Tuesday, January 31, 2006
My Bookmark
Here is the long awaited "other side" of my bookmark! It is credited to Roy Gustafson, a past associate of Rev. Billy Graham, who wrote Food For Thought and gave us this gem.
"The New Testament is CONTAINED in the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is EXPLAINED in the New Testament.
The New Testament is CONCEALED in the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is REVEALED in the New Testament.
The New Testament AUTHENTICATES the Old Testament.
The Old Testament ANTICIPATES the New Testament.
The New Testament LIES HIDDEN in the Old Testament.
The Old Testament LIES OPEN in the New Testament.
The Old Testament PREDICTS a Person.
The New Testament PRESENTS that Person."
Amen. God gave us His Word as revelation from beginning to end. We can ill-afford to be New Testament Christians any longer. What an amazing sum of what Edith Schaeffer wrote about in Christianity Is Jewish. The saga continues with Solomon's prayer...next.
"The New Testament is CONTAINED in the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is EXPLAINED in the New Testament.
The New Testament is CONCEALED in the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is REVEALED in the New Testament.
The New Testament AUTHENTICATES the Old Testament.
The Old Testament ANTICIPATES the New Testament.
The New Testament LIES HIDDEN in the Old Testament.
The Old Testament LIES OPEN in the New Testament.
The Old Testament PREDICTS a Person.
The New Testament PRESENTS that Person."
Amen. God gave us His Word as revelation from beginning to end. We can ill-afford to be New Testament Christians any longer. What an amazing sum of what Edith Schaeffer wrote about in Christianity Is Jewish. The saga continues with Solomon's prayer...next.
It's Not Too Late
End of the Spear passed the good movie test. My husband and I went to see it again with sons. It was better. We picked up on some things we missed first time. Actually, it passed two tests. Eldest cynic liked it. Youngest mustered up an "it was okay", which is A+, coming from the battered next generation.
All I'm saying is if you have any tendencies to go to the movies, this would be one you shouldn't put off...it could be gone Friday. And being the Christian World-View Warrior I am, I believe in pocketbook voting. Sick of politics, culture wars, and judicial tyranny? Don't wait for elections. Get out there and make change with your cash, or lack thereof.
All I'm saying is if you have any tendencies to go to the movies, this would be one you shouldn't put off...it could be gone Friday. And being the Christian World-View Warrior I am, I believe in pocketbook voting. Sick of politics, culture wars, and judicial tyranny? Don't wait for elections. Get out there and make change with your cash, or lack thereof.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Choosing Sides in the Age of Decision
Harper and Hamas-- Heaven and Hell-- Happiness under God and harried Humanists under government-- Haven of protection for life (border patrol and military measures) and Horror of terrorism and death-- Hebrew descendents and Holocaust denying Hitleresque hostility. Contrast. Black and white. Choice.
The sides are lining up; make no mistake. Do we want to get it right? Or do we just want to feel good? Should the pastor of Elm Creek First Christian Church open Nebraska’s senate with a prayer for the nation’s righteousness, honoring God or would politicians prefer the deception of eternal earthly bliss. You gotta read it to believe it! Ah yes, the therapeutic Christianity! An oxymoron to be sure. Christianity is only therapeutic in strict obedience to God’s commands. The feel good religious left—the religion of the soft persuasion—cannot truly be identified as Christian at all! The tolerance for sin and oppression is well on its way to creating the opposite of its stated intent (a Quinn Law) by taking people down the road to insanity, not the peaceful, loving utopia of a liberal’s dreams. Convictions have vaporized and the pro-choicers’ inability to choose between right and wrong, good and evil, is gushing into the sewer pits of the human mind.
Considering psychology as a major? The demand is rising but expect to be paid by the government, perhaps helping the infirm and unstable to die for the cause of social cleansing. Am I using scare tactics? Where is the country that still honors God? We are catching glimpses of what godless men, even men under a false god, are capable of. Let’s see. Hamas (and the new kid, Iran) says death to Jews (and, um, USA). Humanist law says death to the unwanted, the defenseless. (nothing new to world history but pretty darn new here!) Terrorists, death to America and to the West. So what’s the bottom line? Hell that says eternal torment for all who didn’t choose the Master. Some have actually chosen Satan. Many just don’t have the humility and chutzpah to choose anything at all.
In a world such as this, is there any room for muddled, aimless impotence or apathetic, head-in-the-ground mollification? I’ve been wanting to congratulate Canada! And God help the Palestinians now! Time will tell how “extreme” Stephen Harper is. He has his eye on defense spending increase and tax cuts, so the papers say. We may never see how extreme Hamas is (hat tip: our prickly MSM and our fine establishments for higher education) until it is too late.
