Will there be Faith?
In the past few days, I have spent time at the Kings Daughters Heart center. My dad had a heart attack and went under surgery for three by passes. The doctors stated that he should not be alive. We wonder many times why bad things happen to good people, the first thought that comes into my mind is what Jesus said about himself and the world in general, “ Why do you call me Good? There is none good except the Father.” This is an eye opening statement that we need to remember more often. Many times when a loved one is ill or in danger of life, many think of the doctors and nurses first,”What are you going to do, will they get better, will they survive?” This, I use to say before I became a Christian, I always looked for man to answer all my questions, thinking that they had control of many things. This is not to say that doctors haven’t their place in the workings of the Father, but rather they are not to receive more attention that God. As with my dad, the first thing that I and my wife had to do was to call upon God for His will concerning him and second, get in-touch with those of like faith to start praying. Many missed the miracle that I am referring to.
The Doctors stated that dad should not be alive, total blockages and one vessel barely hanging on . There was no physical explanation why he was alive. But to receive glory for my dads continued life God rerouted some of the vesicles to maintain his heart. The second was the by pass surgery, God directed the surgeons how to repair the heart and even directed the surgeon to replace one of the new veins with another, new one, making the surgery better. I thanked the doctor for his efforts and gave all the praise, Honor and Glory to God, whom was deserving of all, for it was God that gave my dad life as he used the surgeons hands.
What we are talking about is Faith, Faith in God and His Son and Faith in His word. Will there be faith when Jesus returns or will mankind seek out another? Lets read; Luke 18:6-19; And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless (Not the less; notwithstanding; that is, in opposition to any thing, or without regarding it.)when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? I regard myself as nothing in this life, a poor man with rich mans dreams, dreams of a better world to come and a home that I will never have to move from. But I consider My God is all in all, the first that I turn to, and the last standard of security. Faith is a substance, not to be taken likely. Not to be ignored or misused.
We ask many time for things that are unnecessary in our lives, and its not that God doesn’t want you to ask, but we must give Him, the Praise and Glory, we cannot let the blessings of God become more important that the one who gave them to us. Can we denigh the word of God just because we don’t understand it? No. Just because we don’t understand, what God has in mind for us, it shouldn’t stop us from having faith and belief.
Jam 5:14-15; Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. “the prayer of faith” Are we to say that Faith is only for those at the year of our Lord, the prophets and the Disciples of Christ? God, forbid, for as He has done for the elect before our time, He, being of no respect of persons, will do the same for us.
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Mans faith in God is becoming a scarce thing. Many are too preoccupied with the events of the world, worrying about everything except looking toward Heaven and maintaining their Faith. When we get away from Gods word, we become ignorant of the prophecy’s and lessons that were given to us from the Father. Many of our daily worries and dark times, would be illuminated if we would just start, again, reading the word. When we have the answers for the events that bother us, they will no longer be a surprise to us. Can we move a mountain, a hill, a mound or even a worry? By all means, yes. Mat 17:19-20; Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
“nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Where did God say that this was meant only for the Disciples? Where in Gods word did it state that Faith and acts of Faith were stopped at the end of the Four Gospels, or even Revelations? Nowhere. Faith is a gift that is to be used to secure your salvation and to testify of the Greatness of God. Jesus stated that He Honored His Father, and we should also, by using our faith. 1Co 12:7 But the manifestation(The act of disclosing what is secret, unseen or obscure; discovery to the eye or to the understanding; the exhibition of any thing by clear evidence; display; as the manifestation of God’s power in creation, or of his benevolence in redemption.) of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
The Bible tells us that we are given by the Spirit, the word of wisdom and knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits (Having power to discern; capable of seeing, discriminating, knowing and judging; sharp-sighted; penetrating; acute; as a discerning man or mind.), divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. Without this power given to us by the Holy Spirit, it would be hunting season and a field day for Satan to destroy us all. Our faith in Christ and in Gods word is the Power that binds. Work on growing in your Faith and don’t let Jesus ask you, “Will you have Faith when I return?”
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Luke 18:8 -
he will: Psa_46:5, Psa_143:7-9; 2Pe_2:3, 2Pe_3:8, 2Pe_3:9
when: Mat_24:9-13, Mat_24:24; 1Th_5:1-3; Heb_10:23-26; James 5:1-8
Biblical discrepancies? pt.1.
