Halloween Look-Back

Honestly, I have a mixed relationship about Halloween. On the one hand, the kids look so cute in their costumes, and they enjoy it so much.  I absolutely love fall festivals and autumn celebrations and Book Character Dress-up Days, which allow kids to wear non-scary costumes.  I've even dressed up on Halloween as an adult, in order to distribute candy at our door.

What I don't like is anything that celebrates the evil dimension of the spirit world.  I don't watch The Walking Dead.  (I did enjoy the movie Young Frankenstein several years ago as comedy, but again...comedy.)  I really don't view such media as total "fiction", you understand, because I am acquainted with the demonic origins of such "legends".

Yeah, there is a part of me that acknowledges Halloween to be a high holy day of the Satanic calendar.1  And, that makes me want to hurl.  Most of us, even Christians, want to pretend that Satanism and occult activity do not exist.  But, they most certainly do.  We get lulled into ignorance on the topic because, of all religions, Satanism is the most highly secretive.  You would never know who the high priests of Satanism are in your community, because they lead and live double lives.

So, with all that in mind, yet not proceeding down the rabbit hole, I exhort all of us believers to have nothing to do with the unfruitful ways of darkness, but rather, to speak out against them, to expose them (Ephesians 5:11).

Here's how I was able to do this on Monday night past, our most recent Halloween.  A small group from our new church set out a table with treats, lemonade and bottled water at the end of the driveway of a home in a large neighborhood.  It was a very warm night, and the lemonade was a huge hit!  The treat bags contained a postcard introducing families to our new church.  It was a pleasure to meet the neighbors of our friend whose home we borrowed, and it gave me supreme joy to "poke Satan in the eye".

What Satan means for evil God can always use for good.  Will everyone respond by visiting our church?  Probably not.  But, what if a few families attend and get to hear the gospel for the first time? Or, what if a family looking for a Bible-believing church is able to find a church home with us?  What if only one life is impacted positively for Jesus Christ and for the sake of the gospel?

Then, I'd say last Monday night was a "Hallo-win"!

Father, thank you for creative opportunities to share the good news of our Savior!  I pray that the seeds planted two nights ago will germinate and flourish.  Even if a family does not visit us, I pray that their souls will be pricked to visit another Bible-preaching church, where they can meet Jesus and where as a family they can learn and be discipled together!

Sources:

http://www.theopenscroll.com/hosting/SatanicCalendar.htm

Jesus Our Apostle

This is just a short post today to bring (hopefully!) some clarity to the confusing appellation the writer of Hebrews 3:1 gives to Jesus, namely that of Apostle.

Weren't there only 12 apostles?  Why is Jesus being called here "Apostle"?

F.F. Bruce, in his landmark Hebrews commentary, indicates that an "apostle" is "God's representative among human beings".1  The Greek word used here for "apostle" is "Apostolon" (Ἀπόστολον). The same word is also used in Philippians 2:25, to apply to Epaphroditus.  It is translated there as "messenger".  It helps me to consider the connotation of "envoy".

So, in that sense, Jesus, as God's "Last Word" to humankind, is the Ultimate Messenger of the gospel of God.  And, therefore, He is our divine Apostle.  "For he is not only, as has been emphasized already, the one in whom God has revealed himself finally and completely, but also the perfect embodiment of humanity's obedient response to God."1
Don't mistake this title as diminishing Jesus to the role of a mere earthly apostle.

Here, in the first few verses of Hebrews 3, Moses is contrasted with Jesus, who is both Apostle and High Priest.  Moses was certainly an apostle/prophet to the Hebrews, even though his brother, Aaron, was the progenitor of the Levitical, priestly line.  Though Aaron was given the title of first high priest of Israel, it was Moses who God invested with the role of Israel's true advocate before Father God. Moses represented for the Christian Jews the "old order, old economy".  Jesus represented and represents the new.   In a similar way as Moses was (although Moses was a vastly inferior "type" of Christ), as our high priest Jesus is our one, true Advocate with Father.

