Last year I posted an article about Black Friday and how it is tied to coveting and being covetous. This year, I think it's important to make clear what exactly God has to say about our actions on this day of the year:
Thus says the Lord, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have." (Hebrews 13:5) To me, it doesn't get much plainer than that. Coveting and practicing covetousness is a sin. In fact, it is one of the 10 Commandments of God. Again, if you don't know what sin is, God says in His Word in I John 3:4 - "Sin is lawlessness." Sin is breaking and being disobedient to one or more of His commandments.
Thus says the Lord, "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things (Covetousness!) the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 5:5,6) These are very strong verses as God actually says that you cannot be a Christian and take part in covetous practices. In fact, God says those that do, have no inheritance in the kingdom of God (because he/she is an idolater)!
Thus says the Lord, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (I John 2:15) As a Christian, I'm not sure how you can be out shopping on this Black Friday and not see that it is all about "the things in the world"! If that is true, are you not WILLINGLY practicing disobedience to God and His Word? Please think about that.
Thus says the Lord, "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." (Romans 12:2) I read that to mean we are to be different than the world, not joining them in their pagan practices, or even WANTING to take part with them.
As Christians, we are supposed to be a "new creation". We are called to be "law-keepers", not "law-breakers" when it comes to God's commands in His Word. This world needs us to be willing to STAND UP and BE DIFFERENT. We are to be LIGHT in this world of darkness. Light and Dark are not the same, but different! If you are choosing to be like the "darkness" around you, then you are only contributing to the darkness that is in this world.
Do you want to be different? Try obeying the one positive command in Hebrews 13:5 above:
"....be content with what you have." If every Christian would practice just that one commandment, just think of the changes that would come on this world.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Man-made Laws versus God-made Laws
I found an interesting story in I Kings 12:26-33. Jeroboam had been made king over all Israel, even though Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and was the true heir to David's throne.
King Jeroboam was afraid that if the people went to Jerusalem to worship the Lord, they would leave him and go back to Rehoboam. In verse 28, King Jeroboam had two golden calves made. Here we read that King Jeroboam told the people WHAT to worship. In verse 29 it says, "Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan." This verse says that Jeroboam told the people WHERE they were to worship. What I want to share with you today, though, is in verses 32 and 33 where King Jeroboam tells the people WHEN to worship.
Not only did Jeroboam dictate to the people WHAT they were to worship, and WHERE they were to worship, but he also dictated WHEN they were to worship! This was really fascinating to me. In verse 32 it says, "Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah..." Verse 33 says, "So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart."
The feast that Jeroboam was trying to copy was the Feast of Tabernacles, mentioned in Leviticus 23:34. The problem, though, is that God's Feast was to be celebrated on the 14th day of the 7th month - not the 15th day of the 8th month!! For some reason this made me think of the many ministers today that tell their congregations that the 7th-day Sabbath is now on the 1st day of the week! They are "devising in their own hearts" (like Jeroboam above) the day and time of our worship of God. Not only that, I also know of some who tell their people that "it doesn't really matter what day of the week you worship the Lord on - just so you worship Him!" Wow! Nowhere in the Bible are we told that it is ok "to do what is right in our own eyes"! (Judges 21:25)
I'm beginning to realize just how much Satan hates the number 7!! Many have said that the number 7 is God's holy number. If that's the case, then it doesn't surprise me that Satan has connived to move God's Sabbath Day to the first day of the week instead of the 7th day. The same seems true for the above passage when King Jeroboam moved the 7th month Feast of Tabernacles to the 8th month!
There's a saying that goes like this:
"God's Word says it - I believe it - That settles it!"
Is this true for you or are you "devising in your own heart - doing what seems right in your own eyes?" As I've written in earlier blogs, when God's kingdom is set up here on earth - there will not be two worship days. One will be done away with, and I'm very sure it won't be God's 7th day Sabbath!
King Jeroboam was afraid that if the people went to Jerusalem to worship the Lord, they would leave him and go back to Rehoboam. In verse 28, King Jeroboam had two golden calves made. Here we read that King Jeroboam told the people WHAT to worship. In verse 29 it says, "Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan." This verse says that Jeroboam told the people WHERE they were to worship. What I want to share with you today, though, is in verses 32 and 33 where King Jeroboam tells the people WHEN to worship.
