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Devotionals

Jesus Values You

by Tom Terry
written by Tom Terry

 

“[Judah] went against the inhabitants of Debir…And Caleb said, ‘He who attacks Kiribati-shepherd and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.’ And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife” (Judges 1:11-13).

 

What is the first thing you think of when you read that passage? You know what occurs to me? How could a man treat his daughter like a commodity, like something to be traded, like goods bought and sold? Sometimes we read passages like this and think that the ancient peoples of these times regarded women as cattle. In fact, that’s not really the case.

 

Caleb was not pawning off his daughter like a prize to the most powerful warrior. To be sure, he was offering a prize, but it was a prize that he prized greatly. Elsewhere we learned that Caleb valued his daughter and listened to her. So what was Caleb doing? He was offering the daughter he prized to the one God would use to capture land that God had promised. She was a prize of great value to be given to a man also of great value.

 

There is, in this passage, of picture of Christ. God has offered us a great prize in his Son, Jesus. Except that it is Jesus who has conquered and God gives him us as the prize for his victory on the cross and resurrection from the dead. So, not only is Jesus a prize to us, but we are also regarded as a prize to him.

 

One of my favorite passages is in II Corinthians 5:19, “In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself.” That little word reconcile, is a financial term. It literally means, “An exchange of equal value.” Did you catch that? God considers you as of equal value to his own sinless son. Yes, you are a sinner. Yes, you deserve death and hell for eternity. Yet, God has traded Jesus for you, and given you to one another. Just like Caleb who valued his daughter so highly, so too, God values you.

 

Memory Verse

 

“In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself” (II Corinthians 5:19).

 

Application

 

What do you have that you can surrender to God as an act of faith and love, demonstrating that you want to give yourself completely to Jesus? How about trusting God with more than your life, but with your family’s lives as well?

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Devotionals

Now We Are With Christ

by Abraham Kuruvilla
written by Abraham Kuruvilla

Believers, once in dire straits, but now sharing Christ’s exaltation, demonstrate to the universe God’s mercy, love, grace, and kindness as they undertake good works. Ephesians 2:1-10

Prior to regeneration, the sphere of the Ephesians’ life was governed by evil influences (Eph 2:2–3), so much so, unbelievers are referred to as “sons of disobedience.” These are people characterized by disobedient lives. They are rebels against God, and their fate is divine punishment: the “sons of disobedience” become “children of wrath” (2:3). A total pervasiveness of sin in every aspect of pre-Christian life is characteristic of such people “by nature” (2:3): humanity is born dead to God.

Verses 5–6 contain the three main verbs of the single sentence of 2:1–7, describing three divine operations, each prefixed with the Greek preposition syn- (“with,” translated as the prefix “co-”): synezōopoiēsen, synēgeiren, and synekathisen (“co-enlivened,” “co-raised,” and “co-seated”; 2:5, 6). All three indicate identification “with” Jesus Christ with whom believers were made alive, raised, and seated. The point is reinforced by “with Christ” and “in Christ” in 2:5, 6. The similarities between the raising up and seating of Christ and that of believers are striking (1:20; 2:6). This is a shared destiny: what is true of Christ, is also true of believers!

A number of contrasts are visible within 2:1–10 that develop the pericope’s thrust: “dead” in sin (2:1, 5) vs. “co-enlivened” (2:5); following the “course of this world” and the dictates of evil entities (2:2) vs. being related intimately to Christ and exalted with him in the heavenlies (2:5–6); and God’s wrath (2:3) vs. God’s mercy, love, grace, and kindness (2:4, 5, 7). There has also been a change of lineage: from doomed “by nature” (2:3) to exalted “in Christ” (2:5–6).

The referent of “this” in 2:8 (and implied in 2:9) is best seen as referring to the entire process of God’s saving work. God’s glorious salvation is, all of it, a gift from God. Paul pointedly makes it clear by a deviation from normal word order: 2:8c literally has “of God the gift,” thus juxtaposing “of yourselves” with “of God”—making 2:8bc read: “and this not of yourselves, of God the gift.”

This salvation wrought by God was a public demonstration, even proof (endeiknymi, “to show/prove,” 2:7), of divine grace and kindness—an eternal display on a cosmic scale. Thus, God’s concern is not restricted to individuals or even to the community of his people; it involves the whole of creation. All of this is part of the consummation of all things in Christ (1:9–10), for the glory of God (1:6, 12, 14).

“Workmanship” (poiēma, 2:10), is used elsewhere by Paul in Rom 1:20 for the creation of the universe. Here, then, is a second creation, of sorts, in Eph 2:10. In fact, the verb used here, ktizō (“create”), is employed in Ephesians only for the first creation of the universe (3:9) and for this second creation of a new peoples (here and in 2:15; 4:24)—both works of God.

This pericope, 2:1–10, is bounded on either side by peripatein, “to walk/live” (in 2:2 and 2:10). Thus, there is also the contrast in lifestyles between those who once “walked” in the evil way (2:1–2), and those who are now to “walk” in God’s way (2:10). Notice the parallels (following the word order in the Greek text): 2:1–2 has “in transgressions and sins … in which you formerly walked”; and 2:10 has “for good works … in them we may walk.” Thus, though salvation is not “of works” (2:9), the outcome is “for … works” (2:10), already prepared by God for his people to undertake. This is the future role of believers as they participate in God’s magnificent scheme for the cosmos in Christ. This is why God acted in grace to save them.

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Articles

Can I Really Love Myself As God Loves Me?

by John Piper
written by John Piper

In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, “All it needs is light!” Likewise, in the beginning of our spiritual lives, we also are “formless and void” and God, just as confidently, is still saying, “All they need is a little light!” Remember: it’s the Lord’s responsibility to create and our responsibility to submit to His creating.
The Lord only needs three things to fashion life. First, He needs a “nothing.” The Almighty always begins His great, creative works with a “nothing” (this is very important because this is where we come in.) Then, His Spirit needs to be hovering over the “nothing.” And, finally, He needs His Word, which is the “something” He’s going to put in the “nothing’s” place.


