Apocalypse Now - Part 3

In Part 3 of Apocalypse Now, Pastor Gary Price takes a look at the spiritual war being engaged in right now and how we see the effects of this was in the natural.

Topics in this video includes:

Apocalypse Now  - Part 3

• How do we see God’s Kingdom - often symbolized by the number 12 - at work around us?  
• Why does the Book of Revelation say that the moon will be turned to blood?  
• Why do some people have such a hard time understanding Biblical truths?
• What evidences do we see of the invisible war being fought over people’s lives as the church intercedes for the lost?

Apocalypse Now - Part 2

In Part 2 of the Apocalypse Now series from Omega Church & Ministries Center, Pastor Price provides an overview of the two testaments of Scripture and how they work together to provide a complete revelation of the salvation experience.

Topics covered in this video include:

Apocalypse Now - Part 2

• Who are the two witnesses in the book of Revelation and why are they important?  
• What role does the Old Testament law have in the life of believers?   
• How do we overcome sin?  
• How does the Bible show a repeated pattern of conflict between two natures?  
• What is regeneration?  

Apocalypse Now - Part 1

"But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life"  Jude 1:17-21

Many people talk about the end times, the latter or last days, the Second Coming of Christ, but what does all of this really mean?  What happens during this time and how can we know when that time is approaching?  How do we prepare and what do we need to know in order to prepare?

If you have ever wondered about this topic, then you may want to listen to a series from Omega Church & Ministries Center by Pastor Gary C. Price called "Apocalypse Now."  The next few posts on this blog will feature that series in the hopes that it will enlighten you regarding the times in which we now live.

Apocalypse Now - Part 1

• What is an apocalypse?  
• How do we get the revelation of the truth behind what we currently see happening in the world?  
• How are we to understand the will of God in light of these events?  
• Who are the 24 elders spoken of in the book of Revelation? 

 

A Word for Eddie Long & New Birth

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." Matthew 18:15-17

A brother once shared that the wisdom God gives us in how to handle disputes is very similar to how He deals with us in our trespasses against Him. When there are things in our lives that God does not like, He comes to us directly to put light on those things through personal conviction by His Holy Spirit.  If we do not take heed, He will send two or three witnesses to confirm the word of the Spirit.  If even then we do not turn, He will expose the issue before the church. If our heart is hardened still, we become like the heathen.

Consider how each of these steps illustrates the character of God.  He continually works to turn us from sin.  God is longsuffering, and there is a whole lot of 'stepping over' we must do to go around His commands. He gets no pleasure in damning people to hell, but desires that men repent and live (Ezekiel 18:23-32, 33:11; Luke 15:20-24; II Peter 2:9). Therefore, He gives us plenty of space to do so.

So many are focused on whether Eddie Long coerced young men into sexual relationships.  While this indeed is a serious charge, I would like to bring your attention to the mercies of God.  Our eyes are often too LOW.  The bigger question in this matter is what is God doing?

Mercies are being poured out on Eddie Long as the 'man-made image' built and sustained by false religion is torn down.  Mercies are being poured out on the congregation of New Birth Baptist Church so that the idolatry of Babylon is exposed.  Mercies are being poured out on these young men, so that they can get the help and deliverance needed.  Everything that is an obstacle to people worshiping God in Spirit and Truth is being revealed by God Himself so that man can truly be reconciled unto Him.  This is mercy.

"Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments." Psalm 119:156

Sometimes, I think we forget who God is and what He is doing in drawing all men unto Himself (John 12:32).  It is His desire for all to come to repentance and be saved (Acts 17:30; I Timothy 2:).  God is not some tyrant looking for any and every reason to cast men aside.  On the contrary, He is a sovereign God who so loves mankind, that He gave His own life for us.  He is a holy and just God who gives us every opportunity to be reconciled to Him, so that man will be without excuse (Romans 1:20).

Those who profess the name of Jesus Christ can no longer continue to "play church" while elevating, excusing, and entertaining teachers who soothe itching ears.  How long will men continue to follow the way of Balaam, forsaking truth for the wages of unrighteousness?

Jesus' hand is not so short that He cannot save.  Forget about what you think you look like before men and fear them not.  It is time for each person to search their own hearts and cry out for God to straighten every perverse way, for how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? We should never mistake God's longsuffering for weakness, for mercy can swiftly turn to judgment.

"And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." I Chronicles 28:9

In the following video from Omega Church & Ministries Center, Pastor Gary C. Price does an excellent job addressing this issue and laying out why it is so important to pray during this time.

Up on a Pedestal...Instead of a Cross

Puffed up by the Flatterer

"Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away." Job 32:21-22

Recently my family watched the movie, "Pilgrim's Progress: Journey to Heaven". It is based on the classic novel "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan.

In the story, you follow the walk of a man named "Christian" as he seeks eternal life. Along this journey, there are various people that he meets, including the "Flatterer". Christian had been warned to stay clear of the Flatterer, for he would say anything to lead him off of the path. And well into his journey - almost to his destination - Christian encounters him.

The Flatterer appears as a "shining one" and offers to help Christian on his way. He praises Christian for his faith, his wisdom, and his strength in making it so far along the journey. Giving heed to this man's words as he professed how "great" Christian was, Christian eventually finds himself off of the path.  By the time he has come to his senses, he has been ensnared by a net.

"A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet." Proverbs 29:5

Jesus tells us that the road to eternal life is one of self-denial; where we crucify the flesh so that Christ can live. However, the enemy - posing as an angel of light - will often sow to our flesh in order to deceive. This sowing can sound downright spiritual, but God will never share His glory with another. Anything that causes us to put our focus on man (even if it is ourselves) instead of on Christ is a deception.

"And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour." Acts 16:16-18

What the woman said was true. These men had come to teach the way unto salvation, but the motivation of the woman was wrong. Instead of placing the focus on Jesus, the women was drawing attention to the men, making of them some great ones. The Scriptures called this "divination"!  The divination was two-fold: 1) Bewitch the people into worshiping men; and 2) Get the men to receive the worship of the people. 

Flatter: to try to please by complimentary remarks or attention; to praise or compliment insincerely, effusively, or excessively.

God's word warns us against both being flatterers and receiving flattery. We must not think more highly of others than we ought to...and we must not allow ourselves to be placed in such a position to others.  When we give ear to flattery, we begin to put the old man up on a pedestal instead of a cross; the only thing which can result is a fall.

"The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.  The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil." Psalm 36:1-4

Receiving the praises of men conditions you to seek praises from man; and as a result, your relationship with God becomes very shallow.  It is no longer important to be holy...we can just appear holy.  We can honor God with our lips, our sermons, our professions...while our hearts remain far from Him and dark as soot.  Mistakenly thinking that the validation of man is the equivalent of God's acceptance, the cross becomes despised and sin abounds as the old man is raised to prominence.  In fact, the more you allow people to sow into your flesh, the less you will begin to care about your actual condition before God.

Whenever someone is accommodating the flesh - regardless of how spiritual they may seem - you are dealing with an old man on a pedestal.  It is someone who has bought into the hype of his flatterers and has left off doing good to do evil...even while using divination to get you to do the same.  We are warned that this is a tactic Satan will use to pervert many in the last days.

"And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries...And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Daniel 11:21, 32

The Anti-christ will subdue and corrupt with flatteries.  Even now the spirit of anti-christ is defiling many with the same, as the flesh is continually exalted and pampered at the expense of spiritual maturity.  However, as God says in Psalm 36 above, such iniquity will be found out.  Men may see and praise our works, but God looks at the intent and motivations of the heart.  Is the Lord working through the pure heart of a new man to accomplish His purposes or is the old man doing "good works" to be seen of, and receive accolades from, men? 

There is nothing hidden which will not be brought to light...and the unveiling has started.  As Glenn Jackson says in his prophecy "The Furnace Doors Shall Now Be Opened Wide":

In this most critical hour, the "furnace doors" shall now be opened wide in the midst of God's people and "all" that is being [and has been] built and sustained by the "arm of the flesh" will be "exposed" by holy fire.

Every man's work is being tried by fire so as to show what type of work it is.  From the most known preachers to the relatively obscure believer; no one is immune from this fiery trial.  God is sweeping through to reveal who we really are..not just who we appear to be to folks.  When He puts His finger on that which displeases Him, will we turn to counterfeit comfort in the flatteries of men or will we ask God to search us and remove every unclean thing?  As brother Glenn says, there are only two possible responses: we will either repent or continue in rebellion.

Do not be surprised nor shaken as God lays bare the hearts of men so that He can manifest those who have been reproved or approved by Him; judgment starts at the house of God.  Those who have been found sincere will be strong and do exploits as the Lord moves in power and might to bring in an end time harvest.

"For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ." I Thessalonians 2:3- 6

Brokenness - The Key to Heavenly Life

Not of Works

Although we just completed a series on whether the Scriptures are reliable as God's words, the Scriptures in and of themselves are still not the whole of what is needed in the new life we have in Christ. Study of the Scriptures is what Zac Poonen below calls "necessary", but true victory in the Lord only comes through brokenness; when it is no longer about what we are doing for God, but what He is doing in and through us.

We must come through the Holy Place, which includes feeding on God's word, being enlightened by His Spirit, and communing with Him in prayer and worship...but our journey doesn't end there.

Let the Lord lead you into the Holy of Holies, into His very presence, through brokenness.

" For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm 51:16-17

Thy Word IS Truth - Conclusion

How I Love They Precepts

"I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word....Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness." Psalms 119:14-16, 159

God exalts His word even above all His name (Psalms 138:2). Yet how is it that so many deny His words in order to honor His name? Such is truly deception and He will not accept such defiled offerings. If we do not believe what God has said, doesn't that show us to be unbelievers?

The same God who is leading us by His Spirit is the One who has inspired the Scriptures. His words to us, whether spoken or written, make up our daily bread. Even the written word is not just letters on paper, but is able to be used by His Spirit to become a living word which feeds our souls; for God's words are spirit and they are life.

At the root of every inclination to deny the authority of God's word is the desire to do that which is against His word. Find someone who rejects God's words and you will have someone who is not quite through with sin yet (Isaiah 8:20; II Corinthians 2:17, 4:2). People are not concerned that the Scriptures will limit their spiritual walk or that the texts have been perverted. The issue is that there is rebellion still somewhere in their hearts. There is something in God's word which offends them and instead of submitting to the washing of the water of the word to be changed, they find reasons to deny it.

God's word causes a spiritual surgery to occur in the us, dividing even the soul from the spirit while discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart (Ecclesiastes 12:11; Psalm 19:7, 119:9, 130; Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:22-25). As Scripture describes, it shows us who we really are as opposed to who we like to often think ourselves to be. This can be uncomfortable and even painful as the Potter makes us over into the image of His Son. Yet let us not be forgetful hearers, but rather doers of the word.

It is not a light thing to be entrusted with the oracles of God (Romans 3:2). It is an honor, a blessing, and a privilege as we are made into living epistles to be read of all men by His Spirit. I make no apologies for the fact that I love the Scriptures and that I am going to judge everything by the Scriptures, as they are revealed to me by God's Holy Spirit.

Listen to this short message from Zac Poonen on how God's Word is Our Food.

Thy Word IS Truth Series

• We only need to be led by the Spirit
• Not all of Scripture is all Scripture
• The Bible is not the "Word of God"
• The Scriptures have been perverted
• Conclusion

Thy Word IS Truth - Part 4

The Scriptures Have Been Perverted

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There are many reasons why people assert that the Scriptures have been perverted.

• The Roman Catholic Church defined the canon of the Bible, and therefore it must be corrupt because that organization is corrupt.  
• Scribes had to translate the Scriptures by hand in the early days, increasing the likelihood of error.
• Men with political motivations had Scripture changed so as to accomplish their own purposes.
• We don't have the original manuscripts, only copies; so we cannot possibly know what the original Scriptures said.
• Translations from the original language of Scripture have caused it to lose its true meaning.

Yet regardless of the reason given, the end conclusion for these individuals is the same: we no longer have a complete and reliable source of Old Testament and New Testament Scripture which can be said to unequivocally be God's word.

You might be amazed how many professing Christians do not really believe that the Scriptures we possess today are the words of God.  The truth of the matter is that such beliefs say much more about their understanding of who God is than it does about the status of the Scripture.

It Is Written...

The video at the end of this article addresses many of the common objections raised about how the Scriptures have been perverted.  However, before that, I would like to raise one consideration for those who believe Scripture is corrupt: How do you explain Jesus Christ?

When Jesus was born, the earliest of the Scriptures (the Torah) had been in the Jews possession for well over 1,000 years.  Yet from its inception, the Torah was being copied.  Before he died, Moses made 13 handwritten copies of the Torah; one to reside in the Ark of the Covenant and the others provided to each of the twelve tribes of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:9). Since then, God's people have been trusting in and routinely making copies of the Torah, calling them the "word/law of the Lord".

Not only were the Jews trusting in these copies, but later copies were also translated by them.  The primarily Hebrew text was translated into the Aramaic language (called the Targum) after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile; there are even multiple versions of the Targum.  Additionally, shortly before Jesus' ministry, yet another translation of the Torah was made as it was put into the Greek language (called the Septuagint). 

By the time of Jesus, the Scriptures had been copied innumerable times and translated several times.  This is certainly a tall order for us to grasp.  I mean everyone has played the "Telephone Game" where a person picks a phrase which is passed on person-by-person as each whispers it into the ear of the next individual.  How often is it that the ending phrase holds any resemblance to the original?  Are we really expected to believe that thousands of men down through over a thousand years had been able to transcribe by hand as well as translate a text without marring the essence of the words being copied?

Yet, Jesus surely believed this.  Jesus constantly referred the Jews to the Scriptures as evidence of the truth of His words and of His coming.   

The Scripture Cannot Be Broken

"...and the scripture cannot be broken" John 10:35b

In addressing one of the accusations made against Him, Jesus reminds the Jews that the Scripture cannot be broken.  The word broken above is the Greek word lyō which means: to unbind, destroy, break up, or deprive of authority.  Do we believe that?

For Jesus, referring to what was written seemed to settle the matter and end all questions in His discussions with the religious leaders.  Jesus even blamed the Jews' antagonism against Him on their ignorance of the Scriptures, not on the corruption of the text (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24; Luke 24:27, 32; John 20:9).

This is astounding!  Was it not possible that some small modification or error in the Scriptures over all those years - even if unintentional - was the cause of their inability to recognize Him?  Not according to Jesus.  Not once did He cite issue with the authenticity of their Scriptures, but rather He had the expectation that each Jew knew "what saith the Lord" because of the Scriptures...and He held them accountable to that word.

Did ye never read in the scriptures...It is written...Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures...How then shall the scriptures be fulfilled...The scriptures must be fulfilled...He expounded unto them in all the scriptures...He opened to us the scriptures...Search the scriptures...Hath not the scripture said...

Consider also that the religious leaders to whom the Scriptures had been entrusted were continually rebuked by Jesus and said to not know the Father!  He called them hypocrites, vipers, and whited sepulchres.  Yet in spite of their corruption, He still believed that the Scriptures which they maintained were God's word.

So I ask again - for those who dispute the Scriptures - "How do you explain Jesus Christ?"  How could Jesus know with such certainty that the Scriptures in the Jews' possession were still reliable as the word of God? Was Jesus trusting in the presence of original manuscripts?  Did He have faith in one, pure "original" language?  Had He confidence in the virtue and righteousness of the men entrusted with the Scriptures?

No. Jesus' trust was in His Father alone.  He knew that God had not left the preservation of His word up to the devices of men. It occurs by a supernatural and sovereign decree of God! God had promised to preserve His word and He was more than able to do so (Psalm 12:6-7; Matthew 24:35).  Jesus knew that the Scripture could not be broken. 

Some would have us to believe that - while God was able to preserve His word up until the time of Christ - somehow He was then rendered incapable of continuing to do so. Did God lose power and authority after the birth of the church?  Was the church (founded on a better covenant with better promises) actually made weaker in that it was unable to safeguard what God had been entrusting to His people for over 1,000 years?  Has God changed?

When people assert that the lack of original manuscripts, the presence of translations, the corruption of church leaders, or anything else has diluted the word of God, who are they really accusing?  God Himself.  The indirect assertion made is that God was either unable or unwilling to keep His promise.

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4

The Scriptures were written for our learning, our comfort, our hope, our edification, our admonition, our correction, and our instruction in righteousness (Romans 15:4;I Corinthians 10:1; II Timothy 3:16; I John 2:26, 5:13).  How can they serve this God-given purpose unless they be preserved? 

Now for me personally, I know the Scriptures to be the word of God primarily because God told me that they are.  However, the following video from Voddie Baucham examines the authenticity of Scripture from a historical perspective. 




Thy Word IS Truth Series

• We only need to be led by the Spirit
• Not all of Scripture is all Scripture
• The Bible is not the "Word of God"
• The Scriptures have been perverted
• Conclusion

Thy Word IS Truth - Part 3

The Bible is not the "Word of God"

One reason people say that it is wrong to call the Scriptures the "word of God" is because Jesus Christ bears the title "Word of God" (John 1:1-2; Revelation 19:13).  They claim it is idolatrous to use this phrase in any other way and that Scripture is never referred  to as the "word of God".

While it is true that Jesus is the Word made incarnate, does that mean the phrase "word of God" should not be used when referencing words from God?  Is there any legitimacy to these claims? 

God is not mute. He has a voice; He speaks.  The Scriptures are full of references for people to "Hear the word of the Lord" or with people proclaiming "Thus saith the Lord".

Down through time, God has prepared His people to hear, speak, and document His words, which are often identified with phrases such as the "word of God".  We see similar references to "the word of Moses" (Exodus 8:13, 31; Leviticus 10:7; ), "the word of Samuel" (I Samuel 4:1; ), "the word of Elisha" (II Kings 6:18), "the word of Memucan" (Esther 1:21), and "the word of Jesus" (Matthew 26:75; Acts 19:10).  Likewise, the "word of God" is used to identify the literal words of God and is not used exclusively as a title for Jesus Christ.

Words From God ARE the Word of God

"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." Proverbs 30:5 

Is the above text saying "every [Jesus Christ] is pure"?  Of course not.  It is speaking of the words coming from God as being pure.  While this includes the words of Jesus, the phrase "word of God" here is not a personal reference to Him. 

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." Luke 8:11

Is this parable saying that the seed or "word of God" is the personage of Jesus Christ?  No. It is literally a reference to God's words.  Some of the these seeds ("the word of God") fell by the wayside, some on a rock, some among thorns, and some on good ground.

"But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it [the seed/word], and bring forth fruit with patience." Luke 8:15

Jesus is not an "it".  God's literal words are called the "word of God".

"For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." Mark 7:10-13

Is Jesus saying that the Pharisees are making Him of no effect?  No, the "word of God" here refers to God's commandment spoken through Moses that we honor our fathers and mothers. 

Throughout Scripture, phrases like "word of God" or "word of the Lord" are used to identify words coming from God (Exodus 9:18-21; I Samuel 9:27; Jeremiah 7:2; Zechariah 4:6; Luke 4:4, 5:1, 11:28, 22:61; Acts 6:2; Acts 11:16; Ephesians 6:17; I Corinthians 14:36; II Corinthians 2:17, 4:2; Hebrews 13:7; Revelation 1:2, 1:9, 20:4).  It is completely appropriate to use these phrases when referencing God's words.

Are the Scriptures God's Word?

The only way one can claim it is wrong to call Scriptures the "word of God" is to say that the Scriptures are not God's words.What do the Scriptures say in this regard?

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received IT not as the word of men, but as IT is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." I Thessalonians 2:13

The "word of God" referenced above are literals words of truth the people heard and recognized as being from God Himself. We are given this same assurance about all of the words of Scripture...that they are not from men, but from God.

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)" Romans 1:1-2

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." II Timothy 3:15-17

Notice that the Scriptures are "holy" which is the Greek word hieros meaning: sacred, consecrated to God, of divine things.  This is true of "all" Scripture because they are given "by inspiration of God". Being God-breathed, we can be assured that they are profitable for perfecting man in righteousness. 

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that NO prophecy of the scripture is of ANY private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." II Peter 1:19-21

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As HE spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began." Luke 1:68-70

We are assured that what is documented in the Scriptures is not the result of the will of man, but the product of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit is able to effectively communicate God's words to men.  He may use the "mouth" of the prophets, but it is still HIM speaking (II Samuel 23:2; Matthew 22:31; Acts 1:16, 3:18, 28:25; Hebrews 3:7, 10:15-17).  He may use the hands of the holy men, but it is HIS words being penned (Romans 3:2; II Timothy 3:16).

Please note that if the Scriptures are merely the words, thoughts, and ideas of men, then they have absolutely NO authority in the life of God's people. 

"If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true...I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? " John 5:31, 43-44

Jesus Christ did not come in His own name, but He came in the name or authority of His Father. When men come in the authority of their own name pertaining to the things of God, then their witness is false and carries no weight (Proverbs 3:5; Jeremiah 17:5; John 8:28, 10:25; Acts 5:36-37, 8:9-11; I Corinthians 2:4-5; Hebrews 5:4-5).

Why then did Jesus continuously refer the Jews back to the Scriptures as the evidence that He had come from the Father?  Did ye never read in the scriptures...Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures...The scriptures must be fulfilled...Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures...Search the scriptures. 

Is Jesus asking the Jews to put their faith in the words of men?  Is He referring them to that which has no Godly authority?  No. We can know that the Scriptures carry authority as God's words - not only because the Scriptures expressly say so - but also because Jesus repeatedly refers the Jews to them as a witness to His coming. 

Thus Saith the Lord...Until It Is Written?

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63

Do words from God stop being God's words because they are written down?  Do they lose spirituality or truth because they are documented?   Do they stop being able to generate life in the hearer because they are put to paper?

No, words from God contain the same power, vitality, and spiritual essence whether spoken or written because they are His words.  This is why Jesus would often remind the Jews "It is written..."  The Jews did not need to have Moses, David, Ezekiel, or any of the prophets around to tell them what the Lord had said; it had been documented in the Scriptures. 

If the words which proceed from God are called the "word of God", and the Scriptures are God's words, then there is nothing unorthodox in referencing them as such.  In fact, Jesus did so Himself.

"Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?" John 10:34-36

The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy for making Himself to be God.  Yet, Jesus reminds them of the "word of God" which was written in their "law" and says that the "scripture" cannot be broken.  The "word of God", the "law", and the "scripture" all reference the same thing, namely Psalm 82:6.

In other words, the "Word of God" refers to the "word of God" as being the Scripture.

When the Scriptures are called the "word of God", it does not mean that people are confusing them with Jesus Christ.  It means that the Scriptures are being acknowledged as God's words.

Hopefully this article has helped to show that:

1. Scripture repeatedly uses the phrase "word of God" and "word of the Lord" to reference words coming from God.
   
2. The Scriptures themselves claim to to be a divinely inspired work, and not the mere words of men.
   
3. God's words are not deprived of power, influence, or spiritual life simply because they are written.
   
4. Jesus noted that the Scriptures are the "word of God" and He commonly referred to them as evidence of truth.

Thy Word IS Truth Series

• We only need to be led by the Spirit
• Not all of Scripture is all Scripture
• The Bible is not the "Word of God"
• The Scriptures have been perverted
• Conclusion

Thy Word IS Truth - Part 2

Not All of Scripture is All Scripture

Many claim to hold God's word in high regard, yet are very selective as to what they will adhere to or acknowledge. They either esteem parts of God's words over others or try to completely discount certain texts altogether.

The Torah

One way this is done is via the elevation of the Torah. The amazing thing is that ones who do this often charge other Christians with neglecting God's words, yet very few embrace the New Testament texts with the same vigor. Instead, they often do the exact opposite by denigrating the significance of the NT text or changing its meaning in order to justify elevation of the Torah.

One assertion made is that the word "Scriptures" in the Bible is speaking only of the Old Testament texts because these were the "Scriptures" as they knew them at the time. Some go even further and will discredit the majority of the NT text by labeling Paul a false apostle and asserting that his writings are not inspired by God.

Yet, these claims are addressed in the Scriptures directly when Peter writes:

"As also in all his [Paul's] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." II Peter 3:16

The Apostles knew that many of their writings were a continuation of the Scriptures. Not only did these New Testament writings hold the weight and authority of Scripture, but Paul's writings specifically are recognized as Scripture. These were not just letters to the churches, but are signed off on by God as inspired by Him.

In His wisdom, God continued to follow the same process He initiated with His people in the old covenant: giving them a written copy of His words so that they could know Him and know His ways. The New Testament writings are part of these Holy Scriptures, including the writings of Paul.

God's communication of His will to His people did not end with the Old Testament text. To elevate that text above the NT writings is to blind one's self to God's revelation to man, which will result in a perverted understanding of God's will.

Just the "Red Letters"

In the same way that people elevate the Torah, others will say that only the "red letters" matter. If Jesus isn't specifically recorded as saying it, then it can be disregarded; it may not even be the words of God, but merely the opinions of men.

Yet, this is a complete misrepresentation. All Scripture is "God-breathed" (II Timothy 3:16) which means that they all can be literally said to be God's words. These are not the words of Moses, Isaiah, Matthew or John, but are "What saith the Lord".

We don't have to seek out only the literal spoken words of Jesus Christ (the red letters) because the same Spirit by which He spoke is the Spirit which inspired all of Scripture, including the Old Testament (Galatians 3:8; I Peter 1:10-12; Hebrews 4:2).

Neither Jesus nor the Holy Spirit say anything different than what has been decreed. They are both constrained to only speak and do that which God the Father has declared (John 8:28-29, 14:23-26). The words and life of Jesus are not a separate or different testimony from what is seen in other parts of Scripture, but they are all a part of the same story or work.

"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." John 4:34

When we have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father for He only glorifies the Father. Jesus came in the flesh to finish the work His Father had begun, a work whose beginning is detailed in the OT texts. How can one properly understand the work being completed without perceiving the foundation from which it began? If Jesus is only doing what the Father decrees and finishing the Father's work, then we need to understand what that is. Jesus does not bring a new testimony from the Old Testament, but He fulfills the testimony of the Father given in that text.

This is why it is also incorrect to say that the OT writings are not relevant for those in the new covenant. The Old and New Testaments together make-up the Holy Scriptures; and we need them both. From Genesis (the beginning) to Revelation (the manifestation), these books form a complete picture and detail one story of God's plan for salvation via His Son Jesus Christ (John 5:39). The Old Testament gives insight into the promises of God and serves as an example for us (Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 10:11). The New Testament text gives us understanding about how these promises have been, and are being, fulfilled.

There is one work, one message, one testimony being revealed in Scripture, and that work did not begin or end with Jesus' physical existence on the earth. In order to understand the whole story, we must consider the whole book.

Merely Cultural Admonitions

Another way people dismiss entire sections of Scripture is a belief that certain texts do not apply to us because they only address specific issues at a particular place & time. Let me offer that if there is any Scripture which you think is not relevant to the present church of God, then I suggest you have not yet properly understood the text in question. Just because a certain command may not be applicable to us today does not mean there is no truth to be gained from the text.

God tells us that all of Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, & instruction in righteousness (II Timothy 3:16). As a result, there can be NO Scripture which does not meet that criteria...or else it is not Scripture. Instead of dismissing what we do not understand, we need to seek God for enlightenment about why the text is present. God does not mince words and everything He says and does is for a reason.

The Bible Does Not Contain ALL of God's Words

It is true that the Scriptures do not contain all that God knows or even all that He desires for us to know; neither is that the purpose for why the Scriptures were given. The more important question is what do the Scriptures contain?

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." I John 5:13

The Bible does not have to contain all of the words God has ever said or will ever say. What was written is more than sufficient for us to believe on Jesus Christ and have eternal life; and that is why they were given. The purpose of the Scriptures is not to tell us how to handle every situation in our lives, but to show us the way to salvation (John 5:39; Luke 24:27; Romans 1:1-2, 16:25-26; II Timothy 3:15).

There will certainly be things God tells us which are not written in the Scriptures. For example, when Paul endeavored to go into Asia, the Spirit forbade him (Acts 16:7). There was nothing in the Scriptures which Paul could have studied to get this directive. He needed a present word from the Lord to know exactly what to do in that situation...and so do we! We need to be able to hear God's voice (and thereby His words) as He leads us each day (John 10:16, 27).

Both the written and the spoken word have a purpose in our lives; in leading us into salvation and guiding us in the ways of righteousness. Yet, we know that God's words - whether spoken or written - will always be in agreement with each other as they are all coming from the same source (Galatians 1:6-9; II Thessalonians 2:15).  We can always refer to what is written to discern the authenticity of what is spoken.

God says that "all" Scripture is breathed by Him and fit for the purposes of bringing us into and raising us up in the faith. How then can we justify discounting any of it?

If we truly love and honor God's words, then we will hold to and esteem all of the Scriptures. That means not cherry picking through what we feel is acceptable, but receiving with gladness the whole counsel of God.

Thy Word IS Truth Series

• We only need to be led by the Spirit
• Not all of Scripture is all Scripture
• The Bible is not the "Word of God"
• The Scriptures have been perverted
• Conclusion

Thy Word IS Truth - Part 1

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17

It is interesting how - in these last and evil days - many are making professions of faith in Christ, yet feel no need to honor God's words.

I am becoming increasingly convinced that the root of every deception and error lies in an attitude that feels it is acceptable to reject the whole counsel of God. God Himself stated that certain ones are given over to believe a lie because they loved not the truth (II Thessalonians 2:10-11).

So let us not take lightly God's command that we study to show ourselves approved, able to rightly divide the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15); for many are being led astray. Often, these arguments against the Scriptures come across sounding super-spiritual or academic, but beware of the wisdom of men. If one has to pervert or deny the authority of Scripture to support a doctrine, then that is a good indicator such doctrine should be suspect.

In the next few posts, I would like to examine some of the arguments which attempt to downgrade the importance of Scriptures in the life of a believer.

• We only need to be led by the Spirit
• Not all of Scripture is all Scripture
• The Bible is not the "Word of God"
• The Scriptures have been perverted
• Conclusion

We Only Need To Be Led By The Spirit

Some have asked me why we should have to study the Scriptures when we have God's Holy Spirit to lead us. Others have even suggested that adherence to the words of God is a hindrance to the move of the Spirit.  To these, having the leading of the Spirit "graduates" us from dependence on God's word to such a degree, that we are at liberty to do even what Scripture expressly forbids. From this perspective, it is common to hear such comments as:

• We cannot dictate what God will do or how He will do it
• God cannot be boxed in or limited
• Anything initiated by God's Spirit is acceptable because it is God's Spirit doing it

It is true that we cannot limit God, however, God has chosen to limit Himself...by His own sovereign will, which is reflected in His word (Psalms 40:8; Hebrews 10:7). This self-imposed limitation is the principle behind the assertion that God changes not and is the foundation for every promise He has given. It is because He has chosen to limit Himself according to the purposes reflected in His word that we know His words are sure.

"For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them." II Samuel 7:21

God has given His word to His servants, and acts according to this word, so that we may know Him and His will for mankind. The Spirit of God is sent to give life to the word, not to replace it or work against it.

"Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you." Proverbs 1:23

"For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him." John 3:34

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:23-26

Having the Spirit poured unto us does not mean that we are now free to be given a different word than what is written, but that God - by His Spirit - brings the word to our remembrance, amplifies it, enlightens our understanding, and conforms us to it. The Spirit "makes known" the word, not contradicts it.

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." II Thessalonians 2:15

The words inspired to be spoken by the Spirit will not contradict the words inspired to be written. Why? Because it is the same Spirit which is the cause of the inspiration. Paul can state here with assurance that the teachings transmitted by spoken and written word are equally sound because they are in agreement. God's words are spirit (John 6:63).  Asserting that the Spirit of God will act in a way that opposes God's word is not only unbiblical, it makes God out to be schizophrenic.

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The Spirit and the word of God work together to birth and grow God's children (Psalms 119:9, Ephesians 1:13, 5:26; James 1:18). The word acts as a mirror to our souls as the Spirit uses God's word to conform us to the image of His Son (II Corinthians 3:18; James 1:22-25). True worshipers are those who worship in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23). It is not one or the other. Our worship of the Lord is to be guided by both His Spirit and His word; as they work together and are always in agreement.

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." I Peter 4:11

The words we speak must align with the oracles of God. This is how God will be glorified; with a clear, undefiled testimony of truth confirmed by His Spirit and His word.

Further, we need to understand that there are many spirits in the world, and most of them are not holy. If you are just "listening to the spirit", then how do you know which spirit is leading you? It is clear from Scripture that those who followed, knew, and loved Jesus could also give heed to false spirits if they were not careful (Matthew 16:23; Luke 9:55; I Timothy 4:1; I John 4:1). In fact, deception can be so deceiving, that if possible, even the very elect could be fooled (Matthew 24:24). The safeguard God gives us against such spiritual deception is His word (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Isaiah 8:20; Galatians 1:8-9).

No matter how spirit-filled one becomes, "following the Spirit" to the exclusion of God's written word increases one's chance of going into error. When Jesus was baptized in the Spirit and led by the same Spirit into the wilderness, He still referred to what was written in order to defeat the enemy. Having the Spirit did not remove the need for Jesus to know God's written word. Have we now become more "spiritual" than Jesus? If the Son of God - being filled with the Holy Spirit - still looked to what was written in order to separate the truth from a lie, then we would do well to follow His example.

Maturing in the faith does not mean that we get to a place where we no longer need the written words of God. Rather, we go from the milk to the meat of the word as God gives us a revelation of the deeper meaning of Scripture by His Spirit (I Corinthians 2:10, 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:12).  That is how spiritual maturity is manifested in the life of a believer.

The Spirit of God is not a replacement for the word in our arsenal against the enemy. Rather, the Spirit wields the word in a way so as to effectively destroy the works of the enemy, protect us from deception, and conform us into the image of Christ.

Women, Reverence Your Husbands

This post was originally made in another forum based on a conversation we were having about marriage.  However, I believe it is important enough to post here.  For the purposes of this message, we will be using the Amplified Version of the Scriptures.

"Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands... 

