Every once in a while I get a particular inspiration to write a blog post on a particular subject. This is one of those occasions. It happened while I was driving home from work, and was listening to The O'Reilly Factor on my Sirius radio. It was about half way through the program, and I just caught a minute at the end of a segment with Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son. I think the segment was in response to an earlier day in which I caught the last minute of an interview with another minister on the program who seemed to be supporting the fact that there was no hell.
Bill O'Reilly is a Catholic, and will often state his Catholic beliefs as fact when a religious subject comes up. He was quick to dismiss that there was no hell. He is convinced that someone like Hitler could not possibly be in heaven, and the very idea of God being able to "let" him in was unthinkable. He confirmed his beliefs in the interview with Graham when he said that God gave everyone a free will, and we are all free to choose, and we suffer the consequences of our choices, and it's all up to us what we do.... yada, yada, yada. Of course Graham agreed.
Well, statements like that always get my goat! My mind was forming all kinds of arguments countering such ridiculous assertions! When you think about it, Hitler did not personally kill six million Jews. I don't know that he personally killed anyone! He ordered it, but if people did not carry out his orders, then none of it would have happened. And not a few carried out those orders. But Hitler is the only one people blame.
It also got me to thinking that if people are responsible for the choices they make because they all have free will, then is there a difference between the choices a person makes who grows up in a privledged home, with happy loving parents, and a good education, and their needs and wants taken care of, and someone else who grows up in a poor home, with a drunken father, and a drug addicted mom, who is beaten, and barely fed, and left alone, abandoned?
Take any extremes you want. But to make a statement that everyone has a free will and is responsible for the choices they make, as if everyone starts off from an even playing field is not truthful with the facts! Of course, they would have to admit that not everyone has the same upbringing, and are not all treated the same, with the same influences in their life, so then the answer must be then that everyone would be judged according to the choices they make based on their circumstances. That is the only way they could seem to be fair.
I then thought to myself that if such would be their answer, then would it mean that they think God grades peoples actions based on a curve? You don't have to be perfect, you only have to be above the average?
Then immediately my thoughts went to an answer in response, (and I sincerely believe these thoughts were birthed in my spirit inspired by His Spirit within me), and I thought "No, God grades based on the cross!"
If Hitler is in hell because of what he did, then what Jesus did on the cross wasn't enough!
Did you get that? Read it again..... If Hitler is in hell because of what he did, then what Jesus did on the cross wasn't enough!
But what Jesus did not the cross WAS ENOUGH! It satisfied all the requirements for sin. The wages of sin is death, and Jesus died for every man! There is nothing else required. It is not Jesus and.... anything. It is not Jesus and your being good. It is not Jesus and your reading your bible. It is not Jesus and your praying. It is not Jesus and your trying to obey the Ten Commandments!
"Yes! But they have to accept it", you say.
"Oh, they will."
"Not everyone does", you say.
"Oh yes they do!" I reply.
What most people seem to believe is that God is finished dealing with His created beings during their mortal life on this earth, and after that ends, there is nothing else that He can do to influence or alter our lives during or after, but that is simply not accurate to scriptural truth! We all know the verse from Philippians 2:10,11 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." It is EVERY KNEE and EVERY TONGUE that is bowing and confessing! The only way that is possible is if He reveals Himself to everyone, and there is no way that one single person is capable of resisting God revealing Himself! It is simply not possible!
Oh, you might resist a "salvation sermon being preached in church. You might resist a Christian getting in your face, and warning you about your path to hell unless you pray this prayer. You might even resist what you know to be a true voice within of God Himself speaking to you. But to think that your puny will and resistance is any match for a single moment of direct revelation of God, is delusional at the very least.
Oh, but the argument goes on to suggest that God is a gentleman, and would not interfere with your free will, and does not go where He is not wanted. He would not force Himself on anyone. Oh really?? That is your idea of a gentleman? To design a place of eternal fiery torment and torture, and then require people with questionable information to give their life over to someone whom they do not know, and do not trust, or He will throw them into a fiery pit. But He would not want to force Himself on anyone because He is a gentleman!
It is this silly notion of a free will that has many people confused. It is not to say that we do not have a will, but our will is subject to the greatest amount of influence. Will we do good or evil? What is the greatest influence on our choice? The bible is clear, that our will is in bondage to unrighteousness, as long as we are a slave to sin. Once we become believers, then we become a servant to righteousness.
