JL Thomasson 1/18/21 JL Thomasson 1/18/21

IN WHAT TIME ARE WE IN?

Join us for week three of our study on the current age that we are living in.

I am so excited to write today’s post!

It is of no surprise that for many, 2020 was discouraging. Looked at quickly one might mistakenly have thought that God had forgotten His Church this year or that the Tribulation had started. Nevertheless, that is why I am writing this series, to hopefully draw the reader to two things. First, understanding that they need Jesus Christ to save them, and second that we have not been forgotten and placed in the Tribulation. Our decisions need to be based on knowing what time we live in, that is why this series is titled the way it is.

Last week I asked you to read 1 Thessalonians 5 and Revelation 3:14-22. These two parts will help address the current issues Christians and so called Christians find themselves in.

Starting first with 1 Thessalonians 5.

We need to cut this chapter up into smaller bites. Remember, the Thessalonians were worried about those who were Christians who had died. Yet, Paul was comforting them, that is why we have chapter 4:13-18. But here in chapter 5, Paul is wanting to them to better understand what was being stated in the previous chapter. “1 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.”

We would know the times and seasons. While the Bible gives no sign of when the Rapture would happen, it gives plenty of signs of when the Tribulation would start. The “Times and Season” is key. If we study the Book of Revelation, which God commands us to and also blesses us when we do, we can see a description of the coming world. This world is starting to be reflected in what we see now. Thus, the “Times and Season” of the Tribulation is coming and if we know that the Tribulation is near, but we who are in the Church cannot be here for it, we can assume that the Rapture is near.

Yet, Paul continues to give signs in regards to the coming of the Tribulation.

“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.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3

The word “Escape” here is the Greek word “Ekpheugo” which comes from two Greek words meaning, “to be taken from one location to another location so as not to be a part of the former locations time.” In other words, Paul is saying here that those who are saying “Peace and Safety” will in fact not be part of the Rapture.

For those who believe that the Church is to go through the Tribulation, there is a Greek word for escaping which means “to go through and endure”. That word is “EKPHERO” which is not used by Paul here.

“But you!” What an incredible statement, but us who are saved, us who are the Church, us who are living in the times we are living in now! We are being called by Paul to have our attention on something else.

“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.”

Paul is calling us to understand the times we are living in and telling us what to do. We are not to be living in darkness. That means not living as the world is living. We are to be separate from what they are doing and keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ.

We need to break this down even further, in verse 8 Paul says something vitally important, “let us who are of the day” and then “putting on the breast plate of faith and love, and [as] a helmet the hope of salvation” must be reviewed. When Paul states, “let us who are of the day” he is saying that these instructions are for believers to do. He is not saying this is to be done by those who are not saved. But what is it that we as believers are to do? We are to put on the breast plate of faith and love. This might sound like a different breastplate than that of Ephesians 6, but that would be wrong. “For Abraham had faith which was accredited to him as righteousness, “Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” Genesis 15:6. You see, this breastplate is of righteousness, but that righteousness comes from faith in Jesus Christ and the love of Him bestowing on us His righteousness. Why is Paul saying to do this? He is wanting to remind the believer that you have faith that He has saved you from your sin, now have faith in Him with regards to the Rapture. Paul confirms this idea with a helmet of the hope of salvation. This doesn’t mean hope like “I hope it doesn’t rain today.” But rather the knowledge and assurance of His salvation to resurrect those who have fallen asleep (aka died) and those who are living now to all be caught up in the clouds and to live with Jesus Christ forever more.

You might be asking yourself why would God do this? Paul immediately goes into answering this.

“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 5:9

How marvelous and how awesome is the Lord Jesus to give us such a blessing of hope! It is why Titus 2:11-15 is so important for us who are alive right now to remember. When 2021 gets worse (which it will) we need to keep our eyes solely focused on what it should be, which is on Jesus Christ. Now the SO WHAT FACTOR needs to be addressed. We need to review the issue of what time are we living in and what are we to be doing. Paul immediately answers this as well.

“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

What an instruction from Paul! Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul thought this was so important for Christians to know that he charged them to make sure the letter was read to all believers. What does this mean? It means this might as well have been written to you and I right now from Paul! We need to take it seriously.

Nevertheless, we are not done! We need to now jump to Revelation 3:14-22 and see what Jesus Christ Himself is saying.

While today we are not studying the specific chapters of the Church age it should be noted that Jesus Christ had 7 letters sent out to John to go to seven different and unique churches. The churches were real churches all in that time. It was not until history would progress that we would realize that each church was a specific age representation of what would be happening for the most part in Churches around the world. While each Church type can be found at anytime in these chapters of history, the predominant amount of churches represented the churches signified in that timeframe. For instance many today (myself included) believe we are living in the chapter of Laodicea, this is the last stage of the of the Church age. Here we see that Jesus has severe warning to the Church.

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the originator of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:14-16

Many have taken these verses out of context, saying that if you are hot you are good and if you are cold you are bad. These people would say that these verses signify their closeness to God. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. What Jesus is saying here is that you are neither cold nor hot. Cold water can help refresh, while hot water can help strengthen and heal. Each temperature has its own uniqueness, especially in the ancient days. If you had water that was lukewarm you have water that is basically useless. That is why Jesus wished they were one or the other. Laodicea was known for having cold and hot water thus this proved to hit close at home. Like lukewarm water, they were useless to God.

Unfortunately, they did not even know it.

“17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 ‘I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, [that] the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 ‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.’” Revelation 3:17-19

He has described the 21st century church, Jesus is calling out to the mass majority (not all but most) to repent. However, Jesus takes the discussion to an even more stunning direction by indicating that the churches are not actually saved.

“20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

Here Jesus makes one statement with two ironic meanings. The first meaning is, Jesus is at the door of every person’s heart asking to come in. For those who accept Jesus as the Son of God and ask for forgiveness, He will come into their hearts. However, He is also giving a not so subtle hint to another promise. For us to know this promise, we need to understand what was said in Revelation 3:10 and Revelation 4:1. Jesus promises those who are His that they will not go through the Tribulation, it is why Revelation 3:10 states, “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Yes, this is once again another Rapture verse. Jesus is saying that the Church will not go through what is coming. However, we can also read of that happening in Revelation 4:1, “After these things I looked, and behold, a door [standing] open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard [was] like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” John was allowed to witness the Rapture happening and write about it. Jesus is standing at the door! But what door? There is a door in heaven which will be opened and Jesus Christ will shout out to those who are alive on the earth. You might be asking yourself, “How does this help me right now?” Well it proves Revelation 3:20. If we invite Jesus into our lives now, He will invite us to dine with Him later!

“20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

This is a promise to those alive today! Jesus is warning the so called church to wake up, receive His salvation, and seek His soon return. While we are waiting for Him to come for us, He encourages us to stay the course.

“21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Revelation 3:21-22

This just like Paul at the end of Thessalonians chapter 5, it is a bold declaration for those living in today’s world to listen up and recognize the times we are in so that we can get ready for His return. In order to do this, we have to be proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

While we are not yet done with this study, I could not wait for this post. How exciting is it knowing that our Lord and Savior could at any day take us home! But how exciting to see the Word of God coming to fruition right before our eyes! We are literally seeing the stage being set for the Tribulation. This shouldn’t scare the believer in Jesus, if we trust Him to save us from our sin then why are we not trusting Him to save us from what is to come? This does not mean we are to be saved outside of current tribulation and struggle, but rather we are to be saved from God’s seven years of wrath on the earth. We might be persecuted and we might be martyred for Christ, but let us continue to press forward for the faith! We need now more than ever as believers to meet with one another, in person, to encourage each other as the Bible says we must.

