Posted in angels, lloyd-jones

Great Biblical Doctrines: The Good Angels

Posted on by elizabethprata

Martyn Lloyd Jones preached through an incredible series called “The Great Doctrines of God.” You can listen to them here. The companion sermon to The Good Angels (The Bad Angels) is unfortunately not recorded, but Dr Lloyd-Jones transformed the sermons into a book titled Great Doctrines of the Bible, which you can find his entry on the Devil and the Fallen Angels within, or a summary of that chapter, here.

Listening to his sermon on the good angels yesterday gave me such encouragement. I always find that thinking of, reading about, or listening to any piece which exalts the majesty of God is in itself great encouragement. And why not? All good things come from God and thus, He is the source of encouragement.

Illustration, “Guido Reni’s Michael (in Santa Maria della Concezione church, Rome, 1636)tramples Satan. A mosaic of the same painting decorates St. Michael’s Altar in St. Peter’s Basilica.” (Wiki)

Lloyd-Jones’s sermon brought out so many great points, and he did it so seemingly easily. That is to say, he speaks simply and carefully but that doesn’t belie the complexity and majesty of the material. He makes it both understandable and exalting at the same time. He opened with asking a series of pointed and important questions

“Let me ask a question at this point: How often have you heard either a sermon or an address on the biblical doctrine of the angels? How often have you considered this doctrine or meditated upon it? I ask those questions in order that I may ask another: Why is it that we tend to neglect certain parts of the biblical revelation? Why is it that even as evangelical people we seem to be content with the minimum of doctrine? Why are we only interested in the doctrine of salvation? It more and more seems to me that we rob ourselves of a wealth of truth because we do not isolate these doctrines and hold them up for our study and contemplation.”

I’ll summarize in very bare bones fashion what Dr Lloyd-Jones preached on:

Jesus made all the angels. There are thousands upon thousands of them. (Luke 2:13, Rev. 5:11). He made every one a unique individual. He did this before He created the world. (Colossians 1:16).

Angels never die. They were created, but won’t die. They came into existence by Jesus at a certain point, but their existence will never end. And what about those cherubim (e.g. Ps. 99:1; Ezek. 10:1–22) and seraphim (Isa. 6:2)?? They dwell in the presence of God, as we will one day. Don’t forget about the cherubim standing guard at the eastern entrance to the Garden of Eden with his flaming sword going every which way. Dr Lloyd-Jones wondered if he would be there also to welcome us when the Garden is re-opened at the resurrection. They are incredible beings.

Leonardo Da Vinci, The Annunciation” Wikipaintings.org

He said, “I think that there is profound significance in that; the flaming sword is to prevent man from entering back again into Paradise. He can never go back on his own. There is only one way back, and it is the way that has been opened by the Lord Jesus Christ.”

He spent some time developing the hierarchy of angelic orders and the distribution of work. From archangels on down, he revealed truth after truth. His take on it was fascinating, delving deep into the bible and unearthing gem after gem. He briefly mentioned the hierarchy/division of the bad angels but only touche don ti since this sermon was only about the good angels.

And that, of course, leads us in turn to the next question which is: Are there orders among the angels? Are they all identical? Are they equal in power and in authority, or have they orders and ranks? It seems quite clear that there is a division both in status and in work.

Annunciation to Zechariah.
Fragment of Russian icon “Execution of St.John Baptist”

And that brings us to the whole question of their power. The Bible is explicit about this—they are very great in power. We are told of the mighty angels, that they excel in strength‘ (Ps. 103:20). Their power is undoubtedly greater than human power; they are not only superior in dignity and in status, they are also undoubtedly superior in power.

Salvation is such an incredible, holy act, and the angels long to look into it.

Then there is something else that the angels are very busy about. I never read this next point without having a still more glorious understanding of my salvation. We are told that they spend a good deal of their time in looking into this question of our salvation. Let me give you my authority. Peter, in talking about our salvation says, ‘which things the angels desire to look into’ (1 Pet. 1:12). It is something so marvellous, and so wonderful, that these created angelic spirits, who have always spent their eternity in the presence of God, are, as it were, looking on at this thing which is most astonishing to them, and which surpasses everything else.

Then the next thing we are told about them is this—let us bear it in mind always—they not only behold the face of God, they are not only looking into salvation, but they are looking at us. …the Scripture teaches that when Christians meet together, and when they gather together in prayer, then the angels of God are present…”

If you read Revelation you realize just how much the angels participate in bringing judgment. They are instruments of God’s will and participate in it. They gave the law. They reveal God’s purposes. They bring messages from God. When not directly performing a task, they stand at attention, adoring God, worshiping Him, looking into salvation. They are busy. And one of the ways they are busy is that they minister to God’s own people.

“But again I would say that the most comforting, and the most wonderful aspect of this teaching is what we are told in the Scriptures of the way in which God uses the angels to bless and to care for His own people: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth [called forth] to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?‘ (Heb. 1:14). What, after all, is the greatest function of the angels? It is to minister to you and to me—to minister to the heirs of salvation.”

