Author: West Oaks Fellowship

GROW

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“Like newborn babies, long for the pure (spiritual) milk of the Word, so that by it you may GROW (up) in respect to (your) salvation.”

I Peter 2:2

God’s plan for all believers is growth! If that’s the case, then one must ask, what causes or stimulates this growth? In plant life, growth occurs through proper exposure to the sun, appropriate quantities of water and fertilizer, protection from plant enemies like bugs, fungi, etc., and occasional pruning.

Human physical growth, in much the same manner, demands suitable nourishment as well as a safe/protected environment. Spiritually, the same concepts hold true! This verse clearly demonstrates that the intake of God’s Word is what nurtures our spiritual development and Christian maturity.

Ephesians 4:15 (from where we derive our church’s slogan, “Sharing The Truth In Love”) reminds believers to speak the truth in love and “to grow-up in all aspects” of Christianity. This growth/maturity is achieved by craving – just as a new baby intensely yearns for the milk of mother’s breast – the spiritual food that flows from God’s Word into your mind/soul/spirit! The primary Greek verb used here, “auzano” or “auxanoo,” means to increase. Just as a healthy tree continues to increase throughout all of its life, continually adding dimensions of its circumference, the depth and strength of its roots, and its height, the work of God is increased, becoming greater and greater, stronger and stronger!

As we read on in I Peter 2:4-6, we find a transition, our spiritual transformation into “living (lively) stones,” “rejected by men, but choice/precious in the sight of God.” Believers are built up in their growth and maturity as a “spiritual house for a holy priesthood” in order “to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ!” This transformation occurs as that fresh, pure (holy) spiritual milk of God’s Word occupies our minds and hearts, growing us up in our salvation and strengthening us to become like the tree mentioned in Psalm 1:2. This tree (representing an individual) is big, strong, healthy, and deeply rooted in the stream of God’s living water. This water is His Word and Holy Spirit which are providing proper nourishment, causing the tree to bear and continually produce, for picking and distribution, a high good quality fruit. Psalm 1:3 tells us that this tree’s leaf does not wither (grow weary in doing good i.e. producing fruit – Gal. 6:9, II Thess. 3:13); and whatever this particular, spiritually strong, mature tree (individual life) engages in is success/prosperous in God’s economy/viewpoint.

Now to the more difficult matter. . . What kind of tree are you? A little twig bent over by the smallest breeze, struggling for survival, or a maturing, stately, majestic fruit producing tree? The choice seems to be 100% ours with the end result depending on our intake/consumption of God’s pure Word. Certainly an intake of once or twice a week from the preacher can’t be enough to make you the righteous man/woman who will flourish like the palm tree, GROW like a cedar in Lebanon, be planted in the house of the LORD, flourish in the courts of our God, still yield fruit in old age, always be full of sap, and very green! (–From Psalm 92:12-14)

Just think about it! Hope to see you & yours this Sunday. — Pastor Frank

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

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War, killing, and the shedding of blood (guilty and/or innocent) appear throughout humanity’s history. From the entrance of sin into the human race (Genesis 3), mankind has successfully devised ways to inflict pain and/or eliminate one another. The first messianic prophecy (Genesis 3:15) even announces hostility between the offspring (seed) of Eve (all mankind and ultimately the second Adam, Jesus Christ) and the seed of the serpent (Satan/Devil/demons/evil spirits/etc.). This great war of spiritual dimension is concluded when Jesus Christ overthrows Satan’s dominance on earth (Revelation 6-19), removing the regime, control, and power of all God’s enemies! Christ triumphantly and gloriously returns “King of kings & Lord of lords,” establishing His rule of truth, justice, and righteousness throughout the entire earth. During His reign (The Millennium, 1000 years) peace will be enjoyed, yet one final combat still must occur. Then, in irrevocable defeat, our Lord’s enemy, Satan, along with all his followers (those that reject Jesus Christ) face second death, and are cast into the “Lake Of Fire” (Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10).

