Disclaimer

Disclaimer: I am not a Biblical scholar. All my posts and comments are opinions and thoughts formulated through my current understanding of the Bible. I strive to speak of things that can be validated through Biblical Scriptures, and when I'm merely speculating, I make sure to note it. My views can be flawed, and I thus welcome any constructive perspectives and criticisms!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

What does baptism mean?

This is a great sermon by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church. It's worth a listen, especially if you don't understand why baptisms take place, or if you think people have to get baptized to get saved.


http://marshill.com/media/jesus-loves-his-church/jesus-gave-us-baptism


As a person whose knowledge of God is grounded solidly in the Bible (aka, the Word of God), I agree with the theology presented by Driscoll and applaud the way he practices this theology in life.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

James 1


Bible study with Dr. Chuck Missler

JAMES
- Author of the Epistle of James
- Half-brother of Jesus: He did not believe Jesus was LORD until AFTER Jesus's resurrection (James was not one of those at Jesus' feet at the cross)
- A Jew: Hence, he wrote this epistle to fellow Jews. Just as Romans was written to Gentiles but is also a letter for the Jews, we, Gentiles, can glean much from this letter to the Jews as well.


JAMES STRESSES OUR WALK WITH JESUS
James does not quarrel against Paul in terms of the phrase, "the just shall live by faith." He stresses that being saved is only the beginning. What have we done with our salvation? That is his key question.


Paul stresses faith in the eyes of God. James stresses faith in the eyes of men. We are not called to be gift inspectors (Corinthians). We're called to be FRUIT inspectors. Jesus spent more time talking about our walk, about our integrity as Christians, than about technical issues (such as pre- or post-Tribulation Rapture). This is what James continues to stress in his letter: Our walk with Jesus.


Thus, James does not stress huge doctrinal teachings. He stresses PROOF that we are saved. He stresses our LIVING as Christians. He stresses Christian ethics.


OVERVIEW OF THE EPISTLE OF JAMES
James 1: Victorious Faith 
James 2: Manifested Faith 
James 3: Controlling and Energizing Faith 
James 4: Submissive Faith 
James 5: Patient and Expected Faith 


James deals with the nature of faith and in turn deals with the nature and character of God. Faith is the starting point of Christians which should be manifested in deeds. Our ultimate goal is the maturity of our character. 


MAINTAIN OUR DIVINE VIEWPOINT (James 1:2)
When we go through a trial, it is not evidence of God's displeasure. We should not making such an assumption. 


Consider Job's suffering. It was a test of his trust in God. Could he maintain the divine viewpoint? Could he trust God enough to know that somehow there was meaning to all of his suffering and that was God's business? It not so much about why the innocent suffer but about maintaining the viewpoint.

This is the idea that James is trying to point out here: Especially when we suffer, remember and maintain the divine viewpoint.


Temptation does not mean tempted to sin. It means testing of faith. Think of it as this: Everyday, God asks us if we trust Him. It isn't that we are joyful when we are Suffering but that we are joyful because we know that as long as we are in Christ, no harm can come to us. When we suffer, it may be God's way of preparing us for future ministry. Here, Missler used his own personal experience. When he was successful in the corporate world, he could not effectively connect with those who are less fortunate. However, after he went through a rough bankruptcy deal, he had to deal with all the difficulties and live through them personally. Being dependent on God, he now can connect with "average joes," making his ministry to them much more effective.

The idea is maturity and the development of a strong Christian character. When we face difficulties, we lean on God. We don't blame God, because we don't understand, because we don't see the bigger picture. We lean on God because we trust God.


James 1:5
Psalm 39:5-6 
Psalm 90:12 
This life is short. So, seek wisdom. 


James 1:12
James mentions the Crown of Life. There are at least 5 types of Crowns:
1. Crown of Life: Martyrs crown (Revelation 2:10) 
2. Crown of Rejoicing: Those who rejoice at the 2nd coming of Christ (1 Thesselonians 2:19) 
3. Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) 
4. Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4) 
5. Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 5:10): Those who stand before the BEMA seat judgment


LORD, KEEP ME PURE!


James 1:13
Again, temptation here means testing or trial. Jesus taught us to pray: lead us not into temptation. That is, don't leave us to our own dangerous ways that would expose us to the pressures of the enemy of our souls.


Inspiration:
We often pray about the things I want or done for me or done to me. We often forget to pray for the things done BY "me," that "I" do not sin

James 1:14
We are not tempted by God. We are tempted by the strength of our own lustful desires. We deceive ourselves by our craving for self-satisfaction, self-gratification. 


Drawing away/dragged away: This is a hunting term. It suggests the act of being dragged away by a predator. 


The real danger to temptation is sin leading to death. We thus need to reconcile our death to sin in deeds by turning to life in God (Romans 6:11-13).


Proverbs 23:7 
The heart is where it's at. We may do or say nice things, but if our heart is not in it, then it's all a waste.


Jesus interprets the 10 Commandments in His sermon on the mount. The Commandments spoke of measurable sins. Jesus takes those on and focuses on the condition of the heart. 


When James prays, he not only prays for others to not sin. He prays also that he himself would not sin! "Do not just put up a wall of fire between me and the bad guys but also WITHIN me!" 


Psalm 25
What we should be praying, therefore, isn't just, "Lord keep me safe," but, "Lord keep me pure!" James stresses spiritual maturity. How mature are we? Well, how much do we hate sin? When we hate sin as much as God does, we are getting close. 