Peggy Noonan, in an interview with Bill Steigerwald, Pittsburgh Trib today, concludes when confronted with the idea of Bush being a “waffling, weaselly kind of politician”…..”He sure is not.”
“Look, America stands for freedom,” she continues, “and an American president stands for freedom. That having been said, this world is a strange old place these days and sometimes I want him to cool it with the emotional rhetoric and get steely-eyed about where we are…what we need to do.” Oh yea. There dare be a massive gap between histrionics and heroics! No matter. The sides are lining up, whether you pick one or not.
“Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep.
They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain.” ~ISAIAH 56:10-11
The sides are lining up; make no mistake. Do we want to get it right? Or do we just want to feel good? Should the pastor of Elm Creek First Christian Church open Nebraska’s senate with a prayer for the nation’s righteousness, honoring God or would politicians prefer the deception of eternal earthly bliss. You gotta read it to believe it! Ah yes, the therapeutic Christianity! An oxymoron to be sure. Christianity is only therapeutic in strict obedience to God’s commands. The feel good religious left—the religion of the soft persuasion—cannot truly be identified as Christian at all! The tolerance for sin and oppression is well on its way to creating the opposite of its stated intent (a Quinn Law) by taking people down the road to insanity, not the peaceful, loving utopia of a liberal’s dreams. Convictions have vaporized and the pro-choicers’ inability to choose between right and wrong, good and evil, is gushing into the sewer pits of the human mind.
Considering psychology as a major? The demand is rising but expect to be paid by the government, perhaps helping the infirm and unstable to die for the cause of social cleansing. Am I using scare tactics? Where is the country that still honors God? We are catching glimpses of what godless men, even men under a false god, are capable of. Let’s see. Hamas (and the new kid, Iran) says death to Jews (and, um, USA). Humanist law says death to the unwanted, the defenseless. (nothing new to world history but pretty darn new here!) Terrorists, death to America and to the West. So what’s the bottom line? Hell that says eternal torment for all who didn’t choose the Master. Some have actually chosen Satan. Many just don’t have the humility and chutzpah to choose anything at all.
In a world such as this, is there any room for muddled, aimless impotence or apathetic, head-in-the-ground mollification? I’ve been wanting to congratulate Canada! And God help the Palestinians now! Time will tell how “extreme” Stephen Harper is. He has his eye on defense spending increase and tax cuts, so the papers say. We may never see how extreme Hamas is (hat tip: our prickly MSM and our fine establishments for higher education) until it is too late.
Peggy Noonan, in an interview with Bill Steigerwald, Pittsburgh Trib today, concludes when confronted with the idea of Bush being a “waffling, weaselly kind of politician”…..”He sure is not.”
“Look, America stands for freedom,” she continues, “and an American president stands for freedom. That having been said, this world is a strange old place these days and sometimes I want him to cool it with the emotional rhetoric and get steely-eyed about where we are…what we need to do.” Oh yea. There dare be a massive gap between histrionics and heroics! No matter. The sides are lining up, whether you pick one or not.
“Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep.
They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain.” ~ISAIAH 56:10-11
Friday, January 27, 2006
Typology of the Taberbacle 2
“Therefore you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood…and you shall serve. I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service…” ~Numbers 18:7
Believers are sanctified and set apart to serve. The shining mirror-like copper container, called the laver, held the water for cleansing, for removing the “daily dirt” acquired from the “walk” through this world.” (Dr. Bill Jones; Zion’s Fire) Daily, we stand on the promise John wrote to us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ~1 John 1:9 Jesus alone fits the job description of the laver, “the One who separates us and cleanses us for [the Lord’s work].” (Jones; page 11) When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet in the Upper Room, He was revealing the urgency to serve one another in keeping our brothers and sisters true to Him with pure teaching, accountability, and encouragement.
Other types include three furnishings in the holy place:
1) The shewbread, the twelve loaves which the priests were instructed to partake when replaced on the Sabbath. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” ~John 6:35 Remember, this bread goes way back to the sustenance provided for Israel in the wilderness. Jesus is our daily manna, preserving our spiritual regeneration. Jesus ministers to his Bride.
2) The menorah, of gold, burned wicks in oil. As the only light in the tabernacle, Jesus Christ is “the Light of the world” ~John 8:12
3) An altar of incense—the smoke representing “prayer ascending to God” Hebrews 7:25: “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” But we pray and it is written, the Holy Spirit helps us…so what is it Jesus does? Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, offers this. The prayers of fallen men, even redeemed ones, would never survive the Holiness of our God. Jesus is like our lawyer before the Judge. Our Savior mediates in that He proclaims, “It is really finished and this child has accepted the Victory!” Messiah God clears a path for our unworthy utterances.
