6 Weeks To Resurrection - The Annas Meeting

After His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is lead to what will be the first of His trials. John 18:13  First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.  The picture to the right shows a picture from inside the family tomb of Annas where the famously discovered ossuary of Caiaphas was discovered in 1990. This demonstrates to any reader, that the events of the gospels are historical and involved the people that are mentioned in their narratives.   The High Priest's Palace has also been located, and was during its day a palatial multi-story mansion. This is where Jesus was brought, bound for what is his first trial. The Passover ended, Jesus went to the Garden with the disciples on what would have been after 9pm on a Wednesday. It is around midnight when Judas appears in the Garden with the guard to arrest Jesus. For what to us would have been very early Thursday morning (2 am or so), he is escorted from the Garden to the High Priest's Palace. John 18 and the other gospels describe the events, but what is important to understand is that what happened to Jesus was illegal in all sorts of ways.  Both the gospels, the characters mentioned, and historians outside of the scripture all mention that the events were irregular and violations of the rules that the Jews themselves set for things such as this.  Two primary things are 1.)  That he was brought to Annas before he was brought to the Sanhedrin was illegal. Annas had no authority, was not in office, and could not decide anything as far as Jewish law.  2.) The fact that it was still night and that Jesus was beaten were two NO NO's of Jewish law. They would not do this in any other case -- but they did with Jesus. What does this tell you?

Another key event that happens here, is that this is where Peter denies Jesus. To understand this and to see where it occurs really brings home the emotions and fear of the night. In the upper right of the picture is the Reception Hall where Jesus was brought. Just down to the left is the Courtyard where Peter was have stood, "warming himself" Jn.18:18. There was a doorway that is there, and this is where Peter denies Jesus, and it is also where Jesus looks at Peter as the denial occurs. The weight of that moment can be palpably felt, as for Peter - he is crushed. He has not done what he has said he would do. For Jesus - the finality that events are now set in motion and his death is upon Him. 

What can we learn from these events?

1. Prov. 29:25  The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. Fear causes people to do things that they normally would not do. Many things that we do sometimes that we consider "dumb" are things that we do out of fear. Fear that we cannot do without something. Fear that someone will not like us. Fear that we will be blamed, accused, etc.  But, hear the proverb because Trusting in the Lord casts out fear because with God no matter what comes, my path is set. Jesus trusted God in this time of fear. Peter did not, neither did those who accused Jesus. Do you? Or are you afraid?
2. Mt .6:41  "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  This is so true.This was also Peter's dilemma. His spirit was indeed willing to die with the Lord, but when it came time to face the pain - he became weak. This is true with us too. We all go to church, talk bible, and many things that outwardly are spiritual good things. Yet, when the time comes to face the pain, guilt, truth or whatever, our flesh becomes weak and we give in. 1 Jn.1:9 if we confess our sins, God forgives.
3. Jer.10:23  I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Learn that you cannot captain your own ship as many have been taught that they can. We master little in life, and our life is not one of them. Without God in our lives, we are a shipwreck waiting to happen.

Many things happened in this trial that Jesus went through and there were yet more to come. We see humanity at its worst, and God at His best. Ever wonder what would have happened if God had reacted to the world as we would if it were our child -- "What do you think you are doing to my boy?" Me thinks the world would be a crispy critter!  Aren't you thankful for grace?

Jim

Emotions - Intellect? Which Does God Like Better?

Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

Mk.12:28-31

Many when they hear these words, hear commandment. DO THIS! It is the Shema after all, the affirmation of God above all things.  Yet, have you ever stopped to consider the depth of what Jesus is saying here, that is THE greatest thing of all the Bible?  LOVE….yes, simple word, yet deep. How much do you love life, eating, breathing? Jesus states that our love for God should be more.  Not just kind of love him, He wants you to love him passionately. ALL of your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. God doesn't want to just be in your head. He wants an integral, deep, emotional relationship with you.