Many times I read of people believing that there are discrepancies with in the Bible. Many times they show examples that almost are, but all discrepancies are very easy to explain. Lets read a view from a reader. Quote.“No explanations for Biblical discrepancies.” Matthew 16:28 says, “…some standing here … shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” Only Mormons say some of these people still live. Jesus obviously hasn’t “come in his kingdom” as described in Matthew 16:27-28.
A book Billy Graham gave me mentions contradictions in the Bible and tries to explain them. Judas died by hanging or falling. Jesus met one or two blind men at Jericho. Paul’s pals did or didn’t hear Yahweh speak to him. More are listed.
The book says Matthew credits Jeremiah with a prophecy made by Zechariah. It asks where Cain found a wife. “The Book of Jubilees” says he wed his sister, but that’s incest. There’s no proper answer.” Unquote. The first thing we must address is, no man can say that he knows all about the Bible. No matter how long you’ve been reading or studying, there is always something new to learn, every time that you read the Scriptures. Lets take the first comment and see if there is a discrepancy. Quote.”Matthew 16:28 says, “…some standing here … shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” Only Mormons say some of these people still live. Jesus obviously hasn’t “come in his kingdom” as described in Matthew 16:27-28.”Unquote. This verse is speaking of the sign of the times. Is Matthew 16:28, prophecy? Yes. We see two different statement within this verse. 1.The beginning of Gods Kingdom upon the earth and 2. The signs of the end days. By discerning the signs of the times?. Mat_10:23, Mat_24:3, Mat_24:27-31, Mat_24:42, Mat_26:64; Mar_13:26; Luk_18:8, Luk_21:27, Luk_21:28
There are two Kingdoms spoke of in this verse. The beginning of Gods Kingdom upon the earth, is speaking of the renewal of mankind unto the acceptance of God under the New Testament, Law. This law now included all mankind and not just the Jewish State of Israel. Those that were in attendance at this time Jesus spoke, did see the beginning of Gods Kingdom being set upon the Earth. How? The Church.
1. The beginning of Gods Kingdom. Remember there was not a Church when Jesus was alive, for He was the Church. After His death and resurrection the Church, as we know it was established by the Disciples and Apostles. Jesus was, and still is, the mediator of the new covenant Church. What was the Name of Christ Church? “The Church of the First Born.” Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 1Co 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Tit 1:4-5; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Act 14:22-23; Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Knowing the definitions of these words is also helpful, weather it be the English or Greek translations. Confirming; Making firm or more firm; strengthening; ratifying; giving additional evidence or proof; establishing. The key word in Confirming is,”Establishing.” Exhorting; Inciting to good deeds by words or arguments; encouraging; counseling. The key word in Exhorting is, “Inciting “, 1.The act of inciting or moving to action; incitement. 2. Incitement; incentive; motive; that which excites to action; that which rouses or prompts.
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. ORDA’INED, Appointed; instituted; established; invested with ministerial or pastoral functions; settled. “…some standing here … shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? “the signs of the times.” The establishment of the new Church Covenant and the fulfillment of the Old Testament Covenant.2. The signs of the end days. The upcoming Kingdom. This earth, despite clames by some that the earth will be replaced by a new one, will be eternal and without end. Their assumption can be explained in another study. So then, Gods Kingdom will and is come upon this earth. Only those things that are unrighteous will be destroyed, along with many parts of this earth. This is to try to redeem others before final judgment. “will and is.” is speaking of the establishment of gods Kingdom on the earth by the Introduction of the New Testament Covenant.
“Is”, is speaking of the Millennial Reign of Christ upon the Earth, siting upon the Throne of David in Jerusalem. Millennial; A thousand-year period of holiness mentioned in Revelation 20, during which Jesus and his faithful followers are to rule on earth. Key words for the Eternal Kingdom upon the earth are; eternity, expectation, fate, futurity, hereafter, infinity. The final kingdom is described by the word,”infinity”
“endlessness,
beyond, boundlessness, continuity, continuum, endless time, eternity, expanse, extent, immeasurable, immensity, infinitude, limitlessness, myriad, perpetuity, sempiternal, ubiquity, unlimited, vastitude, vastness.”