Last, yet the first clue I ever had that the Old Testament actually holds eternal meaning, the Holy of Holies, complete with veil. As a young mother, I attended a sweet, lively community Bible study. We learned this impassable doorway led to a place of God’s indomitable presence. We were thrilled to understand that the rending of the veil, at the moment of Christ’s surrender of His Spirit, was the beautiful picture of reconciliation, finally complete, between God and His precious treasured people who were soon to be called by His Name. In other words, the entrance barrier to God was removed for all who would trust in Christ. Now the priest is not the only one with the amazing privilege of coming to God and someday even dwelling in His Holy presence for we are all of the priesthood, set apart.
Believers are sanctified and set apart to serve. The shining mirror-like copper container, called the laver, held the water for cleansing, for removing the “daily dirt” acquired from the “walk” through this world.” (Dr. Bill Jones; Zion’s Fire) Daily, we stand on the promise John wrote to us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ~1 John 1:9 Jesus alone fits the job description of the laver, “the One who separates us and cleanses us for [the Lord’s work].” (Jones; page 11) When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet in the Upper Room, He was revealing the urgency to serve one another in keeping our brothers and sisters true to Him with pure teaching, accountability, and encouragement.
Other types include three furnishings in the holy place:
1) The shewbread, the twelve loaves which the priests were instructed to partake when replaced on the Sabbath. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” ~John 6:35 Remember, this bread goes way back to the sustenance provided for Israel in the wilderness. Jesus is our daily manna, preserving our spiritual regeneration. Jesus ministers to his Bride.
2) The menorah, of gold, burned wicks in oil. As the only light in the tabernacle, Jesus Christ is “the Light of the world” ~John 8:12
3) An altar of incense—the smoke representing “prayer ascending to God” Hebrews 7:25: “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” But we pray and it is written, the Holy Spirit helps us…so what is it Jesus does? Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, offers this. The prayers of fallen men, even redeemed ones, would never survive the Holiness of our God. Jesus is like our lawyer before the Judge. Our Savior mediates in that He proclaims, “It is really finished and this child has accepted the Victory!” Messiah God clears a path for our unworthy utterances.
Last, yet the first clue I ever had that the Old Testament actually holds eternal meaning, the Holy of Holies, complete with veil. As a young mother, I attended a sweet, lively community Bible study. We learned this impassable doorway led to a place of God’s indomitable presence. We were thrilled to understand that the rending of the veil, at the moment of Christ’s surrender of His Spirit, was the beautiful picture of reconciliation, finally complete, between God and His precious treasured people who were soon to be called by His Name. In other words, the entrance barrier to God was removed for all who would trust in Christ. Now the priest is not the only one with the amazing privilege of coming to God and someday even dwelling in His Holy presence for we are all of the priesthood, set apart.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Possessed
Odd how doctor assisted suicide, in Oregon, was upheld by the court. How has death by one’s own hand become lawful? I know three other families up close and personal, affected by suicide. One, a youngest son, one, the mother of three young children, and the father of the young Jewish man I dated through college. It is said Jesus gave His life unto death. Nonetheless, it was starkly different from suicide. God made certain it was by another’s hand, legally bound, even though it was bad law. Why? Because suicide is sin. Thankfully, murder hasn’t been socially accepted, sort of. But I digress.
I’ll share a story of supernatural proportion. It’s about the watch my dad gave me when I was twelve. Do you know when it stopped running? The day Dad took his own life. The landlord asked if I had the time—I suppose for the recorded time of death. The thing is, it didn’t just stop. When I looked, the hands were lying loose and in limbo at the bottom of the face. I didn’t remember hitting it…I hadn’t done anything vigorous. It just fell apart in an ominous, dramatic act of closure. I won’t know if Dad asked for forgiveness until I get Home. All I am certain of is, forgiveness is for anyone who asks with a sorry heart.
If you’ve had an abortion, and the sorrow is deeper than despair, God goes even deeper.
Why would a court legalize suicide? Did they, by way of Satan, hear the debate raging in the heavens? God is arguing, “If a woman can’t legally choose to take her own life, how is she free to take the child’s life attached to her?” (Dr. D. James Kennedy radio message) Satan’s answer comes in clever deception, “Then make it so; suicide is good.”
Don’t be fooled. Because the court says it, does NOT make it so. Prayers today for the March for Life, for eyes to be opened and hearts to be wise, for pro-life leaders to be bold as once again, the cry for sacred life is unleashed on D.C.
