A Precious Gem Part V

We are continuing to make our way through the different gems that are mentioned in scripture. Today, we are going to continue to look at the first place in scripture that truly lists the different gems, and that is Exodus 28, which depicts the garments of the priests of Israel, and we are going to finish the first row of gems described. The gems that we are going to be looking at today are the topaz and emerald gems.

Unlike with the ruby gemstone, there is no argument about if what we recognize today as the topaz gemstone is the one depicted in scripture, common topaz in its natural state is colorless, although trace element impurities can make it pale blue or golden-brown to yellow-orange. Like all the other gemstones, topaz was highly prized, and it is thought to represent beauty, value, and divine favor. It is mentioned in Job 28:19 in a lament for wisdom, in Ezekiel 28:13 symbolizing beauty and splendor, and in Revelation 21:20.

The final gem that is mentioned in the first row of the priest’s breastplate is the emerald. When looking at what this stone is, the Hebrew word for it comes from H1299, which means to “lighten-cast forth”. Based on the green color, emerald is often associated with renewal and restoration. The verse that I believe shows this is actually found in Revelation 21. In this passage, we see the new heaven and earth. God is creating something new just as He established something new with the priests in Exodus 28.

Now does this mean for us today? God would not have provided this much specificity if not for a reason. This is why we must study, examine, and evaluate every single word found in God’s Word. By doing this, we will find the riches and insight that God wants us to understand. Coming up next, we will continue in the study and recognize the meanings of the different stones.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

We now enter a time in the book of Genesis that an ancient conflict has its roots in. We now come to the issue that was created due to Abram and Sarai’s weakness. This is not a salvation issue, but rather a failure to have faith in the promise of God. The result would be catastrophic!

Genesis 16:1-4 “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no [children.] And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing [children.] Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. 3 Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. 4 So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes.”

Instead of listening to the Lord and holding fast to that promise, they decided to “orchestrate” God’s plan. They didnt want to wait anymore, so they went with their own idea hoping to jump start God’s idea. How often do we do this in our own lives? When we do, we not only hurt ourselves but we can also hurt others. In the case of Abram and Sarai, they did just that. Hagar is the victim in all of this. And yet, God reveals His love and mercy to her. When Sarai grows angry and Abram fails to be a strong leader we see God having to step in.

Genesis 16:5-10 “Then Sarai said to Abram, “My wrong [be] upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The LORD judge between you and me.” 6 So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid [is] in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence. 7 Now the Angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” 9 The Angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” 10 Then the Angel of the LORD said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.”

Now right here, people fail to recognize something that God is doing. He is keeping His promise, not to just Abram, but also to Hagar. We see promises being made and God providing the sign of that promise. God promises a son to Hagar.

Genesis 16:11 “And the Angel of the LORD said to her: “Behold, you [are] with child, And you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has heard your affliction.”

Now this next scene, many fail to recognize the magnitude of what this would have on today’s geopolitics and the issues and arguments that proceed from this one prophetic observation from the Lord. God is not blessing Ishmael, but rather identifying how he would act. Ishmael and his descendants would be a group of people that fight all others, and are always seeking a way to subvert the promise of God that comes from Isaac. God made Hagar’s son have everything that God promised to her. But it was never intended to replace the promise that would come from Sarai.

Genesis 16:12-16 “He shall be a wild man; His hand [shall be] against every man, And every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” 13 Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, [it is] between Kadesh and Bered. 15 So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram [was] eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.”

Now what does this mean to you and I? It is very simple. First, we can route through the genealogy to Jesus, we can examine that God’s promises are perfect and unfaltering and that He means what He says. It also means that there is a promise for the descendants of Ishmael. Let’s not forget that God is a God of more than just Israel, but of the nations as well. Through Israel we gain salvation and Immanuel. And yet, God has orchestrated through other nations the rise and fall of many who would help orchestrate the agenda of what He would have done. Let us be vigilant in keeping on watch to be instruments of His will.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

How can we understand God’s veiw on infinite? Read it HERE!