When we take just one verse and try to interpret the meaning we err concerning the total truth. Remember that Jesus told us to compare scripture with scripture. That is what I am going to do, compare Matthew 16:18 with others. Here Jesus speaks of future events. Mat 16:27 “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” These other references also help explain these discrepancies, please take a little time to study these. Mat 16:27 -the Son: Mat_24:30, Mat_25:31, Mat_26:64; Mar_8:38, Mar_14:62; Luk_9:26, Luk_21:27, Luk_22:69 with: Mat_13:41, Mat_13:49; Dan_7:10; Zec_14:5; 2Th_1:7-10; Jud_1:14 and then: Mat_10:41, Mat_10:42; Job_34:11; Psa_62:12; Pro_24:12; Isa_3:10,Isa_3:11; Jer_17:10; Jer_32:19; Eze_7:27; Rom_2:6; 1Co_8:8; 2Co_5:10; Eph_6:8; 1Pe_1:17; Rev_2:23, Rev_22:12-15
Dan 7:9-10; I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
So now you can see that in Matthew 16:28 there are no Biblical discrepancies. In Part 2 we will look at the wife of Cain. ars.
Biblical discrepancies? pt.2.
In part 2 we will look at the death of Judas Iscariot, and Jesus met one or two blind men at Jericho? (A) Quote; “A book Billy Graham gave me mentions contradictions in the Bible and tries to explain them. Judas died by hanging or falling.”Unquote.
The main thing we must look at is the translations of words from Greek and Hebrew to English. There are some words that don’t translate well into English, but God in His wisdom, gave us the translation that we could understand. By comparing words with words and scripture with Scripture, we are able to come up with the proper interpretation and meaning of each passage. Act 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Barnes states of Acts 1:8; Quote; “And falling headlong – The word here rendered “headlong” – πρηνής prēnēs (Latin “pronus,” whence our English word “prone”) – means properly “bent forward, head-foremost”; and the idea is, that his position in hanging himself was such that when the cord broke he fell headlong, or fell forward on his face. This can easily be supposed if he threw himself from a rock or elevated place. He first hanged himself, and then fell and was burst asunder.”Unquote.
In this interpretation that are a couple of events that take place at the suicide of Judas. 1. The hanging itself and 2. The breaking of the cloth used causing his body to fall to the rocks below. This mistake in hanging did occur many times in our old west, when a man had to be hung twice because of the breaking of the rope. In an article written over two thousand years ago, a report was written that stated Satan, when he had entered into Judas, came upon the body of Judas and cast him upon the rocks to disfigure the body of Judas. Weather this is accurate or not is any bodys guess.
“Interpreters have suggested,” says Professor Hackett (Illustrations of Scripture, pp. 275, 276), “that Judas may have hung himself on a tree near a precipice over the valley of Hinnom, and that, the limb or rope breaking, he fell to the bottom, and was dashed to pieces by the fall.
(B) Jesus met one or two blind men at Jericho?
First we will list all references to Jericho in The New Testament and Look for key words in the verses. 1.Mar 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
2. Mat 20:29-30; And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
3.Luke 18:35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 4. Luke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.When we look closer at these verses we see that there were multi able, that were blind that Jesus healed. 1. Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus. 2. Two blind men sitting by the way side. 3. A certain blind man.( A man that may or may not have given His name.) Is this a contradiction of the Scripture? No. When we look even closer at these verses we see again the answer 1.And they came to Jericho, Came(Come); to arrive to enter into . 2.And as they departed from Jericho, Depart; To go or move from, To divide or separate, the act of going away. 3. as he was come nigh. 4. entered and passed through . Words, words that must be looked at carefully, not allowing our zest for learning to cause us to read things into the scripture that are not there. Can you see now that there were actually a number of different people that he healed of Blindness and there is no contradiction of these statements? end pt 2. In part 3 we will look at the Wife of Cain. ars.
Biblical discrepancies? pt3.
Biblical Discrepancies? pt.3. (C) Quote; It asks where Cain found a wife. “The Book of Jubilees” says he wed his sister, but that’s incest. There’s no proper answer.” Unquote. We will see the answer.
