Category Archives: Faithfulness

God’s Protective Hedge

20 Saturday Jun 2020

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Satan accused the Lord of putting a protective hedge around a man named Job. A protective hedge? Wouldn’t that be nice? It is easy to think that some might have a protective hedge about them; it appears they never fail or struggle with various issues in life. We even think to ourselves, occasionally, “I would like to have that ‘protective hedge’ so I would not have to look behind me to see all the debris of a wrecked life!”

What was this protective hedge?

The Lord said to man’s great adversary (Satan), “Have you considered my servant Job?” (Consider an imagined conversation below).

Satan: “Yes, I have considered him and have made many efforts to get to him, but You prevent me from getting to him because You protect him. I can’t penetrate Your protective wall.”

Lord: “Fine, for a little while I will let you afflict him, but I will only let you go so far.”

Satan: “Fine! I will take it. He should turn on you after my afflicting efforts.”

Satan goes after him with force, destroying all that he has in the way of possessions; he gets to the heart of that which is, generally, most precious to people, family. Satan fails, however, to get Job to turn against the Lord. Another effort is made by the great adversary, Satan fails in this effort also.

Job, by this time, has lost everything and is beaten down to a point of non-recognition. People look at him and turn away, interpreting his experiences as “God is against him; therefore, I don’t want any association, lest the Lord be against me also.”

As Satan tried to get Job to turn away from the Lord (but failed), he was successful in getting people to turn away from Job, making him the loneliest man among men in the midst of physical and emotional anguish.

What about this protective wall, what was (is) it? I have reflected on that many times. Does the Lord put a physical barrier around His saints? If so, why do so many of His saints seem to fail? What happened to their protective wall?

In my view, the New Testament gives an answer to the protective wall for those who belong to Him. Before that protective wall can be put in place, one must start with the proper response to the Lord. This starts with being a Christian (Acts 2:36-38; 16:31-33; Mark 16:15-16). At this point, the Lord’s protective barrier is in place; the protective wall is strengthened when one’s faith (trust, conviction and commitment) is tied directly to knowing the Lord’s way.

The words of God’s prophet, Hosea, rings loudly about now. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee…” It was the Lord’s apostle who said we are to walk by faith and faith comes by hearing and obeying the will of God (cf. 2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17).

With these thoughts in place, hear what Peter wrote to Christians: Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: (2 Peter 1:5-10, ASV).

There are a number of words to be underscored in the above biblical reference. This is to emphasize the point of knowledge in association with the Lord’s protective barrier for the Christian. There is a correlation that one shouldn’t miss. Paul wrote, that if God is for us, who can be against us (cf. Romans 8:31ff)? One might reply, “Many are against us!” Yes, that is true, just as Satan was against Job and Satan was against the Lord. It was Jesus who said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In the end, who won those contests?

If you know the value of a food supply for your body, you also know the value of the Lord’s word for you soul, your spiritual health. Heartache, discouragement and confusion come because one takes the Lord’s barrier and sets it to the side, exposing weakness and vulnerabilities. Do yourself a favor and allow the Lord to take control and given you a protective hedge.

The Church of Sweden

02 Saturday Dec 2017

Posted by in Doctrine, Faithfulness, Man-Made Churches

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/24/church-sweden-stop-clergy-calling-god-lord-bid-crack-gendered/

Church of Sweden to stop clergy calling God ‘he’ or ‘the Lord’ in bid to crack down on gendered language

The Church of Sweden is urging its clergy to use gender-neutral language when referring to the supreme deity, refraining from using terms like “Lord” and “He” in favor of the less specific “God.”

RT: Why is this taking place? Is it because the Greek text of the New Testament demands this, or is there some other reason? A good translation can‘t do anything but responsibly translate in an accurate manner the (a) word from the document of origin to the language of destination. Thus, when the word “theos” in Greek is translated, the language of destination (English) uses the word “God.” What Greek word is used to give us our English word “Lord”? That word is kurios. It’s a word that conveys power and authority, appropriately translated “Lord.” Does not the word “God” convey the same? It can and does, but the word “God” does not come, translationally (if you will), from kurios. The less specific “God” is not less specific (with regard to authority), except when one wants to eliminate an idea that permeates the Bible, especially the New Testament, such as the idea conveyed in the word “Lord”.

The move is one of several taken by the national Evangelical Lutheran church in updating a 31-year-old handbook setting out how services should be conducted in terms of language, liturgy, hymns and other aspects.