A Precious Gem Part IV

In this study on the meaning behind the gemstones mentioned in Scripture, there are two big sections that need to be discussed, as I believe that they hold important meaning. These two scriptures are Exodus 28:17-21 and Revelation 21:19-21. Both of these verses describe a list of the different gemstones, and I believe that the meaning behind the stones, as well as the order in which they are listed, can give us deeper insight into God’s word. Especially since the gems found in Exodus correlate with the twelve tribes, but not all these stones are mentioned in Revelation 21. In fact, there are a few new stones included in Revelation.

Today, we are discussing the ruby stone, and it is probably the one that gave me the biggest headache in this study, but it proved one thing: we must take scripture down to its root word to understand the meaning. Why do I say this? When you look at the root word for ruby found in Exodus 28, you will find that it is not the same root word as in Proverbs 31:10, even though some translations identify them as the same stone.

“17 And you shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald;”

Exodus 28:17

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

Proverbs 31:10

If you were to just look at these two verses, you would think that they are talking about the same stone, but that is not the case. The root word for ruby in Exodus 28:17 comes from H119 and is identified as “to show blood (in the {face}) that is flush or turn rosy:-be (dyed) made red; ruddy”. While the ruby in Proverbs comes from the root word H6443, which is “probably a pearl (as round)”. This is why we must look behind the meanings of words; if we don’t, we end up missing things. This is not to say that there are mistakes in God’s word, it simply means that we must be focused on the Scripture and look at the meaning behind the words so we get a clearer picture.

Now, to discuss the meaning behind the ruby, also identified as a sardius, gemstone. Based on its color, the sardius stone is often connected to imagery of blood, and because of this, it is often associated with sacrifice, redemption, and divine love. With these themes, it is only fitting that it would appear on the High Priest’s breastplate and signifies the role of mediation between God and His people, which comes from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.. It is also mentioned in Revelation 4:3, which represents the splendor and holiness of God and the fulfillment of His promises.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Today, we continue in chapter 15 of Genesis and we have a valuable moment in the workings of Christ and the foreshadowing of a principle with salvation and with Israel. Abram and God are making a covenant together and we see something rather outside of our modern day understanding.

Genesis 15:8-21 “And he said, “Lord GOD, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” 9 So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11 And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror [and] great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land [that is] not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 “And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 “Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 “But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet complete.” 17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. 18 On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates-- 19 “the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 “the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 “the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

In the time of Abram when a covenant was made, there was a certain ceremonial aspect to represent the seriousness of the promise that was being placed. They would take specific animals, such as mentioned in verse nine, and they would kill them and cut them down the middle. Then both parties would walk through them. This would signify that if one side didn’t keep their promise, this would happen to them. When God tells Abram to bring the animals we see that in verse 10, Abram immediately starts cutting them up for the ceremony. This was common practice for mankind to do, and yet this had never been done by God with man.

Many people would skip past verse 11 and go right to the next part. However, if it is in the Bible we need to take it seriously. Now many might try to dig deeper into this then what is being said, and I might not have caught a deeper meaning which is more symbolic or prolific to what is being said here, but I believe there are two points that verse 11 identifies. First, that God will use us as He sees fit. Abram was tasked to chase birds away, so he did what was commanded. Second, vultures is commonly identified as bad, Abram’s seed would deal with the bad. Let us not lose sight on the bigger picture, but we should not skip the simplicity that is God’s Word at times.

In verse twelve, we see a sleep come over Abram, this is not natural but supernatural. God is identifying to Abram that this covenant cannot be done through Abram, but God Himself only. God further identifies that Abram’s descendants will live in land not of their own for four hundred years. We can identify their exodus from Egypt captured in the book of Moses commonly known as the book of Exodus.

