Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. Amos 5:18.
Dispensationalists,* those that adhere to the pre-tribulation rapture of the NT Church, desire the Lord's Coming at any time. They pray Maranatha! (O Lord Come!) this word is found once in Scripture used by the apostle in 1 Cor.16:22. The Day of the Lord will be inaugurated at His Coming, when He will set up His millennial reign on earth in juxtaposition with heaven. As (true) believers, whatever our understanding of unfulfilled, and indeed fulfilled prophecy, it should ever be one's desire "to be present with the Lord" 2 Cor.5:8 and "to be with Christ; which is far better" Phil.1:23. The Christian should not fear death as those "which have no hope" 1 Thess.4:13, now, this doesn't mean that every believer wants to die any time soon! but, that when his God appointed time comes, he or she will not be in fear of it.
But who was this verse written to? at any rate, pre-tribulationists seem to desire the Lord's Advent at any moment, many pray for Him to come today, and have prayed thus ever since the pre-tribulation rapture theory gained a foothold in the churches back in the mid to late 19th century. To those teachers of this theory, they would know that their pre-tribulation rapture is inextricably linked with the Lord's Second Advent to the earth (Zech. 14:4), for they teach that the rapture (His coming to meet them in the air; 1 Thess. 4.16-17) will happen approximately seven years before His bodily descent to the Mount of Olives. Unbelievers cannot desire the Day of the LORD, for they don't believe. There is however, a militant rank among many pre-tribulationists, those who are in league with unbelieving Jews by hastening the the building of the third temple, and all the artifacts thereof, in which the coming Antichrist will sit in! There are many, many pre-trib ministries involved in this, two of the bigger ones, Mike Evans Jerusalem Prayer Team and John Hagee's Cornerstone Church Texas come to mind here. It is Evans's mission "to guard, defend and protect the Jewish people....until the Redeemer comes to Zion."** John Hagee's ministry "has given millions of dollars toward bringing Soviet Jews from the former Soviet Union to Israel."*** what are we to make of this? The aforementioned high profile Christian Zionists are stridently trying to 'help' God fulfill His purposes, of that, there is no doubt. The question is, does God need their help? can anyone help God to fulfill His purposes? Granted, He uses humans to to His bidding, that much is true, for so He will yet use the coming Antichrist, "Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so" Isaiah.10:7. Evans and Hagee are raising piles of money helping unbelieving Jews. Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks glowingly of Evans; "Mike Evans is a fighter for freedom in a world of darkening and narrowing horizons" (JPT website). Netanyahu is no Christian, he is an unbelieving Jew; "Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD?" (2 Chron.19:2) were the words of God's prophet to Jehoshaphat because of his alliance with the evil king Ahab of Israel. Evans spends a great amount of his time in Israel, and is in league with well known heretical Christian leaders; he is "lead adviser" to President Trump's "faith advisory team"in Israel, members include Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Paula White, and others within the charismatic and word faith circles.
Clearly then, pre-tribulationists "desire the day of the LORD" for they are ever trying to hasten its coming. Briefly, at the root of the unbiblical pre-tribulation doctrine is that law and grace are mutually exclusive, that is, the NT Church is saved by grace, and the OT saints were saved only by keeping the law (in other words not by God's grace, but their works). They believe Israel are the earthly people and the NT Church the heavenly. Theological opponents to Hagee and Evans have accused them of holding to a form of "dual covenant" theology. There will be a remnant of the unbelieving Jews saved at His Coming (Zech. 12:10). Now, I am all for helping any in need, but this over zealousness for anything Jewish is clearly wrong. Certainly we "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" Psalm 122:6, for that Day will come, and the Lord will rule the earth from Mt Zion (Isaiah 2:3, 24:23, Joel 2:32, Micah 4:2, Zech. 8:3 etc).but what is special about unbelieving Jews? nothing, they are sinners the same as every one else! they need now to repent and believe in the blood of Christ alone for their salvation.
Evans is described as a journalist, author (on the New York Times best seller list several times), and political commentator (he has several political & ecumenical affiliations).Clearly Evans and others have much zeal for anything Jewish, but "there is a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge" Rom. 10:2. When I believed in the pre-tribulation rapture (in my more biblically ignorant days!), in my house, we had "Shalom" in the entrance porch, a sprinkling of menorahs about the place, pictures of Jerusalem, and such like; to top it all of, I would name the Name above all names Yeshua or Yahashua, instead of the correct English translation, Jesus. I am not so daft as to believe that the Lord heard His Name pronounced J-E-E-S-U-S, but then I know not how His name was pronounced in the Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, and the other various tongues in the NT era!
Should any Gentile Christian be in Jerusalem at the time approaching the Lord's visitation? clearly, it will only be true believers that will heed His warning "to flee unto the mountains" Matt. 24:16 upon seeing "the abomination of desolation" in the previous verse. This will be a time of great deception; will not the "tares" (false Christians) linger about in the vicinity, especially if they have had their hands involved in the building of Antichrist's temple? Back about ten years ago, I know of a certain Christian man who went to Israel to assist in the rebuilding of a Jewish synagogue that was burned down, such is the zeal of some; you just as well as get involved in the building of a mosque!
