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.

Naked Meets Crafty

On By TimIn Genesis 02, The Fall1 Comment

They were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

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

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden’?”

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

They were both nude. The serpent, though, was shrewd. The wordplay in that summation hints at the wordplay that exists in the Hebrew behind our Bible translations.

The word translated as naked is the Hebrew arummim. In the next sentence, the word translated to subtle is the Hebrew arum. Maybe it is an entertaining way to convey a recount of what had really happened. Maybe there is something more.

The enemy had no way to directly curse these first humans. Just as the crafty wordplay is presented. It helps us to be paying attention to the next sentence in which he subtly changes the Word God had said to Adam.

“Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, 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 2:16b–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Instead of it being a generous offering as God intended, the serpent inserted his own wordplay. He wanted it perceived as perhaps God depriving them of something. He changed the command to highlight one thing set aside, “Has God said, ‘You shall not?'” The idea of deprivation comes in the context following. We can clearly see that for whatever reason, Eve gives into this crafty idea of deprivation. She even added to it.

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit from the trees of the garden; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You will not eat of it, nor will you touch it, or else you will die.'”

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

We can’t even touch it. God didn’t say that. Now that she had bought into the idea of deprivation, he pushes her even further. God really is keeping something from you. Don’t worry about dying. When you eat, you’ll be like gods knowing how to fix that.

Then the serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3:4-5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Death comes because of calamity.

These first – innocent humans weren’t acquainted with death; having never experienced it. God was protecting them from calamity and death.

It’s like that for us. The enemy wants us to think that God is keeping good things from us. It’s not true. We see from yesterday’s post on James 1:5, God gives lavishly to us, just as He did to Adam and Eve. He gave them every tree from which to eat. He gave them the tree of life that would keep them alive forever. All of that was good, but the enemy pointed out the one thing God said they couldn’t have. He made it sound as if what God was keeping them from was something good.

Considering our world and all the calamity that exists in it, would you rather not know calamity than experience it?

I would rather not have to experience it.

Did God really set us up to fall for something that was not good for us?

No.

But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.

James 1:14-15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I don’t think it a coincidence that this subtle lie from the enemy that God may be depriving us of something has given way to the deprivation we humans demonstrate.

After all, it was just a subtle idea. One that would lead Eve to want to satisfy her own felt needs. It led the unashamed to desire something that wasn’t theirs. It drew her eyes away. She saw that what really wasn’t intended to be good for food as something to eat. She did and gave to the man and he ate.

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; and she gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Genesis 3:6-7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The rest of this we all know. The one thing God had said would happen did. Death came because we had set ourselves apart from the source of life. Our parents deprived us of the only life that matters.

The LORD God said, “The man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. And now, he might reach out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”—therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken.

Genesis 3:22-23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Believing is Seeing

On By TimIn Daily Walk, James 01Leave a comment

I was having a discussion with someone today. This person, though Christian, had not really discovered the gifts God has bestowed upon her. She understood the gift of salvation… But there is so much more!

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.

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

God wants us to ask! Here, James is talking about wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God, and it can be yours. Whatever it is, if you need help in making a wise decision, the first place to go is God.

Here, God promises to lavish us. It’s to all men. This is easily discerned by Jesus’ finished work on the cross. The Apostle John writes to us that Jesus is the propitiation, the appeasement to God, for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1-2.) Paul speaks of it, too, in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. He tells us that God in Christ is reconciling the world to Himself. It’s a gift He has given to all of us.

There’s more.

James writes that God gives without criticism. Perhaps that is better understood as without reproach. He isn’t holding things back from us… really. We don’t get it because we don’t ask.

Maybe you don’t believe.

I get that. There were lots of things I didn’t understand. But what I do know, is God will not give us something so that we can finally believe it is real. We have to believe it is real so that we can have it. Believing is seeing. It works like that without salvation. God said it. You believed it. And your account was settled. Praise God!

Let James encourage you…

But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind. Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.