In the light of this spiritual/biblical struggle of good -v- evil, Christ -v- Antichrist, God -v- Satan, it is not at all surprising that wars would be prominent in the Scripture, as well as throughout all mankind’s history. Humans without Christ simply wage war. Ecclesiastes 3:8 reminds us, “There is a time for every purpose under heaven,” which includes, “a time for war.” Some wars are just and holy, others political, and some totally absurd and sinful — based in greed, pride, dominance, etc. War too often illustrates the malignity of the wicked (Psalm 55:21). However, Jehovah (Lord God) is declared to be “a warrior” (literally — a man of war, Exodus 15:3-19) as One who knows how to wage war successfully and possesses the ordnance necessary to destroy His enemies! Thus the concept of a “Holy War” (Exodus 17:16; Numbers 31:3) emerges, where every warrior/soldier considers himself a servant of God, consecrated to the Lord (Isaiah 13:3) and willing to totally abstained from certain activities in order to sanctify (set apart/purify) themselves (Judges 20:26; II Samuel 11:11) for His Holy purpose and service. I’m not sure mankind can actually declare a “Holy War,” however we can declare “just war” if asked to stand against the lies and evil of Satan.

The devaluation of human life, slavery, forms of oppression and persecution certainly fall into this category. Figuratively, in a spiritual sense, and literally, each person is at war with sin and ultimately the consequences of sin – physical and spiritual death (Romans 7:23-24). However, this conflict is not ours to fight alone. God recognizes that no matter how hard we try, or how good we are, everyone eventually succumbs to sin and surrenders the war in humiliating defeat and death.

However, a mighty Warrior was dispatched to conquer sin and death, literally handing us (believers) a great victory (I Corinthians 15:56-57), even in the midst of our own capitulation (Romans 6:23). As Jesus Christ hung on the cross, a holy war raged in His flesh and spirit. He ultimately surrendered, becoming sin (II Corinthians 5:21) and a casualty of this war as all other humans. However, Sunday was on its way, indeed the war was not over, but a short pause occurred in the conflict while preparation was made for one final assault. Then,

“Up from the grave He arose (Acts 10:40-41), with a mighty triumph o’er His foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain (of sin and death) and He lives for every with His saints to reign! He arose, He arose, Halleluiah Christ arose!”

Just Think About It! — Pastor Frank

SUFFERING

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According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, suffering is defined as undergoing something painful or unpleasant, to endure, bear affliction, to allow, permit or tolerate pain, harm, injury, or loss. A great variety of Greek expressions, too large to be enumerated here, have been translated in our Bibles as “suffer(s),”and/or “suffering(s).” However all forms seem to be derived from the same root verb, “pascho” (Greek N.T. Strongs #3958).

In Mark 5:26, we find suffering associated with illness or disease when a woman who “had suffered (or endured) much (many things) at the hands of many physicians,” and “had spent all that she had,” not receiving any help at all, but “rather had grown worse.” Moses, in Hebrews 11:25, chooses to endure ill-treatment (suffering and affliction) with the people of God, rather than “enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” This potentially represents several types of suffering, from mental and emotional to persecutions related to his position and opportunities in life, as well as that of physical need. In II Timothy 2:9, Paul, speaking about his own life and ministry, declares that for the Gospel of Jesus Christ he suffers “hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.”

The Psalmist, David uses the first one-third of the 22nd Psalm (which includes graphic descriptions of suffering and exactly coincides with the sufferings of Jesus Christ) as a lamenting and disconsolate cry of anguish from his persecution by King Saul. Amazingly, his words progress to a trustful cry for help, and then end in vows of thanksgiving which spring from his deliverance (like Christ’s victorious resurrection). No other Psalm demonstrates such an accumulation of excruciating outward and inward suffering which is shown pressing in upon God’s servant who is perfectly innocent. What an illustration of Christ’s agonizing situation – the Crucified One is presented before our eyes in verses 15 through 18: The spreading out of the limbs, the naked body, the torturing pain in both hands and feet, and the burning thirst which our Redeemer suffered in order that the Scripture(s) might be fulfilled. Then He announces in a cry, “dipsoo’ “(Greek – NT word #1372 from John 19:28), “I thirst!”

Consider Christ’s sufferings, both emotional and physical. He suffered in almost every aspect of human life: one of His closest companions denied even knowing Him; other close friends couldn’t manage to stay awake, watch, and pray in a time of His deepest need; His own nation (people) rejected Him; His siblings and other family members considered Him crazy; most of the religious leaders in the community despised Him and spoke openly against Him, conspiring to destroy both His life and His message; a member of His own inner circle (discipleship group) continually stole from His ministry and ultimately betrayed Him; in total innocence, He was charged and found guilty of crimes against both God and the state; He was publicly displayed and crucified as a wretched, heinous criminal, and in His final hour, His Father turned His back. Truly He was a man of many sorrows and much suffering. Yet all to please His Dad and bless humanity as no other could achieve!

