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Copyright ?2006 Steve Singleton
Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles. He has been an preacher, Bible teacher, editor, reporter, and public relations consultant. He has taught college-level Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses and has taught seminars in 11 states and the Caribbean.
Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore ‘The Shallows,’ plumb ‘The Depths,’ or use the well-organized ‘Study Links’ for original sources in English translation. Check out the DeeperStudy Bookstore for great e-books, free books, and great discounts. Subscribe to his free ‘DeeperStudy Newsletter’ or ‘DeeperStudy Blog.’
Sometimes we liberal Christians have a difficult time with the miracle stories found in the Bible because they don’t fit our post-modern progressive theology. We tend to either ignore them completely or say they didn’t really happen the way they are recorded, stating instead the author was using poetic license to authenticate his point about God’s power or Jesus’ divinity by telling the story.
But by dismissing them without further investigation, we risk missing out on the possible lessons they have to offer us. So in order to avoid that trap, I’ve found it most helpful to do something John Spong suggests, which is rather than ignoring the miracle stories or spending time debating whether or not an event really happened, ask yourself from the perspective of the authors as well as of the compilers of Scripture, why did they include a particular story or event, keeping in mind their culture and historical framework? And what can those stories say to us today, in our time and place?
With that in mind we turn to the story of Jesus’ feeding the multitudes, which is one of my favorite miracle stories in the Bible. The version of the story I like best comes from John’s gospel, but it is worth noting that a miraculous multitude feeding story appears in all four gospels - which gives it more credibility in the sense that something involving a large crowd and shared food, whether it really happened or not, was considered worthy of being included by all four gospel writers. So as we look at the story, let’s do so through the lens of what Spong suggests, asking ourselves what compelled the gospel writers to include this miracle as part of their sacred story about Jesus, and what truths, if any, can be found within the story for us today.
In John’s version of events, a large crowd followed Jesus to a nearby lakeshore because they heard about his healings and wanted to catch a glimpse of him. In their haste to be near Jesus, they brought no food or provisions, and Jesus wonders out loud to Philip how they are going to be able to buy enough food to feed such a large crowd. Philip responds that not even six-months worth of wages would be enough to buy food to feed such a large group. Here’s where the story takes a different turn from the other three gospel accounts. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the disciples have already had the five loaves and two fish - there is no mention of where it came from, but it seems as if they already have it with them. In John’s version, after Jesus asks Philip how they’ll feed such a large crowd, Andrew shares that there is a young boy with five loaves of bread and two fish that he’s willing to share. As soon as the words are out of his mouth he realizes the ridiculousness of that statement, because it appears he then covers by saying that of course the crowd is much too large for that small amount of food to make a bit of difference. But Jesus ignores him and tells the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the grassy area where they are gathered, and he takes the loaves and fish from the boy, gives thanks to God for them, and passes out so much bread and fish to the thousands gathered that even after everyone has had their fill, there are twelve baskets of leftovers.
When I said that I love this story, let me be clear that I don’t care whether or not it really happened. The miracle of the feeding of the multitude means nothing to me from the aspect of interpreting the story with Jesus breaking the laws of nature by multiplying a small amount of food to feed over 5,000 people - in fact if the story were somehow ever proven to be factually true, it would lose its power for me. The miraculous aspect of the story for me, through my 21st Century eyes, is that Jesus inspires people in such a way that everyone shares what they have, and when they do, there is more than enough for everyone - in fact, there is surplus left over. Because how I choose to interpret the story is that after the young boy shared his food, it inspired others to look into their own hearts and pockets to share whatever meager offerings they had, instead of hoarding it for themselves. And when they put it all together, they found that instead of not having enough to go around, they had more than they needed, much like the ‘Stone Soup’ story. For me that is a much more compelling interpretation of the story than the occurrence of any physical phenomenon, and much more miraculous, because believing in the miracle of sharing that may have happened means that it isn’t just a one-time occurrence. The miracle of that event can continue to be experienced.
Sharing with others is risky business. They boy sharing his food with Jesus and his disciples could have meant that he would go hungry, because if we share we may not end up with enough for ourselves, which is the fear-based motivation most of us live with. Rather than realizing that by sharing we may end up with more than we started, we tend to base how we live on what we perceive as our own scarcity or insufficiency, writes Charles Hoffman in Christian Century magazine. ‘We hoard and save and worry and end up living life in small and safe measures. We give in to our fear of a shortfall rather than exercising faith’ in the abundance of life. So maybe what we need to do is change our definition of what abundance means, from ‘having more than enough,’ or ‘having too much,’ to ‘having enough to share with others.’ Maybe we need to change the definition of what abundance means to something dealing with attitude rather than quantity. Maybe it’s like what Wayne Dyer says, ‘abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.’
So what does this story say to me? It says to say that whenever we are in the company of Jesus it seems as if there is always more than enough to go around, enough for everyone. That life with Jesus means living an abundant life - which means a realization that we do have enough to share with others.