This isn’t difficult to understand, when we comprehend that just because God is a Spirit (Jn.4:24) does not mean that God has no emotions. Read the scripture and you will see it is replete of descriptions of God’s feeling joy, grief, pain, and hatred toward sin and many other things. He gets frustrated with people, feels joy, compassion, pity….and the deepest of all love

Your ability to feel is a gift from God. The ability to love, create, be faithful and loyal, kindness, generosity are all emotions that are attached to the good things in life. While emotions may not always seem like a gift, but even the negative ones have a purpose. In this, as with all things, there are some things that we need to learn to avoid.  Emotionalism is the extreme of saying the only thing that matters in life is how you feel. This view is very egocentric, where everything is based on you. Everything in life is based on your emotions without thought of intent or basis of faith. Yes, God wants us to feel, because He feels. Yet, it is not how we feel that is to control our lives. That is why Jeremiah states,, “I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” (Jer 10:23).  If left to myself and my emotions – I would self-destruct. Man does not have that capacity within himself.  That is why we need a compass, to point the right direction, give the right wisdom, and share the right advice (Psa.119:105; Jn.17:17; Rom.10:17; 2 Tm.3:16,17).

On the other hand, to go all Mr.Spock from Star Trek and obsess on stoicism is equally bad. To say feelings aren't important at all, and the only thing that matters is your intellect and your will is to ignore the fact that faith while based on verity of testimony of scripture, is an emotional response.  It is the answer of the conscience in response to what God has put before the soul (1 Pet.3:21).  Paul reminds us,  “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Rom 10:10). Did you notice the progression?  When the heart is convinced and believes, the mouth cannot keep from confessing. Why? Because it is the emotional response!  Some Christians have decided that it doesn't really matter how you feel and downplay emotions. That’s not right. God gave you your emotions for a reason, and he wants you to worship him emotionally — with all your heart and all your mind.

All of you…that is what God wants. Including your knowledge and your emotions. He doesn't want one over the other…He wants them BOTH!  Are you giving them to God? 

Jim

Ever Thought That God Has Faith in YOU?

I have people ask me all the time, “How do you know good steel from inferior steel when making a knife?” The answer is relatively simple – the one that has the most purity of steel, that contains the least alloys, the one that has the dross removed – that is your best blade steel.  It is material that is pliable enough to be worked, molded, shaped and honed.

The same is true regarding a Christian.  Peter wrote, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Pt.3:21).”  The first step is admitting my sin and state of loss without Christ, then professing Him in answer to my heart’s cry for salvation by being immersed into His death (Rom.6:4). While this is indeed the first and best step, it is by far not the end. The difference between faithful people and unfaithful people is unfaithful people give up at the first sign of difficulty. Faithful people are persistent. Faithful people don’t know how to quit.

   

God is more interested in what you’re becoming than what’s happening to you. God often allows trials, troubles, tribulations, and problems – not to torment us but to bring out of our lives those things that we do not need in an eternal soul and to teach us diligence, determination, and character. That problem you’re going through right now? It’s a test of your faithfulness. Will you continue to serve God even when life stinks?  When you feel like you’re ready to toss in the towel, here are a couple of scriptures to keep close by your side:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).

“For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”(2 Cor.4:15-18)

When it comes to you, and Satan comes before God and accuses you and says, “God - you’ve put a hedge around _____ I can’t get to him/her. But I bet if I could, they would deny you to your face!” remember that God is not “betting” that you will lose. He is confident, that YOU will remain faithful, true, and come out on the other side better than when you began. God – has faith in you!

Jim

How Many Will I Find On Earth Who Have Faith?

“When I, the Son of Man, return, how many will I find on earth who have faith?” 

Luke 18:8 (NLT)

Viewed from a Biblical vantage point, it goes without saying that we live in an increasingly faithless world. Values shift from pillar to post, and the majority of happenings in the lives of people are ego driven - not God-driven. So, Jesus' question above is a valid one, if He came back today, how many people of faith would he find? Then next question then is an important one - Would you be one of them? 

God has always sought people of faith, and people who love Him. Hanani the Seer told King Asa as far back as 908 B.C.  "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him."