Now we see something rather remarkable that the world does not recognize. God’s ability to give the land He created to whomever He chooses. From the Nile to the Euphrates is Israel’s land. Look at the small scrap of land that they are fighting over! God has given so much more and yet, due to unbelief, they are currently cursed to struggle and have strife until they come corporately and full fill Matthew 23:37-39 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under [her] wings, but you were not willing! 38 “See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 “for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed [is] He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ ” While some call this advance Bible study, God intended to connect salvation to this very cause of Israel. Through Israel, and the land, salvation would come. We can take God’s Word seriously due to what He has done for the Jewish people. Nevertheless, we have wolves in sheep’s clothing tearing down institutions that once stood strong for the cause of Jesus’ blood kinsmen as we are commanded. Let us once again be about that work.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Prayer is never ending, read the message HERE!

A Busy Time

Over the next few weeks, the end of the year is going to ramp up. Soon the crisp fall air with have the sting of winter, Thanksgiving will give way to Christmas, which in turn will give way to a brand new year. It is easy during this time to let things get pushed to the side. Today, I want to encourage our readers to remember that we do not and should not do this. While things will get crazy and there is much uncertainty ahead, we need to remember the following.

First, prioritize your time with God. If that means getting up early to start your day with a Bible study then do so. If it means that when your mind is restless thinking of all that was or wasn’t accomplished during the day, read His word before bed. When you prioritize Him, you will be amazed to find how much energy, peace, and how much more you are able to get done,

Second, don’t let relationships fall to the side. In the midst of all the holiday ahead, we need to remember that we are apart of the body of Christ. This means that we must check in on those who are quiet during this time of year. Make sure that those who are facing new challenges know that they are remembered and are being prayed for.

Third, rest in God. The last few months of the year are hectic, but there is no better time then now to lean on Him. God knows our days and know what is in store for us. All we need to do is rest in the knowledge that He has it under control and continue to do the work that He has us doing.

So as we enter this busy time of year, I hope that you keep these thoughts in mind. Pray for those around you, pray for your church leadership, those in governmental roles, family, friends, those who have not accepted God’s free gift of salvation. Keep these staff at Millhouse Ministries in prayer as we pray for all our readers.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Let’s set the record straight once and for all! The land of Israel belongs to one group of people, the Jewish people. Clear and simple. For those who believe it is someone else’s, they are denying verse seven of Genesis 15.

“Then He said to him, “I [am] the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.”

The word inherit is the Hebrew word, YARAS which means “to seize and take possession off, and to establish an heir.” God gave them that land for Abram and a particular bloodline through Isaac and Jacob. It is critical we understand this blood lineage and how it comes about. It is through the three that the Jewish people come about. Not any other way, the promises are to them and no one else. For those who claim it is not, they deny the sovereign will and control of God over all that He has created. He alone can give a piece of land, He alone can define the decrees and measurements that bring about what we know.

For the unbeliever this might be hard to understand or even laughable, however for the believer this should be a comforting thing to know that God is in control and when He says something He means it. For if He does away with His promises to Israel and the land, for their actions, what does that mean about you? For King David was promised an heir to sit on the throne, which the Angel Gabriel identified would be Jesus Christ. This has not happened. But if the Jews have failed to live up to God, and He has moved onto a new group of people, what says that Jesus will not do that to you and I? I thank the Lord that He is a God who takes His own word seriously for I am but a whisp in the air to His all knowing, all powerful, and all present self.

This is why God is not done with Israel, this is why the land is no one’s but the Jews and this is why there must be a seven year tribulation where they identify Jesus as the Son of God and their King and Messiah. For those who disagree, they can take it up with Jesus who says in, Malachi 3:6 “For I [am] the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” We can take this very verse and place our names in it; He does not change, therefore, those who are His and fail to uphold what God is doing in our life are not consumed. Next week we will jump into this very theme and see how Abram asked God for a sign and how God had to make the covenant through His own authority and power due to man’s lack of ability to do so.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

A look back at our study in 1 John! Read it HERE!