How can one refuse the ministry and gift of such a faithful suffering servant? How shall we respond to this Servant when asked to bear a little pain because we identify with His name, or endure suffering for His cause of truth and life?

Just think about it! Hope to see ya Sunday, Pastor Frank

SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST

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In 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed to “test the spirits” so one can determine/know their origin. The reasoning for this instruction is pretty clearly distinguished … “because many false prophets have gone out into the world!”  Then additionally, most essential, instructions are provided for us in 1 John 4:2-3

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

While one might fully agree with the idea of testing the spirits simply because it’s GOD’s WORD/TRUTH, have you ever asked, “In what way and where, have the false prophets (spirit of antichrist) gone out into our world?”

1.   The False Prophets of Science (antichrist’s pseudoscience) – particularly in connection with the study and interpretation of nature. There are three (simplified/summarized) points in the scientific world that appear to be dominate/prominent.

A.   Nature — in relation to this present life — is supreme.

B.   Natural and/or physical law is uniform and has been somewhat consistent since the creation of the universe.

C.   Humanity developed from the basis of nature, and in accordance merely with natural laws.

Now, if those be true, one can, without hesitation, claim that the position and claims of Biblical Christianity are quite incompatible and our worldview must be eradicated!  There is no place for Divine Revelation and/or God’s miraculous powers, thus humanity’s only hope rests in obedience/compliance with what has been determined as the directives of natural law. These may even claim that our faith has been a misfortune to the world, so that when plagues/crisis/etc. come, this spirit declares the uselessness of prayer, and that the only thing that can save us is to perfect our science.  This is a spirit of antichrist, for it is the denial of any moral responsibility to the Creator!

2.  The False Prophets of Secularism (antichrists in the kingdoms of the world). Kingdoms/governments are necessary to maintain order, to suppress violence, and maintain independence/borders which are unquestionably the ordinances of God.  Nonetheless, they perpetuate injustice, display blatant disregard for human life, promote the pleasures of wickedness/sin/evil/corruption, and deny the very God that originally established them and allows their continued existence.

3.   The False Prophets of Literature/Music/Media (antichrist musicians, writers, producers, publishers). Undoubtedly, we live in an era of great thinkers and extremely skilled writers/movie producers, etc. While we do not judge them individually, their works must be judged in contrast to GOD’s WORD/TRUTH.  The spirit of their works must be examined/tested as to whether it is of God or not. We know that some of the greatest works in the world are written in defense of Christianity; but it is also true that some skilled writers/producers of considerable influence have taken up bold positions against Christianity, and have sufficiently demonstrated that they do not believe that, “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.”

4.  The False Prophets of Religion (ecclesiastical antichrists). A system of worship that focuses on the existential and ethereal leads to blind hero worship (celebrity pastors/leaders), greed, prideful self-exaltation, deceiving tales, and false/unbiblical doctrine/beliefs.  It’s unfathomably cunning with a name and appearance that’s alive while in essence is actually destructive, lifeless/dead.

The “spirit of antichrist” is inventively at work in the everyday life of every individual. There we find its most lethal venom! (remember the very nature of our enemy in Genesis 3:1) This work professes great respect for Christianity, but promotes and thrives upon being in continual opposition to its principles. We can no longer simply shut our eyes to the fact that for a great amount of professing Christians in our churches and country, their walk of faith in Christ Jesus and this world, is merely a verbal profession. While America may have once been called a “Christian” nation by some, a look at the woes that are festering in our midst speaks volumes.  Just think of all the rampant worldliness and heartlessness that has been baptized in the name of GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT!

While the ANTICHRIST (Gk – antichristos; meaning either “against Christ” or “instead of Christ,” or perhaps, combining the two, “one who, assuming the guise of Christ, opposes Christ”) is a significant individual in the end-time events of our world (connected closely to the Beast and False Prophet), this spirit is alive and well on planet earth (1 John 2:18-23) … therefore, we, Christ’s faithful, must determinedly “test every spirit” in 2021! 

