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REDEMPTION

Posted on May 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All humanity is held under the curse:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Pastor Frank

CONSECRATE

Posted on May 9, 2022May 9, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In the Old Testament, Moses, under direct orders from the Lord, declares (Leviticus 20:7):

You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.

According to this passage of Scripture,for Israel to be and remain the people of God, they must be “consecrated” and “holy.” This is not merely speaking ritualistically or in a ceremonial sense, but also in a spiritual, moral, ethical, and behavioral sense. The basic or principal command was (Leviticus 19:2),

You shall be holy; for I the Lord your God am holy.

This leads directly to the commands to honor one’s father and mother, to keep the Sabbaths, to refrain from theft and falsehood, to deal rightly with neighbors and servants, and to be kind to the blind and deaf. It’s interesting to note that each command is followed by the refrain, “I am the Lord,” which strongly upholds and continually emphasizes the original premise . . . the Lord God is holy, as is one’s relationship with Him! Thus Israel’s holiness is not based upon mere ritualistic behaviors and/or actions, but is clearly identified as obedience to God’s divine truth/law (Numbers 15:40):

So that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God.

Therefore, this consecration was more than religious and/or ceremonial; it made a “holy” impact in the entire life … a holy dimension that encompassed one’s entire being … spiritually, morally, ethically, and behaviorally!

Several Old Testament Hebrew words are translated “consecrate” in the biblical text, but each refers to the setting apart of a person or object for the service and/or worship of God. God set His people apart from other nations to worship and serve Him as no other.

However, there remained human responsibility in the framework of His consecration, thus we see the practical implications of consecration fully developed by God’s Old Testament prophets. According to their declarations, true and believing faith leads to consecration – which is an internal/inward dedication that results in the spiritual modification of one’s character and the on-going development of one’s spirituality. For His prophets, the immediacy of one’s relationship to God’s holiness was indicated by a willingness to faithfully participate in acts of spiritual consecration and dedication which demanded absolute obedience, as well as certain observances that necessarily resulted in a spiritual transformation of that individual.

As an example, the “unclean lips” of the prophet Isaiah are purified by a coal from the heavenly altar, and his “guilt is taken away” and his “sin forgiven!” (See Isaiah 6:5-7) Here, a willing and obedient heart is combined with the actions of almighty God. Amos argues that divine holiness demands the ethical reconstruction and consecration of an entire society. The celebrations, feasts, and assemblies (Amos 4:4; 5:21-24) were declared spiritually worthless and meaningless apart from the spiritual, moral, ethical, and behavioral qualities of justice and righteousness. God promises in His holiness, even to avenge the poor, the afflicted, and the oppressed in Amos 2:6; 4:1; 5:10-15.

This only happens when people of true faith turn from human thinking to embrace the wisdom of a living God who knows all and sees all. Otherwise, human benevolence becomes extremely selective, biased, bigoted, highly discriminatory and judgmental. For Habakkuk, the corollary of divine holiness was displayed in righteous anger against evil, faithlessness, and wrongdoing! This prophet even speaks of some spiritual vindication for the righteous — men and women who actively and effectively uphold the standards/concepts of God’s holiness and live wholeheartedly by faith in Him. (See Habakkuk 1:12; 2:4)

As one moves to the New Testament, the word consecrated is only used nominally in reference to objects of Hebrew worship. However, the concept is fully ratified throughout the Biblical text in the term/word “sanctification.” Here we find a distinct, as well as unique “setting apart” of individuals (not objects) for the service and worship of the Lord. Just as in the Old Testament, one finds an act of God combining with the will and subsequent actions of humanity, to bring about sanctification. Biblical, New Testament sanctification always results in a spiritual modification that works to bring about a total adjustment in one’s ethics, morals, thoughts, desires, passions, and behavior.

While it is certainly God that sanctifies, there remains human responsibility in the sanctification process. Just as grapes do not become fine wine automatically, neither does a believer become a true disciple of Jesus Christ without owning and nurturing their relationship with Him. Romans 6:19-23 serves to remind us of this simple fact!

For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Scriptures reveal that one’s thoughts, choices, and actions matter in the sanctification and/or consecration process!