It is not easy filling in all the dots as it were, but, the Antichrist will possess super-human intellect being energized by Satan, for to "sit in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God" 2 Thess. 2:4, is no mean feat! It may be that "in the midst of the week" when "he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease" Daniel 9:27 that he may show counterfeit crucifixion nail marks on his body (see Luke 24:40 & John 20:20) deceiving many into believing that he is the Christ! and utter the words of the prophet Isaiah 1:11-13 to the Jewish nation; "I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats...bring no more vain oblations..."
One can't but help believe that some of these Christian Zionists will be among those pleading their wonderful works in judgment day (Matt.7:22)?
* Pre-tribulation Dispensationalism has spawned the pre-wrath doctrine, which teaches that Paul taught the dead & alive saints would be "caught-up" (1 Thess.14:16-17) that is just prior to the Lord's Second Advent, though they cannot affirm its exact placement. The rapture doctrine, has been separated from its true place-that is the Second Advent.
**Source-soundchristian.com
*** ditto
Sunday, 24 March 2019
Friday, 15 March 2019
New Zealand Mosque Attack Kills 49.
A dreadful atrocity, no other word for it.
As Christians, we should live our lives according to the commandment that we "love our neighbour as ourselves" and we should do to others what we would have them do to us (Luke 6:31) whether he be a Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Atheist...and that certainly doesn't mean going around killing or maiming people. (or even secretly desiring their hurt).
There is much talk these days about "hatred toward Muslims", I have absolutely zero hatred toward Muslims, but I hate Islam with every bent of my body. Muslims are people, Islam is the false ideology that they follow. There is a massive distinction!
I hate Islam because it teaches that God has no Son! "Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father." 1 John 2:23. Muslims are deceived and in total darkness, and unless God opens their eyes to the truth, there is no hope for them.
As Christians, we should live our lives according to the commandment that we "love our neighbour as ourselves" and we should do to others what we would have them do to us (Luke 6:31) whether he be a Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Atheist...and that certainly doesn't mean going around killing or maiming people. (or even secretly desiring their hurt).
There is much talk these days about "hatred toward Muslims", I have absolutely zero hatred toward Muslims, but I hate Islam with every bent of my body. Muslims are people, Islam is the false ideology that they follow. There is a massive distinction!
I hate Islam because it teaches that God has no Son! "Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father." 1 John 2:23. Muslims are deceived and in total darkness, and unless God opens their eyes to the truth, there is no hope for them.
Thursday, 7 February 2019
Salvation: What is it?
Soteriology is the theological speak for the doctrine of salvation. But what are we being saved from? Most would say this is a daft question, for surely that is obvious? However, are we only desiring salvation because we don't want to burn in the lake of fire forevermore or because we desire righteousness and holiness? There are those who profess Christ as Lord and Saviour who think little of sinning, they would appear to want to be saved in their sins as opposed to from their sins. Matt.1:21. Justification happens in a moment, as does glorification, but sanctification is an on-going process. Justification is something which we possess, sanctification is something which we experience, and glorification something which we anticipate. Believers know (or at least they should do) that there are essentially two people groups in the great plan of God, the righteous and the unrighteous, there are no others. The former will inherit the kingdom of God, Matt.6:33, and the latter, the everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Matt.25:41. There are no other final destinations apart from these two, though the Bible does talk of degrees of reward, and degrees of suffering in each*. This is a hard subject, for taken to its extreme we may be guilty of thinking that the lowest position in the kingdom of heaven is but only a shade above the highest position in hell! How can this be? There can be no want of anything, suffering, or feelings of remorse in God's eternal kingdom, neither any little bliss in the lake of fire! There will be no partying in the 'upper' reaches of the lake of fire.
Using an open fireplace as an analogy for the lake of fire, I suppose the least 'comfortable' place in there would be in the hub as it were, where the coal is burning at its most intense, and therefore the most 'comfortable' place in there would be where the flames are less intense, that is higher up in the fireplace, so in the case of hell, the upper reaches of the lake of fire would be more 'pleasurable'?
But really, heaven and hell are as far apart as heaven and hell! there is no contiguity; in Luke 16:19-31 we read that there was a great gulf fixed (v 26) and this was when the righteous and unrighteous dead were in Hades down below, that is before the Saviour's resurrection after which He led captivity captive. Eph.4:8.
The Bible says of the eternal state (after the coming millennial reign) that the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. Is.65:17. It seems that we won't have the capacity to consider the eternal and wretched plight of the damned (unlike the reverse). Perhaps, at the Lord's Second Advent when His saints receive their glorified bodies in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor.15:52a) that a 'light bulb' moment will happen, and we will with Abraham know that the Judge of all the earth has done right. Gen.18:25. The apostle Paul said; now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Cor.13:12**. The whole panorama of the ages will become as clear as crystal, there will be no more riddles to solve as it were.
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we note that the rich man called Abraham Father Abraham; whilst 'alive' he may have offered sacrifices at the temple, attended his local synagogue, performing rituals and formal duties, as many professing Christians do today, yet all the while, not being a child of God, how solemn!
*Some of the NT judgment passages that speak of differences of rewards and punishments; Matt.16:27, Luke 10:12-15, Rom.2:6, 14:12, 2 Cor.5:10, 1 Pet.1:17, Rev.2:23, 20:12-13, 22:12.
1 Cor.15:41 seems to infer that there will be differences in glory between the risen saints.
1 Cor. 3:8 suggests that rewards will be unique per individual saint, yet the Saviour said they are all unprofitable servants having done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10.