There is a huge church in our metropolitan area called The Church of the Apostles.  I always wondered why the founder chose that name.  In a way, like our Head, Jesus, who is our Apostle, we are all "apostles" in a very general, yet important sense of the word.

We are God's representatives among human beings, as we live out our Christian lives.
What an awesome, fearsome, amazing opportunity!  As Beth Moore puts it in her "Entrusted" study:
"One of the most grown-up realities we will ever accept is that we are His wonders with the greatest potential impact on the lost, the cynical, and the hopeless.  We - - former liars, cheaters, idolaters, adulterers, mockers, haters, backstabbers, abusers, murderers, atheists, and narcissists - - are placed by God right in the eyeshot of unbelievers who can refuse to look up but can't help looking out."

Oh dear God....may we walk worthy!  May we walk....resplendent!  In Jesus' name, amen. 

Sources:

1    Bruce, F. F. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1990. Kindle edition. 

We're The House

Recently, I've been involved in the examination of an old house.  It was built in 1973.  Over the years, it has seen a lot of changes.  The original garage is now a den, and there is a relatively new garage extension.  The walls have been moved to add a 3rd bedroom.  Both bathrooms have been moved.  A screened porch was added on the back several years ago.  The cabinets in the kitchen are new, as is the countertop and the flooring.  It is a house which has been much loved and developed.  As a result it bears little resemblance inside to how it was when it was brand new.  The exterior is somewhat changed, but the changes there are not as obvious.

It still has a few problems, although minor ones, since no house is perfect in all its ways.  There are still issues which must be addressed.

In today's scripture passage, we find the beautiful analogy that we are Christ's "house".

So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. Moses was also faithful, but Jesus gets far more honor. A builder is more valuable than a building any day. Every house has a builder, but the Builder behind them all is God. Moses did a good job in God’s house, but it was all servant work, getting things ready for what was to come. Christ as Son is in charge of the house.

 Now, if we can only keep a firm grip on this bold confidence, we’re the house!

(Hebrews 3:1-6 The Message)

I love The Message version of this passage.  Let's continue to take a good, hard look at the Son of God.  He is in charge of His Church, His House, that redeemed group of humans for whom He came and which has accepted His finished work of salvation.

As the One in charge, he "develops" us.  There are times he has to do some "demolition".  We can always be sure that He does it right, though - - no building code violations, no shortcuts, no shoddy workmanship.  Paul alludes to this when he tells us in Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) ...

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Let's examine our lives today and see where God is "working on" us, His beautiful house.  Are you undergoing minor repairs, or is God tearing an entire wing off of you (an "extreme makeover")?  Is He replacing your roof, your furnace, your bathtub?  Is He merely "redecorating" you at the moment?  Maybe he is adorning you with beautiful things!  Whatever stage of "development" you are in, I pray that you will recognize His hand in your life, Christian, and humble yourself under His mighty, loving hand.  Be bold, as today's scripture says, in your confidence that He has you in the palm of His hand!  He is in control, no matter your circumstances.

Our salvation is finished, secure!  We are forever His, because He is faithful.   Still, as part of His House we are all, after all, "under construction".  :)

I've never visited the Billy Graham library, but would like to, someday.  I'm told that his wife, Ruth Bell Graham, is buried there and that her tombstone bears an unusual inscription:

END OF CONSTRUCTION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

Father, where my floors are sagging, shore me up;
Where my gutters are clogged, clean me out;
Where there is mold, disinfect me;
Where cold winds blow in and steal my fire, seal me;
Where the enemy gnaws on my bones like a pestilent insect, inoculate me;
Where my rails are wobbly, steady me;
Where my rooms are empty, fill me with your Holy Spirit,
For Your honor and glory alone!
In Jesus' name, amen.

You Didn't Build That!

