Author: Tim

I only provide my name that you know these things are written by a real person. Who I am is irrelevant. Save for the fact that Jesus saved me and changed me. These are nuggets He shows me, and leads me to post here. My hope is that you believe. And that believing, you serve Jesus.

Surely Goodness and Mercy

On By TimIn Encouragement, Eternal Security, Good, Peace, Psalm 023Leave a comment

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:1–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s a beloved passage. Many have it memorized as it brings comfort in stressful times.

Have you actually pondered the ideas in the last verse?

There is a hymn we sing called “Surely Goodness and Mercy.” It is this last line of this Psalm. The religion of the verse drives an important point.

Goodness and mercy shall follow me.

We get that language from the King James Version. The word shall hints at a deeper meaning of the Hebrew word it is translated from to form the verb shall follow. The Hebrew root is radaph. It is translated correctly.

But let us look in another version of the Bible that may add some higher definition.

Surely goodness and loyal love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will stay in the house of Yahweh
for a very long time.

Psalm 23:6 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

Yes, the word can be translated as pursue, here. Other meanings include chase and persecute.

This goodness and mercy of God doesn’t ever give up. It is always there, chasing and persecuting us… Forever.

Homeborn Servants and Sons

On By TimIn Israel, Jesus, John 08, The ServantLeave a comment

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. Now a slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever.

John 8:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Not having a full understanding of the Torah hinders us Gentiles. We want to understand the things Jesus says, and we do in a shallow sense. There are deeper things we need to be diligent in searching out.

It would not occur to me to understand what Jesus is saying in light of the Torah. In this case, Jesus is referring to some of the first things about an elect people God will call His servants and the origins of that.

Therefore she said to Abraham, “Throw out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son, Isaac.”

Genesis 21:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We know that Isaac was the chosen heir. But there is an important distinction being made between servants and heirs. There is also an apparent distinction inherent among servants. There are those bought with money and there are those homeborn.

Is Israel a servant? Is he a homeborn slave?
Why has he been plundered?

Jeremiah 2:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I understand that these texts will have layers of meanings. The first question asked here lends itself to be prophetic in nature as it speaks of Jesus. It also encompasses the entire nation of Israel. While it causes us to remember the son of Isaac, Jacob.

The Homeborn Servant.

But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram said, “Since You have not given me any children, my heir is a servant born in my house.”

Genesis 15:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We get a tiny glimpse into the realities of life in those times. To a childless couple, the first homeborn servant is heir apparent. It was no different for Abram and Sarai.

In their haste to work God’s promises for themselves, Sarai’s servant Hagar was given to Abram. The homeborn son is named Ishmael.

As Ishmael had the distinction of being fathered by Abram with the servant Hagar, he was now heir-apparent. This by the distinction of not being bought, but homeborn. More important is the fact that he is the firstborn son.

When the promise of God came after Abraham and Sarah’s names were changed, Isaac was born. Isaac is not firstborn and not heir-apparent. Therefore, the servant-child had to be driven out. Even though Isaac was a son, he was also a servant.

Though Ishmael benefits of the promise made to Abraham, the promise was on Isaac, not Ishmael. Isaac was the son of promise. God would also establish a covenant with Isaac.

The Lord appeared to him that same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.”

Genesis 26:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is my contention that Abraham typifies the bought servant, while Isaac, the homeborn. Genetic heritage does not change, and the people descended from Abraham through the homeborn slave-son Ishmael and the son Isaac are innumerable. The son of bondage heir apparent had to be removed.

This hints as to the work of the cross. When Jesus died, the son of bondage was driven out. It made room for the son of promise. In other words, death was removed that life could be received.

Jacob is Born.

Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. But the children struggled together within her, and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. Then the Lord said to her,
“Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples will be separated from your body;
one people will be stronger than the other,
and the older will serve the younger.”

Genesis 25:21–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paralleling the plight of his parents, Isaac and Rebekah were also barren. The promises of God entail countless progeny. In these times people waited years for the promises of God to come. It is not that He is slack or slow, but all things happen in due time.

