genesis – Page 2

REDEMPTION

Posted on May 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The idea of redemption originates in the Old Testament, and is initially used when money is paid to buy back property (Leviticus 25:25-28; Ruth 4:4-6) or something which must be protected or rescued. (Numbers 3:44-51; Nehemiah 5:6-13) As the term “redemption” is repeatedly employed throughout the scriptures, it becomes a common term referencing any form or type of deliverance. God, by example, is the “Redeemer” of Israel . . . their “Deliverer.” Deuteronomy 9:26 reveals this perspective:

I prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord God, do not destroy Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have redeemed through Your greatness, whom You have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

In addition, consider the point-of-view revealed in II Samuel 7:23-24:

And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods? For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O Lord, have become their God. (also see Isaiah 52:3-6)

Ultimately, the concept of “deliverance” includes liberation from any/all forms of evil such as national misfortune (Isaiah 52:9; 63:9; compare Luke 2:36-38), plagues (Psalm 78:35, 52), and calamity of any sort (Genesis 48:16; Numbers 25:4-9). However, in general, the relationship of Israel and/with God included His claim to them (Deuteronomy 15:15), as well as an obligation to them as seen in the Psalmist’s declaration (25:22):

Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. (also see I Chronicles 17:21)

Without a doubt, Israel belonged to Him; therefore in the original, truest sense of “redemption,” He moved and worked in/with Israel as their legitimate (rightful, perhaps even somewhat legally obliged) “Redeemer.”

In the New Testament, the Greek word “apolutrosis,” translated “redemption” and/or “deliverance,” encompasses the idea of ransom.

All humanity is held under the curse:

of the law according to Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”;
of sin itself according to Romans 7:23, where Paul views himself as a “prisoner” to sin;
of death as a result of sin in Romans 6:23. In this context, and proper biblical application, the person who purchases one’s freedom or deliverance by paying a ransom is considered the/their “redeemer.”

It’s in this light that believers see Christ, the One Who purchased our freedom/deliverance by offering Himself as the entire/full payment/ransom for one’s sin. Ephesians 1:7-8 provides foundation for this perspective by declaring:

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.

In I Peter 1:18, one sees the incomparable value of Christ’s work and deliverance:

Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

As Easter 2011 approaches, perhaps a clear focus on Jesus Christ as your individual “deliverer” or “redeemer” will enhance the spiritual meaning/purpose of this season and stimulate participation. What no one else could do, Christ did for you! May we never forget the redeeming truth of Romans 8:3-4:

For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

This “deliverance” wasn’t because any of us deserved it, but because Christ owns us, and He faithfully assumed the role as our “redeemer,” offering “redemption” to His most highly valued creation (those created in His own image/likeness and whom He loves – according to John 3:16-17), humanity! What a great privilege, what honor and blessing has been bestowed upon us . . . we do not have a human “redeemer” paying a ransom, but the Lord Himself fully satisfying the entire demand – permanently and eternally conquering the curse of law, sin, and death! Hallelujah!

Now, what shall we say to this redemption? How shall we respond to this humanly incomprehensible deliverance and selfless demonstration? Is there anything that compares to this rescue? If the answer is no, then please don’t view Easter as simply another holiday where you work-in some time off, visit relatives, play golf, and gather for a nice meal. No – we must not! In fact, as true believers, how can we settle into such a ridiculous gesture and call it Easter?

I’m not saying a family celebration is inappropriate, especially if that gathering is focused on the events of our Lord’s redemption (His suffering, atoning death, and victorious resurrection); however, the only fitting and suitable spiritual response for each true believer is participation in a gathering of God’s people where praise and worship is distinctly and uniquely presented to Jesus Christ our Lord in view of REDEMPTION!

As your pastor, the one who is required to protect, watch over, and feed Christ’s flock (I Peter 5:1-3), face judgment for all the activities and teachings in our fellowship (James 3:1, I Corinthians 3:10-15), and give an account for your souls (Hebrews 13:17), I assure you that WOF’s focus for this year’s Good Friday Communion (Lord’s Supper) and Easter (Resurrection Celebration) will remain steadfast and exclusively fixed upon Jesus Christ and the gracious redemption/deliverance He alone brings to humanity. However, what will you say – what will you do – what will you offer – in light (illumination and radiance) of such a great deliverance/redemption?