However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]."  Ephesians 5:22-24, 33

Is that not a mouthful or what??  This is the basis for having a Godly marriage.  It is certainly a tall order, but it is indeed possible if we allow the Lord to guide our hearts, minds, and souls.  As our Creator, He knows how He has designed both man and woman, and it is with a purpose in mind.

Marriage is a beautiful, poetic, and symmetrical reflection of the relationship we have with the Lord.  God loves us, and because He does, He gave His life for us. In response to that unselfish love of placing us even before His own life, He deserves our respect and reverence. He is a Father and a Husband to us regarding our relationship with Him.

Similarly, in a marriage, the father and husband (the man) is commanded to love his wife and lay his life down for her as a show of that love. In recognition of that sacrifice, the wife is commanded to reverence her husband. 

How many times do people fight against this?  How often is it that we pretend being "free in Christ" means being free from the commands in God's word?  There no longer being "male nor female" in Christ does not mean there are no longer distinctions, but that there are no longer divisions in Him.  Yet, there still remain roles He has designated for each, and again He does this for a purpose. 

"Wives, be subject to your husbands [subordinate and adapt yourselves to them], as is right and fitting and your proper duty in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." Colossians 3:18-20

What God has outlined in the covenant of marriage is what is needed to produce a godly seed (Malachi 2:15).  This not only is true for physical seed, but spiritual seed as well.  The family is a reflection of the Godhead (Ephesians 5:32), so perverting the nature of family by default results in a perversion of God.

Yet as society has walked further and further away from that which is Godly, many have rejected such "traditional roles".  I say that unless we return to the old pathways and follow what God has prescribed, then society will continue to reap what has been sown: rebellion, chaos, and anarchy (Isaiah 3:12). 

A sister in the Lord recently shared some insights that she uses in her desire to reverence her husband. I thought they were right on point and am sharing them here in case they edify you as well.

Things To Keep In Mind About Reverencing Your Husband

• He is my priority next to God in my life, not other relationships, children or friends.
  
• I seek counsel from him first before my pastor or anyone else.
  
• I do not interrupt him when he is talking.
  
• I do not correct him in front of others. If the error is not life threatening, I wait to talk to him about it when we are alone.
  
• I do not make jokes at his expense.
  
• I encourage my children to honor him and I do not undermine his authority...either in his presence or in his absence.
  
• I do not reference him as one of my children.
  
• I try to focus on the things that are important to him and not the things that aren't.  This way, I don't have wonder whether he appreciates what I do.
  
• I make him a priority in my day and try to be available & rested for intimacy in our relationship. Being tired all the time is not a good excuse.
  
• I do not allow my family members (parents or siblings) to speak disrespectfully of him

These are certainly not laws which we have to obey, but in the light in which they were shared, I do believe it gets to the heart of what it means for a wife to reverence her husband.  I pray that as you seek to see God exalted in your life and in your marriage, that you will ask Him to give you a heart set after His.

"IN LIKE manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives, When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him--to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].

Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes; But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God. For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].  It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you]." I Peter 3:1-6

How is the Law to be Used Lawfully?

"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having SWERVED have TURNED ASIDE aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.  

But we know that the law is good, IF a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is NOT made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust." I Timothy 1:3-11

Even in the early days of the church, there were efforts to subvert people's souls and pervert the way of salvation in Jesus Christ.  Therefore, in Paul's letter, he encourages Timothy to command that men teach no other doctrine than that which he had learned.  Paul gives insight into these false doctrines by referring to myths and disputes over earthly heritages, which were promoted to make people question the faith instead of being edified in the faith. 

The first false doctrine Paul addresses with Timothy is how the law was being used and promoted by some.  He criticizes those desiring to be teachers of the law by stating that such have "swerved" and "turned aside" from the faith.

Swerve (astocheō): To deviate from or miss the mark

Turn aside (ektrepō): To turn or twist out as in becoming disjointed from the Body, to turn away from

The problem with these teachers was not that they recognized the goodness of the law, for the law is good.  The issue was that these teachers did not understand how to use the law lawfully.  Paul then goes on to explain that in order to use the law lawfully, we must recognize that the law is not made for a righteous man.

These teachers, not understanding what they taught or affirmed, were in error by trying to teach those who are declared righteous in Christ to be under the law.  They did not know that the end of the commandment was love out of a pure heart, an undefiled consience, and true faith.

The only ones who are still under the law - the only way the law can be used lawfully - is addressing those who are outside of the faith and still lost in sin.  Those in Christ are no longer under the law - we have entered into the end of the commandment - because in Christ...

• We are given His Spirit of love (Galatians 5:22, II Timothy 1:7, I Peter 1:22, I John 4:7)
• We are given a pure conscience (Romans 9:1, II Corinthians 1:12, Hebrews 9:14)
• We are given pure faith in Him (Galatians 5:22)
• We are made righteous in Him (Romans 10:4, Ephesians 4:24, Philippians 1:11)

 And against such there is no law.

For more on the law, please see the series, "The Spirit of the Law."