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

2 John 4-8

STUFF

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“STUFF” – an old French word, “estoffe” that derived its meaning from “stopfon,” which means “to stop up.” In English we see this understanding when stuff is used in the verb form, like cramming “stuff” into a closet, filling the trunk of one’s car, or jamming clothes into a closet or suitcase. Exactly how one feels after consuming too much lunch or supper!

Additionally, according to Webster’s New World Dictionary, “stuff” in our vocabulary speaks of material goods, like household items and personal belongings and/or the substances out of which things are produced or manufactured. In a general sense, unspecified items may also be referred to as “stuff.” I don’t know about you, but my world consists of (and seems to be filled with), lots of “stuff!”

Some “stuff” is worthless junk, while other is of significance and valuable, yet it’s all still called “stuff.” There’s good stuff and bad stuff, big stuff and small stuff, fun stuff and sad stuff, great stuff and petty stuff, excellent stuff, average stuff, and inferior stuff, strong stuff and weak stuff, important stuff and trivial stuff, beautiful stuff and ugly stuff, healthy stuff and some stuff that’s not so good for you. Some stuff is material and physical, while other stuff is physiological, emotional and spiritual — whatever the stuff, there’s plenty of it.

In Genesis 25:30, Esau (a godless person according to Hebrews 12:16) begs his brother Jacob

Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff (NASU) (translated pottage in KJV however the word does not appear in the Hebrew text or Greek Septuagint) there, for I am famished (worn out, weary). Therefore his name was called Edom (red).

By his own choice of immediate gratification and pleasure, Esau became a godless person, choosing to love and embrace the things (stuff; in this case food) of this world and his earthly life in exchange for the blessings of God, spiritual peace, and hope (confident expectation) for his future.

Esau gave up:

  1. His right to the priesthood – Ex. 22:29.
  2. A double portion of his father’s estate – Deut. 21:17.
  3. His role in the family – Gen. 27:29, 37; 49:3.
  4. His potential role in the Messianic promise/linage of first born sons.
  5. His rights of primogeniture (conveying special blessings upon his descendants – which were among the most noble, honorable, and spiritual in the ancient world).

Esau undervalued “God stuff” and overvalued “red stuff” which filled his belly and brought temporary satisfaction.

In John 6:27-28, Jesus issues a warning that might help us gain some understanding about “stuff,”

Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.

Nearly everyone can recall the Parable Of The Sower And Soils in Mark 4:18-19 where the good seed of God is sown among thorns, “but the worries of the world (stuff), and the deceitfulness of riches (stuff), and the desires for other things (stuff) enter in and choke” out God’s Word/Truth. Instead of trading the “stuff” of God for the “stuff” of this world, have you ever considered doing the exact opposite? May we, as believers in Christ, be found laying down the “stuff” of this world in order to gain “God stuff!” II Peter 1:8 says “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I pray all our “stuff” becomes useful and fruitful! Just think about it. — Pastor Frank

FUSION

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FUSION, not to be confused with fission, is defined as a union, combination, mixture, or blending, according to contemporary English dictionaries. Beginning right now, I’d like you to join me in beseeching God to make this year of increased “fusion” at West Oaks Fellowship. As this dynamic occurs, each of us will be challenged to alter some of our “church“ thinking, opening our hearts (extremely wide) to the new opportunities our Lord has “prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)

Too often, God’s people stumble, trip, and even fall down over what they believe or think “ought to be,” rather than recognizing what Christ is actually accomplishing in the midst of the congregation or attempting to carry-out in their own lives and ministry. This was certainly true in many Old Testament accounts like Sari, who laughed at God’s promise, Joseph’s jealous brothers who simply had no clue about God’s mechanisms, or the children of Israel who desired to return to Egypt, preferring quail instead of God’s supernatural provision. Later, their descendants chose Saul to rule over them as king, rather than God, not to mention his folly of turning to satanic powers for spiritual guidance. Nehemiah knew God’s purpose and plan, yet met tremendous opposition similar in spirit to that encountered by Joshua and Caleb when they returned with a good report about the Land of Promise.

Consider Christ’s own ministry in the New Testament, and the deep anguish of His heart in Matthew 13:13-15 when He said, 

Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 

In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,

YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM. 

