WHAT THE HECK IS SIN ???

It seems that in our post Christian culture it has become quite popular to redefine Biblical terminology. Definitions that would be thought of as absurd even twenty years ago are now accepted without question. Words themselves change in meaning overtime, making our job of Biblical exegesis even more difficult. Cults commonly use orthodox Christian terminology but "pour" different meanings into the terms. You might sit through a Mormon sermon, hear the message and it might sound quite biblical. But Mormons believe God was once a man and you too can some day become a God, with your own planet and of course multiple "celestial wives". If we do not have true Biblical definitions of Biblical word we can be fooled and mislead by false teachers.

This leads me to the question at hand, What is Sin? I often hear "love the sinner, hate the sin." Is this a biblical concept? Jesus does tells us to love are neighbors and enemies, but a man is what he does. A man who practices adultery, is by definition an adulterer. Can sin be so easily separated from the one practicing it?  No, the only thing that can separate a man from sin (state of rebellion) is repentance and accepting Christ´s sacrifice on the cross. A surrender of the sinners will to the revealed will of God.  It is true that Christian do at times sin, but their lives are not characterized by a continual, ongoing pattern of sin. All Christians need to examine themselves periodically to make sure they are in the faith and not backslidden.  Jesus said this about sin;
Matt 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
 
Matt 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Matt 6:14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Matt 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
These words of Jesus are quite sobering and demand that we understand what sin is. Scripture describes sin as "transgression" or violation of the Law. The Law being the revealed will of God. God told Adam and Eve, not to eat the fruit of a certain tree. They did the opposite. This was the first sinful act of rebellion. Shortly after, Cain also rebelled and murdered his brother. Man became so rebellious that God destroyed the entire world by flood waters. What began as what should been a loving family, quickly became murder, hate, and war. Noah´s family also went into rebellion. Abraham´s family soon followed. Sin by definition is doing the opposite of what God has already said to do. It is a state of open rebellion against Gods revealed will. Sin does not have substance. It is not composed of matter. You cannot pick it up and hold it. It will not be sin that is cast into the lake of burning sulfur, but real people, full of rebellion. They will go there gladly rather than serve the true and living God.

Gary Miles - 7/27/2007

Preaching at the Peach Festival in Marysville

This last weekend, we went up and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the Peach Festival in Marysville, California. There were approximately ten-thousand visitors, and we passed out around 2,000 tracts. This year we have gone to preach the Gospel at several local festivals; I am always amazed how the local church congregations here are, for the most part, not interested in preaching the Gospel in their own towns/ cities. They are also not very supportive or receptive to us coming to their 'town' and passing out Gospel tracts. They are more interested in attending the festivals, than warning their fellow citizens about eternal damnation.

The fact is most of the people whom party it up at these things are on their way to Hell, and when they stand before God on That Day, they will wonder fervently why the 'Christians' (whom stood next to them in line to buy funnel cakes) did not warn them about such an awful end, or even speak of the way to Salvation. The ultimate act of selfishness and an utter lack of Love is to know the Truth and not speak of the saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to hide it away from those whom are traversing the broad path of Destruction.

One man walked by me; as I handed him a tract, he would not even lift his arm to take it, but merely looked scornfully down at the paper as if to touch it would defile him. With a tone a contempt he stated that he was "a preacher of the Gospel". Hearing this I turned around and gave the tract to someone else whom was less 'educated' in religion. As the 'minister' walked away I turned and asked him "Do you pray?"; he turned immediately and boasted "I have been praying for 30 years". I asked him if he would pray for us then, as we preached the Gospel without shame. He did not answer, but walked away with a scowl upon his religious brow. Thus is the case with many of the 'Christian' leaders whom see us at these festivals preaching and find offense at it, as if we were somehow violating God's word by preaching the Gospel.

Yet, I can find more Biblical evidence for going out and preaching the gospel of Jesus christ on the street than I can find for what many of these 'ministers' do on a sunday morning. As Jesus put it: "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers." Mathew 23:4

Man like these have mastered the art of religion, only doing the bare minimum and controlling people with traditions, which are burdens grievous to be borne.

Steven - 7/25/2007

Christendom Under Fire By Sodomites

Recently, a story about a deceased young man by the name of Satender Singh has been dominating the local news; he was a fijian immigrant who lived and worked in the USA for the last 7 years. He was apparently attacked July 1, 2007 by a group of men (thugs), witnessed by people whom were with Singh at Lake Natoma, a recreational area near Sacramento. The men, according to Singh's Fijian and Indian friends, were supposedly speaking a language they thought to be Russian, but the thugs managed to throw out understandable 'anti gay' and 'racial' slurs, or what they (the witnesses) perceived it to be. Singh apparently told the taunters that he was 'not a gay'; later in the evening, the alleged attackers came over and one of them hit Singh in the head with what a witness thought was 'brass knuckles'; the blow caused Singh to fall back and hit his head on the concrete; he was rushed to the hospital and was taken off life support four days later; his body was flown back to his native Fiji. The alleged attacker has not been apprehended. This was just one of the 45-55 homicides per year in Sacramento County, most of which are reportedly gang-related.

Sacramento has one of the largest Russian-immigrant populations in the United States, including Ukrainian, Slavic and other ex-soviet countries, each having their own language, and houses a large Christian base; many 'Slavic' Christians have been active in protesting pro-homosexual legislation here in Sacramento, often organized by a local Christian man, whom is not Slavic, and his church.

Nowhere was it reported that these alleged attackers were confirmed to be Slavic, or part of the local Slavic Christian community, or Christian in any way, yet various homosexual groups in and around Sacramento, whom are looking for any opportunity to slam Christendom, have used this man's death as a rallying cry at Christian 'homophobes' to quit their supposed 'hate speech' against homosexuals.

Yesterday, however, the story of Satender Singh seemed to mutate and hit an all-time journalistic low over the airwaves of the local News Talk Station KFBK, which generally has a rather conservative tinge. In the Afternoon News program, the hosts discussed the Singh case and invited on a guest by the name Dan Roth, whom is local spokesman for sodomites. The KFBK hosts indicated that they tried to get Slavic community leaders to comment as well but failed. The hosts allowed Mr. Roth to spew a Christophobic hatred of traditional Christian beliefs for over ten minutes; his biased speech implied that it was Christians whom had attacked this man, instead of maybe some 'thugs' that happened to speak a Russian-like language. His rhetoric indirectly accused the Slavic Christian community and their Biblical beliefs as being responsible for the attack on Singh.

The traditional Christian beliefs he denounced are in fact held by the majority of Protestant Christians today, and have been for over 2,000 years.

This trend seems to be an ongoing policy among media outlets; the major Sacramento newspaper did similar pieces, just salivating at the mouth to spin Christians and Slavic Christians alike as being warmongers, haters, bigots, etc... all the while showing utter loathing and disdain for God's Word and Biblical convictions. The media in this country seems to be hell-bent on promoting the religious deviance and depravity of homosexuality while simultaneously attempting to attack the Church of Jesus Christ, and His holy Word, the Bible. When will it stop? The truth is persecution is coming upon the Church and these are but few indications of what is to come.

Steven - 7/24/2007

A History of Tammy Faye Bakker

Tammy Faye Bakker was born in 1942 to pentecostal preachers in Minnesota; shortly after she was born her parents divorced. When she was six her mother married a new man with more income and they began attending an Assembly of God congregation. Tammy Faye was reportedly spoiled as a child, and encouraged in her singing and church activities. As she grew older, her mother also encouraged her to become a 'minister'. Tammy Faye married one Jim Bakker in 1961; they met at North Central University in Minnesota and were also dismissed from said university, for reasons unknown. They each worked menial jobs until they moved to North Carolina to begin their 'ministry'.

Jim and Tammy founded the 700 club, and they worked with Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network, which at that time had an audience of only a few thousand. The Bakkers apparently contributed greatly to the growth of Pat's audience. In the min 1970's, Jim and Tammy left for California. teaming with Paul and jan Crouch for the new Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) to create the 'praise the lord' show, but that relationship lasted just over a year; the Bakkers retained the rights to use the PTL initials and traveled back to Charlotte to start the PTL Club. In the Bakker's sole control the show grew quickly to be carried by nearly a hundred stations, with an audience of about 12 million. They established their own network, the PTL network which was especially known for accepting all regardless of sex, creed, sexual-orientation or criminal background. Tammy was most known for her rather unorthodox doctrine, and her appearance, heavily made up with fake eyelashes and flamboyant clothing and hairstyles.

By the 1980s the Bakkers built Heritage USA, then the 3rd most popular theme park in the USA, as well as a satellite system to broadcast their network 24 hours a day across the country. Contributions to the Bakker's ministries were calculated to be about $1,000,000 per week. Eventually, Jerry Falwell (Moral Majority) ran a pledge drive and rasied $20,000,000 with which he took control of the PTL Network. The Bakkers paid themselves a then exorbitant salary of $200,000 each and Jim gave himself $4,000,000 in bonuses. Besides the cash, at one time the Bakkers had assets of a $600,000 house in Palm Springs four condos around California and a classic Rolls Royce; but, what caught the media's attention, and that of average American, was the rather conspicuous way they spent their money: once they hired a private jet to fly their clothing across the country for a nice price tag of $100,000; they were reported to have spent $100 on cinnamon rolls for the purpose of perfuming their hotel room. A writer for the New Yorker wrote about them: "They epitomized the excesses of the 1980s; the greed, the love of glitz, and the shamelessness; which in their case was so pure as to almost amount to a kind of innocence."

In 1987 the Lord exposed the subsurface evil. Jim Bakker resigned from PTL after allegations surfaced that he had the ministry pay over $265,000 to a former secretary in order to keep her from pressing rape charges against him. Jerry Falwell released a statement saying Jim Bakker was a liar, an embezzler, a sexual deviant, and "the greatest scab and cancer on the face of Christianity in 2,000 years of church history." Strange 'quirks' in the PTL financial records led to investigations and more scandal: Jim and Tammy had sold tens of thousands of 'lifetime memberships" at $1000 each to various people around the country to help build luxury hotels at Heritage USA; these memberships supposedly entitled the holder to special deals and free accommodationsat, but only one hotel was ever build. They had sold more 'partnerships' and shares of the hotels than could be accommodated. Apparently, much of the money went to Heritage USA operating expenses, but the Bakkers pocketed over 3.7 million for themselves. Jim Bakker, whom was PTL's financial director, apparently kept two sets of books to hide his skimming.

In 1989 Jim Bakker was convicted of fraud and conspiring to commit fraud and was sentenced to 45 years in Federal Prison. Tammy Faye requested to be divorced from him; the divorce was final in 1992. According to Jim Bakker's book I Was Wrong, the royalties from the books that he and Tammy wrote and the recordings that Tammy sold added up to $8,000,000. These royalties were given to PTL, as the Bakkers could not benefit from their own crimes.

In 1993, Tammy Faye married former Heritage USA contractor and church builder Roe Messner. Her new husband was later jailed for bankruptcy fraud and according to the IRS Mr. & Mrs. Messner still owe about $3 million in unpaid taxes from the 1980's, including interest and penalties. Post scandal, Tammy Faye became known as sympathetic towards homosexuals and was much admired by drag queens. Tammy Faye was known as one of the few television 'christians' who had the support of the gay community. She was one of the first televangelist's to encourage christians to 'reach out' to homosexuals with AIDS, and even had a tv-talk show with with gay co-host Jim. J. Bullock for a short time. She told Larry King in a July, 2007 interview: "...when we lost everything, it was the gay people that came to my rescue, and I will always love them for that." Tammy Faye Bakker died on July 20th 2007, after an 11 year battle with cancer, which first started as colon cancer and spread to her lungs.

Over the last 30 years, Jim and Tammy Bakker were one of the systematic enemies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and can be counted as two of the worst deceivers in the history of modern Christendom. Even worse than their embezzlement and stealing, their unorthodox and aberrant doctrines which polluted the hearts of many, Their actions were as if the author of Jude was writing directly to them:

"...turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness," (embracing the defiled sin of homosexuality, which God condemns with the strongest language of the Bible) verse 4, "Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities." verse 8 (dreaming up schemes and cons, con artists & crooks but worse yet that in the name of Christ), "Woe unto them! ...and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core." verse 11 (they profited off the weak-willed & deceived elderly ladies whom would send them money thinking they would get something in return, buying their 'give to get' scheme), "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear:" verse 12 (clearly spots on charity, saying they love while they steal; if they really had love, they would sell all they had and give it away to the poor and live frugally within and below their means. Instead they and their partners continually brought a reproach to the name of Christ.), "clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; " verse 12 (these people were just like clouds full of wealth whom would not lift one finger to help starving in Africa or give them one drop of nourishment, which is the Truth of God's Word.), "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame" verse 13 (through their own corrupt doctrine they did these things and it came to the surface to shame both them and Christendom as a whole.), "walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage." verse 16.

... but, "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed", Jude 1:14.

Tammy (and women like her) was a phony... painting her face like a some surrealist artist slapping layers of bright oil-paint on a canvass, as if God allowed her to mock herself through her own poofy hair, fake eyelashes, gaudy manicures and flamboyant lifestyle. Her disguise however could not hide the corruption within and near of her life God saw to it that her face reflected her own corruption.

Peter warns us against such false prophets: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." 2 Peter 2:1-3

Steven - 7/23/2007

Commentary on Psalm 39

"I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue:"

David lays down a wonderful principle for us as believers in Christ, for the two aspects of which we tend to fall into sin are: our ways (the things we do on a daily basis)... and the tongue.

Here in America, we tend to get very comfortable (in some cases just, plain apathetic) in our ways of life: we have plenty of food, shelter and clothing, we usually have enough income to pay our bills and in some cases have a large amount left over. In these day to day functions of our life it is easy to lose sight of what faith is when it seems we do not have to depend one iota on God for deliverance. "Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." 1 Corinthians 15:18

The tongue, as James chapter 3 puts it, can be set on fire as Hell; especially those whom speak evil of their brethren, destroying the reputation of their character, mocking one of God's redeemed creations and bringing reproach to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me."

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is shut up and say nothing when in the presence of your enemies; ultimately this has to be one of the hardest things to do in the flesh and we see for an example Christ, whom when accused said nothing. "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

The Lord is always our defense. "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I." Psalm 61:2

"I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, [even] from good; and my sorrow was stirred."

One of the most painful emotional experiences is being wronged and being unable to correct it, and, in the case of David, having your anguish increase when you are having to be silent. However the end result is strengthening of the faith, for us whom where our basic needs have been provided; God brings situations on us which cause great anguish... whether due to our own sins or the sins of other or simply the result of the evil one's oppression. In all this the man of faith endures hardship. keeping his head in all situations (2 Timothy 4).

"My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: [then] spake I with my tongue,"

There comes a time in a man's life when a certain type of anguish builds itself up, and, in spite of the consequences (losing a job, friendship, or even offending a wife or mother-in-law, etc.) he must speak the truth. This is a good state, when the Spirit of the Lord can no longer be restrained within you, and God has perfectly timed it, knowing the point where we can no longer bear it. I just wish there were more men of God like David, whom in the face of sin was not afraid to speak out, knowing his own was life might be in jeopardy as a result. So much for the believer/elder/pastor whom keeps his mouth shut at such a time for the sake of a paycheck; what a degrading shame.

"LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it [is; that] I may know how frail I [am]."

David knew beyond a doubt that whatever he did, he was always in the hands of the Lord and that the Lord at any moment could strike him from the earth; he put his trust in the Lord, and not in the strength of men and did not fear what they could do to the body. "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

These trials that David was experienced, is most likely something most of us here in America have not experienced much; the fact is that most of us have not been threatened with death by other men, yet a majority of today 'christian' leaders have become spiritually emaciated, feminzed and worn down to mere shadows of men. The heart of the spiritual-zealot is hard to find. The modern christian leader wanes and cracks under the strain of sin, like a tree bent and broken by the wind... even having a greater benefit over David knowing the great mystery of the death burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But, as always the Lords reserves a certain number of men to Himself. "Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." 1 Kings 19:18

Steven - 7/20/2007

Do You Possess the Fruit of the Spirit?

I don't know how many times I have heard over the years "Oh, I'm a Christian... I believe in God", but does this mere 'profession' magically make you one... or is there more to it? In Galations, Paul talks about evidence of the Holy Spirit of God in a believer's life:

The fruits of the Spirit are: "...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Ablations 5:22&23)

But, the fruits of the flesh are: "...Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galations 5: 19-21)

There are many spirits, but only one true Spirit of the Holy and Living God. The 'illegitimate' spirits try to imitate the things of God through men whom are overtaken by their flesh. The worst part of all this is that many of these men call themselves Brethren, and say that they follow the fruits of the Spirit, but have none of them: they say they love, but they do not love their own Brethren. They tell of their joy, but they attempt to steal joy away from the righteous. Peace they say they have in abundance, but they do not know Christ therefore they have no peace; they have never known it.

They will tell you how patient they are, but their feet are swift to do evil. They speak of gentleness but they work violence both physical and spiritual in speaking evil of their Brethren and inciting discord. They talk widely of their good deeds, boasting of charity work and tithing and of building huge mausoleums to God, but they shut up the bowels of compassion against their brethren.

"And they covet fields, and take [them] by violence; and houses, and take [them] away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage." (Micah 2:2)

These men say they have faith, yet they measure their worth and spirituality (and that of others) by their possessions; they boast of their faith and yet sell their ministry like prostitute. Meek they appear to be, as they obey their wives, but they are proud in their continual boasting of their evil deeds, which they call 'good'. These men extol the virtues of temperance and self-control, yet their lips are continually flapping, spewing charm; their lives are full of adulteries and fornications. The only wisdom they posses is that which furthers their own ambitions.

The question is, do you posses the fruit of the Spirit?

Steven - 7/ 19/2007

Diet, Tradition & Law

An ancient Greek playwright once wrote: "When a man's stomach is full it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor." In most western countries our bellies are full ... with a few exceptions. God has touched the fields to grow grains fruits, nuts, and various animals to produce a plethora of meats. Of course, with this abundance and plenty comes the challenge of Enough; some cultures, such as the Italian culture surround pretty much all their functions with food and the same with French, Spanish, German, American, Greek, Polynesian, etc.

Many of said cultures and the people therein metabolize their food differently, some put on weight more easily while other seems to be able to eat almost anything and remain slender. For example, most of the Asian cultures seem to eat more fish, starch and rice and are small in stature and slender, in some regions due to the lack of food, while Indigenous Mexicans eat a lot of corn, rice, beans and pork and are, for the most, more rounded, while people in Ireland, the British Isles and Scandinavia appear to burn off their food more easily. The people of the Inuit tribes appear 'fat' by some religious standards, but they eat a large amount of fatty meats to help them survive the extremely cold climate in which they live. America's mixing of many cultures has resulted in several varying diets, where people can choose freely what they eat.

What does the Scripture say about all this food and abundance? The Scripture says we are to have power over our own bodies: "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body [is] not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body." 1 Corinthians 6:12-13

What does it mean to have power over your body? It means that if one chooses to skip a meal, one can do so; also it means that one can chose not to unite their body with a harlot, or to avoid constant, vain grooming, or chose not to be a hypocrite, saying they follow God and His word and yet work actions contrary, all the while boasting of their Spiritual 'diet'.

There are many in America whom pride themselves on following dietary laws of various kinds; some seventh day adventists, for instance, feel that to eat meat is sin, while some orthodox Jews condemn eating pork or mixing cheese and meat (so much for pepperoni pizza). Then, there are those whom simply feel they are more spiritual because they can eat just seven M&Ms in a week, or a strip of beef jerky for lunch, thus according to their religious tradition depriving their flesh of that which others indulge in. On the other hand, there are those whom clearly eat too much and their bodies are grotesquely obese so that the normal day to day activities become impossible for them. Then there are the ungrateful whom squander food by purposely vomiting it out in order to lose weight. There are others whom religiously watch their figure and diet closely in order to fornicate. Then there are those whom think they are spiritual, having 'achieved' the perfect-harmonious-Nirvana-weight.

The bottom line is that all food comes from the Lord, and we should give humble thanks to Him for His provisions, for at any time he could lift his hand and bring starvation upon us, yet His very mercies allow us to eat and be full. Some of us a little more than others, which is a testimony to God's great abundance. However, we should be good stewards of God provisions and guard against waste and excess, keeping; we should keep in mind that around the world there are fellow Brethren whom go to bed at might hungry and children whom starve.

If you can afford it, it is good to try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, with lean meats, fruit, vegetables and whole grains. If your body is so overweight that you are unable to perform basics tasks or serve the Lord, then your body is in control; on the same token if you are so consumed with excessive, dieting and your body's appearance that it becomes an idol, (or a religious tradition which you impose on others) then you are also controlled by the flesh. The fact is that we cannot determine someone's spiritual condition by merely looking at their exterior. We must test the fruit of their life and doctrine whether it be of the Spirit of God.

So, if by your conscience, you choose to live a diet of beef jerky for lunch and one M&M a day, or a pepperoni pizza, that is between you and God; boasting to your Brethren of what you do, and condemning them because they do not follow your dietary religious tradition is exactly what Paul warns us not to do... that such despising and boasting is sin.

"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." Romans 14:1-4

Steven - 7/15/2007

Study on Hebrews - Part Three:

Ch. 12 - Surrounded by this great cloud of witness, we are to run our race looking unto JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH – JESUS. Not Moses or any other Old Testament worthy. Not any human living at the time of the writing. Not any man since.

Then we are told about the Father’s correcting his children. He will judge the rest of humanity in the future. His discipline has one thing in view – “that we might be partakers of HIS holiness.” We are not confronted by a frightening , smoking, thunderstruck mountain that only terrified but did not cleanse nor comfort, ---but are introduced to Jesus. Let us have grace so we may serve GOD acceptably with reverence and godly fear – for our GOD is a consuming fire.

( Up until this point, is there any other noteworthy personage than that of God, presented in Jesus Christ and represented by him? Has the readers attention been directed to any personality other than Jesus Christ? Would such a reader be drawn to and influenced by any one other than Christ? )

Ch 13 Let brotherly love continue, be hospitable, be compassionate to those imprisoned, be pure in your person and/or marriage, live without covetousness, be content because God provides our needs—
“THE LORD IS OUR HELPER”

Remember them which HAVE the rule over you who:
1 have spoken unto you the word of God,
2 whose faith follow
3 considering the end of their conversation.
Those referred to in the present, not future tense are already in place among them and known by them, and have demonstrated three critical things; they preach unerringly, Gods word, their lives are consistent with the word of God, and the summation, the goal and achievement of their ministry, its desire, execution and only purpose is JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER. They are not desirous of building a kingdom or reputation for themselves, but like John the Baptist, say and believe, “I must decrease, He must increase.”

Their ministry and personal lives are consistent with the central theme and purpose of the epistle. The only authority they have is the Word preached, confirmed by their lives, and the ultimate goal of such preaching points the believer to and brings attention to and glorifies one person only; Jesus Christ. Such a preacher or minister will never be threatened by the growth and curiosity and even challenge of a maturing believer. Their highest attainment as ministers of the glorious gospel of Christ is to see the saints outgrow the need for them. (see Hebrews ch 5:12 – 14. They is no fear of competition
because there is only “one big man in God’s program” MMJ

( It is possible that those referred to were the apostles; who, all but James were still alive at the time of writing and well known among Jewish saints. They were hand picked by Jesus, taught by him, traveled with him, witnessed his crucifixion, were visited by him after his resurrection, and commissioned by him to go and preach with power and authority. The biblical record we have of their ministry is consistent with the three prerequisites for them to be considered being overseers and shepherds to God’s flock. Certainly Peter understood that neither he nor any future elder was to be an overlord, but example; to feed not bully and frighten the sheep. His closing words were: “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen” II Peter 3:18

Any attempt to use Hebrews 13:7 , 17, and 24 to establish a “clergy/laity” system, which in effect becomes a dominant and often intimidating human office and then system , more feared and motivating than Jesus Christ, is nothing less than blasphemy. Any and all who allow such a system and are enslaved by it are guilty of idolatry. Such application nullifies the entire epistle and dethrones Jesus Christ. It is preposterous to suggest that after carefully and methodically identifying and honoring only Jesus Christ for twelve chapters, the Holy Spirit inserts a human layer of authority between the supreme Christ and believers. This misapplication is commonly found in the writings of cults; not at all among the writings of godly men.

At this point I suggest that you read the entire Epistle to the Hebrews, trying to put yourself in the time and circumstances of a new Jewish believer. Read carefully, asking God to impress it on your heart. I also pray that you will ask yourself if any man or group of men has more influence and control over your life than Christ. Colossians 1: 18 -----that in all things, he ( Christ ) might have the preeminence.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O Lord my God; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

- Jim Johnson, saved sinner and a follower of Christ.

7/13/2007

Study on Hebrews - Part Two:

It is noteworthy that while believing Jews were expecting the prophesied establishment of Jerusalem as the center of human government and the temple to be the throne room for the soon returning Messiah, the epistle, if understood and accepted would spiritually prepare them for the not too distant overthrow by the Romans and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and the beginning of the dispersion which remains unto this day, even though there is a nation called Israel.

A brief sampling, chapter by chapter reveals;
Ch 1:God has spoken by his son. Son is the brightness of God’s glory, he by himself purged our sins, he is so much better than the angels, the angels worship him, His throne is forever, heavens shall perish, he remains for ever.

Ch 2 Christ made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, all thing are in subjection under him, he took part of flesh and blood that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death – the devil, he is a merciful and faithful high priest.

Ch 3 Christ is more worthy than Moses, he is a son over his own house, he was the one grieved by the wilderness generation of Jews.

Ch 4 Believers enter rest in Christ, not a day, all things are open and naked unto the eyes of Christ, to whom we have to give account. But He is our great high priest, touched with the feelings of our struggles, tempted like as we are but without sin or failure. Therefore we can come boldly to the throne of grace, obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Ch 5 It was not an elevation nor promotion to identify Christ as high priest, yet he learned obedience by the things he suffered – “being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation---.”

Ch 6 The doctrines of Christ identify all the details of the Mosaic system as dead works. The fulfillment , the object, the purpose of it was to point to Jesus Christ. If one turns away from him, there is no other way, no second chance, no way to renew to repentance. Our hope in Christ is a sure anchor for our souls.

Ch 7 Melchisedec is presented as a priest whose birth nor death is mentioned, has no identified parentage and is made like to the Son of God; a continual priest. Christ is like unto him but superior. “he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” He lives for ever to make intercession for us.

Ch 8 Christ has obtained a more excellent ministry than all earthly priests, and is the mediator of the new covenant (with Israel).

Ch 9 The tabernacle, its furnishings and ceremonies, the Holy of Holies into which the high priest went once year, all were representative of Christ, who would offer his precious blood, once for all. By that sacrifice he has obtained eternal redemption for us. It is appointed unto man once to die and after that the judgement. (WHO WILL BE THE JUDGE?)

Ch 10 The blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin, “but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the fight hand of God—-by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” It was serious and sometimes fatal to ignore Moses’ law, how much worse to tread under foot the blood of Christ and discount his intercessory work.

Ch 11 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
(FAITH IN WHAT OR WHOM? What distinguished those whose names are listed in this roll call, and the unnamed multitudes alluded to? OF WHOM WERE THEY CONSCIOUS? WHOM WERE THEY ANTICIPATING? WHO GAVE THEM THE CONVICTION AND COURAGE TO FACE MARTYRDOM JOYFULLY?)
“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith----”

Jim Johnson - 7/12/2007

Study on Hebrews - Part One:

“The truth of God is the common property of all saints”. MMJ
My sincere hope is that whoever reads this paper checks it out by personally, and prayerfully reading and verifying every reference to scripture. Since the Holy Spirit is the ultimate author, any synopsis runs the risk of presumption or hurtful omission. It is my desire that any thing left out will not be to the detriment of the things included. There is no substitute for personal and prayerful reading of the scripture, so my hope and purpose is to stimulate the reader to dig in to the Epistle to the Hebrews, as well as the rest of scripture. Ask God for understanding, then begin to enjoy a closer walk with Him, a greater appreciation for Jesus Christ, and the confidence and boldness that the scripture inspires. I desire to be a readable and reliable signboard; pointing the way. I, nor any other man can be the road, nor are we policemen along the road, nor are we or our friends, no matter the size of the “council” , the destination. The promise of being held accountable by the Divine Author of the Bible for any use made of it will make both me and any reader careful.

THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
a verbal portrait of Jesus Christ

It is helpful to state what the epistle is not, before we look at what it unmistakably is. It is not specifically a church epistle. I contains no distinctive Church doctrine. It does not authorize nor empower any type of human hierarchy. It is a portrait of Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

It was written around 64 AD, the author is not identified, though many conclude that it was the Apostle Paul. Assuming is was Paul, there are two possible explanations why he did not identify himself as he did in all his other writings: he had a reputation of hostility to Jesus and his followers, had caused the imprisonment and death of some, therefore if he was trying to appeal to the Jews, his name would have been a severe hindrance to the understanding and acceptance of the beautiful truth. The other, and perhaps more weighty possibility was that, given the theme of the epistle, Jesus Christ, the writer did not want in any way to distract from that focus by identifying himself.

It is easily observed that the teaching would have been most understandable to a Jew and somewhat foreign to a Gentile reader. The epistle argues that the old testament Messiah must suffer and die for the sins of the world, and that Jesus was and is that Messiah.

Hebrews begins with the faithfulness of God, “who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.” It ends with the grace of God, “Grace and peace be with you all, Amen.”

Jesus’ life and death illustrates the grace of God toward a totally unworthy race;. Peace with God and among each other is attained only by a continual acknowledgement of His worthiness and supremacy alone.
The Son is introduced as being heir of all things, the maker of the worlds, holding everything together by the word of his power, and that by himself purged our sins and is now seated on the right hand of the Majesty. He is so much better than the angels and by inheritance has a more excellent name than any angel.

The earth will vanish but He remains. To the Jewish believer the epistle carefully explains that in turning away from a 1500 year tradition of the types and shadows they lose nothing; all is more abundantly fulfilled and available to them in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the grand fulfillment, the ultimate reality, the first, last and always Son of God, High priest, sin bearer, advocate, friend.

Jim Johnson - 7/11/2007

Which is More Important: Showing You Preach the Gospel or Having Love for the Brethren?

There are some groups, whether big or small, whether new or rooted in history, whom use their respective ministries as some kind of spiritual 'clutch'; they switch gears for more momentum and their egos are stroked in the process. These are often people whom when there is a call to preach they are a no-show, or when they deign to make an appearance, they abandon you.

"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." 2 Tim 4:16 & 17

Some of these men may even call themselves Christian and some may even be your own brethren. But, for whatever reason, whether through hardness of heart, bitterness towards God over a loved one's death, or grieving after a wayward wife, they turn away... in a time when they have been called to stand in spite of their hardships and the opposition which may come. Like all men, we all suffer from weakness. At times the devil has us shaking at the knees in fear, and at other times we feel weighed down by our sins almost unable to crawl of the pit of Depair. However, we must protect ourselves with the Shield of Faith and use it to defeat the flaming arrows of the enemy, and put on the helmet of Salvation so that whatever is flung at us will not knock us completely out of the battle.

As Paul instructed a young, timid Timothy whom was hesitant to carry on the torch of the Great Apostle: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." Paul knew that Faith itself would be under attack; the Gospel requires a zealous warrior to swing the sword of the Spirit and to hold fast to the promises of God, lest any should steal his joy. Though men may depart for the pleasures of this world, whether it be family or riches, wives or houses, we must be: "watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5

Steven - 7/9/2007

Catholics Bickers Among Themselves About Celibacy

The idea that some ministers of God should be celibate is not a bad idea; not that I’m celibate (married 11 years with 4 kids) but often our culture looks at those whom have chosen to be celibate as strange or weird, even perhaps tainting them with shameful and evil suspicions. In spite of this, being completely free to serve the Lord entirely is, in my opinion, the highest calling.

"But he said unto them, All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it]." Matthew 19:11&12

Ultimately the ability to be celibate is given to some men so that they may serve the Lord, with abstinence of both mind and body.

The Catholic church however, under a legalistic tradition of men, has for many years required that all ministers be celibate, invoking a revival of an age-old debate among its parishioners: a lay Catholic group called 'Voice of the Faithful' has publicly appealed to the Vatican to reassess priest celibacy requirements, citing the recent string of child molestation scandals involving Catholic priests as basis. Without spending too much time getting into the legalities of Catholic legalism, I think this would be solved by simply requiring all priest to be castrated. That way you can be sure the choir boys are left alone. If this doesn’t work and some priests are still defiling children, or others, perhaps some public hangings in Vatican Square would be appropriate.

Though the Bible doesn’t exactly support the second suggestion, the first is a viable option. The second, though slightly unorthodox would certainly instill some measure of fear. A third, more extreme option would be burning at the stake, though the Catholic church is not wholly unfamiliar with this one.

The question is: has God called you to be celibate? If so, are you serving the Lord in your celibacy?

“For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.” 1 Corinthians 7:7-9

Steven - 7/05/2007

Effective Ministry - Part Fourteen: Where is Your Faith?

There are two things that 'kill' a Gospel preaching ministry to the world, the first is a hardened heart and the second is disbelief; such are the final nails in the coffin. Over the years I have seen many spirit-inspired men preach on the streets of San Francisco whom later became well-known pastors and now have large and successful congregations here in Sacramento, some of whom even serve on evangelistic boards of a street preaching ministry in San Francisco; but to ask these same men today to join in (or even verbally support) preaching the Gospel is like pulling teeth. These men often say "been there done that.", and they will give you every reason in their bean-counting book on why it isn't effective to preach the Gospel out on the street or go witnessing, but the real reason is that they have hardened their heart and their faith is lacking. Many times these are the very people whom oppose the preaching of the Gospel the most, most notably through their through their puffed-up and regurgitated sermons.

"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen." Mark 16:14

God has appeared to all of us through His word and the power of the Gospel, and those whom go forth and preach proclaim repentance and remission of sins to all those will believe. Likewise He chastens those whom He loves to have faith, believeing that when we accurately preach the Gospel from the Scriptures it has the power to convert the hardest of hearts. It is always effective when the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:15-16

Jesus did not say: "go ye into a church each sunday, tithe and spend the rest of your days in hibernation.", nor did He say: "bring the world into the Church" (bad company corrupts good judgement). Instead He emphatically said: "go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature". This is a great and high command and a wonderful privledge to be called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ... our Lord, our King and our God. Let no man steal your joy; when you go out, go with boldness, proclaiming repentance from sin and remission of sin through Jesus Christ. Do not be put off if no man will go with you, for even Paul the Apostle said once that no man would stand up with him, but that the Lord was with him. Likewise the Lord is with us, even when we feel at our faintest.

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

Steven - 7/03/2007 - Effective Ministry Series Click Here

Psalm 137

"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion."
The obvious point is the Hebrews were remembering what it was like to be free in the land of milk and honey, but, like a lot of scriptures, I can't help contrasting this with the Christians in America today, and point out the irony: Christians whom once saw the hand of the Lord upon this country with great blessing, have left their first love and soft-spoken wolves have come in, almost decimating the church. We whom are members of His body weep and long for the days when one could fellowship in the Word with his brethren openly in the church, where the doctrines of the Lord and searching the Scriptures were important.

"We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof."
Many Christians today, overburdened with grief, have simply hung their ministries up, along with their love for Christ.

"For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us [required of us] mirth, [saying], Sing us [one] of the songs of Zion."
Today, the impostors whom managed to creep into most pulpits taunt us by telling us to sing a song or tell a joke, all the while at our expense, that they would enrich themselves by our poverty.

"How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?"
How can we, whom are in Christ, sing a lovely song of the Creator to a stranger whom mocks both our Lord and us? Why should we cast our pearls among swine?

"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [her cunning]."
The Lord has never forgotten His people or those who serve him, no more than he has forgotten His right hand.

"If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." The Lord has made an eternal covenant with us through His atoning work.

"Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Raze [it], raze [it, even] to the foundation thereof." The scriptures say that vengeance is the Lords, and He will will recompense. God will avenge His own, for He is just; all that wicked men do to us is accounted to them to be paid with destruction on that Day when they stand before Him, the Holy and righteous God.

"O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones."
Many people today call themselves 'children of God', but in reality they are bastard children, children of the Devil and swift and sudden destruction shall fall upon them when on that day they stand before God and are cast into the lake of Fire for all Eternity, where there is no end to weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Steven - 7/02/2007