Monthly Archives: January 2011

Radical – Definitely not another “Your Best Life Now” book

Posted by Matthew on January 29, 2011 None comments |

I love how David posits Matthew 10 against the subtle lies of the American Dream and then tops it all off with Philippians 1:21, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Do not be afraid to do something great for Christ and die for it.

It is a wonderful reminder that unless we take our faith seriously, that is, to the death, we just won’t have an accurate view of what Christianity is about. Death to self. Loving not our lives unto death. Crucified with Christ. Counted as sheep for the slaughter. I’m sure you’ve read those verses a few times before. But how easy it is for such a perspective to be completely underhanded by such trivial consumeristic and materialistic values like stupid iPods, narcissistic internet social networking, Starbucks, and plastering our cars with retarded brand-names to show how much better we are than others. What if American Christians decided to be “Matthew 10″ Christians–biblical Christians? What if they cut-off the addictions to television, radio, media, social networking, internet, and Starbucks? What if they learned to value quietness, simplicity, contentedness, frugality, and above all self-sacrifice? Well that seems to be the hope of Platt in writing this book.
It’s a shame you have to pay $15 for it though. I suppose that would be the one suggestion I’d offer David Platt as far as spreading radical Christianity goes…make this book cheaper dangit!! After all, radical Christians arn’t in it to make a profit, are they?

He offers five practical challenges for the average Joe or Jane to take on over the course of a year to live a Matthew 10, radical kind of Christianity.

1. Pray for the entire world
2. Read through the entire Word
3. Sacrifice, not just give, a portion of your money.
4. Spend time in another context
5. Commit your life to a multiplying community

While I would agree with these, I would also add the following:

1. Shut off the TV, radio, games, and social networking. (You don’t know how addicted you are until you try to go awhile without it)
2. Avoid all pornographic media (including movies).
3. Sell your toys, luxury items, and only keep what is needful for you. Ditch the social status materialism. (i.e. trade your ridiculous luxury SUV for a smaller average vehicle that does nothing for your social status–or maybe even “lowers” your social status)

As wonderful as all this would be, I doubt that most American Christians would embrace this sort of lifestyle without a little pressing. God may just have to let our Church be smashed as happened with the first one in Jerusalem so that his will would be fulfilled.

The Anger of the Lord – Jeremiah 23:20

Posted by Matthew on January 25, 2011 1 comments |
The Anger of God

Trying to understand the anger of God is no small undertaking. Perhaps the best place to start is with some pertinent scriptures:

For who among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? Behold, the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly. (Jer 23:18-20)

Yet you have not listened to me, declares the LORD, that you might provoke me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm. (Jer 25:7)

Thus the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. They shall drink and stagger and be crazed because of the sword that I am sending among them.” So I took the cup from the LORD’s hand, and made all the nations to whom the LORD sent me drink it:

Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, its kings and officials, to make them a desolation and a waste, a hissing and a curse, as at this day; Pharaoh king of Egypt, his servants, his officials, all his people, and all the mixed tribes among them; all the kings of the land of Uz and all the kings of the land of the Philistines (Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod); Edom, Moab, and the sons of Ammon; all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastland across the sea; Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair; all the kings of Arabia and all the kings of the mixed tribes who dwell in the desert; all the kings of Zimri, all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of Media; all the kings of the north, far and near, one after another, and all the kingdoms of the world that are on the face of the earth. And after them the king of Babylon shall drink. “Then you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Drink, be drunk and vomit, fall and rise no more, because of the sword that I am sending among you.’ “And if they refuse to accept the cup from your hand to drink, then you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: You must drink! For behold, I begin to work disaster at the city that is called by my name, and shall you go unpunished? You shall not go unpunished, for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the LORD of hosts.’ “You, therefore, shall prophesy against them all these words, and say to them: “‘The LORD will roar from on high, and from his holy habitation utter his voice; he will roar mightily against his fold, and shout, like those who tread grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. The clamor will resound to the ends of the earth, for the LORD has an indictment against the nations; he is entering into judgment with all flesh, and the wicked he will put to the sword, declares the LORD.’ “Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, disaster is going forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth! “And those pierced by the LORD on that day shall extend from one end of the earth to the other. They shall not be lamented, or gathered, or buried; they shall be dung on the surface of the ground. “Wail, you shepherds, and cry out, and roll in ashes, you lords of the flock, for the days of your slaughter and dispersion have come, and you shall fall like a choice vessel. No refuge will remain for the shepherds, nor escape for the lords of the flock. A voice–the cry of the shepherds, and the wail of the lords of the flock! For the LORD is laying waste their pasture, and the peaceful folds are devastated because of the fierce anger of the LORD. Like a lion he has left his lair, for their land has become a waste because of the sword of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.”