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Susan Ryder is a progressive Christian pastor, and an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ - which is a site for Writers.
January 24, 2008
‘God promised he would never flood the Earth again,’ says Katie, age 7. ‘He put a rainbow in the sky. God told Joseph to build an ark. It was hard for Joseph, but he did it.’
Katie, you left out the part about Joseph painting the ark many colors. Actually, it was Joseph’s coat that was many colors and Noah who built the ark. You might forget who built the ark, but it’s easy to remember God’s promise when you see a beautiful rainbow.
We live in a time when promises are easily broken. That’s why attorneys do so well. A promise is no better than the character of the promise maker. God has perfect integrity and the power to carry out all his promises.
I like the way Ashlyn, 5, described God’s promise after the flood: ‘God promised to never let the Earth suck into water again.’ Ashlyn, you probably meant ’sink,’ but I don’t doubt that the ark passengers heard many sucking sounds as the huge vessel lifted and began its voyage. God started afresh with one righteous man, his family and a boat full of animals.
‘I think the most important promise God ever made was that when the time comes, if you are a Christian, God will come and take you to live your life in heaven with him,’ says Haley, 11.
One of the most amazing promises Jesus ever made came during the Passover meal with his disciples on the evening before his crucifixion. As he stared a cruel death in the face, he comforted his disciples with these words: ‘I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also’ (John 14:2-3).
Few things are more comforting than knowing a home exists where you’re loved and welcomed. Several years ago, I followed my friend Pat into a homeless hotel in New York City where she conducted a Bible club. Pat said some of these children were so traumatized from living around drug dealers and wacko parents that they couldn’t speak when she first began to teach them.
Pat assured them that even though their homes were unstable, God loved them and had already prepared a glorious, eternal home for those who believed in his son. Gradually, God’s love penetrated their fearful hearts. Pat saw God’s love and the promise of an eternal home transform these children.
‘I think the most important promise God ever made was to give his son for our sins,’ says Mikelle, 11. ‘Jesus died and shed his blood for us. Before that, people killed sheep, cows and other animals for sacrifices. But when Jesus died, his blood covered us all.’
This is the contrast between two covenant promises. Under the first covenant, the blood of bulls, sheep and goats could never remove sins permanently. The high priest’s sacrifice for the people’s sins in the holiest place of the tabernacle had to be repeated annually.
‘Once’ is the key word in the Book of Hebrews. ‘Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many’ (Hebrews 9:27).
The New Testament covenant promise has been sealed with the death of the Lord Jesus as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. John the Baptist called Jesus ‘the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29).
Think about this: When Jesus promised eternal life and a glorious home for all who believe in him, he fully realized that his own life would be the purchase price of his promise.
Memorize this truth: ‘Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many’ (Hebrews 9:27).
Ask this question: Do you believe in God’s promise of eternal life for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?
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Carey Kinsolving is a syndicated columnist, producer, author, speaker and website developer. To see Carey’s Kid TV Interviews and more, visit http://www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/ The Kids Talk About God website contains free, online content for children and families. Print free lessons from the ‘Kids Color Me Bible’ and make your own book. Watch for free the adventures of an 11-year-old girl traveling around the world, visiting missionaries in the Mission Explorers Streaming Video. Print Bible pictures drawn by kids that illustrate Scripture verses. Receive a complimentary, weekly e-mail subscription to our Devotional Bible Lessons. Bible quotations in this column are from the New King James Version.
Copyright 2006 Carey Kinsolving
January 20, 2008
A child?s First Holy Communion celebration can be anything from a simple backyard gathering to a posh hotel or restaurant reception these days. Every family will have its own traditions and expectations of events such as these, but with some basic thoughts in mind, and a little attention to details, such as theme, d?cor, and event favors, whether large or small, simple or elaborate, it can be a personal and meaningful occasion for all that attend.
The most important part of planning any event is to have a clear idea going in of your focus and desired result and to realize that there could actually be more than one. As in the case of a Holy Communion celebration, there will be guests of all ages attending and the desired result you?d like to create for the young ones may be different than that for the adults. Again, every family is different how they celebrate such occasions. Some will have a more structured event with time for toasts and speeches to tribute the guest of honor and family members, similar to a wedding reception, and others will leave the more formal part of the day to the church ceremonies and keep the party time more open or relaxed. It truly is up to you.
Although of course a religious rite of passage, the theme of such a celebration can either focus on that aspect by emphasizing it with d?cor and Communion favors with the Cross, chalice and wafer symbols or you can choose to highlight the child?s interests and personality more prominently with a theme that recognizes him/her as the guest of honor and his/her accomplishing this important step in life. An example of this would be to feature the child?s love of horseback riding, or swimming by including it, or even making it, the theme of the party with decorations, the cake, event favors, even entertainment and allowing the actual rite of passage, in this case the First Holy communion, that has brought everyone together and the ceremony preceding the party, to be the overall theme of the day. You often see this kind of personalization with weddings as the couple chooses a theme for their reception based on one of their interests such as using a location by the beach with tropical fish d?cor to share their passion for scuba diving with all in attendance. It is unlikely that anyone will forget that they?ve gathered for an important ritual (the couple?s marriage vows!) but they will also not likely forget that they enjoy scuba diving and that this was a unique and personal gathering.