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

We ask… In faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. We must first believe that He is and that He rewards those that seek Him (Hebrews 11:6.) This is how those patriarchs of old obtained a good reputation. It’s the same for you and me.

Believe God. Don’t fret that you aren’t worthy of gifts. Don’t fret that you don’t meet His expectations. He knows these things. His promise still stands. He is the Faithful One. You can trust His Word. The one who asks in faith receives.

Ask rightly.

Our intentions in asking for gifts from God must be in light of using them to serve Him and others. It’s our calling. We are to esteem others better than ourselves. Their well-being ought to be more important than ours.

James says it this way…

Where do wars and fights among you come from? Do they not come from your lusts that war in your body? You lust and do not have, so you kill. You desire to have and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have, because you do not ask. You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your passions.

James 4:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Ask… In faith.

Then set out to serve others knowing your Heavenly Father is Good and keeps His promises.

When the Apostle Paul Knows Modern Science

On By TimIn Apologetics, Romans 08Leave a comment

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us. The eager expectation of the creation waits for the appearance of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Romans 8:18–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is one of my favorite portions of Scripture if for only one reason, Paul understood clearly that the creation was in bondage to entropy.

Entropy is the tendency of all things to progress toward chaos and futility. It is how the universe will end. No more work can be done.

When work is done, there is an exchange of energy, but some is always lost. It’s a game that cannot be won. Eventually, enough work will be done to use up all of the energy in our universe. The work we do as a creation ends in futility.

It’s the law.

Entropy is the second law of thermodynamics.

Yet it wasn’t discovered by scientists until after the invention of the steam engine. Physicists were puzzled by the inefficiencies of steam power and sought to discover the answer.in their endeavors, the heat loss was discovered and explained. This was around the middle of the 19th century.

But here is Paul, writing hundreds of years before then…And them. He is telling us plainly that everything was subject to futility. It’s real. Creation was placed under bondage. Pail knew, but humans didn’t until relatively recently.

Yet creation is waiting to be set free.

How about you?

You might ask me why I would ask something like that. You work hard. You work to achieve things, to further yourself, to do better than your parents. The end of such labors is a modest grave. All of us die.

It is said that the good men do often lives after them. For how long?

See, we humans are also in bondage to that futility. We can work out, eat right… Give our bodies optimum nutrition. We can even attempt to avoid disease. We can do good things. But we still will die. We leave a fleeting imprint on this world and then we are taken from it.

It all sounds futile because it is.

You, too, can be set free.

That hope!

that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Romans 8:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is speaking of the time yet future when the entire creation is released from its bondage. Paul calls that release “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” That is for us believers who will return to this earth and reign with Jesus. These are those children of God.

If you want to be a part of that, and beat the cycle of futility, it’s easy. You can be a child of God.

Acknowledge that God is right. You need help. You need rescue from the futility.

Believe that Jesus is Who He said He was and did what He did… Died to reconcile God to men and rose again ascending to the Father making it possible for you and I to be reconciled to God.

Confess that belief out loud… That Jesus is the Lord God and that He rose from the dead. That you are a sinner and need your sins forgiven.

It’s that easy.

The People Decide

On By TimIn Church, Revelation 01Leave a comment

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though I were dead. Then He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, though I was dead. Look! I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:17-20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I recently found myself in a discussion about these letters. Much of the discussion involved how to apply what is written, and whether they were addressed only to the seven churches named or they have applications for today. There is a specific objection made to the application of the term “lukewarm.”

Surely these epistles were written to real-first-century local assemblies. Jesus addressed them by name. Jesus words in introducing Himself as the head of these churches include an application that was present then, and “which will take place after this.” Of course, the rest of Revelation is yet future. Given the introduction, Jesus clearly is saying the entire revelation has layered applications.

Take the Epistles Seriously

An objection was raised that these seven epistles to the churches have nothing to do with our modern-day.