(Jer 25:15-38)

Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation, before the decree takes effect –before the day passes away like chaff– before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the LORD. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD. (Zep 2:1-3)

In 1741, the famous puritan preacher and theologian, Jonathan Edwards, preached a message titled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. His message was simple and clear: outside of Christ, we are fully exposed and on the brink of eternal death and ruin, and the only reason we have not been delivered over to it is because God, by his mere, sovereign pleasure keeps us out of it.

Yes, God is a great deal more angry with the great numbers that are now on earth; yes, doubtless with the many that are now sitting in this congregation, who feel completely at ease, than He is with many of those who are now in the flames of hell. It is not because God is unmindful of their wickedness, and does not resent it, that He does not let loose His hand and cut them off. (Edwards)

When we think about God in the context of the Old Testament, it is easy to get the feeling that the Lord God of Israel is a terrible God of wrath and anger. However, a quick search on such terms reveals the following:

Term Occurrences in Scripture
God of Wrath 0
God of Anger 0
God of Vengeance 1 (Psa 94:1)
Wrath of God 11 (All in New Testament)
Anger of the Lord 35 (All in Old Testament)
God of Love 1 (2 Cor 13:11)
God of Peace 5 (All in New Testament)
God of Glory 2 (Psa 29:3 and Acts 7:2)
God of Justice 2 (Isa 30:18 and Mal 2:17)
God of Salvation 1 (Psa 68:20)

Nowhere in Scripture is God ever referred to as a “God of anger” or a “God of wrath”. He is however called a “God of Love”, a “God of Peace”, a “God of Salvation”, etc. This means that while God can be provoked to anger and wrath, his character and being is eternally rooted in love, peace, mercy, and goodness. It helps to think of God as being angry towards sin because sin, by nature, is anti-mercy, anti-love, anti-grace, or simply, anti-God. Thus, God takes great offense from sin.

It is this offense that can cause God to become fiercely provoked by the humans he created. That is evident to anyone from a cursory reading of the Bible. His anger can literally burn hot like coals beyond what many of us have ever experienced. Sinners can’t be angry with sin the way God, the Holy and Just, can. He fumes and flashes fire over it (Psalm 18:8).

The Pre-Church Age

The “Eye for an Eye” Mandate

The pre-church age is the time before Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed for the sins of the world–past, present, and future. God is a divine being whose throne is grounded on justice (Psalm 89:14). When God is wronged by us, there must be justice. Of course the question is asked, how could we possibly wrong God? But the answer is easy: we are his image.

“Whoever sheds the blood of man [sin], by man shall his blood be shed [justice], for God made man in his own image [it violates God's holiness]. (Gen 9:6)

He is perfect and exact in his divinity. He overlooks absolutely nothing. Everything is accounted for and everything is dealt with eye for eye, tooth for tooth (Exo 21:23-25). Jesus, as the Lamb of God, was God’s own sacrifice to balance the scales of his righteousness and holiness which we, created in his image, violated.