How about the frustration of Paul with the Corinthian church, when they “do not lack any spiritual gift” (1:7), yet in reality are “worldly, fleshly, mere babes?” (3:1) Let us agree – “not me,” and, “not at WOF!” God’s desire for the Corinthian church was increased “FUSION,” NOT FISSION! “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1:10-11) However, they were too immature to achieve a true spiritual blending or combining. They were selfish, pridefully debating the superiority of certain ministries, suing each other, bragging about sinful behavior, offering preferential treatment to some, and misusing their spiritual gifts while allowing complete disorder in the church’s ministry.

The days that lie ahead will offer everyone at WOF many new opportunities for growth and service. Neighborhood fellowship groups are on the near horizon, new member ministries are in waiting, and discipleship classes are starting. Many existing, new and/or struggling ministries are just waiting for you to jump in with resources and support. All this presents each person with an opportunity to either recognize what God is doing in our midst, or loose sight of His work. Are we mature enough to reach forward with increased FUSION? Can we stay focused on Christ, sacrificial offering our service and support in order to impact others lives and our community with Christ’s Gospel, in spite of what we think “ought to be?” Will we get tripped-up, seeing but not seeing, hearing but not hearing or understanding? Believe me, there will be plenty to gripe, complain and even gossip about, but instead, why not choose FUSION and pray?

Ask to see, hear, and understand. Just think about it. – Pastor Frank

HOLIDAY

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It’s very interesting to note that the word “holiday” – as translated in most English Bibles – only occurs 4 times and is exclusive to one book from the Old Testament.  While the Hebrew culture is/was filled with numerous feasts and celebrations, many of which we would call, holidays, most of them were primarily celebrated with a stout religious focus, generally celebrating the miraculous works of God.      

However, in the book of Esther, 2:18, Persian King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), who “loved Esther more than all the women,” hosted a celebratory banquet when she became the queen.  Esther’s Banquet, as it was called, became a “holiday” for all the provinces, and the king gave gifts according to his vast “bounty.”  Therefore, the idea of a “holiday” – as translated in our English Bibles – is literally birthed from that which was/is a “good day.”

This same word Hebrew word configuration appears 3 more times in the book of Esther, 8:17; 9:19; 9:22.  In each case these are “good days” of great rejoicing and celebration.  The account in 9:22 is intriguing,

Because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

This event ultimately led to “Purim” — a traditional Jewish celebration (not instigated as part of the Mosaic Law) which was established by Mordecai (vs 20-28) and Esther (vs 29-32), and commemorated the Jews’ deliverance from the malice of Haman. This Feast of Purim continues today as a reminder, year after year, that God saved/protected Israel from destruction by the hands of anti-semitic pagans. 

In addition, please also note that their rejoicing/celebrating produced a spirit/attitude of giving and generosity as they were sending food to one another and even providing gifts to the poor.

This was an exceptional occasion in which “sorrow” was transformed into “gladness,” and “mourning” into a fabulous “holiday” (good day)!

Now, there’s nothing spiritually wrong with meaningful traditions, as long as the tradition remains substantially meaningful and has not completely lost its meaning … growing/becoming meaningless!

To be truthful/honest as your Pastor, I’m not so sure about many of our current holidays. Through the years, I’ve diligently attempted to restore value and bring meaning to worthwhile holidays in our nation, as well as Christian traditions that hold legitimate biblical resolve.

However, when tradition and holidays gradually become traditionalism … we get ourselves into real trouble. Theologian Jaroslav Pelikan once boldly declared,

Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.

As you know, Christ’s Church is always one generation short of extinction; and if we don’t pass on to our children and grand-children what God has done in/for us, as well as in those of previous generations, the Church will die of/from apathy and ignorance. There are holidays that give glory to God as long as the people of Christ’s Church remain consistently true to the authentic/real origin and meaning of these celebrations.  

Undoubtedly, to see the hand of God in history and praise Him for His abundant goodness, glorious work, and miraculous mercy, is perhaps the best way for believers to openly and willfully celebrate any “holiday!”

Christmas (Advent) is here (happens every year as far as I can tell). 

What then shall we do with this “Holiday?”

His & Yours, because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense) — Pastor Frank

REFORMATION

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While this word doesn’t appear in our Bibles, it is a very important word within the framework of New Testament Christianity, meaning, “the action or process of reforming an institution or practice.”