EVERY GOOD THING COMES FROM GOD


James 1:17
We don't want to err by falling to temptations, but we also don't want to be deceived by the gifts given to us either. EVERY good thing comes from God. Not some. Not a few. EVERY. We are not the ones behind the good. We are the RECEIVERS. 


James 1:18
Ephesians 2:8-9 
Even the faith that saves us is a gift from God! Jesus is our first fruits, and we are to be his first fruits. 

QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO ANGER


James 1:19
Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry: Measurements of maturity. This can also be considered as the theme of this letter. 

Proverbs 17:28
Proverbs 16:30 
Even a fool who holds his peace is considered wise. 


We need to be aware of how we represent God, by our conduct and by our tongue. 


James 1:20
Deuteronomy 32:41 
Romans 12:19 
We are to be slow to self-righteousness, slow to anger, because vengeance is God's alone! It's not for us to right the wrong individually. It's the Lord's issue. Also, the temptation toward revenge would yield more damage than whatever was done to us! 


PRAY FOR PURITY FROM WITHIN


James 1:21
This is James's world view: Lay aside the evil around us, and accept the truth that is implanted in us.

Salvation of our souls: This is not talking about our redemption from the judgment of our sins, the judgement that we deserve for our sins. This is talking about the purification of our affections which are expressed in our souls' activities (Matthew 7:24-27). What are we really building upon? 


James's point is that we cannot minimize the danger of doing evil. We pray for safety rather than purity, because we don't realize that impurity is dangerous. Yet, impurity is where the true danger lies! Rather than praying what is happening to me or make it stop, pray I do not want to be like that anymore--it is our RESPONSE to events that is the point here. 


LIVE THE WORD


James 1:22


How do we become hearers only? 


1. By becoming relative. By becoming SUBJECTIVE. "I'm not as bad as that person." 


2. By becoming superstitious. To rely on something magical/mystical.


1 Samuel 4:1-11
Israelites thought that if they put the Ark of God in the front of the battle line, they'd win the battle against the Philistines. They didn't. Instead, they lost the Ark to their enemies. Why? Because instead of placing their trust in God, they placed it in the Ark.


We can easily fall into the same folly by doing the same thing, even things that are originally meant for doing good! When we start putting things ahead of God, we become idolaters. The Bible is the Word of God, and the Church is the body of Christ. Both are sacred, yet when we start putting the Bible ahead of following God, when we start putting Church ahead of following God, we are no different than the Israelites who thought the Ark had powers to protect them. (One way of putting the Bible ahead of God is to take Scripture out of context and apply it for personal gain as opposed to seeking God's guidance for guidance; one way of putting the Church ahead of God is being so focused on doing the work that God is no longer in focus--See Jesus's letter to the Church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7.)


We need to be careful that our heart remains connected directly with God. Avoid the tendency to ascribe mystical values to things or conditions rather than focusing on our relationship with the Lord.

3. By becoming emotional. 


4. By being more theoretical that obedient.


How do we become doers of the Word?


1. By Looking intently, by searching the Scripture, digging intently. Invest in the word. 


2. By making our time with the Lord a continual and growing relationship, not just a habitual process.


3. By not forgetting the Lord. Learn from the Lord and forget not the lessons learned. 


4. By doing, by applying what we have learned. 


James 1:23-24
If we are not a doer, we are like a man who sees his image in the mirror and then moves forward going about his business not remembering what he looks like. The mirror reflects but does not rebuke. The Word, however, reflects AND rebukes. And so, if we come to understand the Word but do nothing to apply that knowledge, we're treating it as if it was useless. Worse, we deceive ourselves about the very nature and purpose of the Word. 


We cannot cling unto salvation from death while we carelessly persist in sin that kills us.


JESUS SETS US FREE


James 1:25
The Law of God, fulfilled through Christ, is a law of liberty. Unfortunately, we don't tend to think so. We tend to think the Law is restrictive. 


John 8:36
Psalm 19:7-11

1. The Law, through Jesus, prevents us from being trapped in a pit or from falling into a snare set by someone (Psalm 119:85, 110).


2. The Law, through Jesus, keeps us from falling into bondage of an adversary or addiction or sin.


3. The Law, through Jesus, illuminates our path. Walking in the dark, we are cautious because we can't see anything. Walking in the light, we move freely because we see everything.


OUR CONDUCT REFLECTS OUR HEART


James 1:26
Watch our tongue. Control our tongue.


Psalm 141:3-4 
David's prayer is to have rein over his own conduct, because he knew that this was where the greatest risk was. 

"Religion"
- Used 5 times in the New Testament
- "Religious" occurs 2 times in the New Testament
- This word is derived from from Latin, meaning "to bind the back," suggesting that man is bound to God.
- This is a term that refers to a system of faith and practice.
- There are 3 Greek words are translated as "religion." The Greek word used here is the one that means "fear and worship of God, to tremble before God."


TRUE religion (the act of worship and piety toward God) involves 2 developments:


1. Care for others: any Christian who does not exhibit this is DECEPTIVE because he does not reflect God's true desires and thus misrepresents the heart of God. Worse, his pseudo-religious acts become WORTHLESS because it is of no value to God (no heart = no value).


2. Walk holy, separate, and above all uncleanness. This is talking about achieving and maintaining both outer and inner purity. We are children in the world, but we are taught to be NOT of the world. To not become of the world therefore require our ability to maintain our purity.


