Post # 29

This phrase is mentioned in Acts 3:19-21 – 19 “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began”.

This tells us where Jesus has been since his ascension to his Father’s throne, which is in another dimension – invisible to us – I so believe.

What might the restituion of all things be referring to? What will be restored and from what to what?

First, when Jesus returns he will seize the reins of rulership over the earth and remove Satan form having any negative influence on human behavior. The situation will be like in the Garden of Eden before Adam and Eve talked with the serpent and they had a close relationship with their Creator. Every knee will bow and every eye will see and all will know the Lord (Isa 45:23, Jer 31:34). So Jesus Christ will rule unimpeded by Satan and people’s peaceful relationship with Him and each other will not be impeded either.

Second, the peaceful relationship of humans and animals with each other and the environment will be restored. Gen 1:29-30 says – “29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so”.

Notice that humans and animals (every living creature) were given herbs (plants) to eat and live on. In other words there were no carnivores in God’s original plans and this state of affairs will be restored so even the animals will live in peace.

Third, humans will live at peace in loving cooperation and care for each other. Those given responsibility to rule with Christ will not lord it over anyone but, will serve them and provide their needs (Matt 20:25-28). Rev 20:4c says “… And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years”. After that comes the New Heavens and New Earth when Jesus delivers everything up to the Father.

Post # 28

In contrast to the previous post, “Why We Have War and Crime”, I shall turn my attention to ask What and Where is Love?

A working definition of love is outgoing concern. In this sense love is a verb – an attitude and an action. The Greeks have three words for love – Agape: godly (unconditional) love – Philia: brotherly love (the golden rule) – and Eros: male/female love.

Let’s consider Agape. God loves each one of us unconditionally and equally. Nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:35-39) – even though we may have no time for him and are living contrary to his will. If and when anyone sees the error of their ways, they will be welcomed with open arms and led to repentance and faith (Romans 2:4)(Repent and believe the gospel – Mark 1:14-15).

Brotherly love is an everpresent need for all mankind. All world religions have the Golden Rule in common and almost word for word – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Also there are about 60 other principles that all religions share according to Jeffrey Moses in his book “Oneness: Great Principles Shared By All Religions”.

Being raised in the Christian religion, it is the one I can focus on. The puzzling question of how to begin to relate to others in a close personal relationship was aided by the findings of Dr Gary Chapman in his “Five Love Languages” book series. I hope you enjoy the brief description of each love language given there and look into one of his books that may interest you, if you haven’t already.

Love as outlined in the New Testament requires the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill it; as per 1Corinthians chapter 13. The process of conversion begins as Peter said in Acts 2:38 “… Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”. John 15:12 says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you”. This is a new and greater commandment than to love our neighbor as our own selves – and requires the Holy Spirit’s involvement to provide the unconditional love that is called for.

I believe the most likely reason that world religions have not shown the way to world peace, even though they possess the knowledge, is that most people don’t have the power of the Holy Spirit, who makes it possible to live by the principles of love and to deal peacefully with enemies.

Post # 27

Why is history so full of wars, crime, corruption and man’s inhumanity to man? I’m concerned about the principal cause, which I believe is found in the Garden of Eden Bible story – namely when Adam and Eve took it upon themselves to eat the Fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge  of Good and Evil. This act cut them off from God’s Holy Spirit of love (outgoing concern for others, including God, equal to self concern) and active seeking for and submission to God’s will.

Thus mankind is capable of many wonderful good deeds, but also the most incredible evil. Our world is a mixture of good and bad, depending on the choices made, especially by those who set themselves up as leaders. That is my point of view concerning our world overall.

I am reminded of James chapter 4 – especially v1-2. “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 You lust and have not: you kill and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not”.

So James is talking about those led by their human spirit only – the dark side – envy, lust, greed, covetousness, robbery, kill to get another one’s stuff, kill to defend stuff and family, kill to get stuff back, revenge, guerrilla warfare etc etc. On and on ever since Cain slew Abel.

 Then James says “yet you have not, because you ask not“. He is talking here to those beginning to be led by the Holy Spirit. Who should they ask for needed things for their families and community except  God? Not just personal wants, but for the needs of others and the church, like freedom to preach the gospel.

 Even in ‘peaceful’ Canada we have low key grumbling between the aboriginal peoples and the pale faces, that sometimes results in stand-offs. I think most mainstream Canadians don’t know what the natives want – after all they gave them reservations and welfare. However, they took away their land by war or threat of war and then they attempted cultural genocide. Now the First Nations would like their treaty rights honored.  Human nature would struggle to get their original way of life back, but they have accepted that those days are gone forever. They want social equality and a fair shake to make a decent living.

 World leaders need to understand that war begets war, and does not bring peace. Isaiah 59:8 “The way of peace they know not:” Link to Encyclopedia Britannica article - “Why War Fails”.
 
The way to peace? – Jesus said “Repent and believe the gospel.” Can everyone in the whole world repent at once? – Not now because the gospel is being preached in a limited way, by insufficient numbers of people; but everyone can after Christ returns. That process will begin at Jerusalem, while the great exodus brings people from the 4 corners of the earth and so on. They will learn to war no more. Micah 4:3 says “nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore”.

In the meantime? Christians need to carry on preaching the gospel in all the world to reach as many people as possible that God may be calling to repentance and faith - and also to give thanks and offer praise – Until He Comes Again.

Post # 26

In Deuteronomy chapter 28 Moses wrote about God’s blessings for obedience (v.1-14) and curses for disobedience (v.15-68). – HERE .

These promises were applicable uniquely to Ancient Israel from Joshua to the exile. Since then these principles may apply on an individual basis and for nations as well, due to their cause and effect nature.
This comprises part of the evidence that people use to criticize God for being autocratic and ogre-like.

French and Raven’s Five Bases Of Power – Here

1. Coercive Power – This forces one to do  something they don’t want to do, often on threat of punishment, such as demotion or firing. The goal is to get compliance.

2. Reward Power – This is based on the idea that people are more prone to do things  and do them well when they are getting something out of it.

3. Legitimate Power – is typically based on obedience to the position or title rather than the particular person as a leader. Usually used in combination with other power methods.

4. Referent Power – The power comes from one person having an overall likability leading people to identify with them. Celebrities often have this power in society. On the flip side they can lose it quickly.

5. Expert Power – Relies on the ability to adninister information, knowledge or expertise. This power makes the leader able to combine the power of reward in the correct fashion and inspire trust and respect for what they stand for. When your expertise is valued so are your ideas and leadership.

The Question to ponder is which methods of leadership does God exercize?

I think God, being God, can use any method that he wants to, but he has used all of the above at various times. He doesn’t use Coercive Power today, but in the Old Testament he set up capital punishment for breaking the 10 commandments. An example of Reward Power would be the promise of blessings for obedience.

I believe God uses all five methods at various times and probably a lot of other ones too.

I thought I would take the liberty of pasting in John Valade’s comment into the body of this essay because it is so insightful and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss it – hidden away at the bottom of the page.

John Valade says:

“Jesus himself seems to have made use mostly of the latter two types of power in his ministry on earth. Just before his death, his “referent power” turned against him by making him a threat to the establishment. Since he used no “coercive power” and was seen to have no “legitimate power” by those who had authority.

There are two types of power that naturally did not occur to French and Raven. The first is Holy Spirit power, through which Jesus and his disciples performed signs and wonders. The second is “resurrection power,” which ultimately establishes Jesus’ legitimacy and authority – for those with eyes to see and ears to hear”.

You might like to search  ’Reward and Punishment in Society’  Here .

Post # 25

Our Father Who Lives in Heaven

We are your children. My parents (or guardians) are much bigger than me and are kind of scary, but they are caring and gentle and love me.

- Are you like that,  Jesus?

Hallowed Be Your Name

I took on my parents’ last name and I love it. They want me to uphold their good name and tell me it will help me to have a long and happy life.

- Are you like that,  Jesus?

Your Kingdom Come

You are king of the universe but I wish you had a throne here on earth.  I have seen the Queen of England on TV.  She is very regal, but very kind-hearted and loves horses.

- Are you like that,   Jesus?

Your will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven

My mom and dad make rules for me like I have to put away my toys and stuff at bedtime. My teachers make rules at school too, and I have to bend to their will.

- Are you like that,  Jesus?

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

My mom and dad work to provide me with food and shelter and fun things to do. They let me know that they love me every day.

- Are you like that,  Jesus?

Forgive Us  Our Sins As We Forgive Others

Sometimes I just feel like being naughty and my mom catches me and scolds me and makes me feel sorry. She says that being sorry I got caught won’t do, but I must see  what I did was hurtful and I should not do it again.

- Are you like that,  Jesus?

And Lead Us Not Into Temptation

My mom keeps the cookie jar way up high and forbids me to rummage through her dresser drawers. She makes me ask for permission a lot.

- Are you like that,  Jesus?

But Deliver Us From The Evil One

My mom and dad keep me in sight at all times when we are out walking or shopping. My teachers have to keep all the kids at school safe too.

- Are you like that,  Jesus?

For Yours Is The Kingdom The Power And The Glory Forever And Ever. Amen.

( Note :  This child had a mom and dad – others may have guardians, foster parents, day care workers and babysitters.)

Post # 24

In today’s (24 May 09) “Our Daily Bread” the story says in part, “In ancient times, conquering kings gained access to newly acquired territories through highways built for their troops. Isaiah had this in mind when he declared, ‘Make straight in the desert a highway for our God’ (Isa.40:3). And John the Baptist called people to repentance to prepare the way into their hearts for the arrival of King Jesus. What preparation needs to be done to allow Jesus unhindered access into your (or my) own heart?”

The impact on me was that I have been placing the emphasis in my prayers for the church to make straight paths for the Lord in all the world by adopting a common gospel message, so that the message is clear and not confusing.

According to Joe Stowell of Our Daily Bread, repentance is what prepares the way for the Lord to come straight into our hearts. So I conclude that the church is to preach the gospel and make disciples in all nations in such a way as to facilitate their coming to repentance and a personal relationship with Jesus.

Since I have no part in foreign evangelism (except to pray and pay), I mostly need to focus on my own repentance to make a straight path for Jesus into my own heart. I believe the main thing to repent of is self-reliance concerning spiritual things. Our world view that is common in growing up and gaining independence from parents is to develop self-reliance in all things. The belief that materialism will bring happiness is also a blocker to becoming reliant on God. When I realized that doing things my way would never bring happiness, I became open to God and he began to lead me to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Prov.17:24 says, “The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here.” (The Message). King James Version says, “Wisdom is (right) before him that has understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.”
I guess I have been a little foolish in that respect, so it would be wiser to watch my own steps in my Christian walk and repent of the personal sins that God makes me aware of.

POST # 23 – ( updated June 9, 2009)

People tend to avoid those who think they have all the answers to life’s questions and know the purpose of life. However, the Bible sets out quite plainly what it is for Christians. The gospel itself is the good news of God’s free gift of eternal life by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives. The Christian life entails being called by grace to believe the gospel (of grace) to be a kind of first fruits harvest (James 1:18) of all people, to be manifested in the first resurrection at Christ’s return (1Corinthians 15:51-53 and Revelation 20:4-6). Christians are called to be ambassadors of Christ (2Corinthians 5:20) and the Kingdom of God now and to receive eternal life and reign with Christ on earth in the millennium; as well as on into the New Heavens and New Earth era.

That is the overview or Big Picture for Christians. What about the billions of other people who have lived since Adam and Eve and have not received God’s grace and calling?

It would be good to refer you to a previous post – The Reward of the Saved and the Unsaved – Here.
Or – Is the Church Age the Only Day of Salvation? Here.

When I was reviewing Psalm 23 and verse 6 “.. and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever”, John 14 :2 came to mind. “In my father’s house are many rooms (mansions or offices); if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

I got to thinking that if Jesus, who can do wonderful works, prepares a place for us it will be a perfect fit. I think all of us may have chosen a place for ourselves that didn’t suit us very well in the end. So we learned and started to look for a more compatible  job or whatever.

 But Jesus is also preparing us for the place that he is preparing for us. Also he is helping us find good friends and a church that we feel at home in, here and now. 

 I was thinking further about the parables of the pounds and talents, where Jesus offered rulership over cities to those faithful in the little things. In the millennium he will put some in charge of 10 cities and they will be perfectly suited for that job, because they were called and chosen and prepared by him. At least that’s the way I read it. I would be happy to assist someone in God’s Kingdom who is in charge of part of a city. Or how about being a door keeper in the Temple of God that is mentioned in  psalm 84?

He has gone to prepare a place for his faithful ones and is working with us weak and foolish ones (worldly speaking) to make us more faithful and bring us up to reach our full spiritual potential. I’m sure he would be happy if we produced even a little fruit of the Spirit.

We need a spiritual Father and mother (the church – the Jerusalem from above, which is the mother of us all) besides our elder brother Jesus , who went to heaven before us, to give us a spiritual upbringing, here and now. He certainly has given us a great hope.

I believe God has a plan to call eveyone who has ever lived to come before him in the Judgment Day (Revelation 20:11-13), to have a personal relationship with him so that they might choose the gift of eternal life, and dwell with him forever, because he wants everyone to be saved. Christians are to announce this good news now even though it seems foolish to the world at large and 160,000 of our brothers and sisters  are martyred each year, according to Amnesty International.

I believe resurrected Christians will be present as witnesses at the Final Judgment, which will take place after the 1000 yr period, and God can point to them  and say to the newly resurrected ones, “See, they did it so can you!” I believe people will be able to judge for themselves at that time. Why not?

Post # 22

News story with a Link to a video – the discovery of a strange deep sea creature – HERE.

Wonders never cease!

The links at the end of the article open to some other fascinating discoveries. Being a believer in creationism, I give God the credit for the incredible nature of their rare and different features of anatomy.

POST # 21 – 26 March 2009

To begin with the Bible indicates that God created the angels (about 165 million – Rev.5:11 & Rev.12:4 ) prior to the physical earth and universe (Job 38:4-7).

I shall refer to a rather clear and concise article, “Is The Spirit World Real”, that addresses the dark side of the spirit world at this LINK .

The article includes an introduction which points out the relevance of the spirit world to the lives of youth today. Other headings include:
* Who are Satan and the demons?
* Avoid contact with evil spirits.
* How Satan deceives us.
* How to resist satanic influences.

You might like to check out my Posts # 1, 2 and 3 . This Link will take you to May 2008 (Archives) and Post # 4, from where you can click through the OLDER ENTRY signs to Post #1.

A shorter version of how things got started is in my page Time Line of Creation.

~~~~~~~~

On 26 March 2009, the video of a lively debate was put online by
ABC Nightline Faceoff – “Is Satan Real?” – Click Here .
It consists of 10 video segments of 7-10 min each.

~~~~~~~~

There is a wide ranging discussion about Satan and his involvement with people (or not) at www.StPixels.com where I responded to a comment quoted in part below.

“To me it is explained and understood far better in terms of natural phenomena in God’s creation, and the effects of God allowing us freedom from his direct control.”

I agree. God has put in place a myriad of interacting/interdependent living systems in earth’s environment that started out in perfect balance, such as when Adam and Eve were in the Garden; and everything was set in motion to work quite automatically. ‘Everything was beautiful in its own way’.

When Adam and Eve took to themselves a mixture of good and evil into their thinking, good intentions became accompanied by negative side effects. A matter of cause and effect. God has decided, in my opinion, to basically let us have free reign over everything (actually stewardship) except to promote his plan of salvation. I would say that Jesus’ casting out demons was primarily to give credence to his claim to be the Son of God. Jesus said his disciples would do similar things, – possibly to show faith in Jesus as the resurrected Son of God and promote the gospel of salvation.

Our omnipresent God is involved in observing everything that goes on here below and will have something to say about it in the resurrection/judgment, after he distills out the knowledge of evil from the mixture of knowledge that we have concocted.

I think the one liner in today’s (March 31, 2009) “Our Daily Bread” devotional pretty well sums it up. “When we know that God’s hand is in everything, we can leave everything in God’s hand.”

This doesn’t mean we take no responsibility for our actions, or back away from life in apathy; but put our lives, our cares and our concerns into God’s hands in prayer.

Post # 20

What is the Biblical basis for baptism?

Mark 1:9 – “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.”

Acts 2:36-38 – “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Comment.
I believe Jesus was baptized as an example for believers to follow. Peter instructed those who were ‘pricked’ in their hearts to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:7-8 quotes John the Baptist, “There comes one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The baptism of the Holy Spirit in this context is the receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit (being immersed in the Holy Spirit) after being immersed in water (an outward symbol of the acceptance of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for forgiveness of sins and of the repentance of our inner hearts).

What is involved in repentance?

Mainly it is a change of heart from relying on ourselves and our self centered ways to asking God for help and guidance to live according to his will and way of life. God’s way is basically the way of love – outgoing concern for others equal to self concern. Repentance is not accomplished by human will power alone, but involves an act of faith in praying for God to lead us to repentance. Romans 2:4 – “Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”
God is calling people from all walks of life and from all nations to practice his way of life for the benefit those they come in contact with. We pray for God to bless us so that we can be a blessing to others. Abraham was called to be the father of many nations through whom all the world would be blessed. Jesus descended from Abraham and is the blessing that God promised to be given to all the world.
What a great and logical God that put together the story of how we can be given eternal life through his Son by repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He alone is worthy of worship.