The subject of judgment, punishments and rewards is no easy thing to pin down, but the true humble saint will know to sit down in the lowest place. that when He that hath bidden thee cometh, He may say to thee, Friend go up higher. Luke 14:10 (RV).
**Dr John Gill's exposition on this verse is well worth a read.
Using an open fireplace as an analogy for the lake of fire, I suppose the least 'comfortable' place in there would be in the hub as it were, where the coal is burning at its most intense, and therefore the most 'comfortable' place in there would be where the flames are less intense, that is higher up in the fireplace, so in the case of hell, the upper reaches of the lake of fire would be more 'pleasurable'?
But really, heaven and hell are as far apart as heaven and hell! there is no contiguity; in Luke 16:19-31 we read that there was a great gulf fixed (v 26) and this was when the righteous and unrighteous dead were in Hades down below, that is before the Saviour's resurrection after which He led captivity captive. Eph.4:8.
The Bible says of the eternal state (after the coming millennial reign) that the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. Is.65:17. It seems that we won't have the capacity to consider the eternal and wretched plight of the damned (unlike the reverse). Perhaps, at the Lord's Second Advent when His saints receive their glorified bodies in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor.15:52a) that a 'light bulb' moment will happen, and we will with Abraham know that the Judge of all the earth has done right. Gen.18:25. The apostle Paul said; now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Cor.13:12**. The whole panorama of the ages will become as clear as crystal, there will be no more riddles to solve as it were.
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we note that the rich man called Abraham Father Abraham; whilst 'alive' he may have offered sacrifices at the temple, attended his local synagogue, performing rituals and formal duties, as many professing Christians do today, yet all the while, not being a child of God, how solemn!
*Some of the NT judgment passages that speak of differences of rewards and punishments; Matt.16:27, Luke 10:12-15, Rom.2:6, 14:12, 2 Cor.5:10, 1 Pet.1:17, Rev.2:23, 20:12-13, 22:12.
1 Cor.15:41 seems to infer that there will be differences in glory between the risen saints.
1 Cor. 3:8 suggests that rewards will be unique per individual saint, yet the Saviour said they are all unprofitable servants having done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10.
The subject of judgment, punishments and rewards is no easy thing to pin down, but the true humble saint will know to sit down in the lowest place. that when He that hath bidden thee cometh, He may say to thee, Friend go up higher. Luke 14:10 (RV).
**Dr John Gill's exposition on this verse is well worth a read.
Sunday, 3 February 2019
Following The Way Of Balaam.
Can a professing Christian be following the way of Balaam, rather than The Way without knowing it?
What exactly is the way of Balaam? The Bible said that he loved the wages of unrighteousness, 2 Pet.2:15. Surely, no man, would knowingly sell his soul to the devil and forfeit his eternal salvation? The Lord Jesus asked what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt.16:26. Reading the context of this verse, it is clear that he would give the whole world if he could.
The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, 1 Tim.6:10, covetousness is idolatry. Col.3:5. What is idolatry? it is the worship of idols, or false gods, which is why the Lord said No man can serve two masters: for he will either hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matt.6:24. What a dark place to be in, a professing believer in God in Christ and yet all the while despising Him!
Money in and of itself is not evil; a very good servant, but a wicked master. It is not only the rich and famous prosperity Word Faith gospel peddlers and the American mega-churches that are guilty of the love of money, for many smaller ministries have the customary DONATE button on their homepages, and I am very sure they will receive gladly what is sent! Now, I am clueless as to how much on-line giving is going on, but is it right for any Christian to solicit financial gain? The Saviour said freely ye have received, freely give, Matt.10:8. In the context, the Lord told His disciples not to take any money with them, for the workman is worthy of his meat. (food RV). Matt.10:10. The households who received the Gospel gladly would provide His disciples with food and whatever else they needed to go on with their mission. How 'far' we have come from those days! In our day with the hierarchical denominational church structure fully dependent upon the unbiblical tithe and the 'free-will' offering bags, direct debits, legacies, and what is it all for? How many insincere ministers there are in organised religion! they enter Bible colleges and train up in the way so they think, knowing they will receive remuneration, manse, and various privileges that come with the job. On the back page of the weekly newsletter in the Baptist Union Church I used to attend was Malachi 3:10a in bold print; Bring ye the whole tithe into the storehouse, the 'storehouse' being the church! Of course when Malachi was written the tithe was an Old Testament institution, it was required of Israel to bring in tithes to the Levitical priests; When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, Num.18:26. The temple was still standing, and the Levites had no inheritance apart from God who required the Israelite's to provide for them. The LORD said to Aaron, I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. And behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. Num.18:20-21.
Now, turkeys don't vote for Christmas, and the ministers, pastors, reverends etc that are reliant upon their congregation for their upkeep are hardly going to enlighten them! It is all about give, give, give and giving today! How the Scriptures have been twisted for financial gain! I have heard some say "the workman is worthy of his wages", but the Scripture doesn't say that; rather, the workman is worthy of his meat, Matt.10:10, and from what was written earlier, we can see how that verse has been wrested from its rightful context to be given an entirely different meaning. Why should there be any need for a full time minister? Paul was a tent maker (Acts 18:3), Peter and Andrew were fishermen (Matt.4:18-20) as were James and John (Luke 5:10), Matthew was a tax collector (Matt.9:9), though not for much longer! he was no doubt the wealthiest. Not all the apostles occupations are known, but no doubt they all worked, most probably as fishermen (1 Tim.5:8, 1 Thess.4:11 etc).
