Prayer For Mill House Ministry

Every now and then, we like to take a moment and ask for prayer. Scripture tells us that through prayer, we can have peace. Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Mill House Ministries has been going on for several years, and we are excited to see where God might be calling our ministry. We are asking you to pray and ask the Lord to guide us as we move forward. Our purpose is to do exactly what the Lord calls all believers to do and to share the gospel, make disciples, baptize individuals if need be, and spur believers along on the race to finish strong as we wait on the Rapture.

Our second prayer is what we should venture with Mill House Ministries in the coming new year. Our blog will be advancing, and we want the Lord to make the necessary changes that He wants us to do.

Finally, for spiritual growth and protection for the staff. We know all too well what spiritual warfare really is, and we want to be conducting good warfare against the forces of darkness and proclaiming the Light of Jesus Christ to all who are willing to hear.

I will leave you with this encouragement as you pray for us. Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” We hope what you are learning here at Mill House will continue to help you grow in your spiritual walk and help equip you for finishing the race worthy of our calling as ambassadors for Christ. God is good and listens to the prayer requests of those who are His. Please pray for us as we seek His guidance.

Sincerely,

Mill House Ministries Staff

A Christian’s Conduct

We have now reached the end of our look at 1 Thessalonians. Just as Paul sought to encourage the reader at the beginning, we see that in his concluding remarks he is seeking to encourage and remind the reader of behavior fitting for those who follow Jesus Christ.

“11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11-28

Since Paul wrote this book to encourage the believers to remain steadfast in the faith, I am not surprised that he ends it with a call to comfort one another. The believers that Paul was originally writing to would have seen fellow Jews be kicked out of the synagogue, be imprisoned, be beaten, among other things, all in the name of Jesus Christ. For those weak in the faith, it would have been easy to backslide into comfort to escape persecution. To prevent this, Paul reminds readers to comfort and edify one another, to provide comfort in their trials, and to help one another grow in faith. This still holds true for believers today. While in America we do not have people being beaten or imprisoned for their faith, this does not mean that it is not happening to our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ around the world. This is part of why we started Mill House Ministries, and it is why we, as believers, need to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. We need to be looking for ways to provide comfort and edification for each other.

However, Paul offers more than encouragement. In verse 14, you see that he begins with an exhortation to believers. We must not remain idle in these days; we need to warn those who are following the path of folly and straying from God. We need to uphold those who are weak in the faith, something we cannot do if we ourselves are not strong in our faith. We need to be patient with the believers and non-believers around us and to seek the Biblical good for all. This is not what the world would say is good for someone, but a good that is based on knowing Jesus Christ and actively seeking and following His will for each individual. This is why Paul calls us to rejoice; as the world grows darker, we need to show the joy that comes from following Jesus Christ. We need to be seeking His will through prayer and reflection on His word, not based on our own sinful desires but based on a knowledge of God’s word

Finally, Paul ends this letter with a challenge for the believers, but one that I believe is more relevant today. Paul calls the believers not to quench the Spirit. This literally means not to extinguish the Spirit. Meaning we are not to actively and intentionally follow our sinful desires to the point that we no longer feel the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin. We are not to despise prophecies. Many people hear the word prophecy and immediately picture someone with a sorrowful face, hands raised to the sky, speaking in a tone lower than their normal voice. However, if you followed our study of the spiritual gifts, you will remember that prophecy is the one spiritual gift Paul says all believers should possess. To prophesy means to declare God’s word; it means that we should listen when someone tells us that what we are doing goes against Scripture, and we should know Scripture well enough to point out to others when they are not following God’s word. That is why Paul moves on to the next point. We must test all things. This means that if someone comes to us and says something like “God told me to tell you…” or “the Bible says this…,” we need to take it back to the word of God and see whether it is accurate. This includes messages from the pastors that we listen to. When we hold fast to what is good, this protects our sanctification process. I couldn’t think of a more fitting end to this book than a call to hold fast to God and allow Him to work in your life. And yet, Paul has one more reminder for us. If God calls us to something, He is faithful to fulfill it. We simply need the courage to step out in faith, cling to Him, and continually seek His will.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Cross Bearing Time!

Picking up the cross for the Lord can look different for each person; however, they all have one thing in common.

Let’s examine Jesus’s call to action for His followers.

Luke 9:23-27 “Then He said to [them] all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His [own] glory, and [in His] Father’s, and of the holy angels. 27 “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” There are many who preach, teach, quote, and otherwise use this verse for a whole group of reasons. However, today I want to boil it down to a rather remarkable angle that many fail to recognize. Jesus provides a description that is very applicable to the individual, while simultaneously providing us all a universal signature of a true born-again believer. You might be scratching your head at what I just said, and that is okay. Let’s jump into it and see what Jesus is referring to.