— Pastor Frank

OCCUPATION

Posted on April 29, 2022April 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Biblically, the record of agricultural pursuits begins with our Lord’s mandate to humanity in Genesis 2:15:

Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.

Adam was charged initially with two responsibilities … 1) cultivating the garden and 2) keeping the garden. In addition, we know that the immediate post-Edenic situation featured both the agricultural and the herdsman way of life as represented by Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:2:

And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Before long came Enoch who built a city in Genesis 4:17, musicians in Genesis 4:21, and Tubal-Cain, a forger of all implements in bronze and iron in Genesis 4:22.

E.K.V. Pearce, in his work, “Who Was Adam?” suggests that this period represents that era known to anthropologists as the “New Stone Age Revolution,” introducing farming and horticulture into human society with archaeological evidence of early farming being found in the lower Jordan River Valley around Jericho. However, there is no biblical evidence demanding a separation of the age of hunter-gatherers and the age of farmers-herdsmen. Apparently, God established the latter at the outset of His creation even though modern day anthropologists, not unsurprisingly, take a contrarian view in opposition to the divine revelation of scripture, holding that the hunter-gatherers had to come first.

It’s also interesting to note that rudimentary agricultural tools, flint sickle and hoe blade, were discovered in the Carmel caves (located on Mt. Carmel of the biblical text in Israel some 20 kilometers from the City of Haifa), which obviously depicts the on-going responsibilities of cultivating and/or keeping/maintaining crops/gardens. Nonetheless, the biblical account indicates that farming was not the prominent profession of Seth and the chosen bloodline . . . Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all being herdsmen. However, Lot seems to have preferred the settled life of a Jordan Valley farmer according to Genesis 13:10-13:

Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the Valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere … like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. So Lot chose for himself all the Valley of the Jordan, … Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom.

It’s too often said of Adam and Eve that in their pre-sin/pre-fallen state they didn’t or weren’t required to work. While it is absolutely true that they didn’t have to eat bread by the sweat of their face as described in Genesis 4:19, work itself was originally ordained by God Himself for all humanity with God being the initial, leading, ultimate, perfect, and prime example! Accordingly:

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. (see Genesis 2:1-3)

Sounds like God was busy at work, establishing the opportunity to work/labor as a God-ordained task and vehicle of blessing for all human beings. Perhaps that’s why Paul’s address to the Thessalonians is so blunt:

If anyone is not willing to work, then he/she is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. (See II Thessalonians 3:10-13)

Now Labor Day, when Americans pay tribute to the those in the work force, has come and gone, but that shouldn’t stifle gratitude for our Lord’s marvelous design … work! Let’s be thankful for the opportunities afforded us of gainful employment, always remembering the admonition found in Colossians 3:23-24:

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Therefore, here’s my somewhat difficult challenge for those desiring to be imitators of Christ. Today, will you take a moment and thank God for your job, even if it’s not so perfect and even if you’re totally disgruntled and unfulfilled? You are fulfilling His design and purposes, accomplishing that which can glorify Him and bring blessings to your life. He has placed you right there, right now, so even if you hate it, seek to know Him deeper and more completely in and through your current situation/opportunity!

Think about it, Pastor Frank aka PF

WINTER

Posted on April 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

When you think of winter, what do you think of? In the south, not many of us really think about a change of lifestyle and a significant impact on our daily routine and activities as some farther north might experience. A white Christmas is generally an unlikely dream, as are sleigh rides or sledding, snowball fights, and making snow angels or snowmen. While I do have pictures of our church covered in snow, as well as our home, those are definitely out of the ordinary! Nonetheless, on the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1:14-15) one learns that God planned the seasons on earth and placed the stars in the heavens so humanity would know and understand times and seasons. Genesis 8:22 clearly reveals the Lord’s post-diluvian purposes, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease,” along with His covenant promise (Genesis 9:8-17) of His “bow in the cloud!” Even the psalmist is moved to expressions of praise when considering God’s attributes of supremacy and sovereignty as revealed through His handiwork:

Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;
You have prepared the light and the sun.
You have established all the boundaries of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.
–Psalms 74:16-17

While incontestably there are specific reasons (ultimately being benefits for humanity and creation) for all of God’s design, it seems somewhat awkward from a merely human perspective that one is thrilled with the goodness and blessing of winter… blizzards, sleet, cold, ice, slippery walks and steps, snow blindness, hypothermia, black ice, etc., etc., etc.! However, when I think of winter, for some unknown reason my mind recalls a somewhat obscure verse buried at the end of the Apostle Paul’s second letter to his son in the faith, Pastor Timothy.