The godly Anglican Bishop Ryle of Liverpool said of the whole of Matt.10;
"This chapter is one of peculiar solemnity. Here is the record of the first ordination which ever took place in the Church of Christ. The Lord Jesus chooses and sends forth the twelve apostles...We are taught in the first place, that all ministers are not necessarily good men. (italics in the original)...He includes in the list of His apostles one who was a traitor!" (Judas Iscariot).
From Expository Thoughts on Matthew.
Ryle doesn't address Matt.10:10 in particular, but the noted Bible expositor Dr John Gill does.Of the expression the workman is worthy of his meat, he writes;
"which seems to be a proverbial expression, and by which Christ intimates, that they were workmen, or labourers in his vineyard, and they, discharging their duty aright, were entitled to food and raiment, and all the necessities of life: this to have was their due; and it was but a piece of justice to give it to them, and on which they might depend. So that this whole context is so far from militating against a minister's maintenance by the people, that it most strongly establishes it; for if the apostles were not to take any money or provisions with them* to support themselves with, it clearly follows, that it was the will of Christ, that they should live by the Gospel, upon those to whom they preached, as the following words show: and though they were not to make gain of the Gospel, or preach it for filthy lucre's sake; yet they might expect a comfortable subsistence, at the charge of the people, to whom they ministered, and which was their duty to provide for them."
Now, I don't argue against everything Dr Gill says, but who decides what is "a comfortable subsistence"? And where does it say anywhere in Scripture that ministers should live of the Gospel?
Granted, 1 Cor.9:14 says exactly that! Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. (my emphasis). The apostle then goes on to say four verses later, What is my reward then? Verily that when I preach the Gospel, I may make the Gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the Gospel. Without charge! What, then was his reward? The following verses clearly teach that it was to gain them that are under the law (Jews), and them that are without law (Gentiles), that is to the saving of their souls!
In the context of those who labour in word and doctrine, the Scripture says the labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Tim.5:17-18. But, again what is the reward? On the theme we are following, Luke 10:7 should settle the matter; And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Those that received the Gospel gladly to the saving of their souls, would provide food, raiment, and other necessities to the Gospel foot soldiers.
We should ever remember that in the apostolic times the New Testament Church met in peoples houses! (Acts 8:3, Romans 16:5, 1 Cor.16:19, Col.4:15, Phile.1:2 etc).
How did we get to where we are today? Doubtless, the pagan Roman Church had a big hand to play in it all, developing an organised institution, of which its influence has remained in the Reformed Churches to our day. The Bible in no uncertain terms says the love of money is the root of all evil, 1 Tim.6:10, not some, or most,but all evil. Money became the vehicle at every level that would bring worldliness, covetousness, and the desire to be rich among professing Christian teachers. They sell their books, DVDs and other materials to what end? Is it to the glory of God, or for their own fame and fortune? Let us be assured that the One who searches the minds and hearts, Rev.2:23 will know! And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiners fire and like fullers' soap. Mal.3:10.
What would Paul and the rest of the apostles make of it all? little wonder he said in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Tim.3:1. If anyone is listening; cancel those direct debits, legacies and the like to your local church and other ministries! (especially if it is solicited), and don't press that DONATE button! Let them trust in God alone, for He will provide; Will He provide meat for His people? Ps.78:10. Think on these things.
*Dr Gill assumes that because the Lord Jesus commanded them (the apostles) that they should take nothing for their journey...no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse, Mark 6:8, that this subsequently means that any man preaching the Gospel of Christ is entitled to a salary! Rather, I would say He did so, for He knew that there would be households en-route that would provide for them, so they had no need to take anything, and also the weight of the baggage would have seriously encumbered them in the hot, dusty Judean climate.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor.5:7.
What exactly is the way of Balaam? The Bible said that he loved the wages of unrighteousness, 2 Pet.2:15. Surely, no man, would knowingly sell his soul to the devil and forfeit his eternal salvation? The Lord Jesus asked what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt.16:26. Reading the context of this verse, it is clear that he would give the whole world if he could.
The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, 1 Tim.6:10, covetousness is idolatry. Col.3:5. What is idolatry? it is the worship of idols, or false gods, which is why the Lord said No man can serve two masters: for he will either hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matt.6:24. What a dark place to be in, a professing believer in God in Christ and yet all the while despising Him!
Money in and of itself is not evil; a very good servant, but a wicked master. It is not only the rich and famous prosperity Word Faith gospel peddlers and the American mega-churches that are guilty of the love of money, for many smaller ministries have the customary DONATE button on their homepages, and I am very sure they will receive gladly what is sent! Now, I am clueless as to how much on-line giving is going on, but is it right for any Christian to solicit financial gain? The Saviour said freely ye have received, freely give, Matt.10:8. In the context, the Lord told His disciples not to take any money with them, for the workman is worthy of his meat. (food RV). Matt.10:10. The households who received the Gospel gladly would provide His disciples with food and whatever else they needed to go on with their mission. How 'far' we have come from those days! In our day with the hierarchical denominational church structure fully dependent upon the unbiblical tithe and the 'free-will' offering bags, direct debits, legacies, and what is it all for? How many insincere ministers there are in organised religion! they enter Bible colleges and train up in the way so they think, knowing they will receive remuneration, manse, and various privileges that come with the job. On the back page of the weekly newsletter in the Baptist Union Church I used to attend was Malachi 3:10a in bold print; Bring ye the whole tithe into the storehouse, the 'storehouse' being the church! Of course when Malachi was written the tithe was an Old Testament institution, it was required of Israel to bring in tithes to the Levitical priests; When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, Num.18:26. The temple was still standing, and the Levites had no inheritance apart from God who required the Israelite's to provide for them. The LORD said to Aaron, I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. And behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. Num.18:20-21.