God has no difficulty at all creating something out of nothing. The only obstacle He faces is when the nothing doesn’t know it is nothing but instead thinks it’s something. At that point God has to break it back down to nothing before it is good for anything. (Are you still following me?) Paul said this better than I when he wrote,
“If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Gal. 6:3).
Even as Christians, if we think we are “something” so that we look down on others or we are wise in our own eyes, we deceive ourselves! The only something there truly is, is God.

If we know we are nothing without God, and we can simultaneously recognize that the grace He has worked in us is so we can bless others. If we have such an attitude, then there is no limit to how much God can use us. Our knowing we are nothing is a great attainment in His eyes. For then our energies are no longer spent exalting or defending ourselves but in clinging to Christ and relying upon Him.

You see, God is not offended by chaos. There will be times when, like the pre-creation universe, you discover your life seems “formless and void.” Do not be over-concerned. When you discover there is “chaos” in the deepest part of you, do not fret. You are at a new beginning. It has taken the Lord quite a while helping your to appreciate your “nothingness.”

So, let all who know they are nothings rejoice: you are miles ahead of everyone who thinks they are something! The proud, who consider themselves something special, do not deal with the lightless regions of chaos in their souls; they simply hide them. But if we are transparent with our need, the Spirit and Word can work in us to bring life and order. All we need do is to open up and confess our nothingness to the Holy Spirit.
“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).

This is the very way our great Creator creates. He causes light to shine out of darkness! The only thing He requires of us is to be honest about the darkness—to confess it instead of hiding it.
“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them . . . But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light” (Eph. 5:11,13).

When darkness is exposed to the light, it becomes light. In fact, the very reason our darkness becomes visible is because God shines His light on it. If you persevere—if you continually thrust your darkness into the light of God’s grace and power—that light will ultimately shine out from within you. Your darkness will actually become light.

Beloved, if you know you are nothing in yourself, you’re a prime candidate to become something in God! Consider again Paul’s view of himself:
“If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Phil. 3:4-7).

To become nothing in ourselves, to be excavated of pride and of being consumed by our attainments and pedigree, is part of the path to sonship. Paul actually saw all his human, religious attainments as obstacles. Certainly, in time the Lord used all of the elements of Paul’s life, but not before Paul gave them up to the Lord.

John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). You see, though self-confidence dies, God-confidence comes to life!

So, do not fret. You can admit that you have areas within that are dead and dark. Romans 4:17 says,

“God . . . gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.”

God gives LIFE to the dead. Do you sometimes feel dead? Good. You’re qualified to get God’s life! Look to God. Trust Him as your Creator. Do not fear when you discover you are nothing. There is a time when becoming nothing is an improvement.

www.desiringgod.org. Original article HERE. 

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Colorful clouds on sunset sky, nature background
Articles

God Has Made Us Creative and Extraordinary

by Erwin McManus
written by Erwin McManus

There are moments in our lives where we are inspired to act. We look for incremental ideas to help us get there. What we really need is a mind-shift. We need a reformation of our thinking. We need a new understanding of reality.

 

One of the greatest challenges we face is to have a different relationship with the future. I’ve always had an uncomfortable relationship with Ecclesiastes 1. “Vanity of vanities…” Have you ever read passages of the Scripture that agree with you, and you pretend you agree with them? I wrestled with the idea that “there is nothing new under the sun.” For 20 years I embraced that worldview but something inside of my soul felt sickened by the reality of that theological framework.

 

Solomon was wrong: there is something new under the sun. Why do we allow the man who says, “everything is meaningless” shape our worldview? He was speaking out of despair and darkness. That’s not how God sees our experience. There is an apathy towards the future in the Church. God is always doing something new.

 

Christian, start paying attention because you are going to miss the new. Put away the former things… behold, I (God) am doing a new thing. Will you even be aware of it? Will you know it’s happening? We have an oppressive worldview that tells us there is nothing new under the sun. God is entirely the God of the new. 

 

If you live your life outside of God, you are destined to a life of monotony, endless repetition and emptiness. When you step into the presence of the Creator of the Universe, everything becomes new. Even His mercies are new every morning. You become a new creation, you have a new spirit, a covenant.

 

You cannot put new wine in an old wineskin. God’s first job was being an artist. We’re really comfortable with history. We can’t make history. We can’t change history. We are too uncomfortable with the future. We need to create the future. We are all created in the image and likeness of God. When we live our lives outside of God we live our lives in the created order. When we live our lives with God, we live in the creative order. Evil men do not wait for permission from God to create the future they have in mind. Good people sit idly by waiting for God to create a better world. Why do we wait for someone else to make the better future?

 

Don’t wait for someone else to create the better future. What comes after the post-modern world? Whatever we choose! We have been entrusted with this stewardship: to redeem the image of God in every human being and living our lives that reflects the image and character of God.

 

To Create the Future… We need to become the cultivators of human potential.

 

Nurture the creative capacity in every human being. For example, Moses was no ordinary child. Were you born great or are you attaining greatness? There has never been an ordinary human being ever born; most of us die painfully and tragically ordinary. The Church needs to nurturer the human spirit. What if followers of Christ were known as the epicenter of creativity? People live their entire lives being beaten down. The moment you meet Jesus Christ, something comes alive in you. Imagination that was lost comes to life. The church is filled with people in need of someone to come and liberate the dreams inside of them.

 

What is spiritual leadership if we do not set the human spirit free? If we do something extraordinary and beautiful the world will ask us what fuels our motivation. The Church needs to reclaim its place as the incubator of God-given talent and potential inside of every human being. There is no better way to live, than to redeem the image of God in every human being. There is no conflict between human creativity and the glory of God.

 

Be the Narrators of the Human Story.