Next week we will be wrapping up our series as we look at the final aspects to which we need to understand for the times we are living in. We will see what has God commanded us to do, no matter what the world would say to do.

I hope this week’s post has been a blessing for you! If you are confused by anything that was said today, please do not hesitate to ask. We at Mill House Ministries are very much open to help walk any person through any post and/or other questions about Jesus Christ. If you do not know Him, I would implore you to know Him right now. For we do not know how much longer we have on this earth and cannot add a day, hour, or minute to our life. I do not want you to lose the chance of an eternal life with Jesus Christ.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming

JL Thomasson 1/15/21 JL Thomasson 1/15/21

RE-POST FRIDAY!

Join us as we take a look back on one of our previous posts and see what it means to be humble!

Come and see how Jesus Christ humbled Himself to the will of the Father and His reward! Click HERE!

JL Thomasson 1/13/21 JL Thomasson 1/13/21

WARNINGS (II)

Come see the first warning given in the book of Hebrews! This is a must for believers living in 2021 to know.

This week we begin our study on the “warnings” found in Hebrews. We discussed that the “warnings” were written to born-again believers and not to those who merely professed to be Christians. We know that the book of Hebrews was written to born-again Jewish Christians based on two scripture verses found in the book. “3 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.” Hebrews 3:1. When the author refers to the reader as “holy brothers and sisters” he is stating that the reader has accepted Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. “10 By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” Hebrews 10:10, the author is acknowledging that the reader and himself all share in act of sanctification through Jesus. As discussed last week, these warnings are not written to scare the believers, but instead to encourage them to hold fast to the Blessed Hope that is Jesus Christ. I encourage you to go back and read the introduction to this lesson if you have not already, click here.

Today we begin with the first of these “warnings” which can be found in Hebrews 2:1-4.

“2 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

The actual warning can be found in Hebrews 2:1, “2 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” First, I want to point out the use of the word “therefore”. The author of Hebrews is using this term to draw a conclusion from Hebrews Chapter 1. If you have not read this chapter, I encourage you to because Hebrews Chapter 1 shows how Jesus is greater than both prophets and angels.

During the time Hebrews was written, Christians were facing persecution from the Roman Empire and as such were tempted to return to Judaism. They were tempted to drift away from the faith. This is something that we have faced last year with the closing of churches and it is something that we will continue to face as we draw close to the end of the Church Age. We will face many hardships while here on earth and it will be tempting to slip into what the world deems as “okay”, it may seem that if we can only avoid persecution for a little while then we can come back and be a better Christian for it. And so the first “warning” is encouraging the believer to hold fast to the faith. This idea can be classified as a positive motivation, and the Bible is filled with these. “16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16, “The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?” While these verses are great and provide much hope, we tend to get so focused on the loving aspect of God that we forget that He is also the Judge of the world. We forget the God will not sit idly by and allow His children to rebel against Him. But the Bible is filled with many negative motivations as well. These negative motivations are designed to show what happens when you ignore God’s Word and act against it. There are many comparative verses in the Bible, verses that depict a positive motivation, to come to Christ, and then will show a negative motivation as well. Just look at Matthew 11:28-30 and Matthew 5:29-30. One set depicts that God’s burden is light and in Him we will find rest, while the other shows that if there is an aspect that causes you to sin you need to cut it off. Or again look at Galatians 5:16 and Galatians 6:7. One verse shows that if you walk by the Spirit than you will not fall into fleshly desires and the other verse shows that God is not oblivious to the doings of man and man will reap what they sow.

However, the warning here shows us that this is not the case. If we drift back into this world, we will drift away from Christ.

This idea of a positive and negative motivation is also found in the “warnings” in Hebrews. These “warnings” provide a clear example of what happens when we ignore what we have been taught and “drift away”. This is a reminder that is again found throughout scripture, look at 1 Corinthians 10. This chapter is dedicated to reminding the readers that many were under the cloud of fire that was God, many passed through the Red Sea, many were baptized and ate the spiritual food, and yet many found death in the wilderness because they disobeyed the Word of God. “6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.” 1 Corinthians 10:6

With the example of 1 Corinthians 10:6, we see that the individuals who fell in the desert did so because they desired evil things. They did not follow the Lord and began to drift away from what He desired. The danger of drifting from the faith is that we then allow sinful nature to take its course. When we drift from the faith we are neglecting our salvation. This does not mean that we lose our salvation, if that was the case then Moses, Aaron, and Peter all would have, but it does mean that if we drift from the faith we open ourselves up to the consequences our sinful desires led us to. “19This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable and one which enters within the veil,” Hebrews 6:19. When we neglect our salvation by not doing our Bible studies, spending time in prayer, or meeting with other believers we begin to drift away from the faith. The anchor of God’s Word does not move, we do. When we drift from Him, God will continue to speak to us and when needed He will chasten us.

Hebrews 2:2 references how the Word that was spoken through angels proved to be unalterable, with every violation and act of disobedience receiving a judgment. This is a reference back to the ordinances that were given to the people in Exodus 21. When you read through these, you see that for every action there was a reaction, often this was a physical punishment or even death. For example, “12 “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.” Exodus 21:12.

Hebrews 2:3-4 continues to states that “3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” In his book, Be Confident, Warren W. Wiersbe describes the consequence to drifting from the faith this way. “During the Old Testament days, people who did not heed the Word were sometimes punished. That Word was given through angels, so how much greater responsibility do we have today who have received the Word from the Son of God! In Hebrews 2:2, ‘transgression’ refers to sins of commission, while ‘disobedience’ suggests sins of omission.”

Many believers today believe that just because they are “under grace” that they will never be chastised by God. That is simply not true! When we neglect our faith by failing to study God’s Word, be in prayer, and spend time with other believers we are drifting from the faith. We do not know what God is saying because we are not listening to Him! We have received the Word from the Son of God and through apostolic miracles (Hebrews 2:4), we have been given the WHOLE of God’s Word, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” Luke 12:48b. We have the completed works of God but by not spending time with Him we neglect our faith and begin to drift. It is easy to get caught up in this world, especially when we are facing persecution. In these times we need to remember that our salvation was bought at a great price, it holds great promises and blessings. To neglect it only leads to chastisement and risks punishment in this world. Hal Lindsey once warned fellow believers, “You do not want to be taken to the Holy wood shed by God yet, when you are taken there because you will, repent and as quickly as possible get back where He wants you.” Remember this first Hebrews warning comes from the betterment of a Heavenly Father who knowingly has our best interests at heart. What we might think is right could actually be devastatingly wrong.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

JL Thomasson 1/11/21 JL Thomasson 1/11/21

IN WHAT TIME ARE WE IN?

Come join us for week two of our study on the current age that we are living in.

As we stated last week our desire is to have a better understanding of the age which we are currently living in, and what we as believers in Jesus Christ are to do.

