Unbroken Promises

There are many issues that prevent an individual from accepting God’s word as true, one of which is the misconception that we have to earn our salvation and that God is not a fair God. Today’s post is not going to argue the fact that we cannot be “good enough” to earn our salvation. Mill House Ministries has written many posts devoted to helping our readers understand that it is through faith in Jesus Christ’s actions alone that brings about salvation. Instead, today I want to take a look at the false idea that God will turn back on His promises. This is a lie that has been created as a stumbling block to those who are either baby believers or those who are trying to understand God’s salvation. However, we can see in Psalm 89 a passage from God regarding His word.

“If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, 31 if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, 32 I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; 33 but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. 34 I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. 35 Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness— and I will not lie to David— 36 that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; 37 it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.”

Psalm 89:30-37

The beginning of Psalm 89 discusses how God has sworn to David that his throne will never end; a fact we see true since Jesus Christ came from the line of David and He will reign permanently on earth, then Psalm 89 begins to go into the author praising God so it may seem out of place that verse 30 starts off with God making the statement that if David’s descendants decide to not follow Him that He will punish them. However, when you read through 1 and 2 Chronicles as well as 1 and 2 Kings, you see that this is exactly what happens. Many kings failed to follow God and their reign was poor. Through these historical books of the Bible, we see how God does punish the kings that do not follow Him. But we also see that God continually states that God is not willing to destroy them because of the covenant made to David. God’s promises hold true even when we are not faithful to Him.

For us today, there are many Christians who fear messing up and that being the cause for them to lose their salvation. However, we can see from God’s word that He keeps His promises. There may be consequences for our actions, but God has promised that when we belong to Him, nothing can separate us from Him. “25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:25-29.

Further evidence of this fact is found again in Psalm 89. God promised that David’s line would continue forever and his throne would be established forever. This is completed in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is a descendant of the line of David and He is reigning today and will one day physically reign on earth. “15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15.

Remember fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, when we hear the lie that we need to earn our salvation or that God is unfair; remember that His word holds true. God did not destroy the line of David due to a promise He made, He will not abandon those who belong to Him.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Today I wanted to take a quick pivot and recognize something that is interesting. There are seven days of creation. While we know these to be literal, can they also be symbolic in declaring a historical plan of the centuries? Mapping out the timeline of human history? I think there is a powerful argument for this. In fact, there are many individuals such as Dr. Dave Reagan, Clarence Larkin, Dr. Andy Woods, and many others who believe this theory.

Let’s examine some of the key Bible verses supporting this theory. Psalms 90:4 “For you, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours.”

Many of the Old Testament theologians thought that the Messiah would arrive during the fourth Century of human history because of the creation of light on the fourth day.  Based on the genealogy found in Chronicles, Matthew, Luke, and other books of the Bible; we know that Jesus would have shown up at the end of the fourth century.

Peter affirms this theory as a possibility. 2 Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day [is] as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

I must admit, that I have more work to do in this study, and I believe that the answer can be found because God has given us ample clues indicating such treasure is awaiting those children who will lean forward and dig into His word with an earnest heart and a desire to learn from the Maker of it all. Finally, why do I tell you this? For two specific reasons.

First, because it is a call to action for you the reader. God has given us hints; we need to examine and try to find what He is hinting at for us to look for. Go look, find the answer and let me know!

Second, just like in science there are moments that we identify something, but do not have all the pieces yet. Physics is one of those, we can tell something is there even though we do not have all the pieces yet. The theory of seven days of creation representing human history in seven thousand years can be applied in similar fashion. Thus, we can examine in theory human history and see what is coming next. Remarkably, we are coming to the end of six thousand years. What does this mean? It means the millennium reign of Jesus Christ is coming. A thousand years of rest and peace, with King Jesus on the throne in Jerusalem. However, we still have a few years to go and some very big prophetic events that must take place first. Why does this have anything to do with us right now in our study of Genesis? Because next week we will see a rebellion in Heaven.   

One additional note yesterday was Fathers Day. I want to tell all the men who have taken on the role of a father, know matter if forced or willing, no matter if biologically theirs or adopted, thank you. We need men who are willing to be the earthly fathers and point children to their Heavenly Father more today than any other time in human history. Thank you for what you do. We have more work to do, and the hour is too late for us to give up. We need to stand firm and be what Christ has called us fathers to be. For the men out there that have not had the chance yet, be vigilant for God will use those who are willing. Having your own children is not a requirement to be a father to a child. Children can be older as well. Personally, I have some of the best father figures in my life since I was in my late 20’s and up. Fathers today need to remember what Christ said through Paul to the Corinthian men, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.”