Now, turkeys don't vote for Christmas, and the ministers, pastors, reverends etc that are reliant upon their congregation for their upkeep are hardly going to enlighten them! It is all about give, give, give and giving today! How the Scriptures have been twisted for financial gain! I have heard some say "the workman is worthy of his wages", but the Scripture doesn't say that; rather, the workman is worthy of his meat, Matt.10:10, and from what was written earlier, we can see how that verse has been wrested from its rightful context to be given an entirely different meaning. Why should there be any need for a full time minister? Paul was a tent maker (Acts 18:3), Peter and Andrew were fishermen (Matt.4:18-20) as were James and John (Luke 5:10), Matthew was a tax collector (Matt.9:9), though not for much longer! he was no doubt the wealthiest. Not all the apostles occupations are known, but no doubt they all worked, most probably as fishermen (1 Tim.5:8, 1 Thess.4:11 etc).
The godly Anglican Bishop Ryle of Liverpool said of the whole of Matt.10;
"This chapter is one of peculiar solemnity. Here is the record of the first ordination which ever took place in the Church of Christ. The Lord Jesus chooses and sends forth the twelve apostles...We are taught in the first place, that all ministers are not necessarily good men. (italics in the original)...He includes in the list of His apostles one who was a traitor!" (Judas Iscariot).
From Expository Thoughts on Matthew.
Ryle doesn't address Matt.10:10 in particular, but the noted Bible expositor Dr John Gill does.Of the expression the workman is worthy of his meat, he writes;
"which seems to be a proverbial expression, and by which Christ intimates, that they were workmen, or labourers in his vineyard, and they, discharging their duty aright, were entitled to food and raiment, and all the necessities of life: this to have was their due; and it was but a piece of justice to give it to them, and on which they might depend. So that this whole context is so far from militating against a minister's maintenance by the people, that it most strongly establishes it; for if the apostles were not to take any money or provisions with them* to support themselves with, it clearly follows, that it was the will of Christ, that they should live by the Gospel, upon those to whom they preached, as the following words show: and though they were not to make gain of the Gospel, or preach it for filthy lucre's sake; yet they might expect a comfortable subsistence, at the charge of the people, to whom they ministered, and which was their duty to provide for them."
Now, I don't argue against everything Dr Gill says, but who decides what is "a comfortable subsistence"? And where does it say anywhere in Scripture that ministers should live of the Gospel?
Granted, 1 Cor.9:14 says exactly that! Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. (my emphasis). The apostle then goes on to say four verses later, What is my reward then? Verily that when I preach the Gospel, I may make the Gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the Gospel. Without charge! What, then was his reward? The following verses clearly teach that it was to gain them that are under the law (Jews), and them that are without law (Gentiles), that is to the saving of their souls!
In the context of those who labour in word and doctrine, the Scripture says the labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Tim.5:17-18. But, again what is the reward? On the theme we are following, Luke 10:7 should settle the matter; And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Those that received the Gospel gladly to the saving of their souls, would provide food, raiment, and other necessities to the Gospel foot soldiers.
We should ever remember that in the apostolic times the New Testament Church met in peoples houses! (Acts 8:3, Romans 16:5, 1 Cor.16:19, Col.4:15, Phile.1:2 etc).
How did we get to where we are today? Doubtless, the pagan Roman Church had a big hand to play in it all, developing an organised institution, of which its influence has remained in the Reformed Churches to our day. The Bible in no uncertain terms says the love of money is the root of all evil, 1 Tim.6:10, not some, or most,but all evil. Money became the vehicle at every level that would bring worldliness, covetousness, and the desire to be rich among professing Christian teachers. They sell their books, DVDs and other materials to what end? Is it to the glory of God, or for their own fame and fortune? Let us be assured that the One who searches the minds and hearts, Rev.2:23 will know! And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiners fire and like fullers' soap. Mal.3:10.
What would Paul and the rest of the apostles make of it all? little wonder he said in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Tim.3:1. If anyone is listening; cancel those direct debits, legacies and the like to your local church and other ministries! (especially if it is solicited), and don't press that DONATE button! Let them trust in God alone, for He will provide; Will He provide meat for His people? Ps.78:10. Think on these things.
*Dr Gill assumes that because the Lord Jesus commanded them (the apostles) that they should take nothing for their journey...no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse, Mark 6:8, that this subsequently means that any man preaching the Gospel of Christ is entitled to a salary! Rather, I would say He did so, for He knew that there would be households en-route that would provide for them, so they had no need to take anything, and also the weight of the baggage would have seriously encumbered them in the hot, dusty Judean climate.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor.5:7.
Tuesday, 22 January 2019
The School Of Grace.
The first, and perhaps most difficult lesson we have to learn in the school of grace .
A Christian man once said that it took him forty-two years to learn three things:
1) That he could do nothing to save himself.
2) That God did not require him to do anything.
3) That Christ did it all.
It is by God's grace in Christ alone that any are saved; grace, pure and undeserved grace!
I cry out; why choose an undeserving sinner like me?