I’ll share a story of supernatural proportion. It’s about the watch my dad gave me when I was twelve. Do you know when it stopped running? The day Dad took his own life. The landlord asked if I had the time—I suppose for the recorded time of death. The thing is, it didn’t just stop. When I looked, the hands were lying loose and in limbo at the bottom of the face. I didn’t remember hitting it…I hadn’t done anything vigorous. It just fell apart in an ominous, dramatic act of closure. I won’t know if Dad asked for forgiveness until I get Home. All I am certain of is, forgiveness is for anyone who asks with a sorry heart.
If you’ve had an abortion, and the sorrow is deeper than despair, God goes even deeper.
Why would a court legalize suicide? Did they, by way of Satan, hear the debate raging in the heavens? God is arguing, “If a woman can’t legally choose to take her own life, how is she free to take the child’s life attached to her?” (Dr. D. James Kennedy radio message) Satan’s answer comes in clever deception, “Then make it so; suicide is good.”
Don’t be fooled. Because the court says it, does NOT make it so. Prayers today for the March for Life, for eyes to be opened and hearts to be wise, for pro-life leaders to be bold as once again, the cry for sacred life is unleashed on D.C.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Waengongi Has a Son
"We acted badly, badly until they
brought us God's carvings...and now we walk His trail." ~Mincaye
(Quoted in Plugged In; "A Film 50 Years in the Making"; Marcus Young; Jan. 2006) End of the Spear is a fabulous, glorious movie and theatres are showing it so there is no excuse. The theatre last night at prime time was not full. You want good movies? Then go see them when the rare Christian message hits the screens. In case you haven't been in touch with the Christian underground, this is the story of the five missionary men who were killed in Ecuador in 1956, and the lives they and their families touched when they "made contact" with the violent Waodani tribe. The reason explained in the Plugged In article for the Waodani finally agreeing to the exposure to the outside world was a heart for "the foreigners". School shootings and general youth violence was described to them. The foreigners had become like they were; the Waodani have been changed by the miracle of Christ, "Who didn't spear back" and now they hope their story will be a God-message to the foreigners of the world.
God bless them and we thank them for this incredible movie, made with miraculous intervention by Mart Green, (an appropriate name in light of his movie-making experience) and Steve Saint, along side the Waodani. Glory to God "Who works all things for good to those who love Him." ~Rom. 8:28
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Typology of the Tabernacle
Dr. Bill Jones, writer for Zion's Fire, did a series on the Temples of Israel last year. In this particular article from November-December, 2004 issue, Dr. Jones gets into the typology of some of the architecture and pieces placed within before he explains he won't cover this topic extensively. Volumes have been written, he says. Someday, when I have even more time on my hands, I'd love to read about it. For now, let's feast on "Part 2: The Tabernacle"
Even before we can go inside, Dr. Jones describes the linen white fence surrounding the structure with one narrow entrance at the eastern end of the courtyard. Okay, not so narrow, thirty feet wide! But what a reminder of the narrow way. No one could come in but through that one entrance. Jesus, the Way, (John 14:6) was not shy in declaring His likeness to this image of old. Jesus, the door, (John 10:7) was not insolent to forbid anyone's entrance.
As we enter, we see the altar of sacrifice, covered in copper, typifying God's judgment. As long as the sacrifice was acceptable, the burning animals would satisfy God's wrath upon the penitent sinners, removing it for a while. Always when this topic is discussed, I agonize over the ugly, barbaric scenes. Hello? This is the 21st century? But the more I study, the clearer it becomes. It is as Dr. Jones writes, "Whoever will, may come - IF you come, the one, God-ordained way." The challenge for today's Christian is to get this across without losing the lost in the heathenish lingo. My deep conviction is the more we avoid it, as we have tried, the less valid becomes our witness. So here I am, delving head first! God provides a way through a loss of life. Afterall, "the wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23) One very big reason we stumble and mumble in our evangelism is that we keep trying to subjugate God's wrath! It is who He is! And He is all-merciful in that on that Tabernacle altar, we are envisioning Christ, "Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness..." (Romans 3:25) Verse 26..."that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."
Next, the laver...
Even before we can go inside, Dr. Jones describes the linen white fence surrounding the structure with one narrow entrance at the eastern end of the courtyard. Okay, not so narrow, thirty feet wide! But what a reminder of the narrow way. No one could come in but through that one entrance. Jesus, the Way, (John 14:6) was not shy in declaring His likeness to this image of old. Jesus, the door, (John 10:7) was not insolent to forbid anyone's entrance.