James is not just a moralist, who preaches endlessly about keeping guidelines to lead a respectable life. James is committed to demonstrate that he owes everything to his King, Jesus Christ. When studying the Book of James, do not miss the forest for the tree. James talks a lot about outward behavior because he believes our behavior reflects our commitment to our King. James's focus is on the purity of our heart. When our heart is pure, our actions would follow. And if our actions are not pure, then we need to check the purity of our heart.


Is there anyone in our lives who doubts our commitment to Christ? If so, Why? These questions are likely the questions asked by James in this epistle.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Revelation 10-11


Combined notes from Bible studies with Dr. Chuck Missler and Hal Lindsay
http://www.god.tv/node/3038

Revelation 10-14 are parenthetical chapters that precedes the announcement of the 7th Trumpet. The 7th Trumpet, once sounded, will usher in the Bowls of Wrath.

Revelation 10
- The Little Book
- The Seven Thunders


Revelation 11
- The Temple
- The Two Witnesses


THE LITTLE BOOK
- Presented by a Mighty Angel
- The Book is now unsealed and digested by John
- The Book was written “within and on the backside”
- John, after digesting the Book, was told, “Thou must prophesy again…”
- The Seven Thunders utter their voices. John was about to write down what they said but was told not to.


THE MIGHTY ANGEL (Revelation 10:1-3)
- The is the 3rd appearance of a distinctive messenger: 1) A messenger is holding back judgments for a special work of grace (Revelation 7:2); 2) a messenger of the covenant is pouring fire of judgment (Revelation 8:5); 3) A messenger that is described to be a prophet, priest, and king (Revelation 10:1)
- Some believe this Mighty Angel, based on its description could be Christ: Clouds (Exodus 16:10; 19:9; 24:15; 34:5; Psalm 104:3; Matthew 17; Luke 21:27; Acts 1:9; Revelation 1:7); Rainbow (Psalm 89:1; Revelation 4:3); Sun (Revelation 1:16; Matthew 17); Feet (Revelation 1:15); Lion (Job 4:9-10; Isaiah 31:4-5; Hosea 5:14; 11:10; Amos 3:8; Revelation 5:5); Jesus does appear in the Old Testament times as “the Angel of the Lord” (Exodus 3:2; Judges 2:4; 6:11-12, 21-22; 2 Samuel 24:16)
- Some speculate this Mighty Angel could be a powerful key angel: Gabriel, whose name means, “strength of God”; Michael, whose name means, “one who’s like God”
- Revelation 10:6 shows that this Mighty Angel swears by Christ, suggesting the angel may not be Christ. HOWEVER, God has put Himself under oath before: 1) God made His covenant with Abraham (Hebrews 6:13-20); 2) God declared His Son to be the High Priest (Hebrews 7:20-22); God promised David that the Christ would come from his line (Acts 2:29-30)
- Whether or not the Mighty Angel is Jesus, we can conclude that at the very least, he will be sent on Christ's behalf.

“There will be no more delay” (Revelation 10:6)
The time for repentance is now past. This is also in response to the plea of martyrs heard in the 5th Seal Judgment (Revelation 6:9-11).

“The Mystery of God will be accomplished” (Revelation 10:7)
There are many mysteries revealed by the Word of God.
- Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:11)
- Mystery of the Kingdom (Mark 4:11)
- Mystery of Israel’s blindness (Romans 11:25)
- Mystery of the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51)
- Mystery of His Will (Ephesians 1:9)
- Mystery of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:32)
- Mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 3:4; Colossians 1:26-27; 4:3)
- Mystery of Iniquity (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
- Mystery of God and Christ (Colossians 2:2)
- Mystery of the Faith (1 Timothy 3:9)
- Mystery of Godliness (1 Timothy 3:16)
- Mystery of the Seven Stars and the Golden Lampstands (Revelation 1:20)
- Mystery of Babylon the Great (Revelation 17:5)
- Mystery of the Harlot (Revelation 17:7)


“It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey” (Revelation 10:9)
God’s Word is often compared to food, suggesting digesting it (aka, assimilating the information) is essential.

- Bread (Matthew 4:4)
- Milk (1 Peter 2:2)
- Meat (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)
- Honey (Psalm 119:103)


THE TWO WITNESSES (Revelation 11)
- In Greek, the Two Witnesses is emphasized as, “THE Two Witnesses of Mine,” suggesting God
has spoken of them before, that they are not foreign to us
- The Two Witnesses will be empowered for 1260 days (Revelation 11:2-18).
- The Two Witnesses will call down fire from Heaven, shut Heaven to give no rain, turn water
into blood, and smite earth with plagues.
- AFTER their ministry is complete, the Beast from the Abousso kills them. The Earth-dwellers
celebrate.
- The Two Witnesses will be resurrected after 3 ½ days
“These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth” (Revelation 11:4)
- Zerubbabel and Joshua re-established Israel; the imagery is illustrating that these men received continuous filling by the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:10-14)

Who are the two witnesses? 
- When John the Baptist created a stir (John 1:20-21), people expected him to be one of the 3 people: Messiah (Malachi 3:1-6), Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6), or Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19) 
- John the Baptist replied, “I am not” (John 1:19-20; Matthew 11:14; 17:10-11) 
- John the Baptist was not Elijah. He did not “turn the hearts of the children,” as Malachi predicted; he could not usher in the “great and dreadful day,” etc. 
- There are 2 ministries of the Old Testament that are unfinished: 1) Moses’ (Numbers 20:12; Deuteronomy 3:26-28); 2) Elijah’s (1 Kings 17:1; 19:13-16; 2 Kings 2:11). Could these two be called back to finish their ministries as the Two Witnesses? Could they have been called to a “staff meeting” with Jesus, aka, at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17)? Mount of Transfiguration has been connected with the Second Coming (Luke 9:31; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:6-18)
- Could it be John the Apostle, based on Revelation 10:11? 
- Could it be John the Baptist (though he himself declared he was not)?