2 Chron.16:9. 

God;s desire is to bless and to show his love. Faithfulness is the key to unlocking that blessing in our lives. Jesus stated to some blind men who asked Him to restore their sight, "Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." (Mt.9:29)

He wishes to pour blessings into all areas of our life – our family, career, finances, health, relationships – but will do it according to the level of your faith. It goes without saying then, that if you have great faith, you will have great blessing. If you have a little faith, you will receive a little blessing. 

But if you have NO faith? God’s blessing will not be in your life at all.  Prov.20:6 asks a good question, "Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?"

A sad chorus of Psa.53 states, "God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one." 

Within our own song books we proclaim "Faith is the victory we know, that overcomes the world."  The greater our faith, the brighter the victory experienced. Not because of what we have done, but of what God has chosen to do in us or through us. This is not some arbitrary utterance by a song writer, it is a statement of scripture. 1Jn 5:4,5 "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

The question Is then, is faith found in us?

Jim 

 

How Much Faith Do We Have?

 "...some people brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the paralyzed man, "Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven."

Matt. 9:2

Matthew 9 contains the insight mentioned above, where Jesus heals a man that is paralyzed. While this in itself is amazing, there is another amazing thing that we can witness from this event.  The man who is paralyzed has friends who care enough for him that they want him to be healed by Jesus, and go to great lengths to get him in front of Jesus. 

Faithful people share their faith. Today’s verse comes from the story in Matthew 9 about the friends of a man who was sick and paralyzed. They wanted him to be healed, so they brought him to Jesus by lowering him on his mat through an opening in the roof. When Jesus saw these  friends and what they were doing, Matthew records, "Jesus saw how much faith they had.."  

A good question to ask ourselves, is how much faith do we have?  We might answer, "I have great faith!  I come to church on Sunday, I'm busy in the community and spread good deeds. I give regularly and pray often!" God may then turn to us and ask, "But have you brought your friends to me?"  Just like this man, we too have friends who are paralyzed and can’t get to Jesus. They may be paralyzed by fear, guilt, doubt, pain, or maybe even resentment over being hurt in the past by someone professing to be a Christian. They can’t get to Jesus on their own.

Are we going to be faithful enough to bring them to the Lord?  

We need to take care in coming to the point that we quit "being about the Lord's business."  Serving God is more than "church" and pretending to be religious. The moment we say in our heart that we do not need to grow anymore, we're saying they don’t care about the world.  When we get to this point, God’s blessing is removed because God does care for the world (Jn.3:16).

When we continue to bring people to Jesus, God will bless not only our church family, but also our real families, our businesses, and our lives. God honors the faith of those who share their faith, and not only do you receive a blessing, you become one. 

Jim

Troop Carrier or Luxury Liner?

The language of Matthew 10 envisions Jesus as a military commander sending soldiers out on a mission.  He summoned his disciples, and then he sent them out. In light of the needs before them and the danger around them, the disciples knew they were entering into battle.

In the late 1940s, the United States Government commissioned William Francis Gibbs to work with United States Lines to construct an eighty-million dollar troop carrier for the navy. The purpose was to design a ship that could speedily carry fifteen thousand troops during times of war. By 1952, construction on the SS United States was complete. The ship could travel at forty-four knots (about fifty-one miles per hour), and she could steam ten thousand miles without stopping for fuel or supplies. She could outrun any other ship and travel nonstop anywhere in the world in less than ten days. The SS United States was the fastest and most reliable troop carrier in the world. The only catch is, she never carried troops. At least not in any official capacity. The ship was put on standby once during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, but otherwise she was never used in all her capacity by the U.S. Navy.  Instead the SS United States became a luxury liner for presidents, heads of state, and a variety of other celebrities who traveled on her during

her seventeen years of service. As a luxury liner, she couldn’t carry fifteen thousand people. Instead she could house just under two thousand passengers. Those passengers could enjoy the luxuries of 695 staterooms, 4 dining salons, 3 bars, 2 theaters, 5 acres of open deck with a heated pool, 19 elevators, and the comfort of the world’s first fully air conditioned passenger ship. Instead of a vessel used for battle during wartime, the  SS United States became a means of indulgence for wealthy patrons who desired to coast peacefully across the Atlantic.