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

A look back into First and Second Chronicles. Read it HERE!

More Than Bread

It is no secret that when Jesus spoke to those around Him, He would often have more than one meaning in His words. One example of this I have found recently is in Matthew 16.

“When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” 8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Matthew 16:5-12

When this passage is discussed, many look at the obvious teaching. Avoid the legalistic view of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. However, after reading through this passage multiple times, I noticed that there is something else that we can learn from here. This passage opens up with the disciples lamenting over the fact that they forgot to bring bread with them on the boat, Jesus takes this time to state something that would appear to not be relavent to the conversation of missing bread “Be on guard against the Pharisees and Sadducees”. What Jesus is doing here is turning the disciples worry over a physical aspect (the bread) into a spiritual lesson against the issues that would infect the church. If any of our readers have ever made bread, you would know that a little yeast goes a long way. In fact, in the bread that I make, one tablespoon is enough to provide me two loaves. Jesus is warning the disciples to watch out for the issues that those who were not following Him would bring, one small idea can lead to big problems.

The disciples must have found themselves confused by Jesus’s statement, since their reply is back to the physical issue of not having food on the boat. However, they were missing an even bigger lesson that Jesus was teaching. That they, and us today, can bring our questions to Him freely. While the disciples are focused on the issue of the bread, Jesus calls them men of little faith and asks them why are they discussing this amongst themselves. What the disciples didn’t realize and what many Christians today fail to realize as well, is that we can bring our questions directly to Him. This passage occurs directly after Jesus feeds the five thousand and a separate time feeds the four thousand. If the issue was solely about physical bread, Jesus could have solved that. But the disciples, as so many today, failed to bring their questions to Him and instead try to figure it out themselves.

There is another example of how we can freely bring our thoughts and questions to Jesus, and this occurs in Matthew 16:21-23. “21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Many like to give Peter a bad rap because of this scenario, they state that Peter was so focused on the physical aspect that he was not grasping the bigger picture; that Jesus had to die and be resurrected in order to bring salvation. However, have you ever read this and noticed that Jesus is not rebuking Peter for bringing his ideas to Him? Instead, Jesus is reminding Peter that God the Father has greater plans than what mankind does.

So the next time you find yourself sitting and struggling with the meaning of a passage of Scripture, remember that we do not need to work it out ourselves. Instead, we are free to bring our questions to Jesus Christ, and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will receive and answer. All we need to do, is keep our focus on what God is teaching us. Remember when in doubt go to Jesus and ask Him. Then after go to His word and watch what He does.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Today we are reviewing the rest of chapter two. Many who scoff at God’s word point towards chapter two as being out of place when you have chapter one with such detail. However, what they fail to see is like in chapter one verses one and two, God is going into more detail. He made a statement with chapter one. Now He is going into further specifics on one aspect. He is giving different perspective points of the same event. This might sound strange to us who are only able to perceive in a narrow way. God being all present, all knowing, and all powerful can very much describe from different perspectives the same event that He orchestrated. Chapter two is just that.

He gives more clarity on His creation process and wanting to help the reader who might have had questions with chapter one, see the scientific mind behind the science. God is designing and showing how He is doing it.

Genesis 2:4-6  “This [is] the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, 5 before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and [there was] no man to till the ground; 6 but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground.”

Once again we need to be reminded that during all this time, everything is good. There is nothing wrong. However, God does the unthinkable and creates something in His own image. He creates a man.

Genesis 2:7-9 “And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 8 The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life [was] also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

There is something rather remarkable that we need to identify. God takes dirt and makes man. God breathes life into man. What does this mean? It means that mankind is unique, something that no other thing in creation is. We are the bridge from the natural to the spiritual. We are made in the image of God with the dirt of this World. This is why all life is sacred! This is why all life should be cheerished. This is not an argument against capital punishment, (for which the Bible clearly endorses) but rather is the root foundation for why abortion is wrong. This is why God is so against nations and groups who murder. Remember, if it is important to God, it must be important to us as well.

Many might try to race through and skip verses 10 through 15. However we cannot do that. If it is important for God to say, then it is important for us to study.

