isaiah – Page 2

MOHAMMED V JESUS

Posted on April 25, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Mohammed was the prophet of war;

Christ is the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Mohammed’s disciples killed for the faith;

Christ’s disciples were killed for their faith. (Acts 12:2; II Timothy 4:6-7)

Mohammed promoted persecution against the “infidels”;

Christ forgave and converted even His chief persecutor. (I Timothy 1:13-15)

Mohammed was the taker of life;

Christ is the giver of life. (John 10:27-28)

Mohammed and his fellow warriors murdered thousands;

Christ murdered none but saved mllions. (John 12:46-48)

Mohammed practiced FORCE;

Christ practiced and preached FAITH. (John 6:29, 35)

Mohammed was a WARRIOR;

Christ is a DELIVERER. (Col. 1:13; I Thess. 1:10)

Mohammed said to the masses, “Convert or die!”;

Christ said, “Believe and live!” (John 6:47; 11:25-26)

Mohammed was swift to shed blood (see the evil spoken of in Romans 3:15-17);

Christ shed His own blood for the salvation of many. (Ephesians 1:7)

Mohammed preached “Death to the infidels!”;

Christ declared “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Mohammed declared a holy war (Jihad) against infidels;

Christ achieved a holy victory on Calvary’s cross (Colossians 2:14-15) and His followers share in that victory. (John 16:33)

Mohammed constrained people by conquest;

Christ constrains people by love. (II Corinthians 5:14)

Modern terrorists derive their inspiration from Mohammed and carry out their despicable atrocities in the name of his god;

Christians derive their inspiration from the One who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)

Modern day disciples of Mohammed respond to the terrorist attacks by cheering in the streets;

Modern day disciples of Christ are deeply grieved by atrocities carried out by those who were “Christians” in name only (the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, Westboro Baptist Church, etc.).

Many Muslims claim to be peaceful and peace-loving because they are not strictly following the teachings of their founder;

Many Christians are peaceful and peace-loving because they do strictly follow the teachings of their Founder. (Romans 12:17-21)

Mohammed called upon his servants to fight;

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight . . . but now is My kingdom not from here.” (John 18:36)

Mohammed ordered death to the Jews (see A. Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad, Oxford University Press [1975], p. 369);

Christ ordered that the Gospel be preached “to the Jew first.” (Romans 1:16)

The Koran says, “Fight and slay the Pagans (idolaters, polytheist) wherever ye find them” (Qu’ran 9.5);

Christ said, “Preach the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Mohammed’s mission was to conquer the world for Allah;

Christ’s mission was to conquer sin’s penalty and power by substitutionary atonement, (II Corinthians 5:21;I Peter 3:18)

Mohammed claimed that there was but one God, Allah;

Christ claimed that He was God. (John 10:30-31; John 8:58-59; John 5:18; John 14:9)

Mohammed’s Tomb: OCCUPIED! No assurance of eternal life.

Christ’s tomb: EMPTY! Full assurance of life. (John 3:16)

JIHAD VS THE GOSPEL Jihad is the “peak” of Islam, held up by the five and the second greatest command of Muhammad. It is not only commended, but clearly commanded in the Quran. Even though the crusades ended many centuries ago, Islamic Jihad is carried out right now, to this day! Millions of people have been slaughtered throughout the centuries by Islamic militants – such as in 1915, the slaughter of 1.5 millions Armenians in Turkey. Christians have continued to be slaughtered by Islamic militants throughout the world as well. We don’t kill people because they fail to believe, instead we pray!

Therefore, before faithful New Testament believers buy into the lie of this so called “peaceful religion” or accept some responsibility for the atrocities of the Catholic endorsed crusades, which ended over 700 years ago … it would be extremely wise to first learn from reliable sources what the crusades were all about, study Islamic teachings, and consider the track record of Jihad over the last 14 centuries.

Do it! His & Yours, Pastor Frank

NEW

Posted on April 18, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

As we approach a new year in 2016, I’m praying that each of us will fully embrace with great anticipation our position/role in Christ’s plan for our church/ministry, as well as in our lives and family. Just in case one hasn’t figured it out yet, our Lord is always up to something “new,” and unquestionably He has plenty of “new” lined up for you!

