well by his employers and in a country suffering from famine, the son recognized that those his father employed had more than enough to meet their needs. This lead the son to return home with the intention of asking his father for forgiveness. The father gladly accepts his son back and in short throws a party to welcome his wondering son home.

The lesson that we can learn from this son is that God’s grace is more than sufficient, it does not matter how often or what we have done to sin against Him, if we come before our Heavenly Father with a sincere heart begging for forgiveness, He will forgive. The key in this lesson is recognizing that we have sinned and asking God for forgiveness to restore that relationship.

Now here is where the passage of scripture that I want to discuss comes into play.

“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30 but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

The older son returns home from working the fields, after picking up more work because of his brother's absence, to find that his father has killed the fattened calf an act that was reserved for an important time. There is music and dancing going on, and so naturally the older son asks what has happened, only to be told that his brother who squandered his father’s gift has returned home. This is where the warning for believers takes place.

There are some who would look at the measure of an individual who has recognized their sin and need for a savior but only see the past that person brings. They forget that all have sinned in the sight of God (Romans 3:23) and fail to see how God could love such a person as that. In fact, this is the very issue that Jesus is correcting in this story.

“Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near Jesus to listen to Him. 2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Luke 15:1-2

We are all the brother that wondered, most of the world still fails to see their sin and so they are still squandering the gifts that God has and wishes to give to them. Others, have seen that they need a savior and so return home as the second son did by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. But it is sad to say that some who profess to follow Jesus spend so long looking at the past of an individual that they fail to see that God has forgiven those sins just as He forgave theirs. These people mistakenly believe that there is no way that God could accept those who wondered from Him, and forget that they failed God as well. For those who think this way, I pray that you do not harden your heart like the older son, but instead see each person who has genuinely been saved as the Father does. “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’” Luke 15:32.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Study in Genesis

Last week we examined the first declaration ever made in history. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Simple but powerful, God gives Moses the answer to how everything came about. The verses moving forward after this describe how God made the heavens and the earth.

Today we are going to examine the sequence of events from the creation of the heavens to the creation of the earth. Genesis 1:2 “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” When reading this, we need to remember the Context Rule. The Context Rule states: The overall context of a singular verse cannot be fully analyzed without consultation of the complete surrounding texts, events, chapters, and whole books must be taken with equal weight.

The Context Rule must be followed with Genesis 1:2. God is explaining how He created the earth. How do we know it is the earth and not the heavens being described? Verse 1 gives us the sequence of creation, heavens followed by the earth. Thus, we can infer that by verse 2, the heavens have been made. When talking to Job, God gives greater details of the creation of the earth and states that the angels were there shouting for joy. Job 38:7 “When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?” This means heaven and the angels have been made.

Now what does it mean that “the earth was without form and void and darkness was on the face of the deep”? Some have speculated this is a gap. However, the context rule would indicate that God is making a sequence of events within a very real 24 hours each day.

But what does it mean without form and void? I would point to the Old Testament scholars the Septuigent, which is nothing more than a fancy name for “The 70”. After Alexander the Great had conquered the known world, most people including the Jews spoke Greek. Hebrew was for ceremony. The Jews wanted the Old Testemant in their spoken language. Thus, the most prestigious scholars of the day came together making the 70. This group took the Hebrew and translated it into the most arguably precise language ever made. When the Septuigent made their translations they said, “But the earth was unsightly and unfurnished” This is further supported when we read Job 38 where God details to Job creation.

Job 38:3-12  “Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell [Me,] if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7 When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 “Or [who] shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth [and] issued from the womb; 9 When I made the clouds its garment, And thick darkness its swaddling band; 10 When I fixed My limit for it, And set bars and doors; 11 When I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!’ 12 “Have you commanded the morning since your days [began,] [And] caused the dawn to know its place,”

When we come to grips with what God is explaining to Job, we understand that verse 2 of Genesis is establishing physics, mathematics, and other laws that will govern the earth. The material that He would use was created and the shaping was coming about. You see this is also a declaration of God; from the start He is revealing that all things happen because of Him. God is building upon verse one. He first declared He made it, now He is describing to the reader how at the very molecular level creation happened. Next week we will see how God is already making statements establishing a foundation for mankind that reveals just how intentional the almighty God of the universe really is.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

How do you apply the Law? Find out HERE!

Mill House Ministries Is Four

Dear readers,

It seems as if I had just sat down to write our third year update; and now it turns out that by God’s grace we have been writing for a whole other year! The fact that this website has been running for four years is truly a testimony to God’s glory, our readers has continued to grow and I truly hope that you all have been able to use this website to grow deeper in your walk with Jesus Christ!

Now that another year has past, we are planning to continue to share what we have learned with you all! However, as we start our fifth year, we ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we study, write, and declare Jesus Christ to the world. Pray that we are able to see where God is calling Mill House Ministries to go, pray that we are able to share His word more fully, and pray for our own walk with Jesus Christ as well. Thank you and we look forward to what this next year brings!

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Who wrote the book of Genesis? Does it matter? These two questions are vital if we are to properly understand the first 3 chapters of Genesis and more. There are many creation stories all written by those who were created. Only in Genesis does the reader get to hear from the Creator, the Designer of you and I. Other religions make claims, but it is only through Genesis do we have a written account from the Source of all things.

First, who wrote the book of Genesis? The answer is that God told Moses what to write.

Exodus 24:4 “And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Joshua, the successor after Moses, knew Moses had written it and it was given by God,

Joshua 1:7-8  “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

The apostles also verify Moses as the author. John states, John 1:17 “For the law was given through Moses, [but] grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Paul also describes this in, Romans 10:5 “For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.”

Most importantly, Jesus Himself testifies that Genesis was written by Moses, Luke 24:44 “Then He said to them, “These [are] the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and [the] Prophets and [the] Psalms concerning Me.”

This means that Genesis is written by Moses and the source of information is credible no matter how hard it might be for us to understand.

So when we see Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” We can examine it for what it is, a declaration from the author of His work. Verse 2 and forward is an expression and description of this one verse.

Next week, we will examine this declaration and see how unique a statement it is and the power needed to make such a statement. Nevertheless, we can hold fast to the words of Moses and that they were given to him directly from God. So if God says He made the heavens and earth, we can hold it to be true. Now the question is how?

See you next week as we continue our study in Genesis.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Join us for a brief look at the book of Judges! Read it HERE!

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