Make every effort to come before winter.
II Timothy 4:21

Surely there were some practical reasons for this encouragement. In fact, according to II Timothy 4:13, Paul had left his cloak at Troas with Carpus along with some books and parchments. Obviously, with winter approaching Paul would need this loose fitting outer garment for protection from the elements. In addition, travel to Rome would involve both overland and sea transportation which is potentially much more hazardous during the winter months. On the other hand, perhaps there is more to this statement than one immediately comprehends in a cursorily pass.

Is this the heartfelt desire of the mentor, a spiritual father yearning to see his student and beloved son in the faith one last time before departing earth? Incontestably, Paul’s days were numbered and any knock on the door or opening of the latch could be guards coming to escort the apostle to his impending Roman execution. Hypothetically, can you imagine Timothy thinking … well ok, let me wrap some things up here in Ephesus, go down to Miletus to set apart and ordain a couple of elders, swing by Colossae to celebrate communion with some brothers and sisters there, and then head on to Italy … ? Then, upon arriving in Rome, Pastor Tim seeks out Paul’s place of imprisonment, only to be cursed and repulsed by the guards. Then he goes to the house of Claudia or Pudens, or Narcissus, or Mary, or Ampliatus searching for his coach … asking where to find the apostle. It seems one can actually experience the haunting of their reply, “Are you Timothy? He was longing to see you, but he was beheaded in the first week of December!”

Come before winter or never!

Remember Christ’s reply to the disciple who complained that Mary’s costly and beautiful gift of ointment might have been expended on behalf of the poor?

For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.
John 12:8

Perhaps the true call of our Lord, Master Jesus is often, “Come before winter” — not tomorrow, when you’re ready, or after you get things straightened out and in proper/perfect order! Never again would three sleeping disciples be asked to watch and pray with Jesus in his hour of agony. Sure, they were faithful in service and even death, but that unique opportunity vanished and was gone forever just like Christ’s invitation to a follower in Luke 9:59/Mark 8:21!

Just as winter comes, irrespective of one’s agenda, readiness, or timetable, so does a new year … and that’s every year. Prepared and ready, or not — 2014 is here — right now and right on time! And sure, it’s another year of opportunity, just like last year and every year, but let’s change that perspective into a year of action now! Why not fully accept and use the opportunities Christ lays before us? Speak those words of encouragement, demonstrate kindness, give cheerfully, confirm appreciation, pray in faith believing, be led by God’s Holy Spirit, let His Word richly dwell within you, serve with gladness, and rejoice evermore, all before winter!

— By GRACE, His & Yours, Pastor Frank

CRIME

Posted on April 25, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Is all crime, sin? Is all sin, crime? The answer to both is a resounding no! However, that doesn’t mean the two concepts aren’t closely connected or related, or that a society that refuses to appropriately connect them can achieve a peaceful, respectful, divinely blessed, and flourishing community or society!

IS ALL CRIME, SIN?

While the definition of crime (which used to be closely connected to that of sin) has changed over time, and is constantly changing, most would agree to a simple understanding … “an act that’s against the law.” In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego (Daniel 3), the law required a cessation of activity and the worship of a golden image upon the sounding of a “horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music.” It was unquestionably a crime for them to disobey the law of their government; however it was not a sin, due to the fact that they were under a higher obligation to their Lord! Therefore, what was a “crime” to humanity and that society was a righteous act of obedience unto the Lord.

IS ALL SIN, CRIME?

Now the discussion potentially gets complicated! The very idea of “crime” seems to be originally based upon the concept of sin … an act or conduct against others, specific property (possessions) or society. Therefore, at the root of what is deemed a crime, one finds a biblical moral foundation. However, modern-day society and contemporary world views are consistently working against the reality and certainty that all civil law is based upon moral values expressed to mankind by a supreme being we know as God. As a result, crime is currently and conveniently defined (without any reference to sin) as being:

1. an illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government.

2. an activity that is against civil law

3. illegal acts in general (WHATEVER THAT MEANS).