When Isaac and Rebekah conceived, two babies would be born. This provides another important distinction. The older shall serve the younger. The covenant promise will be to the younger.

We follow that covenant promise. Just as Isaac was chosen and the slave driven away. The younger would be chosen as the conveyance of God’s promise.

We know the account of how Jacob bought the birthright with a pot of red lentils. We also know how Rebekah and Jacob connived to obtain the blessing of Isaac. It teaches us another important lesson, a birthright can be bought (I will leave that to you to figure out how that points to Jesus.)

Then the man said, “Your name will no more be called Jacob, but Israel. For you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Genesis 32:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is this Jacob that serves as a further typification of Jesus in many ways. God’s covenant comes to Jacob, and his name is changed. The way the Bible weaves together the names of Israel, Jacob, and Jesus provide an easily accessible entree to a deeper truth.

Jacob prevailed. I think this to be prophetic in nature as it foreshadows Jesus.

But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look in it. I began to weep loudly, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look in it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

Revelation 5:3–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus has prevailed. But what of this fought with God?

The Hebrew word behind the English fought is from the same root of Jacob’s grandmother’s name Sarah. It doesn’t mean physical fighting, but more like persistence and perseverance. As an aside, Sarah had to persist and persevere with Abraham! Yet something else about Jesus comes to mind…

Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.

Hebrews 12:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jacob my Servant.

Here is My servant, whom I uphold,
My chosen one, in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon him;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You are My witnesses, says the Lord,
and My servant whom I have chosen
that you may know and believe Me,
and understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
nor shall there be after Me.

Isaiah 43:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet now listen, O Jacob, My servant,
and Israel, whom I have chosen.

Isaiah 44:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember these things, O Jacob,
and Israel, for you are My servant;
I have formed you; you are My servant;
O Israel, you shall not be forgotten by Me.

Isaiah 44:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are many witnesses to attest to the fact that Israelis are servants. The texts also have prophetic implications. They show us plainly that the names Jacob, Israel, and my servant all point to Jesus.

A Son is Forever.

In the Tanakh, we see Israel presented as a servant. Since Abraham, these would be the homeborn servants. But as clearly seen, there is a better relationship. That is to be a son (or child of God.) Jesus said a son remains forever.

A physical birthright doesn’t convey salvation. Salvation comes by promise. With all of this, what Paul writes to the Galatians is clear.

Sons by Faith.

You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, and there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:26–29 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Homeborn servants are not necessarily sons of promise. Salvation isn’t conferred by election or birthright. It comes by faith.

No Longer a Servant, but a Son and Heir.

Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ from a servant though he is lord of all. But he is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. So when we were children, we were in bondage to the elements of the world. But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ

Galatians 4:1–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Adam sold his birthright for some food just like Esau. Jesus bought that birthright by obedience. He bought it to give it back to you as children of God received by faith.

Baptism Proclaims Resurrection

On By TimIn 1 Peter 03, Baptism, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit, by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison, who in times past were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

1 Peter 3:18–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter is writing on the merits of suffering for doing good things. In it, there is the idea to not fear. He says earlier “Do not be afraid of their terror, do not be troubled.” He is paraphrasing something from Isaiah 8.

Jesus likewise also suffered for doing good. And like Jesus, a believer has died to themselves and already been made alive in Him. This is why Peter is saying to not be afraid of their terror. It has no real power.

Peter is going to continue to connect this to the floodwaters of Noah. Jesus goes to have words with spirits in Sheol. The latter idea is not without controversy.

It is my understanding that humanity’s genetics had been corrupted before the flood. Lots of the bodies that perished were of corrupted flesh that was the progeny of certain fallen angels. There is much to explain there and perhaps in future weeks, I may elaborate on that. Suffice it to say, the dead spirits of those progeny were disobedient as well as humans that perished. Their eternity is certain. This is why demons tremble.

What Peter is doing is pointing out that those who went into the water of Noah’s flood… Died. There was no hope for them because of their disobedience. There is no rescue after death.

Peter then uses that idea of the flood and those perishing to connect as anti-type to baptism and the eternal security of the salvation Jesus gives.