Sunday, 20 January 2019
The Miraculous Gifts, Did They Cease? A Brief Study:
The miraculous gifts are generally known as the gifts of Healing, deliverance, and tongues.
Today, these 'gifts' predominantly exist within Pentecostalism, and even within that denomination there is much strife on whether these 'gifts' are genuine, especially when practiced by the Charismatic branch thereof. But, really, is there such a thing as a non-Charismatic Pentecostal Church?
I have questioned many Pentecostal theologians, yet I have not received one answer when I ask; "What is it within Pentecostal theology that has given rise to the Pentecostal Charismatic "madness", "lunacy", or "excesses" as the extreme manifestations of the continuing 'gifts' have since come to be known as?" There is but one answer, the veritable fact that the miraculous gifts are not continuing, for they have ceased, but this they cannot admit, for to do so would undermine their theological cornerstone! Also, who presently is the one who decides on whether a 'healer', 'deliverer', or 'tongues' speaker has superceded what is permissible?
I write from painful personal experience, having fellowshipped in a Pentecostal outfit for some three years, and showing it a clean pair of heels approximately 15 years ago. In the Sunday morning meetings (and mid-week home-groups) I would for the first time become aware of people singing and praying in words that I couldn't discern, subsequently I learned that this was called "Tongues". It was generally the more 'spiritual' members of the congregation (elders, deacons etc) that were foremost in this activity; and I wondered if I would ever attain such spiritual heights myself. Not being a "happy-clappy' sort, I didn't feel led to join in with the utterances, as it were, although my wife was encouraged by a couple of ladies to do so, but, thankfully she resisted. There was much peer pressure to fit-in with the rest of them, otherwise you really did feel like an outsider, an experience not new to me!
As the months rolled by, I spent much time studying whether the practice of singing, praying, and talking in tongues was biblical, and of-course it is biblical, for it is mentioned in the Bible! I read that we should desire spiritual gifts, 1 Cor.14:1, and covet earnestly the best gifts, 1 Cor.12:31, yet the previous verse says do all speak with tongues? (my emphasis). Paul clearly says that not all Christians in the Apostolic age spoke in tongues, the question then for me was, are there any (biblically speaking) that do so today? for in my own little fellowship it appeared that most did! In the next chapter it plainly reads whether there be tongues, they shall cease, 1 Cor.13:8 (my emphasis). The issue then became; when did, or will tongues cease? Paul said If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will not they say ye are mad? 1 Cor.14:23. Now, when I joined this congregation, I most certainly was unlearned with regard to spiritual gifts, having hitherto only attended a so-called orthodox church. Evidently the Apostle is strongly suggesting that there is a proper order, restraint, or procedure that must be performed regarding the gift of tongues. And so there is, for God is not the author of confusion, 1 Cor.14:33, for the Scripture says If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church: and let him speak to himself, and to God. 1 Cor.14:28. Not at any time was an interpreter present to interpret what I could now only assume to be gibberish (or worse), but, what I heard with my own ears, seemed to me, at any rate, to break all known Scriptural parameters! No doubt, those who were gifted to speak in tongues,subsequently became aware of their gift, and they became somewhat puffed up? This being a phrase exclusively used by Paul in the Authorized Version some seven times! Six in first Corinthians 4:6, 4:18, 4:19, 5:2, 8:1, & 13:4, and once in Col. 2:18.
I have since learned the reason why tongues was used by God in the New Testament, it was purely so that every man heard them speak in his own language. Acts 2:6. In Jerusalem, when the day of Pentecost was fully come, Acts 2:1, there were Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven, Acts 2:5, that heard every man in his own language, Acts 2:8 (RV). There are some 15 nations mentioned in Acts 2:9-11, and without God's enabling those men on that day to hear in his own language, how would they have ever heard the Gospel truth? But, today, we have Bibles printed practically in every language under the sun; and in this "on-line" age we can decipher languages by the touch of a button! The Scripture also says those at Pentecost began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 (my emphasis). In fact, they didn't know that they were doing it-for they were supernaturally enabled! Today, however, unless you decide to rattle away as it were, you have to be coerced, or coached into doing it!
As for the miraculous healings, they were designed by God to bear witness of Me. John 10:25, that was the express purpose of the miracles, they were not recorded in the Scripture of Truth to give licence to latter day wannabe faith healers! The whole verse reads; Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. The Lord Jesus delegated His God given miracle working powers to His disciples; And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. Matt.10:1 RV (my emphasis).
Regarding the so-called Christian faith healers around today, the 'miracles' they perform bear no resemblance to anything in the New Testament performed by Christ and His disciples. Just a word, or a touch was all that was needed to make the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up..." Matt.11:5. As for the charlatans around today, what of them? When their patients are not healed, they will often have the effrontery to tell them it was because of "their lack of faith", leaving them in even more despair.
I have written a whole lot more on this, but for brevity's sake, I try to keep it short and to the point as possible. But, why did Paul write; And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love RV), these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Cor.13:13? Most surely, it is not too difficult to see that in our present dispensation in time, that we need faith, hope, and love? But! When that which is perfect is come (the Lord Jesus) 1 Cor.13:10, we will no more need hope and faith! Whatever for? For who hopeth for that which he seeth? Rom.8:24. His elect will then be in His presence forevermore! Little wonder, he said; the the greatest of these is love, for love will endure forever!
God is love. 1 John 4:8.
Today, these 'gifts' predominantly exist within Pentecostalism, and even within that denomination there is much strife on whether these 'gifts' are genuine, especially when practiced by the Charismatic branch thereof. But, really, is there such a thing as a non-Charismatic Pentecostal Church?
I have questioned many Pentecostal theologians, yet I have not received one answer when I ask; "What is it within Pentecostal theology that has given rise to the Pentecostal Charismatic "madness", "lunacy", or "excesses" as the extreme manifestations of the continuing 'gifts' have since come to be known as?" There is but one answer, the veritable fact that the miraculous gifts are not continuing, for they have ceased, but this they cannot admit, for to do so would undermine their theological cornerstone! Also, who presently is the one who decides on whether a 'healer', 'deliverer', or 'tongues' speaker has superceded what is permissible?
I write from painful personal experience, having fellowshipped in a Pentecostal outfit for some three years, and showing it a clean pair of heels approximately 15 years ago. In the Sunday morning meetings (and mid-week home-groups) I would for the first time become aware of people singing and praying in words that I couldn't discern, subsequently I learned that this was called "Tongues". It was generally the more 'spiritual' members of the congregation (elders, deacons etc) that were foremost in this activity; and I wondered if I would ever attain such spiritual heights myself. Not being a "happy-clappy' sort, I didn't feel led to join in with the utterances, as it were, although my wife was encouraged by a couple of ladies to do so, but, thankfully she resisted. There was much peer pressure to fit-in with the rest of them, otherwise you really did feel like an outsider, an experience not new to me!
As the months rolled by, I spent much time studying whether the practice of singing, praying, and talking in tongues was biblical, and of-course it is biblical, for it is mentioned in the Bible! I read that we should desire spiritual gifts, 1 Cor.14:1, and covet earnestly the best gifts, 1 Cor.12:31, yet the previous verse says do all speak with tongues? (my emphasis). Paul clearly says that not all Christians in the Apostolic age spoke in tongues, the question then for me was, are there any (biblically speaking) that do so today? for in my own little fellowship it appeared that most did! In the next chapter it plainly reads whether there be tongues, they shall cease, 1 Cor.13:8 (my emphasis). The issue then became; when did, or will tongues cease? Paul said If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will not they say ye are mad? 1 Cor.14:23. Now, when I joined this congregation, I most certainly was unlearned with regard to spiritual gifts, having hitherto only attended a so-called orthodox church. Evidently the Apostle is strongly suggesting that there is a proper order, restraint, or procedure that must be performed regarding the gift of tongues. And so there is, for God is not the author of confusion, 1 Cor.14:33, for the Scripture says If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church: and let him speak to himself, and to God. 1 Cor.14:28. Not at any time was an interpreter present to interpret what I could now only assume to be gibberish (or worse), but, what I heard with my own ears, seemed to me, at any rate, to break all known Scriptural parameters! No doubt, those who were gifted to speak in tongues,subsequently became aware of their gift, and they became somewhat puffed up? This being a phrase exclusively used by Paul in the Authorized Version some seven times! Six in first Corinthians 4:6, 4:18, 4:19, 5:2, 8:1, & 13:4, and once in Col. 2:18.
I have since learned the reason why tongues was used by God in the New Testament, it was purely so that every man heard them speak in his own language. Acts 2:6. In Jerusalem, when the day of Pentecost was fully come, Acts 2:1, there were Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven, Acts 2:5, that heard every man in his own language, Acts 2:8 (RV). There are some 15 nations mentioned in Acts 2:9-11, and without God's enabling those men on that day to hear in his own language, how would they have ever heard the Gospel truth? But, today, we have Bibles printed practically in every language under the sun; and in this "on-line" age we can decipher languages by the touch of a button! The Scripture also says those at Pentecost began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 (my emphasis). In fact, they didn't know that they were doing it-for they were supernaturally enabled! Today, however, unless you decide to rattle away as it were, you have to be coerced, or coached into doing it!
As for the miraculous healings, they were designed by God to bear witness of Me. John 10:25, that was the express purpose of the miracles, they were not recorded in the Scripture of Truth to give licence to latter day wannabe faith healers! The whole verse reads; Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. The Lord Jesus delegated His God given miracle working powers to His disciples; And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. Matt.10:1 RV (my emphasis).
Regarding the so-called Christian faith healers around today, the 'miracles' they perform bear no resemblance to anything in the New Testament performed by Christ and His disciples. Just a word, or a touch was all that was needed to make the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up..." Matt.11:5. As for the charlatans around today, what of them? When their patients are not healed, they will often have the effrontery to tell them it was because of "their lack of faith", leaving them in even more despair.
I have written a whole lot more on this, but for brevity's sake, I try to keep it short and to the point as possible. But, why did Paul write; And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love RV), these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Cor.13:13? Most surely, it is not too difficult to see that in our present dispensation in time, that we need faith, hope, and love? But! When that which is perfect is come (the Lord Jesus) 1 Cor.13:10, we will no more need hope and faith! Whatever for? For who hopeth for that which he seeth? Rom.8:24. His elect will then be in His presence forevermore! Little wonder, he said; the the greatest of these is love, for love will endure forever!
God is love. 1 John 4:8.
Saturday, 5 January 2019
Zechariah 5 and the Ephah.
There will be a literal rebuilt city of Babylon on the self same site of the one of old where Nebuchadnezzar extolled himself saying Is not this great Babylon which I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? Dan.4:30. Many would have us believe that Rome the is the new Babylon, when the Bible is explicit that it is Babylon that will yet face a future and sudden destruction as described in Revelation 18.
Zechariah 5:5-11.
Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said, moreover, This is their resemblance (appearance) through all the earth. And, behold, there was lifted up a talent (weighty piece) of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Wither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, to build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.
(The two interjections were added by B.W.Newton; page 63 Babylon & Egypt Their Future History And Doom).
On this passage of Scripture, Mr Newton remarks, "The Scripture does speak of an event yet unaccomplished of which the scene is to be the land of Babylon. That the event predicted in this remarkable passage remains still unaccomplished, is sufficiently evident from the fact of Zechariah's having prophesied after Babylon had received that blow under which it had gradually waned. Zechariah lived after Babylon had passed into the hands of the Persians, and since that time, it is admitted by all, that declension - not "establishment" - has marked its history. From that hour to the present moment there has been no "preparation of a house," no establishment of anything - much less of an Ephah in the land of Shinar. But an Ephah is to be established there, and a house to be built for it there, and there it is to be set firmly upon its base."
Now, the ephah is the emblem of commerce, "the Hebrew unit of dry measure - 1 bushel,or about 33 litres" according to the British dictionary (Dictionary.com). It cannot have escaped the notice of even the most dilatory Bible student, that the whole world is presently under the sway of trade (i.e. that is buying and selling, profit and loss). The "Ephah" as Mr Newton correctly observes, denotes all that is done under the name of trade; he says "its sovereign influence is to pervade the nations, and to imprint on them a character derived from itself, as the formative power of their institution. In other words commerce is for a season to reign. It will determine the arrangements, and fix the manners of Israel, and of the prophetic earth. The appearance of every nation that falls under its control is to be mercantile." He said, moreover, This is their appearance through all the earth.
Commerce, then is what presently drives the nations. We read daily of trade disputes between the so-called super powers (USA and China) and as it is plainly evident that all nations are desirous of economic growth and prosperity, who would disagree?
Babylon, then is eponymous for what is done under the banner of commerce. It will be the nations that drive the Ephah back to its base as it were; for the Scripture says, Wither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, to build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base. Zech.5:10-11.
Let us not forget what was said in Genesis 11:8; they left off to build the city. The reason that they left off to build the city, was because, the same verse tells us that the LORD scattered them from thence upon the face of all the earth.
In these last days (of the present dispensation - that is before the millennium) we will see Babylon restored to a prominence that will far surpass her former glory.
How then does the literal rebuilding of Babylon fit in with the theory of pre-tribulationism? Clearly, it doesn't ! For if the Bible teaches that the rebuilding of a literal city of Babylon must take place before the Lord's Second Coming in glory, then how is it that the any moment rapture could have taken, or will take place?
Zechariah 5:5-11.
Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said, moreover, This is their resemblance (appearance) through all the earth. And, behold, there was lifted up a talent (weighty piece) of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Wither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, to build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.
(The two interjections were added by B.W.Newton; page 63 Babylon & Egypt Their Future History And Doom).
On this passage of Scripture, Mr Newton remarks, "The Scripture does speak of an event yet unaccomplished of which the scene is to be the land of Babylon. That the event predicted in this remarkable passage remains still unaccomplished, is sufficiently evident from the fact of Zechariah's having prophesied after Babylon had received that blow under which it had gradually waned. Zechariah lived after Babylon had passed into the hands of the Persians, and since that time, it is admitted by all, that declension - not "establishment" - has marked its history. From that hour to the present moment there has been no "preparation of a house," no establishment of anything - much less of an Ephah in the land of Shinar. But an Ephah is to be established there, and a house to be built for it there, and there it is to be set firmly upon its base."
Now, the ephah is the emblem of commerce, "the Hebrew unit of dry measure - 1 bushel,or about 33 litres" according to the British dictionary (Dictionary.com). It cannot have escaped the notice of even the most dilatory Bible student, that the whole world is presently under the sway of trade (i.e. that is buying and selling, profit and loss). The "Ephah" as Mr Newton correctly observes, denotes all that is done under the name of trade; he says "its sovereign influence is to pervade the nations, and to imprint on them a character derived from itself, as the formative power of their institution. In other words commerce is for a season to reign. It will determine the arrangements, and fix the manners of Israel, and of the prophetic earth. The appearance of every nation that falls under its control is to be mercantile." He said, moreover, This is their appearance through all the earth.
Commerce, then is what presently drives the nations. We read daily of trade disputes between the so-called super powers (USA and China) and as it is plainly evident that all nations are desirous of economic growth and prosperity, who would disagree?
Babylon, then is eponymous for what is done under the banner of commerce. It will be the nations that drive the Ephah back to its base as it were; for the Scripture says, Wither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, to build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base. Zech.5:10-11.
Let us not forget what was said in Genesis 11:8; they left off to build the city. The reason that they left off to build the city, was because, the same verse tells us that the LORD scattered them from thence upon the face of all the earth.
In these last days (of the present dispensation - that is before the millennium) we will see Babylon restored to a prominence that will far surpass her former glory.
How then does the literal rebuilding of Babylon fit in with the theory of pre-tribulationism? Clearly, it doesn't ! For if the Bible teaches that the rebuilding of a literal city of Babylon must take place before the Lord's Second Coming in glory, then how is it that the any moment rapture could have taken, or will take place?
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