In Mark 2:22 Jesus states:

No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.

In this text, Christ reminds the Hebrew people that His presence with humanity (see John 1:14) was something “new,” and He wanted the people to clearly understand that this newness (or current fulfillment of God’s promises) unmistakably signaled the passing of the old. Any attempt to bind the newness of His Gospel to the old religion of Judaism is as futile as trying to patch an old (‎Gk – palaion‎, “worn out by use”) garment with a new, unshrunk piece of cloth. When the new (‎Gk – kainon‎, “qualitatively new”) piece (‎Gk- pleroma‎, “fullness”) becomes wet, it will shrink, pull away from the old, and make a larger hole.

It is equally disastrous to pour new (Gk – ‎neon‎, “fresh”), not fully fermented, wine into old (‎Gk – palaious‎, “worn out by use,” with no elasticity, brittle) wineskins. Inevitably, as the new wine ferments (expands), it will burst the skins and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. Salvation, available through Jesus, was not to be mixed with the old Hebrew/Judaistic system of legalism (religious laws, statutes, and regulations) as explained in John 1:17:

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught:

1. He came to save sinners by/through grace and truth!

2. He didn’t come for those that wanted to remain in the status

quo … dead religion … instead He offered grace and truth!

3. He came to introduce the new by/through grace and truth —

not to patch up or attempt a revitalization or remodeling of

the old!

Jesus came to relentlessly usher in the new, not to unite with the old. The Mosaic system was decaying, getting very old, and ready to vanish away (See Hebrews 8:13). Therefore, Christ fulfilled and abolished the old so that every believer would have a new life in Him (See II Corinthians 5:17). The Lord established this New Covenant in/by His blood (See Luke 22:19-20) and this new Law would be written on human hearts, not on stones or tablets (See II Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 10:15-18). Additionally, the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit would enable His people to live rightly/righteously (See Romans 8:1-4).

By using this illustration, the Lord refuted once and for all, the popular idea of a compromising “world religion.” Well-meaning but spiritually blind leaders often suggest that we take “the best” from each religion, blend it with what is “best” in the Christian faith, and thus manufacture a synthetic faith that would be acceptable to everybody.

But the Christian faith is exclusive in character; it will not accept any other faith as its equal or its superior. Remember, according to Acts 4:12:

There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved!

Salvation is not a partial patching up of one’s old life … instead, we put on something new. (See Isaiah 61:10) II Corinthians 5:21 declares:

He (Father God) made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Therefore, the Christian life that each of us will embark upon in 2016 is not a mixing of one’s old life with the new; rather, the old being crucified and transformed (Gk – metamorfousthe – from Romans 12:1-2 meaning completely changed) into the new. An acorn is planted in the ground and it is ultimately destroyed, but out of that seed pops an oak tree! Small ones, young ones, big ones, and not so young ones — all reaching for new heights because of the our relationship with Christ!

Are you ready? May 2016 be a year when each of us is …

Like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he/she does, he/she prospers.
Psalm 1:3

That’s my prayer for all of us this year.

His & Yours, Pastor Frank

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?

RESURRECTION

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

Being raised from the dead has three primary meanings in our Old and New Testament Scriptures.

1. Miraculous Healings In this usage, resurrection refers to individuals who have been brought back to life from death (resuscitated). Such raisings are recorded in: I Kings 17:20-24 (a widow’s son), II Kings 4:32-37 (the Shunammite’s son), and when a dead man’s body touches Elisha’s bones in II Kings 13:21. Mark 5:41-43 records Christ raising Jairus’ daughter, and in John 11:43-44 Lazarus comes alive after already being entombed. Peter is used by the Lord to raise Dorcas in Acts 9:40-41, and Paul ministers resurrection to Eutychus in Acts 20:9-12. It is important to note that in each of these biblically recorded (as witnessed by many) resurrection cases, there is no suggestion or evidence that these individuals would not again experience physical death.

2. Our Lord’s Resurrection His resurrection is undeniably linked in the New Testament with victory over all the powers of both sin and death. For Paul, and us, Christ’s resurrection (as witnessed by many) is the basis for the doctrine of resurrection.