As we enter, we see the altar of sacrifice, covered in copper, typifying God's judgment. As long as the sacrifice was acceptable, the burning animals would satisfy God's wrath upon the penitent sinners, removing it for a while. Always when this topic is discussed, I agonize over the ugly, barbaric scenes. Hello? This is the 21st century? But the more I study, the clearer it becomes. It is as Dr. Jones writes, "Whoever will, may come - IF you come, the one, God-ordained way." The challenge for today's Christian is to get this across without losing the lost in the heathenish lingo. My deep conviction is the more we avoid it, as we have tried, the less valid becomes our witness. So here I am, delving head first! God provides a way through a loss of life. Afterall, "the wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23) One very big reason we stumble and mumble in our evangelism is that we keep trying to subjugate God's wrath! It is who He is! And He is all-merciful in that on that Tabernacle altar, we are envisioning Christ, "Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness..." (Romans 3:25) Verse 26..."that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."
Next, the laver...
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Make God's Word Your Daily Bread
I got the most meaningful bookmark I have ever owned from Billy Graham recently. It has "Food For Thought" on one side...I'm savin' it to share with you separate, but the other side shares "a simple Bible reading plan for the New Year". Since my last post stressed getting into the Word, here's the plan!
Following a pattern using the days of the week, the idea is to scatter your readings throughout the entire Word of God. I have read through the Bible a couple of times and kinda like the thought of variety.
Mondays, read from Genesis to Deuteronomy
Tuesdays, read from Joshua to Esther
Wednesdays, from Job to Song of Solomon
Thursdays, Isaiah to Malachi
Fridays, Matthew to John
Saturdays, Acts to Revelation
Sundays are left open to the leading of the Spirit and/or your church.
See? Read however much you want and mark your place until the next Monday, Tuesday, ...
Samaritan's Purse uses a very similar reading plan in their publication, Prayer Point, which is available online. This might seem like I'm hinting, but that's not it. Begging is more like
it. : D
I'd like to hear how you're doing. Don't be shy. I won't consider it bragging and hopefully, neither will God. Let's encourage one another!
Following a pattern using the days of the week, the idea is to scatter your readings throughout the entire Word of God. I have read through the Bible a couple of times and kinda like the thought of variety.
Mondays, read from Genesis to Deuteronomy
Tuesdays, read from Joshua to Esther
Wednesdays, from Job to Song of Solomon
Thursdays, Isaiah to Malachi
Fridays, Matthew to John
Saturdays, Acts to Revelation
Sundays are left open to the leading of the Spirit and/or your church.
See? Read however much you want and mark your place until the next Monday, Tuesday, ...
Samaritan's Purse uses a very similar reading plan in their publication, Prayer Point, which is available online. This might seem like I'm hinting, but that's not it. Begging is more like
it. : D
I'd like to hear how you're doing. Don't be shy. I won't consider it bragging and hopefully, neither will God. Let's encourage one another!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Those Crazy IDers!
Priority prayers for this year holds the death of Darwinism at the top! So, natch, this Mallard Fillmore (last one down the page) was a real eye-catcher!
The Remnant-Solomon
Even though there was a dry spell of nearly four hundred years when God’s voice was not heard in Israel/Judah, God kept His remnant as the apple of His eye. “The Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the place of His inheritance.” ~Deuteronomy 32:9 How could this be? By the choice of God’s people to keep His Law as the apple of their eye. David, here in 1 Kings, “is admonishing his son, Solomon, to stay close to the Word of God, the Scriptures, the first five books of Moses.” {p. 82; Christianity Is Jewish} “That the Lord may establish his word which he spake concerning me saying, ‘If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart, and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee a man on the throne of Israel.” (2:4)
Solomon not only believed God exists, as Satan does; he knew in his heart that there is only one way to come to Him, trusting in God’s True Word, the promises kept and those yet to be glorified in earthly reality. Solomon’s Temple, not only a setting for upcoming events, not just the scene for “the central moment of history” when the Christ child would arrive, not a mere structure; it was understood to BE God’s DWELLING. What was most likely not at all known was the typology of its detail and furnishings. Many facets would turn out to be spitting images of the coming Savior. More on this later.
Mrs. Schaeffer’s enthusiasm pours off the pages as she marvels at the sight. These people have arrived in their promised land, the permanence shining off the golden walls and fixtures like a glorious transfiguration! The countless lambs and oxen were gathered. The ark being carried to its home in the holy of holies, was factually the most important item, the center of attention, the heartbeat of the seemingly breathing place. It contained the stone tablets holding the law, “the covenant which God had made with [their] fathers when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.” (1Kings 8:9)
Why is it that so many warn against the worship of the Word in fear of raising it to savior status? Seems a silly warning. The Bible is so closely tied to the living God that it, in itself, is alive. Naturally, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit makes it so. But in ranking its status or de-ranking its central position, what are these Christians accomplishing? Isn’t it redundant to say, “The Bible won’t save you!” when the Bible claims Jesus Christ from cover to cover? It has blessed little to do with legalism. Just read it and you will quickly learn Christ’s salvation story debunks the Law’s claim that it can save. The Law condemns us, right? What a senseless worry…”Oh dear, we wouldn’t want the Bible to become too precious!” The Word is to be kept in our hearts, the very same way the ark was placed in the most protected holy of holies. Amen! To disregard it in any way is to demonstrate a lesser trust and faith in our Creator, Redeemer, Friend.