Jesus is opening the door for all people; for the Calvinist, they have to ignore or take Scripture out of context. For the scripturally sound believer, who takes what God says seriously, this is simple: “if anyone” means “if anyone”; it is open to all. The person who wants to come after Jesus must deny themself. It means we have to want what Jesus wants, not what we want. It starts with understanding who Jesus is. John 14:6-11 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own [authority;] but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 “Believe Me that I [am] in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” We must recognize that this comes with action. If we love Jesus and desire to come after Him, we must obey His commands: 1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” What a marvelous thing to see that if we take up our cross and follow Him, we can know that the cross is light! Some will say I am connecting dots that shouldn't be connected, but that is not true. There is a joy that comes to the believer when we do God’s will, and He has promised to be with us through the end of the age. Thus, His command, our cross, is not heavy but rather something to help us. We must want this more than losing our life. We must want this more than profit; we must want this more than the shame the world might throw on us.

A born-again believer will obey the commands of the Lord and live their individual life, and that life will be shaped by the individual’s personal calling. It will be different for each of us, yet identical in wanting to follow the Lord, obey His commands, and be reliant on Jesus Christ. This is why James says that we can be known by our fruits. This is why Paul gives the characteristics of the Fruits of the Spirit to us. This is why we here at Mill House Ministries do what we do. We want you to have the opportunity to build on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. To encourage you to run the race with all earnestness and focus. For God is good, and His burden is not heavy, but rather a remarkable one to help us in our time of need. So pick up the cross daily, obey the commandments, and seek ways to glorify God in your own life.

Hold until relieved; our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Understanding this overlooked symbol. Read it HERE!

Strategy for studying

I cannot remember the last time I wrote about Bible study techniques. Over the next couple of weeks, we will study simple lessons to help you in your study time with the Lord. What I am going to show is what I do in my own life, with those that I disciple, and what was taught to me many years ago. Some of what I am going to show you, I came up with on my own, while other parts I have morphed from others. With that said, I am excited to jump into this small series as we dive into simple techniques.

This week is our intro, so I will keep it short and sweet. When doing your Bible study, it is paramount that we reduce the distractions in our lives. Typically, this means your phone, TV, and/or family. You need to get away from all of them. Moses was commanded by the Lord to get up in the morning and come to the mountain to spend time with God. Moses prepared what he needed so that when he woke up, he could go immediately. Prepare what you need so you're not distracted by the noise of life.

Exodus 34:1-5“And the LORD said to Moses, “Cut two tablets of stone like the first [ones,] and I will write on [these] tablets the words that were on the first tablets which you broke. 2 “So be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself to Me there on the top of the mountain. 3 “And no man shall come up with you, and let no man be seen throughout all the mountain; let neither flocks nor herds feed before that mountain.” 4 So he cut two tablets of stone like the first [ones.] Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone. 5 Now the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.” I personally think a Bible study is best first thing in the morning. Scripture supports this, but I will admit Scripture also supports having study time throughout the day. I don't think this is a hill to die on, but it's one I would tell everyone who asks for advice. We must be able to ignore the noise and seek His voice. Examine how both are trying to get your attention.

Proverbs 9:13-18“A foolish woman is clamorous; [She is] simple, and knows nothing. 14 For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat [by] the highest places of the city, 15 To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way: 16 “Whoever [is] simple, let him turn in here”; And [as for] him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 17 “Stolen water is sweet, And bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.” 18 But he does not know that the dead [are] there, [That] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.”

Proverbs 9:1-6 “Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; 2 She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, 4 “Whoever [is] simple, let him turn in here!” [As for] him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 5 “Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.”

Let’s start first with the foolish woman! She is actively trying to get people’s attention. She is not lazy in her attempt to lead them to the depths of hell. She sits at the doorpost and yells. How strange is it that she is at her doorpost. Thus, if we are not at her doorpost, we shouldn’t be able to hear her? If we close her out and move along, we should be able to ignore the noise of the foolish woman. I find this unique in that Wisdom has to do more work! Ironically, she has hewn out seven pillars; she has prepared her food, mixed her wine, and furnished her table. Wisdom is working with her disciples and is declaring the truth even if that hurts the people who are acting foolish. Wisdom tells them to forsake foolishness and live!

One requires work; the other requires only to have the opportunity to raise their voice at us. So, when we do our Bible study, we need to be careful to stay in a place that keeps us in check and ready to focus on God’s Word.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

JL

Are We There Yet?

Things are getting rough for the born-again believer. The world is getting darker, and the times are becoming more perilous. Apostasy is rampant, and the fake churches are starting to reveal a more sinister atmosphere to the true followers of Jesus Christ.

Ok let’s take a moment and breathe!

Some might read what I just said and roll their eyes; others might be shaking in fear, seeing the reality of the times growing darker. This post is for both groups. Jesus makes a declaration that should be sobering for some and comforting for others.

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age.” Amen.

For those who are not actively living for the Lord, who claim to be believers, who claim to be followers of Jesus, they should be very worried about Jesus’ declaration. Jesus orders the born-again believer to be active and do the work of the Lord. Teaching Scripture, making disciples, and baptizing in the Trinity’s identity. This group is not doing this; rather, at best, they go to church and walk out acting the same foolish way they did the day before. This group should be cautious, for God is a God who is actively in the Church. See Revelation chapters 2 through 3. He is there with them; He is keeping His promise of being with the Church through the end of the age. Jesus is making the corrections; He is providing the warnings for them to change before it is too late. This isn’t works for salvation; this is getting right with God before it is too late. For this group, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” should be terrifying.