(See I Corinthians 15:12-19)

3. Human Resurrection Many of the Greek philosophers, such as Plato, believed that an immortal soul inhabited a body, and that at death the soul left its bodily prison and soared upward to the divine spirit. In the Old Testament, we learn that “Sheol” is actually the place of the dead, a form of weakened existence. However, it was a faithful Hebrew’s firm belief that the righteous dead would yet again see God. (See Job 19:26) Upon this expectation was laid the foundation concerning the resurrection of righteous individuals to life!

The Hebrew peoples’ concepts of the resurrection were born out of her relationship to God throughout their tumultuous history. The prophet Isaiah seems to express a view that the wicked would face eternal separation from God, while the faithful will come to experience a bodily resurrection. (See Isaiah 26:14 & 19)

In addition, God’s prophet Daniel announced:

Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. (See Daniel 12:2)

Our New Testament scriptures consistently teach a hope (confident expectation) in a physical resurrection unto life for every genuine believer, based upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the “firstborn from the dead.” (See I Corinthians 15:12-58; Colossians 1:18; I Thessalonians 4:14-18; I Peter 1:3-5) This concept of a physical, bodily resurrection is also expressed in terms such as a transformed body (See Philippians 3:21) and new clothing. (See II Corinthians 5:4; Revelation 6:11) The scriptures also contrast the resurrection unto life with a resurrection unto judgment. (See John 5:29; Acts 24:15) A similar contrast also lies behind the statements in Revelation 20 about the first resurrection (which is that unto life) (See verse 5), and those who are part of the resurrection unto judgment, who ultimately face the lake of fire and the second death. (See verses 12-14)

Sadly, not all who attempted to be identified with Christ’s Church proclaimed the truth of a future resurrection. In fact, some preached a spiritual awakening, or resurrection, that had already taken place. This view point was adopted by Hymenaeus and Philetus and later promoted by Gnostic heretics. Needless to say they were sternly rebuked and condemned by the Apostle Paul. (See II Timothy 2:17-19)

Do you believe in resurrection? If so, let’s gather as genuine believers for a earnest, heartfelt, jubilant celebration on Sunday, April 16! It’s victory over sin and death … a time for rejoicing in the precious gift of life, life abundant and everlasting, which has been bestowed upon us through faith in our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ! Let’s do it!

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

— PF

ADVENT

Posted on March 28, 2022March 28, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Most everyone who has attended West Oaks Fellowship for a while comes to understand that when we approach the holiday season called Christmas (from Christ – mass), our spiritual emphasis shifts (similar to Resurrection Sunday vs Easter or Reformation Day vs Halloween) to a sincere focus on the many blessings of Christ’s first advent (coming), and the concepts of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love that Jesus offers all humanity. Our concentration, as believers on Advent (Greek – parousia, Latin – adventus) … meaning arrival, a coming, or presence … allows us an opportunity to celebrate and rejoice in the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares:

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(also see II Peter 1:16, Philippians 2:5-8)

Hopefully, we will all fully embrace the celebration of Christ’s coming into our world in the same manner as we consider His resurrection, the advent (coming) of God’s Holy Spirit (Pentecost), and His anticipated 2^nd Advent (return to earth). Nevertheless, as a serious student of history, Christianity, and God’s Word, I’m somewhat baffled by some of the silliness, traditions, and ungodly, heathen practices that have creeped into the church (the body of Christ at large) and many believing families’ Christmases.

While I’m not advocating a cessation from celebrating Jesus Christ’s First Advent (coming), like not decorating your home, etc., etc. as some legalists/religionists would demand, I am asking all true believers to give careful consideration to their celebrations and traditions. Just because everyone is doing it (as you may tell your teenage son or daughter) or because it feels good, that doesn’t make it right! Romans 14:5-6a shines some light for us:

One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord.

Then continuing in verse 7-9,

For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

In essence, it’s absolutely essential, that faithful, committed followers of Jesus Christ know exactly why they are celebrating our Lord’s Advent in the manner they do, and should a question arise about one’s holiday practices, have a proper, biblically-qualified, spiritually-based answer that can be clearly articulated.

