Tag: revelation

FEAR

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Here’s a non-biblical definition of fear: A strong, sometimes uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion, caused by actual or perceived danger and / or threat induced by something or someone.

Have you ever wondered why the word “fear” appears so many times in the Bible? In fact, there are over 500 references throughout the scriptures … some referring to fear as described above, others reminding us to “fear God,” and a few offering instruction for faithful believers, encouraging us to “fear not.”

The first biblical passage using “fear” is found in Genesis 9:2 in respect to the animals of God’s creation’s perspective on humanity, and the last is found in Revelation 19:5 concerning the Lord’s bond-servants offering Him praise. Needless to say, these two words don’t have the same meaning in their original language. The Revelation verse refers to “fear” as being in awe and reverent before the Lord, while in Genesis, the “fear” is that from the perspective of trembling, or being in terror as standing before a superior being / power.

Undoubtedly, it is right and good for us, as believers, to “fear” God by demonstrating genuine reverence, deep respect, and honor towards Him.

Some would argue that three types or categories of fear exist:

  • Rational Fear occurs where there is a real, imminent threat.
  • Primal Fear is defined as an innate fear which is somehow pre- programmed into our brains.
  • Irrational Fears are the ones that don’t make logical sense and may vary greatly from person to person.

Others come from a different, more descriptive perspective:

  • Fear of Failure and / or Success.
  • Fear of Rejection.
  • Fear of Change / Unknown (loving the status quo, even if change is needed).
  • Fear of Speaking (publicly).
  • Fear of Imperfection (or not being good enough / judged).
  • Fear of Vulnerability (being open, showing weaknesses).
  • Fear of Time (chronophobia – the passage of days, months, years).
  • Fear of Loneliness.

Biblically, fear can be good for a believer, or it can become tremendously destructive like the lyrics of a song we sing, “fear is a liar!” However, fear can serve as a motivation to follow the Lord, living righteously and humbly serving Him as one’s Lord. In addition, every individual, at some point in their life, must ask the questions, “What am I afraid of?” and “Are my fears, real or perceived, stopping me from achieving what the Lord is asking of me in this life?”

I know this will sound over-simplified to many, but biblically, there are actually only 2 fears in our world. (I know, “what about my fear of falling or fear of wasps or snakes?” … I’m not suggesting that they are not real)

“the spirit of fear”  &  “the fear of the Lord”

THE SPIRIT OF FEAR

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear / cowardness), but of power and love and discipline (sound / right judgement).

According to this verse, we as believers, have been supernaturally granted the exact opposite of timidity, fear, fearfulness, fright! I’ll never forget at Hurricane Harvey (6 years ago last Sunday), when I was trying to get back to our house in order to take care of Brenda and Wofetoo — I had no fear. Tommie Elpers drove through really high water (at least 4-6 feet deep in places on FM 1093 to drop me off near the back entrance to our subdivision. I jumped in a boat that a fellow resident was navigating and we tore down a 6 foot wood fence to get in. He dropped me off once we saw some dry ground and houses that weren’t flooded. However, that wasn’t our section! To get to our home, I still had to walk through chest-high water, and then once in our area, avoid all the underground drains. The Lord was with me, I was never afraid or fearful, I got home and then we were ultimately delivered to safety by another neighbor who had a military hummer that would run, with the now deeper water, in the cab. The young lady from across the street, who went out with us and another senior couple were all scared to death. Now, I’m not saying I had anything other than a confidence / trust that I was moving rightly and that the Lord was directing my path / every step. Did we suffer loss? Sure, a great one, almost everything in our home destroyed, plus all the damage to the house (as many of you remember).

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Fearing God leads to an abundant (blessed) life! It brings wisdom, it provides refuge, and it shows / fully demonstrates our reverence for / to God. This kind of fear is extremely healthy. Too often, God’s people forget that our Lord is omnipresent and omniscient. Fearing Him is to love Him and show forth our willingness to obey and submit under His leadership and direction (guidance) even in things / times / circumstances / situations we do not understand!

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Brothers and sisters, here’s the bottom line …

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

May this truth be alive in all Your people, Lord, and especially those of us that gather for worship and teaching at West Oaks Fellowship! Let us be fearless (“fear not” – from Isaiah 41:10 above) because we know, and are confident, that You are with us 24/7!

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

Pastor Frank

SEALED

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word “sealed” has many meanings and is used in numerous ways in our everyday language; however, when it comes to its use in Scripture, therein one finds great spiritual significance for each and every true disciple of Jesus Christ!