Now, for the believer living for the Lord and seeking to do what is right, the exact declarations and references in Revelation 2 through 3 are a huge encouragement! Jesus is with us, even as we see the world get darker and the apostasy grow. Around the world, the Church has been persecuted; I believe it is about to start in the United States. The good news: Jesus designed the Church to flourish in such a time. The Church, at its core, in its very nature, thrives when persecuted. This is when we are at our best!

There might be someone who believes I am looking forward to such a day; the answer is no. However, I know what scripture says, and I know what my loving Savior Jesus Christ has promised. He is with us, even to the end of the age. There will never be a day that we will be able to say that Jesus is no longer with us. There will never be a day that the born-again believer will be forsaken. This is our comfort, this is our promise, and finally this is our calling! Finish strong, don’t give up, and be actively looking for ways to serve the Lord. We still have work to do, to the very last second.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

His Way Is Better

Today’s post is simple, but I hope it resonates with you. Personally, there are moments when life throws everything and the kitchen sink, literally, and I feel as if I need to be the one to hold it all together. However, this is not Biblical, and it's something I am having to work on. Now you might be asking yourself why I am telling this to the world. Frankly, because I want you to learn this lesson, I want my life’s example to encourage you to pursue a better, more enriched life in Christ.

We are going to do this, no matter what. We can do it in a negative way, or we can do it in a positive way. I am choosing to be vigilant about the moments when God is teaching me something and to look for opportunities to share it with you. The lesson I am learning, and want to share with you, is about waiting on the Lord. This comes in many ways, but most importantly, it comes through silence. Not emptying our minds, but rather slowing our minds and thoughts down and focusing on His Word. To make it simpler, this does not mean not doing anything, but rather being silent and allowing Him to take charge in your life. A great example of this was with Moses and God in Exodus 34:1-4. Here we see God command Moses to get ready, come in the morning, and be alone in God's presence. Moses prepares and does exactly that. In fact, Exodus 34:29-35 shows that God used that time to change Moses. Moses didn’t know it yet, but the people sure did.

We need time with Him; this is not just “Bible study time,” but a moment to truly connect and allow Him to do what is necessary for our lives. To be willing and obedient as a disciple of the Word of God. We must do this if we are ever to be effective for Him. A great example is when you are on an airplane: the safety message comes on, and they remind you that, in case of an emergency, you should put on your oxygen mask before helping others. Why? Because we are no good to others without oxygen. We need to be sustained in Christ before we can be effective for the Kingdom.

In your own life, are you giving the Lord the time needed for Him to do the work that He desires to do? Are you listening to His Word? Let’s remember to allow ourselves the moments we need in His presence for Him to do His work.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Summer Prayer Fest:

Let’s pray that the Lord opens up what He wants us doing as the fall approaches. Let this be a moment for us to magnify His name and ask what we should be getting ready to do for Him this fall. The Bible verse this week is; Proverbs 5:1-2“My son, pay attention to my wisdom; Lend your ear to my understanding, 2 That you may preserve discretion, And your lips may keep knowledge.”

Re-Post Friday

Returning to our Basic series! Read it HERE!

Two Groups, and Yet Both Believe

Let’s discuss two categories with the same recognition, but two very different outcomes. Did you know that Jesus was recognized by not only His disciples as God but also by demons?

Matthew 8:28-34“When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed [men,] coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. 29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” 32 And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. 33 Then those who kept [them] fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what [had happened] to the demon-possessed [men.] 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged [Him] to depart from their region.”

Let’s take this apart real quick. First, the demon-possessed men came up to Jesus and recognized Him as the Son of God. They were doing what even the Pharisees, the Herodians, Sadducees, or the Scribes didn’t do. They knew who He was. How did they know this? We do not know; however, we can tell from this brief interaction that they fear Him, obey Him, and will listen to Him. They even understand Bible prophecy and know that they are doomed. During this interaction, Jesus permits them to leave and go into the swine. They do, and eventually the people ask Jesus to leave. Why? Because when confronted with God Almighty, you have only two options: come to Him, which can only be done because of His work, or you can depart, which means you will eventually end up in the Lake of Fire. The demons being the offspring of the Fallen Angels, have no capability to be redeemed and are doomed to the Lake of Fire. Nevertheless, they recognized Jesus for who He truly is.

Now let’s compare this to the next group.

Matthew 14:25-33“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind [was] boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out [His] hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Now let’s examine this group. Unlike the people who lived in Gergesenes, this group sees Jesus and want to be where He is. Yes, Peter learns a lesson on little faith and what that can do, but the surrounding fact is that Peter wanted to be with Jesus. The citizens of Gergesenes did not. When Jesus and Peter get into the boat, the disciples, including Peter, worship Jesus. They recognized Him as the Son of God. You see the difference? Everyone is recognizing Him as God, but only one group wants to be with Him. The disciples wanted to be with Jesus, the demons and the citizens of Gergesenes did not. James even brings this to light with demons believing in Jesus: James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!”

