Paneas and The Gates of Hell

On By TimIn Matthew 16, Nephilim2 Comments

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

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

Most of us are laser-focused on the question asked. That’s for a good reason. But there is a context here that is quite lost in modern times.

Jesus and His disciples came into the region of Caesarea Philippi. In the modern day, it is called the Golan Heights. Jesus will use a phrase a bit later in the account that will tell us exactly the location. (For a refresher, take time and read Matthew 16:13–28. This will help avoid spoiler alerts.)

The Gates of Hell

This location was home to a place called the Grotto of Pan. We have a “Disney-fied” idea of Pan, and a bit of poking around that may surprise some. The Grotto of Pan is a place called Paneas in the Greek and Banias in recent days. It was a town occupied for nearly 2,000 years until destroyed in the Six-Day War. The grotto is at the foot of Mt. Hermon.

It is the place from where hell is defended. You know who the goat-man Pan is.

Mt. Hermon

This is the place of infamy. The Bible often uses this particular mountain as the one that opposes the Mountain of God in Jerusalem. This is the place where angels fell and came down to Earth.

I’ve dropped hints before about fallen angels. There is much to tell, and much to write. I’ve neglected that not quite knowing how to organize my thoughts. Thanks for indulging me.

Anyway, Genesis 6:4–6 clearly tells us something terrible happened in pre-flood times. The important point, angels left heaven and took human wives. They created a hybrid race the Bible calls Nephilim (among other names.) These have more familiar names from other cultures. In Greek, these were the famed Titans.

Rabbit Trail Alert

Has it ever made you wonder why our society is enamored with ancient Greek culture?

Students read The Iliad in the first year of high school. It serves as a sort of primer. The Greek alphabet is memorized. Clubs that mirror secret societies are introduced. Greek terms are preferred in science. Western education systems are Greek in nature. Colleges have Greek culture normalizing the acceptance of exclusive groups with secrets. There are even full-blown secret clubs reserved for a select few.

This could just be a coincidence. Or it could be the subtle trail of the gods of this world (Titans) and how they plan to come back.

Some 50 years ago, the public was introduced to the flying saucer. It invaded many aspects of society. Then fringe stories of abductions came. As time progressed, these accounts increased many times over. Pop culture tells you these are our “sky brothers.” Some scientists believe life on this planet was seeded by other beings (they understand life comes from life.) The acronym UFO has been changed to UAP (Unidentified Arial Phenomenon.) Deftly moving it from the woo-woo into reality. The US has just recently shot down an unidentified object.

Recall a lot of the motion pictures and other entertainment of the last few decades. Then think of these Nephilim as augmented humans (human+angel) and not just as hybrids. These could easily be considered superheroes. Disney’s Hercules introduced your children to that idea 25 years ago. Since then, we have the gamut of both the DC and Marvel universes splashed on giant screens in darkened immersive cinemas.

These children grew up on this constant diet, and many love to cosplay. They dress like these characters, even completely parroting what they see on screen.

It looks like planned desensitization… Because it is. The idea is to normalize someone coming down to augment humanity.

For this Bible and prophecy nerd, I know augmented humanity is already a thing. The richest folks in the world are spending their money on furthering this science in hopes of achieving immortality. Think of the old lie, you shall be as Gods.

The enemy has plans. Plans to make humans after himself. He needs the numbers, as his side is severely outnumbered two-to-one (not counting God, of course.)

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)

The enemy’s plan from the beginning is to delude humanity with the lie. Eve wanted the augmented knowledge the fruit gave. Humanity continues to stumble in that direction.

Back to Mt. Hermon

Some say that the Levant is the location of the garden of Eden. Mt. Hermon is a part of that place. My speculation is that Mt. Hermon is the place where Adam ate. It’s the place where the angels came down and augmented humanity. What is not my speculation is that it is the place of the gates of hell. Gates are defensive… They keep the bad guys outside, stopping an invasion.

I want you to think about how important understanding Paneas is. This is the place of warfare in which we are engaged. This is where the warning shot was given by Jesus.