Solomon not only believed God exists, as Satan does; he knew in his heart that there is only one way to come to Him, trusting in God’s True Word, the promises kept and those yet to be glorified in earthly reality. Solomon’s Temple, not only a setting for upcoming events, not just the scene for “the central moment of history” when the Christ child would arrive, not a mere structure; it was understood to BE God’s DWELLING. What was most likely not at all known was the typology of its detail and furnishings. Many facets would turn out to be spitting images of the coming Savior. More on this later.
Mrs. Schaeffer’s enthusiasm pours off the pages as she marvels at the sight. These people have arrived in their promised land, the permanence shining off the golden walls and fixtures like a glorious transfiguration! The countless lambs and oxen were gathered. The ark being carried to its home in the holy of holies, was factually the most important item, the center of attention, the heartbeat of the seemingly breathing place. It contained the stone tablets holding the law, “the covenant which God had made with [their] fathers when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.” (1Kings 8:9)
Why is it that so many warn against the worship of the Word in fear of raising it to savior status? Seems a silly warning. The Bible is so closely tied to the living God that it, in itself, is alive. Naturally, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit makes it so. But in ranking its status or de-ranking its central position, what are these Christians accomplishing? Isn’t it redundant to say, “The Bible won’t save you!” when the Bible claims Jesus Christ from cover to cover? It has blessed little to do with legalism. Just read it and you will quickly learn Christ’s salvation story debunks the Law’s claim that it can save. The Law condemns us, right? What a senseless worry…”Oh dear, we wouldn’t want the Bible to become too precious!” The Word is to be kept in our hearts, the very same way the ark was placed in the most protected holy of holies. Amen! To disregard it in any way is to demonstrate a lesser trust and faith in our Creator, Redeemer, Friend.
Friday, January 13, 2006
The Remnant-David, Psalmist
Psalm 9:1: “I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will shew forth all Thy marvelous works.” v. 10: “And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.”
David knew his Creator because he had eyes to see as he sat alone at night and watched the sun rise. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” It makes me not mind my alone times; it makes me desire an isolated hillside under starry skies (if it weren’t so darn cold!)
Isaiah 17:7 (today’s Bible lesson) “In that day, a man will look to his Maker and his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel.” Sigh. Could it be?
This is the same singular man who wrote the Twenty Second Psalm. “as God opened his understanding with inspiration such as only the writers of the Bible have had. In this Psalm, [David] portrays the death of the coming Messiah” (Schaeffer) Verses 16-19: "They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones: they look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them and for My clothing, they cast lots. But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me: O My Strength, hasten to help Me!”
David submitted a detailed description of the Lamb who would come for THE ATONEMENT of all, and “the ones who would live at the time it all happened, who heard these words from Psalm 22 sung in the Temple, Sabbath by Sabbath, were given a ‘key’ to open a door of understanding when the moment arrived!” (pp 81-82) The key was their Testament filled with history and prophecies.
“Understanding of what the lambs [of the generations past] were pointing forward to was unfolded with more detail as centuries went on, but at any point in history, there was sufficient factual content…And there was no time when some did not really believe…when the truth was not being proclaimed by someone.”…in the remnant.
David knew his Creator because he had eyes to see as he sat alone at night and watched the sun rise. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” It makes me not mind my alone times; it makes me desire an isolated hillside under starry skies (if it weren’t so darn cold!)
Isaiah 17:7 (today’s Bible lesson) “In that day, a man will look to his Maker and his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel.” Sigh. Could it be?
This is the same singular man who wrote the Twenty Second Psalm. “as God opened his understanding with inspiration such as only the writers of the Bible have had. In this Psalm, [David] portrays the death of the coming Messiah” (Schaeffer) Verses 16-19: "They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones: they look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them and for My clothing, they cast lots. But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me: O My Strength, hasten to help Me!”
David submitted a detailed description of the Lamb who would come for THE ATONEMENT of all, and “the ones who would live at the time it all happened, who heard these words from Psalm 22 sung in the Temple, Sabbath by Sabbath, were given a ‘key’ to open a door of understanding when the moment arrived!” (pp 81-82) The key was their Testament filled with history and prophecies.