Now, I know some of you are already saying, “give me a break PF” … because you’re one that “loves” Christmas! Indeed, I pray you love Christ, and wholeheartedly rejoice in His 1^st Advent (coming)! Nonetheless, as unpopular as it might be, please ask yourself what exactly is it that you love so much?

Today, one of our fine, young-adult men messaged me a detailed question about believers using Christmas Trees – after his study of scriptures in Jeremiah 10:1-11. The modern-day Christmas tree was not introduced into America by Germans until the 19th century. The annual tradition of erecting a National Christmas Tree was not established until 1923 in Washington, D.C. – some 147 years after the birth of our nation, and 316 years after the first permanent English settlement in America. Ever wonder why? Certainly, that’s a valid question for every believer to consider.

Does one bring an idol into their home for any reason? Well, if I was an archaeologist, and had excavated an ancient relic from a pagan temple in Israel, I would probably have it on display in my office. Unquestionably, I would use it as a tool to explain portions of the scripture and give testimony concerning the authenticity of the Bible. However, at that point, someone could accuse me of having an idol in my home or office. The accusation would be true, but not be a genuine reflection of my faith or worship.

While there is little argument about the following points concerning a typical American Christmas celebration on December 25, the key for each and every believer, as well as for each and every family, is simple obedience to Christ and His Word, coupled with the true spirit of any and every action/activity, etc.

No biblical data exists, nor any early known written documentation referencing or establishing Christ’s birth in December or on its 25^th day; however, there is insurmountable evidence concerning the dates of His death and the coming of God’s Holy Spirit at Pentecost (an annual Hebrew feast/celebration).
The date of December 25^th was a long-standing pagan holiday, “Saturnalia,” …the worldwide celebration of the re-birth of the sun-god (an anti-christ type – thousands of years before Jesus was born under various names – all commemorating variations of a false trinity consisting of a father, mother and child), and was intentionally highjacked by the early Roman church in 350 AD by Pope Julius.
As late as 1855, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists refused to recognize December 25^th as a legitimate holiday in reference to Christ’s birth.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 Ed., p. 253, tells us that as late as 1913, many States did not even recognize December 25^th as a permissible holiday.

Certainly, each and every believer is free to celebrate Advent 2017 in their lives and families with meaningful and worshipful expressions of reflection, gratitude, ceremony, exaltation, and even jubilation! Nonetheless, Colossians 2:16-17 speaks plainly:

Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath (plural in the Greek text) day things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.

Yes, the significant substance of any truly spiritually-centered celebration must be Jesus Christ (not a shadow – but the real thing). Therefore, we are compelled to ask, is our Christmas a spiritual, or cultural event?

The Hebrew people managed to get the practices of their culture and genuine spirituality and those things that were, “a mere shadow of what is to come” awfully confused and extremely complicated. Perhaps that why the Lord declares in Jeremiah 6:20:

For what purpose does frankincense come to Me from Sheba and the sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable and your sacrifices are not pleasing to Me.

Have you ever wondered what the Lord thinks of an American Christmas? Perhaps we should humbly, and perhaps solemnly, consider the words Isaiah 43:24:

You have bought Me not sweet cane with money, nor have you filled Me with the fat of your sacrifices; rather you have burdened Me with your sins, you have wearied Me with your iniquities.

Our Lord rejects, not their ceremonial service, but the substitution of it for personal holiness and morality. In addition, may we never forget Jeremiah 7:23:

But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.’ Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward.
(also please read Isaiah 1:10-17; Micah 6:6-8)

I Samuel 15:22 asks:

Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.

What are our Advent celebrations, customs, traditions, … pagan rituals/practices coated in some form of Jesus-juice to make them seem/feel OK? (ceremonial, ritualistic, theistic, existentialism) Are they done in/by faith and are they pleasing to our Lord? I know, I know, too much! Nonetheless, let’s agree on Colossians 3:17 for this ADVENT:

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Think about it, pray about it, act upon it.