Why Elijah? 
1) Because of unique powers exhibited by him: Fire from Heaven (1 Kings 18:37; 2 Kings 1:10-12; Jeremiah 5:14); Shut Heaven for 3 ½ years (1 Kings 17:1; Luke 4:25; James 5:17-18) 
2) Prophecy: Malachi 4:5 said that John came into the spirit of Elijah; Elijah still needs to come physically 3) Mysterious death: He never died but was translated, suggesting that suggest God still had plans for him 4) Precedence: Elijah has already visited Earth during Jesus' transfiguration

Why Moses? 
1) Because of unique powers exhibited by him: Turned water into blood (Exodus 7:19-20); brought about plagues (Exodus 8-12)  
2) Deuteronomy 18:18 
3) Mysterious death: Michael and Satan disputed over his body (Jude) 
4) Precedence: Moses has already visited Earth during Jesus' transfiguration


Could it be Enoch? 
Some say yes, because Enoch and Elijah are the two that have not died. (Enoch also walked with God and was no more.) However, the Two Witnesses are supposed to be Jewish, and Enoch is not. Could Enoch instead be just a model of the Rapture (He was removed just before the flood; furthermore, he was translated on his birthday, on the Feast of Shavout/Pentecost, a hint of when Jesus would return)?

There are always two witnesses 
- At the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3) 
- At the Resurrection (Luke 24:4-7) 
- At the Ascension (Acts 1:9-11)


The Jewish Temple of Jerusalem will be where the Two Witnesses host their activities
Before this prophecy can be fulfilled, the Temple obviously must be rebuilt. However, the Dome of the Rock is standing there right now. Some think it is sitting in the "outer court," therefore it won't clash with the building of the Temple. At any rate, it is highly possible that the Antichrist will strike a deal to make the possibility having the Temple and the Dome around the same place.


“Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them” (Revelation 11:7) 
The Two Witnesses will be invulnerable UNTIL they are done with their ministry. The Church, aka, us, are also invulnerable UNTIL we are done with our ministry. As long as God still has a mission for us to accomplish, we will be protected!


“Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified” (Revelation 11:8) 
Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, so here, John is not talking about the geographical nations of Sodom and Egypt. Instead, he is using Sodom and Egypt to symbolize Jerusalem. Sodom represents immorality (Isaiah 1:9-10; 3:8-9; Jeremiah 23:14; Deuteronomy 32:30-33); Egypt represents idolatry (Ezekiel 23:3-19).


The Antichrist will kill the two witnesses, and the world will celebrate, a world that prizes worldly things. The only time the world rejoiced during the Tribulation is when the two witnesses are dead. By this period in time, people will be so hard they will no longer see the truth and kill those who bring the truth and elevate the ultimate falsehood! However, God will bring them back to life and command them to return to Heaven in clouds, with their enemies seeing it (Revelation 11:11-12).


It is hard to imagine how people could still reject God after this? But they will. The hearts of these Earth-dwellers have hardened so much, they refuse to turn to God EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THESE ARE GOD'S JUDGMENTS!


What insight can we glean from this? If we have the opportunity to turn to God now, but we put it off thinking we at least have the Tribulation as a "safety net," think again. Things will only get harder, not easier. So, if we have the opportunity now, then NOW is the time to turn to God.

SEVEN GREAT OPENINGS 
- A door opened in Heaven (Revelation 4:1) 
- The seals are opened (Revelation 6:1-8:1) 
- The Abyss opened (Revelation 9:2) 
- Temple of God opened (Revelation 11:19) 
- Tabernacle of testimony opened (Revelation 15:5) 
- Heaven is opened (Revelation 19:11) 
- Books of Judgment opened (Revelation 20:12)

THE TEMPLE OF GOD (in chronological order)
- Tabernacle
- Solomon’s Temple
- Zerubbabel’s Temple
- Herod’s Temple
- Temple that will be rebuilt prior to Jesus’ 2nd return (Revelation 11)
- Millennial Temple (Ezekiel)
- Heaven (no more temples, because we will be in direct presence of God)


LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE
- Some say the Dome of the Rock is currently sitting on where the Temple should be rebuilt. Others say the Dome of the Rock is actually sitting in the outer court, thereby not conflicting with where the Temple should be rebuilt. (Traditional View, Southern Conjecture, Northern Conjecture)
- Regardless of the theories, there are these issues to consider: 1) Agrippa’s view of the Azarah; 2) Roman surveillance of the Azarah; 3) position of the water aqueduct; 4) location of the moat has to be north of the Temple; 5) elevation of Hulda Gates


BACKGROUND HISTORY
70 AD: Fall of Jerusalem
132 AD: Bar Kochba Revolt
135 AD: Romans regain Jerusalem: The Romans completely decimated Jerusalem and built Aelia Capitolina over city ruins. The temple to Jupiter was built over the site of the Jewish Temple. An Equestrian Statue of Hadrian was installed over the Holy of Holies.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Hebrews 10


Bible study with Pastor Terry Gray


THE BETTER SACRIFICE (Hebrews 10:1-18)


Hebrews 10:1-3
Old Testament sacrifices are merely continual reminders of our sin. They do not solve our sin problem. They do not clear our conscience of our son problem.