Things look radically different on a luxury liner than they do on a troop carrier. The faces of soldiers preparing for battle and those of patrons enjoying their bonbons are radically different. The conservation of resources on a troop carrier contrasts sharply with the opulence that characterizes the luxury liner. And the pace at which the troop carrier moves is by necessity much faster than that of the luxury liner. After all, the troop carrier has an urgent task to accomplish; the luxury liner, on the other hand, is free to casually enjoy the trip.

When I think about the history of the SS United States, I wonder if she has something to teach us about the history of the church The church, like the SS United States, has been designed for battle. The purpose of the church is to mobilize a people (Eph.4) to accomplish a mission (Mt.28:18-20; 2 Tim.2:2) Yet we seem to have turned the  church from a troop carrier into the church as luxury liner. We seem to have organized ourselves, not to engage in battle for the souls of peoples around the world, but to indulge ourselves in the peaceful comforts of the world. This makes me wonder what would happen if we looked squarely in the face of a world with 4.5 billion people going to hell and twenty-six thousand children dying every day of starvation and preventable diseases, and we decided it was time to move this ship into battle instead of sitting back on the pool deck while we wait for the staff to serve us more hors d’oeuvre.

Are we willing to obey the orders of Christ? Are we willing to be like him? Are we willing to risk our lives to go to great need and to great danger—whether it’s in the inner cities around us, the difficult neighbor across the street, the disease—ridden communities in Africa, or the hostile

regions in the Middle East? Are we willing to fundamentally alter our understanding of from a luxury-liner approach that seeks more comforts in the world to a troop—carrier approach that forsakes comforts in the world to accomplish an eternally significant task and achieve an

eternally satisfying reward?

-- The above cited directly from RADICAL, Taking Back Your FAITH from the American Dream, by David Platt pgs. 340-367, Mlutnomah Books, Scripture references are my own - Jim Hartman

"Dreamer Joe"

"You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good -so that it would come about as it is today, with many people's lives being saved."

Gen 50:20

We do not often think about the impacts that we or our circumstances have on the lives of others. Nor do we often consider what God has in mind when we do certain things. The classic story related in Genesis of Joseph, is one that under circumstances today would embitter some. He was sold into slavery by jealous brothers and thrown into prison on false charges. His rights trampled, his feelings neglected, his opinions shunned and then everyone going about calling him a dreamer. It is amazing that Joseph was able to go through all of this, yet remained free of bitterness or regret. Yet, many today cannot discuss life, their situation, reveal their feelings about race or it seems feel anything without someone saying something, trouncing on us, or putting us down.

What enabled Joseph to do this? Behind even the worst of circumstances. Joseph was able to see the hand of God. Now, this doesn't mean that he liked going through any of these things. But it is interesting in the last chapter of Genesis and in a final confrontation with his brothers, he graciously notes, “You meant it for bad; God meant it for good.”

What then can we learn from Joseph, that can help us in our own lives?

1. Learn to appreciate what you have and quit lusting for what you don't have. Paul wrote Timothy, "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.(1 Tim.6:6 NASB)." Paul himself, learned this principle (Ph'p.4:11-13), and learned the valuable lesson, that in Christ we can do many things, if we let Him be our sufficiency.
2. You can accept the past. No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle (1 Jn.1:9). Just ask Joseph! Better yet, ask his brothers who ended up relying on him for their survival. Bitterness can chain you to the past if you let it. Let go of your sin, let go of your past and give them to God. Joseph did.
3. Embrace the present. There’s no need to play a “what if” game. The future is in God’s hands; so you’re free to focus on the present. The present is where God's grace is, the present is where we can deal with what is before us. I cannot fix the past, nor can I change the future. I can only deal with NOW.
4. Learn to look expectantly toward the future. God controls your future, and by walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, without fear. Even when things appear to be dark, you can trust that God is still working out His plan for your life. Job learned this "I had heard about you with my ears, but now my eye sees you; therefore I detest [myself] and repent in dust and ashes (Job.42:5,6)." When we know God, and we walk by His Spirit, the future is always before me.
5. Learn to trust. Paul wrote to the Romans, "Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose (Rom.8:28)." God can take care of the past, handle the present, and create the future. Why then would I not trust Him?