— His & Yours, PF

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

RECKLESS

Posted on March 24, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The word reckless, which appears 4 times in the biblical text, is an Old English/German word meaning to be utterly unconcerned about the consequences of some action; taking specific action without considering or caring about the consequences of that action; action or activity without any concern or caution; being or acting careless. (dictionary.com and merriam–webster.com)

In Judges 9:4, one finds the Hebrew word “pachaz” translated in English as reckless, which is used to describe the worthless cadre hired by Abimelech. A similar phrase, “pachazuwth,” is employed by the Prophet Jeremiah in 23:32 to describe the false prophets of his day. In Zephaniah 3:4, “pachaz” is once again used, this time in reference to rebellious and defiled nations whose prophets are “reckless and treacherous” individuals.

In the New Testament, the Greek word, “propetes” is translated reckless, along with a host of other carnal traits and behaviors in II Timothy 3:4, to describe the nature and character of human beings during “the last days.”

Recently, a new contemporary Christian song by Cory Asbury, has risen to enhanced popularity that employs the word “reckless” in reference to God’s love. While he may offer an explanation for his use of the term in his song, this word used in reference to God’s love is absolutely ungodly, inexcusable, and in reality, a reckless theological error and heretical lie.

Some will say, “that’s not fair, you’re judging him.” NO! The truth is that God’s love is NOT reckless — no matter what the justification for use of the phrase may be, and those words should never be uttered by the mouth or flow forth from the lips of a genuine believer in Jesus Christ! If some catchy song with a good hook in the chorus and a great rhythm said, “Jesus is a liar,” would you repeat that phrase? Would you use that song during worship? Would you sing along with your car stereo blasting?

Confusing, degrading, anti-God, heretical lies have occurred before in Christian music, both traditional and contemporary, and, in each more recent case, some lame exegesis of an excuse is offered in hopes of gaining popular approval and imploring the faithful to overlook the obvious doctrinal catastrophe. In 1982, Leon Patillo brought forth a popular song, “Star Of The Morning” on his album entitled The Definitive Collection. Who is the Star Of The Morning (Isaiah 14:12) as opposed to The Bright And Morning Star? Sadly, no retraction or correction. Then, Phillips, Craig, and Dean make the same blunder and declare the same heresy in the 2012 song, “When The Stars Burn Down!” How can a clear reference to Satan himself be substituted for the one and only true Messiah, Jesus Christ, who, as The Bright And Morning Star, (Revelation 22:16) stands in direct opposition to the Star Of The Morning?

GO FIGURE CHURCH!

While one may have been living a completely reckless life when they experienced the fullness of God’s love, that provides no foundation or possible justification for assigning such a characteristic to His love which is poured into our hearts (Romans 5:1-5), causing us to be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37-39), working to bring about unity (Colossians 3:14), perfect (I John 4:15-21), and is manifested (displayed) among us (I John 4:9-11). In fact, genuine Christianity is the only world religion that sets forth the Supreme Being as Love (I John 4:8)!

Just in case you were wondering, there is nothing reckless concerning the love of God for all humanity. In fact, just the opposite is true, because He is not, will not, and cannot be reckless about anything! It is entirely and absolutely against His very nature and character. In addition, our salvation is a strategic move/plan on His part, and the nature of who we are becoming in Christ Jesus is void of anything reckless! For that I thank Him daily! How about you?

Were you redeemed as some part of a reckless adventure, or distinctly set apart by God, uniquely created and designed for a divine/holy/blameless relationship with Him through Jesus Christ from the very foundation of the world “according to the kind intention of His will?” (See Ephesians 1:3-6)

His & Yours, PF

RESOLUTIONS

Posted on March 21, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

As 2019 approaches, many individuals will make “New Year’s Resolutions.” This practice originated with the Babylonians and was connected to the planting of crops in mid-March. Promises were made to their pagan deities and in return, as the Babylonians stayed true to their promises, the gods would bestow favor on them throughout the coming year.

Similar practices occurred in ancient Rome, where Julius Caesar modified the calendar, establishing January 1 as the beginning of a new year. They believed their two-faced god, Janus, whose spirit inhabited doorways and arches, was able to look backwards into the previous year and forward into the future. In hopes of a good future, the Romans offered sacrifices coupled with promises of good behavior in hopes of having a blessing in the coming year.

Early on, the first day of a new year became an occasion for Christians to think about one’s past mistakes and resolve to do and be better in the future. In 1740, John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service which was commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, affording worshippers the opportunity to seek the Lord’s help and favor in the coming new year. This type of service became known as watch night services throughout Protestantism in western culture.