As I stated earlier, these 7 epistles are layered with meaning and nuance. There is an application for the period in which they were written, application for the entire end age including today. There are deeper meanings of each letter that can be applied to every local assembly of believers. Each of these bodies would, more-or-less, fit into one of those seven descriptions. These epistles can even be loosely applied to the panorama of the “church age.” That is, these seven churches are chronological descriptions of the universal church since Jesus founded it. The last three are noted as end times bodies. Also noted in the epistles, though it may not be readily discerned… There is always a body of people who would usurp the authority and leadership of Jesus in these churches.

The message that Jesus gave to each body is a report card. Where the church falls short, Jesus assures that such can change direction. He even offers many remedies for that. More importantly, Jesus also speaks directly to those individuals within these bodies, “let him who has an ear.” This demonstrates these may have personal applications, too.

I take the Bible seriously… Even in its seeming offensive applications.

He Who Has an Ear

“To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write:
“The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says these things: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, and have stored up goods, and have need of nothing,’ yet do not realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be dressed, that the shame of your nakedness may not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
“To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:14-22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We come to the major objection that leads to a rejection of the application to individuals and to church bodies of our day. It’s right there… “because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.” I’ve underlined one of the words Jesus used.

You see, many folks misapply this verse. They use it to beat up individual Christians. That isn’t how Jesus used it. To apply it that way is incorrect. The proper way to use it is to describe a body of believers. A body of believers that really had no need of anything from Jesus. Lukewarm is not a description of individual believers.

These are letters to churches. Each of the seven addressed, and if the problems weren’t rectified Jesus would leave this church… As a body. Our perspective of history clearly demonstrates this. Local assemblies in Europe have shut their doors. Church buildings are being sold and used for other purposes. This is what happens when a church leaves their first Love, for whatever reason. It begins with drifting away from the truth, it progresses in a usurping of the headship of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes the misapplication of lukewarm is a way of shaming and controlling individuals. Nevertheless, a teacher who wishes to use the term to shame and admonish believers in the local fellowship is really stating the fellowship itself is lukewarm. That term may say something about leadership and may not.

As discussions go, this one has a natural evolution.

Who is the Head?

Church is not a building, at least not in the Biblical idea. Church is not a 501C3 corporation. Biblically, it is always used as a local assembling of believers. The head of which is always Jesus Christ.

Let us view these seven churches from the vantage point of the Head and history. The names of these churches are an indication of their character. There is also an unspoken implication of how the Headship of Jesus has been usurped by the spirit of the age.

I know your works, your labor and your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles, but are not, and have found them to be liars.

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

Today Ephesus is a Moslem village called Selçuk. At the time of the epistle, it was a central point of Christianity. John, Paul, Peter, Polycarp, and Irenaeus – were all in Ephesus. They were able to test those who claimed to be apostles. The church at Ephesus knew real apostles. Yet, the church with so much history died. We learn something, those who sought to control that church were false apostles.

I know your works and tribulation and poverty (but you are rich). And I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Smyrna, the martyred church. The church whose name derives from myrrh. The sweet smell used to cover the stench of dead bodies. We know it was Rome who was trying to seize control, the government wanted to usurp the Head.

But I have a few things against you: You have there those who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. So you also have those who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

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

Pergamum, the citadel is said to characterize the Roman Catholic church. After the Roman government tried to seize control of the church, in some ways it did. Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman empire. With it, came a whole new idea to integrate the church into the empire. As history demonstrates, it worked the other way around. The empire entered the church. A hierarchy of religious-political leaders was established which would eventually result in the papacy. This is what Jesus warned about by using the term Nicolaitan. It literally means power over the laity. The clergy usurped the Headship of Jesus.

But I have a few things against you: You permit that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, but she did not repent.

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

Thyatira hints at the sweet scent and sacrifice of labor. This city occupied a favored position on a trade route, the city was home to many trade guilds. Practices in these trade guilds included idol worship and sexual immorality. A woman stepped in to lead this body away in spiritual seduction.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain but are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfected before God.

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

I know your works. Look! I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it. For you have a little strength, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Listen! I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie. Listen! I will make them come and worship before your feet and to know that I have loved you.