A simple, cursory look at the 10 Commandments, given to the nation of Israel in order to regulate their society, sees laws based upon distinguished moral values and character. While the first 4 deal with one’s relationship with God, rather than others, as found in the last 6, that did not negate the criminality of breaking any of them. It was undeniably a crime to break any one of the 10 because it was the law for God’s people. In addition, certain punishments were outlined for particular sins/crimes in Deuteronomy chapters 21-25.

Sin is often not considered a crime because much of one’s sin is birthed in the heart out of fleshly/worldly passions. While adultery is still a crime in many states, no one is prosecuted for it in America. However, in the Hebrew law of the OT, it was a sin against God as well as a criminal act against individuals and society. You may recall the incident of the lady caught in adultery during the ministry of Jesus, (See John 8:1-11) She faced criminal punishment according to Hebrew law.

Today, adultery is sin in most people’s eyes, against both God and individuals, but definitely not a crime with described legal punishment. Scripture agrees that adultery is sin, even if committed only in one’s heart, like greed or jealousy may be. Nonetheless, in our society, this act, not the thought, of adultery no longer constitutes a criminal wrong-doing that would require prosecution and punishment.

Yes, crime is everywhere … we all know that, and most of us have experienced it. Perhaps that is why our nation is all concerned, almost obsessed, with crime stats like white-on-white crime, black-on-black crime, white-on-black crime, black-on-white crime, poor-on-poor crime, rich-on-poor crime, poor-on-rich crime, rich-on-rich crime, etc., etc, etc.! Why can’t seemingly anyone honestly seek to know the answer, discuss the issues openly, find the answer, and share it freely? (See Matthew 12:33-37)

There is just too much fear in truth! Why are the facts like – almost 90% of crimes/sins in the US against young minority men are carried out by young minority men – hidden? Why is it that a police officer (of any race) is 6 times more likely to be shot by a minority than vise versa and that 98% of minority shooting deaths do not involve police officers (of any race or gender)? The simple answer is … that the simple answer doesn’t spin politically for anyone’s benefit. Crime is everywhere because sin is everywhere! They cannot be disconnected! The secret (which is really no secret at all) to reducing crime is curtailing sin, and whether anyone wants to discuss it or not, that’s a spiritual issue.

However, even in societies that we might consider pagan prior to the days of Moses – murder, adultery, theft, and false witness were treated as immoral acts … simply wrong, as well as considered criminal behavior among the Babylonians and the Egyptians. Intelligent humans even figured out that it was wrong to … dishonor a god by the improper use of a god’s name, … show lack of respect to parents, … to covet the property (possessions) and particularly a wife, son, daughter, or slave of another.

Crime, no matter what the stats say, is a direct result of sin. The only answer is godly, righteous living which is only achieved in genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. So the fear comes, and the truth is avoided! The government of the governed can’t fix society by increasing the punishment for certain sins, like hate crimes or trying to force the manufacturing of safer bullets, which have no morality except that found in the hands of their user. When people shoot people in sin, that’s a criminal action.

Therefore, the heart of mankind is desperately wicked (See Genesis 6:5 & Jeremiah 17:9) and evil. Aberrant behavior cannot/will not be changed without a valid spiritual and moral basis for every law, and individuals who believe the values presented in those laws to be right and true. So crime reduces, even whole societies are transformed, by the redeeming power of Christ’s gospel. Then individuals will uphold laws that call sin, sin, support indisputable moral values, and conform their lives to immutable truth! Brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t give up on our society or our world (I know you may feel like throwing in the towel) … our God’s not finished with us yet! He can do anything, even change the spots of a leopard (See Jeremiah 13:23).

Pastor Frank

FORGIVENESS

Posted on April 19, 2022April 19, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Several words, from both the Greek and Hebrew, are used to convey the idea of forgiveness throughout our biblical text.

1) Apoluein (Gk),as used by Christ in Luke 6:37, is translated pardon, and or “forgive.” Thus, the analogy in this verse provides instruction to “forgive” and in turn, one will be “forgiven,” because the actual meaning of this word relates to the full release of a debt and/or the punishment due the perpetrator as a result of sin.

2) In Romans 3:25, Paul uses ‎paresis (Gk), ‎translated remission, in relation to humanity’s sinful nature and deeds — meaning to “forgive” by putting away or aside completely and unreservedly/absolutely!