A Precious Gem Part III

Today we continue our study in the meanings behind the different gemstones mentioned throughout Scripture. As mentioned last week, there are many discussions behind the meaning of the stones, which is why for the purpose of our study we are looking at the different scripture verses that a stone is mentioned to distinguish its meaning. Today, we will be discussing the onyx stone.

The first thing that I want to point out here, that the onyx mentioned in scripture is not the onyx stone that you and I may be envisioning. Today, when you think of an onyx stone, you would most likely think of a dark, black, shiny stone. However, when you look at the Hebrew word used in Genesis 2:12, the first mention of onyx found, you see that it comes from the word shoham which means “to blanch”. Many scholars today actually believe that the onyx stone described in scripture is similar to looking at the flesh of you finger through your fingernail.

Why does the color matter? I believe that it is due, Exodus 28.

9 “Then you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:”

Exodus 28:9

This is the third time that onyx is mentioned, the second being in Exodus 25, but this is the first time that we have a designated use for it. This stone is one that the Jews were instructed to carve the names of the different tribes on, which we then see the completion in Exodus 29:12.

“12 And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders as a memorial.”

The high priest is meant to place these engraved stones upon his shoulders as a memorial. Based on its placement, there is the belief that the onyx stone represents strength and endurance. The high priest carried the tribes names upon his shoulders reminding God of his covenant with them while also reminding the Jews that the covenant between them and God is not carried by them but by God’s sustaining power.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Exciting News!

We at Mill House Ministries are always dedicated to sharing God’s truth and proclaiming the soon return of Jesus Christ. Our primary mission is to bring Bible discussion and encouragement to the believer and to the unsaved, the good news of Jesus Christ. We recognize that many people do not read blogs, and we want to reach that audience as well. Starting soon, we will have the Last Vigil, a podcast sponsored by Mill House Ministries dedicated to reaching those who would rather listen than read. What we ask of you all is the following. Keep us in prayer as we finish the logistics of the podcast. Secondly, tell as many people who would rather listen than read! We are so excited to bring the gospel message through the Last Vigil!

Details coming shortly.

Now, with that said, I wanted to bring to light why the Last Vigil is coming about.

Matthew 24:45-51 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Here we see a scenario very much applicable to today. Those who claim to be believers and those who are believers. True believers will be about the Lord’s Work, even the thief on the cross in his short believing lifespan was, in fact, declaring truths that we today are still hearing. In Matthew 24, we see two individuals, the first is the sensible servant. We at Mill House Ministries want to be this servant. We want Him to return and find us doing a good job. For us, there is nothing greater than following our Lord Jesus Christ. This makes Mill House Ministries’ mission very simple. We see in today’s world many so-called believers stating almost verbatim the following: “My master won’t be back for a while.” The signs are too clear; we are living in the last days. Jesus Christ is coming for His Church soon, and we need to be about the work He has given us. This is why the Last Vigil is coming about. This is why Mill House Ministries will continue our weekly blogs and doing whatever it takes to bring God the glory and to herald the King’s soon return. We welcome your prayers and ask that you take a moment to read God’s Word and see what a loving Savior you can have. If you are saved, dig into His word and see how faithful and rich this adventure He is bringing you and I on really is.

From Mill House Ministries Staff!

A Precious Gem Part II

Today, we begin our study on the different gems found in scripture. In preparing for this study, I have found that there are many people who have looked into it. And I have also found that not everyone agrees on the meaning behind the different gems. So for the purpose of this study, we are going to be doing what every person who follows Jesus Christ should be doing, seeing what scripture says. This means that we will be comparing not only what scholars say is the meaning behind the gems, but also looking at the verses that describe these gems and seeing what we can learn. Often, the answer is simple if you only look to what scripture says. This is because, “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. When the Bible says “all scripture” it truly means “all scripture” even ones that seem to go off one rabbit trails. I fully believe that in studying the meaning behind the gems, we will be able to see more of our Heavenly Father. So with that, let us dive into the first gem: sapphire!