 

Christians used to be the best poets in the world. We used to tell our story with authenticity and transparency. There is no book that explains the human condition better than the Scriptures. The Scriptures have an uncanny ability to bring life and health to anyone. We’ve taken on a false narrative in the Church: we are afraid to tell who we really are. We need to reclaim the truth-telling power of the narrative of Christ. We need a revival of great storytelling. Whoever tells the best story shapes culture. A lot of times the truth is lost in a bad story and falsehood is spread through a good story. It’s not that hard to bring people to Jesus when you tell them a story they find themselves in.

 

We are a mosaic… broken and fragmented pieces brought together by the masterful hand of an extraordinary Creator. We are a creative class in a new creative order. Jesus is coming. He makes all things new.

Courtesy of timschraeder.com.

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Ask Roger

Which Nations Are Involved in End Time Events?

by Roger Barrier
written by Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

What nations will be involved in Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ?

Scared

 

Dear “Scared,”

Folks have speculated about Biblical prophecy for millenia. Those in the first century expected Christ to return in their time. And we are still at it today. Even news headlines are filled with questions, trying to make sense of the series of disasters and revolutions that are occurring as we speak. God promises a special crown to the Christians who are longing for the appearing of the Lord. You may enjoy a link that appeared on a video leaked from Iran, saying that the Muslims believe the Twelfth Imam, the Messiah, is near and that current events prove this. Many Bible teachers and authors have cried “Wolf” and end up standing on the roof with no Return, but we should constantly pray and be prepared as Scriptures instruct us to do.

It goes without saying that Israel will be involved in end time events. At the turn of the 20th century, no one would have dreamed that Israel would be back in her land, let alone occupying Jerusalem. Jerusalem is definitely at the center of geopolitics and stands alone against many enemies; Zechariah 12:3 confirms this: “On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.”

 

Let me begin by saying that many scholars devote their entire lives to the study of eschatology. These are the prophetic events as I best understand them.

 

The prophetic “…words are sealed until the end of time.” according to Daniel 12:8-13.

 

The events of prophecy will become increasingly clear as we approach the end of the age. Certain historical events, such as the restoration of Israel as a nation in 1948, have indisputable endtimes significance.

 

We don’t want to be too hard and fast with conclusions. Prophecy is best understood after it happens: “Oh, that is what it meant.” Nevertheless, as God said to Daniel, those who are wise can see God’s hand at work in the world–and be greatly encouraged–and prepared.

 

If you read carefully Revelation 17:10-11, you will see a picture of a beast with seven heads and ten horns:

 

“They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for only a little while. The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.”

 

The “Beast with seven heads” are identified: one is Rome.  Five are past: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece.

 

Now we come to the EIGHTH BEAST!

 

Robert Van Kempen, author of The Sign, has an intriguing perspective on the nations’ involvement in the last days. He identifies those nations by people groups instead of changing political boundaries. I am summarizing his book along with my own commentary to assist us in understanding what happens in the last days.

 

The seven-headed beast has TEN HORNS. The Antichrist is the eighth beast who is joined in confederacy with the ten horns.

 

THE TEN HORNS HERE are the same as the ten horns in Daniel’s vision of the ten horns on the composite beast in Daniel chapter seven and is the same ten-nation Satanic empire seen in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of the ten toes in chapter 2.

 

Remember THE IRON MIXED WITH CLAY of the multi-metallic man of Daniel 2?  Let’s talk about the IRON.  There will be three iron nations.

 

READ DANIEL 7:8, 24:  As for the 10 horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise [representing the final beast empire] and another [Antichrist] will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings.

 

The “little horn” of verse 8 is the same as “another” kings of verse 24 and is a depiction of Antichrist, who will come up from “among them,” over-throwing the rulers of three nations.

 

These three power-base nations will drive the final beast empire. The three power-based nations are identified.

 

Ezekiel 38,39 reveal clues about those dominant three nations.

 

EZEKIEL 38:1-3:  “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the Chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.”

 

Gog (who, as we shall see, is Antichrist) is a Magogite and will rule over three nations, Magog, Meshech, and Tubal-in perfect consistency with Daniel 7 that pictures the little horn overthrowing the three larger horns. (v.8)

 

WHO IN THE WORLD ARE MAGOG, MESHECH, AND TUBAL?

 

Does the Bible give us any clues? Yes, we have seen those names before.  They may be found in the TABLE OF NATIONS in Genesis 10.

 

The table of nations following the flood may be found in Genesis 10, as the races are traced from the three sons of Noah: Ham, Shem and Japheth.

 

READ GENESIS 10:1: “This is the account of Shem, Ham and Japheth, Noah’s sons, who themselves had sons after the flood..”

 

We know in general that SHEM fathered the Semitic peoples who are considered Jewish or Arabic who settled throughout the Mideast and southern Asia.

 

HAM fathered the Hamitic peoples and produced the black races who moved into Africa.

 

JAPHETH fathered the Japhethite peoples who are the fair-skinned Caucasian races who moved northward into Turkey and Russia and then migrated into Europe and across much of Asia.  By the way, the Antichrist will descend from Japheth.

 

Let’s get a little more specific.

 

After the ark rested on Mt. Ararat, present day Turkey and God commanded them to, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” (Genesis 9:1).

For three hundred years they disobeyed God’s command and remained at Babylon (southern Iraq). In their arrogance they built the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-4).

Greatly angered by their rebelliousness, God dispersed them. (Genesis 11:8-9).

 

Well who are Magog, Meschech and Tubal? Genesis 10:2 “The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshek and Tiras.” There they are. They are sons of Japheth.

 

And we know where they settled! The Japhethite tribes of Magog, Meshech, and Tubal were among the first to push out the fringes of civiliation–especially to the north, where the weather and terrain were more difficult to overcome.

 

THE IDENTITY OF MAGOG

 

Josephus, the great Jewish historian of the first century A.D. identifies the Magogites as Scythians who branched eastward and westward from the region north of the Black Sea.