Genesis 2:10-15“10 Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. 11 The name of the first [is] Pishon; it [is] the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where [there is] gold. 12 And the gold of that land [is] good. Bdellium and the onyx stone [are] there. 13 The name of the second river [is] Gihon; it [is] the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river [is] Hiddekel; it [is] the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river [is] the Euphrates. 15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.”

What does this mean? In short, several things. However, today we will keep it to its most simple equation. These five verses allow us to understand the garden is a literal place, that was on earth. That God’s word is reliable and meaningful. I would encourage you to do your own study into the rivers and why they are labeled in the order and described as such.

Here we come to our first commandment given by God. This commandment must be recognized for what it is. He is giving us free rein! We have the ability to eat what we want. Some will take this and run with it and say that God is giving us liberty to smoke and eat whatever we want. This is not the case. Remember during this time everything is good. The curse of sin has not come. We do not know what fruits, or plants would have interacted with us differently pre-sin.

 Genesis 2:16 “16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

We now come to a section of scripture that must be taken seriously. God creates woman. Until this point. It has only been Adam and God. This relationship while being short, has already been given merit. God is in communication with Adam, He is directing Adam, He is protecting Adam, He is establishing Adam in his role within creation. This relationship is perfect. However,  God now does something that is new. He has created Adam and recognized Adam’s need. Adam does not know what it is he needs, but God does. Adam doesn’t know how to fix the issue, but God does. Adam is perfect and is in need of God’s action. This should be a huge indicator for us that even when we are following the Lord, there will be times we still need Him to act for us. God is aware of what we need, even when we do not know we need it or know how to answer it. God answers Adam’s need with the best gift outside of salvation. Some might think I am out of place by saying “gift” I am very intentional with this statement. The creation of woman was something Adam did not deserve. He had not earned her, she was presented. Men and women need to remember that. Our relationship is totally based on the Lord, not ourselves. This means we are to act according to His commands period. Our relationships with each other, were designed by God, thus we should follow the designers guidance.

Genesis 2:18-22 “18 And the LORD God said, “[It is] not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought [them] to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that [was] its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.”

What happens next is unique, God established marriage. Ironically, Adam and Eve did not have a choice. Some might call this inappropriate; but in a perfect world, with perfect people and a perfect God, all things fall into perfect alignment. How increadible is the fact God designed Adam perfectly for Eve and Eve perfectly for Adam. Adam understood this perfection immediately because we see the following verses.

Genesis 2:23-25 “23 And Adam said: “This [is] now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”

The world has many ideas and definitions of what is right and wrong. Nevertheless God’s definition is different. Only in God do we have a perfect definition designed around the maker of the universe crafting for us the vessel of which man and woman were to be one. God could have been admiring the cosmos, but He was focused on helping us. He could have been seeing the animals do what animals do, instead He was marrying our great ancestors. God created us and was showing the rest of creation just how important we were to Him. Adam announces the establishment of God’s work and prophetically gives orders for the future of mankind. Creation is put on notice, mankind has arrived and is in a very real relationship with God that no other creation can match.  As we will see next week, this I believe causes a problem for someone.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL 

Re-Post Friday

Understanding the importance of God’s timing. Read it HERE!

Binding Affections

Last week we discussed how we should not hide that we have sinned and that we can use our past mistakes to bring glory to God. We touched on how our past shows God’s grace and mercy because we are able to share the Light that shone out of our darkness. This week, I want to discuss the other side of this coin. While some Christian’s may feel that their past needs to be hidden and fail to see that it can be used to bring others to Christ; there are others who continue relationships with non-believers to the detriment of their testimony.

“Our mouth has spoken freely to you, you Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. 12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 13 Now in the same way in exchange—I am speaking as to children—open wide your hearts to us, you as well. 14 Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness? 15 Or what harmony does Christ have with Belial, or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell among them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. 18 And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 6:11-18

When you first read this passage, it would almost seem as if it is contradicting last week’s post. However, while last week Paul was pointing out that our past is a way to witness to others; now he is warning us of misplaced affections. The believers in Corinth were held back by their affection for others who did not care to follow Christ. This misplaced affection was a stumbling block. Ancient Corinth was a large and important city of Greece, needless to say idolatry ran wild. The believers in this day, according to Paul, were still maintaining close enough relationships with those who practiced beliefs outside of what Christ taught. To the point that they needed to be reminded that they were different. For believers today, this could be seen as someone who is a born-again Christian but still holds close ties with an individual or individuals who are antisemitic or make claims that go against what the Bible teaches. When this occurs, our own testimony is restrained because we are not upholding what God’s word says.