Jim

HELL and the Old Testament

Since launching this study on HELL, I have both learned - and been amazed. I have genuinely approached this study, not with an agenda in mind, but to learn - genuinely learn what does the Bible teach on this. This post will deal with the Old Testament.

Was-Is HELL something that was taught or even considered in Old Testament times? First, let me say that time and space here does not permit me to cover every aspect of this subject from this perspective. There are many arguments that are made, that I simply do not have opportunity to consider or just not worthy to consider. My goal here is to consider what the Bible teaches on the subject in the context of the matter at hand. One common comment that I have run across repeatedly in my research on the subject, especially on the Internet is the statement "..the Old Testament does not mention Hell at all..” Let me state here, that there is a sense in which this is right. The Old Testament does not come out and say, "thou shalt go to hell." Yet, many things which I have read across the Net-sphere assume this to be a diving platform on which to pontificate without much research into the matter from the scripture's perspective, or skewing biblical perspective to resemble their views. For example, making a claim that the sun does not exist, because ancient Egyptians considered the sun to be god, or because literature of the day does not specify the sun as a hot plasma ball is ludicrous. Arguments made by some authors on this subject fall into this same category. Which brings up to me a particular question, "What Bible are YOU reading?"

OK...enough talk. Let's delve into the scriptures themselves and see what the OLD TESTAMENT itself has to say about this subject. To say that people of the Old Testament did not have a concept of immortality is an incorrect assumption. As far back as the book of Genesis itself, people had two terms for death or burial and another for what they considered to be beyond death.

"qebûrâh" is the word that was used to state that a person had been buried or placed into a sepulcher or grave (Gen.35:20). In the passage cited, Jacob places a marker at the site of Rachel's grave - sepulcher.

"she'ôl" was a word that was used to refer to what they considered at the time lay beyond the grave or the world of the dead (Gen.37:35). In the passage cited, Jacob states that he will go into the world of the dead (notice the word is different than the one used in Gen.35:20) mourning his son. If he had meant that he would go down to the "DIRT" mourning his son "qebûrâh" would have been used. Jacob states plainly, that he will go down into "SHEOL" mourning his son - the world of the dead.

But someone will cry out, "THIS ISN'T HELL!" And...to this point you would be correct. It simply states a difference in concepts, that one - there is a place of burial and second that there is something beyond the grave. This is even more evident in the Psalms.

In particular, in Psa.16:7-10 "I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption." Notice in particular the last verse that the SOUL is not abandoned to SHEOL (the world of the dead) and the flesh would not see "corruption" (the decay of the grave). This passage, Peter says refers to Jesus (Acts 2:25-31). His body arose from the grave ("qebûrâh" - grk mnēma) Acts 2:32 and his Soul was not abandoned to SHEOL ("she'ôl" - grk hadēs) Acts 2:31 - because HE IS RISEN (Mt.28:6,7).

Psalm 30:3 - This Psalm was given at the dedication of the Temple. David states,"O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol (world of the dead - JH); you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit (cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well - JH).

Psalm 49:14,15 "Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me."

• Notice in this passage, it speaks of those who live rebellious to God, in haughtiness and trust in their own selves, riches, etc. They are "appointed (destined)" for SHEOL (world of the dead - JH). DEATH is going to be their shepherd there to guide them to this place.They will be consumed with "no place to dwell" - there will be no comfort, no peace.
• Not so for the people of God whose soul will be ransomed (severed, released) from the power of SHEOL (world of the dead - JH) - to be received by God! If they are released from the world of the dead and received by God what does that tell you? Sounds to me like the people of God are taken to be with Him, while the people that were wicked are SEPARATED from Him, with "no place to dwell."