Figuratively this is like baptism, which also saves us now. It is not washing off the dirt from the body, but a response to God from a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.

1 Peter 3:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus passed into the grave but rose again, ascending to His place with God in heaven. All powers and authorities are subject to Him. What a terrifying thought to those spirits that perished. There is no help for them.

Baptism isn’t like the floodwaters. A believer goes into the water not to be made clean. That has already been done. The believer goes into the water to demonstrate there is no claim death can have on them, whether past, present, or future. This is proclaimed as the believer is raised up out of the water. It is a sure demonstration that the watery grave, or any grave for that matter, has no power whatsoever over the believer.

Don’t fear their terror.

Every single time a soul is baptized it is a public announcement that another soul is set aside for resurrection. The grave has no business with that one.

For me, I explain baptism with a similar metaphor. An athlete may sign a contract to play for a team. The moment he agrees, he is part of that team. A public proclamation may be made to celebrate that signing. But it is real when that athlete dons the identity of that team, putting on the uniform and walking on the field of play.

That is baptism for a believer!

He has already been saved by belief and confession. We rightly celebrate such things when they happen. At baptism, the believer dons the uniform, that is he takes on the identity of the team. in this case, it’s the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. For all intents and purposes, when a believer comes out of the water, he is on the field of play!

Hallelujah! It is serious!

Just as death has no claim on Jesus, death has no claim on a believer!

Those that went into the water of Noah’s flood perished. They did not come out of it. It bears repeating. Baptism proclaims Jesus’ victory over death in showing an already saved person is set aside for resurrection and is brought into and then out of the water.

God Set Them in Place

On By TimIn Creation, Genesis 01Leave a comment

Then God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,

Genesis 1:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God set or placed them in the expanse. This is the Hebrew word yitten. The meaning of the word conveys something that is given but can also be used as something loaned with an expectation of interest.

This speaks to the anthropic principle of creation. Things are made just so for human existence. This includes the sun, moon, and stars. They are set, just so, in place.

Furthermore, the possible idea of these being loaned is intriguing. We know there will be no more use for the sun, not as it seems to be purposed for.

The city has no need of sun or moon to shine in it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Revelation 21:23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The purpose of the sun is temporary much like a loan. It is also expected to give interest. This it does, serving as the main energy source for the plants that would be the food for humans and other creatures.

In this way, the creation is giving us an agrarian typology of planting for harvest. We’ve read the texts that a seed is expected to produce more than it is when planted. In the same way, the sun is expected to be the impetus to produce a harvest of souls.

I looked. And there was a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like a Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. Then another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap. The time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He who sat on the cloud thrust His sickle on the earth, and the earth was harvested.

Revelation 14:14–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God Made the Expanse Separating the Waters

On By TimIn Creation, Genesis 011 Comment

Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the expanse and separated the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse. And it was so. God called the expanse Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

Genesis 1:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The word translated to English expanse is the Hebrew word raqia. Much is said about the word, and what it means. I have something, too.

The word raqia is used as the barrier between waters above and waters below. The word raqia is relatively rare in the Old Testament. It means something firm which is why it is translated to the firmament in some versions and heavens in others. My preferred uses expanse.

Now with that in mind, I am going to speculate a bit. My speculations will be about the meanings conveyed by the words translated as water and expanse (firmament, heavens.) The science is real and conveyed as best I understand it.

I like to think of the word waters as a description of something like a fluid of super-plasmas. Plasmas are an ordered superheated state of matter that consists of ions (nuclei) and electrons. In this state, electrons are free of their orbits around the atom. Plasmas are superabundant in the universe and comprise almost all visible matter.

All four (known) fundamental states of matter are found in the expanse. Even now, I cannot help but to speak of an unsettling aspect of plasmas that may clue us to something fantastic. Every particle in plasmas ‘knows’ what every other particle is doing. It is like ‘something’ (wink-wink) is in control. With that, perhaps waters describe a super state of plasmas that is non-local and has a closer interface to eternity. Perhaps this idea of waters is a super-dimensional reality just beyond our perception.