The first mention of this stone is in Exodus 24, and ironically was the first that made me first look into the meanings of the stones. “9 Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, 10 and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. 11 Yet He did not reach out with His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel; and they saw God, and they ate and drank.” Exodus 24:9-11. Based on this description, we can determine that the sapphire mentioned here is what we would think of today- a bright blue stone that matches the color of the sky.

However, when you look at the original Hebrew word for sapphire, you get, “properly to score with a mark as a tally or record, that is to inscribe and also to enumerate; intensively to recount, that is to celebrate and declare”. So already we can see that this gem has a meaning to it, which is used to record. This is ironic when you consider what had occurred from Exodus chapter 20 to chapter 23- the chapters where Moses is tasked by God to record the ten commandments, ordinances, and the sundry laws.

But what does it mean that Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu saw underneath God’s feet a pavement of sapphire? This is where I believe that we can find the meaning behind the gem. We have already seen that this gem is associated with recording, but the fact that these men saw it underneath the feet of God shows God’s authority over the law. Which is why I believe that using sapphire is a symbol of beauty, authority, and promise. God’s word is truly multifaceted and needs to be continually examined!

Seek the truth and encourage on another,

Alex

Pray for the Hostages!

The Bible is very clear on the Christian’s role in praying for the peace of Jerusalem and our eternal support for the Jewish people. However, due to the unprecedented times we live in and the historical events that are proceeding right before our eyes, we thought it would be important for us to remember that we need to be praying for not only the hostages, but their families and post-rescue. These brave souls have been in a hell for two years, the perpetrators being the vile Hamas terrorists who will one day have justice bestowed on them by God through His own power or through His own design and human hands. We as believers need to be praying that these hostages find their true Messiah and come back to Jesus Christ. Pray for the Israeli people and seek ways to share the gospel with not only the Israeli’s, but also those in the Gaza Strip. Now is not the time for Christians to be silent, but dutifully praying for them and sharing the gospel when possible.

As for other believers who are in Replacement Theology and flirting or outright propagating antisemitism in the Church, they must be confronted and lovingly shown the Biblical truth. If they refuse to listen, treat them as an outsider. If they are Church leadership, move away and do not tithe to such a Church.

This might sound harsh, but God is clear on this subject, and we cannot afford to be on the sidelines. We need to be about His work as good servants of our loving Heavenly Father. Come follow us on our Genesis study to understand the granular details on why Israel is such an important part of our Christian faith and Christian dedication to Christ.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Which of these spiritual habits do you need to improve on? Find out HERE!

A Precious Gem

At Millhouse Ministries, we often encourage our readers to look deeper into God’s word to find the hidden gems that He has placed there. Proverbs 25:2 is often our most quoted scripture in regard to this: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” Well, today, I am here to share with you my most recent “gem” to find, and ironically enough, it is a physical gem.

All throughout scripture, we see different gemstones being mentioned.

“17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 18 the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 19 the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.”

Exodus 28:17-20

19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Revelation 21:19-21

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 3:13-15

These are just a few verses that reference gemstones found in scripture. At this point, you may be wondering why I am bringing this up. Well, what if I told you that each gemstone has a meaning behind it, and through this meaning, we can grow to understand more of God’s attributes?

At this point, I want to put out a word of caution. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be looking into what the Bile says about these gemstones. However, this is not the same as crystal healing. There is nothing found in scripture that holds to the theory that gemstones hold mystical/healing/protection attributes. Instead, what we will be doing is examining what scripture verses state in regards to gemstones and see that we can learn more about God when we take His word seriously.

When we take into consideration the care that God put forth when allowing infallible man to transcribe His word, we can begin to understand that even the simplest things that seem to just be thrown in there can, in fact, have incredible meaning. This is why over the next couple of weeks, we will be looking into what the Bible says about these precious stones.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Today, we start Genesis chapter 15, and we see something rather marvelous and critical for us to understand. We see a promise of a future salvation, and that promise comprises the very salvation that we have today. We today have faith that Jesus Christ’s actions were enough for us, that we are saved purely because of what He did on the cross. Abram does the same thing, but with future respect. He is promised that a savior would come. He is promised it would come through his very own lineage.