‎3) Charizesthai (Gk) (found only in the writings of apostles Luke and Paul) expresses, as no other word or words possibly can express, the concept of God’s pardon and “forgiveness” through grace (unmerited and/or undeserved favor) as articulated in Colossians 2:13!

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”

4) Kaphar ‎(Heb) is found in Old Testament scriptures and refers exclusively to divine “forgiveness” as in Psalm 78:38!

But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger and did not arouse all His wrath.

5) In I Kings 8:30, one finds the word calah ‎(Heb) as Solomon stands before the Lord’s altar and humbly cries out for God’s (divine) “forgiveness” . . . “Listen to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear in heaven Your dwelling place; hear and forgive.”

6) Nasa’ (Heb) in the Old Testament scriptures also refers to divine pardon or “forgiveness” as well as that of pardon or “forgiveness” granted by one human to another. A perfect example of this is found in I Samuel 25 where Abigail appeals to King David on behalf or her husband, Nabal (vs 32-34):

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.

“Forgiveness,” generally speaking, is not a virtue of pagan religions, societies, or cultures. The big-hearted human might flamboyantly disregard offences in cases where he/she considers the wrongdoing or debt to be insignificant and/or beneath one’s notice, but to “forgive” was by and large considered weak-spirited. Even in the Old Testament Hebrew traditions, “forgiving” another for a wrong, or a debt, is infrequent. However, there are cases where individuals are found asking for “forgiveness” from a position of subservience. In such cases, a person is petitioning for that which one has no just or granted right(s). (See Genesis 50:17; Exodus 10:17; I Samuel 15:25) However, we as true and faithful believers of Jesus Christ have a much higher calling — in fact, according to Colossians 3:12-13 and Ephesians 4:32, we are instructed to “forgive one another just as God in Christ also forgave you.”

Most have heard the quote by Alexander Pope, “to err is human; to forgive divine.” In reality, because of our new nature in Christ, we have been given the opportunity to participate in, and partake of, this divine event! Certainly a true mark and distinguishing characteristic of a Christ-centered, Bible-believing, New Testament church/ministry — where relationships are more important than programs — is the continual (on-going) practice of Christ’s instruction to His disciples in Matthew 18:21-22!

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (no doubt expecting some accolade) Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

How many times?

Let’s do this, Pastor Frank

VALENTINES

Posted on April 18, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Each year on February 14^th, many people exchange special cards, candy, gifts. and/or flowers with their very distinct “valentine” (to the tune of $18.9 Billion in 2015). This time of appreciation, romance, and love we call Valentine’s Day is actually named for a Christian martyr named Valentinus who was killed on February 14^th in the third century A.D., but also has origins directly connected to the pagan Roman holiday of Lupercalia.

While little is actually known about Valentinus, there are historical accounts that describe him as a priest, or the Bishop of Terni, who was beheaded near Rome by the emperor Claudius II for helping Christian couples unite in the covenant of marriage as well as escape captivity. In 1969, the Roman Catholic Church liturgical veneration of him ceased; however his name remains on its list of “officially recognized” saints.

The medieval English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, who often took liberties with history by placing his poetic characters into fictitious historical contexts and representing them as being genuine or real, may have actually ignited what we know as Valentine’s Day, removing it from a religious celebration to that of a carnal/pagan nature. No historical record exists of romantic celebrations on Valentine’s Day prior to a poem Chaucer wrote around 1375. In his work “Parliament of Foules,” he links a tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s religious feast day … an association that never existed until after his poem received widespread attention. The poem refers to February 14 as the day birds (and humans) come together to find a mate.

Some believe that Valentine’s Day was an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia, which was a Roman fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. For the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants, Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa.

The pagan priests would sacrifice a goat for fertility, and a dog for purification. They would then cut the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in that same day, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for a year with his chosen woman with the proposed result being off-spring and marriage.

Needless to say, at West Oaks Fellowship we are certainly not interested in recognizing or celebrating a pagan holiday. However, we do strongly uphold the values of a man and woman coming together in the covenant relationship of marriage for the purposes of companionship, procreation, and the free, loving, selfless exchange of physical intimacy. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus said (quoting from Genesis 2):

Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.

As committed believers, we know and understand that true love originates with God (See I John 4:16) and we see His love for humanity fully demonstrated in Christ’s redeeming sacrifice!

Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

As a result of experiencing His love, one then gains the unprecedented opportunity and privilege of being humans who can both genuinely love God and expressively love others (See I John 4:19). Thus, in and through the God-ordained, God-blessed, covenant of marriage, love moves to a deeper level as faithful and responsible Christians pledge to love his/her spouse at all times, as well as in/through every, often unimaginable, circumstance of life. This is a perfect reflection of God’s love, who certainly hates sin, but continuously loves (as His character and nature) all, at all times (See John 3:126-17)!

At WOF, we are hosting a special celebration of God’s love and the covenant of marriage this Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14. You’ll be invited to fully participate as we reflect upon God’s beautiful design for family that He created for us to live/walk in, and consider the power that is unleashed through the covenant of marriage. More details will be forthcoming, but please make specific plans now to attend.

I’m looking forward to celebrating this unique day with each of you! — PF

WALK

Posted on March 31, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Yes, I walk my dog (Wof-E-Too) twice a day, morning and evening (Brenda usually goes with us in the evening), rain or shine, except on Saturday, when I do the morning, and Sunday when I do the evening. Brenda catches Saturday night because we work late and Sunday morning because I head out to our early service and I’m usually on a tight schedule. This has been a consistent pattern for me for many years, first with Wof-E and now with Too. Recently, one of my doctors told me that people who walk their dogs regularly/daily live better, more productive, and even longer lives, which, while I don’t know the source of his data, certainly sounds valuable and there is plenty of data on the benefit of walking in general (dog excluded).

As we approach 2017, going for a daily “walk” may be an excellent New Year’s resolution; however, the Apostle Paul reminds us in I Timothy 4:8 that “bodily discipline is only of little profit (which doesn’t mean no benefit), but godliness is profitable for all things.” Therefore, I’d like to challenge you to also seriously consider another “walk” this year.

In the Old Testament there is a very interesting Hebrew word, yeelkuw, translated into English as “walk” in Micah 4:5. This passage provides hope for Israel’s future restoration (including Christ’s Kingdom on earth), where two types of individuals/people are referenced. Some “walk” after their own god while others “walk” in the name of the one true Lord God. The Hebrews must, in confident reliance, stand upon God’s promises and covenant, being steadfast in preserving and participating in continuous obedience as true and faithful worshipers of their one true Lord. However, the nations around them, who were superior in power, military, and economic strength, as well as in numbers/population, continued to “walk” after their (own) many gods.

Obviously the word “walk” in these passages is referring to something other than walking the dog around the block or walking for health benefits. This “walk” is uniformly used throughout the biblical text in reference to an individual or nation’s (people group) moral and spiritual life or direction/path/lifestyle … meaning some lived in agreement with God’s statutes that guided their lives, while others lived in accordance with different/pagan views/beliefs and lifestyles.

Below are five clear examples of this concept from our Old Testament scriptures. 1) Genesis 5:22 – Enoch walked with God. 2) Isaiah 2:5 – The prophet issued a challenge to walk in the light of the Lord rather than in the ways of other pagan religions. 3) II Chronicles 17:4 – Jehoshaphat walked in the ways of David and did not seek the baals. 4) Genesis 17:1 – God Almighty (El-Shaddai) challenged Abram (Abraham) to walk before Him (in His presence, in relationship with Him) and be blameless. 5) Ezekiel 36:27 – Through His prophet, the Lord promised to put His Spirit within His people and cause them to walk according to His statutes.

The New Testament, also provides similar statements, affirmations, and encouragements:

II Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

II Corinthians 10:3-4 – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”

Galatians 5:16-17 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Ephesians 4:1-3 – “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 5:8-10 – “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Seems we may all have some more walking to do! Would you like to have a different walk in 2017? Perhaps a more fruitful, productive, and beneficial walk? Based on these scriptures, and many more, I am confident that the Lord desires each of us to walk with Him. In this new year, each of us will walk … either under the influence of deceitful, lying, pagan deities/philosophies which attempt to define life, goodness, and happiness, or in a genuine relationship with Christ as one’s Saviour, friend, and Lord.

Will you choose to walk with HIM?

JERUSALEM

Posted on March 24, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In 1995, the US Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which declared that “Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel” and provided for the relocation of the American embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem within five years. However, President Clinton opposed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, and signed a waiver every six months delaying the move.