Isa.10:16-18 "Therefore the Lord GOD of hosts will send wasting sickness among his stout warriors, and under his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of fire. The light of Israel will become a fire, and his Holy One a flame, and it will burn and devour his thorns and briers in one day. The glory of his forest and of his fruitful land the LORD will destroy, both soul and body, and it will be as when a sick man wastes away."

• This is a prophesy of the captivity of Israel and of their return that would take place in the days of Cyrus and Ezra. While this particular passage doesn't have anything per se' to do with the world of the dead, there is a peculiar expression used here by Isaiah that is worth noting. Verse 18 contains what became a "proverbial" expression among the Jewish people, to be careful lest you invoke the wrath of God to "destroy (end) both body and soul."
• Notice that this is described "as when a sick man wastes away." Have you ever been around someone that lingers and lingers in throes of death? Humans ALWAYS associate this with pain, agony, hurtfulness, and suffering! Here, not only is the body gone (dead - in the GRAVE) but the soul continues in anguish - as one wasting away at a disease.

Isa. 66:24 "And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh."

• This is again Isaiah's prophesy of the capture and return of Israel in the days of Cyrus and Ezra. What is of peculiar note here is that God describes punishment for evil (vs.17)! They will face the fire of God's wrath. Those faithful are to be remembered, established, and to continue.
• Notice however, those who are evil have a familiar expression applied to them in vs.24. "For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh."
• Notice again, as observed from last week in Mk.9:44-49 it speaks of "THEIR WORM." Notice - IT SHALL NOT DIE (sounds eternal to me - JH). THEIR FIRE is NOT QUENCHED (sounds eternal to me - JH). THEY SHALL BE AN ABHORRENCE - (God's words not mine - JH)

Jer.19:1-7 –This passage is where the valley of Hinnom became the physical symbol of what becomes known as "gehenna" in the New Testament or eternal HELL!

• Notice WHY it becomes that symbol. Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind-- therefore, behold, days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place shall no more be called Topheth, or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.
• Notice now vs.7-9 I will give their dead bodies for food to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the earth. I will make this city a horror, a thing to be hissed at. Everyone who passes by it will be horrified and will hiss because of all its wounds. I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and their daughters, and everyone shall eat the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in the distress, with which their enemies and those who seek their life afflict them.'

As I write this, I have two almost overpowering feelings. First, tremendous thankfulness and appreciation for the grace of God, who is thoughtful of me to offer me the opportunity to be with Him. Second, pity and fear for those who do not hear, see, understand or want to accept this grace.

It is true, that things must be accepted by faith. You must believe in order to understand. Some may deem me mad, crazy, religious fanatic, what-have-you because I choose to believe. My question though is have you truly considered the scripture's warning if YOU DO NOT?

Jim

The MADE-UP Jesus

There has arisen a lot of debate in recent years, over what is referred to as the "historical" Jesus and posed by some as being in opposition to the biblical Jesus. The question then becomes, what do we believe? John Dominic Crossan in an article February 27, 2011 states in an overarching message is that you don't have to accept the Jesus of dogma. That there's another Jesus hidden in Scripture and history who has been ignored. Crossnan is a modern reputed scholar and former catholic priest and touted modern "authority" on the "Historical Jesus." So, what do we believe? Who do we believe?

Why is a real relationship with Jesus so difficult? Why is it so challenging? It is because we tend to create a quasi-relationship with a "made-up Jesus." Since the world presents to us a conflicting view of what we see in the gospels, people then tend to create their own version of Jesus in their minds, one who makes few demands on us. This made-up Jesus basically does what we expect, and then leaves us alone. After all, if He's just a historical figure and "an exploited "peasant with an attitude who didn't perform many miracles, physically rise from the dead or die as punishment for humanity's sins ( John Dominic Crossan's 'blasphemous' portrait of Jesus February 27, 2011 By John Blake, CNN)."