Sending guests home with a Communion favor that tributes the guest of honor and also commemorates this celebratory day is an opportunity to convey many things as well. It can be a simple reminder that they attended the special event and therefore are an important participant in your family?s life, or in the case of a Communion favor it can also serve as a symbol of their own beliefs and rituals that are significant in their life.
These days, the possibilities are truly endless in what you can create for an event. By defining your desired result right from the start and taking factors such as budget, the number of guests, location and time of day into consideration you are on track for a successful party. Although there are many details to be thought through, keeping the reason for the party in the first place, your child?s rite of passage — his/her First Holy Communion, as the focus will help guide your thoughts and decisions.. Only you will know what is most appropriate for your family and this special time, and that in itself, will help you to plan a celebration that is personal and meaningful for your child and your guests.
Copyright 2006 AllInOneFunFavors.com
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Cheryl Salto loves helping to make celebrations personal and meaningful as the owner of AllInOneFunFavors.com specializing in providing an extensive online selection of Communion and Event favors for life?s special celebrations.
www.allinonefunfavors.com/communion-favors.html
January 18, 2008
With only 4 percent of American church members tithing, many churches badly need a boost in offerings. Unfortunately, most of us pastors have no training in stewardship development and have no idea how to lead people to generous, biblical giving.
The Bible tells us what to do in this situation: Hire a stewardship consultant. Okay, that’s not exactly what it says, but the message is there. In Proverbs, the wisest man who ever lived tells us that ‘Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed’ (Proverbs 15:22). And when the apostle Paul wanted to make sure the Corinthians gave generously to the famine-relief collection, he sent men to Corinth to encourage the people.
‘So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work [the collection] as well.’ (2 Corinthians 8:6).
‘So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness’ (2 Corinthians 9:5).
Titus and his unnamed companions were the first church stewardship consultants. Just as we hire church staff members with specialized skills in music or youth ministry, so we should not hesitate to engage the temporary services of a minister with stewardship expertise.
All right, you’re ready to take the plunge and look for help. How do you know how to find the right consultant? Having hired consultants while pastoring, and now serving as a stewardship consultant, I’ve concluded that there are five indispensable qualities you want in your stewardship consultant.
1. Biblical.
Above all other qualities, you want someone who builds their stewardship ministry on the word of God. In the Christian world, fundraising isn’t primarily about raising money; it’s about discipling people.
A good stewardship consultant deepens your people’s spiritual walk by building the entire consultation on biblical principles–in both the methods used and the content delivered. God’s people respond with great generosity when a pastor or consultant faithfully teaches what the Bible says about money and giving.
2. Pastoral experience.
I’m always amazed at the number of men and women who have never pastored a church, yet glibly dispense advice about how to do it right. You want someone who understands just how important it is that your people be approached tastefully and respectfully about money. Only someone who has been there can really understand the level of discomfort we pastors feel about talking about money, or the Byzantine complexity of internal church politics.
When the church I pastored interviewed stewardship consultants I wanted someone I could talk with pastor to pastor. We ended up hiring someone who had extensive pastoral experience. He had a wonderful ministry to me and our people. And we are good friends to this day.
3. Proven track record.
You want a stewardship consultant who can give you case studies with specific churches, pastors, phone numbers, email addresses, and dollar amounts raised. When the church I pastored was searching for a capital fundraising consultant, one of the biggest and most expensive companies was vague about how much money we could expect to receive. We found that unsettling.
We chose to work with Stewart McChesney of Titus Stewardship Ministries, because Stewart had a track record of raising 2.7 times a church’s annual giving in three-year commitments. He charged two-thirds as much as the bigger company and he had years of experience. Under Stewart’s wise guidance our people pledged over three times our annual giving in three-year commitments.
When looking for help with increasing weekly offerings, search for a consultant who has consistently helped churches increase giving by at least 30 percent.
4. Great references.
I just fired an Internet marketing coach because a friend alerted me to the fact that none of the references listed on her website checked out. (I had hired her through a larger organization who I-wrongly-trusted.) When I called her she told me her former clients didn’t want to be bothered with phone calls. She wasn’t at all moved when I pointed out that if a reference can’t be contacted, it is worthless.
Insist that any stewardship consultant you are interviewing give you many excellent, contactable references. If she is evasive or makes excuses, you are in danger. Flee!
5. Personable.
You want a consultant who is warm, friendly, and easy to communicate with. Believe me, I have met more than one socially abrasive church consultant! Likeability is an especially important quality in a stewardship consultant because you’ve hired him to help you navigate the emotionally charged waters of asking for money. If your consultant isn’t a warm people person, he may cause unnecessary conflict.
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I believe it is God’s will that every church reach its full giving potential. The secret is bold, biblical, pastoral leadership. And often that leadership is most effective when guided by the wise, biblical counsel of a godly stewardship consultant.
Copyright 2006 Rod Rogers
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Rod Rogers, D.Min., is a stewardship consultant, speaker, and author of Pastor Driven Stewardship: 10 Steps to Lead Your Church to Biblical Giving. His ten-step Dynamic Giving System? has helped over 900 churches worldwide biblically increase their giving 10% - 300% in five weeks. Get a FREE twelve-page eSermon when you sign up for his FREE monthly e-zine at http://www.pastordrivenstewardship.com
January 4, 2008
It all started pretty innocent. I was a maid in his house and I used to do all of the cleaning and cooking and looking after the young ones. He and the wife were linen traders and they often were away for nights at a time and sometimes his wife was away and he was left at home taking care of the local shop.
He was a talker and he liked to sit down with a glass of wine after a meal and have a good chat. He did that with his wife most of the time when the children were in bed but on the few occasions she was away, he came to my room and invited me down for a chat and a couple of wines.
I was young and didn?t have the body of a lady that had given birth to three children and I was quite funny and easy to joke around with. He liked to question me about my dreams and aspirations and was always fascinated that I was content just helping him and his wife make the house run like clockwork. He knew I wished I had a man of my own, and I made it clear that when I married I wanted a businessman like him. That was another reason I was in their house to learn from them.
His wife was a wonderful woman and very driven. She had a hard side to her, and sometimes was short with her husband and the children. She was a fine businesswoman but something was just not right with her and she seemed to lack the gentle spirit and carefree outlook that I had. In two years I had only seen her laugh once and this was to one of my jokes at the dinner table, and yet he?d been laughing every time I opened my mouth.
I should have shut my mouth and not been such a funny girl, I should have been quiet and reserved and not taken such a keen interest in him, I should have done a lot of things, but we all learn that in hindsight.
It was a summer?s day, and he had laughed a few hearty laughs, and drank a few too many drinks when he grabbed me one day and began to kiss me. At first I was shocked but as he kissed me I had to admit to myself that this was really my secret heart?s desire. I had often wondered if I was his wife, could I make him happier and as he kissed me I responded and for a night I saw him very happy.
Of course in the morning it was hard for us to be civil with each other. With the sexual union, something had changed and there was tension in the air now as he made it clear that it was only the wine that had allowed him to make such a bad mistake.
It isn?t very flattering for a girl to lose her virginity to a man that she loved, only to be told in the morning that it was all a mistake and that if it wasn?t for the wine he would never have been so stupid. I was going to leave that day but I made the mistake of staying another six months and it happened every time she went away without him. Soon I was reduced to a constant feeling of shame.
The lady of the house suspected us from the first week but she was so busy and so driven she must have just put it to the side. But one day out the back when I was hanging the washing out she confronted me with it and in tears I made my confession. She promptly kicked me out with one week?s income and I was homeless and heartbroken.
It seems news travels fast in small towns and though people didn?t know details the sudden departure from their employ was seen as something I did that was just not right. I couldn?t find someone to give me a maid?s job and the inn where I stayed was demanding the next week?s rent.
I was hungry and desperate and had no family to support me and so I pleaded with the innkeeper. I told him if he would let me stay I would not only have sex with him but I would sell my body to other men and he could have 50% of my earnings. The interview went well and when he dressed he said he would spread the word around and it wasn?t two hours before I had my first professional client.
Good news spreads pretty slowly, but with my young body and good looks, the news of my services spread really fast and before long I had to tell the innkeeper to limit my visitors to the civil and polite ones that I wanted to see. The ones that I didn?t like I tossed and the ones that I liked I kept.
And that was my mistake. One of the men that had seen me three times before I limited my visitors was a powerful man and he was used to getting what he wanted with his money. He had friends in the synagogue and so he went over and reported me for committing adultery. I was in bed with a client one day, shortly afterward when they stormed into my room. The client was told to dress and leave and then they grabbed me and dragged me out of the inn and away to be stoned.
John 8:1-11 (New King James Version)
1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, ?Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say? 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ?He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.? 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ?Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you??
11 She said, ?No one, Lord.?
And Jesus said to her, ?Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.?
Never before had I met a man like Jesus Christ. I went back to the inn and packed my bags and returned to the marketplace. After He had finished speaking I asked Him what should I do and what was His advice. He told me to come with Him to the house of a widow that was sick and for me to stay and care for her. She had family that would provide for my meals and give me a stipend and that over the years my honor would be restored. From that day to this, I slept with no other man. Two years after I moved into to care for the widow I went for a six-month journey with Jesus and his Apostles, along with His mother and some other devout women of God. I learned much from Jesus in this time and made it my business from that time to make my life shine for all men to know God more and more.
I am sixty five today as I write to you and I have to tell you that life for me has not been that easy. Many people in that town made it hard for me and many people made me think that I would never have a good name, but with God?s grace the followers of Christ embraced me and gave me work enough to keep me happy.
Under the Jewish Law I would have been stoned if I had not met that humble carpenter that day. I was guilty of a bad sin and deserving of death and the hellfire. But thanks be to God that Jesus looks to the heart and could see my sin was only a matter of bad circumstance on my part. I grew stronger with my six months with Jesus and I was so happy to have spent such quality time with Mary His mother and Mary Magdalene.
If people only knew how special and humble those two women were there would be no women trying to lead the church or enforce their rights to be heard. Jesus often sat quietly as both Marys shared things on their hearts and Jesus was not beyond learning something from another.
You don?t have to worry how big your sin seems to be. Jesus can free you of that sin if you would just let Him. He has the power and the anointing to heal you and you can be set free if you choose. So confess your sin and walk in freedom today. And in the words of Jesus I leave you. Where is your accuser dear friend? Therefore go and sin no more!
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Matthew is one of two people that operate a site at http://www.escapeministries.net Escape ministries is a place where people can be ministered to over the internet, by reading articles, watching videos and receiving personal prophetic words. James and Matthew invite you to visit today to look at some of the articles they have collected and watch some of the video teachings they are setting about to produce for you. You are encouraged to sign up for our monthly newsletter or simply email James or Matthew with any of your comments. We hope that you might bookmark it and come back to visit often as we pursue our mission statement that is found on our home page.
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January 2, 2008
Both Matthew and Luke recorded what Jesus had to say about people addressing Him as Lord and yet not doing what He said.
Luke 6:46 (NKJV)
But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?
Matthew 7:21 (NKJV)
‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Do you think the world would be a better place if everyone acted like Jesus did when He walked the earth?
Some people think that when I talk about obeying Jesus that I am trying to preach to them that unless you work you won?t make it into heaven. They say anymore than saying we are saved by grace is a works based doctrine.
But here we have it in the words of Jesus. He says here that not everyone who says to Him Lord, Lord will make it into heaven. It?s sort of like the parable of the ten virgins when the five foolish virgins tried to enter into the feast.
Matthew 25:11-13 (NKJV)
11′Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13′Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour[a] in which the Son of Man is coming.
After living a life on earth with all the pain and suffering that goes with that, it would be a very sad thing to find that you are turned away from heaven?s gate. I am firm when I believe that people who knew Jesus and lived a life that in some way served Him can and will be turned away in the last hour.
After the verse in Matthew 7:21 it continues:
Matthew 7:22-23 (NKJV)
22Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Many people assume the five foolish virgins and these people here that have prophesied and cast out demons and done many wonders are not Christians, and yet I am not of that belief. I believe that Jesus is serious when He warns us to obey His commands.
So what would the world look like if everyone who walked the earth walked like Jesus? What would happen if every person who believed Jesus actually walked like Him? Would there be a better world?
Certainly!
1 John 2:3-6 (NKJV)
3Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
Wouldn?t it be good if people had the love of God perfected in them? Wouldn?t it be good if we could find people who loved with unconditional love and they would be able to heal and nurture even the most broken-hearted person?
These are strong words by John. He says that people who say they know Jesus that don?t obey Jesus are liars and the truth is not in them. That sounds like the people who Jesus is going to reject when the time comes for judgement.
Mark 7:6-7 (NKJV)
6He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
‘This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
7And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
Perhaps the biggest accusation that the non church going people have against the people who go to church is that they are hypocrites. Jesus is saying here that the people of His day who taught the Law of Moses and who told the people of that day how to worship and serve God that they honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from God.
Is that true of today?s churches and the Christians? Does the average Christian obey Jesus in all His teachings? I speak to a lot of people and few know what Jesus really taught.
There is a little song I used to sing as a child that went
Trust and obey
For there is no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey
The writer of that song knew Jesus and in a simple song included the very essence of the Christian faith. Not every person hears the Holy Spirit speak to them and so to obey God in the things the Holy Spirit says might be somewhat foreign. But every person has access to a Bible and every Bible has the commands of Jesus in it
If you are not a Christian I hope that you will gain insight into what the Lord Jesus would have you live like if you were to give your life to Him. If you are a Christian and reading this perhaps it?s time for you to come to understand the teachings of Jesus in a way that you might not have ever seen in the past.
We need more of Jesus. We need to obey Jesus. The more we obey Him the more He will manifest himself to us. For He said:
John 14:21 (NKJV)
21He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.’
The more we love Him, the more we will obey Him and the more we obey Him the more He will show Himself to us. I am happy to be able to report that I have seen the Lord Jesus more than once in visions and I am happy to report that He talks to me and shares with me things that are on His heart.
I encourage all readers to read on and spend time thinking about each of the commands that are talked about here. The Lord will bless you richly as you consider them and start to live them out in your life.
Prayer in closing:
Father in heaven, I ask you that you speak to the readers as they read and that even today you might begin to answer their prayers and give them your peace. Father, just as you led your Son on earth, I ask that you lead the reader and speak to the reader through my words on the page and that in the end your Son may be praised on earth through the obedience of the reader. I ask this in Jesus? name. Amen.
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Matthew is one of two people that operate a site at http://www.escapeministries.net Escape ministries is a place where people can be ministered to over the internet, by reading articles, watching videos and receiving personal prophetic words. James and Matthew invite you to visit today to look at some of the articles they have collected and watch some of the video teachings they are setting about to produce for you. You are encouraged to sign up for our monthly newsletter or simply email James or Matthew with any of your comments. We hope that you might bookmark it and come back to visit often as we pursue our mission statement that is found on our home page.
You can visit and view their video’s live at youtube by going direct to http://www.youtube.com/EscapeMinistries
December 31, 2007
Matthew 4:10 (NKJ V)
10Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you,] Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’
The Lord Jesus was not easily fooled by Satan in the wilderness. When he was tempted he overcame Satan by quoting scriptures to him and telling him to go eventually.
Do we as people who know God only serve God? Do we in the way we live, live to worship God? Is the way we live our lives honouring to God in heaven? Are we people who serve God and worship God rather than people who worship the created things of this world?
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. 17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
When we really consider our lives are we more concerned with what we have in this life in possessions and what people think of us and what we look like to others than the things of God?
It is so hard to live in this world and not be taken over by the lusts of this world. It is hard to live in Christ and watch Television. So much of what Television promotes is the opposite of what Jesus would have us have and do.
We as people like to have a modern house and a modern car and all the modern things like computers and the internet and DVD?s and the like and yes the Lord would allow us to have them, but consider this.
What if $2000 could be spent producing 50,000 Gospels of John for another country? Would spending $30,000 on a car be hard for you when the same amount could but 750,000 Gospels?
You may look at me and say, ?Oh Matthew that isn?t fair!?
Isn?t it?
Why do you want an expensive car? Why do you want the best of houses? In what way is getting the very best of what this world has to offer serving God?
And how about worshipping God? Is this something you do on Sunday? Is it okay to go to church on Sunday and hold your arms up to the Lord in worship when the same arms deny a homeless person on the street as you walk home each day?
Serving the Lord is more than going to church on Sunday and to a home group on a week night. Surely serving the Lord is more than lip service. When the Lord God speaks about a fast that is honourable to Him in Isaiah it includes more than a few prayers and regular attendance at church.
Isaiah 58 (New King James Version)
1 ‘Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins.
2Yet they seek Me daily,
And delight to know My ways,
As a nation that did righteousness,
And did not forsake the ordinance of their God.
They ask of Me the ordinances of justice;
They take delight in approaching God.
3′Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’
‘In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.
4Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
5Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the LORD?
6′Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
‘If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
11The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12Those from among you
Shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
13′If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,
From doing your pleasure on My holy day,
And call the Sabbath a delight,
The holy day of the LORD honorable,
And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,
Nor finding your own pleasure,
Nor speaking your own words,
14Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD;
And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,
And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.’
The Lord God does not hold back when He talks about what will please Him. Jesus also did not hold back when He taught. In the parable of the sheep and the goats Jesus says something similar to what His Father has said here.
Can you feed the hungry and take in the person who has nowhere to stay? Would a person who is living on the streets enjoy a meal at your place and to watch a DVD in your machine and a fresh change of clothes?
Do we really serve the Lord how he wants us to serve him? Do we really love Him with all out heart? Do we love our neighbour with all out heart or do we conveniently excuse ourselves when it comes to those less fortunate than ourselves?
Is worship something we do in church or is it the way we live our lives? Is obedience a way of worshiping God?
I think so.
I would rather obey my Lord and be happy that He sees my obedience than be the best singer in church. To serve the Lord is an honor.
How would the world look if every hungry person was fed and every person without a house was given a place to stay and every thirsty person was given a drink and every drug-affected person was given hope for a life without drugs?
What if people so served God that they were like the Good Samaritan?
Luke 10:25-37 (NKJV)
25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’
26He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?’
27So he answered and said, ”You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’[a] and ‘your neighbor as yourself.”[b]
28And He said to him, ‘You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.’
29But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’
30Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35On the next day, when he departed,[c] he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?’
37And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’
Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
Are we really doing likewise? Do we see people who have been robbed of their dignity and self-esteem by the side of the road with stinky and dirty clothes and not give them a shower and a feed and a hand up like the Good Samaritan?
Are we really doing likewise? Do we really love our neighbours and in doing so serving God?
