Tag: isaiah

ADVENT

Posted on 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 2nd 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 1st 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.

  1. No biblical data exists, nor any early known written documentation referencing or establishing Christ’s birth in December or on its 25th 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).
  2. The date of December 25th 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.
  3. As late as 1855, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists refused to recognize December 25th as a legitimate holiday in reference to Christ’s birth.
  4. Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 Ed., p. 253, tells us that as late as 1913, many States did not even recognize December 25th 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

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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 70th 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

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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

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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:

  1.  Effective change requires a serious, steadfast commitment!
  2. 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

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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

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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

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

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

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

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

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

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

Just Think About It! — Pastor Frank

FUSION

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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