Not only did Jeroboam dictate to the people WHAT they were to worship, and WHERE they were to worship, but he also dictated WHEN they were to worship! This was really fascinating to me. In verse 32 it says, "Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah..." Verse 33 says, "So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart."
The feast that Jeroboam was trying to copy was the Feast of Tabernacles, mentioned in Leviticus 23:34. The problem, though, is that God's Feast was to be celebrated on the 14th day of the 7th month - not the 15th day of the 8th month!! For some reason this made me think of the many ministers today that tell their congregations that the 7th-day Sabbath is now on the 1st day of the week! They are "devising in their own hearts" (like Jeroboam above) the day and time of our worship of God. Not only that, I also know of some who tell their people that "it doesn't really matter what day of the week you worship the Lord on - just so you worship Him!" Wow! Nowhere in the Bible are we told that it is ok "to do what is right in our own eyes"! (Judges 21:25)
I'm beginning to realize just how much Satan hates the number 7!! Many have said that the number 7 is God's holy number. If that's the case, then it doesn't surprise me that Satan has connived to move God's Sabbath Day to the first day of the week instead of the 7th day. The same seems true for the above passage when King Jeroboam moved the 7th month Feast of Tabernacles to the 8th month!
There's a saying that goes like this:
"God's Word says it - I believe it - That settles it!"
Is this true for you or are you "devising in your own heart - doing what seems right in your own eyes?" As I've written in earlier blogs, when God's kingdom is set up here on earth - there will not be two worship days. One will be done away with, and I'm very sure it won't be God's 7th day Sabbath!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Sabbath Day - A Gift from God
It's interesting how many Christians believe that the Sabbath Day was only given at Mt. Sinai, and only to the Israelites. Most are familiar with Genesis 2:2, 3 that says "On the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." However, this was BEFORE Mt. Sinai, BEFORE Moses, and BEFORE there were "Israelites".
Do you realize that when God created the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday), Adam and Eve were there with Him! (If you remember, they were created on the 6th day of creation.) This 4th commandment of God was given to ALL mankind when it was given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It was a gift given to them so they would not have to work "24/7" and could rest and have a relationship with Him.
Exodus 16:4, 22-24, 27-28 is a passage where God reminded His people of this wonderful gift He had given them. God had just delivered the Israelites from being in slavery to the Egyptians. The Egyptians were hard task masters, expecting God's people to work 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. However, once God miraculously delivered them out of Egypt - He had to remind them about His gift of the Sabbath Day.
In verse 4, God says that He will rain down bread from heaven, "that I may test them whether they will walk in My law or not." What "law" was God referring to since we've been taught there was no law until Moses at Mt. Sinai? As you read further, you will see that God was referring to His law of the seventh day Sabbath.
Verses 22-24 state: "On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much bread...Then Moses said to them, 'This is what the Lord has said: 'Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord.' So they laid it up till morning as Moses commanded. Then Moses said, 'Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you won't find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none. Verses 27-30 state: Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. And the Lord said to Moses, 'How long do you refuse to keep (obey) My commandments and My laws? See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. So the people rested on the seventh day."
Every Saturday, which is the "seventh day Sabbath of the Lord your God", we have a choice either to obey our God by being thankful for this day of rest and opportunity to show our love to Him - or to go out and do our "own thing" such as shopping, eating at restaurants, etc. - stubbornly refusing to honor and glorify God by being disobedient to Him and His commandment.
As someone once said, "God gave me the gift of the Sabbath, and that's why I'm keeping it!"
Do you realize that when God created the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday), Adam and Eve were there with Him! (If you remember, they were created on the 6th day of creation.) This 4th commandment of God was given to ALL mankind when it was given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It was a gift given to them so they would not have to work "24/7" and could rest and have a relationship with Him.
Exodus 16:4, 22-24, 27-28 is a passage where God reminded His people of this wonderful gift He had given them. God had just delivered the Israelites from being in slavery to the Egyptians. The Egyptians were hard task masters, expecting God's people to work 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. However, once God miraculously delivered them out of Egypt - He had to remind them about His gift of the Sabbath Day.