James has this to say about loving the poor:
James 2:1-17 (NKJ V)
1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ 4have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
5Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?
8If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; 9but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
14What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
We need to serve God in honesty and without partiality. We need to treat all people as equals and love each person as though they are worthy to be loved as out own family. When we walk with God in this way and we are kind to those in need then the Lord Jesus will be happy with us.
Cars, houses and other possessions are not what profits in the eternal Kingdom. It is lives saved and people who are lost finding God that is important. Carrying with you a Gospel of John would be profitable for the next person that comes and asks you for money. Perhaps you can give them a gold coin and the Gospel.
Are you willing to serve God? Can you make someone?s life a better life? Do you have something that you could share with another that hasn?t got all they need? Have you time to share with someone who might need to share some things on their mind? Do you have abilities that you could share with the building of God?s Kingdom on earth? Have you a story where God has touched you and done something amazing that you could share with others maybe on an internet site? Are there people you know that need to know Jesus that you can pray for? Are there needs in your community that you could perhaps get involved with?
Are you gifted in some way but don?t know how to use that gift? Are you frustrated that God isn?t using you? Do you want to serve God more and don?t know how to go about it?
Perhaps you could write and I may have ideas.
Closing prayer:
Lord teach me thy ways. Show me what is acceptable to you and lead me into the way of obedience to you. Lord lead me away from the lusts of this world and to know how to serve you better. Teach me not to be a judge of those less fortunate than me and show me how to show mercy to others. Lord help me to be a friend in need and help me to see the needs of others that I may so easily be overlooking in my life. God I ask that you may bring people into my life that I can help with what little I have and that you may give me the opportunity to show your love and concern for them. Lead me into the way everlasting and refresh me each day with your Word. Instil in me the love you have for people so that I may love you in action and deed and so my faith might not be dead or in vain but so people will honor you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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Matthew is one of two people that operate a site at http://www.escapeministries.net Escape ministries is a place where people can be ministered to over the internet, by reading articles, watching videos and receiving personal prophetic words. James and Matthew invite you to visit today to look at some of the articles they have collected and watch some of the video teachings they are setting about to produce for you. You are encouraged to sign up for our monthly newsletter or simply email James or Matthew with any of your comments. We hope that you might bookmark it and come back to visit often as we pursue our mission statement that is found on our home page.
You can visit and view their video’s live at youtube by going direct to http://www.youtube.com/EscapeMinistries
December 24, 2007
The Jews of today are composed of the 12 tribes.
Some, in clear contradiction of the Holy Bible, pretend that all twelve tribes of Israel are Jewish. Such woefully ignorant or deceptive people deny the biblical distinctions between the 12 Tribes and pretend there’s only one tribe: Judah.
Jacob-Israel had 12 sons. Each son became a patriarch of the tribe named after them. For example there’s Judah, whose descendants are Jews. There’s also Joseph, whose descendants are Joes. Joseph isn’t Jewish!
The 12 Tribes of Israel became the nation of Israel that later split in two: Joseph was the leader of the Northern Kingdom with its 10 tribes, capital Samaria, and Judah was the leader of the Southern Kingdom, capital Jerusalem.
The Northern Kingdom of Israel was defeated and deported by the Assyrians 130 years before the Southern Kingdom of Judah was defeated and deported by the Babylonians! Two separate kingdoms with separate tribes. The Northern Kingdom of Israel became known as the ‘Lost Ten Tribes.’ The Jews continued to be known as Jews (including exceptions among them to the general rule of relatively few Israelites who sojourned with them).
The first time in the Bible the words ‘Jews’ is used is when the Northern Kingdom of Israel was allied with Syria against the Jews! This is important to note since some deny these great distinctions! The Joes are not and never were Jews! They’re Joes!
2 Kings 16:5-6
5Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz [king of Judah], but could not overcome him.
6At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.
Further proof that there are TWELVE TRIBES and not just the Jews/Judah can be found in the distinct blessings of all 12 Tribes by Jacob (Genesis 48-49) and later by Moses (Deuteronomy 32). They’re addressed to each of the 12 Tribes of Israel and not just to Judah! The Lost Ten Tribes’ are not Jewish.
The High Priest had 12 precious gemstones representing the 12 Tribes of Israel - not just one stone in his breastplate, and shouldered two stones with six tribal names on one stone and six tribal names on the other (Exodus 28).
The Promised Land of Israel was divided among the 12 Tribes of Israel, as any biblical map will clearly reveal - not just one big inheritance for Judah!
Ezekiel 47-48 reveals a future division of the Land of Israel again between all 12 Tribes. The New Jerusalem makes mention of 12 Tribes - not just Judah (Revelation 21:12)
Those who dare deny these God-given distinctions mentioned in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation pretend all 12 Tribes of Israel have been merged into the one tribe of Judah, denying the distinct biblical prophecies for each of the separate tribes.
Some Jews have a haughty attitude against the other tribes, even against some Jews, and reject the ‘prodigal son’ and would disinherit them contrary to God’s Word and Will:
Ezekiel 11:15
15 ?Son of man, your brethren, your relatives, your countrymen, and all the house of Israel in its entirety, are those about whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ?Get far away from the LORD; this land has been given to us as a possession.?
They want the Gentilized Israelites to remain lost and far away, feeling smug and exclusive, rather than acknowledge they are only a small part of the Chosen People, the Servant Nation, and should seek reconciliation, our family reunion, not further alienation.
Those who pretend that all 12 Tribes are now with Judah speak against the Law and the Prophets that reveal otherwise, as the Law states the People (Am Israel, the Nation or People of Israel - all 12 Tribes) will be restored under King Messiah, and the Prophets speak of two branches representing the two leading tribes of Joseph and Judah being reconciled and reunited.
Conclusive proof Joseph and Judah are still separate and unique identities and tribes:
Ezekiel 37:15-22
15The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,
16Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:
17And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand [they’re two sticks, separate but brought together and joined by God].
18And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?
19Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
20And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.
21And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:
22And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all [which division still remains to this day until the restoration of all things].
Some Jews deny Joes are Israelites, and some Joes deny Judah is legitimate, accusing them of being Khazar converts and unworthy of the Jewish Homeland. I refute both hateful teachings with the plain truth of the Bible.
In Judaism, there’s a concept, ‘Ma’ase Avot, Siman L’Banim,’ the deeds of the fathers are guides for the children. The actions of the forefathers are reflected in the lives of their descendants.
Joseph and Judah fought before and don’t always agree today. Joseph’s brethren were blind to his identity and Joseph was a world ruler who fed the nations. Some still don’t recognize Joseph as the Anglo-Saxons or perceive that Joseph represented Yeshua the Pierced One, but in God’s good time all will be revealed beyond any shadow of a doubt.
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David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe’s Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog.
December 23, 2007
Aldrich Ames and Benedict Arnold have the distinction of being the most notorious traitors in United States history, yet they still do not come close to the greatest traitor of all time, Judas Iscariot. Judas, a chosen disciple, spent his time traveling with Jesus, listening to His teachings, witnessing His miracles, stealing from His moneybag, yet still Judas decides to betray Him. For just thirty pieces of silver, Judas signaled to the authorities to arrest Jesus by a kiss. Judas in his shame gave back the money and went and hung himself. No wait! He bought a field and fell down and his body exploded. What?
The different accounts of Judas? last moments have been a point of criticism from skeptics for many years. In Matthew 27:3-10 Judas returns the money to the chief priests and leaves to hang himself. The chief preists can?t put this blood money in the treasury so they go buy a field for burials which becomes known as the Field of Blood. In Acts 1:18-19 Judas bought the field and fell headlong, followed by bursting and bowels spilling out.
Critics and many a believer are left with a couple of questions. Did Judas hang himself or fall and spill his guts? Did the chief priests buy the field or did Judas? The following gives some responses to the claim that the Bible is contradicting itself in reference to Judas? death.
The most common rebuttal to Judas? death is that he did hang himself and then the tree branch broke causing him to fall and guts to spill. Another thought is that since it was the Passover time and right before the Sabbath that his body was left hanging until after the Sabbath since it was unclean and removing it would be work. The body might have swollen over that time and when it was cut down?well you get the picture. SPLAT!
Another rebuttal worth looking at is the idea that Matthew is doing a little poetic or creative writing here. The Greek word used by Matthew for ?he hanged himself? is also found in 2 Samuel 17:23 in the Septuagint (the Greek OT). In 2 Samuel it is referring to Ahithophel who betrayed David and hung himself when he was found out. It is possible that Matthew wasn?t actually saying that Judas actually hung himself, but that he was a similar betrayer like Ahithophel.
As for the field that was bought, many people say that the two verses are actually referring to separate fields. Given the fact that they both are connected to Judas? death, I find this pretty unlikely. If the chief priest and Judas both bought fields and they were both known as Field of Blood that might rival the resurrection as a good miracle. Instead I think a better explanation is that the chief priests did buy the field but in Judas? name. They didn?t want to be associated with the blood money and more than likely in the books that amount of silver was already paid out to Judas. So they just use his name when buying the field. Luke, being the thorough researcher, may have even consulted the paper work when writing Acts and seen Judas? name. It is not even that coincidental that the priests buy the exact same field that Judas died in. When Judas killed himself there, the land value probably plummeted seeing as how there was a dead body there and it was unclean. So I bet the priests even got a pretty sweet deal on the real estate.
Now these explanations may not be the actual remedy for explaining this passage, but it does allow for the possibility that both accounts of the events surrounding Judas? death could be correct.
For references and more visit articles http://www.cellphonecellphone.com and http://www.Churchhopping.com
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