Tag: revelation

RESURRECTION

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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

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

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

(See I Corinthians 15:12-19)

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

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

In addition, God’s prophet Daniel announced:

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

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

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

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

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

— PF  

RECKLESS

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO FIGURE CHURCH!

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

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

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

His & Yours, PF

NEW

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 YES … A new and living way just for us!

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

– His & Yours, PF

PLAGUE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As believers in Christ Jesus, we shouldn’t presume God’s intention in the current pandemic.  However, the Lord God certainly has reason to judge humanity. Prior to all the shutdowns in America alone, 3,000+ babies were being murdered every day through abortion (far more than fatality numbers of COVID-19). Sexual immorality is running rampant in the LGBT movement as well as Christ’s church. As a culture and society, we have largely abandoned God’s Word as a standard for right and wrong, and replaced it with human perspective, reason, or speculative scientific hypothesis that’s accepted as fact. Therefore, it’s relatively easy to see why God might choose to judge our nation, and the entire world.

So perhaps the next valid question to ask might be, “Is COVID-19 a plague?” Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines a plague as “a stroke of affliction, or disease — sent as a divine chastisement.” The biblical word translated plague in the Old testament, actually comes from several words in original biblical languages. One Hebrew word for plague is daber (דָּ֑בֶר). It is often translated as plague or pestilence. Another word for plague is makkah (מַכָּה) which may also denote other concepts besides what is understood as a plague. In the Old Testament, a plague may appear to have occurred by natural causes as in Amos 4:10. At other times, plagues appear to be a more direct assault from God as in the Hebrew word, nega (נֶגַע), in Exodus 11:1 … Now the Lord said to Moses, “One more plague I will bring on Pharaoh and on Egypt.”

The New Testament terms for plague all function in a similar manner, with several words being translated as plague in different versions of the scripture. Nevertheless, plege’ is the most common word used for plague in our New Testaments. While not always to be understood or translated as God’s judgment upon a group of people, the term might undoubtedly describe such an event. For example, Jesus uses the Greek word, loimos, when he declared of Jerusalem, “There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences” in Luke 21:11. Revelation 15:1 uses plege’,

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

As one considers (weighs) how/what to think during this challenging and difficult time, it’s always appropriate and even expedient to remember the words of Job,

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Job 1:21

Even when it seems as if our world is breaking into pieces and falling apart, our God is, and always will be, in control. The Lord definitely knows what’s going on, and is intimately involved in this crisis (whether natural or man-made, lie or true), as well as in every situation! That includes your life and mine. Therefore, in whatever manner you’ve been affected by this virus-crisis, God sees/fully knows every detail and is merciful according to Psalm 145:9. Continue to trust Him despite the chaos that may surround you and others … undoubtedly, He has proven Himself worthy of our confidence, as well as our worship — over and over, again and again!

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.

Due to the fact that the consequences of COVID-19 are so severe, it easily qualifies as a plague of biblical proportion. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean that all of a sudden our pagan, self-centered world comes running to Christ Jesus in repentance, or that it even stops to pray to the Lord, God Almighty, asking Him to bring wisdom and/or destroy the virus. No, instead, too many look to and trust human effort and resources to resolve the issue. Perhaps a much greater power and a little humility is needed! Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea that our society has an attitude of let’s pull up our boot straps, dig in, work hard, and beat this thing! But to believe victory is possible without the Lord’s help, Who dearly prizes the creation that’s made in His own image, is absolutely heretical lunacy.     

Lord, let us be of sound mind, believing/knowing that our help comes from You, that Your ways are higher than ours, and that only the fool functions in a mindset that chooses to deny Your existence, omniscience, and omnipotence!  Please think on things above, not the things of this world and pray for healing, coupled with genuine repentance.

–PF

ABRAHAM’S BOSOM

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Luke 16:22, one finds a distinct contrast in the temporary destiny of two individuals after each of their physical deaths. One, Lazarus – a poor man, is found in “Abraham’s Bosom,” while the other, a rich man, is found being tormented and bound up in a place called Hades (the place of departed souls or aka – hell).

According to verse 23, there is a great separation or distance  (a great, permanently-fixed chasm according to vs 26) between the rich man (who is experiencing on-going suffering and unquenchable, insatiable thirst … “in this flame” – vs 24) and Lazarus (who is resting in the comfort of Abraham’s Bosom – vs 25).

In this biblical text, Jesus is teaching within the framework and context of Hebrew / Jewish / Rabbinical understanding, which divides the place where departed souls abide … allowing only two very distinct categories.  One holding place is for the righteous — known as the Bosom of Abraham or Abraham’s Bosom, and one for the unrighteous … known as Hades, Hell, Death’s Domain, the Underworld and / or Realm of the Dead. Here, the lost await the 2nd resurrection unto judgment (the Great White Throne -Revelation 20:11-15) and ultimately, as well as finally, the Lake of Fire.

However, the New Testament presents a different perspective for genuine believers, with our souls departing to be in the presence of Christ (Philippians 1:21-23, John 12:25-26, 2 Corinthians 5:6-9, 2 Timothy 6:4-8) while awaiting the continuation / completion of the first resurrection unto life and reward.

Abraham’s Bosom is a place of rest and peace, with the idea being born out of genuine fellowship / relationship. The custom of reclining on couches at a table was prevalent among the Jews, as well as some other middle eastern cultures. This type of seating arrangement brought the head of one person almost into the bosom area of the one who sat or reclined above, beside, or behind another. Thus, to be in the “Bossom of Abraham” meant to be comfortably enjoying that arrangement / alignment in the happiness and rest of whatever event, celebration, or banquet had brought everyone together. In Matthew 8:11, Christ makes reference to this symbolic arrangement, “recline (or dine) at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”

Each person leaned on his left arm, as to lay, in the bosom of the next.  The highest place of honor was this position in the bosom of the honored guest, or the master of the host house.

This is clearly depicted in John 13:23 –

There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.

To be in, lie in, or rest in Abraham’s Bosom, was a phrase illustrating the most highly-blessed repose in close nearness to the patriarchal father of the faithful at a feast / celebration in paradise!

This is a beautiful image for God’s people, but our promise as New Testament believers seems more delightful as we come to rest in the presence of the Creator (Colossians 1:15-20) … and that, my friends, is certainly something worthy of all our praise … and indeed, something to shout about! 

His & Yours, PF  

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

Just Think About It! — Pastor Frank