It is vital that we understand what time frame we are living in, without such knowledge we are left speculating. Most Christians today will fall into three camps. The first group is clueless of the times we are living in and have decided to place their head in the sand. The second group believes we have entered the Tribulation and are preparing for the struggle against the Antichrist. The final group recognizes the lateness of the hour of the Church age and knows the Tribulation is coming, but is not yet here. I believe this third and final group is the Biblically sound group. You might have noticed that I did not say the most popular group. Indeed this third group is ridiculed, harassed, and verbally abused by the first two as well as the world for their holding to scriptural integrity.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must look at scripture to see what we are to do in the days, times, and seasons we live in. 1 Thessalonians 4 helps highlight this. Verse 1, “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.” The word “exhort” here is the Greek word Parakaleo, which means “to call to or for”. The word actually comes from combining two Greek words, Para which means “to be beside or together”, while the second word is Kaleo means “to call and invite them in as a guest”. Paul, through action, is representing to us what we should be doing. He is charging us, commissioning us, and bestowing a responsibility upon us to follow in the instructions that have been given.

What are these instructions? Verses 2-12, “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.” Paul is wanting us to live a life according to the commandments that have been given. He wants us to live Godly lives, without turmoil with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Many people have misinterpreted verses 10-11 and believe that it means that Christians need to live in peace with the outside world. However, if we as believers are living in peace with the outside world than we have a huge problem. Jesus Christ said Himself that if you are of Him you would be hated by the World, John 15:18-25.

By now you might be asking, “Why do we need to know this?” Or, “What does this have to do with the time we are living in?” The significance of this is that Paul is describing to Timothy and fellow believers what they ought to be doing. No where do you see Paul describe preparation in dealing with the Antichrist or the False Prophet, but rather Paul prepares the reader to deal with issues within the Church itself. This is vital for us to understand as we look at 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, we will understand Paul’s reasoning for writing to them about living holy lives rather than fighting off the Antichrist. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul brings about one of the most precious portions of scripture for those of us who are alive today. “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.” What an encouragement! What exciting news we have! One day be it dead or alive, we who are believers in Jesus Christ will be a part of the Rapture! You might be wondering where the word RAPTURE is found. You would have to read a Latin Bible to find the actual word in scripture, in English we translate the word into “being caught up”.
Now why is this important for us to know? Paul wants the believers to know that the Rapture has not yet happened, he wants them to know that they are to encourage one another with these words and live according to verses 2-12. At the current time of me writing this post, the Rapture has not happened and we are still living during the Church Age. If that is still true by the time you read this than you should not be prepping to fight the Antichrist, but rather seeking to live peaceful lives with our fellow brothers and sisters and proclaim the Good News of Christ to anyone who is willing to listen.

This in no way signifies that we are going to live in peaceful days with no tribulation. Our Lord Jesus warned us of tribulation in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” While on the island of Patmos, John was instructed by Jesus Christ, through His revelation, to write down guidance to those who are living in the end times. The times that we are currently living in and the times to come. Yet, before we can understand Jesus Christ’s instruction to us given in the Book of Revelation, we need to understand the foundation of which the revelation is structured. Revelation Chapter 1, describes the power and importance of Jesus Christ. However, we are interested in analyzing verse 19. “Therefore write the things which you have seen. And the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.” This verse outlines what the entire book is written in. First, John is describing what he had seen in verses 1-18, than he writes the letters that he is instructed to write to the Churches. This is where we are now, and after the letters John writes about what will happen. Just like in any book, if you start reading halfway through you are destined to assume something that is inherently wrong because you do not have all the information.

Nevertheless, we are not done. In 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4, Paul has shown us that we are to live for Christ with holiness. He tells us to expect the rapture, he tells us to exhort one another, and to continue the pursuance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For us to understand this guidance in our current age within the Book of Revelation, we had to understand the outline that it was written in. We can now go deeper in His Word and see what else we can understand during our present age. Revelation chapter 1 has so much more to offer those who are willing to study it. REMEMBER the Book of Revelation is the only book that the reader is told they will receive a blessing for reading.

For next week please read 1 Thessalonians 5 and Revelation 3:14-22. Our study is only beginning, this series is designed to be done in accordance with the homework as well as consecutively. Remember, a painting is made with many brush strokes, and a Bible series will likewise take hours of study and meditation on the Word of God for us to understand what Jesus is wanting to teach us.

While we might be seeing the Tribulation starting to take shape, it has not yet started. Imagine being on the Super bowl field. You see the crowds start to take their seats, you see the lights turning on, and you see the teams stretching. But has the game started? Of course not! Not until kick off, not until the whistle is blown and the football is launched to the other side. In the same way the Tribulation has not started yet, we are still here and that means we need to know the season we live in so that we can act accordingly.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming

JL Thomasson 1/8/21 JL Thomasson 1/8/21

RE-POST FRIDAY!

A much needed reminder that God has faced the same trials and tribulations we are facing. Lean on Him above all else!

This RE-POST FRIDAY is a much needed reminder that though we face tribulations, our God has faced them as well and conquered them! Lean on Him in everything we do! Click HERE

JL Thomasson 1/6/21 JL Thomasson 1/6/21

WARNINGS

An introduction into the warnings found in the book of Hebrews!

There was a time in the distant past when believers were tempted to go back into Judaism in order to escape persecution. Judaism was a recognized religion under Roman law, but Christianity was not. Due to the persecution the budding church faced, some believed that they could avoid this persecution by going back to Judaism for a time and then after the persecution was over they would return to Jesus Christ. To help encourage these second-generation believers, those who had come to know Christ after He had been crucified and rose again, the Book of Hebrews was written. This book is filled with multiple reasons for the believer to hold strong to the faith, including showing that Jesus Christ is greater than the angels (Hebrews 1:6), greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:3), He is our High Priest (Hebrews 5:6), and His sacrifice is sufficient (Hebrews 10:10). However, the Book of Hebrews is not just filled with encouraging verses to the believer to remind them of how great our God is. In fact, there are a few verses that can be described as “warnings” to the believer. It is these “warnings” that we will be studying in the next few weeks.

Among other things, the Book of Hebrews is a book of evaluation. At the time it was written, it encouraged those Jewish Christians to examine Judaism and Christianity. When comparing the actions of Jesus Christ against the legalistic Judaism, the Jewish Christians saw that what Jesus Christ offered was better and His promises were eternal and gave us a perfect standing before God. Other sacrifices, obeying the law, or the Levitical priesthood cannot offer this perfect standing, it cannot offer a once and for all redemption. Today, we face a similar choice. Do we continue to hold to Jesus Christ and His eternal promises? Or do we slip into what the world offers, which only promises eternal death? If we are not continuing to grow in the Lord by being in His Word daily, we forget His teachings and will begin to slide backwards. This is not saying we lose our salvation, but you cannot stand still in your faith. You must be moving forward. This is why the “warning” passages were written.

First, I want to clarify something, these so-called “warnings” are not exactly warnings at all. Instead they are an exhortation or encouragement to trust God and listen to His Word. “22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.” Hebrews 13:22. These warnings encourage us to trust God and show the spiritual consequences that will happen if we do not.

The warnings were not written to scare the believers, instead they were written to remind the believer that we have encouragement in Jesus Christ. “18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us.” Hebrews 6:18. Nor were they written as an indicator of genuine belief. These warnings were written to born-again believers, not “professors” of the faith. If they were written to unsaved individuals then the warnings would have not meaning because these people were already not listening to God. Therefore, the warnings were not written to make you believe that you could lose your salvation. This would go against what is taught numerous times throughout the Bible. “13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13, “28 and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”” John 10:28-30, and again in Romans 8:37-39, “37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Over the next couple of weeks we will go through these “warnings”, to see that we have encouragement in Jesus Christ and to hold fast to Him and the eternal promises that He has given those who believe in Him.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

JL Thomasson 1/4/21 JL Thomasson 1/4/21

IN WHAT TIME ARE WE IN?