Resolutions are a funny thing because they are usually a set of somewhat lofty goals, perhaps far-fetched ideas, things on a bucket list, or possibly a “better version of the you” that one’s hoping and praying to be in coming New Year.

Did you know that, on average, approximately 92 percent of Americans are doomed to fail at keeping their New Year’s Resolutions? One might ask, why? It’s mostly because the goals aren’t specific, measurable and/or realistic (too far-fetched to be obtainable).

As a result, some people simply don’t attempt to make New Year’s Resolutions, which is a personal choice, while others struggle to make the next year different. While I’m in a different camp, that from a perspective of continuous modification and transformation, even on a daily basis, I’d like to share some steps I use to affect substantive modifications in my life.

Now before you jump in, realize two things:

Effective change requires a serious, steadfast commitment!
Generally, affirmative or positive change requires a step by step approach, both spiritual and practical!

STEP 1: Where does your help come from? Perhaps, “I can’t, but with God, nothing is impossible!” (see Zachariah 4:6, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 4:13, II Corinthians 3:4-5, Luke 1:37)

STEP 2: Be humble and surrender your desire/will to the Lord’s purpose for your life! (see James 4:3, I Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 37:11, I Peter 5:6, I Chronicles 4:9-10)

STEP 3: Own your past, openly acknowledge sin — without excuses or attempts at human justifications! (See Psalm 32, Proverbs 28:13, I Corinthians 11:3, James 5:16)

STEP 4: Walk in forgiveness (seeking forgiveness and forgiving others)! (See Ephesians 4:32)

STEP 5: Lay all your plans out before the Lord! (See Proverbs 16:1-9, 19:20-24, 20:18, 21:5, 29:18, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Isaiah 55:8-9)

STEP 6: Stay connected and listen closely! (See James 1:19, Jeremiah 33:3, I John 5:14, Proverbs 16:20, Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 5:3)

STEP 7: Don’t shrink back, remain steadfast! (See II Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:14, 31:24, Joshua 1:1-9, Deuteronomy 31:6)

Faithful followers of Jesus Christ live daily in anticipation of hearing and responding to the Lord’s direction. If He has placed in your heart a need and desire to change, and you’re committed to that end, then launch the resolution. At that point, share your objective(s) with others, become accountable, and seek wise counsel (See Proverbs 11:4) from the godly, not the worldly (See Psalm 1:1, Romans 8:8)! Satan will use the seemingly good ideas of the world to trap you in the grips of his destructive system. He may help you change, but it won’t be anything that honors or glorifies the Lord (See Hebrews 11:6)!

I pray you enjoy a blessed new year of godly transformation! — PF

WAITING

Posted on March 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Generally, waiting is not something of great pleasure when one lives in a culture and society that often seems to crave the instant. Who doesn’t break with their basket to the shortest line at the grocery store or quickly position one’s vehicle to secure the nearest open fuel pump? Nonetheless, waiting is a part of everyone’s daily life, whether one likes/enjoys/embraces it or not. In a similar way, believers may experience the perceived difficulty, or even the frustration, of having to patiently wait, while the Lord is up to something for His glory and purpose that far outweighs the delayed fulfillment, gratification, or satisfaction of the immediate.

In Psalm 25:3 we are reminded, “Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed!” Then, consider the sincere, committed, faith statement proclaimed in verse 5, “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.” Listen to the urgent cry of one who is fully trusting and relying on the Lord in verse 21, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.” The last portion of this statement could also be properly translated, “I have,” or “I place my hope in You.” In this biblical context, to lose hope would be surrendering the future to the enemy, and even works to destroy the meaning of the present. By embracing the waiting, King David demonstrates his confidence in the Lord, His design, purpose, plan, etc. Therefore, the waiting is the pathway to God’s provision!