Here’s the problem, this made-up Jesus doesn’t care if we succeed or fail, if we’re blind or able to see, if we live or die. We have done what Paul has warned us not to do,

• "But even if we — or, for that matter, an angel from heaven! — were to announce to you some so-called "Good News" contrary to the Good News we did announce to you, let him be under a curse forever! (Gal.1:8 CJB)"
• "They have exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, by worshipping and serving created things, rather than the Creator — praised be he for ever. (Rom.1:25)."

There we have it. People such as Crossnan - or the Bible! What is the truth?

Here's the rub! If we accept the view of people like Crossnan, then we have a version of Jesus who makes few or no demands on us. This made-up Jesus basically does what we expect, and then leaves us alone. But, here’s the problem - this made-up Jesus doesn’t care about us. He doesn’t care if we succeed or fail, if we’re blind or able to see, if we live or die. Is that the truth? do you believe that? is that what YOU want to accept?

Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (NIV). That doesn't sound like someone who doesn't care to me. It sounds to me like the real Jesus cares deeply about us. That He loves us passionately and has been pursuing us since the day we were born. The Jesus of the Bible, doesn’t want a relationship of rote prayers, rule keeping and formulas. Paul wrote, "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.(Eph.3:16-19)."

This is a rich and deep and ultimately fulfilling relationship. Sometimes, it will be messy, uncomfortable, and a passionate relationship. That’s why the Jesus of the Bible won’t leave you alone, because He wants you to experience real and eternal life. This is a real relationship with the real Jesus who hung on a cross for you. Picture him there, looking across through time and into your eyes saying, “I love you. I’m willing to die for you. I’m willing to give everything so that you can know me and have a real life of passion, love and eternal life.”

You can ignore him; you can curse him; you can refuse to believe He exists. But regardless of what you think or what you choose to believe, there is a fact that remains true throughout time. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Pet.3:9)."

Where are you at? Are you content to live the life that you’ve lived? Are you content to continue deluding yourself that Jesus isn't real, doesn't' care, or that he's just some historical being that was a peasant with an attitude? Or are you ready to cross that line to live a passionate and real relationship with a real Jesus who loves you?

"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"

Everyone who hears this should say, "Come!"

If you are thirsty, come! If you want life-giving water, come and take it. It's free!"

Rev.22:17

Jim

Growing Spiritually

"he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."

(Ph'p 1:6)

Spring is just around the corner! Many will begin to think of planting gardens, or the benefits of going to the store and buying fresh veggies. The trouble though with buying fruits or vegetables at stores, is that fruit is often picked unripened so it won't bruise during shipping to the stores. Before sold, these are sprayed with CO2 gas to give them ripened appearance instantly. While edible, they are no match to the flavor of a fruit or vegetable that is allowed to mature slowly.

The same is true for the fruits of the Spirit in my life. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time and while we worry about how fast we’re growing, God is concerned about how strong we grow. Hebrews 11 is a testament to the fact that growth comes early for some, and there are others that it takes all the way to the point old age before we ever achieve what God considers “mature faith.” The reason is that this maturity takes time and experience to achieve, it is not something that we can “gas” and then expect to be mature tomorrow. Faith is achieved one bit, one victory at a time. There will be some costly battles, some wins, many losses and the constant necessity to push forward. It is interesting that the first time that we perceive the Lord knocking on the door, most of us are resistant and defensive. At this point in our lives, we feel that Jesus is “standing at the door and bombing!” It is not until after we come to know the truth, that we understand that it was only a “knock.” We may think we have surrendered our life to him, but the truth is, there is a lot to our life that we aren't even aware of that still needs growing and ripening.

The scripture that we referenced above assures us that we are never alone in any of this. God has promised that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Ph’p.1:6)." Every struggle, every battle – HE is there! And there is something for us to learn, observe or do in each one that stands to help us mature into what God sees in me. Jacob (meaning the "supplanter” or one who causes to stumble), had to wrestle an angel (Gen.35) before he would grow to be called Israel (God will rule).

Growing up doesn’t stop after we turn twenty, it’s just getting started, and will continue until the day that we draw our last breath (Ph'p.3:12-15).