However, we must never forget that this process is impossible without the work of the Lord, and can in no way be achieved or obtained by human effort alone. I Corinthians 1:26-31 states this clearly:

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, ‘LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.’

What shall we do? Partner with the Lord … be consecrated, be sanctified … or not?

Choose today whom you’ll serve. — Pastor Frank

HOLIDAYS

Posted on May 5, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Believe it or not, God’s Word, and the lives of those living in the various cultures described in our biblical text are filled with holidays and public celebrations like our Thanksgiving and Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost, etc. A cursory glance at the word “holiday” gives one a clear hint of its etymology … a compound word created from the words for holy (halig) and day (daeg) from the 14th century. The English pronunciation converges from the 16th century with original uses related directly to religious feasts, festivals, and fasts. However, eventually by the mid 18th century, the meaning evolved to include days of recreation and general celebrations like our 4th of July.

The Hebrews of the Old Testament had an abundance of holidays. Some were based upon their traditions, others were focused on agriculture, and some depicted natural changes of times and seasons. However, historical events connected with the national/religious life of the Jewish people are positioned above others as significant memorials, demanding individual as well as group participation. Therefore these holidays, consisting of fasts, feasts, and festivals were often accompanied by cleansing rituals, offerings (some general – others very specific – as an example see Numbers 10:10), and sacrifices (usually specific – see examples in Numbers 28-29).

The reading of Numbers chapters 28-29 seemingly reveals a complex, as well as somewhat complicated need for specific adherence to each specific instruction or demand. Wow! Before long all this could get really burdensome, old, boring, dreary, mind-deadening, and eventually completely uninspiring. Perhaps many of our holidays are similarly bogged down with expectations, traditions, rituals and routines, ultimately losing the meaning and value for which they were originally established. Where’s the memorial in Memorial Day, the mass (gathering of God’s people for worship) of Christmas, or the giving of thanks at Thanksgiving? Unabashedly, the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk reminded everyone, “the righteous (just) live by/in/through their faith” (2:4), and individuals like Isaiah and Amos, along with many others, moved beyond the rituals of their holidays (fasts, feast, and festivals), leaping right into the heart of the matter.

Isaiah 1:13-14 — Bring your worthless offerings no longer, incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and Sabbath, the calling of assemblies — I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.

Amos 5:21-23 — I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.

Hosea 2:11 — I will also put an end to all her gaiety, her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths and all her festal assemblies.

Certainly these statements were specifically directed toward the spiritual condition of those religiously being religious … practicing their holidays (fasts, feasts, and festivals) — perhaps even flawlessly — to the letter of the law, yet heartlessly without consideration of their true meaning, worth or purpose. So much attention to detail, yet so little contemplation. Have you ever asked the Lord what He is asking of, or what He desires for you and yours this holiday season? Does one just continue walking in what’s always been, just because its always been, or does one earnestly seek to know Him more fully through the feasting and festivities that so anxiously lurk on the horizon?

It’s unmistakably and observably evident that spiritually-minded individuals like Samuel, King David, and Hosea comprehended and appreciated the distinguishing matters of the heart over the process of ritualistic religious activities — holidays (fasts, feasts, and festivals).

I Samuel 15:22 — 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.

Psalms 51:16-17 — David declares, “For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; you are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

Hosea 6:6-7 — For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. But like Adam they have transgressed the covenant; there they have dealt treacherously against Me.

For this year’s Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, I’m sincerely, almost in desperation, beseeching the Lord on behalf of our church and every family touched by this ministry … May the Lord delight in our obedience and loyalty to Him, as well as our ever-increasing knowledge of Him, His ways, and His character, which can only come through the humility of a broken human spirit when accompanied by a broken (of natural pride and self-sufficiency — having been completely humbled) and contrite (genuinely repentant) heart.

Can we do it? Let’s make our Holidays … Holy Days!

— Pastor Frank

SIN UNTO DEATH

Posted on May 3, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Last week, when I was teaching from I John, two mature/growing believers texted me almost the exact same question from I John, but from chapter 5 verses 16-17, rather than from where I was teaching from chapters 1 and 2 in preparation for communion celebration. As a result of their questions, I assumed that perhaps others in the body might have similar questions and deemed it prudent to discuss the issue of “sin unto death.”