We need to know what season of time we are in! Do you know?

New Year and a New series!

Today I wanted to draw your attention to a critical issue to which 2021 will cause Christians to confront. This critical issue can be illustrated in one question.

“In what time are we in?”

This is a surprisingly difficult question to answer if you do not have a solid foundation in the Bible. Without such a foundation, you might be tempted to believe what some so called pastors are saying, or even what the media is saying. If you listened to the world, you would be led astray from what the Word of God has to say. This is why we need to be like the Christians in Berea, “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examine the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11. 2020 shocked the Christian world by revealing how few in the Church are actually studying the Word of God. Many Bible scholars claimed the church had entered into the seven years of Tribulation. Others claimed the seal judgements had been opened early. Many of these scholars are the same ones who have claimed that the Kingdom needed to come prior to Jesus Christ coming back. They drift like leaves in the wind with their theories and personal agenda’s. Some prophesied that Christ gave them revelation, which ironically matched up with the headlines from the day prior and as the news changed, so did what God “told” them. Needless to say, 2020 was the year the Church was shown to not be Spiritually ready for what is coming. It was one reason why Mill House Ministries was started. We wanted to help believers as in Titus 2:11-15.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds. 15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you.”

As we see 2021 beginning, I believe it will bring about more speculation that we are in the Tribulation and dread by those who are not solid in their Biblical knowledge. Let me be crystal clear, I am not saying that we are not close. The Rapture (which we will be discussing) is imminent, but the signs of the Tribulation are right at our door. Yet, as we start into a new year I find the all too familiar sense we need to understand the time we are in vs the time we are not in. This will drastically change our decision making process by knowing where we are in human history and where we stand with Jesus Christ. Our study is founded in two different passages which I will ask you to read over the next few weeks. Our first part will be 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 and Revelation chapter 1. I believe I am being called to go even deeper with those who are willing, and thus will be assigning reading material in preparation for what we will be discussing in the coming weeks.

As we go through our passages, take time and see what God might be attempting to teach you. I wanted to keep this week shorter because of the depth we are going into next. Nevertheless, I do not want to leave you empty handed. If there was anything I could tell you immediately about 2021 it is from the words of Peter in 1 Peter 5:6-9, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world.”
Remember, no matter where you are in the world, no matter the current issues or struggles, we have a God who is ever-present and able to help us. He is present, but so is the enemy, wishing to attack and make us stumble. So as we move into 2021, keep what Peter says in mind, humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, allow Him to exalt us in His timing, and cast all anxiety onto Him who can handle it. We do this BECAUSE GOD CARES FOR US! So let us get the dust off of our Bibles and get ready for one exciting year.
If you haven’t yet done so, feel free to subscribe to Mill House Ministries. It is not only free, but unlocks a whole bunch of extra content to help you stay connected and get more out of what we are trying to do here with the Ministry. I will end on this, during this next week while you are reading 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 and Revelation chapter 1, I would encourage you to also pray that the Lord will show you what you need to see and I would ask you to pray for us here at Mill House Ministries.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL Thomasson 1/1/21 JL Thomasson 1/1/21

RE-POST FRIDAY!

Join with us as we see how we can have unity in Christ.

Join with us as we look back and see how we can have unity in Christ. Click HERE!

JL Thomasson 12/30/20 JL Thomasson 12/30/20

A New Year, A New You

Come and see how to make yourself new this year!

In just a couple days 2020 will be over and 2021 will be here. This is typically the timeframe we see many individuals beginning to talk about a new diet they are going on, a new job, or a new something. New Years are always an exciting time, many begin to make plans for weddings, for new babies, for new trips, and new opportunities. However, there is one way for an individual to make themselves a new person that does not rest on a new year. “17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

You see when we accept the free gift of salvation that Jesus Christ offers to every person, we become new creations. It is why there are so many stories out there of alcoholics, drug addicts, and those who struggle with being constantly angry who have accepted Christ and now those old traits are gone. It does not mean that they may not struggle with the temptation of it, after all we all still have a sin nature, but they are able to put aside the temptation and focus on Christ’s redeeming power.

So how are we a new creation? When we accept Christ and allow Him to work in our lives He gives us a new heart and a new spirit. “26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26. As unbelievers, we have a heart of stone. We are unable to recognize our sinful nature and the need to have a savior. It is only after we are convicted and broken down that we begin to see that there must be someone who is bigger than what is going on around us. It is here that God begins His work at chipping away at the stone. This is one of the key aspects of the Holy Spirit, “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment,” John 16:8. When we come to see Him and recognize Him as our Lord and Savior, that heart of stone is replaced by a heart of flesh.

When we no longer have a heart of stone but one of flesh then we can see God’s Word more clearly, which is when the Holy Spirit is able to work in us. As we study, the Holy Spirit opens God’s Word to us so that we are able to better understand and grow. We begin to see how powerful our God is and how much He loves us, that He would send His son to die for you and I. Through the Holy Spirit, God is able to inscribe His Word into our hearts. “33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33

This thought is again echoed in Hebrews. 8:10, “For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel After those days, declares the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, And write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Here however, we see an additional remark. “I will put My laws into their minds” We not only receive a new heart, but also a new mind. The thoughts and desires we had that separated us from God before, are no longer at the forefront of our minds. Instead, we begin to focus more on what God has done for us and how He has already conquered this world. “12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12. Because the Word of God is living, the more we study it, the more our thoughts are less of this world. What we were before being saved, in our life of sin is no longer the same, in Christ we are a new creation. That creation like a child must learn to crawl, walk, and run; many would know this as Sanctification.

So as we move forward and celebrate Christmas and New Year, take into account what God has done for you and see if you are able to call yourself “Born Again.” No time is better than the present to ask God to come into your life. He can take all the pain and suffering from not only 2020 but every year prior and coming. He can be for you the comforter and the restorer to something better, something that only He can do.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

JL Thomasson 12/28/20 JL Thomasson 12/28/20

2021

What you need to know about this coming year!

As a child I always hated the week in between Christmas and New Years. The Holiday season was coming to a close and the dreaded day of returning to school had almost arrived. I loved the holidays, I loved the merriment in the air but when December 26th would hit, what I was dreading for weeks was starting to peak its ugly head.

Today many around the world might be thinking this as well, Christmas is over and a new year is coming. 2020 beat us, imprisoned us, and changed our world forever. With 2021 some are optimistic, others are pessimistic, yet 2021 is coming nevertheless.

As a Christian I know what the Bible says, and I can lean on Him for comfort with the upcoming year. “As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the Lord is refined; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 18:30. So whatever comes out of 2021 I can stand firm in knowing that God’s Word is sufficient for our needs. I can know that wherever 2021 takes the believer, we can be assured that we will be in the Lord’s capable hands, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there.” Psalm 139:7-8. We can rest assured that whatever could happen in 2021 will be overmatched by God’s goodness, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loving kindness is everlasting,” Psalm 136:1.

This coming year, Mill House Ministries wants to develop and commit ourselves to you the readers even more. We want to help you seek the Lord in these three ways as we grow together. He is our Comfort, He is Present, and He is Good. These are three key issues we saw people forget about during 2020.

This coming year, we look forward to what the Lord will be doing around the world, and individually in our own lives. Unlike years before as a child, I now eagerly look to the future. Not as a optimist but as a realist knowing, “looking for the Blessed Hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” Titus 2:13. Mill House Ministries wants you to know that we will be standing with you in 2021 even more! This coming year we are expanding our reach, ministry materials, and bringing new content to which will hopefully help “exhort and reprove” us all as we see the day slowly coming closer.