Lets understand first that not all books that say they are from God, are. The Christian faith has been under attack for over 2,000 years and will be until the end. Many other Books such as, The Di Vinci Code, The Book of Mary, The Book of Enoch, have no bases nor fact of the Bible. Jesus warned us about Levin of others that refuse to believe in Him and His word.
Rev 22:18-19; For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. The Book of Jubilees cannot be added to the Bible to understand the meaning nor history of the Bible.
The Book of Jubilees. The contents of the Book of Jubilees deal with the facts and events related in the canonical Book of Genesis, enriched by a wealth of legends and stories which had arisen in the course of centuries in the popular imagination of the Jewish people, and written from the rigid Pharisaic point of view of the author and of his age; and as the author seeks to reproduce the history of primitive times in the spirit of his own day, he deals with the Biblical text in a very free fashion.
It is somewhat difficult to determine the particular Judaistic school its author belonged to; he openly denies the resurrection of the body; (This statement declares the entire book false as being un-usable to understand the Bible, for Jesus resurrected.)he does not believe in the written tradition; he does not reprobate animal sacrifices, etc.
If the author belonged to any particular school he must have been in all probability a Pharisee (Hasidaean) of the most rigid type of the time of John Hyrcanus, in whose reign scholars generally agree the book was written (135-105 B.C.). Dr. Headlam suggests that the author was a fervent opponent of the Christian Faith. (Catholic Encyclopedia.)
Lets read a little and know, where Cain’s wife came from. Gen 4:15-17; And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.First we must look for key words, here are the three in these verses.(1.Therefore whosoever. 2.lest any finding him, 3.dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.) The first two indicate, that other people besides Adam, Eve and Cain were in exsistance. The last indicates where Cain went to, the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
Where is the land of Nod? Conjecture is useless as to the region intended. The ideas of China, India, etc., which some have entertained, are groundless. The territory was evidently at some distance, but where is now undiscovered.(ISBE) This country or kingdom of Nod was already a material place where Cain went to, there He met his wife and bore a son. So, we can say that, Cain never married his sister.
We see that Eve, the mother of Cain, never had another child until after Cain had been banished and met his wife, for the Bible states that eve bore another son, and not a daughter at this time. Gen 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. Where then did the people of Nod come from? God had created them, as He created Adam and Eve. Remember, the life span of man, at this time was extremely long, and who can say that God did not create other people? No one.
Many people would like to limit the power of God and dictate what God can and cannot do. This is not being faithful to the Power which is God nor to His word. Many of the so-called discrepancies are just that, so-called. If we read and study, as jesus directed us to do, we will find that there is no discrepancies in Scripture at all, just unanswered questions. Many say that we can know all about the scripture and that there is nothing hidden from us.
This is not so, and I will give you examples. 1Co 2:6-8; Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Rev 10:3-5; And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, These next references prove that not all of the scripture will be reveled unto us, until the end.
Seal up: Deu_29:29; Isa_8:16, Isa_29:11; Dan_8:26, Dan_12:4, Dan_12:9 Ars
The Brokenhearted.
The Brokenhearted come from many walks of life. We see many that are brokenhearted because of , death of a loved one, financial problems, lost loves and separation from family for one reason or another. Many people feel that they are alone and that no one else really understands them or their problems. Many people try to help those that are brokenhearted but really lack the understanding needed to help. How do you tell a mother that just lost a child that it will be all right or that you know what they are going thru? How do you tell someone that a lost love is a good thing and that they will get over it, or how about the man that is deep in debt that, he will be able to over come this and support his family? The brokenhearted are full of sorrow and most times in a state of mild or even severe depression. Depression makes a person weak and vulnerable to all manner of suggestions from Satan. The greatest example of deep depression in Scripture is located in Mat 27:4-5;
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Acts 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
You can’t relieve the pain with idle words or sympathy, for sympathy is not what they need, they need answers. Luke 4:18-19; The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. People who feel their spiritual bankruptcy and helplessness are brokenhearted. Psa_69:20, Psa_69:21; Isa_61:1; Luk_4:18 the King James Version; “of a broken heart,” Psa_34:18; “broken in heart,” Psa_147:3): Contrite;
Crushed, broken or bruised in spirit. For the brokenhearted, a true friend will tell them of the Love of God for them and His delivering power over all circumstances. How Jesus came to heal people just as they are, never leaving and always caring for them. They need to know that Jesus truly understand them and their feeling of helplessness.