In other words, we harmed God life, eye, tooth, hand and foot. We burned, wounded, and beat him by our sin. It’s seems hard to believe but consider the words of David:

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. (Psa 51:3-4)

Thus, for justice to be properly dealt, God returned the favor to us: eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand and foot. Sometimes it was an individual (Deut 13:5), sometimes it was a community (Num 16:26-33), and sometimes it was a whole nation (Gen 19:28). One time, it was the whole entire world (Gen 6:7).

How different it would have been to live in an eye for eye world! Although this was the name of the game back then, it was never a true fulfillment but just a prophet shadow—a message. If all sins are ultimately against God, there remains the need for due justice, and the mere death of the body was not sufficient to balance the scales of our offence to God. There would need to be much more: the death of the soul. Thus from Jesus we learn about the real retribution, or real death:

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Mat 10:28)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. (Rev 2:11)

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. (Rev 21:8)

The Church Age

The “Turn the Other Cheek” Mandate

Anyone alive today can see that God is clearly not acting out in the way revealed in the Old Testament. God is not actively judging or bringing retribution for anyone’s sin, at least not in the way he used to. But how can this be? Consider Jesus’ startling words:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Mat 5:38-39)

Something very significant changed just then. We call it the perfect sacrifice: Jesus Christ, who harmed neither God nor man, offered himself as payment for the sins of all mankind by sacrificing himself. The profoundness of this change is simply incredible. It meant no less than that all the harm to God from mankind—every last bit of it—was atoned for(1 John 2:2).

In Christ, God offers a free way out of paying for your own sins. In essence, God is turning the other cheek because Jesus was God (John 1:1).

God sacrifices God. Justice is complete. Man is spared.

There is only one requirement on man’s part, and that is to believe it:

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom 3:23-26)

By putting forth Christ Jesus, this text shows us that God was able to accomplish three things. One, to make clear to all mankind  his righteousness. Two, to maintain his integrity as a God of justice (Psalm 89:14). And three, to justify all who have faith in Jesus.

So now the tides have turned, and the era of the Church has begun. The Scripture speaks of this as an appointed time of grace, not anger (2 Cor. 6:2). There is no anger of God being poured out on humankind. The anger that would otherwise be upon us is abated by the rule of Jesus Christ (Mat. 28:18). He is instead pouring out grace. He is full of grace and not wrath. And that grace is in a very specific form: the Church. Thus the church is not a means for God to bring judgment, curse, or retribution. Those who beat non-believers over the head with the Bible surely do not know God. Those Christians who are always ready to pour out their own wrath on other people’s sins surely do not know the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Yet, as Jonathan Edwards points out, God holds all up over the pit of hell by his pleasure—his goodness, patience, grace, and mercy. Our sin would immediately banish us to the depths of Sheol if it weren’t for God holding us up in this very moment. So long as Jesus is in authority and at work through his Church, humanity gets to experience nothing but the peace, love, grace, and mercy of God. As the Church spreads, so the grace, love, and peace of God spreads. This is the very mission of the Holy Spirit.

In the context of the church age, no one in the New Testament ever talks about God being angry. Jesus himself never talks about God’s anger with people’s sin except in terms of the day of judgment.

Jesus responds to sin thus:

And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. (Mat 18:9)

He takes sin very seriously. Yet, rather than destroying those offending his holiness, he instead eats with them:

“This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luk 15:2)

Jesus Christ will deal with those who reject him later (Rev 19:11-16).

The Future Judgment

The “Eye for an Eye” Fulfillment

While sin may be overlooked by God presently, there will be a day when all who have not repented of their sin and put their trust in Jesus will have to account, and pay, for their own sin eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. Those who are in Christ, have nothing to worry about for the Lord will deal with them according to Jesus.

Paul speaks about it in this way:

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works… (Rom 2:4-6)

In Psalm 18 there is a revelation of the future judgment of God.

(Psa 18:4) The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me;
(Psa 18:5) the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.
(Psa 18:6) In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

In other words, sin has enslaved me, I am bound to hell and confronted by my wretchedness. But grace is available to all who cry for help.

(Psa 18:7) Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry.
(Psa 18:8) Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.
(Psa 18:9) He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet.
(Psa 18:10) He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.
(Psa 18:11) He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him, thick clouds dark with water.
(Psa 18:12) Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.
(Psa 18:13) The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones [see Rev 16:21] and coals of fire [see 2 Pet 3:12].
(Psa 18:14) And he sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them.
(Psa 18:15) Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
(Psa 18:16) He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.

The appointed time comes when the authority is transferred back from Jesus, and God is fury is let loose. After the world has denied Jesus, their only hope of salvation, glowing coals begin to flame forth from him, and his own are taken out of harm’s way.

(Psa 18:17) He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
(Psa 18:18) They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.
(Psa 18:19) He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
(Psa 18:20) The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.

The Lord will deal with believers according to their faith in Jesus who is called “The Lord our righteousness” (Jer. 23:6).

(Psa 18:21) For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
(Psa 18:22) For all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me.
(Psa 18:23) I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt.
(Psa 18:24) So the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
(Psa 18:25) With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
(Psa 18:26) with the purified you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
(Psa 18:27) For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.

With the purified, God shows himself pure, but to the crooked he shows himself tortuous. Here we see how justice can be the most beautiful thing in the world (to those purified by Jesus’ blood) or the worst thing in the world (to those who deny Jesus).

So, in light of all this we can conclude the following:

  1. God is not dealing with humanity according to its sinfulness, but according to the work of Jesus through the Church. His anger and wrath is put aside.
  2. In Christ his anger is completely appeased forever. He is as approachable as that father was for the prodigal son (Luke 15:19-23).
  3. Jesus Christ is the only way to approach him as an un-angry father (John 14:6). Any attempt to approach God outside of Jesus Christ will be in vain and actually count against you in the Day of Judgment.

 

God’s Sovereignty and Birds

Posted by Matthew on January 22, 2011 None comments |

Mysterious mass deaths of birds, fish, and other animals occurring around the world has people everywhere in a frenzy. The trends have been dubbed “Aflockalypse” as experts and scientists are without a clue as to what is causing these mysterious mass deaths.

Mass deaths of animals, fish, and birds are not uncommon. However, seeing so many mass deaths of animals happen at the same time (within a month) all over the world is, surely, not so common. Jan 1st
thousands of birds fall dead in Arkansas; Jan 6th
2 million fish wash up dead in Maryland; Jan 4th
500 birds dead in Louisiana, 100 tons of fish die in Brazil; and on it goes.

Perhaps it is coincidence as some maintain.

In the Biblical worldview there are no coincidences. God is in fact behind everything that happens, for he is sovereign, omnipotent, and omnipresent. There are some relevant verses to think upon in light of these events.

In one of Jesus’ parables he says the following:

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. (Mat 10:29)

Even Jesus would tell you that not one bird will fall to the ground apart from the Father. Much less thousands of them.

In the book of Hosea it is written:

Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it languish, and also the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens, and even the fish of the sea are taken away. (Hos 4:3)

There may be some end-time context to this passage (Hos. 3:5) but it’s more ambiguous and “the day of the Lord” is not referred to in this book.

The beginning of the book of Zephaniah however does contain some interesting last-days text:

“I will sweep away man and beast; I will sweep away the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, and the rubble with the wicked. I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. (Zep 1:3)

Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests. (Zep 1:7)

The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. (Zep 1:14)

According to Zephaniah, in the last days God will sweep man, animals, birds, and fish together off the face of the earth. The question is, how? How do you “sweep” fish off the face of the earth? Or birds? All at once or systematically? Who knows. But there are two passages to keep in mind:

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2Pe 3:10)

Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire. And he sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them. (Psa 18:12-14)

What these end-time texts show is that when God brings it, it will be by serious fire that will dissolve everything.

Two points can be drawn from all this.