Life has become extremely busy, these last few days.  Last week, I blogged only twice (which means I had morning devotions only twice), and that makes me unhappy.  But, the past few days were filled with tremendous blessings, and about that I cannot complain.  Not.One.Bit.

That being said, it is with tremendous delight I have the blessed privilege of jumping back into Bible study this afternoon.  Let's resume with Hebrews 3, shall we?

Barak Obama was right.  (Some of you who know me well are laughing right about now!)  Do you remember how, during his tenure as president, Obama made the highly inflammatory statement, "You didn't build that!"  He was talking to a group of people about the small businesses they had "built", making the point that, had not the government provided them the infrastructure and undergirding necessary for the success of the businesses, those initiatives could not have succeeded.1

Now, I am not going to argue the politics of his statement here.  I am, however, going to make that point that, all political considerations aside, you certainly "didn't build that".

4For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.

Hebrews 3:4 NASB

Just this morning, I was sitting talking with a Christian sister about the church start-up we are both involved with as some of the initial pioneers.  We were reflecting on how God has put that group of pioneers together so very beautifully, so that needs are being met and work is getting done.  In fact, we were agreeing on how stunned we were over the beauty of it!  If we had tried our best to hand-pick people to come on board the project, we would have done an inferior job.  People have volunteered talents we did not know they had.  Who led them to volunteer?  God did.  He knew.  We have even been able to see how years ago He put people into key positions, the purposes of which were not clear at the time.  Looking back, those moves now make perfect sense...

It is oh-so-tempting to look at how God uses us in ministry and to get puffed up with pride..."Look what I did!"  Well, no, you didn't.  But, God did.  He used you to accomplish His purposes, to cause His will to be done...on earth as it is in Heaven.  Whether He used you willingly or unwillingly, He used the gifts and talents He gave you, to accomplish His will.

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Psalm 90:17 ESV

The Builder of All Things...is God.

Oh Lord Christ!  The universe is Your workmanship, but the Church is of it all the most rare, curious and excellent piece.  No less power was required to make the Church than was required to create the universe.  The latter was made out of nothing, and the former out of materials, flawed people, altogether unfit for such a magnificent building.  I am in awe of all Your works, and am so very grateful to be called not only Your daughter, but also Your servant.  Amen.

Source:

1  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKjPI6no5ng

Angel Salvation?

As a reminder, the whole of Hebrews, especially chapter 1, was written to clearly define who Jesus Christ is, with 2:16, our key verse for today, being no exception.  (Hebrews had a dual purpose, the second being to encourage persecuted believers).

16For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

ESV

16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

KJV

During the first century A.D., many heresies were flying here and there, many of them centered on the Person of Jesus Christ.  Judaizing was one; Gnosticism was another one, which I blogged about below:

This tendency to heresy continues unto the present day in our Christian faith, often born from the fact that some Bible student, commentator, professor or pastor wants to "discover" some new teaching in the Bible.  Of this we all who live the Word of God should be very wary, as this love of "secret knowledge" reeks of Gnosticism!  I love what Harold Brown1 has to say about this:

It is a curious fact about Christianity that it is the only major religion many of whose paid, full-time priests, prelates, and professors spend much time and energy trying to show that it is false and should be totally changed or perhaps even abandoned. Buddhists do not do this; neither do Hindus. Muslims certainly do not, or if they do they do not live long. This shows, I believe, that the religion of Scripture, historic, biblical Christianity, is obnoxious to the Prince of Darkness, so that he makes a point of tempting the professors and priests of Christianity to undermine their own doctrines.

One heresy that originated in the first century and is seductive to this day concerns angels and their relationship to Jesus.  The book of Hebrews is clear that angels are created beings, whereas Jesus is not.  Verse 16 is yet another verse to distinguish the second Person of the Trinity from angels.  Jesus Christ is no angel.  He is God, who took on Himself the nature of man, thereby making Himself "a little lower than the angels" (2:9-10).