In verse 4, God says that He will rain down bread from heaven, "that I may test them whether they will walk in My law or not." What "law" was God referring to since we've been taught there was no law until Moses at Mt. Sinai? As you read further, you will see that God was referring to His law of the seventh day Sabbath.
Verses 22-24 state: "On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much bread...Then Moses said to them, 'This is what the Lord has said: 'Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord.' So they laid it up till morning as Moses commanded. Then Moses said, 'Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you won't find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none. Verses 27-30 state: Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. And the Lord said to Moses, 'How long do you refuse to keep (obey) My commandments and My laws? See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. So the people rested on the seventh day."
Every Saturday, which is the "seventh day Sabbath of the Lord your God", we have a choice either to obey our God by being thankful for this day of rest and opportunity to show our love to Him - or to go out and do our "own thing" such as shopping, eating at restaurants, etc. - stubbornly refusing to honor and glorify God by being disobedient to Him and His commandment.
As someone once said, "God gave me the gift of the Sabbath, and that's why I'm keeping it!"
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Link Between Secular Humanism and Christianity's Teaching of "Lawless Grace"
Before I begin this post, I want to make it clear that a person's salvation is not based on their good works or on obeying the Ten Commandments, etc. God's law (the Ten Commandments) was given to show us that we all are sinners - deserving of God's wrath and judgment because of our sin and rebellion against Him.
As Christians who have repented of our sin and given our lives over to the lordship and control of Jesus Christ, we now obey the Ten Commandments as well as other commandments given in the Bible because of our love for Him and for the suffering, punishment, and death He took in our place on the cross. It is now our life's purpose to live our lives to bring glory to God.
However, if as New Testament Christians we say we no longer have to obey God's commands (which is lawless grace, by the way!) - then what is left? Christian Humanism! We are now people who say we are Christians, BUT we live for ourselves and what makes us happy! If it doesn't make ME happy or it interferes with MY life and the plans I have made for MY life - then I just don't have to obey what God is telling ME to do. Christian Humanism!
Let's take God's fourth commandment for example in Exodus 20:8-10: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work...." Here God says, "Don't forget the Sabbath day. Don't forget to keep it holy (set apart from the rest of the world)."
Every Sabbath day (Saturday) we drive to church, we pass churches that are closed. Why? They have chosen to forget God's holy day, the Sabbath! Christians have chosen instead to work on that day or to make others work on that day by going to malls, restaurants, ball games, etc. etc. If you read the rest of Exodus 20:10 it says we are not to make anyone else work on that day as well.
So how does Humanism fit into all of this? Christians today are choosing to make themselves happy instead of making God happy. It's when "my happiness is more important than God's happiness". When we make God the means to our happiness instead of making Him the end, we are practicing Humanism. Somehow our happiness becomes more important to us than our holiness and obedience before God.
As one of the old ministers on the Revival Hymn said, "It's not what you are going to get out of God - it's what He is going to get out of you"! As Christians, our only reason for being is the glory of God!
As Christians who have repented of our sin and given our lives over to the lordship and control of Jesus Christ, we now obey the Ten Commandments as well as other commandments given in the Bible because of our love for Him and for the suffering, punishment, and death He took in our place on the cross. It is now our life's purpose to live our lives to bring glory to God.
However, if as New Testament Christians we say we no longer have to obey God's commands (which is lawless grace, by the way!) - then what is left? Christian Humanism! We are now people who say we are Christians, BUT we live for ourselves and what makes us happy! If it doesn't make ME happy or it interferes with MY life and the plans I have made for MY life - then I just don't have to obey what God is telling ME to do. Christian Humanism!
Let's take God's fourth commandment for example in Exodus 20:8-10: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work...." Here God says, "Don't forget the Sabbath day. Don't forget to keep it holy (set apart from the rest of the world)."
Every Sabbath day (Saturday) we drive to church, we pass churches that are closed. Why? They have chosen to forget God's holy day, the Sabbath! Christians have chosen instead to work on that day or to make others work on that day by going to malls, restaurants, ball games, etc. etc. If you read the rest of Exodus 20:10 it says we are not to make anyone else work on that day as well.