One last thought, J.M. Barrie desensitized the world to Pan. He wrote Peter Pan. Perhaps the name of that character is a subtlety to point to the question Jesus asked Peter right here. “Who do you say I am?”

The Gates are being crashed! All know God wins! If you didn’t, you do now.

Forever Perfected

On By TimIn Encouragement, Jeremiah 02, SalvationLeave a comment

Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus says the Lord: I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your espousals, when you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. Israel is holy to the Lord,
and the first fruits of His harvest.
All who eat of it will become guilty;
disaster will come upon them,
says the Lord.

Jeremiah 2:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Just a late night thought…

This was part of my reading tonight. I find it fascinating. There’s a bit of a deeper idea there. Can you find it?

Here is what I saw.

Jeremiah tells us that God remembers the kindness of the youth of a relationship. It is spoken of with tenderness. It happened after the Exodus and before taking the land.

We all know that story. We, like Israel, take that first step of faith and follow God out of bondage. He miraculously draws us out of our old life into His new.

Like Israel, our faith struggles. Yet, still God understands. He acknowledged the espousals. Those are the words of agreeing to the Covenant and following with building and furnishing the tent of assembly. We know the nation did not want to hear from God, and chose to hear from a mediator Moses. They also made a golden image and worshipped it.

God sweetly remembers this time. In spite of it being real messy. We ought to do likewise.

For the law is a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of those things. It could never by the same sacrifices, which they offer continually year after year, perfect those who draw near.

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

The writer of Hebrews is making the case that Jesus is better than everything else. In this text he is speaking of the remedies for willful sin available under that covenant law of old. The reading is quick, I will summarize some.

There were remedies in the law, but had to be done routinely. The writer makes the point that Jesus died once. As he continues, we see clearly that the hound of heaven, that conviction of sin can still come to any believer.

The one offering that Jesus made forever perfected those who are sanctified.

We can trust our God, that sanctified believers are forever perfected. If we mess up, we can still trust Him.

Just as the Israelites were sanctified (set apart) by passing through blood on the sill and doorposts, we are sanctified through the blood of Christ. It is the day of salvation from the world. It was Israel giving the pattern at The Exodus, leaving the world… To plea the blood. It is the same thing for a believer today. It is the faith that did it, the love of your espousal, as God says. Those sanctified… They are forever perfected.

The writer also conveys the extending of God’s covenant to the believer is simply to not remember their sins at all. He says we have a bold confidence to enter the presence of God. It’s a new and living way, meaning we can confess sin at any time. Draw near to God in faith. Hold firmly to that profession of faith. Encourage other saints and meet with them.

Yeah, that sin still sucks, though. It sucks away life!

Remember the former days, after you were enlightened, in which you endured a great struggle of afflictions. In part you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and afflictions. And in part you became companions of those who were so abused. For you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully endured the confiscation of your property, knowing that you have in heaven a better and an enduring possession for yourselves. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be greatly rewarded.

Hebrews 10:32–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God is telling us to remember the things He remembers. Just as He reminisces over the early days. We ought direct our thoughts there and remember the early days of our own salvation. Compare those things, prayerfully.

Also know, a believer will wander through a wilderness of sin… Some for 40 days, some for 40 weeks. But like Israel, it takes some saints 40 or more years of wandering until they finally come to the land of promise.

No, this isn’t about losing salvation at all. It is an encouragement to stay committed even when the going gets tough. You can start over right now. And enter the land of promise… Peace with a place to serve Jesus.

Jesus Takes Away the Sins of the World

On By TimIn Jesus, John 01Leave a comment

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water: so that He might be revealed to Israel.”

John 1:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In his Gospel, John first introduces us to John the Baptist. John the Baptist then introduces us to Jesus.

The words that John uttered to and about Jesus reveal the truth. Jesus takes away the sins of the world.

Jesus does not take away some of the sins of the world, nor does He take away the sins of some of the world.

Jesus takes away the sins of the world… From Adam to the end.

Who is Like God?

On By TimIn Exhortation, Psalm 113Leave a comment

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God,
who dwells on high, who looks down on the things that are in heaven and on the earth?