What we ask of you, the reader, are three important things. First, to seek the Lord with all your Heart, with all your Soul, and with all Your Mind. Keep Him as the first part of your day and the last, keep Him in every part in between, and seek Him in all things you do.

Secondly, we would ask fervently for your prayers. As the Ministry grows, so do the demands. We ask for you to help us grow in the Lord ourselves, but also with how to best answer the call God has placed on our hearts to minister to the faithful believers in this late hour.

Finally, we would ask you to use the material wisely. We pray that Mill House Ministries is never an annoyance for you, but rather a tool eagerly accessible for you to utilize in your daily walk and personal ministries as well. If you are ever in need of prayer, guidance, and or anything in between please do not hesitate to ask us.

Two unique ministry tools that are coming in January. The first will be an email subscription, (FREE) which we will send periodic study materials and other unique aspects from behind the scenes here at Mill House Ministries.

Our second unique ministry tool is the transition of the Weekly Prophecy update into a Monthly one. We quickly realized many readers are in need of guidance and education as to what Bible prophecy is about. We want to help go deeper and teach/train you to be able to see the developments as they come about. To be part of this monthly group you will need to subscribe.

Mill House Ministries is also working to produce new material’s which will be revealed in the coming months.

Finally, I want to end this year with giving you hope! While the world is apparently getting darker, for us who are believers this is our cue. It is our time to shine, as the world gets darker, we get brighter, as they get uglier, we love more. We are God’s light onto the World and it is our honor to shine for Him. As the signs of the times increase, we need to understand where we are, step up to the plate, and be bolder for Christ. The stakes are high and the opposition is tough, but in God all things are possible. This isn't the time to sit and be silent, but to dig deep in the Word and be ready for God to direct you to your calling. The music has turned on and its game day! There has been no generation before that has seen the things that are coming and has had the high honor to do the things God has called us to do. It is time for the believers to be actively seeking the truth and declaring the Gospel to anyone who will listen. Jesus Christ saves! Jesus Christ reigns! And Jesus Christ is coming for those who are His.

Happy New Year!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL Thomasson 12/25/20 JL Thomasson 12/25/20

RE-POST FRIDAY!

A look back to see how we can love those who disagree with us.

See how we can love even those who disagree with us because Christ first loved us. Click HERE!

JL Thomasson 12/23/20 JL Thomasson 12/23/20

A Christmas Talk

A simple talk on why Christmas had to be done the way it was.

We have all heard the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, we have seen the children movies depicting it, and I am sure a fair number of us have the nativity scene in our house during this time of year. So we know the story of how our Lord and Savior came to be born, but do we know the reason for it? Why did the Savior of the world need to be born of a virgin?

The answer to this actually starts in Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise Him on the heel.” This is the first prophetic message that a Messiah would come. Anyone with a basic understanding of human anatomy understands that women do not have seed. So why does God tell Adam, Eve, and Satan that He will put enmity between the seed of Eve and Satan and not the seed of Adam and Satan?

When Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge they set off a ripple effect that caused consequences for not only the whole earth, but also of human kind (Genesis Chapter 3). While Adam and Eve were judged immediately for their act of disobedience, we as descendants of them are dealing with the consequences as well. While womankind have their own consequences, that is not an aspect that we will look into today. Today I want to look at the repercussions that we all face because of Adam eating from the tree.

Adam was designed as the head of the human race, it would be through him that life would start. So when Adam sinned, every member of the human race sinned as well. Romans 5:12-13 explains this, “12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.” As a result of Adam’s sin, we are all born with a sin nature; it is the actions, thoughts, and feelings that we have that go against God. It is why no one teaches children to lie, we are all born with the tendencies to go against God. It is more natural for us to sin than it is for us to not sin. This sin nature will ultimately result in a physical death and permanent separation from God, “17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man,” Romans 5:17a. The actions of Adam lead to all being found guilty.

Now that we understand how we all have sinned, we can begin to understand the plan of salvation that God was already putting in place. By using the language “your seed and her seed” God is already stating that the one who would destroy Satan would be born of a virgin. He could have no human father because that would mean that the sin nature that we are all born with would be passed on to him as well. The only way around this would be for God to be the father and the savior would be born of a virgin.

This is why in Genesis 3:15, God is already showing how He will be merciful. “He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise Him on the heel.” Depicts how Jesus would be nailed to the cross and have His heel bruised, but in doing so Jesus will crush Satan. Jesus committed no sin throughout His life, even up to His death Jesus committed no sin as was noted by Pilate ”4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” Luke 23:4. But when Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later, He crushed the power that sin had over man and completed Adam’s role as the head of the human race. “18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 15:18-21. Jesus became the Second Adam and through accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, God adds His righteousness to us. Christ’s righteousness is the only thing that can fix the sins of the world. So as we sit down to celebrate the birth of our Savior, remember the reason for Him to have been born of a virgin. So that He who knew no sin could save the world.

Seek the truth and encourage one another

Alex

JL Thomasson 12/21/20 JL Thomasson 12/21/20

FLIPPING THE CHRISTMAS SCRIPT (2)

Come see a subtle, but monumental Christmas lesson that many in the Church have never heard!

Last week we saw a fundamental character of God wanting to raise the forgotten. If you are wanting to know more about that I would encourage you to go back to our previous post and catch up with us. Nevertheless, we now come to our next passage of scripture within the Christmas story were we are able to see how God flips the script, but this time on the grand scale.

“And Mary said:

‘My soul exalts the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant;

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One has done great things for me;

And holy is His name.

And His mercy is to generation after generation

Toward those who fear Him.

He has done mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

And sent the rich away empty-handed.

He has given help to His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

Just as He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his descendants forever.’”

Luke 1:46-55.

At first it would seem like just a wonderful prayer of thanksgiving, however, when you look closer you will find out that this is much more than just a prayer. It is a declaration of the gentiles. However, before we get to discussing this, we need to see the next part of how the script is flipped in the Christmas story.

It is finally Zachariah’s turn to exalt the coming arrival of Jesus Christ.

“Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.

59 And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zechariah, after his father. 60 And yet his mother responded and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. 63 And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed. 64 And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began speaking in praise of God. 65 And fear came on all those who lived around them; and all these matters were being talked about in the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.” Luke 1:57-66.

Zachariah is finally given his chance to publicly recognize the Lord’s arrival. His lack of faith caused him to miss out in the beginning, yet God in His amazing love was not about to let Zachariah be forgotten.

However, we now come to a point in our story to where we need to pause and compare the two statements made. First by Mary, and second by Zachariah. Both equal in importance, but both point to a wonderful plot twist that God is about to do.

The Bible is clear that God is not done with Israel, it is unfortunate that many people have fallen for the Kingdom Now Theology and Replacement Theology which both have no scriptural or doctrinal foundation. In 2021 we will tackle this discussion, but for now look at Malachi 3:6. If God does not change, then He has promises to Israel that must be held. If He does not hold to those promises to the Nation of Israel, than what does that mean about you and I? We know that God has a special place in His heart for Israel, but Israel as a nation rejected His first coming. Much like Zachariah, they did not have faith in what was about to happen. So the gospel is turned to the gentiles. The book of Acts is a wonderful story for those who might want to see the transition and focus regarding the gentile world. However, God foreknew this would happen and proclaimed it with the first person to believe and proclaim the coming of the Messiah. Let’s look at Mary’s thanksgiving.

“My soul exalts the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant;

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.”