Chris Koelle, The Book of Revelation Graphic Novel Source

We find that the angels protect us. They also give us guidance. They cheer us and to give us comfort and consolation. Angels fight on behalf of God. (Elisha’s servant was given a sight of this). They deliver us from situations (Peter was led from jail by an angel). They are tremendous beings. Of course, Dr. Lloyd-Jones developed each of those points He ended with this glorious, glorious testament to the level of care that God gives His children:

But there is something more which I trust will give great comfort and consolation to many people who may perhaps have been thinking with fear and dread of the end of their life in this world—afraid of the physical aspect of death. But we need not be, for we read in Luke 16:22–3…

…when we come to die they will be there to receive our spirit and to take us to Paradise. That is the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Never again, Christian people, imagine that when you come to die you will be going into some awful loneliness as a disembodied spirit to an unknown world. Not at all. The angels of God will be there to receive you, and to conduct you, and to take you to be with the Lord in Paradise. What a wonderful thing!

Oh, indeed it is wonderful! God made the uncountable stars and named them all. He made the innumerable angels and named them too. The doctrine of angels is an amazing doctrine.

Angel rolled the stone from the tomb
– Alexander Ivanov

Shame on us Christian people that we neglect the doctrine of the angels, that we do not read our Scriptures thoroughly and wholly. …

…”Let us take hold of the biblical teaching. Let us not rob ourselves as we do. Let us look into this great Word and receive it as it is, and we shall find things that will amaze us, and fill us with a still greater sense of wonder as we come to know our marvellous God and His wondrous love towards us.”

Amen! Please take some time to listen to the sermon. Of course, just the few quotes here do not even come close to comparing the full impact of this terrific sermon and hearing about the doctrine of angels.

Posted in death, eternity, hell, jesus

When it is your turn to die

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

In 2013, Aerobatic Wing Walker Jane Wicker and her pilot Charlie Schwenker were killed when the plane crashed at a Dayton, OH airshow.

The second before the plane crashed, the Dayton Ohio air show announcer said as wing walker Jane Wicker positioned herself on the upside down wing: “Jane Wicker, on top of the world!” One second later, she was dead.

I often speak of the soon return of Jesus. Today is one day closer to His return than yesterday was. Paul used to speak of Jesus’ soon return often. As a matter of fact, every New Testament book except Philemon speaks of Christ’s coming. You need to be ready.

However, we are not guaranteed a tomorrow. Yes, Jesus could come, but death could come also.

James 4:14 says “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

I often wondered what Ms Wicker was thinking as she sat on the upside down wing. Nothing indicated that one second later she would be dead. Did she think she had loads of time left to ponder the deep mysteries of faith and salvation? Had she put it off until tomorrow, but tomorrow never came?

I hope she was saved by grace of Jesus.

So many people are abruptly taken out of this world to meet their eternity. Yet so many people put off for tomorrow what they should be reconciling today. I remember during a sermon one of my elders had said that as a teen they were evangelizing in a grocery store. One of the team gave the gospel to a man who was exiting. He said he did not need Jesus. He walked out of the sliding door to the sidewalk and dfell down dead right then.

If you are not saved, then do not put off to tomorrow what should be done today. God has appointed you to a limited number of days in this lifetime. You do not know what that number is.

“Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.” (Psalm 39:4-5).

Taking care of business means coming to grips with a few things. First, this life is not all there is. We are given a limited number of days to dwell upon the earth, but this body and this life is only phase 1. After death, there is a phase 2. If you have repented of your sins and believed on the resurrected Jesus as Lord and Savior, you will go to heaven and be with Him. You will be given a glorified body that is impervious to death or sickness, has no sin nature, and can withstand the full blast of His glory and Holiness. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 50; Philippians 3:21).

If you rejected Jesus in this life- and you don’t have to actively reject Him but passively fail to accept him (doing nothing is the same as rejecting) then you will go to hell after you die. This is a place of eternal separation from God and you will be given a body that can withstand the full blasts of the punishment that will be inflicted on you as eternal payment for your sins and crimes against Him. (Revelation 14:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9)

It is a lie that you will be annihilated, that there is nothing else after death. It is a lie that hell is only temporary. It is surely eternal, as your sins are eternal and as Jesus is eternal. (Matthew 25:46). That is why Christians can dwell with Him forever, (Matthew 28:20; John 14:3) because He is eternal and He paid the price for our sins eternally when He took God’s punishment on the cross. (Romans 3:23-24).

You say, “God is loving, He would never send people to hell for punishment.” Really? It pleased Him to crush His Son! (Isaiah 53:10). Jesus absorbed all of God’s punishment while He was on the cross. Is God loving who would do that? Yes, He was making a way for YOU, whom He also loves. Jesus did that voluntarily, because He loves His people. If you reject Jesus though, you reject the way to heaven. (John 14:6).

Eternity is real and it is permanent. You do not know what today will bring. Ms Wicker didn’t. I hope these few words from my heart makes you think of the afterlife. For the Christian, it is a joy to ponder the time we will be with Jesus. For the unsaved, there is dread and fear of the unknown. But you can know, your eternity could be secure- if you repent. (Mark 1:15).

———————-

Further reading:

Repentance

What is repentance?

The resurrection body

Is hell eternal?

Posted in archeology, christianity, cross, discovery

Was part of the cross of Jesus found?

Posted on by elizabethprata

It seems like there have been a slew of archaeological finds related to the bible or Jesus lately. Here is another.

Piece Of Jesus’ Cross Found? Archaeologists Discover ‘Holy Thing’ In Balatlar Church In Turkey
Archaeologists working in Turkey believe they have found a piece of the cross that Jesus was crucified on. While excavating the ancient Balatlar Church, a seventh-century building in Sinop, Turkey, on the shores of the Black Sea, they uncovered a stone chest that contained objects that may be directly connected with Jesus Christ. Excavation head Professor Gülgün Köroğlu definitively stated:

 We have found a holy thing in a chest. It is a piece of a cross, and we think it was [part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified]. This stone chest is very important to us. It has a history and is the most important artifact we have unearthed so far.