Firstly, whether it is a sign of the end-times or not, these mass deaths are not happening apart from God’s sovereign will. He has appointed them just as he has appointed all things:

Is there a father for the rain? Or who has given birth to the drops of dew? From whose womb comes forth the ice; and the frost of the heavens, who fathered it; the waters hidden like stone, and the face of the deep is captured? (Job 38:28-30)

“‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand. (Deu 32:39)

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. (1Th 5:1-10)

This includes the birds:

“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high? (Job 39:26-27)

The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. (1Sa 2:6-7)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. (Mat 10:29)

Perhaps these are signs like birth pangs and perhaps not. We could couple the mass animal deaths with the many other countless disasters, wars, and famines that are happening around the world right now. One thing is for certain: it is not so far-fetched anymore to find striking similarities between the Biblical account of the great Day drawing near and what is happening in our time. Regardless, the command remains the same as it has for two thousand years:

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. (1Th 5:1-10)


Birds of the Air

As a side note, in the Bible (ESV translation), the term birds of the air is found in at least 21 places, and birds of the heavens in at least 28.

Sometimes birds of the air refer metaphorically to demonic spirits. The following excerpt is taken from Acts 17:11 Bible Studies:

The Birds of The Air

Mark 4:3-4,13-15 (NIV) “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.”… Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.”

Mark 4:13 (Phi) … “Do you really not understand this parable? Then how are you going to understand all the other parables?”

Mark 4:30-32 (NIV) Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and become the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”

Luke 13:19 (NIV) It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew, and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches.

These parables give us insight to the nature of the God’s kingdom and its painful growing process. Notice that in the seed parable, three out of the four examples are HOW THINGS GO WRONG. So why do we flinch at the warnings and truth revealed in the other parables? (Explaining away of the “leaven” parable is probably the most grievous example of this.)

Mustard seeds normally grow into narrow shrubs, and are familiar as weeds that grow along the roadside. But what is described here is an monstrosity: It’s gotten way too big! It’s become a spreading tree. So big, in fact, that the birds of the air can comfortably lodge in it! And Jesus told us who the birds are: the agents of Satan. (While a specific bird like a dove or sparrow may be used to represent the Holy Spirit or the disciple, birds “of the air” in general often represent demons in Scripture.)

Jer 15:3 (NIV) “I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” declares the Lord, “the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.”

See the complete Acts 17:11 study on this subject.

His Word is Pure – Psalm 19

Posted by Matthew on January 16, 2011 None comments |
pureword

In a time when fewer and fewer Christians and churches are reading and upholding the Word of God we need to be reminded that:

The word of the Lord proves true. (2 Sam 22:31)

The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. (Psa 12:6)

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isa 40:8)

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psa 19:7-11)

One of the greatest things a church can do is to uphold the Holy Scriptures above all else. The church is a “pillar and buttress” upon which the Holy Scriptures should rest.

…the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. (1Ti 3:15)

Sadly, many churches in our time have removed the Holy Scriptures from atop the pillar and buttress and have replaced it with idolatrous and worldly things like consumerism, materialism, and self. It is easy to attract people to a place if you elevate the right things. If you elevate the Holy Scriptures however, you’re chances of drawing people in become more dependent upon the Holy Spirit instead of pragmatism. What kind of church do you want?

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2Ti 4:3-4)

Who has the faith to uphold the Scriptures in such a time as this? Where is the church that remains steadfast in the Word of the Lord as the priority? Alas, they are becoming rare and hard to find.

Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. (Rom 3:31)

For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. (Heb 10:1)

These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. (Col 2:17)


The Didache – Teaching of the 12 Apostles

Posted by Matthew on January 9, 2011 None comments |
The Didache www.earlychristianwritings.com

The Didache www.earlychristianwritings.com

Though not a canonized scripture, this ancient church document dated circa 100 A.D. is totally worth reading.

It gives a great picture of what the church was like in its earliest form. It has five short parts to it. It begins with a word on righteousness, piety, apostles and prophets, organization of the church, and the future.