So... Why did God tell them do it? Old Testament sacrifices were a shadow of things to come. God used these sacrifices to prepare them for the coming of Jesus. 


1. These rituals convinced his people that they are sinners. 
2. These rituals taught them the only remedy for sin is the sacrificial death of an innocent substitute.

Hebrews 10:5-10
Jesus is speaking to God the Father in this passage. Jesus acknowledges that Old Testament sacrifices were not desirable to God. Furthermore, Jesus acknowledges that He is the One and Only who has come to do God's Will, to redeem the fallen human race.


Jesus is the real thing. Everything else is a shadow, a copy, a picture. It is ONLY our personal relationship with Jesus that saves! 




HEAVEN'S OPEN INVITATION (Hebrews 10:19-25)


The separation between man and God is made very obvious in the Old Testament. For example, only Moses could ascend Mountain Sinai where God had descended His presence (Exodus 24).


In the New Testament, Jesus makes it possible for us to get close to God. 


Below are 4 pictures of entering the Holy of Holies: 


Matthew 27:51
The veil between man and God is broken. The curtain is ripped, because through Jesus, we have direct access to God. We no longer need to communicate with God through a human high priest. JESUS IS OUR HIGH PRIEST!


Hebrews 10:19
By the blood of Jesus, we can enter into God's presence. Jesus endured the wrath of God for our sins.


Hebrews 10:20
The new and living way is Jesus! We can be in the presence in God because of Jesus! The word "new" here, in the original Greek, is the only time the Greek word is used in the New Testament. The Greek word means new in the sense of "flesh just killed," aka, animals that have just been killed. 


Jesus, our way to heaven, has been freshly slain. Even though his death was 2000 years ago, his death then washed away sin just as it does today. It is fresh forever.


This speaks of the enduring salvation we get from Jesus. 

Jesus is ALIVE!


Hebrews 10:22 
Heaven is open. GO IN! Today, when we pray, we have a direct connection with God. We are spiritually transported into the Heavenly Holy of Holies. We are reaching God's throne every time we pray.


Hebrews 10:23
Do not waiver in our choice to stand by Jesus!


Hebrews 10:24
In the Old Testament times, the high priest, having finished his duties in the Holy of Holies and received blessing from God, he would come out and bless the people, to strengthen and pray for the people. 


We are encouraged to do the same here. After all, we are to be kings and priests. We are to be sensitive to people, to minister other people, to stir up love and good works!


Hebrews 10:25
We should assemble together so that we can support each other, to lift each other up. The church is about giving, not receiving! 




STICK WITH JESUS
Persecutions of Christians during the time of this letter had forced Jewish Christians to consider turning away from Jesus, looking to return to their old ways. The author is telling to stick with Jesus, to not look back, to not fall away. 


Throughout this book, the main theme has been that Jesus is superior to all, so stick with Jesus, why even bother with any of the lesser choice? 


Hebrews 10:26 
Sin willfully = long drawn-out, consistent, habitual, resolute, stubborn, and hardened hostility and rebellion towards God


Sinning willfully is committing the sin of apostasy, the sin of blaspheming of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12). The sin of apostasy, the rejection of Jesus Christ, the full rejection of truth under full exposure to light, is the unpardonable sin. 


This passage is not saying that if a Christian sins, he loses his salvation and goes to hell. Every Christian makes the choice to walk away from sin, but we still make mistakes (1 John 9:10). 


This passage is also not saying that if we sin, we lose salvation. For example, being mad at friends and family will not cause us to lose salvation.


This passage, instead, is talking about apostasy.


Hebrews 10:29
Apostasy is trampling on Jesus, ignoring the precious blood of Jesus!


Hebrews 10:26-27
Once rejected, Jesus' blood will no longer apply to the person. And if Jesus' blood is not applied, there will be no other atonement for that person's sin. That person will then face judgment in the Lake of Fire awaits. 


Hebrews 10:30-31
Here, the author offers an extreme warning against walking away from Jesus.


Charles Spurgeon once said, "If we think lightly of Hell, we will think lightly of the Cross."


The punishment for sin is death. The death here points to SPIRITUAL death. This death is so difficult to endure that  Jesus came to take our place, bearing the Wrath of God for mankind! If we reject His blood, if we reject the blood of the Creator, there is nothing else that can redeem us.


It is Pastor Terry Gray's belief that true born-again Christians will not turn against Christ. They may backslide and make mistakes here and there, but they won't completely turn against God. True born-again Christians simply cannot sincerely follow Christ but live like Satan. 


Hebrews 10:32
Think back to the suffering we have endured for Christ. Don't waste the harvest of our tears! Don't give up. Stick with Jesus. We have suffered too much to give up. God will pull us through any problem.


Hebrews 10:35-38
Hold on a little longer. One day, we will receive our rewards. That day will come.


Hebrews 10:39
Knowing Jesus is the Way, our ONLY salvation, our hope, how could we turn away? Whatever hardship we have to endure, remember that Jesus endured the hardest of them all--the Wrath of God on the Cross. He died on the Cross for us so that we may live through Him. 

Friday, July 20, 2012

Hebrews 9


Bible study with Pastor Terry Gray


JESUS IS THE BETTER COVENANT (Hebrews 9:1-14) 


A DEATH WORTH REJOICING (Hebrews 9:11-28)


We rejoice in Jesus' death because...


Hebrew 9:15-17
1. His death activated the New Covenant, bringing forward eternal inheritance to those who walks with God. (Wills are activated only when the owner of the will dies.) 


The Old Covenant could only condemn. It could not bring people into relationship with God. 


Hebrew 9:18-22 
2. His death grants complete remission of our sins. 


Hebrews 9:23-28 
Sin brings death (Romans 3:23)! Old Testament sacrifices drilled this concept into the minds of Israelites this year after year, sin after sin. The sacrifices also taught the Israelites that the blood of an innocent animal covered up their sins; it could not completely atone for their sins. However, the blood of an innocent man would. Hence, Old Testament sacrifices all point toward the death of Jesus atoning for our sins once and for all!


Hebrews 9:25 
3. Jesus’ death was a complete work, sufficient work. 


Jesus only needed to die once to forever atone for our sins. His blood was perfect. 


Hebrews 9:28 
4. Jesus defeated death. Jesus is ALIVE! 


Jesus will come again, not to bear sin. When Jesus comes again, he comes not having to deal with the sin issue. Why not? Because He dealt with it once and for all in His first coming! 


Jesus has come, is come, and will come for our salvation.
Past: He died for our sin.
Present: We fight sin with Him guiding us in our lives. With Jesus, We are being freed from the power of sin.
Future: With our new glorified bodies, we will be free from sin! 


Hebrews 9:27 
God makes it clear here that man will die once and face judgment. There is no reincarnation or afterlife or other kind of make-believe!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Angels and Demons and the Invisible Warfare


Bible study with Dr. Chuck Missler


Bottom line: There is more to this world than what we can see. This world does not revolve around us, contrary to what many self-centered people would like to believe. There is a reason why the world we live in is chaotic. (Satan currently holds the title deed to the Earth, the deed he took from Adam when Adam chose to disobey God. Satan is the controller of the Earth, and he is running the world amok.) There is a reason why we are taught to live in the world (so that we can effectively spread the Gospel) but not be of the world (so that we do not become Earth-dwellers and share their fate discussed in Revelation). Below, Dr. Chuck Missler discusses the invisible war that affects our physical world. Until we can see through the eyes of God (or try our best to through the Word of God), we will never effectively comprehend what the heck is going on during our life here on Earth.


ANGELS 


"Angel" in Hebrew = One who is dispatched with a messenger
The Hebrew term, "angel," is used 198 times in the Scripture: 100 of those times, it's used in the context of a supernatural messenger; 98 times, it just means messenger; 4 times, it is used as "ambassadors."


"Angel" in Greek = Messenger; envoy; someone who was sent implicitly from God
The Greek term, "angel," is translated into English 179 times as "angel"; 7 times, it is used to mean "messengers"


(The Old Testament was written largely in Hebrew and some Aramaic; the Septuagint was the Old Testament translated into Greek; the New Testament was written in Greek.) 


Ministry of Angels: ministering, helping, strengthening, shielding, providing 


Hebrews 1:14
"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"


Daniel, Acts
Both books described angels as beings who reveal unknown truths to us, to enlighten us.


Genesis 19 and throughout the New Testament
We are taught that angels offer personal guidance and protect us from harm.


Acts 12 
Angels deliver us from our enemies.


Jacob (in Genesis 32), Daniel, Paul, Elijah, Gideon (in Judges 6) 
These men of God showed us that angels encourage, strengthen, and shield us from our adversaries.


Dr. Chuck Missler notes, “The ministry of angels may be invisible to our eyes, but it has tangible results.” To add on, check out 2 Kings 6:17. The ministry of angels may be invisible, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. When we place our faith in God, there is no reason to doubt. “Don’t be afraid…Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). Christians, God has shown us throughout time that He loves us and protects us. This is why I say, “There is no reason to doubt.” We have PROOF. Our faith is not blind trust. Our faith is built on solid proof provided by God the Father throughout time!


Angels are personal beings 
1. They have intellect (Matthew 38; 1 Peter 1). 
2. They have emotions. They care. (Job 2:38). 
3. They have will. They make choices.


Angels are spirit beings
1. They are not limited to material bodies. 
2. They have locality. That is, they can only be in one place at one time, unlike God. 
3. When they appear for us, they usually appear in the form of man, never woman (Genesis 18-19). 
4. They are seen by some but not others (2 Kings 6). 
5. They do not reproduce, but they can engage in reproductive mischief (Genesis 6:4) 
6. They do not die. 
7. They have physical reality. For example, they can lead people by the hand (Genesis 19) and indulge in combat (2 Kings 19, where the angels slaughtered 185,000 Assyrians. That Assyrian king never attacked Jerusalem again). 
8. They Have been entertained by us unawares (Hebrews 13:2). In other words, we can mistake angels as people. 
9. They have attributes greater than man but less than God: Angels make mistakes. 
10. They have powers greater than man but less than God. 
11. They are organized by rank and seniority. They are not out on individual missions. Examples: Arch angels, like Michael (Jude 9); chief princes (Daniel 10); seraphim (Isaiah 6), which means “flaming ones”--its name implied a source of light, brightness and may be synonymous with the creatures we see in Revelation 4; cherubim, who guard the Tree of Life, among other tasks. Satan was a cherub, who was the leader of all angels but got prideful and declared war against God (This event has affected much of human history, and it does not end until God throws Satan into the Lake of Fire--See Revelation 20:7-10).


Angel of the Lord 
- This is an idiom of Old Testament appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ, before Jesus' incarnation or becoming a man (aka, Christophany). This terms should not be confused with the messengers (aka, other angels) that appear throughout the rest of the Bible 
- Genesis 16: Haggar identifies Angel of the Lord as God 
- Genesis 18: The Lord appeared as man to Abraham to reveal to Abraham the birth of Isaac (This is also an example of angels appearing to man in the form of man.) 
- Genesis 22: The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham just as Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac--God uses this to paint a vivid picture of THE sacrifice He will ultimately make by offering up His only Son, Jesus Christ. 
- Genesis 32: Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the Lord until Jacob got his blessing - Exodus 3: Moses spoke with the burning bush. Throughout the Gospel of John, we see Jesus echoing the I Am statements of God in Exodus 3 and 4 - Exodus 14: The Angel of Lord led Israel out of Egypt and also led Israel through the wilderness for 40 years - Numbers 22: The Angel of the Lord appeared to Balaam and his talking donkey
- Joshua 5: The Angel of the Lord approached Joshua at Jericho. When the Angel of the Lord said, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy” (Joshua 5:15), Joshua did so. Joshua was reminded of what he witnessed with Moses at the burning bush, where God also commanded, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). Joshua knew immediately he was in the presence of God. On a side note, although Joshua was a great commander, Joshua 5:13-15 shows us that it was really Jesus who conquered the city of Jericho. It is always Jesus! Note also that this battle violated all the laws of the Torah. This is deeper teaching, and I will not elaborate it here but in future studies. 


Gabriel 
He is an angel who brings messianic messages, messages pertaining to the advent of the Messiah 
- Luke 1: Gabriel introduces himself. 
- Daniel 8: Gabriel explains the vision of the ram and the goat to Daniel. 
- Daniel 9: Gabriel gives Daniel the 70-Week prophecy. Luke 19:28-44 records a partial fulfillment of that prophecy. (“Partial” because not all events recorded in this 70-Week prophecy have all happened yet!) Jesus officially presented Himself as King on the EXACT day prophesied by Daniel. This is a powerful example of why the fulfillment of prophecy proves God is God. 
- Luke 1: Gabriel announces the birth of John the Baptist 
- Luke 1: Gabriel announces the birth of Christ to Mary Michael He is an angel of military leadership on behalf of Israel. 
- Jude 9: Michael is the arch angel 
- 1 Thessalonians 4: Michael calls those in Christ up during the Rapture. 
- Daniel 10, 12: Michael is one of the two princes for Israel.
- Revelation 12: Michael leads the angels to fight against Satan and his demons. Note here that Satan's adversary counterpart is Michael, not God. Michael is the great military leader on behalf of Israel, whereas Satan leads his army to destroy Israel. Satan aims for a seat of the north, a position often associated with God's throne. 


Cherubim 
These angels have 4 wings, not 2 (Ezekiel 1). 
- Genesis 3: They guard the tree of life. 
- They adorn the mercy seat. 
- They deal with hyper-dimensions. 


Seraphim 
These angels have 6 wings, not 4 (Isaiah 6). 


Revelation 4
Cherubim is "zwion" in Greek. KJV translated it to "beast," whereas NIV has it translated as “living creature.” As with any translation, the selection of which words to use is an art. For Christians reading any English text, we need to always remember that any version is a translated version. The original is written in Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Hence, whenever there is a question of the words used, referring back to the original text is the only way to settle the issue. Here, an important distinction must be made, because KJV also translates “thirio” from Revelation 13 as “beast.” Clearly, the Greek original text makes the distinction between zwion and thirio, suggesting they are two different beings. However, if we are only reading the KJV, we would be misguided, thinking Revelation 4 and Revelation 13 are both talking about the same beasts. Again, the Greek original text clearly shows they are not: Zwion are godly angels; thirio is satanic and will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.


DEMONS 


Demons are real 
Mark 5:1-20, Matthew 8:28-34 
- Demons know who Jesus is, even without Jesus announcing Himself (Matthew 8:29). Insight: Therefore it is not enough to just know Jesus. We need to act on that knowledge and love God with our heart (James 2:19)--This is one of the key points James addressed in his epistle. 
- Demons are aware of their destiny. For example, why else would they say to Jesus, “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (Matthew 8:29) This statement also shows us that demons know their destiny was in Jesus' hands. 
- Demons need Jesus' permission to enter other beings (Matthew 8:31). 


Demons are different than angels, with different characteristics and limitations
 - Demons must obey Christ (Mark 1:23-28; 5:1-15; 1 John 4:4). 
- Demons are evil spirits. 
- Demons always seek embodiment. 
- Demons are destined for torment (Matthew 8:29; 25:41). 
- Demons are under the control of Satan. 
- Demons know their destiny. 
- Demons are ineligible for resurrection. 
- Demons are territorial.


Demons are malevolent and dangerous. If we are in Christ, we are vulnerable to their attacks. Demons are powerless without a body. They therefore constantly seek embodiment. When they do gain access to a body, they have super human strength.