 The stone chest has been taken to a laboratory for further testing. However, the appearance of the chest suggests that it was a repository for the relics of a holy person, according to the team, who showed reporters at the site a stone with crosses carved into it. Many churches claim to possess relics of the so-called “true cross,” though the authenticity of the items is not fully accepted by scholars and scientists. Protestant theologian John Calvin noted that, “if all the pieces that could be found were collected together, they would make a big ship-load,” referring specifically to the cross.

“Ship-load.” Yup. That’s about the size of it. When I traveled through Italy, there was a relic in every church. “Here is a piece of John the Baptist’s finger!” Or “Here is a part of Jesus’ garment!” Or “Look at this shard of the goblet at the last supper!” Or “here is a bone from Saint Peter!” I admit the body parts floating in reliquaries was ghoulish in the extreme.

Turkey is a Muslim state. We often forget that it is the cradle of Christianity. The seven churches were there. Some believe that western Turkey was the location of the Garden of Eden

It is believed that agriculture began in Turkey. Earliest man grew things there. Perhaps Cain? (Genesis 4:2-3).

Two days ago, the site at Laodikeia was added to the UNESCO historical sites

This link has a list of other recent discoveries

This is from last week-
Israeli Archaeologists Claim to Have Found a Palace of King David

We revere the Man-God who was hung on the cross, and we remember the cross, but we do not revere the cross itself. It is a wooden piece, passing away and decomposing, but Jesus will never pass away nor will His word pass away. (Matthew 24:37). Can you imagine the frenzy to “test” this piece of wood for DNA? To “test” it to prove or disprove Christianity?

Our faith rests not on relics but on the living Jesus and His sterling word. The cross won’t be in heaven, but Jesus will be. And that is all that matters. We long to be where He is, resurrected and ruling in perfection and justice.

Posted in israel, peace process

Referendum on peace agreement just might pass?

Posted on by elizabethprata

Secretary of State Kerry doggedly worked until the Israel-Palestinian peace talks revived. They have been dead for four years and not much progress was made in the Bush years prior to that. The last time there was any real progress at all was Bill Clinton forming the Oslo Accords in 1990.

This piece below was in the United Kingdom’s paper The Guardian. There does seem to be a different tone about this round of peace talks, something that has been going on since 1967 after the Six Day’s War. And let us not forget that one month after Israel declared herself a nation in 1948 war broke out from the surrounding Palestinians. Peace is ever-elusive, and due to the bible we know why. Isaac and Ishmael and the one above the other.

But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”

The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”(Genesis 21:9-13)

This time things are a bit different. Israel is militarily and financially surrounded and isolated. “The European Union has moved to cut off all Israeli entities that operate in the disputed areas of the West Bank and East Jerusalem” reported Russia Today. Financially, this has dramatic impact.

Also, Prime Minister Netanyahu said he would put any agreement to a popular referendum for the people to decide. The people are weary and the leaders are worried about the tight isolation they are currently enduring. Of course, America has abandoned Israel and that makes a difference too. Israel cannot count on even one ally at this moment. This has changed their perspective and they may be more willing to “talk.”

We Christians watch anything related to Israel, because that is where the Lord said He would move most dramatically. (Zechariah 2:8, Ezra 6:12). The Tribulation will be kicked off with the covenant being confirmed between Israel and “the many.” (Dan 9:27). So “suddenly” revived peace talks have me total attention! Here is the Guardian essay on the peace talks-

Why I’m (somewhat) optimistic about the latest Israel-Palestine peace talks
One would have to be a fool to ever express optimism about the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough between Israelis and Palestinians. There have been so many pitfalls and missed opportunities over the years it’s hard to gets one’s hopes up about the launching of a new round of peace talks in Washington DC this week between Israelis and Palestinians.

Well I guess I’m a fool because I think there is genuine reason for optimism about these talks. Now to be sure I am setting the bar low (I might be a fool, but I’m not crazy). The gaps between the two sides are significant; the challenge in separating Palestinians and settlers in the West Bank to create a viable two-state solution is supremely difficult; resolving issues like the final status of Jerusalem and, to a lesser extent, the right of return for Palestinians will create a furious pushback from the extremists on both sides who are sternly opposed to any compromise. Nonetheless, there are very good reasons to believe this time – and these talks – will be different.

Israelis strongly support a two-state solution. This is not a new development, but the very fact that two-thirds of Israelis (and a slightly smaller percentage of Israeli Jews) continue to support the idea of a Palestinian state that conforms to the 1967 borders is of enormous importance.

But that so many Israelis are comfortable with the idea of a Palestinian state (something that would have been unimaginable before Oslo in the early 1990s) provides the political opening for an Israeli government to make a deal that turns the idea of two-states into reality.

If these talks fall through – no matter which side is to blame – Israel’s diplomatic and economic isolation will only get worse. Not only will the outside pressure on Israel grow, but Israelis themselves may begin finding themselves stigmatized and constrained by the actions of their government. That alone could very well shift the current cost-benefit analysis on swapping land for peace. In short, Israelis may come to realize, as they did with Camp David and with Oslo and, to a lesser extent, with the pullout from Gaza and with the withdrawal from South Lebanon, that the status quo cannot be maintained.