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31

As we approach Christmas, the time believers have set aside to celebrate our Lord’s first coming (Advent) and the promises of His eminent return (2nd Advent/Coming), perhaps it’s good for us to consider the endurance of the Old Testament prophets and the faithful, as they waited and watched for the promised Messiah, the Anointed One, Christ Jesus! From Genesis 3:15 until His birth (thousands of years) they lived in confident anticipation awaiting His appearing (1st Advent) in accordance with over 300 Old Testament prophecies (all completed by 450 BC) concerning our Lord’s birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection. Mathematically speaking, the odds of anyone fulfilling this amount of prophecy are staggering … 1 person fulfilling 8 prophecies – 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000; 1 person fulfilling 48 prophecies – 1 chance in 10 to the 157th power; 1 person fulfilling 300+ prophecies — Only Jesus!

Nevertheless, He came! Just consider all that happened while they waited … He came at the appointed time (See Galatians 4:4-5) and “Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.“ (Romans 15:4)

Today, we find ourselves, as New Testament believers, waiting. But we wait in full faith, genuine hope (confident expectation) — knowing and believing, based on history (His Story), the promises of our Lord. However, in the wait, there is much to be gained if we can grasp the proper perspective and escape our demands for the instant. By the way, instant coffee or tea cannot be compared to that which was allowed to brew properly!

Yes, fellow believers and servants of Jesus Christ … think about this … there is most likely a really good reason/purpose for the wait!

His & Yours because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)

Pastor Frank

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word do I hope.

— Psalm 130:5

You are my hiding place and my shield; wait for Your Word.

— Psalm 119:114

NEW

Posted on March 9, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The word “new” is quite common (at least 176 occurrences) in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures … however, not insignificant! Its first appearance is a compound Hebrew word referring to “new” or fresh wine and is not associated with drunkenness. This word speaks of a product, usually connected to God’s blessings of fruitfulness, productivity, and blessing.

The Hebrew word, chadash (khaw-dawsh’), usually translated fresh, a new thing, new, or refreshed appears 56 times in the Hebrew Old Testament text. It always refers to something recent or fresh (as the exact opposite of old) and speaks of something that did not previously exist. Isaiah 42:9 declares,

Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.

In Jeremiah 31:31-32 the Lord speaks through His prophet,

Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord.

Ezekiel 11:19 announces God’s intentions, “And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them.”

Then, there is this beautiful, but familiar proclamation from Lamentations 3:22-23,

The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

In the New Testament, 3 Greek root words — kianos; neos; prosphatos — are generally translated “new” in our Bibles and each has a different, distinct meaning.

1. kainos denotes “new,” in that which is unaccustomed or unused, not “new” in time (as something recent), but “new” as to its style, form, or quality. Something of a different nature/character as that which is in contrasted to its old nature/character. The Gospel of Christ brings forward and presents: a “new” covenant in Matthew 26:28; a “new” commandment in John 13:34; a “new” creative act in Galatians 6:15; a “new” creation in II Corinthians 5:17; a “new” person, after the pattern of Christ in Ephesians 4:24; a “new” union, His Church body in Ephesians 2:15. In the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John, “new” things prevail and are to be received as well as enjoyed forever! A “new” name for believers in Revelation 2:17; a “new” name for the Lord in Revelation 3:12; a “new” song in Revelation 5:9; a “new” Heaven and a “new” Earth in Revelation 21:1; the “new” Jerusalem in Revelation 3:12 and 21:2; “And He that sitteth on the Throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new’” in Revelation 21:5!

2. Neos signifies “new” in respect of time, that which is recent; it is used of the young, especially in the comparative degree of something being younger. Neos and Kainos may sometimes be used of the same thing/object, but there is a difference. Colossians 3:10 states that believers, “have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” In this case one would conclude that the discussion is in reference to character or nature, but “neos” is used to emphasize the fact that the believer’s “new” experience, recently began, and is still proceeding. The old man/individual in the believer … dates as far back as Adam; a “new” man has been recently birthed in respect to Adam, newly born – thus born again – a spiritual birth. (John 3:1-8)

3. Prosphatos originally was used to signify something “freshly slain/cut/poured/happening,” as may be applied to flowers, oil, wine, misfortune, etc.

However, its use in Hebrews 10:19-20 cast a discrete and powerful message!

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new (root word – prosphatos) and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

YES … A new and living way just for us!

I pray that the “new” will truly be alive, dynamic, and operative in you and yours throughout the New Year, 2020!

– His & Yours, PF