 

This is in agreement with the writings in the Jewish Talmud.  This source also comments “considering that the Goths were a Germanic people, the identification of Magog’s descendants as the Goths is in accord with Targum Yonasan to Genesis 10:2.

 

The Encyclopedia Britanica notes that the Gothic language was the most certain base of the language spoken by the eastern Germanic tribes (Visigoths) in Europe.  It seems beyond doubt, therefore, that the Germanic line as we know it today is descended from Magog.

 

Although the majority of Magogite ancestry ins concentrated in modern-day Germany, large numbers of Magogite ancestors are also concentrated in Austria, and in the Volga River region, south and a little east of Moscow. Thus it could be that the people representing the Magogite/Germanic ancestry could come entirely from within the borders of the former Soviet Union.

 

THE IDENTITY OF MESHACH AND TUBAL

 

The identity of the other two nations, Meshech and Tubal, is relatively simple. Certain Jewish writing indicate the by the eighth century A.D. the descendants of Meshech and Tubal located in what is the former U.S.S.R., with Meshech in the west near Moscow, and Tubal located 1,000 miles east of Moscow, near the Russian city of Tobolsk.

 

Meshech clearly is preserved in the name Muskovi (the former name of Russia) and in Moscow.  Tubal is known in the Assyrian monuments as the Tibareni, and has been preserved in the modern Russian city of Tobolsk.

 

A QUESTION ARISES: I THOUGHT THE TEN TOES AND HORNS WOULD ARISE FROM THE OLD ROMAN EMPIRE?

 

The significance is that the strength of the final beast empire, the iron, will come from its ancestry in the “legs of iron,” in other words, from the ancestry of the Roman Empire.

 

Ancestral lineage is the way God reveals his plans throughout scripture.  Matthew traces the line of Joseph, Luke the line of Mary. The key is ancestry, not geography.

 

It is necessary to have at least some understand of what the ancestry of Rome was.

 

But just where did the Roman people originate, those people who empowered the legs of iron that became the sixth beast empire?

 

Cyril Robinson, in his book A History of Rome, explains: 

 

At a very early date the Kittim were either absorbed or evicted by invaders [the Roman ancestry] coming from beyonds the Alps-[who are the true Italian race].  The original home of this extremely virile people appears to have been in the Danube basin or even farther north.  They were, in fact, a branch of that great Indo-European stock, tribes of which in the process of migration found their way into many lands.  For from the language that they spoke was derived not merely the Italian tongue, but Greek, German, Anglo-Saxon.

 

It is clear that these peoples moved westward from the areas of the Black and Caspian Sea, to what later became the German speaking countries of Europe, and then down into the Italian peninsula.

 

It is more than coincidental that the German title Kaiser is derived from Caesar and that so much of today’s German culture can be traced directly back to the old Roman Empire.

 

Just as Kaiser is a derivative of Caesar, so also is the Russian title Czar.

 

It does seem certain, however, the Gog (AntiChrist) will come from the Germanic line of Magog, which seems most probably to be the iron ancestry of the Roman Empire.

 

The overthrow of the three nations by a man of Magogite lineage will doubtless be a well-known public event when it occurs.

 

THE CLAY MIXED WITH IRON (THE SEVEN SECONDARY NATIONS)

 

Remember THE CLAY MIXED WITH IRON of the multi-metallic man of Daniel 2?  Let’s talk about the CLAY.  There will be seven clay nations.

 

Iron represents the strength or leadership of the 10-nation coalition with its iron roots extending back to Rome. Clay, on the other hand, is a composite of various minerals, which perhaps may bond together, but nevertheless will not bond to the iron, “even as iron does not combine with pottery.

 

The origin and identity of the other seven nations can be clearly determined.

 

THREE SECONDARY BEAST NATIONS ARE IDENTIFIED BY REVELATION 13.

 

REVELATION 13:1-2: “The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.”

 

Revelation 13 refers to the final beast empire of Satan as having “10 horns and seven heads’ and  “was like a leopard [Greece] and his feet were like those of a bear [Medeo-Persia] and his mouth like the mouth of a lion [Babylon].

 

Have we seen these before?  You bet!

 

In Daniel the first three kingdoms of the statue were given an extension of life-they would continue to exist as a people. Daniel 7:11,12 reads:

 

“Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)”

 

The temporary extension of life for an appointed period of time then refers to the fact that the dominion of these three kingdoms would be taken away (i.e., each of these three kingdoms came to an end before Christ).  But, each of these kingdoms would have “an extension of life.”

Like their forefathers, the descendants of these three former beast empires will once again align themselves with Satan in attacking the Jews to form his final evil empire.

 

HERE ARE THE THREE CLAY NATIONS:

 

In summary, we see that the final beast empire of Satan will include the descendants of the Babylonian (the general vicinity of modern-day Iraq), the Medeo-Persian  the general vicinity of modern-day Iran), and the Greek (the general vicinity of Greece to Syria.)

 

FOUR SECONDARY NATIONS ARE IDENTIFIED BY EZEKIEL.

 

After declaring God’s judgment against Magog (Rosh) Meshech, and Tubal, Ezekiel goes on to include four other nations.

 

READ EZEKIEL 38: 1-4, 5-6.

 

Four other nations are identified here.  (Persia already having been included in the previous group of nations just discussed in the Beast image of Rev 13.)

 

The modern-day locations of these nations are as follows:

 

CUSH: Genesis 10: 6

Cush, a son of Ham, migrated into and corresponds to modern Ethiopia and probably eastern Sudan in East Africa.

 

PUT: Genesis 10: 6

Put corresponds to modern-day Libya.

 

GOMER: Genesis 10: 2

Gomer was a son of Japheth and corresponds to the Ukraine province in the western portion of the former U.S.S.R.

 

BETH TOGARMAH: Genesis 10: 3

Togarmah corresponds in general to the province of Armenia in the southwestern portion of the former U.S.S.R. and perhaps the far eastern portion of Turkey and northwestern part of Iran.

 

WHEN WILL THIS BE?

 

NOTE EZEKIEL 38: 7-11, 14-16.

 

V.8–”…people gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel.”  This event happened in 1948 and continues to this day.

V.8—“..long been desolate”  The Kibbutz restoration of Israel.

V.8-11”…living in safety.  Why?

 

WHAT IS ONE OF THE CLEAREST SIGNS? A PEACE TREATY SIGNED WITH ISRAEL.

 

READ DANIEL 9: 24-27. This covenant will be made for the protection of Israel from a group of nations Israel would otherwise consider to be a threat. Since the power-base nations will be Germanic/Russian in their ancestry, one can quickly understand how Israel (not realizing that the “covenant maker” is the Antichrist incognito) would think that a covenant with the leader of these Aryan nations would be in her best interests.

 

Therefore, just before the seventieth week begins, we can expect to see the overthrow and consolidation of those three nations to form the three-nation power base that AntiChrist will use to build his empire.

 

Whether some of the other seven nations line up immediately with Antichrist, I am not sure. But the overthrow of the “power-base three” is a specific event that will be immediately recognizable to those looking for it, and it will occur before the covenant is signed initiating the seventieth week.

 

Ezekiel 38: 14-16 reads: “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.”

 

It is also important that the ancestral lines of the 3 power-base nations are all located in central or far eastern Europe though all are “north of Israel.”

 

Those “many peoples” represent the other seven nations that will come together to form the final beast empire of Satan, most of them coming from north of Israel as well.

 

Another striking fact comes to light when we consider Joel 3:11,12 and Zechariah 12:6, both of which indicate that the nations surrounding Israel will come up against her.  When the geographic locations of the 7 secondary nations are noted, the phrase “surrounding nations” takes on remarkable significance.

 

Those seven nations will literally surround Israel, while the armies of the other three nations, which will be from the north, may already be in Jerusalem with their leader, Antichrist.

 

Here are my observations. I hope this helps. For more complete information on this topic, read The Sign by Robert Van Kempen and other great prophetic commentaries.

 

Roger

 

 

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Articles

Nagging: Why We Nag and How to Stop

by Julie Barrier
written by Julie Barrier

My mother-in-law was a nag extraordinaire. Helen spread negativity like oily peanut butter on bread. “Papaw,” her doting husband, tuned her out 4 years after they married. Helen, bless her heart, took hen pecking to a whole new level. Her hubby felt belittled and featherless. He shut down emotionally. They cohabited but the romance was gone. I never saw them smooch.

However, as I age, my “naggy quotient” seems to be increasing too!

One morning as I brushed my bicuspids, I gazed in the mirror and made a startling discovery. I was becoming Helen, and I hate myself for it. So I decided to go into rehab. I poured over the Scriptures and googled “nagging.” Wow! Twenty-five single-spaced pages, 10-point font, were filled with convicting and helpful info. I now plan to share it with you.

 

King Solomon was supposed to be the wisest man on earth. Then why did he marry 700 wives and 300 concubines? Poor schlub. Thanks to his misery, the book of Proverbs is filled with unflattering descriptions of murmuring and complaining women who made everyone miserable (especially the King). Solomon wrote that is was better to sit on a roof (21:9), cross a scorching desert barefooted (21:19), listen to a drippy faucet (27:15) than live with a naggy wife.

He called a woman who couldn’t hold her tongue a gold ring in a pig’s snout. Flattering image. No wonder Solomon was so jaded late in life. (Have you read Ecclesiastes?)

 

The Bible is filled with whiny, nagging women. Eve wore Adam down with her begging. He finally couldn’t stand it any longer and acquiesced to her pleading. We all know that ended badly. Delilah finally caused Samson’s demise by whining until he revealed the secret of his strength. After his haircut, Samson was weak as a kitten. Samson=0, Philistines=1. Job’s wife was the queen of grumbling. She told Job to “curse God and die.” It doesn’t get more negative than that! Martha of Bethany griped to Jesus about Mary shirking her dish duty to listen to the Master. Jesus put her in her place.

 

Nagging is a nasty habit. Today’s Jews call nagging “kvetching:” to express complaints, discontent, displeasure or unhappiness. Here are just a few synonyms for kvetching: yammering, grumbling, scolding, grouching, protesting, bellyaching, griping, squawking, crabbing, and, of course, the five-letter b____ word that describes a female dog. Not a pretty picture.

 

So why do we nag and how do we quit? Nagging is a passive-aggressive behavior that can stem from unbelief, unmet needs, feeling powerless, unheard and unsupported. My mother-in-law grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father. She suffered from an anxiety disorder and was clinically depressed. I’m not excusing her behavior, but it does give me compassion for her struggle to control her environment and keep those around her safe. We could have cut her a little slack!

 

Dr. Elizabeth Bernstein, in her article “Meet the Marriage Killer,” has some very pertinent advice concerning nagging. I found her insights very enlightening. She writes,

 

WHY NAGGING DOESN’T WORK

 

Even though your gripes may be valid, nagging makes others resentful and defensive. Nagging puts you in the parent role and the other person in the child role. This isn’t healthy for any relationship. Nagging is disrespectful. Nagging is often perceived as criticism, so others may tune out making what you are saying ineffective. When others were being nagged, he/she probably feels attacked personally. Nagging can make others feel inadequate.

WAYS TO AVOID BEING A NAG

 

Don’t blame. Don’t demean. Don’t attack. Don’t criticize. Don’t manipulate. Avoid making others feel stupid. Don’t give in to your frustration and assume other’s responsibilities. The “nag-ee” needs to learn to deal with the logical consequences of his or her actions.

INSTEAD OF NAGGING, TRY POSITIVE APPROACHES

 

Share your feelings. Stick to the issue at hand. Keep your statements brief so they don’t turn into long lectures. Don’t give ultimatums. Avoid using the phrases, “You always…” and “You never…” and “You should…” Consider saying “would you” or “will you” rather than “could you” or “can you.” There’s a subtle difference in the way the request will be heard by others. Set a good example for those you nag. Let your lifestyle speak louder than your words. Try to brainstorm solutions. Acknowledge your different perspectives. Show your appreciation and encourage others when they respond to requests. See what happens if you stop nagging.

THE BIBLE HAS SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS NASTY HABIT. HERE ARE A FEW VERSES TO KEEP IN MIND.

 

  • Be humble (I Peter 5:3)
  • Be respectful (1 Peter 3:1-2; Romans 12:10)
  • Be submissive to Christ and your husband (Ephesians 5:24)
  • Be discreet (Proverbs 11:22)
  • Be loving (Matthew 22:37)
  • Be encouraging (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
  • Be prayerful (1 Timothy 2:1-15)

 

Identifying the problem is half the battle. Confess your sin. (“Kvetching” IS a sin before God.) Ask the Holy Spirit to help you change. Then enlist someone to hold you accountable. I created a nagging piggy bank out of a cookie jar and asked him to drop a penny in for every time I nagged. He said he’d use dollars and we could take a trip around the world. Ouch!! I got the message….

 

1Elizabeth Bernstein, “Meet the Marriage Killer,” WSJ.com 1/25/2012.

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Articles

Three Ways to Continually Affirm the People You Lead

by demo
written by demo

We affirm people when we treat them with dignity, knowing that they matter to God. If you want to stand out in your leadership, one secret puts you head and shoulders above everybody else – be an encourager. Encouragement is very difficult to find today.  The Bible says, “Encourage each other and build each other up.”

In America, we live in a very negative culture.  Most people get far more jeers than cheers, far more pokes than strokes.  We live in a society where the number one form of humor is put downs.  People are put down, criticized, maligned.

God calls us to do the exact opposite.  God says, as believers and especially as Pastors and church leaders, we are to value everybody.  When you look around at people — even people who are insulting you and putting you down, you must realize that God died for them.  He sent His Son for them and they matter greatly to God.  When you appreciate people, you raise their value.  Appreciation means to raise in value.  If you have bought or sold real estate in these last few years, you know the meaning of appreciation.  Every time you appreciate somebody you raise their value.

How can you affirm people?

  • By noticing them.
  • By listening to them.
  • By applauding their contributions.
  • By being interested in more than just their work and ministry but also their life beyond church.
  • By including them in events rather than excluding them.

Here are three specific ways to affirm people, right out of the Scriptures…

Listen to them.

“Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

– Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

One of the greatest gifts you can give people is an attentive ear.  When you listen to someone it says “You matter.  I value what you have to say.  I value who you are.  I think what you have to say is important.”  Every time you genuinely listen to people, you’re ministering to them. By listening, I show I care.  It says by doing this you obey the law of Christ, also called the great commandment… “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Use positive words.

“Speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs [not your needs, but theirs] that it may benefit those who listen.”

– Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

God wants us, as believers, to be people builders not people users.  Most of the world is filled with people users.  God says that when you speak positive words of encouragement to people and you build them up, you’re ministering to people.

Would you like to know how to change somebody who doesn’t want to change?  Treat them the way you want them to become as if they have already become it.  That’s called speaking in faith.  People tend to live up to our expectations of them. The other night   saw Sally Fields in an interview.  She was talking about how one director in one play said, “That was brilliant!” and it gave her the confidence to become an actress.  Just one little compliment can change a life.

You don’t know the power of your words.  If people make any effort toward the Lord, commend them on that.  If they make any effort to being more mature, more productive, whatever… when you see something good in their life, compliment it and that area will grow.  What you compliment tends to grow.

Pray for them.

“You are helping us by praying for us.”

– 2 Corinthians 1:11 (NLT)

Make a prayer list of the people you lead.  Now put it in your Bible or keep it handy on your mobile device. Pray for them and watch what happens in your church.  You cannot pray for people and not see them start to change.  And I encourage you to tell them you’re praying for them.  You can even ask them, “What do you want me to pray about?”  Even unbelievers appreciate people praying for them.  Every time you do that you’re building a bridge on which you can minister to people.

Write down a person you will, this week, encourage.  You will affirm them either through positive words or listening to them or praying for them.  Write down the names of a few people and encourage them, and then encourage them to encourage others.

Read Rick and Kay’s Interview concerning the death of Matthew HERE.

Re-print from Free Sermons by Rick Warren. Used by permission.

 

 

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Articles

Blemishes in Christian Character, Part 3, Change and Grace

by Tim Keller
written by Tim Keller

Some Christians, in their effort to stress holiness of life, do not put a great deal of emphasis on God’s gracious acceptance of us despite our sins. Others, in their effort to avoid legalism and rejoice in grace, are reluctant to call people to close, exacting self-examination and deep repentance. But the 18th century pastor John Newton is remarkable in giving equal weight to self-examination and grace. Here are some of his premises:

1. People often try to fill their hearts with the danger of what they are doing. You can tell yourself “if I keep doing this it will cause problems for me.” That may be true and could be good smelling salts to get you to recognize your problem. But if that is all you say to your heart, it (as it were) bends the metal of your heart but doesn’t really soften and permanently reshape it. The motivation is ultimately selfish and it only brings short-term change. 

We need to go deeper to the only lasting way to change our hearts—take them to the radical, costly grace of God in Christ on the cross. You show your heart the infinite depths to which he went so that you would be free from sin and its condemnation. This fills you with a sense not just of the danger or sin, but also of its grievousness. Think about how ungrateful it is, think of how your sin is not just against God’s law but also against his heart. Melt your heart with the knowledge of what he’s done for you. Tremble before the knowledge of what he is worth—he is worthy of all glory. 

2. People often sin not simply out of a rebellious desire to be their own masters, but also because they are looking to things besides God to satisfy and fulfill. While Newton was good at pointing out the danger of having too low or light a view of one’s sin, he was also good at pointing out the opposite problem—too light a grasp of what Jesus has done for us. Newton wrote to a man who was discouraged: 

You say, you find it hard to believe it [is] compatible with the divine purity to embrace or employ such a monster as yourself. [In thinking this, you] express not only a low opinion of yourself, which is right, but too low an opinion of the person, work, and promises of the Redeemer; which is certainly wrong….

Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. He sometimes offers to teach us humility; but though I wish to be humble, I desire not to learn in this school. His premises perhaps are true, that we are vile, wretched creatures—but he then draws abominable conclusions from them; and would teach us, that, therefore, we ought to question either the power, or the willingness, or the faithfulness of Christ. Indeed, though our complaints are good, so far as they spring from a dislike of sin; yet, when we come to examine them closely, there is often so much self-will, self-righteousness, unbelief, pride, and impatience mingled with them, that they are little better than the worst evils we can complain of….

You have not, you cannot have, anything in the sight of God, but what you derive from the righteousness and atonement of Jesus. If you could keep him more constantly in view, you would be more comfortable. He would be more honored.…Let us pray that we may be enabled to follow the apostle’s, or rather the Lord’s command by him, Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. We have little to rejoice in ourselves, but we have right and reason to rejoice in him. 

– “Letter XI, to the Rev Mr S”, Works of John Newton, Vol. 6, 1985, pp. 185-187.

If we are going to grow in grace, we must stay aware of being both sinners and loved children in Christ. We need a high and due sense of our sin before God and a deep and profound sense of our union with and acceptance in Christ. 

In the end, it’s the joy and wonder of the gospel that will change you permanently.

The final result of all this is that people cannot see their sins because they are looking only at their virtues. For example, someone may say: “I’m not abrasive, I just speak very directly.” It is true that a direct-speaking person may do good because direct, blunt comments are sometimes needed. But overall the abrasiveness is ineffective and the person’s boldness and confidence comes to some degree from pride and a lack of love. And for this reason, many (or perhaps most) Christians do not work on the supernatural graces of the spirit that are not natural to us, and that mitigate or eliminate the dark side—the besetting sins—of our nature. 

So how can we be shaken out of our lethargy and awakened to our need to grow? Here are some principles that I have gleaned from Newton’s letters over the years. 

1. Know that your worst character flaws are the ones you can see the least. 

By definition the sins to which you are most blind, that you make the most excuses for, and that you usually minimize—are the ones that most have you in their grip. As we said before, one way we hide our blemishes is that we look at places that our natural temperament resembles spiritual fruit. For example, a natural aptitude for control and self-discipline can be read as ‘faithfulness’, and a natural desire for personal approval could look like ‘gentleness’ or ‘love.’ Or we mistake a bubbly, sanguine temperament for joy, and a laid-back, phlegmatic temperament for peace. We give ourselves spiritual credit for these things, when actually we aren’t growing spiritually at all. The lack of other fruit shows that real supernatural character change is not happening.

2. Remember that you can’t learn about your biggest flaws just by being told—you must be shown.

There are two ways we come to see our sins and flaws more clearly. One way is that we are shown them by troubles and trials in life. Suffering is God’s gymnasium—it reveals our spiritual weaknesses just as a workout reveals physical weaknesses. 

Secondly, we learn by Christian role models. Sometimes the best conviction comes when you are brought near a person who is living as you should be living. You may not think of yourself as impatient, or abrasive, or over-sensitive until you are brought into close proximity to someone much more patient, irenic, and content than you. What this means is that we should make use of these opportunities to grow. They are painful—even being near very holy people can be uncomfortable! But it is at such times, when we most feel the need for grace, that we find God’s grace most desirable.

3. Be willing to listen to correction and critique from others. 

We just said that no one ever learned about his or her sins by being told. We have too many layers of self-justification to grow without hard knocks. But in addition, as a complement, we need critique and accountability from brothers and sisters. 

There are at least two kinds. First, you can create your own Hebrews 3:13 community. Hebrews 3:13 says we are to “exhort one another daily” so we are not “hardened by the deceptiveness of our sin.” Take some other believers that you trust and give them “a hunting license” to talk to you about where you need to grow. 

Secondly, don’t forget the “Balaam’s donkey” principle (Numbers 22). You must learn how to profit from criticism even given by people who are badly motivated, or who you don’t respect. Even if only 20% of what they say is true, it may be God speaking to you. 

www.redeemercitytocity.com. Used by permission. 

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Sermons

In Christ, I Am a Piece of Art

by Pete Briscoe
written by Pete Briscoe

God wrote two New Testament poems: one in Romans, “the creation is His masterpiece;” one in Ephesians, “WE are His masterpiece.” We are uniquely formed and unconditionally loved by God. We do not need to pretend, but to accept ourselves as made uniquely by our Creator.

Preached at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship. Used by permission.

Featured at Telling the Truth with Stuart, Jill and Pete Briscoe. Used by permission.

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Sermons

Running to Win

by Jud Wilhite
written by Jud Wilhite

No matter what age we are, the Bible tells us that there is still an incredible prize that awaits us. I can celebrate victory because I can celebrate Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 compares our faith journey to a race. If we want to get the most our of your walk with God, we must be disciplined and train. We must add to our routine Bible study, prayer, corporate and private worship and service. We must remove from our routine to practice solitude, fasting, secret generosity and simplicity.

Video sermon begins 25 minutes into the service.

Preached at Central Christian Church, http://www.centralonline.tv/

Used by permission.

 

 

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Who Do I Want to Be?

by Glenn Barteau
written by Glenn Barteau

When we talk about life, we are talking about a deep belief that God has created all of us to be exactly what He envisions for us to be. Our main problem is not what we think about God but what God thinks about us. We often see Him as demanding, distant or disappointed. The truth is, He delights in us!

Sermon begins @ 30 minutes, 20 seconds.

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Ask Roger

Is the Bible Inspired or Not?

by Roger Barrier
written by Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

Some believe the Bible is the absolute word of God. Others believes that the Bible is God inspired. I believe in the latter. What is your feelings about this and why? Thanking you in advance for your answer.

John

Dear John, 

I believe in the infallible, inerrant, verbal, plenary inspiration of Scripture. In other words, the Bible is fully inspired; has no mistakes; and every word is literally inspired by God. I believed that the Bible is absolutely the Word of God; and that the original autographs (the documents actually written and signed by the original Bible writers) are 100% accurate. The doctrine of the inspiration of the Bible means that the Bible is God-breathed, that it is a divine product, and, because it is divine, the original documents are inerrant (Copies of the original documents are not inspired).

 

I don’t believe that the Bible was simply dictated by God to the Biblical writers. Otherwise, the Bible would sound the same from start to finish. I think that God used the individual personalities of each writer to influence the style and the manner in which the divine words are composed.

 

The Biblical writers often declared the validity of the Scriptures as the words of God. For example, Paul when wrote to Timothy about the purposes of the Bible, he began with a declaration regarding the divine validity of the Bible: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The word “inspired” is literally “God-breathed” (“theos” and “pneuma”).

 

Peter also agreed that, “no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). According to Peter, prophecy is not the product of human will. Prophecy is a divine certainty because those who wrote were moved to write by the Holy Spirit Himself.

 

Jesus affirmed that the gospel writers were trustworthy because the Holy Spirit would accurately help them remember everything that occurred during Jesus’ time on earth: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

 

Not every one agrees with this position—even some who are Christians.

 

Some people teach that the Bible writers never claimed to be inspired or directly guided by God. They say that neither the writers nor God viewed Scripture as a revelation of the mind of God which we should follow as a pattern for our lives. Personally, as far as I’m concerned this view empties the Bible of all authority. If this view is true, then why bother with the Bible at all?

Others teach that the writers did put down some of God’s ideas, but that some writers also included their own uninspired ideas. In essence, they teach that the Bible “contains” the Words of God and therefore, we are free to try to determine which are His and which are not. I find it inconceivable that anyone would see this endeavor as anything more than an exercise in human speculation and/or futility. Anyone who claimed to have separated God’s words from man’s would be guilty of gross arrogance.

 

Others say the Bible writers speak the truth in matters of religious faith and morals, but when the Bible writers speak about history or science, they are writing as humans and may be wrong. Unfortunately, my opinion is that those with this view have a shallow understanding of Biblical hermeneutics (the principles of Biblical interpretation). A proper understanding reveals no conflict between the Bible and Science. Many of those with persuasion refuse to accept the Bible accounts of miracles. They thus relegate the Biblical teachings regarding miracles to be little more than humanistic myths.

 

In one way or another, each of these non-Biblical views of inspiration leaves little doubt that errors exist in the words written by “inspired” men. In other words, the Bible is not the infallible, inerrant, verbal, plenary truth of God expressed accurately as recorded in the Bible.

 

These attacks on the Bible originated in the 1800s with the rise of German rationalism which literally gutted the Bible of anything that could not be understood from a human, naturalistic perspective. Today, these views are often characterized by the terms “modernism” or “liberalism.”

 

John, our belief in the infallible, inerrant, verbal, plenary inspiration of Scripture is a matter of faith. The Bible declares itself to be divine. Certainly, you know that it is not possible for anything to validate itself by itself. I mention this because you may at times find yourself discussing the truth of the Bible with non-Christian friends and they might point this out to you. Don’t let your faith falter in the face of their arguments. All of the Christian life is based on faith.

 

Fortunately, the book, “The New Testament Documents: Are they Reliable,” by F.F. Bruce not only speaks to this issue but will greatly strengthen you faith in the inspiration, divinity and reliability of the Word of God. This book is a page turner. You will really enjoy it.

 

Well, John, I hope you find my answer helpful in strengthening your faith. Let me leave you with Jesus’ words in Revelation 19:9: “These are true words of God.”

 

Love, Roger

 

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A Sympathetic Ear

by Karen Holford
written by Karen Holford

Children have an incredible knack at comforting. One mother tells of her little Tina coming home late from school. “Where have you been, Tina?” her mom asked.
“Lisa dropped her best doll and it broke,” explained Tina. “I stayed to help her.” “Oh, were you able to fix it? It was very kind of you to try.” “No, Mom,” Tina lamented. “I couldn’t fix the doll. So I stayed to help her cry.”

Pastor Dan was one of those persons people called about everything. He was just the one you wanted to talk to when you had a problem or something to share. Once he was visiting neighbors in the high-rise apartment building next to his church. He knocked on the door of a resident just to get acquainted. He met with a cold response, but was undaunted in his efforts to make a new friend. Upon finally gaining entrance, he found himself seated across from a very grumpy woman who had nothing good to say about anyone, from the mayor to the maintenance man. Pastor Dan just listened as he always did, throwing in a few “Really!” and “Imagine that!” kind of comments along with lots of smiles. When the old woman’s tirade slowed, Pastor Dan said he was delighted to have met her but he’d better be running alone now. If it were okay with her, he’d be back later in the week with a loaf of his wife’s fresh bread.

Pastor Dan would have thought little more about the episode had the woman’s daughter not dropped by his office the following day. “Are you the pastor who visited my mother yesterday?” she inquired. Upon confirming that he was, the daughter introduced herself and promptly asked another question: “Whatever have you done to Mother?” Pastor Dan looked puzzled, so she continued. “My mother has been a totally different person since your visit!” the daughter went on incredulously. “She’s actually been cheerful—not one of her usual qualities you might have guessed! And she says you’re the best conversationalist in the whole wide world!”

There are times when we all need some comfort, when we need to be soothed. It’s not always easy to live in this troubled world. But a touch of comfort can go a long way in soothing a hurting heart.

From Jumpstart Connections, pp. 91-93 by Karen Holford and Karen and Ron Flowers.

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