Now I do need to state here, Paul is calling us to separate from non-believers, to show that we are different. He is not calling us to not interact with non-believers; after all, it is only by interacting with the world around us are we able to show God’s grace and mercy. It is why the Bible states that we are to be in this world, but not of it. “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.” John 17:14 We need to interact with non-believers so that they can see the Light that shines out of us. What Paul is warning about here, is not to allow our actions to become like those who have no intention of repenting and accepting that they are a sinner who needs Jesus Christ. Thankfully Christ knows the heart, however through a changed heart comes action. That action is visible for those around us and in ourselves who are His.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

We now come to the final day of creation. The seventh day!

Genesis 2:1-3 “Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”

The human characteristic of a week was established. God not only had created the physical world, but was also establishing in creation the metaphysical world and all proper societal norms we enjoy today. Have there been some who have strayed from a week format? Yes, but in general the world has operated on such a principle.

Ironically, chapter two starts by making sure we understand what has been made and in the correct order. First, God creates the heavens, the Hebrew word is “Shamayim” which includes the sky where the birds are, stars, and Heaven. Next God makes the earth. The hosts of each category come at their appointed time with their relation of dimension.

God is a God of order, there is no chaos that He has created; the Spiritual and Natural are in perfect harmony. Just the way God created it. You might be wondering, “Why does the cosmos look like a war happened?” The answer to this, we will discuss next week. These three verses emphasize the importance of chapter one. However, it also provides us with something only God can do. He provided a day of the week that we can stop our busy schedule and reflect on God and reflect on His creation. Only God can provide mankind a beautiful opportunity to stop our busy life schedule and examine what God has done. Many people like to take and twist this day into something it is not. The seventh day is Saturday, and yet you can still worship on Sunday and should! Ironically, the early church gathered on Saturday and on Sunday. However, for the Christian, our entire life and future is built on what happened on Sunday. Acts 17:31 “because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Sunday is the day I go to Church with other believers, I also go on other days as scheduled for different events.

This post is not a post regarding what day to worship, but rather emphasizing what God emphasized. He made Saturday a day of rest. He gave us a day to stop and reflect on His word and creation.

I want to end on a positive note. At this moment in history, everything is good and is in order as designed. This means that for us today who ask the serious questions of “Why God is this happening?” We need to step back and realize it was not designed that way, and God intends to fix what was broken. Next week we will see how God builds on creation within the metephysical world, with something the forces of evil hate and wants to destroy at all cost. The following week, we will discuss what happens before the fall of man but after creation. After we will review how God knew this was coming and has ordained in creation a calendar of His work! Remember that God is always in control and is aware of all things. This we can take assurance in and be at peace; knowing that He can calm the very storm that He designed. He can be in the heights and depths wherever you find yourself calling out to God. He is there and He cares!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Understanding the importance of 1 and 2 Kings. Read it HERE!

Unconcealed

Have you ever looked at the mistakes you have made and thought there was no way that God could use you? Or that your problems are simply too big or unchristian like to use to bring others to know God’s forgiveness? This is an issue that I see prevalent inside born-again believers. We often talk about God’s grace and what He has done for us, but when it comes to showing nonbelievers how we were before Christ became our Lord and Savior, we almost want to gloss over it. Sure we will say that we were sinners, but don’t say why. And this is a detriment to our testimony, an issue that is addressed in 2 Corinthians.

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in trickery nor distorting the word of God, but by the open proclamation of the truth commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants on account of Jesus.6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:1-7

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth first with an encouragement, do not lose heart. Why should the born-again believer not lose heart? It is because we have God’s mercy, we have been forgiven of our sins. A lot of people like to bash the Corinthian church for the issues of idolatry, disputes among fellow believers, and issues dividing the church. However, what is failed to be seen is that the Corinthian church is a church that receives Paul’s correction and applies it. They acknowledge the issues that were making it difficult for them to have a closer relationship with God, and are renouncing it. The Corinthian church is a wonderful reminder to put aside what is separating you from God. The believers in Corinth renounced what caused them to sin, not only that but they did not hide these flaws they used them to proclaim God’s grace to those around them. And so should believers today.