Genesis 15:1-6 “Some time later, the LORD spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” 2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” 4 Then the LORD said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” 5 Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” 6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

Let’s break it down!

God initiates the relationship. Let not this little thing slip past you. God is the one who initiates, not us. We can do nothing, whereas He can do all and is the only one who can initiate our salvation. God promises a blessing and to protect him. There are those who might see this in a physical sense only but fail to recognize that God is talking to Abram in the eternal spiritual realm. Chapter 14 already revealed that Abram was a capable warrior and able to protect himself and his family; however, God was going to provide more than just physical protection but the eternal security that only He can provide. Abram needed a savior and knew this; God was promising to protect him and save him. We see the sign of such a promise through his lineage. I find it interesting that God takes Abram outside to help him understand the magnitude of such a promise. Abram would be the father of the Jews and other people groups. Yet, Abram, through the lineage of Jesus Christ, is the father of us who are saved. The stars are this count. But what makes this even more incredible is that this is when Abram places his faith in God in the redemptive power. Abram was already listening to God, he was already following God, in fact, he was already being a Godly man in his actions with his family and even those he did not like. Abram was a good man, but to God this was nothing. God counts Abram righteous when Abram believes Him about protecting him. What an incredible moment of showing salvation is not by works, but by placing your faith in Jesus Christ. Nothing has changed in the Old Testament and the New Testament; only Jesus Christ can save you. As we continue in the book, we will see more eternal promises made by God to us. Let us rejoice and know He is pure and unchanging in how He deals with you and I.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

A look back on our study into 1 John. Read it HERE!

Politics and Responsibility

There is a misconception that plagues Christians today, and it is one that prevents Christian values from being more prevalent in our world today. This misconception is that Christians have no place in politics, but this cannot be further from the truth. In fact, there is a passage of scripture that shows that Christians need to be involved in the day-to-day aspects of not only their individual lives but also as a nation as a whole.

“13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will.16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26 They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.”

Exodus 18:13-26

In this passage, we see that Moses alone had been handling the disputes of a nation. His father-in-law pointed out that this would not only wear Moses out but also those who are waiting for judgments for their disputes. So what is the advice that Moses receives? To be the representative of the people to God, but to select men who are wise (and show the qualities required for a pastor/elder described in the New Testament) who can handle the smaller disputes. In doing so, the burden on Moses would be lighter because others would share in it.

So, how does this relate to Christians being involved in politics? This passage of scripture outlines the roles of God’s chosen people in how a dispute should be handled, and there is nothing causing more disputes than politics. In this scripture, we see that individuals are to bring their disputes to an elected person who would know God’s word and be able to judge accordingly. How many of our issues today would be solved if we had lawmakers standing for what Scripture says? We also see that when a dispute is something outside the realm of what the elected individual is capable of discerning, then it would be brought to Moses, who would represent the people to God and receive the judgment. How many of our issues today would be solved if pastors stood at the pulpit without shying away from the difficult topics? We as believers need to stand up and acknowledge that we have a role to play in politics; we cannot sit idle and allow those who do not follow Jesus Christ to continue to deny what God has given us.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Wake Up Church

I have tried several ways to write this post, and I keep sending it back to the shredder. However, I believe upfront honesty is best. The last several weeks have been difficult due to the violence we have seen against Christians. From Charlie Kirk to the attack on a Church in Michigan, it appears to be an outright attack by evil against righteousness. However, what I find strange and dumbfounding is the lack of pastoral discussion at the pulpit of such things. Pastors saying its too edgy or political while church leadership do not even care that Israel is not mentioned in years! I am pleased to say the American Church is dying and the real Church is starting to flex. We are beginning to see those who are strong in the faith wake up and realize we cannot sit on the sidelines anymore! While those who are cowards are starting to once again hide from the role that God has placed them in.