But, verse 16 is a puzzlement in the sense that it appears to condemn fallen angels who are currently under judgment from God.  Is there no hope from them?  Does Hebrews 2:16 say that?

First, we have to recall that angels, though created, were not created with a "sin nature", the same one we inherited from our forefather, Adam.  There is a reason that Christ is referred to in Scripture as "the last Adam", as this refers to His taking on the human nature and becoming born as a baby, male human.  The "nature" of angels is quite different.

So, is the fate of fallen angels sealed?  It appears to be.  It is certain that the salvation available to humans through Jesus Christ is not available to fallen angels.  And, based on the following scriptures, no other salvation seems extended to them either.

5Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved^ca people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire,^d serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

Jude 1:5-7

3Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 

1 Corinthians 6:3

We must understand that God can do anything He wants, except violate His own Word.  He will not be untrue to Himself.  We must also accept that we do not understand all things and that, with humility, we need to leave the angels to God.  Certainly, we have our hands full dealing with our own mess on a day-to-day basis!  Fortunately, our precious Lord Jesus, because He became a man, understands our "mess", is able to sympathize with our trials and temptations, and is therefore able to strengthen and help us to overcome them, in His all-powerful name.  Let's praise Him for His amazing grace!

Sources:

1  Jackson, Wayne. "Is There No Plan of Salvation for Angels?" ChristianCourier.com. Access date: October 19, 2016. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1021-is-there-no-plan-of-salvation-for-angels

2  http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/heresy-in-the-early-church/

Cred and Peace

Cred: do you know what that means?

Cred is a street word that is short for "credentials".  If you have "cred" then you have the authority necessary to accomplish something or to demand respect.

This reminds me of my late 20s and early 30s, when my childless self would judge the parenting of my siblings and others who were navigating the shark-infested waters of parenting.  Some of those were not shy about telling me how, as a childless person, I lacked "cred" to advise them.  Later, when I became a parent, I realized that they were 1000% right!

In her "Entrusted" Bible study this morning, week's 4's video portion, Beth was giving part of her personal testimony.  A key point she made is that God has formed her into the influential, dynamic Bible teacher she is today in part because of what He brought her through in her past.  Because she endured and through the power of the Holy Spirit triumphed over horrific events in which she had no control, she now has cred to help others going through similar trials.

Hebrews 2:14 and 15 (ESV) - - -

14Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Aren't there just some things in the Bible that you have to say to yourself, "I don't get it.  I'll never get it.  And, by the grace of God, that's okay."?

The first part of verse 14 is like that for me.  There is nothing more inscrutable or past my understanding that the doctrine of the Incarnation.  To think that Jesus-God experienced the fullness of human existence....that just blows my mind.  He shared in our flesh and blood.  He shared in our physical death.

Because God the Father willed it, Jesus endured it.  For whatever the reason, Father demanded that His Son "have cred" with the human experience.

This passage of scripture makes it clear that, if Jesus had not shared in our flesh and blood, even to the point of physical death, He would not have been able to destroy the stronghold Satan holds over the planet Earth.  Jesus would not have been able to deliver us from Satan's clutches, had He not lived as a man, died as a man and risen bodily from the dead (again, as a man).

Those of us who are in Jesus Christ, those whose hearts beat for Him, have no need to fear when our physical death approaches.  The opposite of such supernatural peace is a crippling fear that enslaves...often for a lifetime.

People do not have to live this way, immobilized by fear, "zombie-fied" by the fear of death.  Jesus did what He did to set us free from eternal, spiritual death, but not only from that!  He also did what He did to free us from the FEAR of it, as we live this life He also lived!

One of my favorite songs, and one we are going to sing this Sunday at the very first service of a brand-new church, is called "In Christ Alone".  Its lyrics boldly proclaim the truths we've been studying today.  Give a look and a listen.

As sung by Kristian Stanfill - - - 

https://youtu.be/gMixnWehee0

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Songwriters

KOCH, DONALD A. / CRAIG, ANDREW SHAWN

Published by

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Big Daddy Weave: A Gorgeous Tapestry of Legacy

My aunt is coming to visit!
I write these words with tremendous anticipation.  She lives in Kentucky, which is not THAT far away, actually.  But, my uncle has been physically limited for the past several years and, although when he wasn't they "came south" to the home community, they never visited my home (which is about 1.5 hours from Ancestors' Ground Zero).
So, I am beyond excited!!

I just love my aunt to pieces, one reason being that she is quite a bit like me, hahaha!  That's no surprise, given genetics.  We absolutely delight in each other's company.  In many respects, although we have for much of our lives been separated by distance, I am her spiritual offspring.  As I was excitedly telling my very good friend about my aunt's impending visit, I said, "You are going to recognize so much of me when you get to know her."  I am her niece, but also one of her spiritual children.  And, I'm so grateful for her legacy to me.

In today's verses, Hebrews 2:11-13 (ESV), if you will recall, Jesus is in a sense "speaking" a reply to the Father, who was "speaking" to the Son in Hebrews 1:5-14.  Note how in today's passage Jesus calls His followers his "brothers" and also "children".

11For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.^b That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,^c 12saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;

in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

13And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

In these verses, the author of Hebrews quotes both Isaiah 8:17-18 as well as the words of King David in 2 Samuel 22:3.  I love how the writer, weaves the Old Testament prophecies into this gorgeous New Testament tapestry of legacy.

Isaiah was God's faithful prophet, to whom God promised that his children would be a remnant of faith.  David was a man after God's own heart. To David God promised Messiah would come from his own lineage.  Jesus, Yeshua Messiah, now calls them (and us!) both His brothers and His children.

There is no job harder than being a parent, biological or otherwise, in my opinion. It is a relationship heartbreakingly beautiful....or simply heartbreaking.  Don't you know that God feels the same about us and the decisions we make?  When we glorify Him, His limitless heart swells, and when we destroy the gift He has given us, His magnificent heart breaks.  God: the original Big Daddy Weave!

Who are your children, Christian?  Whom has God given you?  Who has Big Daddy Weave woven into your tapestry?  Are you praying for them?  Are you sacrificing for them?  Are you loving them as Jesus-with-skin-on?  Father has given us to Christ so that as "children" we may learn from Him. Cockerill says this:
"The Greek word for 'children' is often used as a general term for younger people with a close relationship to and respect for the one addressing them as 'children'.  Thus Christ's calling them his 'children' preserves the uniqueness of the Son, affirms his solidarity with the 'sons and daughters', and suggests that they are in need of his assistance.  The term 'children' is also fitting for those in need of instruction ..."
And, He has given us offspring so that they may learn from us.

It is easy as a parent, biological or spiritual, to become discouraged or appalled or nearly suicidal over the antics and actions of our biological or spiritual descendants.  But, remember...even the great Isaiah did not physically live to see God's promises totally fulfilled in his children's lives, nor did David live to see the Temple built or the first advent of Jesus Messiah.

So what if all we see is the underside of the tapestry, with all its knots and crazy connections under there?  We rest in the hand of Big Daddy Weave, the Master Weaver.  Let's trust and pray, yield and obey, and then....rest in His everlasting goodness.

Oh!  And, Big Daddy Weave is a contemporary Christian band.  Listen to their wonderful offering, "My Story" here:
https://youtu.be/1TKAN-nAsu8
(If there is an ad that starts to run before the song starts, click "Skip Ad" as soon as possible.  Some of them are pretty vile and disgusting.)

Oh Father God...."for grace that is greater than all my sins, the kindness of Jesus that draws me in...Oh, to tell you my story is to tell of Him." Thank you for Your timeless grace and Your legacy woven upwards, downwards, backwards and forwards, like threads connecting us to You and to each other.  Hallelujah!  In Jesus' name, amen.

Source:

Cockerill, Gareth Lee. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2012. Kindle edition.