On the death of a loved one, Jesus knows the sorrow; John 11:33-36; Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
God knows those that are brokenhearted and knows their sorrow, “Come to me, He says, and I will give you rest.”
Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. God gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort the brokenhearted, He is always with you and Loves you.
Jesus came to the brokenhearted and the poor, He came to save that which was lost.
Isa 61:1-4; The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
God is willing to heal and bind up the broken hearted. He is willing to trade your tears for joy, your mourning for laughter, your poor state for riches.
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
On financial problems; The meek shall certainly inherit the earth. Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives(Being captive or hostage to worldly interest and greed.), and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. Bound by mistakes and desires that all went wrong. A limit by which any excursion is restrained; the limit of indulgence or desire; as, the love of money knows no bounds.
Isa 61:5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
Mat 7:7-11; Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
God is willing to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, life for death, mourning for dancing, sackcloth for gladness and the eternal for the mortal. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. ars.Luk 4:18 -
to preach deliverance: Psa_102:20, Psa_107:10-16, Psa_146:7; Isa_42:7, Isa_45:13, Isa_49:9, Isa_49:24, Isa_49:25, Isa_52:2, Isa_52:3; Zec_9:11, Zec_9:12; Col_1:13
Spirit: Psa_45:7; Isa_11:2-5, Isa_42:1-4, Isa_50:4, Isa_59:21
anointed: Psa_2:2, Psa_2:6 *marg. Dan_9:24; Joh_1:41; Act_4:27, Act_10:38
“The World is but a Stage.”
Have you ever read the words,”The World is but a Stage and all men are but players.? This is as close to the truth as you can get. This world is not our eternal home, it was changed when Adam and Eve Transgressed the Laws of God. We are in a foreign land, taking our lives one day at a time., and making choices that will affect our true destiny.
This world is a changing room for eternity. We get up, go to work, come home, eat dinner and go to bed. The next day we start all over again. There is more to this life, than most think. It doesn’t have to be a dreary day by day exsistance. Where does all this work get you? Without a vision of the future, a man will never be content with his exsistance.
We spend our years working to give it to others. We save, hopeing to have abundance, we buy, hopeing to gain value, we seek opportunity, hopeing to better ourselves. We are as the grass of the field, and the flower in great heat. We all, rich and poor, start to die, at the moment of birth. Our time here on this earth is fleeting and short, we seek to gain prominence and notoriety but at the end it avails us nothing. David says that this is vanity. Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Gen_23:4, Gen_47:9; 1Ch_29:14, 1Ch_29:15; Psa_39:12, Psa_119:19; 1Pe_1:17, 1Pe_2:11)
1Ch 29:15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. (Job_14:2; Psa_90:9, Psa_102:11, Psa_144:4; Ecc_6:12; Isa_40:6-8; Jam_4:14) “our days on the earth are as a shadow.” how many people do you know from history, a few, a number, are they what man calls famous? How many common people can you remember? The prominence of man only last at the time of that mans life. If this world last another hundred years, how many people, that you know today, will people remember? What is my point? The point is made clear in Scripture, Lets read a little; 1Pe 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: Mans glory fades from generation to generation, the rich die, knowing not where their substance goes. The poor are ignored in this life but have also a life to recall in the next. Mans importance to man is only a play that they are dressed to perform. Mans importance to mankind is short lived and then he is forgotten. In Psalms 90:10 we see that our life is short 70 years by the will of God, 80 if we are stronger. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” As our years grow, our sorrow grows also. The older we get the more pain and delusion that comes upon us. We are lead, where we wish not to go, we are clothed by others, that we do not recognize, and fed by many strangers, who care not for us.
Psa 90:9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. This is very true, a tale that is told until the story grows dim and then forgotten. Psa 89:47-48; Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? Vain; Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance. (1 Pet 1.)
What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. Has God created man for nothing, has He created man to only exist in one life time then fade away into obscurity? Will there be no rememberence of the good times shared, the glory, worship and obedience that some men have given to God?