During the 2000 election campaign, George W. Bush criticized Clinton for not moving the embassy as he had promised, and said he planned on initiating the process himself as soon as he was elected. However, once he took office, he backed away from his promise.

In 2008, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama called Jerusalem the “capital of Israel” and on June 4, 2008, Obama, in his first foreign policy speech after capturing the Democratic nomination, told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) that “Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided.” However, he backtracked after the election.

During the 2016 US Presidential election, Trump promised to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Nonetheless, on June 1, 2017, President Trump signed a waiver on the Jerusalem Embassy Act, delaying the move for another six months, as had every president before him since 1995. However, on December 6, 2017, President Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and stated that the American embassy would be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and explicitly stated his support for maintaining the status quo of the holy sites within the Old City.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, welcomed the decision and praised the announcement.

On May 14, 2018, the 70^th birthday of modern day Israel, the US Embassy officially opened in Jerusalem recognizing it as Israel’s capital.

One of the great ironies throughout the centuries of history is a town, which name means a “city of peace,” has experienced so little peace! Indeed, many rivers of blood have been shed for the possibility of occupying and/or controlling this ancient middle eastern capital. With regard to the meaning of the original name there is no scholarly concurrence of opinion. The oldest known form, Uru-sa-lim, has been considered by many to mean either the “City of Peace” or the “City of (the god) Salem,” but other interpreters, considering the name as of Hebrew origin, interpret it as the “possession of peace” or the “foundation of peace.”

Biblically speaking, Jerusalem is first mentioned in in Genesis 14:18 after Abram (later Abraham) rescues his nephew, Lot, from Chedorlaomer and brings the spoils of his victory to Melchizedek, who is the king of Salem and a priest of “God Most High.” (See Hebrews 7:1-2) Salem, aka Jerusalem, is also referenced in Psalm 76:2, being the place of God’s Tabernacle.

Jerusalem is also called, “Ariel” (the Hearth of God) in Isaiah 29:1, then in verse 26, “the City of Righteousness.” The prophet also declares that Jerusalem is the “Holy City” in 48:2 and 52:1. Nehemiah fully concurs with this terminology for the capital, Jerusalem, in Nehemiah 11:1-2. Then in the New Testament Gospels (Matthew 4:5 and 27:53) Jerusalem is also referred to again as the “Holy City.”

Furthermore, Jerusalem became known as the “City of David” after his (David’s) victorious conquest in II Samuel 5:6-10, and that reference occurs 45 times in the Old Testament scriptures. However, in the New Testament, Bethlehem is also called the “City Of David,” being David’s home town/place of birth.

While many people oppose Jerusalem being considered the capital of Israel, they fail to consider over 3000 years of history, as well as things to come! Someday, which may not be in the too distant future, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will rule and reign in righteousness from His glorious throne in Jerusalem!

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:7

Perhaps this is not a political maneuvering or politics at all, but instead, our great God instigating a change, a step of preparation for His earth, the nations, and our world for its perfect and just ruler!

— Just think about, PF

WHY ADVENT? PART 2

Posted on March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The word Advent means coming in Latin. In our context as believers, Advent refers to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the world. At West Oaks Fellowship, we will use 4 Sundays in December to prepare and remember the value, as well the authentic meaning of Christmas.

This year’s focus is “God With Us” and each Sunday we will use a young lady from our congregation to symbolically light a candle representing the specific emphasis of each worship service (Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love). Then, at our candle light service, another young lady, in costume as Mary, will light the final “Christ” candle in the finale of our Advent celebration worship services.

Why young ladies? According to Genesis 3:15, God, “put enmity” between Satan and Eve, as well as between her seed and that of the evil one. In that same prophetic statement, speaking of Christ’s 1^st Advent, “He” – being Christ Jesus, will “crush” the head of Satan, while Satan will bruise His heel! Therefore, as a reminder of God’s design to use a young lady (see Isaiah 7:14) without the concurrence of man to instigate His plan of humanity’s redemption, we choose young ladies to light each Sunday’s candle which distinctly represents the true Light coming into our world. (see John 1:4-9)

HOPE – Psalm 33:17 declares, “A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.” As believers, we become as foolish as those in the world when we place our hope (confident expectation), or strive to find hope in/from the things of the world! Proverbs 10:28 announces, “The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes.” “How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” — Psalm 146:5