‍ ‍So what does this mean for you and I now? It means that when people say they are Christians, we should examine their actions before we actually assume they really are. This is why Paul tells Titus, Timothy, and others that leadership should be based on men who have a track record clearly set. This is why we as believers need to be careful when we are told by politicians and others that they are “Christians” when their walk is truly an abomination to the Lord’s Word. Remember, there are two camps: both believe, but only one is truly with Jesus.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Times and Seasons

We have nearly completed our study into 1 Thessalonians. However, that does not mean that there is still not much to be learned! In fact, chapter five hits some of the hardest topics for Christians to understand. Especially since the other chapters of the book were leading up to these last 28 verses. Today, we are only going to take a look at the first ten.

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.”

1 Thessalonians 5:1-10

As we have discussed before, Paul is writting this letter to encourage the believers to remain strong in their faith. This is why chapter five begins with Paul telling the reader that they have no need for him to write to them about the times and seasons. They have Paul’s teachings, they know what God’s word says and they have what they need in order to understand the next stage of church history. Because of this, they are set apart from those who had fallen into the belief that the rapture had occurred and they missed it. The saying in verse two, “a thief in the night” is a reflection of 2 Peter 3:3-9, “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” For the believer who is not actively studying God’s word and seeing how He must fulfill His promises, it would be easy to fall into the belief that He is never coming. However, this is simply not true. For Christ to come for His bride as a “thief in the night” it is because there are individuals who will find His appearing unexpected and unseen because they have already rejected the promise of His coming. They fail to understand that it is not apathy that is keeping Jesus from coming for His bride, but a desire to have everyone come to know Him. It is an act of love and a desire that no one would perish (John 3:16).

Paul then seeks to remind the reader that they are not in darkness; but, because they belong to Jesus Christ, are in the light. As Christians, we need to be actively searching the scriptures to understand the promises that God still has to fulfill, as well as the signs preceding the Day of Wrath (look at Matthew 24:1-28). We will not be taken by surprise by the rapture because we should be actively awaiting it. It is important to note that the word “seasons” found in verse 1 stems from H2166 meaning “appointed time” Paul is using this word as a way for the reader to understand that the rapture and the appearance of the Antichrist occur at an appointed time, not a time that we can dictate to God.

The last couple of verses that we will discuss today end with a reminder that Paul gives to the reader. Verses 8-10 begin with another reminder that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, are of the day. Paul then points out to the reader that we should act as such. When you consider the language that Paul uses, telling the reader to put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of hope and salvation, it is not hard to connect to the Armor of God in Ephesians 6. We are meant to always be ready for the rapture but until that time that it occurs, we need to remember that we are still battling “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12b. Paul also reminds the reader again that when we place our faith in the works of Jesus Christ, He does not destine us for wrath, but for peace and security in Him.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

One Month Left

We have a little less then one month left for our Summer Prayer Fest and I want it to end with us running all the way through the finish line! Today, I want to reveal something rather remarkable if you did not know it. What we know as the “Lord’s Prayer” is not really His prayer, but rather a model for basic prayer life of us. Let’s read the passage first.

Matthew 6:5-13“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who [is] in the secret [place;] and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen [do.] For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as [it is] in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Let’s break this down. We will talk about verses 5 through 8 in a moment, but for simplicity sake let’s examine the prayer itself. Many people have analyzed the prayer; there is no formula for a correct prayer, but rather a heart in the right place! Verse 5 through 8 will discuss this. However, there is a uniqueness that can be found in the manner that Jesus provided as an example.

“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” At the very beginning, it should all be directed with the understanding of who we are talking to. He is Holy, He is the rightful, righteous and all powerful, all knowing and all present God. He was before the beginning, and will be after the end. It is simplified in this one statement.

Next comes the recognition of what God is doing on earth in the present. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as [it is] in heaven.” For the Amillennial and progressive christian who does not believe in a literal thousand year reign of Jesus, nor His promises to Israel, you are rejecting what Jesus is literally saying right here. Jesus is telling us to pray for His kingdom on earth! Nevertheless, we have a Father who does care for our wellbeing and it is why he says for us to pray for what we need, and recognize that we are sinners who need help. This reminds us to help others and forgive others as He has helped us and forgave us. This is exemplified in verses 11 through the beginning of 13. “Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”

The final part of verse 13 and the conclusion of the prayer is a recognition that it is all entirely in His hands. That we are in His protection and His will guides our steps. This is why we are to recognize this as His faithful sheep. “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

This prayer is not as much a formula for “proper prayer” but rather this is the key cornerstones that we need to recognize in our relationship with God. There is not one identical prayer in all of the Bible, and this is intentional by the Holy Spirit to keep mankind from creating something that is not. This is why verses 5 through 8 was discussed by Jesus before He gave any model of prayer. Only the Lord knows the thoughts and hearts of a person in prayer, however it is unique that He immediately identifies characteristics of that can easily be identified.

