Tag: isaiah

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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