All generations will call her blessed! All generations, this is not just Israel but the entire world. Now in contrast lets look at the opening of Zachariah’s declaration.

“67 And his father Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

And has raised up a horn of salvation for us

In the house of His servant David” Luke 1:67-69.

Do you see the difference? Zachariah has immediately brought the dialogue to point to a relationship between God and Israel, while Mary has directed it towards God and the World. First to the Jew, and second to the gentile. I am immediately reminded by Jesus Christ’s words in Matthew 20:16 “He who is first shall be last.” How ironic that the news of the coming Christ is first given to the priest who offers up incense before the Lord in His temple, someone who could not represent the nation of Israel any better, and yet his faith is so little that he does not believe what is about to happen. While Mary, who is an unknown at this point, believes immediately and is able to declare God’s coming salvation.

Let us continue, Mary states the following which shows more of the relationship God has with the World.

“49

For the Mighty One has done great things for me;

And holy is His name.

And His mercy is to generation after generation

Toward those who fear Him.

He has done mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

And sent the rich away empty-handed.” Luke 1:49-53.

Mary is pointing to the dynamic of the Lord in how He intercedes into the affairs of the World. Just look at what Daniel says about this, “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.” Daniel 2:21. God is a very active God, do not let anyone try to convince you otherwise. However, we are not done there. Now we get to review Zachariah’s declaration and see God’s unique relationship with Israel.

“70

Just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient times—

Salvation from our enemies,

And from the hand of all who hate us;

To show mercy to our fathers,

And to remember His holy covenant,

The oath which He swore to our father Abraham,

To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,

Would serve Him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

And you, child, also will be called the prophet of the Most High;

For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;

To give His people the knowledge of salvation

By the forgiveness of their sins,

Because of the tender mercy of our God,

With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us.” Luke 1:70-78.

We can clearly see God’s unique relationship that He has with His people. Even though time and time again they have forsaken the way God, in His amazing grace, mercy, and love, has established them to Him. They are saved the same as the gentiles, through faith in Jesus Christ, but they have a special purpose. This purpose can be simplified into two parts. They are there to give the world a focus point on our salvation, but also to be a display nationally of God’s character towards us individually. As a gentile, I know that Christ will keep His promises to me because He is keeping His promises to them. To better understand this significance we must study Eschatology which we will be significantly studying coming up in 2021.

Back to how God has flipped the Christmas script, we see that Zachariah reveals that God had been working with Israel in the past, “Remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father.” He also points to God working with Israel in the present, “To give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins,” and Zachariah shows how God is going to work in the future with Israel, “To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.” God is in no way done with Israel. However, due to their unbelief, much like Zachariah, they have been placed on hold while others get to portray the wonderful news of God. Will they still have their chance OF COURSE! However, for the gentile it is our time to shine and tell the world, like Mary did, of the greatness of our God.

However, this does not mean we as gentiles have anything higher than that of the Jews, for even Mary ends reflecting back to Israel.

“He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers to Abraham and his descendants forever.” Luke 1:54-55.

Mary gives honor back to her people, the Jewish nation, and their distinct relationship with God. Yet, when we look at Zachariah we see how he ends his declaration in like manner going back towards the gentiles.

“To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79.

The term, “those who sit in darkness” is a great identifying remark regarding the gentiles. Most gentiles, when they first heard the gospel did not even know that they needed a Savior. This does not mean that there were not saved gentiles, but rather the majority of the gentile world were clueless until Jesus Christ’s first appearance. Isaiah prophesied about this in Isaiah 49:6,

“I will also make you a light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Mary and Zachariah are both reflecting honor to the other group, this shows two vitally important things. First, it shows that both groups, no matter who you are, need a savior. That savior is Jesus Christ and it is why Christmas is so important because it celebrates our Savior’s birth and His coming sacrifice for us. Second, it reveals God’s character of wanting to bring those who until that time were forgotten (gentiles) and brings them into a special relationship with Him, while also reminding the world of a coming day in which the Jewish nation will once again be brought to the forefront of human history. This is needed to bring forth God’s final purpose with the nation of Israel.

So remember as we spend time this Christmas season, that God cares for the broken hearted. He humbles the proud and remembers the forgotten. He would bring this into action with how He would be born, humbly becoming a baby in a manger. He would remember the forgotten and bless them by allowing the shepherds to behold the new born King. This time of year reminds us of the majestic God we have. He, being born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, and willingly gave up His life for you and I. Three days later He was resurrected and is now sitting on the right hand of God as our salvation. This Christmas, we would call you to accept that free gift of salvation and see what a magnificent and loving God has done for you.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming!

JL Thomasson 12/18/20 JL Thomasson 12/18/20

RE-POST FRIDAY!

A look back on how we can find joy in suffering and to put our trust in Christ through hard times.

Today we look back at how we can find joy in our suffering and to lean on Christ through it. Click HERE

JL Thomasson 12/16/20 JL Thomasson 12/16/20

More Than A Christmas Title

Come see the all but missed Christmas title of the coming King!

We have all heard the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, especially during this time of year. And while there is no doubt that it is miraculous, Christians often times forget that the prophecies of Jesus Christ coming can be found in the Old Testament. Once such occurrence can be found in Isaiah 9:6. “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Here we see four titles that would be bestowed upon the coming Christ, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Today I want to examine what these titles mean.

The word “wonderful” has a different meaning today than it did before. Today’s meaning is something that is extremely good, but the original meaning is something that is full of wonder, hard to understand, and incomprehensible. So how does the word “wonderful” describe Jesus Christ? For that answer we need to examine His actions. The first action that is wonderful is His virgin birth, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” Matthew 1:23. No other individual was born this way and no other will be, this action alone should fill us with wonder that the incomprehensible act of a virgin giving birth has actually happened. Then there are Jesus Christ’s many healings, “23 Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23. As seen throughout the Bible, many of these healings happened to individuals who were past the point of the medicine at the time being able to help.

Consider the example found in Luke 5:17-20, “17 One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus was able to heal this man not only of his paralysis, but also of his sins all because the man had the faith that Jesus was able to do this.

Another aspect of how Jesus is wonderful is in his perfect life. “15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. Jesus is the only one who has been able to hold to the standard that God has set before all of us. We have all fallen short of this standard, but Jesus was able to complete it even while facing the same temptations that we face today. He not only faced the same issues, but it is because of this that He is able to sympathize with us when we fail. This leads us to the next aspect of how He is wonderful, and that is through His teachings. “17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17. From the moment He began to preach, Jesus preached repentance and that turning to God was the only way to receive salvation. This went against many of what was being taught then that you needed to have works to be saved, you needed to follow the Mosaic Law which we have seen in previous posts that no one can follow this law except for God Himself. For a refresher on this topic, please click here.

Finally, Jesus is wonderful in His resurrection. “16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.” John 20:16-20. Jesus was crucified and had died, this action caused God’s plan of salvation to be in place. All those who believed that Jesus died for their sins, rose again, and is currently reigning will have salvation. There is no other religion that places salvation on the actions of another and not on works that the individual must do. This alone should show how Jesus received the description of being wonderful.

Now we must examine the title “counselor”. Again modern day has drifted from the original meaning, today a counselor is someone that you would seek out if you need help, the original meaning is that of “wise king”. The word counselor is again used in Isaiah 28:29, “This also comes from the Lord of armies, Who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great.” So to be a counselor one must be wise. But what does it mean to have wisdom? One great example of an earthly king who had wisdom would be King Solomon, “7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ” 1 Kings 3:7-10. We see that Solomon asks the Lord to grant him wisdom so that he would have a discerning heart. This is something that we should all be asking of the Lord, however, Jesus was already granted a discerning heart. “25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” John 2:25. He does not need any of us to testify on our own or others behalf because He knows what is in each of our hearts, if we have a heart that follows and seeks after Him or not. In Jesus Christ alone there is wisdom, “3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. Proverbs 15:11 tells us that God is able to see anywhere, “Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD, how much more the hearts of men!”

The next title that would be given to the coming Christ is that of Mighty God. Consider the actions and characteristics just briefly mentioned above, is there any other who could lay claim to these? These actions and characteristics show that we have a mighty God, no other can heal the sick, free us from sin, or seek out the heart of the individual. As if that is not enough, consider Jesus Christ’s authority. “22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” Mark 1:22 Jesus was teaching not as someone who was simply reading the scripture such as the scribes, but as someone who had intimate knowledge of what it meant.

Jesus not only taught with authority, but He also gave authority to His disciples. “19 Behold, I have given you authority to walk on snakes and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” Luke 10:19-20 those who belong to Jesus Christ have authority over those who wish to claim this world. It is why Christians need to study spiritual warfare because it is an ongoing battle and when we are not aware of what we have been given through the Armor of God, then we are not an effective warrior to Jesus Christ.

The third title that is given is that of Eternal Father. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all eternal. Nothing came before them and they were not created, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 But what does this title mean directly for Jesus Christ? In John 6:51, Jesus Christ describes Himself this way, “51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” Jesus is the living bread who offers eternal life to those who believe in Him. He is the beginning and the end, “8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8.

The last title that is given in Isaiah 9:6 is that of Prince of Peace. We have seen in many posts that the peace that Jesus offers is not the same as the world. In the world we will find no true peace, only through Christ. “27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27. This peace is found through Jesus Christ’s wonderful actions that allow us to be rectified to God. “8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, “5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 5:1.

Not only does Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, allow us to be rectified to God the Father, but to also have a relationship with God the Holy Spirit which guides us and teaches us. “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. These are the results of having the Holy Spirit, we enact this relationship with others around us due to the Holy Spirit. Finally, the wonderful thing about the peace that Jesus offers is that it cannot be removed from us. “27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28.

Finally, I want to back track a little and look at not just the titles that are given to our Lord and savior but to see something that Christians tend to forget today. “And the government will rest on His shoulders” Isaiah 9:6 There are many governments right now that are in chaos. From the United States to Israel there is no perfect government however, God is sovereign and knows what is truly going on. Remember what we said earlier, every man’s heart is open before the Lord thus He knows and is aware of what nations are doing. This passage here reminds us that this is all a part of God’s plan because all the governments of the world belong to Him. “for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:28. There is no man on earth who can act against what God wishes to be done. “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” Daniel 2:21. Those in power today are there because it is God’s will. This does not mean that we need to sit idly by, but understand that power and authority is given by God alone. The enemy has no control over the timeline that God has put in place.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

JL Thomasson 12/14/20 JL Thomasson 12/14/20

FLIPPING THE CHRISTMAS SCRIPT

Come see the first Christmas tradition of God flipping the script on its head!

One of the most unique characteristics of God is His desire to take those who are forgotten and lift them up. Taking what the world views as unimportant and making it the center piece to His plan. The story of Christmas is one of those unique moments where we are able to see how God “flipped the script” on the social traditions of the day by prioritizing and highlighting an underlining theme which can be found throughout the entire Bible, which is that God loves the forgotten and lost. 1 Corinthians 1:17, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” In fact the book of Luke opens with such an amazing lesson of God’s character.

Today we are going to look at how God silenced the strong and brought forth the forgotten.

During the days Herod, King of Judea, when Caesar Augustus would soon call for census of the Roman Empire, a priest by the name of Zachariah was performing his duties at the temple in Jerusalem when he was confronted by Gabriel, the angel. It had been almost 400 years since the Prophet Malachi, and many of the Jews believed God had forgotten His people. Yet, just like in the Old Testament a familiar character shows up and we find that God is about to do something wondrous.

“In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zachariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7 And yet they had no child, because Elizabeth was infertile, and they were both advanced in years.” Luke 1:5-7.

Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth were both believers, “both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.” This did not mean that they were perfect, but rather they believed in the coming Jesus Christ and what He would do on the cross for their sins. Much like us today who are living AFTER Jesus has performed the ultimate sacrifice and resurrection. We are saved by FAITH, but that does not mean we cannot be used by God in certain ways. Zachariah was saved but he doubted the message of Gabriel who was sent by God.

“Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

21 And meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple, and he repeatedly made signs to them, and remained speechless. 23 When the days of his priestly service were concluded, he went back home.

24 Now after these days his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among people.”

Luke 1:8-25.

Zachariah was a priest, and yet he didn't believe what Gabriel had told him. Because of his lack of faith he was silenced, he would not be able to tell the world the greatest news ever told. The priests, the individuals who should have known the time was coming of the Messiah and making the world ready for His arrival, were silenced. So what does God do? He flips the script, He uses others who would believe His angelic messenger to proclaim the good news of what is to come.

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and was pondering what kind of greeting this was. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, even your relative Elizabeth herself has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called infertile is now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 39 Now at this time Mary set out and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:26-40.

At first you might be thinking, “Mary questioned Gabriel also” but her question wasn’t a question of doubt but rather confirmation of how this was going to happen. As believers we need to understand the difference. When God is working in our lives we have the capacity, through prayer, to ask God how He is going to do it. Asking not in doubt, but rather in curiosity of how He will do something is alright as long as we are still willing servants. Marry confirms this by saying, “May it be done to me according to your word.” God has decided to take a woman who was betrothed and use her as a witness to proclaim the good news of what God was going to do. While she would be blessed to be known as the mother of Jesus Christ, we forget to recognize that Marry is the first person to tell the world of what was going to happen. What an honor and privilege!

Yet, God is not done!

During this timeframe and society, a women was considered to be a second class citizen. For those women who had not had a child, they were even further looked upon with shame. Elizebeth confirms this by stating, “Now after these days his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 ‘This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among people.”” Luke 1:24-25.

It can only be speculation, but the fact that Elizabeth secluded herself for six months indicates she was possibly afraid of losing the unborn child. This might be a clue to the couple being distraught with miscarriages.

Yet, God decided to upturn the whole system. When Elizebeth hears Mary’s greeting she is immediately filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaims the good news. At this point, the news of the coming Messiah has been proclaimed by only two humans on the planet and both are not only women, but women who have never had children. They would have been looked at even by other women in that society as lower. Yet, what does Elizebeth say?

“Now at this time Mary set out and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” Luke 1:39-44.

Elizebeth is the first person to bless the Lord on earth as a baby, even if unborn. What an honor Elizebeth is given! What an incredible testimony from God showing how His plan of redemption is for anyone who is willing to accept Him. However, God is not done here, we see that He has planned to flip the script for when it comes to the entire world! Where the proud stood, God will bring up the humble into a place of honor. Not a replacement, but rather a grafting of a wild branch! Next week we will see just how God has used the story of Jesus’s arrival as a way of testifying to the greatness He is about ready to do!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL Thomasson 12/11/20 JL Thomasson 12/11/20

RE-POST FRIDAY

A look back at a question to God, “How long are we to endure?”

A look back on our post regarding a question to God, "How long are we to endure?” Click HERE

JL Thomasson 12/9/20 JL Thomasson 12/9/20

A WORKING GOD

Come see who has never quit on us!

The holiday season is in full swing. Thanksgiving has past and Christmas and New Years are just around the corner. Often times the holiday season is a unique time, we are hustling about trying to get things done but at the same time slowing down and reflecting on the past year. Amidst all of this, there is one aspect that does not change, God is still at work today as He has been throughout the last year and will be throughout all the years to come.

Today I want to take a look at John 5:1-17,

“5 After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem, by the Sheep Gate, there is a pool which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3 In these porticoes lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, limping, or paralyzed. 5 Now a man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus, upon seeing this man lying there and knowing that he had already been in that condition for a long time, said to him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.

Now it was a Sabbath on that day. 10 So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is a Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” 11 But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick it up and walk’?” 13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place. 14 Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” 15 The man went away, and informed the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on a Sabbath. 17 But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”

In this passage we find Jesus passing by a pool on the way to Jerusalem. This pool had an angel that would periodically come and stir the waters, healing the first who entered into the pool (John 5:4). As Jesus was passing He sees a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years, Jesus asks the man if he would like to be healed (John 5:6) to which the man replies “ Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming another steps down before me.” John 5:7. Jesus then simply tells the man to stand up and pick up his bedroll (John 5:8). This statement by Jesus ultimately leads the Jews to begin to plot on how to kill Jesus, not only because He healed on the Sabbath, a day when no works were permitted, but also Jesus put Himself equal with God. When Jesus was confronted by the Jews, He states my favorite verse in this passage, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working” John 5:17.

In today’s world it is so easy to forget that we have a God who is indeed working for us. We have become accustomed to instant gratification so we feel that if we do not immediately receive an answer that God is not at work. This could not be farther from the truth. Jesus’s statement of “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working” John 5:17 is as relevant now as it was then. God is at work today. While it may not be in ways that we can see at this moment, God is with us and is in control of the situation. This world has tried to push Him out and it may seem that the ruler of this world is winning, but Satan most definitely is not. “I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.” Isaiah 45:7 The God who creates light and darkness, who gives times of peace as well as times of uncertainty has not been pushed aside. He is very much active and has not lost control of this world.

For those who take the Bible seriously and know that there is a coming time of tribulation, there is something that you must understand. This world will not determine when the tribulation occurs. There is only one who can create that timeline and that is God. No amount of scheming can hurry it up. “17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17. God was here before all things were created, He is what holds all things together. Satan may try to win over this world, as he did when he tempted Jesus, “8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9. Jesus knew that the only one who is worthy of praise and worship is God, who was at that moment putting His plan in place for the salvation of the world.

We must understand today, that in our moments of reflection, when we feel that God is not answering us that sometimes the silence in itself is an answer. God is at work today and we must keep this thought in mind. I encourage you to go back and look at our post on Moses at the Red Sea, this post shows again how God will work in unexpected ways, we simply need to have faith and lean on Him. If you wish to read this post, click here.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

JL Thomasson 12/7/20 JL Thomasson 12/7/20

Identifying Your Holiday Listener

During the Holidays we need to be ready to identify what type of person is listening to us!

While the holidays are a time of merriment and celebration, it is also a remarkable time for Christians to share the gospel with those who any other time of year may not hear it. This season of time is one where people reflect a little more on life and will be more willing to accept an invitation to hear the gospel. Jesus was often referred to as Rabbi which means teacher, He took the time to sit with others and share how they can be reconciled with God. In His teachings, Jesus revealed the four different groups of people. These four groups Christians today should know and be able to recognize. Unfortunately, today there is much confusion regarding these four groups and how to accurately identify the significance behind each.

The lesson starts in Mark 4 verse 1-9.

“Again He began to teach by the sea. And such a very large crowd gathered to Him that He got into a boat on the sea and sat down; and the whole crowd was by the sea on the land. 2 And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching, 3 “Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; 4 as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 8 Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much.” 9 And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Here we have four groups and each group is unique in how they receive the gospel. It is ironic that Jesus has significantly left out those who have never heard the Word of God. Unfortunately many believers today have taken the approach that those who have not heard the Word are automatically doomed to hell for their unbelief. Nevertheless, we know that the Word of God and God’s character is sufficient. Proverbs 24:12 describes that God will weigh the hearts of those who have not heard, “If you say, "See, we did not know this," Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work.” Jonah is told by God that He recognized the city of Nineveh as having 120,000 people who did not know the difference between their right and left hand as well as the many animals, “Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?” Jonah 4:11. King David’s son who died as a baby is recognized by David himself as being in Heaven. In 2 Samuel 12:23, David explains that he will one day go to where his baby who had just passed away is. The greatness of God is to show mercy where He wills to show mercy. Nevertheless, that does not minimize the duty of believers to share the gospel! On the contrary, the scripture is very clear that we are to share the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone!

To those that we are able to share the gospel with, we are capable of seeing only four options for them. Jesus gives greater details into these four groups which as we previously stated should be studied so that we can recognize and address them accordingly. Going back to the book of Mark chapter 4 we continue at verse 13 through 20.

“And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 And in a similar way these are the ones sown with seed on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17 and yet they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately they fall away. 18 And others are the ones sown with seed among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And those are the ones sown with seed on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much.” Four groups yet for three of them the outcome of unbelief is the same.”

As we dig deeper we can see that these 3 groups are also significant in their development. With the first group, satan snatches the gospel from them. These are the people that are identified as willing to listen to what satan has to say, this group immediately rejects the gospel. These people will most likely persecute and cause affliction to the second group which is the group that at first rejoices at the gospel but then fall away when times get tough.

Many Christians today have mistakenly identified this second group as born again believers who fall away from the faith and lose their salvation. However that couldn’t be further from the truth. We know from the book of James that faith will develop fruit, “What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless?” James 2:14-20. Jesus confirms this with identifying the branches that are not in Him, "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” John 15:6.

The third group mentioned in the parable has decided that the enjoyments of the sinful world are worth more to them than Jesus Christ. Sadly, you can identify what type of pastor you have teaching at the pulpit based off of how many of the third group are here. The more the congregation is based and wanting to live in the world within the world, the more those in the third group will feel right at home.

Now as believers we need to be able to identify these three groups for the purpose of being able to separate the final group. Group four is ironically the same group to which all who are believers in Jesus Christ fall into. While it might have taken you years and many many times hearing the Word, finally you have joined your belonged group. As we share the gospel we need to quickly be ready to identify those who are willing to accept and who have good soil. This good soil is metaphorically speaking, for in Christ we are all a new creation and His sacrifice is big enough to sanctify whomever from whatever their past is. God’s open invitation is best described by Himself, “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.” Revelation 3:20-22. This group is what Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 tells us to baptize and disciple. We are to identify those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ, and help them learn and grow.

So as the holidays kick off and Christmas approaches, remember that we are called to share the gospel but take heed to who is listening so that you can identify those who have good soil. Additionally, if you do not know where you and God stand right now, this is the perfect time to accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and believe in Him. Email us and we would be happy to help you understand the eternal decision we make when we are saved by Christ.

If you are questioning who it is, don’t worry, ask God to identify the person to you and watch Him work! Let us be of our Father’s work so that when the day comes and we are called home, we can be found doing His good work.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL Thomasson 12/4/20 JL Thomasson 12/4/20

RE-POST FRIDAY!

A look back on how we can have joy!

For today’s RE-POST FRIDAY we continue looking back on how we can live with joy! Click HERE

Part I

Mill House Ministries