On October 31, 1517, a significant event took place for all believers, and it wasn’t Halloween! A dynamic protest was birthed – Reformation Day — which commemorates what was perhaps one of the greatest moves of God’s Holy Spirit since the works of the Apostles in Christ’s first century Church. So one asks, “What is the significance of Reformation Day?” 

At that time, few would have suspected that the sound of a hammer striking the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany would soon be heard distinctly, and ultimately lead to the greatest transformation of Western society since the Apostles first preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman empire. Martin Luther’s nailing of his “Ninety-Five Theses” to the church door provoked a debate that culminated in what we now call the Protestant (Protest) Reformation.

Initially protesting the Pope’s attempt to sell salvation, Luther’s continual (unrelenting search for truth) study of Scripture soon led him to oppose the church of Rome on issues including the authority and supremacy of the Bible over church tradition, as well as the means by which an individual becomes righteous in the sight of God.

Though clearly declared throughout the New Testament, and found in the writings of many of our early church fathers, the medieval Roman Catholic bishops and priests had largely forgotten the truth that one’s own good works cannot/will not gain God’s favor. Salvation is by grace alone (Sola Gratia), through faith alone (Sola Fide), in Christ alone (Solus Christus / Solo Christo).

A believer’s good works are a result of his/her faith, not a means by which one obtains salvation/redemption and/or the forgiveness of sin. (See Ephesians 2:8-10). One’s justification (God’s declaration of … “not guilty”) and righteousness in His sight, comes through faith, by which the Father imputes or reckons to a true believer’s account — the perfect righteousness of Christ Jesus!

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 

2 Corinthians 5:21

Martin Luther’s rediscovery of this truth led to a whole swarm of other church and societal reforms … reformation. Much of what we, as believers, take for granted in today’s churches would have likely been impossible had he never studied the scriptures diligently, and then fervently protested! Luther’s translation of the Bible into German put the Word of God in the hands of the common people — a language they could clearly understand. This reformed the Latin church mass by putting the liturgy into a common tongue, allowing non-scholars to actually hear and understand the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. Worship also experienced complete reformation … God’s people could now sing with clarity, songs with words and meanings the congregation could fully embrace/comprehend.

Luther also lifted the unbiblical ban on marriage for the clergy, and by his own teaching and example radically transformed the concept of church ministry as well as the institution itself. In addition, Luther’s protests recaptured the biblical concepts concerning the priesthood of each and every follower of Jesus Christ.

We should all understand and gratefully consider the importance of the Protestant (Protest) Reformation. May we equip ourselves to be knowledgeable proclaimers and defenders of biblical truth, eager to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Christ, thereby sparking a new reformation for Christ’s 21st century church and our culture.  Isn’t it about time and desperately needed?

What then shall we do?

His & Yours,

PF

EYE

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In our Old Testament scriptures, the word “eye” is translated from the Hebrew word ‘ayin, generally speaking, literally, of the physical organ of sight, which is one of the chief channels of information for human beings. David is described as having beautiful eyes (1 Samuel 16:12), and in Canticles (Song of Songs or Song of Solomons), the lovers describe each other as having eyes like doves (1:15; 4:1; 5:12) and comparable to the pools in Heshbon (7:4). You may also recall from Genesis 29:17, that Leah (Jacob’s first wife) had “weak” eyes, although the meaning of the Hebrew word in this passage could mean faint as well as soft, delicate, or tender hearted.

A very cruel, fully-sanctioned custom among heathen nations was gouging out the eyes of one’s enemies or rivals because this significantly and effectively shattered their power (Judges 16:21; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7). The judgmental blinding or putting out of the “right eye” was also considered a deep form of societal humiliation, robbing the victim of beauty, and making one unfit or ineligible for military service (1 Samuel 11:2; Zechariah 11:17).

In Deuteronomy 7:16, the Israelites were instructed by Moses, in the execution of Yahweh’s judgment upon nations and wrongdoers (Deuteronomy 19:13,21; 25:12), that their “eye shall not pity,” … therefore not deflected from the dictates of God’s laws by feelings of sympathy. In a similar way, God, in Ezekiel 5:11 warned, “My eye will have no pity and I will not spare” the execution of judgment upon those who, “defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and with all your abominations!” Even the Hebrew laws, “lex talionis” (law of retribution or retaliation), at times demanded … “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21). By the way, genuine believers are enlisted by a different calling and standard in Matthew 5:38-48 … check it out!