Paul continues to state that our proclamation of the truth will only be concealed to those who are already blinded by what the world is offering. These individuals would not care about what a believer did before they came to know Christ because most likely they have or are committing the same sin. The only difference is that they do not wish to repent of it. And so Paul is writing to tell the Corinthian church and readers today to not lose heart. We should not fear our failures but use them to preach Jesus Christ. Out of the darkness of our sin shines the light of God’s grace and mercy. When we examine the larger picture we can see how God’s calling in a believers life is unfazed by our past sin, it is all sin. There may be those around us who are doubting that God can forgive them, there sin is to great, there actions are so unchristian like that there is no way that God could care. It is by sharing our own brokenness that we can show these individuals what God has done, that there is no sin too great for Him to forgive someone who truly wants repentance and reconciliation with God Almighty. I’ll leave you with this, when you or others around you feel as if our sin is too great for God, it is too outstanding for healing, it is too outrageous for God’s forgiveness, remember what Christ said to Peter, “But Jesus looked at [them] and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY OF GENESIS

Today we continue our study in Genesis, and I cannot but think it is an ironic coincidence that this chapter falls on Memorial Day. We know that many of our readers are from different nations, so allow me a quick second to explain what this holiday is. Memorial Day is a celebration when the United States honors those who have died in military service for the United States. It was originally established after the Civil War, and it’s a moment when we place American flags on graves and other national cemeteries reminding ourselves of those who gave it all for freedom. Now you might be wondering what does this have to do with Genesis, but please wait till the end.

Day four of creation is accomplished, we now arrive at day five. For the bird lovers and water folk this is our day!

Genesis 1:20-23 “20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that [it was] good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.”

I love how God takes the two extremes and brings them into creation on the same day. This has been a subtle reminder for me that God is in the highest places on earth and the depths; there is no place God is not capable of being. He made the soaring eagles, the giant squids, and other creatures in the dark deep ocean. People generally think of God only being in Heaven and the sky but Genesis 1:22 reveals that God from the beginning designed the deep as well. Job 38:16 “Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths?” Day five is the day we would get Shark Week!

However, for everything that He made in day five, He is still not done. Day six we see more!

Genesis 1:24-25 24 “Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, [each] according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that [it was] good.”

PAUSE!

Up to this moment, there is no mankind. As we learned before, angels are present and there is nothing bad. It is here that God in the Trinity, (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) decide to do the unthinkable. To do something that had not been done before. The angels do not have it, neither does any other created thing…He creates you!

Genesis 1:26-27 “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

God creates two, male and female. Simple, and yet a resounding rejection to what is being forced upon the world today. There are two. Uniquely designed to benefit one another and ultimately reflect the Lord as being image bearers of the Trinity! What does this mean? Simply put, God created us not to worship creation but to lead creation. We were designed to be the bridge from the creation towards the creator and as we will see in chapter three, we fail! The creation, including us, was good. There was no sin and yet something happened. We failed. Some might blame Satan for tricking humankind, but ultimately mankind through Adam and Eve fell from being good.

When mankind is good, we have a relationship with God. This relationship has purpose, has a reason for being there. The question of “Why am I here” is quickly answered. We are here because God designed and loves us. You are not a mistake. Be male or female, you have purpose. Let’s examine the final verses of chapter one and see what it means when we have a relationship with God.

Genesis 1:28-31 “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb [that] yields seed which [is] on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 “Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which [there is] life, [I have given] every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed [it was] very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

God is clear, precise, and intimate with them. There is no ambiguity, doubt, or even question as to His purpose in their life. Why is this? It is because they have a relationship built on perfection. This perfection is not something you and I can understand without Christ Jesus in our life. This chapter ends in a not so subtle way of God declaring something rather remarkable, “It was very good.” God makes mankind and it is considered very good. Remember He is all knowing! Thus, He is already aware of what we are going to do in just a few short pages! Sin is coming, death is coming, and yet God sees mankind at that moment and recognizes its perfection. Mankind was perfect! But death came.

Sin causes death. Sin causes war, sin causes the need for mankind to stop and reflect on the pain and suffering that we have brought upon the world. At the end of Chapter 1, God knows what is coming and yet He still takes the moment to say it is “very good.” This should cause you to have hope! Because God is a God of the past and future, but more importantly He is a God of the present. This is vitally important for us to understand. When we sin, we die; when we accept Christ into our life and allow His death and resurrection to pay for our sin, we are alive. PERIOD! This means that God works very much in the present. He declares the future to emphasize His divinity, but do not forget that He is very much aware of the here and now. So if you are saved in Christ you are as perfect now as you will be one day in His presence.