PEACE – As far back as I can remember in my 64 years, I do not recall a time/season in our world absent from conflict. Back in the “Jesus Movement” the Imperials, an early contemporary Christian Band had a song (during the Vietnam War peace movement) that declared, “there will never be any peace until God is seated at the conference table.” While Christ will certain maintain a Peaceable Kingdom after His 2^nd Advent, the purpose of His 1^st Advent was primarily attentive to reconciling the conflict between God and sin-separated humanity! “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” – Colossians 1:19-20 Undoubtedly, Romans 5:1-2 offers some additional explanation, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”

JOY – Christ’s 1st Advent bring a deep seated, lasting delight far beyond any momentary pleasure or happiness! “The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” – Luke 10:17-20 Now there’s a reason to continued celebration … after all, just as the prophet proclaimed, “the joy of the Lord is your strength!” – From Nehemiah 8:10

LOVE – “Is a many splendored thing” so the proclamation of a popular Billboard hit from 1955. In the essence of this song, book, and movie — love is indeed full of many magnificent features and/or marvels. In reality, it is also a magnificent marvel that God is both able and desirous of genuinely loving all of humanity. This love is demonstrated even in spite of all our corrupt thoughts and errant behaviors! I John 4:10 articulates, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (full/complete payment) for our sins.” You may recall the old hymn lyrics, “How marvelous, how wonderful is my Saviour’s love for me.” Indeed, God’s love for His most prized creation, humanity (made as no other in His image and likeness) is an everlasting, inexhaustible fountain of love flowing from the heart of God to the life and soul of human beings! Indeed, “How will we escape if we neglect (Gk – ameleo: make light of, have no regard for) so great a salvation?” – Hebrews 2:3 John 3:17, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge (or condemn) the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

Christ Himself brought all these things, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, into the world and made them freely available to all who believe/trust in Him as their Lord and Saviour! So, a simply answer to the initial question is another question … WHY NOT?

“To them He gave the right to be children of God!” – John 1:12

ADVENT … more than just something to think about! – His & Yours, PF

HARVEST

Posted on March 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

For most of us in urban or suburban America, harvest time is of little concern because in the complexity of our lives we are far removed from the actual production of our food supply. However, for the Hebrew people of the Bible, the “harvest” was a most important season, just like those that reside in agricultural areas today. In Genesis 8:22, the Lord insures the significance of this season for humanity; “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

The three principal feasts of the Jews corresponded to their three harvest seasons (Ex 23:16; 34:21-22).

1. The feast of the Passover in April is at the time of the barley harvest (Ruth 1:22)

2. The feast of Pentecost is 7 weeks after Passover, which is the wheat harvest (Ex 34:22).

3. The feast of Tabernacles is in the fall at the end of the Hebrew yearly calendar (October), which is the fruit harvest.

The first-fruits of these harvests were to be presented to Yahweh and used as a wave offering (Lev 23:9-14).

Figuratively speaking from the Old Testament, a destroyed harvest typified devastation or aspects of affliction (Job 5:5; Isa 16:9; 17:11; Jer 5:17; 50:16). The “time of harvest” frequently referenced a day of destruction (Jer 51:33; Hos 6:11; Joel 3:13); however, “Joy in harvest” typified great joy (Isa 9:3). A “harvest of the Nile” spoke of an abundant harvest (Isa 23:3), while “The harvest is past” meant that an appointed time or opportunity was gone (Jer 8:20).

In the New Testament Gospels, Jesus uses the Greek word “therismos” in a new context, referring to the harvest of souls. In Matthew 9:37-38, Christ speaks to His disciples, which is inclusive of us, concerning the need for laborers/workers who are available to gather His harvest — Then He said to His disciples:

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.

John 4:23 also speaks to our Lord’s harvest when He challenges all believers:

Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white (ready) for harvest.

According to Christ’s statement, the Gospel would be effective … very effective! Therefore, there would be a harvest of individuals that would need to be gathered! This need would be evident very soon and continue throughout the ages until our Lord comes and establishes His Kingdom on earth.

Christ explains the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30) in Matthew 13:36-43 in which He uses the word “harvest” in an extremely sad and dreadful context:

Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” And He said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. “So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. “The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

May we have ears to hear! Which harvest will you be part of? –PF