As an example, let’s consider Ephesians 1:13-14 …

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

In this incredible passage that speaks volumes to every believer in Christ Jesus, Paul employs the Greek root word “‎‎sphragizo” – to stamp (with a signet or private distinguishing mark) for security reasons or preservation and/or permanency (both literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep, seal up, or plug (as in stopping something up / keep from leaking). In Matthew 27:66, Christ’s tomb was “sealed” for security purposes. Revelation 20:3 reminds us that Satan is “sealed” (to shut him both up and out) in the abyss for 1000 years during the millennial reign of Christ and His redeemed, resurrected, glorified saints / priests! (see Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10, 20:6)

Accordingly, we as believers have been “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (PTL) “as a pledge of our inheritance!” Now I’m not sure any of us can really understand or comprehend privilege, unless we can fully wrap up this undeserved spiritual endowment that’s been abundantly poured out upon His people. We carry the distinguishing mark of Jesus Christ in the presence, power, preservation, and permanency of God’s Holy Spirit. Unique in all of creation and humanity … we are the ones sealed up by Him “as a pledge on our inheritance!”

“Pledge” – as used in this text, is a Greek word coming from a Hebrew origin, meaning the front-end part of the purchase-money, or in reference to assets that are given / paid in advance as security / a guarantee that the rest of a specific price will be paid in full. This is paid in earnest, from which modern-day real estate contracts derive the term earnest money. As a spiritual and theological application, Jesus Christ has purchased us for / on behalf of God the Father by His own shed blood (see Revelation 5:9), and then, for one’s own assurance, God’s Holy Spirit has been dispatched to be with us and in us, as His possession, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” (See 1 Peter 2:9) This is security / a guarantee that our Lord’s sacrifice and atoning death, coupled with His indescribable grace and our simple faith / belief in Him, provides every genuine believer with their inheritance … everlasting life, as well as an eternity in His presence. As His people, we are even boldly instructed to confidently rest in and fully rely on this perpetual, immutable truth. (see Hebrews 4:1-16)         

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

— Romans 8:14-17

Later, in Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, he reminds believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God in Whom they have been “sealed” while awaiting the day of redemption. (see Ephesians 4:30) Note, believers are “sealed,” not by anything one may achieve or instigate according to their own will or power, but as the authoritative, commanding act of God! One is brought into a life lived by faith in Christ Jesus by a supernatural act of God according to His lovingkindness, mercy, and of course, sovereignty and providence. Then by that same mechanism, “sealed” by Him, for Him, and ultimately stamped with this distinguishing mark for His glory! 

To be “sealed” with God’s Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance in Christ is the gracious gift of God, whereby He demonstrates the authenticity of a believer’s relationship with Him. Here is full-fledged proof / evidence of His authority, His ownership, and His commitment to each one of us forever!

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

Pastor Frank

RESTRAINER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

There are two programs at work in our world today: God’s program of salvation by grace through faith, and Satan’s program of sin, corruption and iniquity, “the mystery of lawlessness / iniquity.” (2Thessalonians 2:7) God has a timetable for His program in the world, and nothing Satan does can change His agenda / outline / plan. Just as there was a “fullness of the time” for the 1st coming of Christ (See Galatians 4:4), so there is a time for the appearance of Antichrist. Therefore, nothing will be off schedule (that is according to God’s purposes / plans)! Once the restraining ministry of God’s Holy Spirit has ended, the next event in God’s design is set up to take place and will move forward accordingly.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:2, Paul appeals for the believers to calm down (“not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed”) on the basis of the truth he had already taught them in his first letter. That being that the Lord would return and catch up His own to meet Him in the air according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Once Christ’s Church is taken out of the world, Satan and his forces will be theoretically unrestrained by those living righteously, and the program / plan can be unfolded without resistant / resistance.  (As a example, just think of where the LGBT would be today in our world today … or abortion in the USA … without any stand for what is right!)

“The Day of the Lord,” as declared in this text (verse 7), is the period that immediately follows the snatching away / catching up (from Latin – the rapture) of the church. At that point, a time of Tribulation occurs for all those individuals remaining on the earth (Jew and Gentile alike). Satan and all his hosts will go to work head on, while at the same time, the Lord God Almighty will send His righteous judgments from heaven upon the earth (nations and individuals) as revealed in Revelation 6-19.

So, one must ask why is Satan unable to reveal his “man of lawlessness” – “son of destruction” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 on a quicker / sooner timetable? God is currently restraining the forces of evil in the world and Satan cannot do whatever he wants, whenever he pleases. In 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, Paul mentions the restraining force that’s at work today in our world, and is continually keeping everything according to God’s perfectly orchestrated program / design for the end times.

With that as the proper background, we ask who, or what, is this restrainer? Paul told those in Thessalonica that the “restrainer” is now at work in our world and will continue to work until it or he is “taken out of the way” (literally in the Greek text … “removed from the midst”). The Wuest Expanded New Testament reads, “Only He [the Holy Spirit] who is holding [the lawlessness] down, [will do so] until He goes out from the midst [of humanity].” BEAUTIFULLY STATED!

In 2 Thessalonians 2:6, Paul referred to this restrainer in the neuter gender, but in verse 7, uses the masculine gender. Therefore, the restrainer is a person who is today “in the midst,” but will one day be “taken out of the way / midst.” Many identify this restrainer as God’s Holy Spirit, Who is certainly currently “in the midst” of God’s on-going program in our world today. He is at work, in and through Christ’s Church, laboring steadfastly to accomplish God’s purposes. When the Church is snatched away (raptured), God’s Holy Spirit will not be taken out of the world (otherwise nobody could be saved, which requires genuine conviction … John 16:8-11 … during the Tribulation), but He will be taken out of the midst, allowing Satan and his forces to move and work without restraint. God’s Holy Spirit will most certainly be present on the earth at this point, but He will not be restraining the forces of evil though Christ’s Church (genuine believers) as He is today.

In spite of its weakness, current condition, and seeming failure, we should never, ever underestimate the importance of the Christ’s Church in this world. We, as God’s people, living in this world, continually give unsaved people an opportunity to be saved and discipled. This presence delays the coming of judgment until the proper time. Apparently, according to the biblical text, Paul had already told those in the Thessalonian church who and / or what the restrainer is according to 2 Thessalonians 2:5, but the Lord didn’t consider that a necessity for the scriptures as they were being written under His inspiration.

Remember, Lot?  He was not necessarily a dedicated man of devotion to God, but his very presence in Sodom held back the wrath of God (Genesis 19:12-29). Answer … Biblically speaking, the “restrainer” appears to be the working of God’s Holy Spirit in and through Christ Church until we are removed / snatched away / raptured.

His & Yours, PF

APPEARANCE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The appearance of stars marks the end of the day . . . In Nehemiah 4:21, those rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem had to split their efforts between half standing guard and half diligently laying stones, both working long hours … “from the break of dawn till the stars came out.”  One may recall that one of the reasons our Lord placed lights (including the stars) in the heavens was “to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years.”  However, God uses the “star” and our “stars” throughout the scriptures for many distinctive purposes.     

The OT shows awareness of the stars’ immense number, which many explain why so many humans looked to them for spiritual direction, or even worshiped individual stars and constellations as gods.  Of course, consulting their alignment for spiritual guidance (astrology, not astronomy or geography) or worshiping them in any manner was strictly forbidden because it completely disregarded and rebelliously denied God’s purpose in their creation.  (Perhaps one should take a moment right now just to consider how many other things in God’s creation have crumpled into this same type of demise.) 

Stars were created by God … their task is only that which is established by God.  They are totally subordinate to God, under His absolute authority and control, and intended for His glory/ purpose(s). (See Psalm 19:1-6) This status is tenaciously reinforced in Psalm 147:4:

He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. 

Thus, their existence and destiny are completely according to His will, even including whether they shine or not! (See Job 9:7-10).  Actually, they respond as creatures, in the same manner we as Christ’s followers, God’s children, should.  While the language in Judges 5:20 is certainly poetic, stars fighting against Israel’s enemies clearly demonstrates that the Lord can deliberately and unreservedly use any and all the forces of the universe to accomplish His purpose(s). After all, whose universe is it? 

Accordingly, throughout the universe, all stars are to “praise Him.” (See Psalm 148:3)  

Is there any different calling for humanity? 

Interestingly, in the Bible, perhaps because of their brilliance and glory, the word “star” is used symbolically of creatures, both enemies and servants of God, as well as individuals.  In an unique play on words, according to Isaiah 14:12, the symbolic king of Babylon, Lucifer, imagining himself to be the “Day Star,” “son of Dawn,” or the “Star of the Morning,” was not satisfied with his dominant position, but sought to ascend above the stars (a place reserved for God alone).  His desire to take the place of God presented a direct challenge to God’s authority and power. 

As a result, the king was cast down in defeat (14:12-15). By the way, astronomically speaking, Venus is the morning star because it’s seen first from the earth’s perspective.  Jesus Christ is not the “Star of the Morning” (that’s Lucifer/Satan), as presented by some biblically illiterate or confused Christian musicians, but He is undeniably the Bright Morning Star described in II Peter 1:19 and Revelation 22:16. 

Jude 13 audaciously and fearlessly declares the opponents of God as:

wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever. 

Conversely, the OT compares the coming Messiah to a rising star and scepter in Numbers 24:17, and in one case, stars symbolize the glory of the resurrected life for true believers … Those who turn many to righteousness will rise in the resurrection, and will shine “like the stars for ever and ever.” (See Daniel 12:1-3). In addition, Paul compares the glory of a Christian’s exclusive resurrected body to the glory and distinction of the stars in I Corinthians 15:40-49. 

Agnostic pantheist Carl Sagan, American astrophysicist, cosmologist, exobiologist, author (“Contact”) and TV host (“Cosmos”), stated, “we are star stuff.”  However, the God who created the stars and their shine — the One who declared:

Light shall shine out of darkness, is the One who has shone in our (every true believer’s) hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (See II Corinthians 4:6) 

Simply “star stuff” — or partakers and bearers of the True Light?  God’s call, not ours or Sagan’s.  See, knowing Him is knowing Truth … that’s GOD’S star stuff!                                                                            

— Pastor Frank 

SUMMER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Psalm 32, David speaks of summer in reference to its unpleasant and exhausting “fever heat” as an example of how he’s feeling when bogged down by his own un-dealt-with sin. Without doubt, all of us in Houston, as well as those from many other parts of the world, are fully aware one’s vitality can easily be depleted in the midst of a summer day.  In this case, the Psalmist is experiencing that feeling, yet not because of the outside temperature, but because of internal conflict.  According to verse 4, God’s hand was “heavy” upon him both “day and night.”  The seriousness of this emotional and spiritual internal conflict is revealed when David declares that his body is “wasting away” and that he is “groaning all day long.”    

One of the things one should admire about this psalm, as well as many others, is David’s ability to identify exactly what’s causing the struggle.  It’s not some physical illness, and even though he feels sick, beat down, defeated, etc., he knows the truth.  He understands that he’s not in depression, that he doesn’t need different medication, nor does he need to read another self-help book, listen to feel-good theological mumbo-jumbo, or the psychobabble of some worldly psychiatrist.  No, David simply needs to be honest and at that point he can deal with his issue … sin! 

However, in much of today’s contemporary, culturized church, (particularly those in liberal denominations and/or in the emerging/emergent church movements) sin will not be identified as/for what it is . . . instead those things which are reprehensible to our Lord, Jesus Christ are simply brushed under the carpet, ignored, or actually viewed as tolerable behavior.  Is everything really ok?  In a futile attempt to recognize that God truly loves all humanity and genuinely desires for them to come to the knowledge of the truth, many church’s are indiscriminately and openly, without guilt, shame, or conviction, declaring that everyone is all right/ok. 

How can this be when God alone, through His inerrant scripture defines good and evil, right and wrong, and according to Him, no one is spiritually ok? This is not a matter of one’s own opinion and feelings are certainly not able to determine an individual’s spiritual well-being. Instead, a commendable spiritual condition occurs  through an objective and resolute commitment to the Lord, Jesus Christ, accompanied by adherence to His Word/Truth without reference to a particular social or cultural bias.

In/by/through the “fever heat of summer” David is being graciously disciplined by the Lord (see I Corinthians 11:32; Revelation 3:19) Who desires him to effectively and forthrightly deal with his sin.  This simple, yet substantial action will result in the restoration of David’s spiritual fortitude, as well as his physical, spiritual and emotional healing (see Psalm 32:5-7).

Perhaps one should look at the heat of summer not as a restrictive, confining environment, but a catalyst in one’s life that spawns spiritual growth and stirs the development of godly character.  No doubt, David matured through this process and even learned the benefit of the Lord’s disciplinary, yet merciful hand. How faithful is our Lord, who undeniably caused this “fever heat of summer” in David’s life so he could learn to deal with issues/sin promptly and resolutely. Therefore, when you’re basking or baking in this summer’s sun, remember that the Son provides tremendous opportunities for spiritual development in every situation and season of life.  May we, as His children, fully embrace the indelible imprints of His firm, yet gracious and glorious grip/hand/touch in our lives. 

There is always heat in the kitchen when something good is cookin’!                                                                        – Pastor Frank                                 

RESURRECTION

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We are once again quickly approaching the anniversary of the greatest days in all of human history (His story) — Christ’s matchless atoning and sacrificial death, followed by His unsurpassed victorious resurrection! Biblically speaking, this one event is unquestionably incomparable to any other miracle when one considers its unparalleled theological and spiritual consequences when Christ forever conquers sin and death!

I Corinthians 15:55-57 – O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?  O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

While visiting earth, our Lord Jesus clearly explained that all humanity would die and be raised again from the grave at a designated point in the future.                                                                                                                          

John 5:28-29 – Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

In this passage, Christ actually reveals that human history awaits not one, but two resurrections.  One, a resurrection of, or unto life, and another of, or unto judgment.  Needless to say, as true believers, we affirm and avow our belief in a bodily (physical) resurrection.  This hope (confident expectation) and promise rests at the cornerstone of our faith, and without it, our Christian beliefs are in vain … God’s promises are merely bursting bubbles of fantasy … the Scripture/Bible is an unreliable source, mendacity … Jesus Christ Himself, the world’s chief imposter and most prevalent scam artist.                                                                               

 I Corinthians 15:16-19 – For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Many individuals, among them true believers, have been taught and believe that there is one “general” resurrection at the end of the world when all the dead are raised.  This is a very serious error, robbing many believers of their joy and victorious Christian living.

Nowhere in the Scriptures are we taught that the bodies of all humans will be raised simultaneously.  It is absolutely true that all the dead will be raised at some point and brought into judgment, but neither the time, the place, nor the type of judgments will be the same.  Unquestionably, the Bible distinguishes between a believer’s resurrection and that of an unbeliever.  Two classes of individuals will be raised, one group to eternal life and immortality, with the other group facing banishment from the Lord’s presence … certainly a “resurrection of life” and a “resurrection of damnation.”

When Paul testified before Felix, he said, “that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (see Acts 24:15).  John makes the same distinction speaking of the redeemed as those who “lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” as part of the first resurrection (see Revelation 20:4-6).  However, the rest of the dead “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” and subsequently face the “great white throne” of judgment.

Revelation 20:11-15 – Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.  And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

At the “Great White Throne” judgment, individuals are assessed “according to their deeds.”  However, this judgment is not conclusive.  Ultimately every individual who appears at the “Great White Throne” is carefully considered based upon only one issue … is their name “found written in the book of life?”  Sadly, but absolutely just, no one’s name is inscribed! This is the second resurrection, that of the “unjust.” (see Acts 24:15)  The same omnipotent power that raised our Lord from the dead, and that will reunite our redeemed eternal being with a resurrected body (as seen in Christ), will cause all the “dead”  – “the great and the small” to rise and stand before Him who sits upon the throne.

Now, for the good, great news of Christ’s gospel.  Every true believer has passed out of death into life (see John 5:24).  Our lives are joined with His triumphant, sin and death conquering/overcoming resurrection, and are therefore, “hidden with Christ in God” (see Colossians 3:3). Not only that, but one must vigorously and continuously consider, “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” (see Ephesians 1:19-21). 

This power, that we as Christ’s followers, experience now and forever is,

in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His (The Father’s) right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.   

NOW, THAT’S SOMETHING WORTH CELEBRATING EVERY EASTER … actually, how about EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY!  Let’s do it together in the presence of His people!  

— Pastor Frank 

APOCALYPSE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Obviously if you’re reading Fusion, January 2013, the heretical prophesies of the Mayan calendars (see the WOF web site for article in 2010 on the movie 2012) and other ancient sacrileges such as the writings of so-called prophets like Montanus and his prophetesses (Prisca and Maximilla), St Malachy, Saint Columba (aka Columbkille), Paracelsus, and Nostradamus are proven bogus and counterfeit. In addition, we have all seen and heard the “doomsday” predictions that inevitably surround international crises and other notable events such as national tragedies, catastrophes, political and/or governmental upheavals etc.

Remember the millennial-bug scare of 2000, which gave good fodder for many apocalypse and doomsday preppers?  Who can forget doomsday cults, such as the People’s Temple, David Koresh, and the Heaven’s Gate Community? Such outlandish views, as well as incessant, inevitably incorrect predictions about the future cause many to scoff at any talk of future world-wide cataclysm, devastation, and /or regional disasters.   

As a result, many in our world classify those who address these issues biblically in the same camp as other “stranger than fiction” individuals and conspiracy theorists. Surprisingly, some “bible-believing” Christians react regimentally, even vehemently opposing discussions and biblical studies on topics related to humanity’s future.  In reality there will be tribulation, unquestionably a great tribulation in which wrath consumes the earth, and all of its people/nations face the great and terrible day of our Lord.  

Sometimes our modern day media gets on board as well, presenting documentaries with “scholars” and “specialists” from many different perspectives and disciplines, which only serve to erode the credibility and authority of our biblical narative and distinctively Christian world-view.  Thus, popular misconceptions arise, distorting the true Christian viewpoint of escatology (study of end times – literally “things to come”) and any apocalypse. Undeniably, ignorance, continuous confusion, and perpetual misunderstandings of Christ’s return and its purpose prevail.  Wonder whose work that is?    

The word “apocalypse” (Ancient Greek: ἀποκάλυψις apocálypsis, from ἀπό and καλύπτω meaning ‘un-covering’), translates literally from Greek into English as disclosure of knowledge, a revealing (possibly of something hidden), a lifting of the veil, or a revelation … as in the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John in what we biblically refer to as the book of Revelation.

Your reading of this publication is evidence, once again, that our God, the one and only true God, reigns eternally as the sovereign and supreme authority over all humanity and His glorious handiwork (Creation … all that’s seen and unseen)!  The fact that all these soothsaying prophets missed the apocalypse, or the “end of the world,” simply proves the fallacy and error of their technique.  God’s true prophets are never wrong, they never miss!  In fact, as you’ve heard me say before, while close counts in the games of horseshoes or washers, as well as in warfare with hand-grenades, mortars, and atomic bombs, close certainly doesn’t score anything in futuristic prophecy, apocalyptic considerations, or eschatology.  Only direct hits are credited with accuracy and success. 

Therefore, why would any consideration be given to the mystical, demonically-inspired predictions of a pagan culture’s calendar, or the bizarre ramblings and writings of mediums, shamanists, and spiritualists who claim to have some special gifting and unique, obscure understanding or revelation. Only the inerrant (without error in the original form/manuscript) scriptures declare the things to come before they happen — not as some complex formula with multiple variables that might or might not be fulfilled!  No, exact, direct hits are the only writings and messages worthy of one’s consideration … and consequently only a supreme being that knows the end at the beginning, the outcome before the inception, can be totally and inexplicably infallible. 

Therefore, as true believers, when considering “things to come” and the future apocalypse, let us rest assured that what God has said will surely be.  We are never to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine or the contemporary ideas that so easily sweep through the non-discerning, doctrinally compromised modern church, society, philosophy, or culture.  Our faith and future must rest extraordinarily in Christ Jesus and His complete revelation of apocalyptic events and “things to come.”  Any and all other sources will be proven inaccurate and fallible — just like the erroneous Mayan calendar stands today!

There will come a time when each of us is called upon to express our belief/faith in an apocalyptic mode. Done properly, with biblical authority and inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit, it becomes a powerful witness to both believer and unbeliever alike.  Unquestionably our world-view includes an end … the Ancient of Days enthroned as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  This is not an expression of our own self-importance and arrogance, but a genuine desire for the world to know Christ’s forgiveness, the power of His victorious resurrection, and His abundant life, now and forever!  To have this capability, as empowered by God to change/reach our world, and yet retreat to non-apocalyptic mode because of all the heretical nonsense, denies our Lord’s ability to redeem even the darkest history and squanders a precious treasure. Undoubtedly, Christ asks and prepares His people to speak clearly in every opportunity!

— His & Yours by GRACE, 

Pastor Frank

FIRST-FRUITS

Posted on 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

POWER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

This word throughout the biblical text is indicative of might, strength, and force.  It is used in the Old Testament to render many Hebrew words like that for valor, rule, and dominion.  The principal words for “power” in the New Testament are ‎dunamis‎, from which we get the word dynamite in English, and ‎exousia which refers to jurisdiction over a certain realm, a right, privilege, or ability.  In Mark 3:15 and 6:7 Jesus gives His followers authority over demons and/or unclean spirits; and in Ephesians 1:21 Christ Himself is depicted with strength, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and (above and over) every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Romans 9:21 reinforces this understanding of “power” when asking, “does not the potter have a right over the clay?”

This type of “power” is attributed preeminently to God, whose absolute attribute of omnipotence (almighty, all-powerful) is referenced in I Chronicles 29:11-13:    

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth;  Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.  Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.  Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

In Revelation 7:12 the testimony of God’s power is expressed as those gathered around the throne fall on their faces and declare,   

Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.  Amen.

God’s supreme manifestation of this “power,” as in His wisdom, His mercy, His grace, and His love, is redemption.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  — I Corinthians 1:18

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  For indeed Jews  ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.     — I Corinthians 1:21-2

In addition, the preaching of Christ’s gospel is often accompanied by a display, manifestation, or demonstration of “power” as affirmed in I Corinthians 2:4.  Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians 1:5 that this transforming message of grace, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, and hope, “did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction!”  Miracles are also noted by Jesus Christ, when translated literally, as “works of power” in reference to His own supernatural ministry on earth in Matthew 11:21, 23.  

As we’ve been studying on Sunday mornings and most recently on Wednesday evenings, we, as faithful followers of JC, recognize and are fully aware of these truths.

1.  The power of God raised Christ from the dead.

2.  That same power will raise all true believers who are Christ’s as part of the first resurrection.

3.  This power, God’s supernatural, incomparable, immeasurable, restorative, rejuvenating omnipotence, resides within us.

Therefore, we shall not be moved, we shall remain steadfast through all things (even physical persecution which may lay at our doorstep) in the hope and confidence of our Lord, Jesus Christ and His provision of great “power” … “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” I  John 4:4.  In the consideration of “power” I’m challenging all of us to study, meditate upon, and fully embrace  II Timothy 1:7:

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power (dunámeoos – dynamite) and love and discipline.

His & Yours, PF

VICTORY

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 King David boldly proclaims:

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the VICTORY and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

To us, VICTORY is a powerful concept! The word is often used in numerous contexts such as sports (of all types), political elections, lawsuits, military conflicts, etc. Wherever there is competition, therein lies the potential for winners and losers as participants strive for one end result … VICTORY.  That victorious conquest is only achieved or accomplished through the defeat and / or surrender of one’s enemy or opponent. 

Here’s a huge question for all individuals that consider themselves faithful followers of Jesus Christ.  Are you walking in VICTORY, living a life of triumph, or that of defeat (the correct and proper antonym of victory), disappointment, and discouragement?

1 John 5:4 reminds us:

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.

The Greek work translated here as VICTORY, is “nike” – abstractly meaning conquest and figuratively meaning success. That’s the concept of authentic victory, success over an opponent!  In the framework of this word, there is no place for participation trophies or honorable mention awards. This actual concept is beautifully pictured in Revelation 15:2 where those who have been victorious over, “the beast and his image and the number of his name” are seen on what appears to be sea of glass, “holding harps of God.”

VICTORY, biblically speaking, is undeniably an all-encompassing overcoming (devastating to the enemy) event. The same is true in the Old Testament as well, where all such VICTORY is accredited to GOD Himself. 

The apostle Paul adds an interesting spin in Romans 8:37, when speaking about the various difficulties associated with living a faithful Christian life when he declares:  

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

The Greek word used here is the compound word, “hupernikao”- meaning hyper conquers and that we, as believers, are granted the opportunity to be pre-eminently victorious.  That overcoming VICTORY is made possible by God through Christ Jesus on our behalf.

Therefore, this overwhelming position of VICTORY must be fully accredited to GOD as David attributed in 1 Chronicles 29:11 (above)!  It’s with this understanding that we, as Christ followers, are able to fully comprehend John 16:33, living / resting in the faith, promise, and undiminishing support of Christ’s words: 

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome (Greek – nikao; same root word as VICTORY – meaning conquer, prevail, or to get / obtain the VICTORY) the world.

Christ is our VICTORY, both over sin and death, as well the curse of the law, this world (system and its philosophy), our flesh (sinful nature) and our hostile enemy / adversary – the devil!

In just a few weeks we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday which presents a perfect opportunity for us to gather in Christ’s Holy Name and rejoice over His ultimate, definitive, and unsurpassed, VICTORY!                 

— His & Yours, PF