And as I sit pondering this, it may be that the idea of firmament is not a hard dome as is often asserted. Perhaps it is a domain where matter is cooled to a ‘firmer’ (harder) and ‘timier’ states like gas, liquid and solid. Matter takes on the physical (four-dimensional spacetime) properties of our universe. It is an expanse where electromagnetic matter interactions can happen.

What I mean by matter interactions are the things we can experience such as our three dimensional bodies moving around a four-dimensional spacetime. Couple that with the senses we use to interact; sight, touch, hearing, for example.

As plasmas cool, the electrons resume orbit around the nucleus of the atom. It means they become more ordered.

For some perspective on the forces that come to bear on ‘cooled’ plasmas that become lower fundamental states of matter, you will need a correct idea of an atom. The one you learned in school is quaint and wholly insufficient. Take the simplest atom hydrogen. It has one proton and one electron. To make the model easy enough to understand, let’s say the nucleus is the size of the pinhead. The electron that orbits the nucleus is about 100 yards away. Think of the forces needed to keep two pinheads interacting separated by a football field.

What that entails is that our perception of solid matter like a block of wood has far more empty space than actual particles. The solidity we perceive is due primarily to electrical forces.

Which leads some to say that our reality is more like a simulation.

It is satisfying to ponder. I hope I made the science easy enough to grasp. I thank you for your indulgence in my feeling free enough to post like this. How presumptive of me to expect you to read this far. Seriously… Thank you. My goal is to get you to not be afraid of trying to understand science.

The latest science seems to parallel the things in Genesis. There is a Creator just beyond our perception. It seems like a plausible, even reasonable explanation of greater domains where He is more perceptible.

God bless you.

One Day is Day One

On By TimIn Creation, Genesis 01Leave a comment

God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

Genesis 1:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It occurs to me that there are many foundational ideas present in Genesis, as there are even in this verse. I hate to use the word first, but it is probably best suited.

This is the first mention of the naming of the light period of the day as day, and the dark period of the day as night. The Hebrew word for the day is yom. It is used twice in the verse as is reflected in the English.

Two other words are introduced, erev and boker, the Hebrew words for evening and morning. These have another intriguing usage. Erev generally reflects the idea of mixing, when things become less discernible just as in twilight. Boker connotes the idea of dawn when things become more discernible. Boker also means a splitting of the day. In the Biblical reckoning, dawn is midday.

God is teaching us that these things combined make one day. That is what the Hebrew literally says, one day. It is misleading to think the Bible calls it the first day.

When we read Genesis, most of us are familiar with the idea that there is the first day of creation followed by a short series of more creation days. Consider the idea of reading this without any prior assumptions, like another day following. Also think that there was not a day before, either. What God has done is show us the defining characteristics of one day… Dark and light… Evening and morning. These are the first occurrences of each, and the pair makes one day.

The Hebrew word that is translated as first is echad. It is a cardinal number. It also can serve as an ordinal number. One and two are considered cardinal numbers. First and second are ordinal numbers. Interestingly, echad can be translated one and it can be translated first. It is a seeming peculiarity this one day is day one and the first day.

One day as day one, as there is no second day yet to make this a first day. It is just one day as day one. It is only when the second day comes that the word can mean first.

Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As we venture forward, the idea introduced earlier is reinforced.

God draws the woman from the man. He takes a part of the man to fashion the helpmate. In this verse are also the first mentions of the words father and mother as well as spouse. The man and wife become one flesh.

There is that Hebrew word echad again. And it is used to again to unify a plurality. Just as evening and morning make one (day,) man and wife make one (flesh.)

And we will roll backward just a bit.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is fascinating. God introduces Himself. But underlying the proper English grammar here is Hebrew that doesn’t follow grammar.

The word translated to God is elohim in Hebrew. It is a plural word used as a singular. Hebrew plurals are different. There are two types of plural, the dual plural which uses a suffix of -ayim, and the more-than-two plural which uses the suffix -im.

The singular is eloha.

The dual-plural is elohayim.

The more-than-two plural is elohim.

There is already this idea of a plurality being one. We clearly see the usage of the word echad to convey a unity of parts.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God. The Lord is one!