So how does Humanism fit into all of this? Christians today are choosing to make themselves happy instead of making God happy. It's when "my happiness is more important than God's happiness". When we make God the means to our happiness instead of making Him the end, we are practicing Humanism. Somehow our happiness becomes more important to us than our holiness and obedience before God.
As one of the old ministers on the Revival Hymn said, "It's not what you are going to get out of God - it's what He is going to get out of you"! As Christians, our only reason for being is the glory of God!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
What is Christian Humanism?
What is "Christian Humanism"? Actually, the term "Christian Humanism" is an oxymoron. Humanism believes that "the chief end of man is happiness". Christianity believes that "the chief end of man is to glorify God forever in Christ Jesus". These two are basically polar opposites. Christians as well as churches are being deceived into accepting this belief system called Humanism.
One of my favorite Christian programs to watch is Manna Fest with Perry Stone. Last night his topic was, "Tapping into the Blessing Cycle". His guest speaker was Walter Hallam. Mr. Hallam began his presentation by stating, "Every man of God was born for success." Excuse me, Mr. Hallam. Did I hear you right? Let's look at what he said with the definition of Humanism in mind. My paraphrase of what Mr. Hallam said might go something like this: "Every man of God was born for happiness." Hmmmm.
That sure sounds like Humanism to me.
"Christian Humanism" desires to make God the means to our happiness instead of making God the end . Our purpose in life is not so we can be "happy" or successful. Our only reason for being is for the glory of God in Christ Jesus! That is the chief end of all mankind.
There's a reason this generation is called "The Me Generation". Young and old alike have fallen for the very first lie in the Bible. God had told Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. Satan came along and told Eve in Genesis 3:4&5 that they would not die but that "... you will be like God"! Wow! Wouldn't that make you "happy" - to be like God?? What's sad is that Christians, and even our pastors are falling for this lie of making the goal of your life "happiness" instead of "bringing glory to God".
One of my favorite videos is called "Revival Hymn". It's 35 minutes long, but will turn your life around if you let it! One of the prayers recorded in it goes like this:
"Lord Jesus, I'm gonna obey You and love You and serve You and do what You want me to do as long as I live even if I go to Hell at the end of the road simply because You are worthy to be loved, obeyed and served!"
My next post will take a look at how "lawless grace" and "humanism" are tied together. For now, take a few minutes to enjoy the video. God bless!
One of my favorite Christian programs to watch is Manna Fest with Perry Stone. Last night his topic was, "Tapping into the Blessing Cycle". His guest speaker was Walter Hallam. Mr. Hallam began his presentation by stating, "Every man of God was born for success." Excuse me, Mr. Hallam. Did I hear you right? Let's look at what he said with the definition of Humanism in mind. My paraphrase of what Mr. Hallam said might go something like this: "Every man of God was born for happiness." Hmmmm.
That sure sounds like Humanism to me.
"Christian Humanism" desires to make God the means to our happiness instead of making God the end . Our purpose in life is not so we can be "happy" or successful. Our only reason for being is for the glory of God in Christ Jesus! That is the chief end of all mankind.
There's a reason this generation is called "The Me Generation". Young and old alike have fallen for the very first lie in the Bible. God had told Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. Satan came along and told Eve in Genesis 3:4&5 that they would not die but that "... you will be like God"! Wow! Wouldn't that make you "happy" - to be like God?? What's sad is that Christians, and even our pastors are falling for this lie of making the goal of your life "happiness" instead of "bringing glory to God".
One of my favorite videos is called "Revival Hymn". It's 35 minutes long, but will turn your life around if you let it! One of the prayers recorded in it goes like this:
"Lord Jesus, I'm gonna obey You and love You and serve You and do what You want me to do as long as I live even if I go to Hell at the end of the road simply because You are worthy to be loved, obeyed and served!"
My next post will take a look at how "lawless grace" and "humanism" are tied together. For now, take a few minutes to enjoy the video. God bless!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The Offense of the Gospel
Last night at church, we were sharing about talking to people about Christ. Someone mentioned they thought the reason we as Christians don't share very often is because of our fear of "offending" the other person. This is not the first time I've heard this brought up in Christian gatherings - so it made me wonder just what God had to say about this in His Word, the Bible.