Some might say that I am speaking too harshly, but there comes a point when you must offend someone, and I would rather offend someone who then repents and comes to know Jesus Christ as their savior, than keep silent and offend a righteous and living God who has placed me in this moment of time to be His ambassador. We need to be loving more, and to do that, we need to be telling the gospel and how God’s Word is applicable in these very scenarios we find ourselves in. I believe the body of Christ will soon be pushed underground, and our first persecutors will be those who claim to be Christian and are not. For those who are looking for any Bible reference to back up what I am saying, examine Jesus’ own words in regard to the falling tower in Luke 13:4. Here we clearly see Jesus use current events. John the Baptist talked openly against the government to make politicians change their ways. The Bible is applicable in every moment; this is why 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is vital for us to understand! “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” You can quickly tell which pastors believe and which do not believe this verse, because they are silent when the opportunity presents itself. This is why we, as the body of Christ, need to be what Acts 17:11 states and be about being in God’s word daily!

Church family, I do not know how much longer we have to openly pray and be about God’s Work. Be sure to find brothers and sisters who are strong in the faith before it is too late. Dare I say the days are growing darker, and we need to be ready to be the light to the world and share the true and living light Jesus Christ with everyone who is willing to listen. No longer fret about those who refuse to listen, move on, the time is too short, let us be about those who need to hear God’s Word and drive forward on to Heaven. Let us be like Jude and snatch those who are headed to hell, let us be like any of the apostles who, for the sake of the call, stood up to the religious elite and said, “Christ or nothing.”

For those who are saved but do not wish to participate, I encourage you to join in and get involved. If you sit behind a pulpit and are not seeking the Lord and finding ways to bring the current events of today that are rightfully scaring people into church, and you say and do nothing, just know that it is on you!

Next week, we will jump back into Genesis and see God’s amazing work in the lives of those who listened and obeyed Him.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

A MOMENT TO ENCOURAGE

Over the past several months and weeks, there has been a divided camp amongst the Bible believing Christians who examine all of God’s Word and study eschatology (the study of end times). This group recognizes the truth of Jesus’ promise of a pre-tribulation rapture. For those who do not believe in the pre-tribulation rapture, please read John chapter 14 and Revelation chapter 2-5. Jesus’ own words indicate this event is a promise we can place our trust in.

For the past several months and weeks ,the division has been over examining dates and certain “high watch days” verse being watchful everyday. The one group says this is dangerous and should not be done, others examine facts and other circumstances to see if this is when the Lord is coming for His bride.

Both groups examine God’s Word and have come to take two different approaches to the “No Man Knows the Day or the Hour” declaration by Jesus. I am not here to define the arguments for either side, but rather remind those on both sides that we are to be Christ like. I would rather have believers eager and examining every day to see if the Lord will come back, then not looking at all. However, we need to have caution and be wise in what we say. For those who argue that this is leading people away from the Christ, I believe this couldn’t be more incorrect. If a person says, “Based on certain facts, I believe September 23, 2025, is a high watch day for the rapture” that this is leading people away from Christ, certainly not! Those who are not His, are not His and we should continue on. Those that want to leave, will leave for any reason they can identify. Those who say that we should be vigilant everyday, do not realize that the naysayers of the pre-trib rapture are actually using the same argument. That the pre-tribulation camp is pushing people from Christ which is not true at all.

We should be focused on examine the signs of the times and know that the days are short and we are going home soon. However, if someone thinks it will happen on a certain day and it does not happen, let us lovingly encourage them and keep pressing forward. God is awesome! God is good, and I see nowhere in scripture where God says, do not get excited about His coming. If we are the Bride of Christ, let us be excited about His snatching us away to be with Him forever. Until that day, let us have our hands to the plow here on earth with a heavenly gaze, a joyful heart, and vigilance that reflects what we are as watchmen, pilgrims, and ambassadors of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. He is coming back, let us encourage our brothers and sisters to stay the course and allow those who are not of us to leave.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex