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.

Deny Yourself

On By TimIn Matthew 16, SalvationLeave a comment

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Matthew 16:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love how Jesus speaks plainly to His followers. Consider this in light of what was given in yesterday’s post about Esther. We all have to come to a point where we must count the cost (Luke 14:28.)

Those who want to follow Jesus must first deny themselves. What does that mean?

A bit of context is necessary. There is much of what we consider ourselves that is learned behavior. We pick up mannerisms and behaviors as a result of those around us and perhaps the careers we have chosen. Sometimes those behaviors are profitable, other times they are detrimental.

When Jesus said to count the cost, we are to take inventory and weigh what is important. Is what we do going to have any real lasting value?

For some of us, the cost to follow Jesus is just too steep like the rich young ruler. Denying ourselves is awkward, and even scary. It seems as in doing so, we would become lost.

Listen… We are not what we do. That is what the culture I posed upon us from almost every angle. Our identity without Jesus is intricately intertwined with what we do and how we behave. The baggage that comes with that is what keeps us from God. It also keeps us from true freedom.

In denying self is how we love. We do it when we meet someone new and want to please them. We do it for newborns who cannot tend to themselves. We do it for significant others.

This is what Jesus is saying, love Him.

Deny yourself and take up your cross. In other words, stop taking your identity from what you do. Instead, take up your cross. Identify in what He did. Follow Him. That is where our identity changes to Him.

We sing that refrain, I am who You say I am.

If you want to know… He says that we’re forgiven, not forsaken, a child of God, a joint-heir with Jesus, His own people, among other things.

That’s the identity change, denying ourselves and taking on Him. There is salvation and freedom there. Freedom from the bondage of whatever you may have done.

Don’t believe me, believe Him…

For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:25–26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For Such a Time as This

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Esther 41 Comment

For if you remain silent at this time, protection and deliverance for the Jews will be ordained from some other place, but you and your father’s house shall be destroyed. And who knows if you may have attained royal position for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If there is anyone who can understand what it is to be awkward in every facet of life, it’s me. I don’t know if I really fit in anywhere. Perhaps it’s part of my experiences that have made me who I am.

One thing I know, is there are those things that I don’t quite get. I am laying in bed, it’s late, in fact early into the next day. The cares of the day weigh heavily. What would it be like to not care?

I don’t know. I don’t know if I will ever really know.

But here is Esther. She was a misfit in the King’s court, in that she was Jewish. Granted, what I think I am pondering is nothing as monumental as what she was thinking. But it does bear some similarities, on a vastly smaller scale. Nevertheless, they are everything for the other souls involved.

Like Esther, the easy choice is self-preservation; to stay with what I know is safe. Yet, it is selfish.

In that time before Esther entered the king’s presence, she would ponder many things. When she purposed to pursue what was right, she set about to do it. In that moment she is a perfect representation of Jesus Christ. She had set aside self-preservation to look beyond the what-ifs and lay down her own life for the lives of her people. She found favor from her king.

It’s not unlike another person.

Consider the apostle Paul. He was on his way to Damascus to persecute saints when he was stopped by his Lord. Paul knew Who it was Who stopped him on that road. Asking Jesus, “What will you have me do?” (Acts 9:1–6)

Think about it. It’s rather unsettling to be struck blind by a bright light and brought to your knees. Jesus told Paul to go into Damascus and await instructions. Ananias was then called by Jesus to visit Paul. Even amidst the disorientation, Paul chose to do the right thing.

Ananias had his Esther moment, too. He set aside his own concerns to do what appeared as an awkward encounter. Setting aside concerns for his own safety he went to Paul with the instructions Jesus gave him.

Paul assents to the instructions of his Lord and was waiting in Damascus. Ananias came, we know what happened. Paul was shown he was called to serve the Lord by ministering to the Gentiles. By taking up the call, he was also shown what he must suffer for Jesus’ name.

For such a time as this Paul had obtained much favor from God. It is only in one of his first epistles did he give a hint of his mindset at his appointment with Jesus and the days that followed.

After giving a list of those who were eyewitnesses to the resurrected Jesus… He spoke of his own testimony.

Last of all, He was seen by me also, as by one born at the wrong time.

1 Corinthians 15:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was an awkward way to become an apostle, and an eyewitness to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Yet like one born at the wrong time.

I can imagine the self-doubt coupled with the instinctual self-preservation, and maybe the idea that someone else will do it instead.

Yet there are those people, real heroes like Esther, Ananias, and Paul, who considered their own personal well-being to be of inconsequential value compared to the panorama of others whose lives would be impacted for the good.

I don’t care who you are or where you are in life. If you’re placed in an awkward position as a misfit, that’s perfect! When faced with some really gut-wrenching decision, choose rightly. I know it may be potentially detrimental to you personally, forego that. Look beyond your own self and into the people that will be impacted for the good by your selflessness.

And who knows if you may have attained your awkward position for such a time as this?

The Wages of Sin

On By TimIn Atonement, Death, Romans 06, SalvationLeave a comment

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

The wages of sin is death. It’s that simple.

Think about what Paul is saying. Understanding this critical point is a foundation for everything. To do that, consider the context…

I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for just as you have yielded your members as slaves to impurity and iniquity leading to more iniquity, even so now yield your members as slaves to righteousness unto holiness. For when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. What fruit did you have then from the things of which you are now ashamed? The result of those things is death. But now, having been freed from sin and having become slaves of God, you have fruit unto holiness, and the end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:19–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is conveying spiritual truth in human terms. Particularly in that when we present ourselves to unrighteousness, it snowballs. That is, more sin leads to the suppression of the knowledge of God, which makes doing sinful things easier. This he spoke of in the opening of the letter.

The other truth is showing that the real fruit of sin is death. There is nothing that comes of it that is going to last. It’s a freedom from righteousness, meaning it is leading to lawlessness. The result of those things is death. He is urging us to present ourselves as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification. There is fruit in that.

Suffice it to say, humans have an appointment with death, The Bible says it is appointed unto men once to die. It also says after that comes judgment. Looking back on the text, we see that there is a dichotomy eternal life is set against death, that is the wages of sin death.

Paul has already conveyed to us that “just as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death spread to all people because all sinned.” (Ro 5:12) This doesn’t mean we are all born sinners as it is easy to say. It means that corruption entered the progeny of Adam and was passed down through his seed. That is death is passed down because all have sinned. Paul is saying we are all born dying which is a transgression of God’s desire for humans. We were made to live with Him forever. But because death entered by one man, and passed to all… All are already in transgression. We will all die of natural causes having lived long enough.

These are the wages of sin death. This is the death Jesus died.

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one died for all; as a result all died. And he died for all, in order that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Christ died for us. Yes, that is true for us believers. Yet Paul is saying it is for all. The underlying Greek literally conveys “that if one for all died, then the whole died.” Look at the text, the ‘all’ is in noun form. Changing the noun form of ‘all’ to an adjective by claiming it to be ‘all individuals’ impose an idea on the text that isn’t there. Consequently, using a prepositional phrase as an adjective to limit the scope of ‘all’ as in saying ‘all of us’ is also imposing an idea on the text that isn’t there. This does apply to anyone reading this, and even those who do not. Jesus died that death due to sin, and we get to live.

Having been freed from the constraints of that death, live for Christ! How do we do that?

We must be reconciled to God.

So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh. Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not regard Him as such from now on.

2 Corinthians 5:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Understand the reality behind this idea. If all have died the death due for the wages of sin in Jesus Christ’s death, the flesh does eventually die. The old things have passed away.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new.

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

Let’s not look at any human in the old way. Those things have passed away, and the grace of God abides upon them. It is a time of mercy. A time in which Paul says each ought to live for Jesus.

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 5:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God has reconciled the world to Himself in Jesus. He is not counting their sins against them. The wages of sin is already satisfied.

So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ’s stead: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Those that know this are now called ambassadors. As Christians, we get to implore others to be reconciled to God. The One Who took on sin to be sin for us, was for us to live for Him. That we could become the righteousness of God in Him.

His death gave a respite of time to all humans. The righteousness of God doesn’t come by His death, though. As people will still die in their sins.

He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus said those who do not believe I am He will die in their sins. They won’t die as a result of them but will die in them. What does He mean ‘I am He?’