The New Testament generally uses the Greek root word, ophthalmos for “eye” which is akin to opis, commonly translated as “sight” in English Bibles. When Christ restores the sight of two blind men alongside the road while leaving Jericho, this Greek root word is referring to the eye as the physical organ, which clearly demonstrated His power over eyesight, proving His Messiahship according to the Luke 4:18-19!

Our Bibles also use the word “eye” figuratively to beautifully illustrate the intimate relationship (in Hebrew thought) between spiritual and physical realities. The brightness of eyes is a sign of well-being (Psalm 19:8 compared to Psalm 38:10). In addition, eyes provide a path of expression for a variety of emotions and/or mental attitudes – grief (Psalm 6:7); tears (Psalm 119:136); expressions of mockery and or hatred (Psalm 35:19; Proverbs 10:10, 30:17), haughtiness (Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 6:18), evil sexual desires/lusts (2 Peter 2:14; Matthew 5:29).

Next, to “lift up the eyes” is an important phrase found in the scriptures. Largely, it means looking around for information, direction, and sometimes for help. To “close the eyes” or “hide the eyes” indicates carelessness or lacking sympathy as in Matthew 13:15. Proverbs 28:27 declares, “He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.” Setting or fixing one’s “eyes upon,” means focusing attention to something or toward a particular individual(s). In Psalm 119:6 the focus is turned to all the Lord’s commandments, and in Luke 4:20 all the eyes of those in the synagogue are fixed upon Christ as He reads about Himself from Isaiah 61 and declares, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Biblically speaking, often the eye(s) represents the total process of perception and understanding … the organs of spiritual cognizance that may be enlightened, awakened, or opened as is the request found in Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.” This action is accomplished by the Word (Psalm 19:8) and/or by the works of God’s Holy Spirit within believers (Ephesians 1:18-19). Sadly, a person’s eyes may also be “darkened” and/or “blinded” as found in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

Undoubtedly, in this very moment/hour, it’s essential that we, as believers carefully consider the admonition of our Lord, Jesus Christ from Matthew 6:22-23, “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Also see/study Luke 11:34-36)

Please take time to study these many verses, and as Hebrew 12:2 states, fix your eyes upon Jesus, “the author and perfector of faith!”

His & Yours,

PF

SHELTER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Psalm 5:11-12 we find a beautiful expression of faith and confident expectation (hope) from the Psalmist. 

“But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield.”

Please consider these points for meditation as you focus on the gracious and abundant provisions of our Lord:

  • Let all who take refuge in the Lord be glad! – The idea of finding or taking refuge in the Lord implies trusting Him more than anything else.  In a storm, one would run into a properly engineered building/facility that provides physical safety from the onslaughts of wind, hail, flying debris, etc.  In this case, those that truly believe, run into the security of the Lord, Who has all the attributes, tools, equipment, and power necessary to protect a believer from whatever storm he or she faces.  In that safe place – be glad/rejoice; the Lord your God stands, according to the Hebrew text (cakak or sakak), as your cover and defender!
  • Let them ever sing with joy! – Why do we sing with joy?  Because the heart of the one who rests in the Lord’s protection is rejoicing … and from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, shouts, proclaims the greatness of the Lord as He delivers one from the dangers and threats of this world, the flesh, and our enemy (Satan/Devil).

“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory!” — From 1 Peter 1:8

  • May you shelter them! – This word, “shelter” (Hebrew – tsinnah) is literally a large a shield! It’s so large it covers one entirely … should one choose to dwell/remain under/behind its formidable protection. Psalm 91:4 declares,

“He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.”

  • Those who love Your name may exult in You! – Notice the connection between loving the Lord’s name (all He is and all He stands for) and the idea/concept of exulting in the Lord.  A lasting internal joy or happiness with a sense of fulfillment is what the Psalmist is speaking of – an ascription of praise and gratitude from within, that might just leak out! Romans 5:11 reminds us,

“And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

Then, please notice these concluding thoughts:

1.      It’s You (our Lord) who blesses the righteous!

2.      It’s You (our Lord) who surround (the righteous) with favor ! 

Whose “shelter” is this?

Whose blessing and favor?

Shall we be grateful and rejoice?

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Indeed, how truly blessed we are as His children! –PF