Our prayer life needs to be serious. We need to take it with passion and reverence with a daily step by step walk. Talk with the Lord, walk with the Lord, and most importantly be with the Lord. Prayer is not something to shy away from, but rather embrace and seek His direction in it.

Summer prayer fest:

This week let’s lean on John 17:13-26 and see the prayer that Jesus did for you and I! “But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 “that they all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 “And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare [it,] that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Re-Post Friday

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God Provides and Protects

If God asks you to do something, remember He will provide the necessary tools. However, did you know that He will also protect the tools? We typically forget this part of the equation. God will provide what we need, but He will also protect it so that it is ready for when we need it. One example of this is with Exodus 9:1-5 “1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘Thus says the LORD God of the Hebrews: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2 “For if you refuse to let [them] go, and still hold them, 3 “behold, the hand of the LORD will be on your cattle in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the oxen, and on the sheep--a very severe pestilence. 4 “And the LORD will make a difference between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt. So nothing shall die of all [that] belongs to the children of Israel.” ’ ” 5 Then the LORD appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this thing in the land.”

If you examine this carefully, you will see that the Lord allowed there to be a difference between the livestock of Egypt and of Israel. Egypt’s livestock died. Israel’s survived. With the entire cannon of God we can clearly see the forshadowing of God’s battle plan of redemption. He was going to protect the necessary tools for bringing the Lamb of God to the cross. So when you read in Kings, Chronicles, Nehemiah, Ezra, and Ester the line of David being protected, remember it is for a reason. This is first foreshadowed all the way back in Exodus 9.

Now we need to examine why in Exodus 9 God protects the livestock. The purpose is found in Exodus 12. Exodus 12:1-14 “1 Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “This month [shall be] your beginning of months; it [shall be] the first month of the year to you. 3 “Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of [his] father, a lamb for a household. 4 ‘And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take [it] according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 ‘Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take [it] from the sheep or from the goats. 6 ‘Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. 7 ‘And they shall take [some] of the blood and put [it] on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. 8 ‘Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it. 9 ‘Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire--its head with its legs and its entrails. 10 ‘You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire. 11 ‘And thus you shall eat it: [with] a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It [is] the LORD’s Passover. 12 ‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD. 13 ‘Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you [are.] And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy [you] when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.”

God was protecting the necessary tools in order to provide the ultimate protection. God’s judgement was coming and in His foreknowledge, God provided exactly what they needed. What a blessing we have to have a God who is perfect in love to watch, help, and sustain us. Yet, it does not end there. Because of His perfect judgement the people are set free. This is clearly missed by many today in the Churches who focus only on the love of God and miss the judgement. Without the judgement, without the payment, without the obedience of the Son of God, we are dead in our trespasses. We need His judgement as much as we need His love. Exodus 9 and 12 show just how God can love and judge simultaneously and still be a perfect God. All we need to do is trust Him and obey for there is no other way.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

A Great Comfort

Today, we are going to be looking at the last six verses of 1 Thessalonians chapter four. Last week, we saw that as followers of Jesus, we are to continually grow in our faith. We saw that God calls us to a life of sanctification. As chapter four closes, we see Paul ending with a hope for the future for believers. As we have already discussed, Paul was writting to encourage the church in Thessalonica. They had seen persecution take place, had seen Paul be mistreated, and now they were faced with a great uncertainty; they had been told that they had missed the rapture. With that said, let us look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and see what Paul has to inform the reader.

“13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

Paul begins this section of scripture by stating that he does not want the reader to be concerned about those believers who had “fallen asleep”, meaning death. Paul is reminding the reader that they do not need to have fear like the nonbelievers, and the answer for this is in verse 14. In verse 14, Paul is reminding the reader that those who believe that Jesus died and rose again, will be brought forth to God. He is stating that those believers who have died will be brought to God. When you look at the Hebrew translation of verse 14, it is clear that this is talking about a pre-trib rapture and that Jesus will bring all believers, dead and alive, to Him. If you have questions about the Hebrew translation see Dr. Ken Johnson’s work.

However, there is still more to be discussed here. If we look at the Hebrew of verse 15, we will see that Paul is using the phrase “the Moed of the Coming of our Lord.” The Hebrew word for “Moedim” (Strong’s 4150) refers to the festivals that God put in place for the nation of Israel. These feasts have a direct link to prophecy. Jesus has already completed the first four of the feasts, leaving just three to be completed. Ken Johnson, in his book “Paul’s Ancient Hebrew Thessalonians Epistles: Proof of a Pre-Trib Rapture” describes it this way, “Many of us feel that the Resurrection/Rapture might occur on a festival, probably a fall festival. I had always thought it might occur on the Festival of Trumpets in some future year. This was speculation because there was no Scripture that actually said anything like that, until now. This Hebrew version says that it will occur on a festival, one of the Moedim. The phrase “the Moed of His Coming” is used in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 and 5:23. If the Phrase “Moed of His Coming” is a title, then that implies that Paul knew it would occur on a specific festival. The ritual performed on the fall festival of the Feast of Trumpets teaches on the resurrection of the dead.”