“Understanding of what the lambs [of the generations past] were pointing forward to was unfolded with more detail as centuries went on, but at any point in history, there was sufficient factual content…And there was no time when some did not really believe…when the truth was not being proclaimed by someone.”…in the remnant.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
God Is Not Dysfunctional
God has always told us what we need to know. In answer to Mrs. Schaeffer's question, (previous post) "Has God been fair?", listen to His voice:
"Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, (Note: THEOCRACY) And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no god. And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, let them show these to them.
Do not fear, nor be afraid; have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a god besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.' " ~GOD (Isaiah 44:6-8)
God is open and honest in all His ways. I don't know if any of you have caught KQED's Walking the Bible, but I am fascinated that the title uses 'Bible' when the whole premise is three religions, one root. Therefore, it skipped the part about Abraham naming the mountain site where God provided the ram, "Jehovah-Jireh", God will provide. And that the blood of a sacrificial lamb, over the doorways in Egypt, was pointing to the Lamb to come who would save the children of faith; Jesus was the perfect Lamb of God. It is a bit painful to watch as these gaping holes in the story pass by without telling. One thing is certain, it is not God's fault! He has "told us from that time"! No other god, religion, has done this amazing thing.
Back to David soon.
"Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, (Note: THEOCRACY) And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no god. And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, let them show these to them.
Do not fear, nor be afraid; have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a god besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.' " ~GOD (Isaiah 44:6-8)
God is open and honest in all His ways. I don't know if any of you have caught KQED's Walking the Bible, but I am fascinated that the title uses 'Bible' when the whole premise is three religions, one root. Therefore, it skipped the part about Abraham naming the mountain site where God provided the ram, "Jehovah-Jireh", God will provide. And that the blood of a sacrificial lamb, over the doorways in Egypt, was pointing to the Lamb to come who would save the children of faith; Jesus was the perfect Lamb of God. It is a bit painful to watch as these gaping holes in the story pass by without telling. One thing is certain, it is not God's fault! He has "told us from that time"! No other god, religion, has done this amazing thing.
Back to David soon.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
The Remnant-David
Gentle enough to write penetrating music, brave enough to stand alone against the odds. In God’s providence and power, the weak are mighty. Why? Is God a show off? God is a showman. If you miss everything else I am trying to relay about Edith Schaeffer’s teaching, don’t miss this. Her question she asks us all to consider seriously now, “Has God been fair through the ages? Has He made things clear to the Jews, and to any of the watching world who care to look and consider seriously whether God is really there?”
The son of Hannah, grown and wise to hear God’s leading, has chosen young David and anointed him for his future leadership role. But David, in faith, doesn’t wait to start leading. 1 Samuel 17:45 gives Israel’s military men an inkling of who their future King really is: “Then said David to the Philistine, ‘Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand…that all the earth may know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hands.’” Mrs. Schaeffer concludes, “God recorded this happening in history…to let it be known that the truth is True and there is no change.” (pp 80-81)
I remember vividly, even though years have passed, watching a children’s video by a prominent Christian. The MOST important words from this story were removed. I remember turning the error into a faith lesson. David never boasted in himself when he threatened the giant…his boast was in the Lord! The greatest threat to Christianity is Christians trying to do it themselves. I’ve added Deathway to my links. David, the psalmist, could write for Deathway: Their message in my own words, “In Christ alone. All the glory!” David the Psalmist will be next post, and you will see how David was dead to self! This is how God was able to speak through him.
The son of Hannah, grown and wise to hear God’s leading, has chosen young David and anointed him for his future leadership role. But David, in faith, doesn’t wait to start leading. 1 Samuel 17:45 gives Israel’s military men an inkling of who their future King really is: “Then said David to the Philistine, ‘Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand…that all the earth may know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hands.’” Mrs. Schaeffer concludes, “God recorded this happening in history…to let it be known that the truth is True and there is no change.” (pp 80-81)
I remember vividly, even though years have passed, watching a children’s video by a prominent Christian. The MOST important words from this story were removed. I remember turning the error into a faith lesson. David never boasted in himself when he threatened the giant…his boast was in the Lord! The greatest threat to Christianity is Christians trying to do it themselves. I’ve added Deathway to my links. David, the psalmist, could write for Deathway: Their message in my own words, “In Christ alone. All the glory!” David the Psalmist will be next post, and you will see how David was dead to self! This is how God was able to speak through him.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Just The Facts
An old article by Scott Shiloh is full of statistics about Jews flooding into the West Bank at Arutz Sheva. With all the hype stirred up by Pat Robertson in his own bold and unique way, I recalled having read this report in Zion's Fire, Vol. 16, No. 6 (2005). Please pray for Ariel Sharon's salvation, making things right with God. IF it is God's plan to work through Israel, Prime Minister Sharon will not stop it. The United States won't stop it either. (ooooh) All good Christians should know that! On the other hand, God speaks to us in history, human events and situations. Perhaps He doesn't send strokes, but if He is the sovereign God of the Universe, you had better believe He allows such things. Has anyone considered that He just might be drawing Ariel Sharon unto Himself? God is Love. God is Merciful and He wants us to get it right. Thy will be done, Lord. Amen.