First, one must recognize that the Elder and Apostle John is speaking to believers and the immediate context (beginning in verse 14) is that of believers being faithful in praying for one another. However, there is a broader context revealed as well throughout the chapter related to an individual’s relationship with Christ. In addition, the subject passage also reveals several concepts that must be considered astutely relevant if one desires a proper interpretation of the text and/or a meaningful application, as well as an intrinsic spiritual understanding of the phrase “sin unto death.”

TWO PARALLEL OR ANALOGOUS (must be considered side by side without the exclusion of the other) TRUTHS.

According to verses 16 and 17, there is “sin not leading to death.”
According to verse 16, there is “sin leading to death.”

Obviously the discussion of these passages is not that of “original” sin and its encroaching penalty of physical death (see Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:23). Instead, one discovers a compelling sidebar to the original context that demands intentional consideration of each statement’s meaning, as well as an indispensable awareness of its implication or application.

WHAT WE KNOW SCRIPTURALLY (concerning specific sins leading to physical death):

From the Old Testament
1. Exodus 32 shows God’s wrath upon His people for making and worshiping the calf made of gold.
2. Leviticus 10 represents the one true God as requiring proper loyalty, respect, and honor from His servants when Aaron’s sons are devoured as they offered “strange fire before the Lord.”
3. Numbers 16 finds direct disobedience to the Lord’s instructions is punished severely as the ground opens up and “all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol.”

From the New Testament
1. I Corinthians 11:28-32 clearly informs all believers concerning the potential consequences of improperly participating in Communion/The Lord’s Supper. One of those negative effects being physical death.
2. Acts 5:1-10 reminds us of extreme/severe consequences suffered by two early church participants related to their improper behavior and misrepresentations.
3. I Corinthians 5:5 presents a process of church discipline where one individual is turned over to “Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

Scripturally speaking, sin can apparently lead to both physical and spiritual death. Samson and King Saul serve as good examples of those experiencing spiritual death before their physical bodies ceased functioning. In the New Testament we find Demas, although we are not sure of his authentic salvation, who “loved this present world” … observably he is on death row spiritually. Perhaps in an act of mercy, and/or even to protect His church and His people, the Lord removes those from this world who live in such a manner that their lives serve nothing but fleshly passions and worldly purposes/pursuits. These are experiencing no real blessing, no true presence, nor power, since God’s Holy Spirit is constantly being loutishly quenched.

I’m sure we all know those in this, or similar situations … unquestionably, as well as undeniably, living in miserable mire from a spiritual perspective. This may have been the case in 1 Kings 13, when the disobedient prophet is abruptly and forcibly removed in verse 26, “therefore the Lord has given him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him.” However, in this passage, as is consistent throughout the biblical text, there is not one/some specific sin that automatically results in physical or spiritual death other than the blasphemy of God’s Holy Spirit. (see Matthew 12:31-32)

While the intended specific context of this passage is related to believers praying for one another and the book’s overall context is encouragement for righteous/faithful living, the seriousness of sin in a believer’s life is ominous/threatening to those desiring the abundant life in this world promised by Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Elder/Apostle John, the true, faithful believer is hereby reminded to continually walk/live in the glorious and radiant light/truth of Jesus Christ, finding oneself fully forgiven and free from sin’s eternal encroachment. Graciously, perhaps for proper theological understanding and support, I John also takes into account that even those who walk in the light will indeed sin, but not habitually (due to a transformed nature).

Therefore, he writes these encouraging words to all his brothers and sisters in Christ to keep them from sinning and providing understanding for the heart and soul on the occasion that one stumbles into sinful thoughts and/or behaviors. Remember, Jesus Christ didn’t come to make it easier for one to sin, or to do so with a clear conscience. No, HE came to set us free from the very bonds of sinful thoughts and sinful behaviors. (see Romans 8:2)

Nonetheless, the scriptures insist that when believers sin, they have the ultimate support system, ONE who runs to their aid and to Father God on their behalf (see I John 2:1-2). I know of no other book that takes sin more seriously than 1 John, but make no bones about it, while sin is very serious, and can have some deadly consequences, in Jesus Christ all sin and all sins are fully dealt with — past — present — future! Not that grace may abound … may it never be, but so that each and every believer can live a victorious Christian life in this world as preparation for the life to come!

— Blessings, Pastor Frank

FIRST-FRUITS

Posted on April 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The Hebrew people, in acknowledgement of their God, YAHWEH (the one True God), offered the “first-fruits” offerings in gratitude and thankfulness in accordance with His abundant, plentiful provisions. According to Exodus 23:19; Numbers 15:20; 18:12; Deuteronomy 26:2; and Nehemiah 10:35; 10:37, these offerings were to include everything that was produced from their land or that was sustained as a result of the land. Items like grain and fruit were offered in their natural state, while others were prepared for consumption like musk, oil, flour, dough, etc.

You shall bring the very first of the first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God. — Exodus 34:26

The concept of “first-fruits” is also applied figuratively throughout the scriptures as well. In Jeremiah 2:3, Israel is called “re’shith” the “first-fruit” of His harvest in the original Hebrew text. Our New Testament employs the Greek word “aparche” translated “first-fruit” which is applied figuratively to several biblical/theological concepts.

Paul uses this word in Romans 16:5 concerning new believers, “Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert (“aparcheé” — “first-fruit”) to Christ from Asia.” The same is true concerning the household of Stephanas as the first believers from Achaia in I Corinthians 16:15.

In James 1:18 we find a reference to the first generation of Christian believers:

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits (aparcheén) among His creatures.

A similar reference is made concerning Christ’s church in Thessalonica …

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning (aparcheén) for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. — II Thessalonians 2:13

The 144,000 Jewish witnesses raised up to testify concerning Christ’s Gospel in the last days during the tribulation are deemed “first-fruits” in Revelation 14:4-5:

These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits (aparcheé) to God and to the Lamb. And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.

Consider Romans 8:23:

And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits (aparcheén) of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.

In this passage, early Christians are depicted as the “first-fruits” of those that have been blessed and endowed with the unique incomparable gift of God’s Holy Spirit.

These selected verses all represent figurative uses of “first-fruits” in the biblical text. However, one of the most significant utilizations is found in I Corinthians 15:20-25 …

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits (aparcheé) of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits (aparcheé), after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

Christ is the “first-fruit” of the resurrection! This precise application documents several theological/spiritual truths/perspectives/concepts.

1. There is resurrection of the dead, of which Christ is the first.

2. Just as humanity brought death into the world, Jesus Christ, the man/human being, brings life and resurrection.

3. The declaration “first-fruit” implies, in fact demands, the existence of a coming harvest, a gathering/bringing in of all that’s been produced.

4. While we, as believers are not “first-fruits,” we are part of the guaranteed harvest that follows (which is to come)!

As we quickly approach our Good Friday Communion Service and Resurrection (Easter) Sunday celebration, let us never forget the almost indescribable promise brought by “first-fruit”!

— His & Yours, Pastor Frank

SAMSON

Posted on April 14, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

This man embodies/personifies all that is wrong in Israel… In the narrator’s eyes Samson represents the nation. This person — uniquely set apart, called, and gifted (by God) for divine service — not only fraternizes with the enemy, but he also seeks to live among them.
Daniel Block

At the point in Israel’s history when Samson appeared, the nation was rudderless and the people were adrift. Sound familiar? In more recent history we see a similar event with the countries of Europe prior to the World War II (1939-1945) and perhaps even today with the civil, political, social, and spiritual unrest that is working to openly paganize most of our world. As spiritual complacency sets in, the sacred was discarded for the secular and the condition of Lord’s people continually digressed into self-satisfaction/gratification as depicted in the biblical text and unmistakably exemplified in life of Samson.

Samson was a Nazirite (Hebrew – “nazir” meaning a consecrated one or devotee), therefore, as an individual he was committed to the Lord’s service/ministry (as was Samuel and John the Baptist in the time of Christ) and set apart from the society by the Nazirite oath/covenant/ lifestyle/behavior. (See Numbers 6:1-21) The Lord God intentionally, at the appointed time, raised up Samson to make the Hebrew people’s coexistence with the Philistines less comfortable and in fact, difficult. (See Judges 14:4) His purpose was to “begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines” (See Judges 13:5) which would keep the nation committed to its intrinsic values and help them resist being influenced, dominated, and ultimately absorbed spiritually and culturally by this pagan society (See Exodus 19:5, Leviticus 20:26). Unquestionably, according to the OT scriptures, this was his life’s purpose. However, Samson’s infatuation with a Philistine woman in the neighboring town was understandably very disappointing to his parents (See Judges 14:3-4). But they “did not know that it was from the Lord,”… GOD was “seeking an occasion against the Philistines.” Curiously, Samson’s non-conformance to his godly upbringing provided the spark for the chain of events that eventually undermined some of the Philistine’s dominance. Nonetheless, his rebellion festered when after killing a lion, he chose to eat honey found in it’s decaying carcass. (See Judges 14:5-9) This behavior illustrated both his heroic strength and his disregard of the Nazirite prohibition against contact with dead bodies. He then openly violated his vow once again by having a wedding “feast” where there was extremely heavy/excessive drinking (Hebrew “‎mišteh” — which literally means a drinking party). (See Judges 14:10) How many call themselves “Christians” yet abandon their values to partake of the world’s delights?

The rest of Samson’s life was pretty much a disaster until its very end, when he once again cried out to the Lord and was graciously granted supernatural ability/power to defeat the enemies of God.

He engaged in an intimate relationship with a prostitute

The first was a brief affair that gave clue to his moral and spiritual undoing (See Judges 16:1-3)
Even though a trap was set for his capture, he ultimately escaped

He engaged in an intimate relationship with a prostitute named Delilah

Samson “loved her” (See Judges 16:4)
Like his former wife, Delilah was persuaded by the Philistines (this time with a large bribe) to betray him
After putting her off three times, he finally/sinfully divulged the secret of his strength: the Nazirite vow prohibiting the cutting of his hair. While he was sleeping his hair was shorn, and “his strength left him … And he did not know that the Lord had left him” (See Judges 16:19)
The Philistines seized Samson, gouged out his eyes, and forced him into humiliating slavery

Samson returned to the Lord’s favor (Judges 16:23-30) when the defeated Israelite was brought in to “make sport” of. Samson’s motives once again aligned with God’s purpose of discomfiting the Philistines. In a grim, heroic climax, Samson pulled down the two main supporting pillars of the temple portico killing about three thousand Philistines and himself — the (one true) God of Israel showing Himself more powerful than the pagan deity, Dagon
Ironically, Samson killed more Philistines at his death than during any point in the rest of his life

I wonder how much, and how often we are too much like Samson. Believe me, I know his name is listed in Hebrews with the “heroes” of faith. Nonetheless, his character/behavior reveled the condition of his soul as well as that of his nation. I pray we don’t wait for blindness, slavery, and death before calling upon our Lord for strength and through a life of commitment and obedience, resisting all the enemies of our faith!

Think about it, ask the Lord about it!

His & yours, PF

FAITHFULNESS

Posted on March 21, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Isn’t this the genuine life-mission of every true follower/disciple of Jesus Christ? The word “faithfulness” appears in both the Old and New Testament biblical texts, primarily addressing two main themes:

The faithfulness of God
The faithfulness of God’s people

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD can simply (perhaps overly simplified) be defined as His determined loyalty to keep His word and fulfill all His covenants. Psalm 25:10 clearly and unmistakably links our God’s faithfulness to the concepts of love and truth … “All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies” … for all those in relationship with Him. However, His faithfulness, fully displayed in love and truth, extends far beyond those who believe — to every aspect of His creations! Psalm 57:10 – “For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds.”

Our New Testament scriptures also affirm God’s continued faithfulness which is ultimately, powerfully, permanently, and finally, confirmed in Jesus Christ our Lord. I Corinthians 1:9 declares, “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Here, one sees God’s continued determined loyalty to lovingkindness and truth through the continuation of His gracious unalterable covenants. God fully demonstrates His care for all humanity in II Corinthians 1:18-22 –

But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us — by me and Silvanus and Timothy — was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

This pledge, of His Holy Spirit, further proves His faithfulness!

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD’S PEOPLE is also prevalent in both the Old and New Testament scriptures! In Numbers 14:24-25 a noticeable and distinct example of faithfulness results in God’s blessings upon all of Caleb’s descendants!

But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it.

There are numerous examples of “faithfulness” like this in the biblical text that provide illustrations and patterns of this valuable attribute for our lives as authentic believers. Nonetheless, does our God’s faithfulness somehow demand a response of faithfulness from His people … those redeemed and called by His name? That’s a question one must answer.

See, God’s prophet, Samuel spoke openly with the Lord’s people in I Samuel 12:24 –

Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

The New Testament refers to human faithfulness as a God-granted virtue/asset/quality. In Galatians 5:22 it is listed as fruit in one’s life — resulting from the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit! I Timothy 3:11 exhorts godly women be “faithful in all things.” Matthew and Luke both reference the concepts of the faithful servants and faithful stewards (Matthew 24:45; 25:21,23; Luke 12:42; 16:10-12; 19:17). “Faithful” here is very much role-relative; but the point of the parables is not that the Christian should allow role expectations to determine totally his or her behavior, but that one should be faithful to God and give that loyalty precedence over all others.

In I Timothy 1:12, the apostle Paul gives the reason for his appointment as “faithfulness,” according to Christ’s judgment. He also instructed Pastor Timothy to find “faithful men” and to appoint them to the role of teachers in Christ’s Church (II Timothy 2:2). However, in every one of these examples, faithfulness in a particular role meshes inseparably with faithfulness to the Lord, as is seen by the frequent addition of epistemological phrases such as “in Jesus Christ.”

Now, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, please meditate on this one for a few days & nights …

It is a trustworthy statement: If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
II Timothy 2:11, 13

That’s our Lord!

His & Yours, PF

PRAYING FOR A NATION

Posted on March 18, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

I was recently eating lunch with Brother Colin (Powell) – (so delighted he has returned to Houston!) and he shared some thoughts from his study of Daniel 9 where we find the prophet diligently praying and even repenting before God for the Hebrew nation/people. After retuning to my office at WOF, I started contemplating all the times in the Bible that individuals effectively interceded on behalf of a nation. While I was certainly aware of all the accounts I found, I was taken-back, and literally somewhat stunned by the historical record.

Numerous times, the intercession and faithful prayers of one person brought about the nation’s deliverance from judgment! On two different, distinct occasions, the Lord God was ready to obliviate (literally forget or wipe from existence) the entire nation/people group. In Exodus 32:7-14, the Lord actually offers to alternatively make Moses a great nation and utterly destroy this “obstinate people.”

Again, in Numbers 14:11-25, the Lord is ready to “dispossess” His people because they “spurn” Him in spite of all the “signs” He had “performed in their midst.” The Lord once again makes a proposal to His faithful servant, Moses … “I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they.”

In each of these cases, Moses prayed, and the Lord graciously and mercifully withheld the full judgment that the nation/people undisputedly and forthrightly deserved.

In II Chronicles 20, the Lord heard Jehoshaphat’s prayer and gave Israel a decisive victory over the large and powerful invading armies of the Moabites and Ammonites. King Hezekiah cried out to God in II Kings 19:1-7 and Isaiah 37:1-7 when the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem, and the Lord sent His angel to slay 185,000 enemy soldiers (19:35 and 37:36).

A righteous individual is powerful and effective in prayer … “

“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16)

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.
James 5:17-18

God doesn’t have to wait for an entire nation to repent and/or cry out for His mercy; He works when and as He hears the prayers of believing, faithful intercessors. Apparently, according to Truth from God’s Word even … only one!

In Daniel 9:3-6 one encounters a great amount of spiritual transparency as the prophet openly and volitionally acknowledges the sins of the people/nation.

So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.

Then in verses 13-14 …

all this calamity has come on us; yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our iniquity and giving attention to Your truth. “Therefore, the Lord has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the Lord our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice.

If this sounds familiar, portraying our nation currently, and the people of our land, what shall believers do? Just simply think about it, discuss it, or write about it?

Not! –PF

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

Posted on January 11, 2021 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