I Peter 2:8 says referring to Jesus, "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense."
I Corinthians 1:23 says, "but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews an offense and to the Gentiles foolishness."
Galatians 5:11 says, "And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased."
Romans 9:33 says, "Behold I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
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The following two scriptures were really interesting to me, as Jesus is confirming that He truly is the
"rock of offense":
Matthew 13:57: "So they were offended at Him."
John 6:61: "When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples grumbled about this, He said to them, 'Does this offend you?'
We can be offensive to others because of our lack of kindness, thoughtfulness, and even through our personal hygiene, but this is not what is being discussed here. It is very clear from the above scriptures that instead of being afraid of sharing the Gospel with someone because we will offend them - we need to share the Gospel KNOWING it will offend! Notice, though, what is doing the offending. It's the Gospel that is offending - not you!
Oh, but wait a minute. Maybe that is where the real problem lies? Maybe as Christians we do know that it is the Gospel that offends and that is the real reason we don't want to share it with others. What that amounts to in reality is: We are ashamed of the Gospel because it (the Gospel) offends people. So instead of saying, "I'm afraid I will offend others if I share the Gospel with them", we are really saying, "I'm afraid the Gospel will offend others if I share it with them."
Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."
Luke 6:22,23: "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets."
Jesus was called "the rock of offense". As Christians, are we not called to follow in His steps?
I Peter 2:8 says referring to Jesus, "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense."
I Corinthians 1:23 says, "but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews an offense and to the Gentiles foolishness."
Galatians 5:11 says, "And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased."
Romans 9:33 says, "Behold I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following two scriptures were really interesting to me, as Jesus is confirming that He truly is the
"rock of offense":
Matthew 13:57: "So they were offended at Him."
John 6:61: "When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples grumbled about this, He said to them, 'Does this offend you?'
We can be offensive to others because of our lack of kindness, thoughtfulness, and even through our personal hygiene, but this is not what is being discussed here. It is very clear from the above scriptures that instead of being afraid of sharing the Gospel with someone because we will offend them - we need to share the Gospel KNOWING it will offend! Notice, though, what is doing the offending. It's the Gospel that is offending - not you!
Oh, but wait a minute. Maybe that is where the real problem lies? Maybe as Christians we do know that it is the Gospel that offends and that is the real reason we don't want to share it with others. What that amounts to in reality is: We are ashamed of the Gospel because it (the Gospel) offends people. So instead of saying, "I'm afraid I will offend others if I share the Gospel with them", we are really saying, "I'm afraid the Gospel will offend others if I share it with them."
Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."
Luke 6:22,23: "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets."
Jesus was called "the rock of offense". As Christians, are we not called to follow in His steps?
Monday, April 2, 2012
Passover, Good Friday and The Sign of Jonah
Christianity has for many years taught that Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and arose early on the following Sunday morning (first day of the week). However, Jesus said, "For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights." (Matthew 12:40)
My problem with Good Friday is that Jesus could not have fulfilled the above prophecy because He was only in the grave for two nights and barely two days. Many wonder why this is even important? It's very important because Jesus based His claim to being the Messiah on this prophecy! If He was unable to carry out this prophecy to the exact time, then that meant He was not Who He claimed to be - God Almighty - come in the flesh - the Messiah!
In answer to this century-long debate regarding Good Friday and the Crucifixion, I decided to "Do the Math" for myself. Before we start "doing the math", we need to remember that from the beginnning of Creation, God set up our days to begin from sunset to sunset (not from morning to evening). Given that fact, the first day of the week (Sunday) actually begins after sundown on Saturday night (which is the 7th day weekly
Sabbath Day).
To make this easier to understand, I'm going to do the math backwards - starting with the known fact that Jesus arose on "the first day of the week". Beginning with Saturday night to Friday night (which is the weekly Sabbath day), we have one day that Jesus was in the grave. Friday night to Thursday night counts as the second day, and Thursday night to Wednesday night makes the third day that Jesus was in the "belly of the earth". (Matt. 12:40) This explains the three days, but what about the three nights?