Demons need entry into our bodies, but before they enter, they need consent. We, through our actions, may purposefully or unknowingly grant them such entry. For example, playing with a ouija board may grant such entry. The board itself may not be evil, but it acts as a portal for demons to gain admission into our bodies. When we open up the portal to connect with the spirit world, it is a two-way street: We can see into their world, and they can enter into ours. Occult practices, seances, role playing games--basically, any act of communicating with the spirits--are opportune entry points for demons.



Missler’s speculation: Some suspect that demons are disembodied nephilims. Nephilims are angel and human “hybrids” created in Genesis 6. They were drowned in the flood. They bodies perished, but what happened to the spirits? Could they be demons?


In contrast to demons, angels can… 
- Materialize. Demons can't. 
- Take the form of man and are always masculine. 
- Speak 
- Eat 
- Make direct physical contact. Examples: take men by the hand, slaughter 185,000 Assyrians, etc. 


THE INVISIBLE WARFARE 


Daniel 10 
- The angel speaking to Danial is unlikely to be Jesus because Jesus wouldn't need Michael's help (Daniel 10:13). 
- There is a time dimension, since the angel spoke of fighting Greece, which takes place hundreds of years after he spoke with Daniel. 
- Spirit beings are territorial and have locality. 
- Our actions impact them: For example, Daniel's fast and prayer helped the angel power through his mission. 
- This passage clearly shows that there is a spiritual warfare going on. 


The War 
- It started in Genesis 3, where God put enmity between 2 seeds: the Serpent and the woman. 
- The Messiah will come from the seed of the woman. 
- The Antichrist will come from the seed of the Serpent. 
- This war drives Biblical, historical, and present-day events. 


The Time of the Gentiles 
- This period of time started with Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon. 
- This period will end with the destruction of the Antichrist. 


Darkness of Nazi Germany: Satanic Influences? 
As the allies drew closer to the fall of Berlin, instead of reallocating their best resources and generals back to defend the headquarters, they increased the priority to exterminate the Jews. This suggests they put killing God’s people ABOVE their own survival. They were clearly driven by more than human ambition to take over the world. 


Satan
- He does not rule in Hell. Hell was made for him. 
- He exists. He is not make-believe. 
- He has personality. 
- He has an origin. 
- He has a destiny. 
- He has locality. He is not everywhere. He is not omnipresent. 
- Ezekiel 28:11-19 
- Isaiah 14:12-27 
- He has emotions. 
- He has intelligence. 
- He makes choices. 
- He was created, he was a morally responsible being, he was originally very good… but then he got prideful. 
- Some time before Genesis 3, he rebelled against God and lost his holy condition. 


THE UNDERWORLD 
Hades is the general term used to refer to the Underworld 


Sheol (Hebrew) 
- The word appears 65 times in the Old Testament. It is derived from the root word, “to ask” or “to demand.” It implies "insatiable." 
- It is translated into the English word "grave" 31 times, though bear in mind that grave has physical properties whereas Sheol does not. Grave is a place for the body, not disembodied spirits; it can be owned; it can have multiple, physical properties. Sheol, on the other hand, does not share these characteristics. 
- Both Sheol and grave mean “the collection of the dead.” It is translated as the word “hell" 31 times, referring to a place of disembodied spirits, the abode of the souls of the wicked, a place for congregation of the dead (Proverbs 21). 
- It is deep and dark (Job). 
- The dead goes down to it. 


Hades (Greek) 
- The Septuagint translated Sheol as “Hades.” 
- It is translated to "Hell" 11 times in the New Testament. 
- It is separated into two compartments: Abraham's bosom for the righteous dead and Tartarus for the wicked dead. 
- It is a place to collect the unsaved dead prior to the judgment at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20). 
- It is a prison with gates and bars and locks (Matthew 16, etc.) 


Gehenna (Greek) 
- It was the name of a city dump. 
- Idolatrous Jews sacrificed their own children to false gods by dumping their children in the fire. 
- Because of its continual burning with fire, Gehenna became to symbolize the Lake of Fire and forever condemnation.
- Gehenna was used by Jesus 11 times. 


Tartarus (Greek) 
- It is the deepest abyss of Hades. 
- It was used only once in the New Testament by Peter. 
- It is where the incarceration of angels who have sinned takes place. Hades and Gehenna are different 
- Hades is temporary. 
- Hades will be thrown into Gehenna. 
- Gehenna is eternal and is associated with the bottomless pit. 


Abusso 
- It is the bottomless pit. 
- It is the abyss. 
- It is sometimes used interchangeably with Tartarus. 
- The Beast of Revelation 11 and 17 comes out of the Abusso. 
- This is where Satan will be bound for 1000 years. That is, the Abusso is a temporary holding place. 
- This is where the demon locusts of Revelation 8 emerge from. 


Luke 16: Hades explained 
- This is NOT a parable. In parables, Jesus uses no names. Here, Jesus clearly talks about a man named Lazarus. 
- We learn a lot about the wicked from the rich man. After his death, he ends up in Hades. He is fully aware and conscious of his being and surroundings. He has memory of his past life. He is in deep pain. He has intense desires. His eternal destiny is irrevocably fixed and he KNEW it; he never questions it; he never thinks it was unjust. He knew what he was experiencing was fair and just. He also knew what his brothers needed to do to avoid his predicament: They need to be saved while they were still alive. 
- We learn a lot about Hades from this event: There is an uncrossable chasm between Abraham’s Bosom and Tartarus.