Revelation 3:8-9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sardis is the embodiment of the reformation period of the church. The deeds of this church were found incomplete, and that body rested in those. In that sense, we can say that carnal Christians wanted control.

Philadelphia, the church of brotherly love! This is the church period denoting the great revivals all over the world. This church had no reprimand from Jesus. We see that is those who say they believe, but do not who were the problem. The unbeliever seeks to usurp Jesus as Head of this church.

For you say, ‘I am rich, and have stored up goods, and have need of nothing,’ yet do not realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be dressed, that the shame of your nakedness may not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Revelation 3:17-18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Laodicea is the people’s church. This is the church that offers itself in a way to seek the approval of all people. We could call this the seeker-sensitive church. The buildings have every comfort with environments designed so as not to offend anyone’s sensibilities. It is this church that the laity wants to usurp Jesus. He says He will spew such out of His mouth. It is much of what we see offered by churches today.

These letters are primarily written to bodies of believers and seemingly have nothing for or against individual people and their salvation. Our perspective of history clearly teaches Jesus very much will remove His presence and blessing away from a local gathering of believers because of their collective spiritual condition. The judgment is to the local body, not the individual or their salvation.

Lukewarm

Methinks there is something that convicts in that description. Especially with peoples’ excuses for not attending church today… Or how church should satisfy personal preferences. As the conversation meandered, it was peppered with objections about why not to attend church. It’s true that church attendance doesn’t save. I don’t even think it is required.

Another objection is how the teaching did not appeal, and how there was no real personal application. The words stated were “I already felt I learned better on my own time than a church.” In other words, the teaching really wasn’t advanced enough to satisfy perceived personal needs. I can understand that, but I also think it is a dangerous place to be spiritually. Anytime the Bible is openly proclaimed, a believer can be taught. It is God’s word and His Word never returns void, especially to believers.

Other points of interest included his pastor being a she. That is another discussion.

Yes, we are to learn in church, but our time for real learning is in private. It is how we communicate with our Savior. We talk to Him. He instructs us from His Word. That’s not to say you won’t learn something in church from a sermon, but that ought to be supplementary to what happens in your prayer closet.

Given these objections, one can clearly surmise they arise from lukewarm bodies.

What do We Do About It?

We need to be active in whatever local body we find ourselves in.

He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so we may no longer be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming. But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself, from whom the whole body is joined together and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively does its work and grows, building itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:11-16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Each of us has been bestowed with a unique set of giftings by God. These are to be used for the building up of the body. This cannot be done if one deprives the local assembly of the usage of their gifts. We are designed to be in fellowship with other believers, and it is the only place where one can mature into a complete man. That term doesn’t exclude the ladies, either.

What is inherently necessary though, is fellowship. There is no other way to ‘grow up’ in the fulness of Christ. Oh sure, we can always hope to have a Damascus Road experience, but those seem to be extremely rare.

When we forsake the assembly… It is a way to deny the headship of Christ.

I know all about kvetching over how church doesn’t meet my felt needs. But it’s not supposed to do that. The worship isn’t for me, it’s for Jesus. The assembly isn’t for me, it’s for the entire body. My comfort ought not to be a concern, I have a home.

Instead, of finding a plethora of excuses for not attending a local assembly, why not do it God’s way despite the leadership or direction of the body?

Let us look forward to assembling with our brothers and sisters. Let us be prepared to do it the right way. Be ready to give something away and not seek something to scratch our own itch.

Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is not much time left. Love you brothers and sisters spurring each other to love and good works!

In Dependence Day

On By TimIn Acts 17, Daily WalkLeave a comment

I have been giving some thought to the significance of this day. In the United States, 4 July is the day we commemorate independence from the tyranny of the crown. One of the major themes of the day is freedom! It is in that light, we ought to point this day to Jesus.

Acts 17:22–31 (MEV): Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious. For as I passed by and looked up at your objects of worship, I found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Whom you therefore unknowingly worship, Him I proclaim to you.
“God who made the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands. Nor is He served by men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath and all things. He has made from one blood every nation of men to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord so perhaps they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’
“Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art or an image of the reflection of man. God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent. For He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

You may wonder why I am citing this portion of Scripture. Perhaps it is because of the similarities of the celebrations of this day with that of honoring an unknown god (a whole other post.). While Paul pointed to these men of Athens and noting their religious sincerity. Today’s celebration for many is an homage to an unknown god. I want to proclaim this God to you; He Who has provided to you your freedom. This God doesn’t live in man-made temples, nor does He need anything that we can provide.

The Yoke of Bondage

Paul understood clearly the mission of Jesus Christ. He has come to set us free from bondage. But what does that mean, to be in bondage?

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? God forbid! Do you not know that to whom you yield yourselves as slaves to obey, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But thanks be to God, for you were slaves of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of teaching to which you were entrusted, and having been freed from sin, you became the slaves of righteousness.
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 6:15–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is stating that if we yield our bodies toward sin, that is some moral decadence, we become enslaved to that. For some of us who struggle with addiction, we can understand. I wish not to make light of addiction but will offer an easily understandable example.

Remember back to the first time you tried your favorite dessert. It could be a chocolate cake or crème Brulee… Even something more exotic. Remember the sensations of the first taste, and how you just wanted to experience that forever. I am willing to say, that while you may enjoy these favorite treats, it is almost impossible to recreate that first experience. Sometimes, our physical bodies send us sensations of intense cravings for these things. The cravings we experience couldn’t exist without our first indulgence. With desserts, we can often partake but overdoing creates problems. The issue is, we clearly understand how to alleviate the real pangs that come with our own desires. That is part of the bondage to which this is speaking.

I know my example used something as innocuous as dessert, but some do have real struggles with that. Your body just wants a little more. It is the same thing with bigger issues. You can ask a millionaire, “How much money is enough?” The answer will be a little more. It goes with almost anything… We want newer and better clothes, a better car, a bigger house. The addict just wants to keep the high going. But at what cost? That is the weakness of the flesh… It always wants just a little more.

Some of these things are inherently bad for us and maybe detrimental (to us or even others.) Sin comes with this same bondage. In our own selves, we just want a little more. We think nobody will know. With those secret things, nobody else gets hurt. It is still bondage. Paul goes on to say what the result of all those things… Death. What advantage do we have from these things?

If you do too many drugs it may result in overdose and you may die. The same holds true for too much booze, too many cigarettes, even too much chocolate cake.

Presenting ourselves to these desires leads to enslavement. It is a circular cycle of repetition. Presenting ourselves to sin leads to a suppression of the knowledge of God.

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth through unrighteousness.

Romans 1:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We could think that the suppression of the knowledge of God may be for us only. More likely, it will also spread to others. Sin affects ourselves and will inevitably affect those around us. We don’t only present ourselves to bondage and suppression.

Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him or give thanks to Him as God, but became futile in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Romans 1:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sin brings death. It works collectively. It leads to futility. Of course, the world understands this futility by another name, entropy.

There is freedom. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ!

Independence

It is only in Jesus where we can be free from this yoke of bondage to sin and death. In His early ministry, there was a conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel. Most of us Christians know of the conversation, and some who are not Christian may know. That is where John 3:16 comes; For God so loved the world that He gave His only unique Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The continuing conversation goes like this:

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the verdict, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that it may be revealed that his deeds have been done in God.”

John 3:17–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There’s that circular cycle of bondage again. There is also that dire verdict of condemnation that abides on all outside of Jesus Christ. The good news is that we’ve all really been set free.

For freedom Christ freed us. Stand fast therefore and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

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

What do I mean by “we’ve all been set free?”

Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment that sin demanded.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

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

You’re reading this for a reason. If you aren’t a Christian and want freedom from the bondage, it’s an easy thing.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is generous toward all who call upon Him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:8–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

One must first Acknowledge that Jesus is Who He claimed to be, and that He died and rose again. That He is the very same Lord you are calling upon. The next step is to Believe it all to be true. When you acknowledge Him for Who He is, and Believe He is Who He is, then Confess it with your mouth. The promise is there, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” If you are calling on Jesus Christ, the God-man, you will be saved and set free.

What of the Christian who is stuck in a seeming circular cycle of bondage?

It’s the same way for you. Jesus has already given you victory over sin. If you want it, believe it. Confess your sin to Him. Of course, you’re going to have to not present your members to that enslavement. Yes, it may be difficult, but you already have victory. Trust Jesus for that and deny your body what it thinks it wants. The first baby steps will be very hard. It’s just like exercising your muscles. You might have to say no a hundred or more times but keep exercising the ‘no’ muscle.

Always know that Jesus came to set the captives of sin free…

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Luke 4:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In Jesus there is true independence from bondage.

Dependence

Even the very freedom that God gives is an innate acknowledgment that everything we have is dependent upon Him.

“God who made the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands. Nor is He served by men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath and all things. He has made from one blood every nation of men to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord so perhaps they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’

Acts 17:24–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He made it all. Everything we have comes from His hand.

He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of every creature. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell, and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say—whether they are things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:15–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is telling us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is also the firstborn of every creature. Importantly, we see the words that all things were created by Him and for Him. This precludes this First Born from being a simple man, or even a created thing. It demands that He is God, and He is. It’s a simple thing, we are made by Him for Him. And only in Him… This Jesus… do all things hold together.

We are clearly dependent upon Him, even for our freedom.

“Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art or an image of the reflection of man. God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent. For He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 17:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Back to Paul and his speech at the Areopagus. We are the offspring of God, created by Him and for Him. He is not some “bearded white guy in the clouds,” He isn’t the dead man portrayed on the cross on the end of a rosary. He isn’t limited by the vain imaginings of any man.

He commands all to repent! That is, to change their mind and the way they are going. To those who don’t know Jesus, such are condemned already. They can change that.

If you are a Christian and aren’t walking in the Light, change that. That is what is being said. Stop the way you’re going and turn around.

There is an appointed day of judgment for the world. It is a Man, the God-Man Jesus Christ. He will judge the world. The promise is that God raised Him from the dead. Just like cited above “This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:8b–10.)

Celebrate your in-dependence.

The Pursuit of Enlightenment is the Same Old Lie

On By TimIn Apostasy, Last Days, Revelation 09Leave a comment

In those days men will seek death but will not find it. They will desire to die, but death will elude them.

Revelation 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one may buy or sell, except he who has the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name.

Revelation 13:16-17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The smoke of their torment will ascend forever and ever. They have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image and whoever receives the mark of his name.

Revelation 14:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These texts allude to some interesting thoughts if one pays attention to avant-garde research in science.

Since the beginning, the shining one (the serpent, what many scoffers call the talking snake) has seduced humanity with a lie, ‘You shall be as gods.’ What is called the science of evolution furthers the lie, that life evolves upward, and that men are evolving to be better. The occultists and pagans would agree with the sentiments found there. Many of the world’s religions would also agree.

The coming mark the writer of Revelation warns of may be many things. It will probably be an outward mark of allegiance to a man. It also will be necessary to participate in the economy that comes. These things we know from the text, but these ideas could be cursory to what it may also be. When the apostle John speaks of the ‘mark,’ he addresses the dire spiritual implications that befall those who choose to take it. Reading Revelation clearly, one can also see those who take the mark of the beast are no longer able to be saved. Can we infer that this mark alters humans in such a way that they are no longer human?

I think so. Salvation is graciously offered to humans. It is provided by the finished work of a Human Being that lived around 2,000 years ago. His name is Jesus. He lived as a man. He also died as a man, but not a death that was the result of His own sin. He died for the penalty of the sin of all (1 John 2:1-2.) He also rose again, defeating death and nullified its sting (separation from God.) Salvation is only made available by humans, as another human graciously gave of His own blood for that purpose.

Back to the mark.

The first citation above indicates that death will elude those who take the mark. I have glossed over that many times. Given recent advancements in science that include genetic programming and manipulation, it may help us to examine what that may entail.

It is possible (and somewhat common practice) to snip a portion of DNA from one organism and insert it into another. It is not necessary that the organisms be related in the way we think of that idea. This practice is called a genetic modification. (The resulting organisms fit the definition of chimeras.) Gene therapy is a burgeoning new world of genetic modification that founds new therapies in the field of medicine. The dream of many in the fields of such biotechnologies is to extend the length and quality of human life. Genetic engineering is exploring novel ways at achieving this.

There is also another branch of science that would work inside the body, modifying it in real-time. This field of exploration is nanotechnology. This involves placing tiny machines inside our bodies to perform specific functions. It can also include a way of modifying existing cells to operate like customized machines that can be manipulated to perform specialized tasks, think it like programming tiny computers for a certain task. The goal is to use these machines inside of our bodies to augment us.

It is conceivable that this coming mark could offer some of these technologies. Perhaps it will be introduced not just as a way to buy and sell or show allegiance… But may include some way to combat the effects of aging and disease. In a way, it would be effective at delaying or even preventing death. In essence, it would alter humans to become like gods. It sounds too good to be true. The faint stench of sulfur seems to surround the idea. It is the ultimate deception culminating from that first one… The lie from the serpent ‘you shall be as gods.’ Like his intent then, the inference would be made that God is keeping something from us… Immortality.

Look further at the linked image below. You see the alleged seven Kundalini Chakras overlaid on the Caduceus. The intertwined serpents around that center rod is a modern symbol used to signify a field of medical science. The winged image on top of it is the winged-sun disk. (These symbols can be researched further if you like.)  I want to draw attention to those intertwined serpents, note the double-helix design. It brings to mind the modern depictions of the construction of the DNA strand.

The long pursuit of humans who are beguiled by the lie… Is to be like gods. The scientific mantra is that humans are evolving to be better suited for their environs. There are some who even want to further this evolution in a self-directed fashion. It used to be called eugenics, but for the sinister implications of that word, it is no longer used… Though the ideas behind it are alive and well.

As the deception is ever increasing, the serpent subtly alters what God says and does in his mimicry of the Most High. That is, he copies what God has already done after his own sinister ways. This is about the shining one wanting to make humans after his image, and creation after his will. The coming deception seems to be based on the very first one, you shall be as gods. Maybe this mark will offer an alteration in humans, or better said, an augmentation that makes the ones having it substantially more impervious to death.

Could it be, that those who take that mark which may include technologies designed to augment humanity become altered in their DNA… That is, ultimately making them different than humans?

The Bible clearly states those who take the mark shall not be saved. In other words, they are not eligible for the blood propitiation offered freely to all by Jesus.

Some others offer even more speculation… That a ‘third strand’ of DNA can be added in the middle of the double helix. Look again at the Staff of Caduceus. Look at what is hidden in plain sight. Also consider the Kundalini pursuit of enlightenment that is superimposed upon it. Everything is spiraling upward toward god. In this case, god would be the sun god signified by the winged sun disk.

It’s something to think about. Either way… Don’t fall for the age-old lie.

Don’t take that mark.

Round and Round We Go

On By TimIn Apologetics, Romans 01Leave a comment

That is… Without God and a firm foundation for truth claims.

I have just recently encountered this truth claim from an avowed naturalistic atheist.

empiricism defines everything that is objective and everything that we can physically experience.

At face value, this person is making an objective statement. However, the conclusion of the matter addressed in the statement is telling us that objectivity is outside of science. It can be proven this way: The above statement is expected to be taken as objective, therefore it is imperative to have empiricism to define the statement because allegedly empiricism defines everything objective. Yet there is not any empiricism provided or available that defines that statement.

Such a truth claim fails because of the circularity.

As to empiricism defining everything… Where is the empiricism that defines love? Where is the empiricism that defines anger or even altruism?

I do not think there is even any empiricism that demonstrates the purpose of such things, let alone being able to define them scientifically.

I do feel a bit of pity for such an irrational and untenable view of reality. It cannot be sustained without borrowing the objectivity from God, in the same breath they use to mock Him. Such an idea belies that no critical thinking has been applied to what they believe is real is really real.

God says it this way:

Claiming to be wise, they became fools.

Romans 1:22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Wouldn’t we think it unreasonable to operate with such delusion and tell others it is real?

Seek the Peace of the City

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Jeremiah 291 Comment

Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

Jeremiah 29:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Where is it that Jehovah has planted you?

It could be for a small season, or many seasons. In whatever place you find yourself, pray for the peace of that city. Pray to the Lord for it. As He promises peace to you while you sojourn there.

Don’t Run and Hide

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Jeremiah 23, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

Am I a God who is near, says the Lord, and not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I do not see him? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.

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

We all have a tendency to hide in shame from God. Adam and Eve did it. But Who came to find them?

When we consider that it was God Who sought them out in their self-made condition, He called to them, not because He didn’t know where they were or what had happened.

When they finally came out from hiding in their shame, God asked why. It wasn’t because He didn’t know. It was God from the beginning restoring what was lost. He came to them reconciled, wanting them to be reconciled to Him. He educed a confession of sin from both of them.

It’s the predicament of humanity. We lose our focus on God and get sidetracked… Often entering into flagrant rebellion against Him. It’s not unprecedented. In such situations, the shame of sin keeps us from God. We want to cover ourselves and hide.

God is always near. His nearness is not something to make us uncomfortable. On the contrary, it is that we need to know as the psalmist did. If God counted our iniquities against us, who could stand? (Psalms 130:3-4.)

He doesn’t want us hiding. He wants us to enjoy His presence, much the same way Adam and Eve did. He sent His Own Unique Son to ensure that. If sin gets in the way of that relationship between us and God, it’s because we (and the enemy) keep an account. 1 John 1:9 teaches us that we can run to God, not in shame but boldness. We can confess the iniquity and be restored.

You really cannot run and hide. Remember that. You wouldn’t be alive if He was counting your iniquities against you.

Far Greater than Anything the Enemy Has

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Ephesians 06Leave a comment

For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Our enemies are not people who abuse, use and destroy us. Our enemies are spiritual. Jesus gave us the authority to trample these.

Our daily devotions in El Salvador were from Ephesians, and there was a little nugget that clearly shined in this portion.

As part of our lifelong walk, we are to take up the whole armor of God. It’s not a daily task to put on the armor… Put it on and never take it off. Comport your life in such a way that you walk in the protection of it daily.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We take that sword of the spirit… It is an offensive weapon. But clearly understanding the idea of “sword” here, this is a shorter sword. It isn’t a long spear, but a sword that is used in close-quarters combat. In other words, short-distance warfare. This is better perceived as intimate relational engagement.

In the Scriptures between these two offered… Taking up the armor, and taking the sword; we also glean information about the enemy’s weapons of warfare. These are fiery darts. One cannot help but to see the implication that these are fired from a distance. They are “distance weapons.” We can quench these with a shield of faith. (Again, we do see that our defense is in “close-quarters.”)

So how is it that the only overtly offensive weapon we seem to have is for intimate use while the enemy assails us with a distance weapon?

How do we have a chance in such battles?

There is the seventh piece of armor that many overlook. It is also a distance weapon that is far greater than anything the enemy has…

Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Prayer is not only for us, to help stave off those fiery darts, but it is for us to enter into the battle for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Each of us has our blindsides… But together, praying with all prayer and supplication for all saints… We present a formidable edifice. That is the church,. The one thing that the gates of Hell cannot prevail over.

Rejoice! Praise God! Willfully enter the foray of the battle if not for yourself, but for another! Together, by the power and authority of Jesus, we trample of serpents and scorpions.