However, Paul gave more evidence to a pre-trib rapture in these verses. The Hebrew word for “shout” in verse 16, is “teruah” (Strong’s H7321), which is defined as “an awakening blast.” There is only one festival that we can see fitting with “an awakening blast”, the Feast of Trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets is also called Rosh Hashannah or Yom Teruah. These festival occurs on the first and second day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, or mid-September. This answers Matthew 24:36 where Jesus is saying that no one knows the day or the hour of the rapture occuring. The reason for this is that Yom Teruah is a two-day festival in which no one knows the day or hour that it will begin.

Ken Johnson describes it this way, “The ritual of Yom Teruah teaches about the Resurrection of the dead, which is why “teruah” is often translated as the “awakening blast.” It is the trump of God that is blown to awaken the dead. It begins the High Holy Days, which start on Tisheri 1 and goes through Tishrei 10. Tishrei 10 is the festival of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. It teaches about the destruction of the Antichrist, with the ritual of the Azazel goat, and the establishment of the millennial kingdom of the Messiah. The days between Yom Teeruah and Yom Kippur are called the Yamin Noraim, meaning “days of awe” or the “terrible days.” The Talmudic rabbis equated these days with the Time of Jacob’s Trouble. Notice that they occur between the Rapture/Resurrection and the Second Coming and that they include the third through the ninth of Tashrei. The Days of Awe last for seven days.” This presents a clear pre-trib Rapture followed by a seven-year tribulation period, ending with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to establish His millennial kingdom on earth.

Paul ends this chapter with a reminder to the reader that we are “caught up” or “ascend” (Strongs H5927) but it is only through Jesus Christ. Not our own actions. Paul is encouraging the reader to remember that we can take comfort in the knowledge of Jesus Christ coming back for us. Jesus has not forsaken those who have placed their faith in Him, He is preparing a place for us, John 14:2-3. When we are discouraged by the way the world is going, we simply need to remind ourselves that we have a greater hope.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Study in Genesis

Today, we end this season in our series on the book of Genesis. While this is not the end of our series, I want to take a pause and prepare our hearts for the next part which we will pick up in a few weeks. Today, I want to do a recap over the past several posts, and remind each and everyone of us what we have seen. We have seen great faith from individuals like Noah, Abraham, and others; we have seen moments of failure, redemption, and conspiracy. We have seen the roots of ancient hatred, promise of redemption, and the ultimate unquestionable authority that is only reserved for God alone. These past weeks we have learned of Sarah’s faith and her desire for a son, and have seen God’s love and compassion in providing. We have seen the hard truth of mankind’s evil ways, we have seen man shake its fist at God and try to do what they wanted. Ultimately, we have seen God’s actions and intentions be in perfection unison without any fault or error. I want to quickly take us to three moments in this past season that will provide clues of what is coming up. First, let’s go to Genesis 9.

Here we see God give a commandment on how man should live. God’s creation of the nation state is established. God sets up the rule of law to be facilitated over all men. At its core, we see a constitutional governance system put in place. Be monarch, republic, or democratic, the rule of law was to be over the government and the people. The ethnic groups which would naturally facilitate the original states, would have at their core right and wrong and the law provided by God. Some will say Noah hide laws, but I am talking about something more, something rather remarkable. This will be referenced by Joseph in chapter 39. God’s law provided in chapter 9 is immediately refuted by mankind only a few years later when they rebel against what God had ordained and strive for their own will.

The next moment I want to discuss is Abraham’s choosing. It is here in chapter 12 that God sets the stage and puts on notice the physical and the spiritual world of what He is about to do. Out of this childless couple, Abraham and Sarah, God would make a specific nation to which all people would call blessed. We can trace this line to Jesus in Matthew and Luke. The Messiah was coming through these two. Personally, I wondered what the demons and fallen angels must have thought. Imagine late at night, Abraham’s servants all outside the tent, women rushing in and out. Suddenly, outside of the tent fear gripping the forces of darkness as they heard Isaac’s first cry and Sarah’s joy. I wonder if then they realized that out of a little baby, God could do remarkable things. Once again we see a foreshadowing in Genesis of future events. For those who recognize Jesus as the Messiah, we know that the night of His birth (Which I believe was on Feast of Tabernacles) was even more grand then Isaac’s birth.

Finally, we come to our last moment that I want to recap. Ironically, this is one many people fail to recognize and that is Rebekah. While she showed up at the end of the season, her introduction is a rather remarkable moment for us to remember that God has a plan for us. Listening to Eliezer she stepped out in faith and followed, falling in love with Isaac whom she had never met. God protected, guided, and established a love that would symbolize the Son of God and His bride the Church. Yet, this story is not done there. The lesson here is worth mentioning that this is in fact the catalyst of the season for us. God declaring that the forgotten, are not forgotten by Him. We saw this with Hagar and we will see it again with others like Tamar and many more. God is a God of redemption, and love and justice.