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness of what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure to Him. The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life. He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:31–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think the testimony is clear. There is only One Who is above all. Without believing ‘I am He’ one dies in their sin. To close the circle, Jesus says this:

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s a simple idea to be reconciled to the God Who has reconciled Himself to each of us. Yet it is most difficult, as we all must acknowledge the truth in our own hearts. This respite of the wages of sin death is a time of mercy. One where we can seek remission of sins. Yet, remission cannot happen unless we acknowledge the truth, believe the truth, and confess our sins to Him. Only then are they taken away forever.

The Olivet Discourse: 02 – The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

On By TimIn Israel, Last Days, Luke 21, Mark 13, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse2 Comments

Continuing from the previous post, there are things to keep in mind. The first is the perspective of the author and the ideas he chooses to convey. Here is the foundation text beginning with the account in Matthew.

Jesus departed from the temple and was leaving when His disciples came to show Him the temple buildings.
Jesus answered them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As Matthew starts, he relates the impetus for the conversation, the temple is mentioned, but no attention is given to describing it. The group was leaving the temple, and the disciples wanted to show Him the buildings. Imagine the change in the conversation. One moment it was about the temple; The next, destruction is foretold. This conversation was probably still in public, as the group had not yet come to the Mount of Olives. There may have been others privy to this part of the conversation.

Let’s examine the other synoptic accounts.

As He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what great stones and what great buildings are here.”
Jesus answered him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

Mark 13:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Already one can discern some differences. Mark doesn’t just relate the gist of the conversation. He relates what is said. That is the action that is occurring. We also see the usage of the title Teacher.

Look at the mention of the great stones. Though the temple wasn’t yet complete, the stones they were looking at were 10 to 12 feet long. It was Herod’s goal for the temple mount to be a massive 1600 by 900 feet edifice soaring to nine stories in height. The walls were to be up to 16 feet thick. All this still wouldn’t match the glory of Solomon’s temple, had it been finished. Its destiny was to be toppled.

We come to Luke.

As some spoke of how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts, He said, “As for these things which you see, the days will come when not one stone shall be left on another that will not be thrown down.”

Luke 21:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Like Matthew, Luke relates the impetus of the conversation. He too points out the stones. He also mentions the gifts. These are the decorative items donated by others to adorn the temple. Herod gave a golden vine that had bunches of grapes that were as tall as a human.

All three accounts, though differing, are conveying the same basic information. The temple’s beauty would come to be ruined.

The stylistic differences also become apparent in how the content is conveyed. Matthew draws attention to the temple building as if the reader is already familiar with it. Mark’s style is about title and action. He gives a bit of detail, perhaps as his audience may need help to understand how great the stones are, as if such are unfamiliar with it. Luke points to the ornate decorations and gifts. It’s a bit of humanity, and the artistry is of great interest to a Greek.

This is also a perfect example of what not to see. The disciples were concerned with the outward beauty of the temple. Absent from the conversation is what went on inside it. The temple was certainly the focal point of life in Jerusalem at the time. Its beauty was certainly something to admire.

Considering the words here, perhaps there is an underlying message to keep a light touch on the things of this world, as they will fade away. Perhaps to keep what is inside of the temple kosher instead of fixating on the outward appearances.

The Olivet Discourse: Introduction

On By TimIn Luke 21, Mark 13, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse1 Comment

This is an introduction to my own attempt to discover the similarities and distinctions of the presentation of the Olivet Discourse (first post) as given in the synoptic gospels. The Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as they present themselves similarly in the things they record of Jesus’ ministry on Earth.

The first thing to keep in mind is the distinctiveness of the authors as different people with differing mindsets. Each also had a distinct audience in mind. So, it can be said that each Gospel has a distinct purpose for a distinct audience. One sees this intent recorded by the selective events each author chooses to include, and how they are related to the audience.

Matthew

Matthew’s Gospel is intended to speak to the Israeli, a person who is familiar with the Old Testament. Matthew details the prophecies recorded in the Old Testament that characterize Israel’s Messiah, and how these are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Therefore, Jesus is portrayed as that Messiah, the King of the Israelis. This is evidenced from the outset, as his gospel opens with the genealogy of Jesus, which would be of utmost importance to an Israeli. Especially as it relates to the Messiah, the Son of David.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:

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

Herein, one sees that Jesus is the rightful heir to the kingdom of David. It is the opening of the book that establishes the credentials of Jesus as that heir. The promises of the Messiah from the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, beginning with His family tree.

Sum it up this way, Matthew is written to Israelis and is for Israelis.

Mark

Mark is not written to the Israeli or even to those familiar with the Old Testament. Instead, his audience is those people who understand power and authority. That is, those citizens and leaders in the Roman Empire. These folks would be unfamiliar with Judaism and the promises of the Messiah. Mark does not start with the birth of Jesus. He doesn’t start with Jesus’ credentials.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:
“Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.'”

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

He starts with activities for people who understand action. Here is Jesus, the servant of the Lord sent by God to do what God has sent Him to do. With the emphasis on doing, Jesus did what was asked of Him. Because this book records the actions of Jesus, it records more of Jesus’ miracles than does Matthew, Luke, or John.

Mark is summed up as written to the Roman and the authorities in Rome.

Luke

Luke wanted to appeal to intellectuality. The Greeks of Luke’s day were of the intellectual mindset, loving art, philosophy, and literature. It is with that intent that the humanity of Jesus is emphasized. He is like any other human. Yet, He is not, as He is the perfection of humanity. And Luke would give an orderly account.

Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things which are most surely believed among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.

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

One can trust that what Luke wrote is an orderly account. It is not the writings of an eyewitness, but as an investigator who has collected and recorded others’ eyewitness testimonies. The humanity of Jesus is emphasized by the focus of events that demonstrate that. Luke’s gospel relates to the reader a very human Jesus.

Luke is summed up as written to the Greek.

John

John was an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. The things recorded are for the purpose of establishing Jesus as the eternal God who became a man.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created.

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

From the very opening words, Jesus is presented as the Creator – God. John intends the reader to believe. The book is written with that purpose.

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

John 20:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

John stated he is selective in what he has recorded. His goal is personal, it is for the reader to believe.

John writes to believers.

A Point to Consider

With these things in mind, the first point I would like to ponder is that the gospel of John has no recording of the Olivet Discourse. Of course, I understand that the Bible is given to us with a framework of design. Therefore, we must also consider certain points of silence. It is this one that I want to consider and challenge my own thinking.

Maybe, John didn’t record the Olivet Discourse because it wasn’t intended for believers, specifically church-age believers. Let me explain. We have it recorded by three folks who were not eyewitnesses. It is recorded in differing ways, with different ideas emphasized. Given the inherent audiences of the gospels, perhaps the ideas written in the discourse in the Synoptics would be for the unbelieving Israeli, those who love action and authority, and the intellectual. All of which would be unbelievers, given that John’s gospel is written for believers. John’s gospel would exclude such ideas as the church-age believers wouldn’t be present.

Could that hint to church-age believers being removed before these things happen?

Genesis 2:17: You Will Surely Die?

On By TimIn Creation, Death, Genesis 02, Romans 02, Romans 03, Titus 01Leave a comment

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

Genesis 2:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When you read that verse, what comes to mind?

I offer, most who read the verse won’t really take it at what is written. Instead, the truth might be obscured, understanding it as “you will eventually die.” God is not teaching that sin brings eventual death, but that just death for sin is immediate. Sin, Is a capital offense.

When the recompense for sin was stated to Adam, God did not say, “you will eventually die.” The penalty is clearly stated. It’s immediate death. Let us read this rationally, and not soften what God clearly says. A cursory examination of commentaries on this verse agrees. This is from the conservative Keil-Delitzsch’s Commentary on the Old Testament, “Why then did God prohibit man from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, with the threat that, as soon as he ate thereof, he would surely die?” That clearly delineates what is meant, death is to be expected as soon as one ate. Another more progressive commentary Interpreter’s Bible Commentary says, “Death would follow immediately!” The intent of God’s word is clear. God’s command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil included the assurance of immediate death. It stands in stark contrast to what most believe, and to what was allowed, to eat of any other tree… Including the tree of life.

Humans were created to be image-bearers of God. That means being like Him in all ways. There were things reserved for God, yet the implication of that one tree in the garden shows the will of God. Humans were not to know death.

There might still be an objection

But they did not immediately die when they ate the fruit. But they did eventually die.

Exactly!

The eventual death is evidence of the corruption the fruit did to the physical body. It changed Adam and Eve and not just in a spiritual sense. God gave all the other trees of the garden as good for food. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was therefore not ‘good for food.’ It was the one tree God set aside as something not to eat for food. After the serpent entered and questioned what God had said, Eve had assented to the idea God was holding something from them. She looked at the fruit, and her desire led her away from the truth, believing that the fruit was ‘good for food.’

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasing to the eyes and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate;

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

When she ate, things changed for her. She passed it to her man, and he also ate. He too was changed. Corruption entered humanity. The corruption also had a physical effect on the body. That corruption was passed down to progeny. That is the death from disease and aging we all will eventually die. (There are other ways to die, but all humans will die from the corruption in their own bodies regardless of other factors.)

Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, so death has spread to all men, because all have sinned.

Romans 5:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We also know that Adam did not die immediately. It’s not that God changed His mind or backpedaled on His words to them. There is something else in place.

Jesus is The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

He provides the respite from justice that was given to Adam. He was the One Who satisfied what was owed, immediate death.

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if through the trespass of one man many died, then how much more has the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. The gift is not like the result that came through the one who sinned. For the judgment from one sin led to condemnation, but the free gift, which came after many trespasses, leads to justification. For if by one man’s trespass death reigned through him, then how much more will those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The free gift came after many trespasses, meaning it came at a later time than that first trespass that introduced corruption to death. The seeming delay of death is not a delay, but a respite of justice. It’s been fulfilled. We know this applies backward in time to that very first trespass. The righteous act of One is applicable to all.

Therefore just as through the trespass of one man came condemnation for all men, so through the righteous act of One came justification of life for all men.

Romans 5:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Therefore, that free gift leads to justification for all. It’s the goodness of God.

But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who commit such things. Do you think, O man, who judges those who do such things, and who does the same thing, that you will escape the judgment 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 2:2–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul would further expound on the idea, that all who have sinned are being justified as they live after it.

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,

Romans 3:24–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the reality. Jesus’ death provides. It’s a respite for humans from death. This respite leads to justification for all humans.

Enough about death.

Let’s talk about life. Though we all are foolish, the kindness of God is still there. Just like in the garden at the beginning, His desire has not changed.

We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred and hating each other. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:3–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Back in that garden, amongst those trees, there is another implicit truth. Humans were created to live forever, and not to die. God is demonstrating that to fulfill what it is to image-bear for Him is living with Him as He lives. The ability to live the kind of life God has is not intrinsic to humans. We need that tree of life to give to us what we do not have. God wants us to live the kind of life He has. It’s HIs gift to us, we must take it inside of us for ourselves.

In the garden, God is establishing reality. A reality that He continually tells us.

I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

Deuteronomy 30:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The apostle Paul affirmed that this gift is from the beginning, just as taught in Genesis.

in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began,

Titus 1:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are not guaranteed to become heirs of the hope of eternal life. Just like it was presented to Adam and Eve in the garden, we must choose to live forever by partaking in the tree of life. The tree of life is not in our midst to us as we live today, in that we cannot eat of it now. We can have it (eternal life) now.

Jesus says we have it now. That, is because we are heirs to the things of God, including the hope of eternal life.

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give permission to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

Revelation 2:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Justice no longer stands against us. Justice is satisfied to then provide respite from the immediate penalty due. We know looking back, it was done at the cross when Jesus stated, “Tetelestai!” Justice has been done. Justice is done by His grace and all are being justified. Justification is poured out abundantly in Jesus. He is Just and justifier.

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

We are saved by His life.

How much more then, being now justified by His blood, shall we be saved from wrath through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

Romans 5:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Preached through Jesus the Resurrection of the Dead

On By TimIn Acts 04, Death, ResurrectionLeave a comment

As they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly troubled because they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they seized them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men grew to about five thousand.

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

Preached the resurrection?

This turn of phrase in Acts is enlightening. I mean, how different is that from today’s preaching?

Imagine what would ‘preaching through Jesus the resurrection from the dead’ looks like. Instead, we get preaching of other things. I am not disparaging that. What I am saying is we focus much more on the death of Jesus. That’s not a bad thing as it brought a respite whereby we can read these words.

Yet, it is the resurrection from the dead that is everything. Without it, there is no real hope. It’s because He lives, I can have a reason to live… A reason to love others. In fact, that is the only real way to love others. Without Him, it is a far more difficult thing to do.

We focus muchly on death, the wages of sin, and its power over us. Perhaps that is to reach the unsaved person who attends church. His death gives us freedom from the just recompense due to sin. Ought we not use that freedom to seek remission of sins and put our hope in the only One Who has demonstrated power over death?

It could be the vestiges of papism. From the moment one enters certain churches, it is apparent that death is present. Jesus is often portrayed as dead and still suspended on a cross. When a mass is offered, it’s a celebration of death. Jesus is re-crucified (dying again) at the ringing of a bell. And that was done on command of the priest.

Friend… Jesus died once. His death is for all. It says the just recompense of your sin. He isn’t angry at you. The time now is to change your mind. Seek the Savior who died your death. He has a gift of life for you.

The Olivet Discourse: For Israelis Only?

On By TimIn Mark 13, Olivet Discourse3 Comments

Matthew, Mark, and Luke give much of the same testimony of the life and teaching of Jesus. The material offered is presented in the same general order of events. These three are called the synoptic gospels for that reason.

In an endeavor to understand the similarities recorded in the Olivet Discourse, it is more intriguing to notice the differences. When studying eschatological passages such as this, it isn’t difficult to encounter controversy. In an effort to avoid errant misunderstanding, context is important.

One of those controversies in interpretation is inevitably going to include the intended audience of the writers. In other words, there are some who say Matthew’s version of the Olivet Discourse was written only for the Israelis. Let’s see if such a sentiment can be demonstrated.

As He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

Mark 13:3–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I give this verse for context. Matthew wasn’t present for this private briefing. Neither was Mark or Luke. Therefore, the things they wrote were as they understood from others. One thing is clear, though. They were Jewish people asking about the temple.

We also need to understand that everything Jesus taught… He taught to Israelis. His earthly ministry was to Israelis. The words He gave to them are for Israelis. He came only to them.

This is what He said to a gentile woman who came to Him to plead for her daughter.

But He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Then she came and worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
But He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and to throw it to dogs.”

Matthew 15:24–26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s only Matthew that records Jesus’ sentence, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” It follows, everything we read of Jesus and His earthly ministry must be understood first in that context. Especially as it is given to us in Matthew. It was Israel who was chosen to be God’s ambassador to the nations. When Jesus speaks and teaches, He is almost always speaking directly to Israelis.

Scholars also suggest that the synoptic gospels have intended audiences that differ. For Matthew, his audience was Jewish folks with Messianic expectations, proving Jesus is Messiah. Mark’s audience was the Gentile Romans and Greeks. Luke’s audience was new Gentile (Roman and Greek) Christians.

Can this idea be detected?

In the Olivet Discourse, when Jesus is speaking of how many will be martyred, it is recorded with some slight differences. The differences here seem to apply to the perspective of the intended audience.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

But take heed. For they will hand you over to councils, and in the synagogues you will be beaten. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

Mark 13:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

But before all these things, they will seize you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It will turn out as a testimony for you.

Luke 21:12–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Each account has Jesus speaking of the testimony of the witnessing would-be martyrs. Matthew says the testimony is “to all nations.” Mark, it’s to “them (kings and rulers.)” While Luke records it’s a testimony for the individual believer.

Yes, the similarities are important. But the differences ought not to be challenges to our understanding. They are there to enhance and bolster our understanding.

The Eagles Will be Gathered Together

On By TimIn Israel, Last Days, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse7 Comments

It was something said by Pastor Greg tonight (would love to link to video, but is near impossible.) He held his Bible up and said there were things in it he didn’t understand. He said he understood much, and as he grew in wisdom, his understanding grew. Yet there were some things he didn’t get.

I was sitting on a bench in the back of church. My friends Dan on my right, Brian on my left. I showed them this verse.

Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Matthew 24:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I said I don’t understand that.

I read the immediate context before…

“So, if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert,’ do not go there; or, ‘Look, He is in the private chambers,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Matthew 24:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Nothing immediately stood out for an explanation.

A bit of background… At the moment, I am endeavoring to search out the similarities and differences in the synoptic accounts of the Olivet Discourse. (For those less technical-minded, that would be Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 where Jesus spoke to a small group of disciples about the end of the age.)

As it were, I peeked at the Faithlife Study Bible notes for that verse, and they were a bit lot short on the subject. The only note indicated that the word eagles is better understood as vultures. I kind of knew that.

The software I use had an annotation that pointed me here:

They asked, “Where, Lord?”
He replied, “Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”

Luke 17:37 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Checking the immediate context for better understanding…

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating, drinking, marrying, and were given in marriage until the day when Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.
“Likewise as it was in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. But on the day that Lot departed from Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from heaven and destroyed them all.
“So will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away. And likewise let him who is in the field not return to the things behind.
Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two men will be in one bed; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two men will be in the field; the one will be taken and the other will be left.”

Luke 17:26–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Now I know that what I didn’t understand is somehow connected to the second coming of the Messiah and not the rapture. This is clear by the very next statement in Scripture. They asked, “Where Lord?”

They are asking where the people taken will end up. I have to admit, it isn’t a pretty sight. Many have used this portion of Scripture to demonstrate the rapture. It’s not here. This is more as judgment. And I daresay, the judgment of a specific kind for a specific group of people. The ones taken are going to end up as food for vultures and other animals.

Arriving back in Matthew 24, it is clearly seen that that immediate context is also speaking of the second coming and not the rapture. (If one reads a bit backward in Luke 17, we also see the use of flashing lightning as a typification of the second coming. Yet… The immediate contexts in both passages speak of some not-so-good things for them.

As I thought about this throughout this evening and am now reclined in bed (it’s really late,) another particular piece of Scripture gnaws at the back of my mind, so to say.

Here, God is speaking of the defeat of Gog, and how there will be 7 months of cleansing the land of the dead bodies that resulted from that defeat. But before that, there’s this:

You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Ezekiel 39:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That’s the judgment against Gog. There is going to be a banquet for vultures and other animals. I hate to be graphic, but this is what the Bible clearly says.

My heritage is to Me as a speckled vulture; the vultures all around are against her. Come, assemble all the beasts of the field, bring them to devour.

Jeremiah 12:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It will be after God defeats Israel’s enemies.

As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God: Speak to every kind of fowl and to every beast of the field: Assemble and come. Gather on every side to My sacrifice that I sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. You shall eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the officials of the earth as though of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan. You shall eat fat until you are full and drink blood until you are drunk from My sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. Thus you shall be filled at My table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all the men of war, says the Lord God.

Ezekiel 39:17–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is something different than the other judgments. This is for those who actively oppose Israel, whether government officials or not. It’s for those who wanted her spoils.

It’s at the end of the age. It’s a sacrificial meal from God to the birds and beasts. Those specifically working to defeat Israel are the kibble.

It Was Not Possible That He Should be Held by Death

On By TimIn Acts 02, Death, ResurrectionLeave a comment

You have taken Him, who was handed over to you by the ordained counsel and foreknowledge of God, and by lawless hands have crucified and killed Him, whom God raised up by loosening the pull of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

Acts 2:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Given His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke of His death and His resurrection. At best, His disciples were oblivious to the things He said about it. They didn’t understand the resurrection, nor did they expect it. Think about that, imagine someone trying to tell you about hypervisor. It’s real. But most peoples’ collective wisdom knows no such thing. It would be hard to explain any details to anyone who didn’t know what it is. Resurrection would be the same thing. No person who heard Jesus had experienced anybody walking out of a grave after three days dead.

But now they did!

In the citation above, Peter is preaching. Even in the early stages of this ministry, what Peter didn’t know before the crucifixion, He now clearly understood.

There was no possible way death could have power over Jesus. Peter explains it by quoting David.

For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before me, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope. For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy with Your presence.’

Acts 2:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

That’s it. Jesus is that Holy One. Corruption has no power over holiness. Peter continues urgently; he speaks of David having died and been buried. He speaks of the presence of David’s tomb. Yet David knew the promises of God were true, that He would raise up the Messiah to sit on his own throne.

he foresaw this and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. God raised up this Jesus, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this which you now see and hear.

Acts 2:31–33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Those present were also privy to the recent events, and now they were eyewitnesses to this pouring out of the Holy Spirit. They see and hear for themselves.

Peter is telling them what David told them, this Messiah would be Lord. That is, the very God of David.

For David has not ascended to the heavens, yet he says:
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Until I make Your enemies
Your footstool.” ’
“Therefore, let all the house of Israel assuredly know that God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Acts 2:34–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)