Will there be no rememberence of the evil done, the murder, the robbery, the atrocities that other men have committed, will there be no retribution against the evil that was in man? What is this play that we dress for each day? Does it have a point, a purpose, an end? Psa 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. The word Selah means to pause, to ponder, to think upon this thing. Understand the meaning. Mans life is short as, Koheleth, the name by which Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, speaks of himself, that 132 years of his life, were nothing to God, a short space of time.
I wish to leave you with this thought; Ecc 4:8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
Psa 39:6 -
a vain show: Heb. an image, There is but the semblance of being. he appeareth for a little, and then vanisheth. 1Co_7:31; Jam_4:14
surely: Ecc_1:14, Ecc_2:17, Ecc_2:18, Ecc_2:20, Ecc_2:21, Ecc_4:7, Ecc_4:8, Ecc_6:11, Ecc_6:12, Ecc_12:8, Ecc_12:13; Isa_55:2; Luk_10:40-42, Luk_12:20, Luk_12:21, Luk_12:29; 1Pe_5:7
he heapeth: Psa_49:10, Psa_49:11; Job_27:16, Job_27:17; Pro_13:22, Pro_23:5, Pro_27:24; Ecc_2:8, Ecc_2:18-21, Ecc_2:26; Ecc_5:14; Luk_12:20, Luk_12:21; Jam_5:3
Psa 39:5 -
Behold: Psa_90:4, Psa_90:5, Psa_90:9, Psa_90:10; Gen_47:9; Job_7:6, Job_9:25, Job_9:26, Job_14:1, Job_14:2; Jam_4:14
as nothing: Psa_89:47; 2Pe_3:8
verily: Psa_39:11, Psa_62:9, Psa_144:4; Ecc_1:2, Ecc_2:11; Isa_40:17
(a vapor: Jam_1:10; Job_7:6, Job_7:7, Job_9:25, Job_9:26, Job_14:1, Job_14:2; Psa_39:5, Psa_89:47, Psa_90:5-7, Psa_102:3; Isa_38:12; 1Pe_1:24, 1Pe_4:7; 1Jo_2:17
Social Security. pt.1.
There are many ways that mankind try’s to be secure in his future. We look to Social Security here in the United States, to off set the cost of living with our retirement. But what is Social Security? Lets break it down and look at what the Bible has to say about it. Lets first look at the definition of each word. 1. Social; Disposed to unite in society. Ready or disposed to mix in friendly converse; companionable. Pertaining to society; relating to men living in society. or to the publice as an aggregate body; as social interests or concerns; social pleasures; social benefits; social happiness; social duties. 2. Security ;Protection; effectual defense or safety from danger of any kind. Freedom from fear or apprehension; confidence of safety; whence, negligence in providing means of defense. Being bound with one or more sureties in a recognizance to the king or state.
The true meaning of Social Security is harsh in light of this world and the uncertainty of it. Social Security is supposed to be an aid to the individual at the age he can no longer work. The first meaning, comes to light as a wake up call for all, lets look a little closer; (A) Social interests, concerns; pleasures, benefits, happiness, and social duties. As an outsider looking in we see that these things call social are for but a few. The ones that have worked all their life to pay into Social activities and to be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, have very few or little of these benefits. The retirement is no longer a guarantee to any, so the social security of all men is at risk. The social, interests, concerns and duties have been replaced by the worry of, buying food and medication for illness that come upon all mankind at a later age. Securing heat for the winter and a fan in the summer. These are society’s problems instead of being society’s heritage and linage. These people become a burden upon society are are mostly ignored. John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. Where are the Social interests, concerns; pleasures, benefits, happiness, and social duties, to the elderly of this nation, where has the compassion for your mother and father of your youth gone, where is the concerns of a nation whom these people gave all?In Matthew we see the true meaning of family;, Matthew 12:50 “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Honour: Mat_19:19; Exo_20:12; Lev_19:3; Deu_5:16; Pro_23:22; Eph_6:1
He: Exo_21:17; Lev_20:9; Deu_21:18-21, Deu_27:16; Pro_20:20, Pro_30:17Lets read Matthew 15:4-9; For God commanded, saying, “Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,”
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Are the commandments and doctrines of man, a society that has forgotten the elderly, the mother, father, sister, brother and others that once were young? Pro 23:19-22; “Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Listen to you father that gave you life in your mother womb. Don’t hate your mother when she is old and in need of help. Don’t let this world and all its faults, drag you into forsaking your parents. Your money is corrupt and your pride is a snare. Your high looks and fine clothing will turn to morning and sack cloth. hear: Pro_4:1-4, Pro_5:1, Pro_5:2, Pro_6:20, Pro_30:17, Pro_31:1; Lev_19:3; Deu_21:18-21; 1Sa_2:25; 2Ti_1:5
Pro 1:8-9; “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”
But what is the opposite of this commandment? If you refuse to hear the instruction of your father and the law of your mother? Confusion and ever evil work, the destruction of love and honour with the family, it becomes a blight upon society.