Memorial Day is a day for Americans, but it is a day for everyone to remember what mankind brought into this world. Sin came by one man, however, salvation came by a different man. This Man lived a perfect life, and died for you and I. He lived so we could live, He died so we didn’t have to die. He now reigns because He is a very present God who watches out for you and I right now. God has been doing this since the first day of our creation, and it is why we can say with confidence that only in Jesus Christ do you have a living God who is with you every step of every day.

 Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

What can we learn from 1 Chronicles 12? Find our HERE.

More Than A Singular Purpose

One of the most quoted Bible verses is found in the book of Romans; and it makes sense that it would be because this verse helps to provide comfort when we are going through difficult situations. At the same time, this verse is one that is a challenge to hear when you are in the midst of a struggle; but I believe this is because most of us are missing the deeper meaning to the verse. So what is one of the most quoted Bible verses of all time? It is Romans 8:28.

“28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Like I said, this verse is often quoted when we are faced with a hardship. And while it does bring comfort to know that at the end of the situation God will get the glory, it might still be difficult to hear when we feel broken down. And this is where I believe that many of those who are born again are missing the deeper meaning to this verse. God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God. The word “those” in this sense can both be singular and plural.

This passage can be talking about the singular person or group who is facing a difficult time who find peace in knowing that God is in control and will use this for Him. Or the peace could come in knowing that at the end of the hardship there will be peace because God is a good Father who cares for His children. “Or what person is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:9-11.

However, Romans 8:28 can also be applied in a plural sense. As Christians, we will be faced with difficultly. Following Christ does not mean that we will escape the sinful acts of this world. We will be faced with painful experiences, the difference for us at the rest of the world is that we have Christ. Jesus Christ gives us a hope that every situation will work out for the best at the end; and when we are struggling we can lean on His strength, not our own. But because God is a good Father who cares for His children, He gives us the companionship of those who have faced similar trials.

Romans 8:28 also reminds us to share our experiences with others to help strengthen them in their own life journey with Christ as well. The body of Christ is provided by God to help us in a very present way, it is why when there are struggles God provides other believers as a method to help us. Have you faced a time when you struggled financially but have seen how God provided for you? Find someone who is struggling now, and share your experience. Suffering from medical issues? Find someone who has gone through it as well and see what verses they leaned on. Having to move away from friends and family? Get connected into a life group. The Christian walk was not meant to be done alone. The experiences you have had in your life can and should be used to help other believers who are in the same boat. Romans 8:28 is designed like all of God’s word to be applicable in our life, He cares for you and I thus His actions reflect such love.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Welcome back to our study in Genesis. Today we are going to continue in our study going into days three and four. Today, we are going to point out something rather remarkable and missed by many skeptics.

9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry [land] appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry [land] Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that [it was] good. 11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb [that] yields seed, [and] the fruit tree [that] yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed [is] in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb [that] yields seed according to its kind, and the tree [that] yields fruit, whose seed [is] in itself according to its kind. And God saw that [it was] good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day. 14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 “and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. [He made] the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that [it was] good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Genesis 1:9-19

God starts once again by reminding us that He is in control of nature, He gathers the water into one place. This is hard because mankind cannot gather any water and tell it to stay in one place. We can capture it, but gathering it and making it stay on its own free will is outside of our means. However, it is partway through day three that we find dry earth. Before this there was nothing. Those who claim a gap in time, fail to recognize that this is the day that land shows up. Day three, is when we finally see dry land emerging.

For those who believe these days are not literal days, but rather symbolism for thousands and or millions of years, they might stumble when they realize that God creates plants on day three with the dry land and the sun for photosynthesis on day four. What does that mean? God creates the world in such a way as to negate any idea that the world or known universe can be created without His direct involvement. He creates it in a literal 24 hour period for each day. We need to enforce this idea because without it, God’s word becomes something we can pick, choose, and throw the rest into the junk drawer of spiritual symbolism. Next week we will discuss the final aspects of God’s creation leading up to mankind. It is here that we will see you and I come on the scene.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Understanding the books 1st and 2nd Samuel. Read it HERE!