What I love about this document is how it is essentially a concise summary of the Christian way of life. A “teaching to the nations”. Take notice of how different church was back then. There were traveling apostles and prophets who spoke and taught itinerantly and never asked for money—if they did ask for money they were considered false. They stay around only 1-2 days so as not to be a burden on the local church. Or they worked.

Then there was the Eucharist (the Lord’s supper), the central point of gathering every week. There are few churches today that make this central to their service, and many don’t do it regularly. Yet in the first century church it was the primary reason for gathering. Because of the nature of the Eucharist, being a prophetic symbol of forgiveness and cleansing from sin, the church made it a point make room for the acknowledgement of sin and prayer for healing before it was ministered. How many churches do you see that happening in today? Unfortunately, not too many.

It concludes with a (very) concise layout of end-time events. The coming of the world-deceiver, the trials, endurance of saints, signs of truth, the return of Christ in the clouds. What’s interesting about this, as some scholars have pointed out, is that there is no discussion of the Jewish rebellion in AD 66 or the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. The following is Roberts-Donaldson English translation of the Didache:

Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment. There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what. And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.

Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden. And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born. You shall not covet the things of your neighbor, you shall not swear, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbor. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.

Chapter 3. Other Sins Forbidden. My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Be neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one. for lust leads to fornication. Be neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads to idolatry. Be neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things, for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads to theft. Be neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy. Be neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered.

Rather, be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.

Chapter 4. Various Precepts. My child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. Do not long for division, but rather bring those who contend to peace. Judge righteously, and do not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether or not it shall be. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. For if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? Do not remove your hand from your son or daughter; rather, teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but to them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Do not in any way forsake the commandments of the Lord; but keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom. In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.

Chapter 5. The Way of Death. And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.

Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols. See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.

Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism. And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.

Chapter 8. Fasting and Prayer (the Lord’s Prayer). But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever..

Pray this three times each day.

Chapter 9. The Eucharist. Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup:

We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever..

And concerning the broken bread:

We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever..

But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, “Give not that which is holy to the dogs.”

Chapter 10. Prayer after Communion. But after you are filled, give thanks this way:

We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which You didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You modest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name’s sake; You gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.

But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.

Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets. Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there’s a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others’ sake who are in need, let no one judge him.

Chapter 12. Reception of Christians. But receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, and prove and know him afterward; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you more than two or three days, if need be. But if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and eat. But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep away from such.

Chapter 13. Support of Prophets. But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.

Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord’s Day. But every Lord’s day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: “In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.”

Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof. Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.

Chapter 16. Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord. Watch for your life’s sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but those who endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet. And third, the resurrection of the dead — yet not of all, but as it is said: “The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him.” Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.

The World Cries Out Against Christianity

Posted by Matthew on January 7, 2011 None comments |

There are many different facets to the universal outcry against Christianity in the world. To put it in the simplest of terms, the outcry is little more than “I hate you”. Sometimes it is merely a seed of dislike, and sometimes it is full grown tree of bloodshed.

Basic, yes, but true to the core.

The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. (Joh 7:7)

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (Joh 15:18)

Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. (1 Jn 3:13)

There is a strong witness in it all. Christians are an easy target. They generally aren’t people who lash back with crude and derogatory speech. They generally are not offended, in fact, they practically expect it. In a lot of cases, they even count it a blessing! (Which further aggravates people)

In my years of international travel and studies, I’ve come to recognize certain differences in the way that Christianity is accused depending on the region of the World. Generally, they follow as such:

Chinese Outcry
Christians are anti-government, political revolutionaries.

American Outcry
Christians are superstitious, weak, delusional, looking for a crutch.

European Outcry
Christianity is old, out-dated, gone with the wind.

African Outcry
Christians are as poor as us.

Middle Eastern Outcry
Christians are infidels, enemies of God, and our laws say we must punish them.

South Pacific Outcry
I lived in this part of the world for half a year. It’s hard to think of much outcry here, for it’s hardly noticeable. Most pacific islanders are Christians.

Of course, if you have anything to add to these, feel free to comment!