What a remarkable season this has been in the book of Genesis. Let’s not forget that we have more to go, but let’s take a moment and reflect on what we have learned so far.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Summer prayer fest:

Let’s ask the Lord to provide moments for us to reflect on His word. Summer is closing and yet our time with Him should not. This weeks Bible verse for the Summer Prayer Fest is.

Proverbs 22:17, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knoweldge.”

Re-Post Friday

Do you understand what it means to be free from sin? Read it HERE!

Examine the Unseen

I recently stumbled on a note from myself written many years ago. It read simply “Light Paradox” on the side of chapter one of Genesis. The Bible is my old Bible, in which the pages were falling apart and it frankly it needed to be replaced. However, when moving my notes over some time ago, I missed this one. Having a moment, I decided to dig a little and see just what this paradox was. What I found was incredible.

Let’s first start with the scripture.

Genesis 1:14-18“Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 “and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. [He made] the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that [it was] good.” Our solar system lights were made on the fourth day. Yes, that’s two days before mankind is made. A literal 48 hour time gap. Not billlions of years, nor millions, but rather 48 simple hours. Some might scoff at this and I am ok with that, for I know the truth of God’s Word and how marvelous in my sight it is.

The sunlight takes right at 499 to 506 seconds to get to the earth depending on where the earth is in its orbit. Now for those who have studied recent advancements in physics and especially from a creationist view, you know that the speed of light is actually slowing down. Nevertheless, at the moment due to the extreme closeness of the Sun (in relation to other stars to earth) the speed of light is to earth is within this range. To know more about the speed of light and its decrease click here.

Let’s continue, we know that God’s creation has a remarkable way of revealing Him in ways that the simplicity of man tends to not see. Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” We know that God will leave hidden treasure in His creation for us to find in order to understand Him more, Proverbs 25:2 “[It is] the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings [is] to search out a matter.” Thus I wanted to dig and see if there was anything else I was missing to this little study.

501 in Gematra is the word “Chief” this is fascinating because the Hebrew here describes a ruler over a set order of things or people, such as a group. This got me thinking, when the sun’s light comes across the solar system could it mean something? Could it be the Chief principle in something? My first thought is in the events of creation, and how God set the sun to be the Chief ruler. However, it got me wondering if there could be more. Then it hit me, many people like to make an argument for “Rosh” or “Chief” being for Russia in Ezekiel 38. However, others say, no this means “Head” “Chief” or “Leader.” I find it interesting as we see the alignment of nations coming about, the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 is getting closer, and this word which has had much debate is now aligning with the speed of light. Is it outside of God’s power to provide us a definition of a word that is set with an expiration date in creation so that we would not find it until the time of the prophecy unfolding? That sounds just like God who is all powerful, all knowing and all present. Is this a “case close” argument? No, but it does provide clues I think for those who are studying God’s Word at a deeper level. Could God be giving us a clue to the meaning of the word? And what does it mean with the light changing? Could this be just one way God is saying things are changing? Could this be God’s way of identifying the definition to those who are truly studying so as to help us see the times and seasons? I am curious to know your thoughts on this and what your Bible studies have brought about on this topic. Send us an email or comment on X and let us know. In the end, we need to be about God’s Word and being diligent to seek what He has for us to know.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Christian Behavior

We have very nearly finished our look into 1 Thessalonians. However, there is still more that can be understood about this short book. As we have discussed, Paul wrote this letter with the goal to encourage the readers. He also hit on topics of the responsibility of a missionary, understanding Who’s words Paul is speaking, understanding that we know who follows God by their behavior, and we need to stand firm with God. As we now look into the second to last chapter, we will see that Paul begins to discuss the Christian’s conduct.

“Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. 9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

We can see that Paul is beginning to write his closing remarks to the church in Thessalonica. And as he does, Paul moves from encouraging the reader to remain strong in their faith, to understanding how they should behave. Paul is now discussing the topic of sanctification, which the Greek word means to properly clean, or to make holy. Paul is now wishing to teach the readers what must be done for them to go deeper into their relationship with God.

The second half of verse three and verse four reminds the reader that we need to be abstaining from sexual immorality. Meaning sex outside of the design of God; before marriage, same sex relationships, and diverting from the sex that is determined at conception are just a few things that those who claim to follow Jesus need to be keeping themselves removed from. However, I thought the word “vessel” in verse four was an interesting choice of word for the context. If you look at the Greek word for “vessel” (G4632) you will see that there is a dual meaning. One meaning is a physical object that is being used, while the other meaning is a man’s wife. Under the context that “vessel” in verse four is referring to a wife, I couldn’t help but be reminded of 1 Timothy 3:4-5 which dictates that a man who wishes to serve as an elder needs to have control over his household. This is not to be used as a way to condone abuse, but as a reminder of the roles that a husband and wife play in relation to understanding Jesus’ role with the church. Jesus is the head of the church, and for us to have a physical representation of this, God has ordained that the husband is to be in charge of the wife and ensuring that she is being taught and led in a way that will bring glory to God in order for mankind to find sanctification. Those who follow Jesus should hold themselves apart from those who have given themselves over to their own sexual gratification and lust.