Deuteronomy 6:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the Shema. It is the central affirmation of faith for Israelis. It is also a spoken affirmation of God.

This will show the blazing truth.

Note back to the Shema, let’s substitute some Hebrew words for the English.

Hear, O Israel: YHWH is our Elohim. YHWH is Echad!

When Were Angels Created?

On By TimIn Angels, Creation, Genesis 012 Comments

When it comes to when angels were created… The questions arise. I think it is easy to trust that the Bible can provide evidence.

Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

Luke 2:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels of God in heaven.

Matthew 22:30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as He was born.

Revelation 12:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think that is more than sufficient evidence as to where the abode of angels is. Their abode is in heaven. That is their domain.

Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the expanse and separated the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse. And it was so. God called the expanse Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

Genesis 1:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The domain for angels didn’t exist until the second day of creation.

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Declare, if you have understanding. Who has determined its measurements, if you know?
Or who has stretched the line upon it?
To what are its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Job 38:4–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The angels were in existence before the foundations of the earth were laid.

Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. Then God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is more than sufficient evidence to satisfy the question.

What say you?

Some Context for John 6

On By TimIn Jesus, Psalm 071, Resurrection1 Comment

Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heights; You have done great deeds; O God, who is like You?
You who have shown me great distresses and troubles will revive me again,
and will bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You will increase my greatness, and You will encircle and comfort me.

Psalm 71:19–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The psalms are written in poetic language. They are also used to convey truth to the Israelis in an easily memorized way. It is no different here.

The psalms are a carefully curated collection of prophetic poetry. When I say that, I am not saying that they predict the future, only that they convey truth. Sometimes, the truths encountered veil something yet to be revealed in a future time.

Look at the middle verse from the selection above. It says, “You who have shown me great distresses and troubles will revive me again and will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.” That is a truth hinting at a yet future hope. One in which the psalmist rests assured. The You is God. And the psalmist trusted that God would revive him. He would raise him from the depths of the earth. That’s a euphemism for resurrection.

This is teaching that God has the power to raise the dead. There is no way to escape that idea, given the language. It’s certain that some might balk at it being just poetic language, but it still contains solid truth.

Consider that this is the songbook of the Israeli people. They would be familiar with the words in it. I will give you, some because of education may have even committed parts of it to memory. This understanding is what I want to connect to something Jesus said.

There were a large group of folks that followed Jesus into the wilderness. He fed them with a young boy’s lunch. The Bible tells us there were 5,000 men in this group. It was probably a much larger crowd.

Jesus fed them. After, He quietly left to go to Capernaum. These same folks not seeing Him the next day surmised He crossed the sea and took to boats after Him. When they came to Him, they asked Him how He arrived there. They didn’t see Him get in the boat with the other disciples, and there were no other boats there.

Can you imagine?

Then Jesus spoke to them. He spoke to them in a way that brought their own motivations for seeking Him to light. Of course, they were seeking signs. Nevertheless, they had been drawn to Him and came to find Him. Then… Well, let’s look.

Jesus claims some impressive things about Himself, somehow they seem to scoff in disbelief at His claims. They want more signs as proof. Here is what Jesus said to them.

But I told you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. All whom the Father gives Me will come to Me, and he who comes to Me I will never cast out.

John 6:36–37 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Read all of John 6, see what is there. Keep in mind that last line above, Jesus never did cast out anyone of that present audience. They were drawn to Him and even came to Him. And the indictment for their condition is not on God. It’s on them.

After some more teaching, He makes an important statement. Important because of its ( at least) double emphasis.

This is the will of the Father who has sent Me, that of all whom He has given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:39–40 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Raise him up on the last day… According to the psalm, Who has the power of resurrection?

What is Jesus saying about Himself?

Leave it to the crowd to tell us exactly what they heard and thought. They started murmuring…

They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

John 6:42 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Why did they mention who they knew Jesus’ father to be if they didn’t understand His claim to be the very Son of God?

Jesus tells them to stop murmuring. He again affirms what He previously said, even adding to it.

No one can come to Me unless the Father who has sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and has learned of the Father comes to Me. Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God. He has seen the Father.

John 6:44–46 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. Yet they did come proving they were already drawn to Him. By Jesus’ testimony, it is the Father Who drew them.

Jesus raises them up on the last day. He is yet again claiming that ability of God. It is the simple truth, He is claiming to be God (if you’re paying attention.)

Everyone who has heard and learned of the Father comes to Him. And they already did, because they had heard and learned of the Father. Jesus was telling them more about Him.

He then claims to have seen the Father. Because He is from (think Offspring of) God.

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. The bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.

John 6:47–51 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He offers the simple truth. One either believes or they do not. There is nothing that prevents anyone from believing the words Jesus says.

It’s clear from the text, if you’re reading this, you’ve heard of the Father, learned of the Father, and are drawn to Jesus. But will you believe the claims of Jesus?

That question alone is the great divide. Those who believe in Him, I repeat not just believe Him but believe in Him, have eternal life. Those who do not, do not have eternal life.

Remember, God won’t cast any out. That is Jesus Who is God doesn’t cast any that come to Him out. If you don’t believe that… It’s on you.

Why do Really Bad Things Happen? Could God Stop Them?

On By TimIn Forbearance, Jeremiah 07Leave a comment

They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My heart.

Jeremiah 7:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is something God didn’t ordain, decree, dream up or make happen… Babies were being burned alive in sacrifice to Molech. If one takes the time to read the rest of the chapter, it is easy to discern that God did punish this sin.

The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23.) But from the very beginning of the book, we read about people committing sin and they don’t receive the wages of sin.

Why?

There seems to be a respite of punishment. To some, it isn’t blatantly obvious. But to the one who studies, it becomes very plain. And it provides an insight as to the very good reasons why God doesn’t stop repugnant-moral evil.

Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed swiftly, the heart of the sons of men is fully set to do evil. Since one who sins may do evil a hundred times and extend his life, I also have experienced that it will be good for those who fear God when they have reverence before Him. But it will not be well for the wicked, and he will not prolong his days, like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.

Ecclesiastes 8:11–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The wisest king Solomon lamented over the lack of swift punishment. He watched how evil is pervasive and rampant, and one can do countless heinous things and still live. Solomon knows the end for the wicked, and the extension of life has a purpose.

What purpose?

That is hinted at in the title of Jesus in the very last book of the Bible. He is called, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

What the title is saying is that His death covers all sins that have been committed. If one has considered the entire work between the bookends of Genesis and Revelation, as that title of Jesus is encountered, the reality should be clear. This is the patient-forbearance of God.

Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

One could rail against others not getting just recompense for some heinous act. The murderer isn’t punished swiftly. But have we ever considered our own lies and thievery demand the same justice?

It’s kinda weird.

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously committed, to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:21–26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The law shows the futility of trying to make up for past proclivities. It is impossible. Yet because all have sinned and fallen short, as they live after they sin, God is justifying them! That’s why they live. That’s why God doesn’t stop sin from happening. If He stopped what we considered heinous, He would need to mete out the same toward us when we tell a lie about someone. And all would drop dead the moment they conceived sin in their heart.

Who could then be saved?

Continue reading. This goes on to say that God overlooks sins previously committed. There is no distinction there. He doesn’t just overlook the really bad ones.

It’s a demonstration of His righteousness. The same righteousness of God that comes to a person by faith. Though all humans are in the midst of being justified, this provides them a day of salvation (Isaiah 49:8.) What is meant, is it is a time given to all to seek remission of sins. That only comes by faith.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new. All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The punishment is delayed so that every person has time to repent and be saved.

Judgy Christians Judging Angels?

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 06, Fellowship, Judgment, Love3 Comments

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to the law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more the things that pertain to this life?

1 Corinthians 6:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is writing to his friends at the Corinthian church. In his long epistle, he covers many issues. After having just discussed correctly discerning and treating immorality in the church body, he addresses interpersonal matters. Ones in which members of the body go to a secular court to decide what is right.

He uses this occasion to teach a few things. Things that just might surprise you.

The first is that Christians are to judge.

We aren’t to condemn people, but we are to judge between what the right thing is and what it is not. This is something that each of us believers has within us just by the indwelling Spirit. But to judge correctly, we must have our mindset on the things of the Spirit and not the things of the flesh.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace, for the carnal mind is hostile toward God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:5–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The easiest way for us to discern between being Spirit-minded or not is the motivation of what we do. If we are doing something to satisfy and gratify ourselves, that is to be carnally-minded… Focusing on our own (fleshly) needs and comfort. To be Spirit-minded is to set the concerns of others before ourselves. It is a simplification but is a quick way to know.

The second thing he teaches is that Christians are going to judge the world.

You have probably never ever thought about that. But the folks that mock and scorn our faith who never change and die in that mockery… They are part of the world we get to judge.

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him.

Romans 8:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is far more to this idea than I will present here. The text is clear that we Christians are joint-heirs with Jesus. Meaning we get a share in everything He gets, even to share in His glory.

Since creation, God’s plan was for humans to have dominion over creation. Sometimes I want to think that is more of a prophetic idea than we know. Jesus is the One that wrested dominion from the insurrectionist. He inherits the Earth, as do we. He judges the creation, as will we.

I’m not saying that to flaunt it, just that it is the truth. It might help us to see that person at enmity with us in a different way. Just as Jesus would.

The third thing is that Christians will judge angels.

The fallen one who tempted Eve with the fruit of the forbidden tree will be judged by the very creatures he constantly works against to destroy.

Imagine that. The enemy that attacks and sets at us for our whole lives is going to eventually be judged by us. Couple that knowledge with the fact that Jesus has already put those entities to public shame.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all sins. He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:13–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What power do they really have over any Christian?

(The answer is none.) We were once useless to the purposes of God (dead in sins.) But He changed us, the word is resurrected or made us alive. He took away the assignment of guilt. He disarmed the authorities and powers… The fallen angels.

The fourth thing taught is something you will probably miss. This is important to grasp, especially in the wake of my little sister’s untimely death. I see the sentimental posts on social media about heaven gaining another angel. That is a cultural myth.

Humans don’t become angels when they die.

Read it again. That is silently taught in this passage. Humans, specifically those who are saved (Christians,) will judge angels.

My sister made a profession of faith. I fully expect that she is in heaven by that, but it is beyond my pay grade to really know. That decision belongs to Another.

When Jesus became human, the Bible says it is a state of being a “little lower than the angels.”

But someone in a certain place testified, saying:
“What is man that You are mindful of him,
or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

Hebrews 2:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The writer of Hebrews is quoting the Psalmist who gives the order of things. Jesus taking on humanity put Him a little lower than angels. His obedience even unto death on the cross ensured His glory not just as God, but as a human!

A Human has inherited dominion over creation, and all things are subject to Him.

That is the impetus for this post. We, in this existence of flesh and blood, are made a little lower than the angels. But as our profession of faith makes us Christians, and as Christians we are saints; we are also joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. That is to say, when we enter the next existence, we share in the inheritance of Jesus. By that, we become far greater than angels.

To those who read this and aren’t sure of their own eternity.

I will tell you if you’ve read this and find it incredible… It is. If you long to have that, you can.

It’s an easy thing.

Jesus came to earth as a human. God Himself came in the form of a little child being born in a most humble situation. He had to learn from His parents like you and me. But He lived a life in which He did nothing for selfish gain. He always served others first.

The Bible says that Jesus is God. That He died a death that paid the penalty for our sins… Yours, mine, and even the worst person you can think of. All paid in full. It’s like He says to each “you’re free to go.” This is why people are not punished immediately. The wages of sin is death. Few die for sinning.

But the best part of Jesus is that after dying, He rose again. He was seen by many people who recorded it for us. And because He lives, you too can live.

Do you believe that?

That is all faith is, believing a declaration of truth. If you believe it, just say it out loud right now. Acknowledge, Believe, and Confess the truth… “Jesus died and rose again for me!”

If you have done that, you can message me through the links at the site. I am the only one who reads these. I can help with some next steps for you.