Besides all of this, the fact remains that we are not saved by our righteousness, but by His! God does not keep Hitler out of heaven because of what he did, but rather lets him in because of what Jesus did! "Hitler doesn't deserve it" you say? Well, neither do you! And it is not a question of deserving anything! Grace is a free gift! Faith is a gift as well! "We are saved by grace through faith and THAT not of yourselves it is a gift of God." What is a gift of God? FAITH. The very faith that you believe with is the gift your are given. "Lest anyone should boast." There is no boasting in your believing if the fact that you believe because you were given that faith to believe.
Christians come up with some of the strangest statements sometimes, thinking that they qualify for God's favor based on their own actions, and others deserve God's judgment based on their actions otherwise. Perhaps we think that God hates the same people we do. Better yet, maybe we should start loving the same people God does instead! Who do you think that leaves out? Read John 3:16
I will discuss this more in future posts, but for now aren't you glad, when you really consider it that God does not grade us on a curve but rather Grades Based On The Cross!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I'll Take You Back
"And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43
No, the title of this post has nothing to do with some cheesy country and western song! ha. What it does have to do with though is another thoughtful insight into something that I saw with a new understanding. It came from one of the messages that was preached during the conference we were at in Lake City TN. What was particularly interesting to me was a comment made almost offhandedly during the message that caught my ear, and it cleared up something that has been somewhat of a mystery to everyone I know including me up until now. That is, if you accept my explanation of its meaning.
This insight has to do with the meaning of the words of Jesus to the thief on the cross as quoted above. "Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." The concern from some has to do with the placement of the comma. The suggestion is that since the Greek language does not include punctuation in it's writings, then perhaps the translators made a mistake in where they placed the comma. One such discussion is detailed at this web site located HERE. Either placement of the comma presents several Theological difficulties, but as I will show you, that is a distraction from the real meaning of what Jesus was saying.
The Theological question is raised as to whether Jesus was saying to the thief "I am telling you this today (comma) you will be with me in Paradise" in order to suggest that there is some future time in which the thief would be with Him. Or if the comma reflects the intent that it was actually that day in which the thief would be with Him in Paradise.
On the one hand, if Jesus was saying that since they would both be dead before the day was through, and that since their Spirits would be leaving their bodies at the moment of their death, then the thief would be with Him in Paradise that very instant, then what about the fact that it could be argued there is contradictory evidence of Jesus going to heaven the moment He died? Even more so, what about the fact that it would not be until Jesus actually rose from the grave, that He was able to accomplish the full measure of our salvation! Consider what Paul said in Rom.4:25 "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
On the other hand it does not make sense for Jesus to say to the thief that He is telling him this fact today, as if there was some sort of question about when He is speaking! I think it is grammatical gymnastics to try to suggest such an answer in order to solve other Theological problems.
Neither answer ever really sat very well with me, and not only that, Jesus' use of the word Paradise never made sense either. Why would He say that as opposed to the word Heaven? It never made sense to me, and every explanation I have heard or read had never solved it to my satisfaction until this past week! The two words are not synonymous thus the first clue to the theological answer.
The meaning of the Greek word Jesus used is from the Strongs 3857. paradeisos Of Oriental origin (compare pardec); a park, i.e. (specially), an Eden (place of future happiness, "paradise") -- paradise. This compares to the Garden of Eden in Genesis.
With that in mind, what Jesus did in His death on the cross is to reverse what Adam did by his sin in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve lived in Paradise. Their disobedience caused not only them, but the whole human race to be expelled from Paradise. Jesus' death on the cross restored what Adam lost.
The words of Jesus to the thief on the cross was not just to the thief, but to the whole human race. It is as if it were a declaration what His death would accomplish! His death would reverse the curse! His death was the wages paid for the sin of the world! The wage of sin is death. Jesus paid those wages for EVERY man!
Don't you see now that the verse that is so often misunderstood in Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" is answered by the very next verse... "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;.." And by the way, if there is any question about the use of the word many there, it is the same many that is refered to who Adam brought into sin. The same many made unrighteous by Adam is the same many made righteous by Christ.
What Jesus was saying to the thief was not that He was going to take him to some literal physical location! Goodness sakes! So many Christians have some literal mansion on a hill top idea of heaven as if there is some tangible physical location to live somewhere over the rainbow! You see, I knew that already, I just never put it together until that day when it clicked into my understanding. I almost jumped out of my seat!!
Jesus was not confused about what He meant either. He did not mean to say heaven, and said paradise by mistake as some might think. What He was really saying is that His death would restore what Adam lost. That His death would so pay for the sin of the world that our relationship with God would be as it was in Paradise before the fall. But what really made it click for me was remembering the words to a song that my good friend Gary Sigler would play as a sort of theme song on his taped messages. Click the link to hear the song.... The words are written beneath.
I'll Take You Back
I’ll take you back to where you were in Me
before the fall of man.
I’ll restore your soul. I’ll reconcile your heart.
I’ll give you back your true identity.
I’m removing the veil from your eyes
so that you can clearly see
you will be with Me in paradise
on this earth you’ll walk with Me.
If this has sparked an interest to read more, then the following is a link to a message on this subject by Gary Sigler that I recommend reading. It might just change your life!http://newlifeinternational.faithweb.com/STHolyOfHoliesSigler.html
We have yet to fully comprehend what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and the effects it had on the whole human race! Most preachers give Adam all the credit for getting us into this "mess" but fail to understand the full extent of cross! Perhaps from now on, when you read that verse, or hear it being preached, instead of thinking that Jesus was taking the thief to some literal heaven, you will now realize He was talking to the whole human race saying "I’ll take you back to where you were in Me before the fall of man."
No, the title of this post has nothing to do with some cheesy country and western song! ha. What it does have to do with though is another thoughtful insight into something that I saw with a new understanding. It came from one of the messages that was preached during the conference we were at in Lake City TN. What was particularly interesting to me was a comment made almost offhandedly during the message that caught my ear, and it cleared up something that has been somewhat of a mystery to everyone I know including me up until now. That is, if you accept my explanation of its meaning.
This insight has to do with the meaning of the words of Jesus to the thief on the cross as quoted above. "Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." The concern from some has to do with the placement of the comma. The suggestion is that since the Greek language does not include punctuation in it's writings, then perhaps the translators made a mistake in where they placed the comma. One such discussion is detailed at this web site located HERE. Either placement of the comma presents several Theological difficulties, but as I will show you, that is a distraction from the real meaning of what Jesus was saying.
The Theological question is raised as to whether Jesus was saying to the thief "I am telling you this today (comma) you will be with me in Paradise" in order to suggest that there is some future time in which the thief would be with Him. Or if the comma reflects the intent that it was actually that day in which the thief would be with Him in Paradise.
On the one hand, if Jesus was saying that since they would both be dead before the day was through, and that since their Spirits would be leaving their bodies at the moment of their death, then the thief would be with Him in Paradise that very instant, then what about the fact that it could be argued there is contradictory evidence of Jesus going to heaven the moment He died? Even more so, what about the fact that it would not be until Jesus actually rose from the grave, that He was able to accomplish the full measure of our salvation! Consider what Paul said in Rom.4:25 "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
On the other hand it does not make sense for Jesus to say to the thief that He is telling him this fact today, as if there was some sort of question about when He is speaking! I think it is grammatical gymnastics to try to suggest such an answer in order to solve other Theological problems.
Neither answer ever really sat very well with me, and not only that, Jesus' use of the word Paradise never made sense either. Why would He say that as opposed to the word Heaven? It never made sense to me, and every explanation I have heard or read had never solved it to my satisfaction until this past week! The two words are not synonymous thus the first clue to the theological answer.
The meaning of the Greek word Jesus used is from the Strongs 3857. paradeisos Of Oriental origin (compare pardec); a park, i.e. (specially), an Eden (place of future happiness, "paradise") -- paradise. This compares to the Garden of Eden in Genesis.
With that in mind, what Jesus did in His death on the cross is to reverse what Adam did by his sin in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve lived in Paradise. Their disobedience caused not only them, but the whole human race to be expelled from Paradise. Jesus' death on the cross restored what Adam lost.
The words of Jesus to the thief on the cross was not just to the thief, but to the whole human race. It is as if it were a declaration what His death would accomplish! His death would reverse the curse! His death was the wages paid for the sin of the world! The wage of sin is death. Jesus paid those wages for EVERY man!
Don't you see now that the verse that is so often misunderstood in Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" is answered by the very next verse... "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;.." And by the way, if there is any question about the use of the word many there, it is the same many that is refered to who Adam brought into sin. The same many made unrighteous by Adam is the same many made righteous by Christ.
What Jesus was saying to the thief was not that He was going to take him to some literal physical location! Goodness sakes! So many Christians have some literal mansion on a hill top idea of heaven as if there is some tangible physical location to live somewhere over the rainbow! You see, I knew that already, I just never put it together until that day when it clicked into my understanding. I almost jumped out of my seat!!
Jesus was not confused about what He meant either. He did not mean to say heaven, and said paradise by mistake as some might think. What He was really saying is that His death would restore what Adam lost. That His death would so pay for the sin of the world that our relationship with God would be as it was in Paradise before the fall. But what really made it click for me was remembering the words to a song that my good friend Gary Sigler would play as a sort of theme song on his taped messages. Click the link to hear the song.... The words are written beneath.
I'll Take You Back
I’ll take you back to where you were in Me
before the fall of man.
I’ll restore your soul. I’ll reconcile your heart.
I’ll give you back your true identity.
I’m removing the veil from your eyes
so that you can clearly see
you will be with Me in paradise
on this earth you’ll walk with Me.
If this has sparked an interest to read more, then the following is a link to a message on this subject by Gary Sigler that I recommend reading. It might just change your life!http://newlifeinternational.faithweb.com/STHolyOfHoliesSigler.html
We have yet to fully comprehend what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and the effects it had on the whole human race! Most preachers give Adam all the credit for getting us into this "mess" but fail to understand the full extent of cross! Perhaps from now on, when you read that verse, or hear it being preached, instead of thinking that Jesus was taking the thief to some literal heaven, you will now realize He was talking to the whole human race saying "I’ll take you back to where you were in Me before the fall of man."
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Can You Say Amen?
I mentioned in an earlier post that one meaning behind the word Amen is "That is my voice". The idea being that what you are saying amen to is so in tune with your own thoughts, that it is as if your words are coming out of the other person. I have had an Internet friend named Roy since the mid 90's who is one of those people that almost always speaks with "my voice"! When he speaks I hear my words come from his mouth. When he writes he puts my thoughts into words. The following is his response to my last post edited only with the greetings and the salutation. It so much expressed my heart that I got his permission to include it in this blog, but at the same time I think I could have plagerized it, and claim it as my own and not be found guilty anyway! Ha.
"I have heard some say that we are past limiting "the Christ" to just referring to Jesus. They say that all people have "Christ," an anointing from God potentially. We are commissioned to speak to that anointing in others and encourage it, call it forth, so to say. There are elements of truth to this way of thinking but for me such thinking also falls short on many levels. I am in agreement that His anointing has been realized by some as the Father has given them light and power to see. All others do potentially have this anointing as well and the potential will come to fruition at a time of the Father's choosing. But, why would I want to distance myself from expressing Jesus' name as I grow to understand that His anointing will be realized by all people? I have heard some say we have simply grown past the need to express His name. Those I have heard say such have a variety of reasons why we should be quieter concerning His name. Some seem to imply that it is needless to distress a Buddhist, Muslim, or some other that appears to be manifesting His Spirit though they don't acknowledge Him by name. Some of these that they are convinced are operating in the same Spirit will even vehemently resist His name....
First off, I can surely see His Spirit moving in some that don't acknowledge His name. The Lord did say that publicans and sinners would enter the kingdom before many of the Jews of His day and in that spirit of thinking I can see where some move in His Spirit, even in the nature and character of Jesus, that don't acknowledge His name. However, I am far from convinced that it is in the volume of peoples and numbers that some believe it is. And, if these are moving in His Spirit, why would I want to stop short of telling them, even gently and with great patience, about this Jesus that they are unknowingly following? Some say that they have been poisoned by what they have seen from a false Christian religion and church. That is probably true in many instances but wouldn't it then fall on us that know Him better, by His grace, to even more tell them of Him to give them proper witness of Who He is? In other words, I don't think that the best answer is to just fall silent concerning telling of Jesus just because these have possibly been shown an improper witness. To me, the more excellent approach would be to humbly desire to speak of Him properly towards these thus replacing the evil witness with the good....
Again, some would say we are just past speaking of Him by name. But, to have this view we must also move past the clear examples in the New Testament which I know some have. Many have found that the only way to support their new beliefs is to jettison many scriptures. Because the clear teaching of the New Testament is an ever increasing exaltation of that name.
Some would say that "Jesus" isn't even the name in the original manuscripts. They would go back through Latin,Greek, and Hebrew and point out this thing and that thing to come to the proper spelling and pronunciation. What a great deal of energy they would expend to argue in the wrong spirit of things! The point is the Spirit behind our reasoning, I think. In all of these exercises why would folks be moved so mightily to do so much to finally deflect attention. glory and honor to that name? I would think His Spirit would be moving us more and more in a direction that would exalt that name, lift it up, not divert attention from it.
Finally, some would say they have moved past Jesus because they are now in direct relationship with the Father and have no need of going through Him. They will even sight a few scriptures to give credence to this stance. It is hard for me to believe they are using these scriptures in the true Spirit they were intended to be used. Again, why would any scripture be written with the proper intention being to divert us away from Jesus in any way? I am of the belief that the true and proper interpretation and application of any New Testament scripture would be to draw us evermore toward Him for when we see Him we see the Father.
I could go on but I think you get the jest of what I believe. I also have many thoughts that tie in with these concerning the current rush of many that claim the UR belief toward complete inclusion at this time. I don't believe we are in the time of complete inclusion. i believe the Lord will save everyone, "each in His own order,"but, this isn't presently the time for many and a proper understanding of what the Lord is doing at this time is extremely important toward proper growth. I have many thoughts and scripture along those lines.....
Also, I have many thoughts that tie into all this concerning 'loving everyone" as this also is one of the great cries of the day.....Many of these say that "God is love so all I have to do is love everyone." First off, what is love? Love expressed in each individual circumstance and situation is different. It is not always just "being kind" or "being gentle." Actually, in some instances, being kind and being gentle may not be the best representation of love at that moment. And, if that is true, one may not be expressing the presence of God at that moment. Some peoples and some circumstances call for us to be a rock of offence, and, that would be the true expression of God and love at that moment....But this brings us back to the evils of this rush toward complete inclusion out of season. The only way to include everyone at this time is to come close to saying "anything goes" and, while the Father calls all to Himself just as they are you better believe He will work to change them as He works to change us. And, often He will call us to be the ones He speaks change through. But, some don't really want to deal with that....
I have much more to say on these things. The calling of the Sons will swing back into balance at some point. Every high place will be brought low and every low place exalted. Many have been so hurt by past experiences they can't get past all of that right now. Some hunger for the wrong things mistaking doing good from the tree of good and evil for His life."
I know that when I read this email it put into words my same thoughts and understandings. What about you? Can You Say Amen?
"I have heard some say that we are past limiting "the Christ" to just referring to Jesus. They say that all people have "Christ," an anointing from God potentially. We are commissioned to speak to that anointing in others and encourage it, call it forth, so to say. There are elements of truth to this way of thinking but for me such thinking also falls short on many levels. I am in agreement that His anointing has been realized by some as the Father has given them light and power to see. All others do potentially have this anointing as well and the potential will come to fruition at a time of the Father's choosing. But, why would I want to distance myself from expressing Jesus' name as I grow to understand that His anointing will be realized by all people? I have heard some say we have simply grown past the need to express His name. Those I have heard say such have a variety of reasons why we should be quieter concerning His name. Some seem to imply that it is needless to distress a Buddhist, Muslim, or some other that appears to be manifesting His Spirit though they don't acknowledge Him by name. Some of these that they are convinced are operating in the same Spirit will even vehemently resist His name....
First off, I can surely see His Spirit moving in some that don't acknowledge His name. The Lord did say that publicans and sinners would enter the kingdom before many of the Jews of His day and in that spirit of thinking I can see where some move in His Spirit, even in the nature and character of Jesus, that don't acknowledge His name. However, I am far from convinced that it is in the volume of peoples and numbers that some believe it is. And, if these are moving in His Spirit, why would I want to stop short of telling them, even gently and with great patience, about this Jesus that they are unknowingly following? Some say that they have been poisoned by what they have seen from a false Christian religion and church. That is probably true in many instances but wouldn't it then fall on us that know Him better, by His grace, to even more tell them of Him to give them proper witness of Who He is? In other words, I don't think that the best answer is to just fall silent concerning telling of Jesus just because these have possibly been shown an improper witness. To me, the more excellent approach would be to humbly desire to speak of Him properly towards these thus replacing the evil witness with the good....
Again, some would say we are just past speaking of Him by name. But, to have this view we must also move past the clear examples in the New Testament which I know some have. Many have found that the only way to support their new beliefs is to jettison many scriptures. Because the clear teaching of the New Testament is an ever increasing exaltation of that name.
Some would say that "Jesus" isn't even the name in the original manuscripts. They would go back through Latin,Greek, and Hebrew and point out this thing and that thing to come to the proper spelling and pronunciation. What a great deal of energy they would expend to argue in the wrong spirit of things! The point is the Spirit behind our reasoning, I think. In all of these exercises why would folks be moved so mightily to do so much to finally deflect attention. glory and honor to that name? I would think His Spirit would be moving us more and more in a direction that would exalt that name, lift it up, not divert attention from it.
Finally, some would say they have moved past Jesus because they are now in direct relationship with the Father and have no need of going through Him. They will even sight a few scriptures to give credence to this stance. It is hard for me to believe they are using these scriptures in the true Spirit they were intended to be used. Again, why would any scripture be written with the proper intention being to divert us away from Jesus in any way? I am of the belief that the true and proper interpretation and application of any New Testament scripture would be to draw us evermore toward Him for when we see Him we see the Father.
I could go on but I think you get the jest of what I believe. I also have many thoughts that tie in with these concerning the current rush of many that claim the UR belief toward complete inclusion at this time. I don't believe we are in the time of complete inclusion. i believe the Lord will save everyone, "each in His own order,"but, this isn't presently the time for many and a proper understanding of what the Lord is doing at this time is extremely important toward proper growth. I have many thoughts and scripture along those lines.....
Also, I have many thoughts that tie into all this concerning 'loving everyone" as this also is one of the great cries of the day.....Many of these say that "God is love so all I have to do is love everyone." First off, what is love? Love expressed in each individual circumstance and situation is different. It is not always just "being kind" or "being gentle." Actually, in some instances, being kind and being gentle may not be the best representation of love at that moment. And, if that is true, one may not be expressing the presence of God at that moment. Some peoples and some circumstances call for us to be a rock of offence, and, that would be the true expression of God and love at that moment....But this brings us back to the evils of this rush toward complete inclusion out of season. The only way to include everyone at this time is to come close to saying "anything goes" and, while the Father calls all to Himself just as they are you better believe He will work to change them as He works to change us. And, often He will call us to be the ones He speaks change through. But, some don't really want to deal with that....
I have much more to say on these things. The calling of the Sons will swing back into balance at some point. Every high place will be brought low and every low place exalted. Many have been so hurt by past experiences they can't get past all of that right now. Some hunger for the wrong things mistaking doing good from the tree of good and evil for His life."
I know that when I read this email it put into words my same thoughts and understandings. What about you? Can You Say Amen?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Many Ways To The ONE Way
For those of you who have been following my writings, this will be the first in more than a month, and for that I am sorry for the delay. I do have some half written posts that are still in the "oven" of my thoughts that I hope to finish soon. In the mean time, there are a couple of freshly baked thoughts to write about now. For those of you who are newly visiting, then there has been no delay for you to be concerned with! You can sit and enjoy good eating right away! ha.
Cindi and I have just returned from our vacation where we spent most of the time at a ministry conference in Lake City TN. hosted by Justin Phillips pastor of Lake City Christian Fellowship. We went there last year, and were happy to be able to do it again this year.
While there was a lot going on during the several days of the conference, there were a couple of particular insights which stood out to me in a more significant way. That is what I want to focus on for the next couple posts.
The first has to do with a conversation I had with one of the ministers that stemmed from the interest I had to buy one of his books. During the course of our short conversation, we talked about the difference between some new age folk that believe there are many ways to God, and the fact that we agreed that there is really only ONE way to God through Jesus Christ.
After I sat down, my thoughts pondered on some of the things we discussed, and during that pondering it was as if the Lord showed me a picture in my mind's eye of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. This illustration serves the purpose to show an idea of what I saw in my thoughts.
I know from previous studies that when the Children of Israel were traveling with Moses in the wilderness, and they set up camp, the Tabernacle was set up, and the twelve Tribes were specifically arranged in position around the walls of the Tent. I also know very well, that the Tabernacle and every detail is significant as a symbols of the Gospel.
There is no need for me to discuss all of the details, but only to point out a few things to illustrate what I saw in my mind. The first thing to take note of is that there is only one entrance into the Tabernacle, and the first item of furniture you would see is a brazen altar, next you would see a laver for washing. Then there is an entrance into another tented room, which is the Holy Place, where there is a candlestick on one side, and a table of bread on another and in front of another room within the room, is an altar of incense. Inside that smaller room which is the Most Holy Place, is the Ark of the Covenant, where there was the presence of God. There was only one way, and only one person, (the High Priest) allowed to get into the presence of God; that is until Jesus. And Jesus fulfilled all of the symbolism of the Tabernacle within Himself!
Okay, so with that being said, here is my point in a nutshell. While anyone could come to the Tabernacle from anywhere in any direction.... there is still only one entrance, and only one way through into the Most Holy Place wherein dwelt the Presense of God!
The title of this post is what the Lord said to me. There are many ways to the ONE way! Jesus said, No man comes unto the Father but by me. God may draw many people from all different walks of life, from all different religions, from all over over the world.... But there remains only ONE WAY that anyone will ever get into His Presense, and that is through the sacrifice Jesus accomplished on the cross!
Every knee will bow, and every tongue (joyfully) proclaim that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!
Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Baptists, Catholics, or even atheists, or New Agers, take note... There are many ways to get to the only ONE Way!
Cindi and I have just returned from our vacation where we spent most of the time at a ministry conference in Lake City TN. hosted by Justin Phillips pastor of Lake City Christian Fellowship. We went there last year, and were happy to be able to do it again this year.
While there was a lot going on during the several days of the conference, there were a couple of particular insights which stood out to me in a more significant way. That is what I want to focus on for the next couple posts.
The first has to do with a conversation I had with one of the ministers that stemmed from the interest I had to buy one of his books. During the course of our short conversation, we talked about the difference between some new age folk that believe there are many ways to God, and the fact that we agreed that there is really only ONE way to God through Jesus Christ.
After I sat down, my thoughts pondered on some of the things we discussed, and during that pondering it was as if the Lord showed me a picture in my mind's eye of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. This illustration serves the purpose to show an idea of what I saw in my thoughts.
I know from previous studies that when the Children of Israel were traveling with Moses in the wilderness, and they set up camp, the Tabernacle was set up, and the twelve Tribes were specifically arranged in position around the walls of the Tent. I also know very well, that the Tabernacle and every detail is significant as a symbols of the Gospel.
There is no need for me to discuss all of the details, but only to point out a few things to illustrate what I saw in my mind. The first thing to take note of is that there is only one entrance into the Tabernacle, and the first item of furniture you would see is a brazen altar, next you would see a laver for washing. Then there is an entrance into another tented room, which is the Holy Place, where there is a candlestick on one side, and a table of bread on another and in front of another room within the room, is an altar of incense. Inside that smaller room which is the Most Holy Place, is the Ark of the Covenant, where there was the presence of God. There was only one way, and only one person, (the High Priest) allowed to get into the presence of God; that is until Jesus. And Jesus fulfilled all of the symbolism of the Tabernacle within Himself!
Okay, so with that being said, here is my point in a nutshell. While anyone could come to the Tabernacle from anywhere in any direction.... there is still only one entrance, and only one way through into the Most Holy Place wherein dwelt the Presense of God!
The title of this post is what the Lord said to me. There are many ways to the ONE way! Jesus said, No man comes unto the Father but by me. God may draw many people from all different walks of life, from all different religions, from all over over the world.... But there remains only ONE WAY that anyone will ever get into His Presense, and that is through the sacrifice Jesus accomplished on the cross!
Every knee will bow, and every tongue (joyfully) proclaim that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!
Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Baptists, Catholics, or even atheists, or New Agers, take note... There are many ways to get to the only ONE Way!
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