Friday, January 06, 2006
The Remnant-Hannah
Hannah’s faith is seen in 1 Samuel 2: “…for there is none beside Thee: neither is there any Rock like our God,” she prays. Do you think Hannah got caught up in the relativism of her day? All gods, all religions are on equal standing…she was praying to some generic god of all peoples…just “god” like the god on our money, right? Have you heard the argument? “In god we trust” only refers to a deity of your choosing. Surely we can all agree that is fair! In other words, any god is better than NO GOD? I am certain Hannah knew who God IS. She was not confused. “There is none beside Thee.” How else could we explain her action? As a mother, it is gut wrenching to realize this supernatural surrender of a firstborn son, longed for, prayed for, Hannah’s heart’s desire. I have offered my sons to God—but for Hannah, it would mean a physical rending apart. I have hoped and prayed my offering would not be answered in such devastation. There are stories, true stories, of Christian parents suffering the loss of their precious children and having peace by the grace of God. I can’t even express my response to that in word processing. Hannah’s obedience isn’t as horrific as Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah, yet piercing is this true story from history. This child, Samuel, born in faith, raised in knowledge, years later prays for a miracle, “Now therefore stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before you eyes.” (1 Samuel 12:16) He becomes a prophet and prayer warrior, drawing his people back to the One God of their fathers.
“God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you.”
~1 Samuel 12:23-24
“God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you.”
~1 Samuel 12:23-24
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Hereford Nightmare
When a dream comes this clearly out of nowhere, a person should pay attention. The occurrence might have to do with our new Pray for America calendar from Coral Ridge Ministries. The prayer for January is for our nation to become a culture for life again. Or maybe because I heard the rerun of the Terri Schiavo experience of forced death on Truths That Transform last week.
It was a Hereford heifer, with the beautiful white face. I thought it was dead, lying there, not moving. 'The man' removed something from its throat, reaching through the neck, so quick and bloodless, taking...done. And then, vividly, I saw the movement, the breathing, the writhing right off the table; horror caught my breath and I saw its white face become even more pale as it curled up, taking its last breath, and died. I don't know...in the world of dreams, maybe the heifer had become a lamb, it was so white.
And I screamed, "WE WILL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN!" As I relived each frame, the animal's sweet face, the vision of life in its windows we call eyes, the senselessness of its struggle for life, or death, whichever could relieve it. I'm not a rancher and can't tell you when I have last thought about cows. I'm not especially fond of them. But I will never forget that white face.
God had something to say about His covenant people, His newly formed nation:
"They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them." Deuteronomy 9:12
"But you have departed from the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law..." Malachi 2:8
"They turned quickly from the way in which their fathers walked, in obeying the commandments of the Lord; they did not do so." Judges 2:17
'Quickly' is the adverb repeated over and over. It describes a sudden betrayal. Isn't that how it happened for us? So quickly did we turn that scarce was the person who noticed and even more rare, anyone who knew what to do. Even now, we hear, we pray, we have nightmares.
Please, let us not do that again!
It was a Hereford heifer, with the beautiful white face. I thought it was dead, lying there, not moving. 'The man' removed something from its throat, reaching through the neck, so quick and bloodless, taking...done. And then, vividly, I saw the movement, the breathing, the writhing right off the table; horror caught my breath and I saw its white face become even more pale as it curled up, taking its last breath, and died. I don't know...in the world of dreams, maybe the heifer had become a lamb, it was so white.
And I screamed, "WE WILL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN!" As I relived each frame, the animal's sweet face, the vision of life in its windows we call eyes, the senselessness of its struggle for life, or death, whichever could relieve it. I'm not a rancher and can't tell you when I have last thought about cows. I'm not especially fond of them. But I will never forget that white face.
God had something to say about His covenant people, His newly formed nation:
"They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them." Deuteronomy 9:12
"But you have departed from the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law..." Malachi 2:8
"They turned quickly from the way in which their fathers walked, in obeying the commandments of the Lord; they did not do so." Judges 2:17
'Quickly' is the adverb repeated over and over. It describes a sudden betrayal. Isn't that how it happened for us? So quickly did we turn that scarce was the person who noticed and even more rare, anyone who knew what to do. Even now, we hear, we pray, we have nightmares.
Please, let us not do that again!