RT: Since the Evangelical Lutheran Church is not a term one reads of or about in the Bible, then their origin as a church is from the mind of man. Anything man conjures up is bound to change; he is as steady as the waves of the sea. The Holy Spirit gave warning in these words: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12, ASV).

The decision was taken Thursday at the end of an eight-day meeting of the church’s 251-member decision-making body, and takes effect May 20 on the Christian holiday of Pentecost.

A former state church, headquartered in Uppsala, some 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the capital, the church has 6.1 million baptized members in a country of 10 million. It is headed by a woman, Archbishop Antje Jackelen.

RT: The Scriptures teach, “Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness” (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In today’s environment, such words as from the apostle Paul are not well received. Of course, this makes our point. With man there is constant change. With God, He is steady as a rock, the Rock. The Lord, in other words, does not support the head of any church filled by a female or, for that matter, a male. He (Jesus) is the head of the church, and what He says concerning it is not up for discussion. Paul, in writing to the church in Ephesus about Jesus, said this: “far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church” (1:21-22).

Jackelen told Sweden’s TT news agency a more inclusive language had already been discussed at the 1986 conference. “Theologically, for instance, we know that God is beyond our gender determinations, God is not human,” Jackelen was quoted as saying by TT.

RT: Yes, it is true, inherently speaking, God is beyond our gender determinations, but it is not true that God did not become human. When Jesus became flesh (He who was/is God), He became a man, a male, not a female. There is a reason for this, and the reason belongs entirely to God. Thus, God is not beyond our gender determinations!  Consider what Paul said about the Lord in his second letter to the Corinthians, “Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (5:21). Notice the pronouns; substitute those pronouns with a neutral word, then read it; for instance, use the word “it.” How does this help one to properly understand?

The change was met with criticism, however. Christer Pahlmblad, an associate theology professor with Sweden’s Lund University, told Denmark’s Kristeligt Dagblad that the move was “undermining the doctrine of the Trinity and the community with the other Christian churches.”

“It really isn’t smart if the Church of Sweden becomes known as a church that does not respect the common theology heritage,” he said.

RT: This is not an answer to the problem. It’s not a matter of heritage, but of truth as revealed in Scripture. Perhaps there are occasions when a neutral word is much better than a word specifically oriented; on the other hand, those who have an agenda to neuter language for the sake of psychology might also have an agenda to neuter and neutralize the Way of God. The Church of Sweden, the state church seems to have this approach (their denials not withstanding!).  

Gender-neutral terms | Checklist

Forefathers – ancestors, forebears

Gentleman’s agreement – unwritten agreement, agreement based on trust

Girls (for adults) – women

Housewife – shopper, consumer, homemaker (depends on context)

Manpower – human resources, labour force, staff, personnel, workers, workforce

Man or mankind – humanity, humankind, human race, people

Man-made – artificial, manufactured, synthetic

Man in the street, common man – average/ordinary/typical citizen/person

Right-hand man – chief assistant

Sportsmanship – fairmess, good humour, sense of fair play

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Guide to Inclusive Language

 

GOING TO CHURCH

07 Tuesday Oct 2014

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“Going to church” is not a matter of going to the building as some sort of check off list. It is not a matter of “works religion.” Gathering together with the saints is much more than that. The saints in the first century did so (Acts 20:7), and Paul exhorted the saints in Corinth to do the same (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 4:17). Those who love the Lord won’t be any place but where the Lord desires, and for the reasons the Lord desires.

Here are some points for your consideration: 1) Matthew 16:13-19—Jesus “built” (established) His church. 2) Ephesians 1:22-23—Jesus is the head of His church, His body. 3) Ephesians 4:4—There is one body (church). 4) Ephesians 5:23-32—The church is the saved. Paul wrote to the local body (in Ephesus); he did not delineate between the local, visible, invisible, and/or universal church. 5) Hebrews 10:19-31—After a lengthy discussion on the differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit gives a number of exhortations in this section: a) the saints are to draw near with a true heart (10:22), b) the saints are to hold fast their confession (10:23; cf. Romans 10:9-10), c) the saints are to consider one another (10:24), d) the saints are not to forsake (abandon) the assembling together (10:25); this is your “go to church.” e) to sin willfully is to crucify the Son of God afresh (10:26), f) it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (10:31).

What’s hard to understand? For one who doesn’t want to understand, maybe it’s the heart that is hard.

THE EMPTY PEW

23 Tuesday Sep 2014

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It was Mary’s birthday the other day, but Mary was anything but happy. It seems that she was promised by her dad he would be present for her birthday. She hadn’t seen him in a little while, and she was so looking forward to see him. Mary was even told by her dad the day before that he would be there for her birthday, and he had good intentions of being there. The day came, however, and he never showed. Sadly, Mary did not know why. For all that she knew, her dad could have been in trouble and, if she knew, she would run to help.

Dad was too embarrassed to tell Mary that he would not show; he just hoped she understood. But, she didn’t understand. All that she really did understand what that dad’s good intentions (so he wanted her to believe) fell far short of actual accomplishments. Once again, Mary was saddened and went to bed crying that her dad thought so little of her to not even show up for such an important day to his little girl.

This metaphor illustrates what a parent does who does not love. If dad really loved Mary he would have been there because he promised her he would. If a no-show was unavoidable, he would called and let her know why he could not. In any case, all she knew what he did not show up. It is likely that her dad would have strongly and vigorously disputed anyone who said he did not love his little girl. Mary was home crying because, once again, she did not see her dad when he promised to be there.

Those who love the Lord will be where they promised the Lord they would be, doing what they promised to do. Those who “forget” both will strongly and vigorously dispute anyone who said he (she) did not love the Lord. On Sunday, there sits, still, an empty pew.

The Pattern

11 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by in Doctrine, Faithfulness, God, love, Man-Made Churches, Teaching

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There are some in the Christian world who look upon the idea of a pattern (a correct way to do things) in religion as being something to be dismissed. In fact, some call this legalistic, and that it is in part and whole contrary to the New Testament. Is this true? It is not!

The idea behind a pattern finds its way into religion from God. To Moses the Lord said, “And see to it that you make them [articles of the Tabernacle] according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain” (Exodus 25:40, NKJV). As the children of Israel made their way from Egypt to the land of promise (Canaan) and embarked on clearing the land of its evil, it was finally the case that the Israelites were able to “rest from their labors” and go home. Joshua gave the departing ones a word of exhortation, “But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Joshua 22:5). You will note in this word from Joshua two important ideas. First, the Israelites were to pay attention to the Lord and do exactly what He said. Second, they were to have their motivation (love) properly in place. This is the idea behind what some people disparagingly call “pattern theology.” Those who do so speak about that which the Lord set in place!

So important was this concept that the people of Israel were alarmed when they heard of a compromise existing (Joshua 22). After having laid down their arms they were prepared to take them up again because of the perceived compromise. In other words, they were prepared to do battle with their brothers (22:13-21). After some conversation it was learned by the leaders of Israel there was no attempt to compromise the Lord’s way (22:29), but that which was built was done as a witness (a replica, a pattern) for later generations (22:26-28).

In this there is a lesson. What some ridicule as “pattern theology” actually got its origin from God, not any man. Whatever failings man may have had in implementation of the Lord’s pattern, let us not be guilty of doing the same. There are two things to keep in mind: first, when the Lord said something on a particular topic, that which the Lord said (commanded) is that which is to be done in the way He said to do it. He did not give to man the option to alter what He said, only to choose to obey or not. Second, those who serve the Lord faithfully understand the Lord’s mercy and its underserving quality. Because this is understood, the love that is expressed to the Lord brings about obedience. Joshua understood this and, when he was preparing to pass from this life, set before the people of Israel the alternative to the Lord’s way (Joshua 24:14-15). In the Lord’s church, those who are faithful to the Lord understand the same. The structure of the church, the structure of worship, the behavior in life—these are things the Lord addressed for His saints to understand and to submit to.

 

More Determination

10 Monday Mar 2014

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“It’s not my fault!” These are words we hear a good bit; in fact, it seems like we have been hearing them for quite a long time. In some cases, no doubt, this could very well be true; in many cases it is not. On one particular occasion, Joshua 17, the tribe of Manasseh certainly expressed these words. Joshua, however, was not going to hear the excuse. Here is the story: the tribes of Israel had been given the land of promise by the Lord. The Lord required of them to eradicate the evil peoples of the land in order for them to enjoy what the Lord gave. A continuing problem for the Israelites was their refusal to do as the Lord said. Refusal is the right word in this context; yes, it is true, they accomplished much in the way of clearing. The problem was “accomplishing much” still left some remaining, and the people refused to continue on in the Lord’s command of removal. The people of the land were not going to allow themselves to be evicted, so if the Lord’s people wanted the land, it had to be taken. Manasseh found excuses as to why they could not “drive out” the peoples of the land. The people of the land were many, had chariots of iron, and the timber on mountains were in the way. As mentioned, Joshua did not accept this. Herein is a lesson for us: when the inhabitants of the land refuse to give up territory the Lord gave his chosen people, then let the chosen ones have more determination than those refusing to leave.

 

Walking Toward A Reward

05 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in Behavior, Faithfulness, Leadership

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Moses was a great leader; in fact, the Jews thought of him as the greatest of their leaders in all of history. It is easy to see why they might think such a thing as this. Moses, though, was just a man. He was a man given a task by the Lord that he needed to accomplish. You will recall that Moses was a reluctant leader (Exodus 3 and 4), but his reluctance gave way to the Lord’s will. As God’s leader to a nation that struggled between rebellion and faithfulness Moses had to struggle with his own limitations and frustrations. Near the end of his journey to the land of promise Moses learned that he was not going to cross over the Jordan River, but he was to prepare himself to cross over the river from which no man can return. With much determination and faithfulness to the Lord he prepared the people for their own crossing, disappointed as he might have been that he could not enter that anticipated land of promise. Instead, the Lord said for him to walk up this mountain “and die on the mountain which you ascend” (Deut. 32:50). Moses did so walking toward his death. What might have been his thoughts we will never know. All of us are walking the same journey. Though we don’t know what Moses thought, you certainly do know what it is you’re thinking. Are you prepared?

Hating Ways

24 Monday Feb 2014

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“Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104, NKJV). In our “ecumenical” society today, it is incumbent on all to get along, talking and thinking nothing negative about something or some ideology. This is generally under the moniker of “political correctness.” Political correctness is a vague term that does not mean the same with each person. Whatever good one might think there is about it, the unfortunate truth of the matter is that political correctness is an approach to life and behavior that is damning. There is no chance Paul or Jesus could have lived by its vague idea.

Notice the above passage in Psalms; two things are made plain. First, from the Lord comes understanding; second, with that understanding, everything that stands opposed to the Lord is hated. This means that false religions are hated. Webster’s defines the word hate “To dislike greatly; to have a great aversion to.” In Scripture the word can be understood as “love less,” but not in the sense of which we are talking (cf. “Hate,” The Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary, pp.743-744). The “love less” application in various contexts might allow for one to have some degree of loyalty to the thing (person) or things (persons). The Lord, however, will brook no compromise with another ideology; He will not allow any “love less” approach! The sooner we come to accept this the better our lives will be at bringing glory to the Lord’s way.

We don’t want to hate any person, but when the Lord’s way is challenged by the way of any man, then that way (or ideology) of man is to be hated. The apostle John said it this way: “We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6) and “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [the doctrine of Christ], do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11).

The Lord’s Lament

17 Monday Feb 2014

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                The psalmist said: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:15, NKJV). It was a tremendous lament of Jeremiah to watch his city being destroyed by the Babylonians because the people in the city refused to hear what the Lord had to say. Jeremiah warned and warned, but the people wanted to go about their commerce, they wanted to tend to their children’s ballgames, they wanted to be sure they had enough money in the bank so they worked when opportunity was available, and when the family called for an outing it was important to be there so whatever desire the Lord had was to be put to the side for the moment.

In the expression with the use of the word “ballgame” a point is made that can’t be missed but by the spiritually dull. Yet, it is the spiritually weak that needs to hear the Lord all over again. How does the Lord want man to give thanks to Him for His goodness? To begin, one could and should be a faithful Christian; second, one could and should be gathering with the saints whenever there is a meeting; third, one could and should teach others about Him because the life lived is a reflection of the salvation gained. Though a large number of people want salvation from the Lord, a great many of these same people expend little interest and effort in understanding and maintaining that salvation. There is a sad day coming for a great many who call themselves Christians. The Lord’s lament will be the experience gained by those too busy to give thanks to the Lord.

Loyalty Vindicated

23 Thursday Jan 2014

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In Daniel 6, the prophet Daniel was challenged in his later years. It has been suggested that Daniel would have been over 80 years of age at that time. Daniel was a man in foreign captivity because the Lord placed him there; he had a challenge given to him concerning his loyalty. Whatever difficulty he might have experienced—and you know he did—his loyalty to the local government and to the Lord God was never in doubt. When doubt was thrust before him, the choice was easy, he chose God. God vindicated Daniel for his loyalty.