Social; Disposed to unite in society. Ready or disposed to mix in friendly converse; companionable. This description has failed to exist within this end days nation. We are all at the mercy of mans lack of compassion. We take all the social aspects of this word and cause it to become, a lust for war and the money to pay for it. Wars and rumors of wars will and are coming to pass. We cannot depend upon governments, laws nor unions of nations to stop it. Is social security really the thing that we should depend upon? End pt. 1. Part 2. will look at “Security”. ars.
Social Security. pt.2.
Security. It seams today that everyone has an answer to what is called Social Security. The biggest one is taking another chance with it, “Lets put it into the stock market.” That’s a good idea, lets put it in the most unstable market there is and cross our fingers that we wont need as much food, clothing and care, when we reach the elder years of our lives. Lets look at the definition of Security; Protection; effectual defense or safety from danger of any kind. Freedom from fear or apprehension; confidence of safety. Being bound with one or more sureties in a recognizance to the king or state. Is what we call Security really what we have, or is it a dream or a hope of things, that may or may not take place? Is what we depend upon always there when we have a need? Isa 2:20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; Here we see in Isaiah 2:20, that mans wealth will not always be worth even carrying about. The value of even costly metals will be nothing. The economy will fall and the financial institutions will close. So then the Protection, Freedom from fear or apprehension, the effectual defense or safety from danger of any kind and confidence with man will no longer prove valuable, but rather a hindrance. Our sureties in a king or state, will be misplaced. Man cannot assure safety, nor security in any shape, manner or form. For man is a lier and the truth lies not within him. Man is a deceiver, deceiving and being deceived. Isa 2:22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of? Why do so many put their trust in man? What is it that keeps people from turning to one who not only can promise but also deliver upon these promises? Without a doubt, we are in the end days of man, the end days of gentile rule. This is all according to the truth that Jesus and God gave us in scripture. (Isa_66:12, Isa_66:19; Dan_9:27, Dan_12:7; Mal_1:11; Rom_11:25) We see proof of this in these next two verses; Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. The times of the gentiles spoken of here, is the times that the gentile race of peoples will have rule over the world, as of, the United States, Russia, China, The European Union and the United Nations. Jewish rule will come as in the person of Jesus. “For he is a Jew inwardly not of the outward appearance.” We see that our dependence, totally, upon Social Security will be dashed to pieces at a coming time.
In Jer 17:5, God tells us plainly not to trust in man; Thus saith the LORD; “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” How many times has this nation gone into recession, depression, how many time has the stock market fallen, and how many banks gone bankrupt? How many times have you had to make a decision on weather to buy food or heating oil to keep you warm? This should not be so. How many of you have been turned down at doctors offices or hospitals because you didn’t have insurance or couldn’t pay for services. How many time has your social security been cut, making decisions of life harder? Where do you turn when all turn away?
Psa 62:8-12; Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. Social Security is a short term fix for a long term problem. Mankind cares not for anyone except himself.Those of us that believe in God, conduct our lives dependent upon God and His Wisdom, Knowledge, Power and Mercy for those who believe. We must all start putting our trust in God. Politicians tell you only what you want to hear, deceiving you and the populace. Man will tell you half truths to get you to act according to their will. Turning the truth into a lie. So is, Being bound with one or more sureties in a recognizance to the king or state, really where you want to put your social security? But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Isn’t it time to put your social life and your security, within the Hands of God? ars.Isa 2:22 -
Cease: Psa_62:9, Psa_146:3; Jer_17:5
whose: Gen_2:7, Gen_7:22; Job_27:3
for wherein: Job_7:15-21; Psa_8:4, Psa_144:3, Psa_144:4