Doing the math backwards in the above paragraph, we now see that Wednesday night was the first night Jesus was in the grave. That would mean that Jesus was crucified sometime on Wednesday. If Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, by going forward we can figure that Wednesday night would be the first night, Thursday would be the second night, and Good Friday would be the third night He was in the grave. This totally "fits" with the above prophecy!!
If you still aren't sure this math is correct, I found something else very interesting that definitely solves this age-old puzzle regarding Good Friday NOT being the day of Christ's crucifixion. In Mark 16:1 it reads, "Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him." Remember, the weekly Sabbath began from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night. My question is: How did the women go shopping "when the Sabbath was past?" It was dark outside and shop owners would be getting ready to go to bed. That made me wonder if there was another Sabbath in that week?
Indeed, there was another sabbath in that week. Leviticus 23:5-7 states: On the 14th day of the first month at twilight is the Lord's Passover. And on the 15th day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day (of this Feast), you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it." That was a special sabbath day, a high sabbath day. This was NOT the weekly 7th day Sabbath Day, which is what has confused people for so many centuries!
In other words, Christ was crucified on Passover (Wednesday). The next day, Thursday, was the Feast of Unleavened Bread - a high sabbath day, on which no one was to do any work. Shops were closed. However, when THAT sabbath (Thursday) "was past" - they went shopping and "bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him." The truth is: Good Friday is the day the women went shopping. It was NOT the day Christ was crucified! After they bought the spices, they rested on the 7th day Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night). Then "very early in the morning, on the first day of the week (Sunday), they came to the tomb..." (Mark 16:1) and of course, Christ was not there because He had already risen!
The "Sign of Jonah" was completed right down to the exact minute: Three days and Three nights in the "heart of the earth". It proves that Jesus Christ is Almighty God, the Creator God, the One Who is coming again to judge both the living and the dead. "Do the Math"! Jesus is Who He claims to be: The Messiah!
My problem with Good Friday is that Jesus could not have fulfilled the above prophecy because He was only in the grave for two nights and barely two days. Many wonder why this is even important? It's very important because Jesus based His claim to being the Messiah on this prophecy! If He was unable to carry out this prophecy to the exact time, then that meant He was not Who He claimed to be - God Almighty - come in the flesh - the Messiah!
In answer to this century-long debate regarding Good Friday and the Crucifixion, I decided to "Do the Math" for myself. Before we start "doing the math", we need to remember that from the beginnning of Creation, God set up our days to begin from sunset to sunset (not from morning to evening). Given that fact, the first day of the week (Sunday) actually begins after sundown on Saturday night (which is the 7th day weekly
Sabbath Day).
To make this easier to understand, I'm going to do the math backwards - starting with the known fact that Jesus arose on "the first day of the week". Beginning with Saturday night to Friday night (which is the weekly Sabbath day), we have one day that Jesus was in the grave. Friday night to Thursday night counts as the second day, and Thursday night to Wednesday night makes the third day that Jesus was in the "belly of the earth". (Matt. 12:40) This explains the three days, but what about the three nights?
Doing the math backwards in the above paragraph, we now see that Wednesday night was the first night Jesus was in the grave. That would mean that Jesus was crucified sometime on Wednesday. If Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, by going forward we can figure that Wednesday night would be the first night, Thursday would be the second night, and Good Friday would be the third night He was in the grave. This totally "fits" with the above prophecy!!
If you still aren't sure this math is correct, I found something else very interesting that definitely solves this age-old puzzle regarding Good Friday NOT being the day of Christ's crucifixion. In Mark 16:1 it reads, "Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him." Remember, the weekly Sabbath began from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night. My question is: How did the women go shopping "when the Sabbath was past?" It was dark outside and shop owners would be getting ready to go to bed. That made me wonder if there was another Sabbath in that week?
Indeed, there was another sabbath in that week. Leviticus 23:5-7 states: On the 14th day of the first month at twilight is the Lord's Passover. And on the 15th day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day (of this Feast), you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it." That was a special sabbath day, a high sabbath day. This was NOT the weekly 7th day Sabbath Day, which is what has confused people for so many centuries!
In other words, Christ was crucified on Passover (Wednesday). The next day, Thursday, was the Feast of Unleavened Bread - a high sabbath day, on which no one was to do any work. Shops were closed. However, when THAT sabbath (Thursday) "was past" - they went shopping and "bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him." The truth is: Good Friday is the day the women went shopping. It was NOT the day Christ was crucified! After they bought the spices, they rested on the 7th day Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night). Then "very early in the morning, on the first day of the week (Sunday), they came to the tomb..." (Mark 16:1) and of course, Christ was not there because He had already risen!
The "Sign of Jonah" was completed right down to the exact minute: Three days and Three nights in the "heart of the earth". It proves that Jesus Christ is Almighty God, the Creator God, the One Who is coming again to judge both the living and the dead. "Do the Math"! Jesus is Who He claims to be: The Messiah!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Apostasy: The Great Bible Cover-Up Revealed
The "Great Bible Cover-Up" originally began about 20 years ago or so when the first Bible carrier was produced. You know, the little cloth bag with cloth handles that people put their Bibles in to make it supposedly easier to carry back and forth to church. They are also convenient for keeping notebooks in as well so it's there whenever you want to take sermon notes, etc. But the biggest secret about these carriers is this: no one knows you have a Bible!!
Shortly after this, the desktop computers came into our homes. It wasn't long before you could purchase software of the Bible to put on your computer. This was really convenient because it allowed you to be able to read the Bible at work without having to carry the Bible with you to work. But the biggest secret about having Bible software is this: no one knows you have a Bible!!
After the desktop computer, came the Palm Pilot, and now more recently we have the iPods, the iPhones, and the iPads. All of these items really make it convenient for carrying the Bible with you wherever you go. But the biggest secret about these is this: no one knows you have a Bible!!
The other day I went to a Christian bookstore to buy a Bible to put on my car's dashboard. Boy, was I ever in for a surprise!! I found that most of the Bibles are now "embossed" but not "imprinted" with ink. This means the words "Holy Bible" on the front or spine of the Bible barely stand out. Well, I guess just in case someone, like me, should want an "old-fashioned" Bible - the "Great Bible Cover-Up" is going to make it look like an ordinary book by removing the actual title - The Holy Bible!
Is this what we as Christians should be supporting or "buying into"?? Where are the Christians today who are not ashamed to be called Christians and to show they are Christians by carrying their Bibles out in the open where everyone around them can see them??
Also, how do you know the preachers on T.V. who wave their arm around with an iPad attached really have God's Word open in it? Our children are watching them preach from an iPad - not from the open book called, The Holy Bible! Shame on us for letting this world conform us into its mold! (Rom. 12:2)
Jesus gave this warning in Mark 8:38: "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Jesus also said in Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Search your hearts carefully and see if the REAL reason you are taking part in this "Great Bible Cover-Up" is because you are ashamed to be seen carrying God's holy Word? Are you letting this world conform you into its image - instead of obeying God's Word to come out from among them and be separate and holy?
Shortly after this, the desktop computers came into our homes. It wasn't long before you could purchase software of the Bible to put on your computer. This was really convenient because it allowed you to be able to read the Bible at work without having to carry the Bible with you to work. But the biggest secret about having Bible software is this: no one knows you have a Bible!!
After the desktop computer, came the Palm Pilot, and now more recently we have the iPods, the iPhones, and the iPads. All of these items really make it convenient for carrying the Bible with you wherever you go. But the biggest secret about these is this: no one knows you have a Bible!!
The other day I went to a Christian bookstore to buy a Bible to put on my car's dashboard. Boy, was I ever in for a surprise!! I found that most of the Bibles are now "embossed" but not "imprinted" with ink. This means the words "Holy Bible" on the front or spine of the Bible barely stand out. Well, I guess just in case someone, like me, should want an "old-fashioned" Bible - the "Great Bible Cover-Up" is going to make it look like an ordinary book by removing the actual title - The Holy Bible!
Is this what we as Christians should be supporting or "buying into"?? Where are the Christians today who are not ashamed to be called Christians and to show they are Christians by carrying their Bibles out in the open where everyone around them can see them??
Also, how do you know the preachers on T.V. who wave their arm around with an iPad attached really have God's Word open in it? Our children are watching them preach from an iPad - not from the open book called, The Holy Bible! Shame on us for letting this world conform us into its mold! (Rom. 12:2)
Jesus gave this warning in Mark 8:38: "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Jesus also said in Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Search your hearts carefully and see if the REAL reason you are taking part in this "Great Bible Cover-Up" is because you are ashamed to be seen carrying God's holy Word? Are you letting this world conform you into its image - instead of obeying God's Word to come out from among them and be separate and holy?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Daniel Diet: Obesity in Today's Church
Have you taken a look at the Christians sitting around you in restaurants after church on Sunday mornings? We have often wondered how they can claim the Name of Jesus Christ - and still eat the same kind of food and the same amount of food that the world eats. Daniel was living in a pagan society, not much different than the pagan world around us today. He viewed the food offered to him from the king's table as defiled "pagan delicacies". The pagans in his day over-ate and were practicing gluttony as our world does today.
Why do Christians today think it is all right to practice gluttony and treat God's Temple (our bodies) with contempt as though it's OK that they are making God's Temple into a "pagan temple" by eating the pagan food around them? In I Corinthians 3:16, and 17 it says: "Do you not know that you are the temple of God...If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy - which temple you are!"
First things first: The greatest Commandment says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." "Self Control" is a Fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:23) Obviously, the world around us is unable to practice this virture. So if you don't have this "fruit" in your life, then you need be examining yourself if you are a true Christian, and asking yourself why you are no different than the world around you. God expects you to "Say No" to the pagan food that surrounds you in today's society, and eat the foods that please Him and your body.
As a Christian, we are part of God's body, called the Church. The word "Church" in Greek means "Called Out Ones". As Christians, we are also "Sanctified", which means "Set Apart". 2 Corinthians 6:17; 7:1 says, "Therefore, come out from among them and be separated, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you." Romans 12:2 says we are not to be conformed to the pattern of this world around us, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That means as Christians, we are to be thinking differently than the pagans. Philippians 3:19 says "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose god is their belly, ... who set their mind on earthly things."
Jesus is asking you as He asked Peter in John 21:15: "Do you love Me more than these?" If you don't, you are breaking another one of God's commandments: "You shall have no other gods before Me." "You shall not bow down to them or serve them." (Ex. 20: 3-5). I John 5:21 says, "My little children, keep yourselves from idols." Jesus said, "If you love Me, you WILL keep (obey) My commandments." (John 14:15) How about it? Will you now make a commitment to deny yourself for Your Lord and begin to live a life separated from the world, holy and pleasing to Him?
Why do Christians today think it is all right to practice gluttony and treat God's Temple (our bodies) with contempt as though it's OK that they are making God's Temple into a "pagan temple" by eating the pagan food around them? In I Corinthians 3:16, and 17 it says: "Do you not know that you are the temple of God...If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy - which temple you are!"
First things first: The greatest Commandment says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." "Self Control" is a Fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:23) Obviously, the world around us is unable to practice this virture. So if you don't have this "fruit" in your life, then you need be examining yourself if you are a true Christian, and asking yourself why you are no different than the world around you. God expects you to "Say No" to the pagan food that surrounds you in today's society, and eat the foods that please Him and your body.
As a Christian, we are part of God's body, called the Church. The word "Church" in Greek means "Called Out Ones". As Christians, we are also "Sanctified", which means "Set Apart". 2 Corinthians 6:17; 7:1 says, "Therefore, come out from among them and be separated, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you." Romans 12:2 says we are not to be conformed to the pattern of this world around us, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That means as Christians, we are to be thinking differently than the pagans. Philippians 3:19 says "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose god is their belly, ... who set their mind on earthly things."
Jesus is asking you as He asked Peter in John 21:15: "Do you love Me more than these?" If you don't, you are breaking another one of God's commandments: "You shall have no other gods before Me." "You shall not bow down to them or serve them." (Ex. 20: 3-5). I John 5:21 says, "My little children, keep yourselves from idols." Jesus said, "If you love Me, you WILL keep (obey) My commandments." (John 14:15) How about it? Will you now make a commitment to deny yourself for Your Lord and begin to live a life separated from the world, holy and pleasing to Him?
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