The Value of the Word

“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;”

2 Timothy 3:16

We have all heard this passage at one time or another, but I feel many fail in understanding the significance of this verse. When Paul is writing to Timothy regarding the use of scripture, he points out that it is all beneficial. All of it, not just passages, but even down to the singular level such as names. Today, we will be looking at a passage that connects the Old Testament to the New Testament, and also shows an important characteristic of our Father.

“So I purchased her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver, and a homer and a lethech of barley.”

Hosea 3:2

To put this verse into context, the woman in question here is the wife of the prophet Hosea. she had left her marriage vows and sought after other lovers only to be placed upon the auction block where her husband pays the price of 15 pieces of silver, a homer and lethech of barley. Now you may be wondering why I chose this specific passage in relation to 2 Timothy. Upon first glance it would appear that there really isn’t much to be learned from here other than my brief synopsis, however, there are two important lessons to be learned here.

First, we need to look at what a homer and lethech is. These are terms used to describe a dry measure. Often times, if there was not enough money to purchase an item the Israelites would use a certain weight of another item to equal the cost. Exodus 21:32 shows us that the price of a slave was thirty pieces of silver. “32 If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall give his or her master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.” So then we can deduce that a homer and lethech would equal the other 15 pieces of silver needed. Now this isn’t simply a math lesson, and I hope that when you saw that Hosea paid the price of thirty pieces of silver you started to remember where else this value comes into play. “Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.” Matthew 26:14-15. Is it not interesting to see that the cost paid to betray Jesus Christ is that of a slave? Now also keep in mind that Hosea’s wife, Gomer, has often been used as a physical representative of Israel while Hosea was a representative of God. The book of Hosea shows that God forgives Israel from wondering away from Him, and now we see that the price paid for Gomer is the same as for Jesus. God’s redemption plan is all throughout the scriptures, both Old and New Testament.

The second lesson we can see in Hosea 3:2 is from the little word “lethech”. This word only occurs in Hosea 3:2, it is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. While the meaning behind it is as a dry measure may not be important, the fact that it only occurs here is important. Hosea 3:2 shows us that the Old Testament can and should be connected to the New Testament, while the New Testament points back to the Old Testament. The singular use of the word “lethech” shows us that God only pays for our sin once, an act He did on the cross. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior, our sin is paid for, it is finished. While we may, and do, continue to make mistakes; God has already paid the price of it.

I hope that with the example of Hosea 3:2, we can all have a little more appreciation for 2 Timothy 3:16. When Paul states that all scripture is beneficial, he truly means all!

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Last week we discussed day one of creation. We learned that God is not only intentional with His creation, but also with preparing the foundation for future actions such as the creation of all living things. Today, we will examine Genesis 1:6-8

“6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.”

Within this passage, there are several truths we need to recognize, God is intentionally designing and establishing creation in such a way as to preemptively dissolve any argument that might attempt to substitute Him and His actions.

God is not only creating the oceans, but He is also hinting at something rather unique. We see the atmosphere come into play! What does this mean? It means that the design which we still have to this day, has been so from the beginning. Allow me to go down a quick but interesting rabbit trial. In this passage we see the creation of the atmosphere as we know it, we also know from coming chapters of Genesis that before the flood, mankind’s lifespan was much longer than it is now. This passage might provide a clue as to why this was the case. We might be dealing with a clue as to how mankind’s longevity has been determined. According to some scientist and researchers, the presence of more water in the atmosphere might have been the reasoning behind mankind living for several hundred years. How rapidly this decreased after the flood. At this point, the earth is covered in water, there is nothing outside of water at different levels. Many evolutionist would tell you that the world started off as a large chunk of dirt that over billions and billions of years brought water and later from the goo to the zoo to you. However, God’s word says that the earth had water everywhere.

It is at this moment that God is going to have to do something. The day ends and in the cycle of creation we have to stop and meditate on what has happened so far, and what happened on day two that is important for us to understand. There is light, darkness, and water. God has called them all good. There is nothing that God has made which is bad, imperfect, or even out of place. God is working in an order of events. Have you had God working in your life and at times it feels like it is out of place? Like His actions are not answering the prayer? Could it be that God is developing the sequence of events necessary for you to understand that His answer is only from Him and not by chance? Maybe we should be careful not to make rash decisions; wait and meditate. God’s declaration in Genesis 1:1 is being laid out, in His timing not ours. Thus today we should do the same thing. Cling to His promises; and if it appears that He is not acting on His promises, just wait upon the Lord and see. The answer might suddenly develop right before your very eyes.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

A look back at our one year anniversary. Read it HERE!