Influential blogger Dahlia Scheindlin in Israel wrote:

Referendum on peace agreement just might pass
“So as a public service, it is worth reminding everyone that surveys consistently show that a majority of the Israeli public favors a two-state solution. In a June survey for the Truman Institute at Hebrew University, 58 percent of Jews supported the two-state solution, and 62 percent of all Israelis including Arab respondents.”

Would a referendum vote by the Israeli people be the reference in Daniel 9:27 of the covenant “confirmed by the many”? I believe the language of the verse in English and in Hebrew supports this possibility. But as always, it is hard to tell. Prophecy is always clear after the fact and only rarely clearly  understood prior or during. In any case, the broad strokes are there, any ‘sudden’ movement in Israel regarding land for peace hearkens to the Lord’s future judgment on them because “they have divided My land” as He said in Joel 3:2. So we know by looking at the end, that land has been divided and will continue to be divided and the Lord does not like that nor does He want that.

Ultimately it would be good to pray for the leaders on both sides that they would do that the LORD wants, and even though we know that they won’t, we still “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” The John MacArthur Bible Commentary says of this verse, that this city’s name means peace and it is the residency of the God of peace, but has been fought over more times than any other city on earth. Peace will not come to Jerusalem until the Prince of Peace comes to rule personally, (Zech 14:9, 11) so this is a prophetic prayer.

“For there thrones were set for judgment, The thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. “May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces.” (Psalm 122:5-7)

Posted in examination, pilgrims, sojourners

Ellis Island: Strangers and Aliens on a long journey

Posted on by elizabethprata

My great grandparents and grandparents came through Ellis Island. My maternal grandfather Henry arrived from Bradford, England in 1923, for example. He was 23 years old and single. He had fought in WWI.

My great grandfather on the paternal side, Raffaele, arrived in Ellis Island in 1899 from Roccamonfina (near Naples) Italy. He was 28 years old and married. My great grandfather on the maternal side, Valentino, arrived in 1911 from Lucca, Italy.

“In the 35 years before Ellis Island opened, over eight million immigrants arriving in New York had been processed by New York State officials at Castle Garden Immigration Depot in lower Manhattan, just across the bay. The Federal Government assumed control of immigration on April 18, 1890 and Congress appropriated $75,000 to construct America’s first Federal immigration station on Ellis Island.” (Wiki)

Four generations of my family

Making the decision to go to America was often expensive, dangerous and difficult. Roccamonfina was very far from New York. A world away. Often, the pilgrim walked far distances through many dangers to arrive at the port from where the ship was to set sail. They carried their possessions with them.

Source

After the expense, danger, and arduous travel, immigrants were thrilled to be arriving soon! They constantly looked out for any sign that the Statue would appear through the rain or fog or night or sunshine. They crowded the rails in hopes of seeing the final destination come near. No one was below deck reading calmly, or quietly doing needlepoint. There was no place they would rather be than in the thick of the action, and getting that all-important first glimpse of the statue that was the harbinger of entry to their new home.

Immigrants eagerly anticipating arrival to their new home.

The journey is almost over! They can see their new land!

Oh, the joy!

Above, Immigrants seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time. Source

When the new Ellis Island building was completed “on December 17, 1900, officials estimated 5,000 immigrants per day would be processed. However, the facilities proved to be able to barely handle the flood of immigrants that arrived in the years just before World War I. Writer Louis Adamic came to America from Slovenia in southeastern Europe in 1913 and described the night he and many other immigrants slept on bunk beds in a huge hall. Lacking a warm blanket, the young man “shivered, sleepless, all night, listening to snores” and dreams “in perhaps a dozen different languages”. The facility was so large that the dining room could seat 1,000 people.”

Immigrants queuing at Ellis Island, The Guardian

Immigrants had to be examined one-by-one to make sure they were fit to enter. They were closely checked!

Source

After the medical exam, there was a legal inspection. “One by one, the passengers were called forward to speak with a uniformed inspector seated on a tall stool behind a high desk. Interpreters helped the immigrants communicate. Twenty-nine questions were asked of every immigrant.” (Source) It was a serious moment. They had to account for themselves. The Judge compared their answers to the ones written in the manifest. There could be no deviations or inconsistencies or the judge would know.

Source

Hundreds of people worked at Ellis Island, waiting for the immigrants to arrive and ministering to them after they were processed.

Depending on how the interview went, some immigrants were rejected and not allowed in. As the new arrivals were processed, depending on their final destination, they were escorted to the stairs, known as the Stairs of Separation. The detainees were walked down the center aisle. Immigrants who were allowed in were directed to the left or right sides. But for the unfortunate few who failed the health or legal inspections, Ellis Island became the “Isle of Tears.”

Source

“An area on the first floor of the building became known as “the kissing post.” It got that nickname because it is where family and friends waited for their loved ones to emerge from the processing station. After months or years apart, they kissed and hugged and shouted with joy and relief. For the immigrants, the long journey was finally over.” They had arrived. (Source)

Immigrants running to reunite with loved ones. Source

I hope by now that you realize that this tale is not just a pictorial essay recounting the travails my ancestors endured to make it to America. The biblical allusions are many. We are not of this world, we are seeking a new country. We are aliens and strangers here on this world, eagerly anticipating a better one. We must travel a long and dangerous road to get there. All along the way, we constantly think of and speak about our future destination, heaven. Upon arrival, we must be examined by the Judge. Books will be opened. Our names will be found on the manifests. Those who are found fit, will be rewarded, but called to account for every careless word and all our works will be brought to light and good ones rewarded and false ones burned up. Then we will reunite happily with our brethren, in joy, and be ministered to by angels.

Others who find themselves failing the examination will enter the stairs of separation. They will be cast to outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Brethren, if the immigrants from Italy, Slovenia, Russia, Greece…chose to make such an arduous journey and endure so much to arrive at the place where they believed a better life awaited, what of us? We are sojourning to the best place of all. We leave behind the world we knew, laboring within it but not loving it as much as we eagerly anticipate the blessed Hope, the new land, the wondrous glory.

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth…” (1 Peter 1:16-17).

The unsaved will be judged at the sheep and goats judgment, where there WILL be separation, and weeping and tears. The sad fact is that none of the sojourners in my family who immigrated from their homeland in Italy or England to America will make it to the Promised Land. They gave up so much to leave their home and risk the journey, but they fell short. Their departure down the center aisle on the Stairs of Separation will be very real on judgment day. They almost made it. They came so close but the distance coming up short is eternal. I hope that won’t be you. Jesus is coming soon, it is time to repent, and ask forgiveness of your sins to the Judge who judges impartially.

Take some time to go back and look at the photos with the verse in mind. We are strangers in a strange land, eagerly anticipating the next. How much will you risk to leave your homeland behind and set out for the new one?

—————————–

“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:1)

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.” (Matthew 25:31-33)

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. (Revelation 20:12

“But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:12)

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,” (Matthew 12:36)

“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,” (1 Peter 1:17)

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:1-21)

Posted in news, peace talks, tornado milan

Why Christians should stop sharing hoaxes, acid scarring attacks in India, tornado in Milan

Posted on by elizabethprata

I thought this was well stated:

4 Reasons Christians Need to Quit Sharing Hoaxes
“I’ve seen a trend that’s both interesting and troubling: If I find a hoax in my news feed, chances are it will have been shared by an evangelical Christian. I know that sounds like a terrible thing to say, but it’s true. In fact, it’s so typical and intriguing, that I’ve been keeping track of the phenomenon for quite a while.”

Why should we be holy? Sunny Shell explains in this essay, The Way of Holiness
“Just as the honor of being assigned as an ambassador of an earthly country should not be taken lightly, so we also, who are in Christ, should not take our high calling as children of the Most High God lightly. An earthly ambassador is chosen to live in a foreign land to represent their country, while maintaining every attribute and character of their homeland. An ambassador does not lose or forget who he/she is merely because they live in another country for a time, rather, they honorably and proudly represent their country and their people.”

Tensions rise at Jerusalem’s Temple Mount–

‘The Israeli Government Has Surrendered the Temple Mount’
“In an “unprecedented” move, police on Wednesday informed Jewish groups that the Temple Mount will be closed to all non-Muslims until at least the end of Ramadan, on 11th August. The announcement has provoked renewed anger over anti-Jewish discrimination on the Temple Mount, and sparked calls by activists for a mass-protest on 7th August, at the start of the Hebrew month of Elul.”

There are three to four acid attacks against women a week in India??

‘Rejection doesn’t mean you scar a woman’s face’
“India’s top court has ruled authorities should regulate the sale of acid, which is often used in attacks on women. But that’s not enough, says Suneet Shukla, a campaigner with Stop Acid Attacks. Society needs to change. Customers are now required to present a photo ID when buying acid; retailers have to register the customer and write down name and address, India’s Supreme Court recently ruled. Acid burns the victim’s skin and leads to horrible injuries. There are no official statistics about acid attacks, as they are not documented as distinctive crimes. According to the Stop Acid Attacks campaign, about three to four cases are reported every week in India.”

A massive tornado occurred in Milan, Italy the other day
We will begin with the following disclaimer: You should not stand behind a window in your office and film a tornado. Yes, a guy in Milan, Italy, did that yesterday, and, yes, the video is amazing, but safety first. Twelve people were injured in the storm. Which made us wonder: how often does Italy see these kind of tornados? It is natural, in our modern, weird-weather times, to wonder if the storm in Italy is abnormal, extreme weather for which we can thank our decades of greenhouse gas production. And, as always, the answer is: It’s hard to tell.”

There are occasional tornados in Italy as the article goes on to report, but over water. Tornados need wide-open spaces to generate energy and go forward. Therefore a tornado in Milan would indeed be unusual, as the one in Venice Italy was a last summer.

The Milan tornado footage is incredible. It picks up in a big way after 40 seconds.

The Washington Post link has a few other videos in different angles on this same tornado from other locations in the city where it hit.

Those Israel peace talks…Obama spoke with both parties today
“United States President Barack Obama spoke to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday, several days after peace talks between the sides officially restarted. The White House said Obama made separate calls to both men in an effort to keep up the momentum. The PA-based WAFA news agency reported that Obama urged Abbas to make use of the current momentum to reach a deal with Israel and stressed his support of the efforts that led to launching the peace process. An Abbas aide told WAFA he hoped a deal could be reached in six to nine months. Abbas reportedly stressed his commitment to a two-state solution and the need to reach a solution in the nearest time possible.”

Remember 9/11? I do. here is a photo of the Twin Towers under construction in 1972, from @HistoricalPics

Posted in five solas, sola scriptura, word

How are we led by the Spirit? And how does that intersect with the Word?

Posted on by elizabethprata

There is a confusing position among some, that there is either obeying ‘only God’s word.’ Those who don’t are in effect ‘running around with a divining rod’ by listening to interior whispers, engaging in mystical practices, and elevating personal experience as equal to the word.

I agree that the holy word is the only benchmark by which we determine truth, walk in the world, and follow Christ. It is the sole inspiration for all we are and all we do.

Before I go on, I want to mention that I am fully aware that this kind of blog entry, an interior musing ripped open to the world, peppering myself with questions and meanderings, also exposes me to misunderstanding. So be it.

I’m puzzled by how far to take the strict stance of “only God’s word.” Stay with me.

Are we not convicted? Are we not led? Are we not burdened for people? I have pondered for a long time, the way that the Holy Spirit helps us. We know He indwells, and He is inside us. He is part of our biology. He transforms our mind and the mind is where the battle is. Many scriptures present these things as fact. So how does the Spirit transform us from craven, evil-thinking people into wholesome people with holy desires? Where does He begin and I leave off?

I am thinking of the how. I am strict on being in submission to the word, but then again, the word becomes absorbed in us and since it is living and active, we do have an inward experience. How does it all work?

In an example, there was a woman at church at Christmas, she was giving out five little bags of homemade jam to her friends and then she came over and gave me one also. I was amazed. I didn’t have any relationship with her to speak of. The small act of surprising generosity touched me deeply and kept her on my mind for 6 months. Our relationship didn’t really change but there was this jar of jam in my fridge and every time I used it I thought of her.

Well 6 months later we were talking about the jam. It came up because our relationship had blossomed by then in an unexpected way and for an unusual reason. I related to her how the gift affected me in such a good way. She said that it was funny, that when she had prayed, she felt strongly that she should give me one of the few jars, even though she didn’t know me really well either. We didn’t know that our relationship would turn to friendship months later, but the Spirit did. We both identified the jam as the beginning even though it took 6 months to start. Her gift was consistent with the bible, because we are supposed to give, but she had only five, so as to who to give her gift to, she felt led by the Spirit that it should be me. I believe that is where the intersection of the bible and the inward experience of the Spirit intersect.

I completely believe that the Spirit leads us in this way. Romans 8:14 says “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” So…HOW does He lead us? I believe He does this by putting thoughts into our mind, burdens on our heart … the fear of God into our knees.

Now, here is the difference, in my opinion, between ‘word of God only’ and ‘divining rod Christianity’.

First of all, I don’t wait for a sign. I do what the bible says to do: love my neighbor, give to widows and orphans, meet needs, help others. But in the specifics, when I ‘get a burden’ to do something to help a certain person, I pray and seek wisdom from the word. It could be a worthless personal desire, after all. For example some Sundays I get a strong feeling to stay home. I feel burdened that this is what I should do. But I don’t listen to that (most times, lol) because I know the bible says not to give up meeting regularly. The ‘burden’ or ‘thought laid on my heart’ was not consistent with the bible and would not be edifying to Jesus.

But if it is consistent with the word then I go forward. Our pastor who is also a counselor said last Sunday that there are couples who seek divorce for non-biblical reasons, and use the Spirit as their justification. “I felt the Spirit leading me into this divorce because He wants me to be happy.” Pastor said, “This is a lie. The Spirit does not lead you away from Christ and His commands but toward them.” So it is dangerous to be led by feelings.

The issue is, where does He begin and I leave off? He is inside me, after all, transforming my mind, instilling wholesome desires, and convicting me of my sins. This is an inward experience. It isn’t divining rod experience, but it is a legitimate inward experience that the Spirit is prompting me to help this person in particular. After all, I can’t help every widow in the county, it isn’t feasible.

But it’s important to check- is this act that I feel burdened to do, or say, or even think, consistent with the word? If no then it stops right there. If yes, then I go forward.

Now here is the intersection of Providence. I work in a fairly impoverished community in GA where there are many needy kids. Many are “orphans” in the sense that they are in foster care, or have only one parent due to illegitimacy or jail issues, abandoned and living with an exhausted grandma, or simply are in desperate need. There are 600 kids at our school and many thousands in the county. There are many single women here too, widows through death, abandonment (divorce) or simply are single and struggling. So the bible commands me to help orphans and widows. Can or should I help ALL of them? No, that’s impossible. Even Bill Gates with all his money can’t help every malaria patient in Africa, even though he is trying. That’s social justice.

The bible says to help. So how do I know who to help and when? The ones the Spirit leads me to. The ones where if I know of a need, I meet that need. If there is a widow in my sphere of church or work, the bible says to meet their needs. Same with orphans. If there is a widow or orphan within my reach that I don’t know about, I trust Providence to send people into her life to help her. Can I help every orphan in the school? No that is impossible. I help the ones whom the Spirit has sent me in the sphere in which He has planted me. I do my part to stay alert to needs and really listen and pray for opportunities. He makes me aware of them when they come along.

I have a range and a sphere and gifts. Thus equipped, I live out my faith. That’s it, it is simple. Just do what the bible says and listen for needs and act according to what the bible says we do. There is nothing mystical. Just Christian life. 🙂

This is kind of a crude visual but think of a dog chained to a stake. There is another dog chained other there. His leash is longer than mine, he has more range (more means, wider sphere). So the Spirit has planted me here, and sent people into my life and me into theirs. My job as a Christian is to be alert and aware of needs, listen for them, pray for opportunities to witness for Jesus through them. I can only submit, know that the Bible’s commands urge me to do, and listen to the leading of the Spirit as part of that living and active word to work out my salvation in fear and trembling within the range He has planted me and with the means He has sent me. For example, I don’t have a lot of money but He has given me a job where I have a lot of time. That is means. I can’t help everybody or interact with everybody or witness to everybody in the world or the nation or the county but the Spirit leads me within my sphere. Providence takes care of the rest.

Back to Romans 8:14 and being led by the Spirit. Pulpit Commentary remarks on the Christian’s ‘inward experience.’

“In verse 14 is introduced a further ground for the assertion in ver. 13, the felt sonship to God of those who have so received his Spirit as to be led (i.e. practically actuated) by it. We say “felt” because, though in this verse the sonship is alleged as a fact, yet, in the following verses (15,16) the inward experience of true Christians is appealed to as evidence of such sonship.“

I liked their phrase ‘practically actuated’. The actuation is my prayer and reading the word and submission. His is the enactment of ability and transformation of mind through knowledge of the word and practical actions with the word as the basis. I’ll never know where the two meet but I think it is important not to discount that there is the other half of the sanctification process where the word becomes actualized by an inward experience we can’t really explain.

I think the preachers we listen to who are so strict on this should be. It is charismania out there. People take this delicate balance of inward leading versus word of God to heretical extremes. Give them an inch and they take a mile. They wait to do anything at all because they ‘don’t feel led’. They proclaim private prophecies upon people. They use this inward leading or burden thing as an excuse to be busybodies, the opposite of the paralyzed Christian who fails to work out their salvation because they are still waiting to be led and too scared to make a move without a sign. Worse, they don’t do anything until they “feel a peace about it’ which is one of the stupider things I hear the people say.

Gill’s Exposition explains the Romans 8 verse this way

“the Spirit of God leads them from sin, and from a dependence on their own righteousness, in paths they formerly knew not, and in which they should go, in the paths of faith and truth, of righteousness and holiness, and in a right, though sometimes a rough way; he leads them to the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ, and to the fulness of grace in him; into the presence of God, to the house and ordinances of God; into the truths of the Gospel, from one degree of grace to another, and at last to glory; which he does gradually, by little and little he leads them to see the iniquity of their hearts and natures, to lay hold on Christ and salvation by him, into the doctrines of grace, and the love and favour of God, and proportionally to the strength he gives:”

So it is ridiculous to deny that there is an inward experience. There is. But we needn’t worry if we are reading the word, desiring what God desires, and looking for opportunities in our lives to obey the commands of God. He does the rest. Like Nike says, Just Do It!

Posted in Indidis, trial

Kenyan lawyer takes State of Israel, Jews to Hague over Jesus’ death

Posted on by elizabethprata

Jerusalem Post is reporting the following. It is not a spoof edition of the paper (Like in the US when some papers do an April Fool’s edition) and the JPost is a credible newspaper. Therefore this is not a satirical piece, but is in fact real.

Kenyan lawyer takes State of Israel, Jews to Hague over Jesus’ death
A Kenyan lawyer has filed a petition with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, suggesting that the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ was unlawful, and The State of Israel among others should be held responsible, Kenyan news outlet the Nairobian reported on Friday. Dola Indidis, a lawyer and former spokesman of the Kenyan Judiciary is reportedly attempting to sue Tiberius (Emperor of Rome 42 BC-37AD), Pontius Pilate, a selection of Jewish elders, King Herod, the Republic of Italy and the State of Israel. “Evidence today is on record in the bible, and you cannot discredit the bible,” Indidis told Kenyan Citizen News.

Yes, those he suggests should have been convicted during the original trial have not been alive for more than 2000 years, however Indidis insists that the government for whom they acted can and should still be held responsible. “I filed the case because it’s my duty to uphold the dignity of Jesus and I have gone to the ICJ to seek justice for the man from Nazareth,” Indidis told the Nairobian. “His selective and malicious prosecution violated his human rights through judicial misconduct, abuse of office bias and prejudice.” … When asked about the case, a spokesperson from the IJC told legal news website Legal Cheek, “The ICJ has no jurisdiction for such a case. The ICJ settles disputes between states. It is not even theoretically possible for us to consider this case.”

Full story at link. It is an unusual story. I don’t know how to respond to this

Here is another link:

Kenyan lawyer on quixotic quest to nullify trial of Jesus
“The conviction of Jesus by Pontius Pilate may be the most famous court verdict ever — and perhaps the most consequential, since it led to Christ’s crucifixion and the founding of a global religion. Dola Indidis, a Roman Catholic, is petitioning the International Court  of Justice, based at The Hague, to nullify Jesus’ conviction and death sentence. Now a Kenyan lawyer wants to overturn Pilate’s decision, though he wants to keep the faith that flowed from it. …  Indidis first brought his case before the Kenyan High Court in Nairobi in 2007, but the court refused to hear it, saying it lacked jurisdiction. Now he is turning to the International Court of Justice, often referred to as the World Court, which is best known for ruling on territorial disputes between members of the United Nations.”

Ah! Catholic… please remember that Catholicism is a false religion and the Spirit is not in them. Therefore they would have a darkened mind and no understanding of His word or His ways. Well anyway, (Ephesians 4:17-18).

Posted in end time, peace and security, rapture

Middle East peace: "both states given assurances of peace, security and mutual recognition."

Posted on by elizabethprata

The Jerusalem Post reports today:

Kerry: Israel, Palestinians agree to hold sustained talks on all issues
“The Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will meet again within two weeks in either Israel or the Palestinian territories to continue peace talks, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday following the initial round of talks in Washington. Kerry, speaking with the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators at his side, declared that the parties in the historic conflict had agreed to hold “sustained, continuous and substantive” conversations on all issues requiring resolution for a final peace agreement. Kerry said the parties had agreed that the only solution the conflict is the implementation of a two-state solution, with both states given assurances of peace, security and mutual recognition.“

 U.S. gave Israel, Palestinians letters of assurance in order to renew talks 
Content of letters remains classified, yet probably addresses the issues of borders and refugees; Kerry says objective of talks is to reach a final-status agreement within nine months.

“The United States administration gave the Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams on Tuesday letters of assurance which outlined the U.S. position vis-à-vis the peace talks, their conduct and their goals, in order to facilitate the renewal of peace talks, a senior Israeli official said.  The content of the letters remains classified, yet it likely addresses the issues of borders and refugees. Although disagreement remains over some technical details, the parties reached consensus over a number of issues, which Kerry announced at the press conference. In addition to the nine-month timetable with its goal of a final status agreement, Kerry said: “The parties have agreed to remain engaged in sustained, continuous and substantive negotiations on the core issues, and they will meet within the next two weeks in either Israel or the Palestinian territories in order to begin the process of formal negotiation.“

The Great Gathering Up (rapture) is described in 1 Thessalonians. The Thessalonians were concerned because they thought the rapture was going to take place very soon, in their lifetimes, yet some of them had died already. The living brothers got worried. Were their dead fellow believers going to miss it? Paul wrote back. That letter is the Thessalonians letter 1 and 2. The reason that Paul was writing to the Thessalonians was to reassure them that the friends and relatives who had died were not going to miss the rapture. Paul began explaining it this way:

The Coming of the Lord
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

You notice Paul said ‘the coming of the Lord’ and uses the pronoun “we”. This passage describes the believing dead who are reunited with their by-then glorified bodies, and the living faithful who will also be instantly transformed into glorified bodies. We will be ‘caught up’ to meet Jesus in the air. In a great glory train He will lead us all home. It all happens very fast in the blink of an eye. (1 Corinthians 15:52).

By the way, the rapture is also mentioned in John 14:1-3: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

The 1st Thessalonians chapter ends with verse 18. Paul continues in chapter 5.

The Day of the Lord
“Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4).

You notice now Paul is now talking about them. He doesn’t even go into the Day of the LORD (judgment) because that was well covered in the Old Testament. Paul acknowledges this by saying to them ‘you know full well…’. It was the rapture they had a hard time understanding. They were confused about the friends who had died and how it was all going to work. How was it going to fit into the new scheme of things? It was a newly revealed concept to all believers. (1 Corinthians 15:51). It was the rapture they had a question about. So now Paul goes on to reference the Judgment Day, AKA The Day of the LORD, but not to explain it, because they already knew.

Even today, two thousand years later it is a comfort to think about the blessed moment when we will be reunited with our Lord. We shall be with Him evermore from that moment, never out of His presence and always in His glory and purity and holiness. Wow. That IS a comfort.

So, in chapter 5:1, Paul begins by saying, “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.” That phrase ‘now concerning’ is a Greek way of changing the subject. It was a linguistic marker, meaning ‘pay attention, new subject.’ And Paul does launch into a new subject, the Judgment of the Lord also known as the Tribulation. He is not talking of the rapture any more, but of the wrath of God leveled on the remaining unbelieving world.

 So when we read of people saying “peace and security” it is in fact a harbinger of the rapture, because the phrase is related to those who are in the Tribulation. And since the rapture precedes the trib, how much closer is the great gathering together with Christ? But the phrase “when they are saying peace and security” it does not directly relate to the rapture. When they are saying peace and security destruction comes. We are not appointed to destruction, but of homecoming. Just please be aware that 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 is about us in the rapture and 1 Thessalonians 5 is about them in wrath and destruction- and that is where the phrase “peace and safety” is (or “peace and security” as stated in other translations).

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;” (1 Thessalonians 5:4)

We don’t even need to seek a sign or know when, exactly. It will happen suddenly and then we will be gone. We don’t even need to worry about the wrath of the Lord, we are not appointed to it. (1 Thess 5:9). That Day will not overtake us. We are the “we” Paul wrote about in chapter 4, not the “them” in wrath of chapter 5.

I think the rapture will be soon. Paul thought it would be soon. I believe the point is to understand eschatology so it will give us an urgency to holy living and witnessing. And to live as if each moment on earth will be the last moment before rapture- or death. We live in expectation of the great reunion either of spirit through death or the body if we are alive and raptured. Yes, they are saying peace and safety. Yes, they are talking about confirming a covenant. Damascus is being destroyed and Egypt is falling and a whole host of other things are happening that align with the way Jesus said things will look like in the last days.

Since 2006, just 18 months after I was saved I began to gravitate to prophetic study. We live in a state of expectation without setting dates and times, but then again, we know He is coming soon! We know this. It is truer today than it was in Paul’s time when Paul said, so therefore He is coming sooner than soon!

As always, keep your eye on Israel. She is the umbiculus urbis, the omphalos, belly button of the world- all the events taking place there should concern us greatly. We should be watching with a laser focus and that should energize us to live as holy people.

“‘Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 20:7). Consecrate means to set apart or to set aside. Set yourselves apart for holy works. Always ask yourself, is this the thing I want to be doing the moment I hear His trumpet and meet Jesus? Is this the thing I want to be saying the second I hear the trumpet and am caught up? Be holy. He is coming soon.