Paul then dictates that a Christian should not take advantage of their literal or spiritual brethren. Romans 12:18 commands believers to live peaceably, when possible, with those around them. We cannot show other’s God’s grace and mercy if we are acting decitfuly and brashly with those that we are called to love.

Verses seven and eight I would say are the key verses in these twelve verses. Verse seven is reminding the reader that we are not called to live in uncleanness, but in holiness. We are called to be sanctified. Verse eight then identifies that those who reject the traits mentioned throughout this book, are not rejecting man, but God Himself. This was a concept that Jesus Himself taught on, Matthew 12:31-32, “31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” In this section of scripture, we see that those to act against the Holy Spirit, against the idea of sanctification, commit an unforgivable sin. Paul is highlighting in verse eight that there are people who intentionally and willingly continue in their sin, disregarding the consequences.

Finally, Paul ends this section of chapter four with a reminder that he is not concerned about the church in Thessalonica showing their love for fellow Christians, this was a concept that Paul praised the church for in 1 Thessalonians 2. However, Paul is not wanting the church to simply continue in what they are doing; he is wanting them to excell even more. Paul is calling the believers to live their lives in peacefulness. He reminds them that in order to help the sanctification process, they need to attend their own business (I take this to mean not indulge in gossip) and work with their hands (a trait that Paul set an example of as seen in 1 Thessalonians 2); by doing so, they (and us) will behave properly toward those around us and be able to show those individuals what it means to follow Christ.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Study in Genesis

We now come to a rather remarkable and subtle clue of the church and Jesus Christ. Now let’s first understand what is happening. Sarah has died, Abraham is worried that Isaac needs a wife. The historical book of Jasher identifies that many of those Abraham had known were starting to die of old age. Personally, I believe this was God’s way of gently reminding Abraham of a responsibility he had to the next generation. Abraham needed to help guide his son to the right wife. While this is not a discussion on the roles and responsibilities of a father and mother to find spouses for their children, we at a bare minimum meant to be raising children in such a manner that they seek the Lord first and allow His will to guide them. Proverbs 16:1-3“The preparations of the heart [belong] to man, But the answer of the tongue [is] from the LORD. 2 All the ways of a man [are] pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. 3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.” It is no surprise that if you are seeking the Lord and earnestly having Him as the priority, that the Lord can easily bring a like minded individual of the opposite sex who is open to a date right along next to you, Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”

Back to our study!

Abraham recognizes the need to help Isaac and understands the issue of where they lived. Thus, Eliezer is dispatched to Abraham’s homeland. As we have already discussed in pervious posts regarding the faithfulness of Eliezer, we will continue on. Please read Genesis 24:49-67.

When I was very young and it was my first time reading this section of scripture, I did not catch the significance. However, after being revealed to me, I see the typology clear as day. The symbolism is clear. The Father of the Nations (Abraham) dispatches God’s help (Eliezer) to talk to those who are tied firmly and bound (Rebekah) to become the wife of the one laughs (Isaac). Let’s break this down even more. As we read in the text, Eliezer is telling of all the wonderful things God has done, he brings gifts and talks about the household that he represents. In much of the same manner, the Holy Spirit is doing the same thing now with those of us who have been saved. We have never met Jesus, we have never met God the Father, all we know is the Holy Spirit. As believers, our lives should be intertwined in God’s Word and a daily connection with the Holy Spirit. He gives gifts, He gives insights, He gives His all each and everyday to us.

Let’s stop for one second and thank the Holy Spirit for His presence in our life. No other time in human history has the Holy Spirit played such a vital and beautiful role as He is now. It was not until studying and preparing for this post that it “clicked” for me how much I should be thankful for the Holy Spirit. For the born again believer, God is with us right now being represented in the Holy Spirit, the Third part of the equal Trinity.

Ok, back to our study.

Rebekah has never met Isaac, all she has to go off of is Eliezer and the gifts he has brought. When her family says wait, she says no. She goes out in faith and follows the helper. This is a picture of the church and the world right now. We haven’t met Jesus yet, but the world tells us to wait, and we see the Holy Spirit asking us to trust and follow. Isaac is meditating when he sees the caravan coming, and it is here that the meeting happens. What a beautiful moment, what a remarkable moment, what an impactful moment. Why does this matter for you and I? For two reasons, first it reveals the journey that God would use the Jewish people for, second it reveals His character. God is a God who does not change, from the very beginning of this study we have seen God work His agenda and His character revealing actions throughout the book of Genesis. So next time you read about how Isaac and Rebekah got married, look at the symbolism and thank the Lord of this small declaration of the mighty love He has for you and I.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Summer Prayer Fest

Psalm 127:1-2 “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.”. As we begin the fall season, let us be in prayer that the Lord is in our work.

Re-Post Friday

Understanding the power of prayer! Read it HERE!