Motherly Characteristics

In just a few short days, we will be celebrating all those who are mothers. While everyone has a different journey into motherhood, I want to point out that being a mother isn’t just about giving birth to a child. There are many different ways that a woman can become a mother, whether it is through adoption, marriage, or simply stepping in for a child who needs an example of what a Christian woman is. The fact is, there is no one path to motherhood, what is important is the characteristics that a woman has. So today, I want to look at an example of a few women in the Bible and see what characteristics we should have in regards to children.

It only seems fitting, to start this comparison with the mother of our Lord and Savior, Mary. Luke 1:26-56 depicts the angel visiting and informing Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Many women I am sure would have been frightened about this, how could they raise the child of God? How would society view them? How would their family view them? And most importantly, what gave them the right for this honor? Verses 46-55 give us Mary’s response, and it is all honoring God. Mary puts aside her own worries and places her life in control of God. She knows that He would handle all that she would face.

Next on our list is, Lois and Eunice. For those who don’t know, these two women were the mother and grandmother to Timothy who became a pillar in the early church. Their faith helped to form Timothy into a man who was willing to follow God’s direction in his path. “I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:3-5.

Finally, I want to look at a verse that describes how a woman should be. “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” Titus 2:3-5. We are called to invest in those who will come behind us. The terms older/younger in this passage could mean someone of a different physical age or someone who is at a different point in their spiritual walk. To have that Christian mother characteristic we are called to ensure that we are raising other strong individuals in the faith.

So today while you are celebrating however, your motherhood journey is; please keep in mind these examples and see how you can grow into more of a Christian mother. Remember, this may not necessarily be to children who are biologically yours, you can still have an important impact in the lives of those who will come up behind us.

Happy Mother’s Day,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

The last two weeks we have been discussing the first declarations of God to mankind. We learned in Genesis 1:1 that God is the answer for everything. In Genesis 1:2, we see God build upon His declaration in verse one and we saw the Context Rule being applied. We need to keep this rule in our back pocket because without it, Genesis can quickly become an area of debate rather than historical facts. Today, we examine Genesis 1:3-5. Before we begin, we need to understand that God has prepared hidden philosophical gems, scientific treasures, and personal love notes throughout this chapter. While we unfortunately do not have the time, I would recommend that you dig into each of these topics on your own. If you are wanting to know more about the veracity and monumental scientific data backing up a literal six day creation, please go to the Institute for Creation Research. Here you will find great minds who have followed the science to realize that God is behind it all.  However, for our purposes today we will be hitting only the highlights.

Genesis 1:3-5 “3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that [it was] good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.”

God declared there to be light. As you can see in the rest of Genesis chapter one; the sun, moon, and stars are not present until day four. God spoke and it was, this means that the very word of God is power. At day one, God’s word is doing something that is unique. It is bringing definition, character, and separation. Only God can immediately have definition to His creation, thus giving us His signature in the scientific community. Nothing He is creating has to accumulate, evolve, or mutate, His scientific signature is that all creation has immediate distinction and definition. In the philosophical world, we could say, His creation from the beginning has presence. This means it has purpose designed and unified with the rest of creation, this is why at the end of each day He declares it is good. So when God says, “Let there be light” prior to what we know to be the sources of light, we are being drawn to a philosophical and spiritual truth. God is the origins of life and light. Undoubtedly as we read further in Genesis this theme will be played out even more.

His word brings character and uniqueness, “the light, that it was good.” At this point we need to realize that night, which for many is considered evil or foreboding, was in fact characterized by God as good.

God’s word separates, just look at Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

But God is not done! At this point, He does something that only He can do. He creates the construct of time. “So the evening and the morning were the first day.” God is designing the foundation for mankind to prosper. Before the sun, moon, or stars, the day was established. Even in the first day of creation we see God’s word is actively creating the needed environment for man to grow spiritually and intellectually; all before we even get to the physical preparation of the land for mankind’s arrival.  

Day one proves that God makes all things good. What we see today as bad, was not always that way; we see that God was designing the world for us prior to our arrival. He was thinking of you and I. This is all in day one! Next week we will continue evaluating the intentions of God on our behalf.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL