Tag: wrath

TERRORISM

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word terrorism does not appear in our biblical text as one may currently employ the word in modern day English.  Nonetheless, the Bible clearly addresses the concepts behind terrorism and those that “bring” or “strike” terror.  Unquestionably in 21st century America, and perhaps throughout the modern world, terrorism has become a constant on the minds of most individuals, and has worked to alter our lifestyles in one way or another. Psalm 34:14 offers clear instruction to those who resort to these ungodly, almost inconceivable acts, “Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”  Terrorism is good only in the eyes of those that seek peace through fear, and the destructive power of an ungodly, oppressive, legalistic regime that hides behind the words and works of works-based religious systems, and their false prophets who seek the total annihilation of all their opponents/enemies. Personal peace comes only through a meaningful and dynamic relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ – civil/world peace can only be envisioned and accomplished as Christ is enthroned as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  

Proverbs 6:16-19 reminds us that:

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”  How many of these traits are easily identified as common attributes of modern day terrorists and terrorism?

Conversely, as believers, we uphold these truths from Romans 12:19-21:

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’

To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’” In addition, certainly we cannot discount the message of Nahum 1:2-3 concerning God’s wrath against Nineveh:

The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and keeps wrath for His enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

The word “terror” appears at least 7 times in the Old Testament, and all of them are derived from the Hebrew word “pachad” which relates to a sudden feeling of fear; by implication something dreadful; great alarm or being filled/full of fear.  That’s the exact goal of modern day terrorism – cause feelings of fear in the hearts and minds of individuals … those being terrorized!  In I Chronicles 14, David overwhelmingly defeats the Philistines, and according to verse 17, all the nations were in terror/great (almost paralyzing) fear (Hebrew text) because of him.  This is the purposed/intended response of terrorism today, seeing whole communities and nations bow in terror/great (almost paralyzing) fear.

So how then shall we live in a world filled with terrorists and terrorism?                    

  • Pray (Ephesians 6:18): When suddenly our culture seems to uncharacteristically crave the necessity of supernatural intervention in the face of evil …  we are the only ones with the direct link! So pray diligently.
  • Help/Take Action (Matthew 25:40): All humans are loved by God and made in His image – a divine creation.  WWJD?  Minister according to the leadership of God’s Holy Spirit in word and deed/action!  A situation of terror will most likely present opportunity for selfless, sacrificial service.
  • Do Not Fear (II Timothy 1:7):  As images of violence, hate, blood and panic flood our computer and television screens, it’s easy to be overcome with fear.  Psalm 23:4 … “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”  Followers of Christ should be seen as sources of mental/emotional/spiritual strength, courage, comfort and peace in times of trials. Unfortunately, Christians too often respond in the exact opposite manner.
  • Have/Demonstrate Hope (confident expectation in Christ):  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope! —  Romans 15:13

In life’s worst situations, we must look to our Lord Jesus — not government, police, military, media, peers, or others — to stand firm in Christ alone.  We live and move by faith in Him under the glorious and far reaching protection of His wings … the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent ONE – TRUE — GOD!  Therefore, prepare now to properly respond should a day of terror rudely assault your life, family, etc.    

— Pastor Frank 

FORGIVENESS

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Several words, from both the Greek and Hebrew, are used to convey the idea of forgiveness throughout our biblical text.

1) Apoluein (Gk),as used by Christ in Luke 6:37, is translated pardon, and or “forgive.” Thus, the analogy in this verse provides instruction to “forgive” and in turn, one will be “forgiven,” because the actual meaning of this word relates to the full release of a debt and/or the punishment due the perpetrator as a result of sin.

2) In Romans 3:25, Paul uses ‎paresis (Gk), ‎translated remission, in relation to humanity’s sinful nature and deeds — meaning to “forgive” by putting away or aside completely and unreservedly/absolutely!    

‎3) Charizesthai (Gk) (found only in the writings of apostles Luke and Paul) expresses, as no other word or words possibly can express, the concept of God’s pardon and “forgiveness” through grace (unmerited and/or undeserved favor) as articulated in Colossians 2:13!

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”

4) Kaphar ‎(Heb) is found in Old Testament scriptures and refers exclusively to divine “forgiveness” as in Psalm 78:38!

But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger and did not arouse all His wrath.

5) In I Kings 8:30, one finds the word calah ‎(Heb) as Solomon stands before the Lord’s altar and humbly cries out for God’s (divine) “forgiveness” . . . “Listen to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear in heaven Your dwelling place; hear and forgive.”

6) Nasa’ (Heb) in the Old Testament scriptures also refers to divine pardon or “forgiveness” as well as that of pardon or “forgiveness” granted by one human to another.  A perfect example of this is found in I Samuel 25 where Abigail appeals to King David on behalf or her husband, Nabal (vs 32-34):

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from  bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.

“Forgiveness,” generally speaking, is not a virtue of pagan religions, societies, or cultures.  The big-hearted human might flamboyantly disregard offences in cases where he/she considers the wrongdoing or debt to be insignificant and/or beneath one’s notice, but to “forgive” was by and large considered weak-spirited.  Even in the Old Testament Hebrew traditions, “forgiving” another for a wrong, or a debt, is infrequent.  However, there are cases where individuals are found asking for “forgiveness” from a position of subservience. In such cases, a person is petitioning for that which one has no just or granted right(s). (See Genesis 50:17; Exodus 10:17; I Samuel 15:25) However, we as true and faithful believers of Jesus Christ have a much higher calling — in fact, according to Colossians 3:12-13 and Ephesians 4:32, we are instructed to “forgive one another just as God in Christ also forgave you.”

Most have heard the quote by Alexander Pope, “to err is human; to forgive divine.”  In reality, because of our new nature in Christ, we have been given the opportunity to participate in, and partake of, this divine event!  Certainly a true mark and distinguishing characteristic of a Christ-centered, Bible-believing, New Testament church/ministry — where relationships are more important than programs — is the continual (on-going) practice of Christ’s instruction to His disciples in Matthew 18:21-22! 

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?”    (no doubt expecting some accolade)  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

How many times?                          

Let’s do this, Pastor Frank           

ANGER/ANGRY

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Do we live in an “angry” world?  Seems everywhere one turns someone is “angry” about something!  What does one really need to understand in order to control the emotional, stressful, hateful, sometimes extremely violent, enraged, or even vengeful, outbursts or other displays of anger, which include deep-rooted bitterness and even clamming up (silent treatment)?  How does an individual find genuine healing from the conflicts within one’s own heart/spirit, as well as others’ hurt feelings, the experiences of social isolation, and a trail of damaged relationships spoiled by uncontrolled and improperly managed “anger” which is horrifically destructive?   

Proverbs 29:11 declares:

A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

 In Colossians 3:8 faithful believers are reminded of  their strength through new life in Christ Jesus:

 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.

James 1:19-21 also speaks plainly and distinctly:

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Yes, we all know, and are possibly too familiar with, the words of human justification, reasoning/reckoning, and rationalization — “I just can’t/couldn’t help it!” or the blame-shifting response of _______________ (the devil, whomever, whatever) made me do it!” 

I’m often amazed how Christians stumble right into this lie and fail to understand that “anger” and what we do with our “anger” is a choice (that’s even true in a case of being “angry without sin” as referenced in Ephesians 4:26). People routinely get angry at others, situations, things, circumstances, themselves, and even God, but in each event, one ultimately decides if “anger” is the reasonable choice/option.

We even choose how much anger to display, and selectively pick the style exhibited to various people, generally based upon feelings and the condition of existing, or non-existing relationships with that individual, thing, circumstance, or situation. In addition, many will choose “anger” to manipulate, control or dominate a certain individual/situation. Being or becoming “angry” may also be used as a form of communication or emotional expression to those we hold dear (loved ones, close friends, spouses, children, etc.). If that is the case, one must ask, “what is actually being communicated?” because “anger” is a devastating, destructive and divisive force that must be checked in the lives of every true follower of Jesus Christ.   

Consider Proverbs 14:29:

He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Do parents refuse to hug, love, or even properly discipline their children because they are angry?  Do husbands and wives deny one another care, concern, and intimacy because of their anger? Do employees waste time, or employers refuse proper compensation due to anger?  Are friendships damaged, ruined, and even severed on a routine basis because of anger?  It just goes on and on, invading lives and our society! Did KKK members formerly hang American black men because they were angry?  Are police officers of all nationalities being assassinated today because of anger?  Billy Graham once said, “Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything.”

TRUTH: Either we control our “anger” or “anger” will control us, because one’s “anger” is always that of one’s own choosing!  In reality, that’s the first step to healing … recognizing that any time you’re angry, you determine that this is the path you prefer, and any emotional displays of that “anger” is also your own choice. 

Second, when dealing with “anger” one must run headlong to the Lord!  He has promised to be our strength and help in any/every time of trouble (See Psalm 46:1) … any unbridled, sinful anger, is trouble for you and everyone around you!

Psalm 37:8

Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.

Third, in the life of a true Christian, unchecked “anger” generally represents a lack of godly character, and a loss of control over one’s  own thoughts and behavior/actions. This fails to represent righteousness, but instead, the sinful nature of a carnal/fleshly mind that should be surrendered to God’s alteration! (See Romans 8:5-8). 

By learning to properly handle anger, we will empower healing of damaged relationships and make our daily lives more peaceful, rewarding, and meaningful … all to HIS glory!

                  Together, let’s rid Christ’s Church of this menace … anger!  — PF

JUSTIFICATION

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

What is justification?  Technically speaking, many simply view justification as the act or action of showing something or proving something to be right or reasonable.  However, what’s “right” or “reasonable” has no clear objective platform to speak from because “right” and “reasonable” may vary considerably from one individual to another or from one situation to another. 

As a result, the more common definition of this word varies greatly from its biblical definition and the work that’s required to bring about spiritual or complete moral and ethical “justification.” In the context of the one true God, His Son, Jesus Christ, and spirituality as spoken of in the scriptures, justification comes from a different angle, is based upon a dissimilar foundation, and exceptionally unique to genuine, grace-based, Christianity.

According to God’s Word, “there is none righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Therefore, the universality of humanity’s sin poses a significant problem, actually an insurmountable difficulty, for any and all individuals when it comes to justification before a Holy, sinless, and righteous Lord.  All men and women are not only born in sin (Eph 2:3), but all have also committed numerous actual transgressions, which render them liable to separation from a Holy and sinless, righteous God and ultimate condemnation/judgement. Romans 3:9-20 documents this human difficulty as the universal experience of both the Greek (heathen) / Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) and of the Jews (Romans 2:17-28; 3:9) alike.

The perfection of God’s Law requires, by necessity, its perfect observance!  Therefore, how is one’s justification, as a sinful individual, to come through the Law (Romans 3:10-11)? If anyone had truly kept the law, God could not / would not hold him/her guilty (Romans 2:12-13).  However, such obedience has never existed, except in Jesus Christ Himself. 

The modern-day notion of God being a good-natured, more or less nonchalant ruler, is conclusively not the Lord of the scriptures, nor the one Whom we love, believe, rely upon and faithfully serve. 

I Corinthians 15:3 declares, “Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures.” Romans 5:6 affirms that while we, as sinful humans were helpless in our sin, “Christ died for the ungodly.” Therefore, our justification comes in/through His blood and it is in/through Him that we are saved from God’s wrath as Law-breakers. 

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.                             

Romans 5:8-10

Therefore, as a result, there is no reconciliation and no justification available to men and women except through, by, and in Christ!

Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; Whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation (full payment) in His blood through faith.      

Romans 3:24-25

Now that’s an indescribable gift, and as an act of the Almighty, can never be removed, voided, outdone, or taken away! 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.             

Romans 5:1

 

By GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense) … His & Yours,                   — Pastor Frank 

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