Psalm 113:1–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Who, exactly, is like God?

His name is worthy to be praised at all times. There is no power above Him. There is no authority over Him.

But consider that last verse, “who looks down on the things that are in heaven and on the earth(.)”

Another translation puts it this way:

who ⌊condescends to look at⌋ what is in the heavens and in the earth?

Psalm 113:6 — W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

We start to see a hint as to what is really happening. The note for the bracketed phrase in that translation says the meaning of it is “makes low to see.”

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Psalm 113:6 — The Holy Bible: King James Version

The translators of the King James see clearly what is happening. The exclamation point tells us to pay attention.

The idea given is that any time that God deals with His creation, whether in heaven or earth, He humbles Himself. He has to do that. Nevertheless, it is a part of Who He is. He loves His creation so much that He humbles Himself to take part in it.

I want you to keep that point in mind.

He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, even with the princes of His people. He gives the barren woman a dwelling, making her the joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 113:7–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash pit. That’s us. Each of us humans is made from the dust of the ground, and in ourselves, we are condemned in the place of burning. He lifts us out of that to sit with princes!

It gets better. The barren have a place and can bear fruit. Each of us that understands how God has humbled Himself can share that Good News with others, bearing children for the Lord Himself.

But who, exactly, is like God?

Can I say… You and I are. Any time we set aside our own desires to help another, we are like God. For most who do it, it is perceived as small gesture, if even that. Yet each of us can help another with the gifts we have. In that ministry, those others who receive also have opportunity to minister to others, maybe even the one ministering to them!

When we take in a stranger, clothe and feed someone who is homeless… When we lift someone from a place of despair, even if it is only for a moment. In that way, each of us are like God.

This isn’t to make you feel superior in anyway, but just to encourage you to continue helping. It may not be visible to others, but your Heavenly Father has humbled Himself to see it. Just as you had to humble yourself to see the need in others.

And like God ministers to us, we minister back to Him by praise.

Praise the Lord!

Isaiah 9: The People

On By TimIn Isaiah 09, Jesus, ProphecyLeave a comment

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them the light has shined.

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

As we have seen in the previous post, it is the people who walk in darkness that see the great light. This is prophetically speaking, and in a literal sense speaks to the people of the nation of Israel. Yet we see that Galilee is to be the focus of the nations, this prophecy is a pattern. The people that walk in darkness apply to everyone. All of our minds are darkened by the corrupting influence of sin. That is why Paul wrote it this way:

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)

Sin hides the truth. It veils truth. It brings darkness. and because of sin, humanity is in a precarious position that is indicted by impending death. All men dwell in the shadow of death. Hebrews tells us that all men have an inescapable appointment with death.

As it is appointed for men to die once, but after this comes the judgment,

Hebrews 9:27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

After that death comes judgment. That’s the doom and darkness. Yet… That verse ends with a comma indicating the thought is not yet complete.

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who eagerly wait for Him.

Hebrews 9:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the great Light. It’s Jesus! Isaiah is speaking to Him and His work to save all of humanity, first from the certain swift death justice for sin demands. He brings a stay of execution so that anyone may escape judgment.

It’s not just good news for Israelis, but for all men.

The night of the birth of Jesus… The sky erupted with stars. Yes, countless living stars proclaiming the goodness and goodwill. (Biblically, angels, and stars are treated as the same.) Doubtless, you know what happened.

And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night. And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men.”

Luke 2:8–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is good news! A Child is born unto men. But not just any child, One that would bring blessing to all. He would bring peace showing God’s goodwill toward humanity.

That’s the reality of what some celebrate today. The anticipation loaded in Isaiah’s words. The great Light had come and shined on the people, all of them. Even in Isaiah’s time.

Isaiah 9: Galilee

On By TimIn Isaiah 09, Jesus, ProphecyLeave a comment

Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

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

The prophet Isaiah is speaking of a time yet future for his contemporary Israelis. Instead of sending the lands mentioned into captivity, God will restore glory to them. Specifically, Galilee will become the future focal point of the nations of the world. Yet in the time of Isaiah, Galilee was a rather insignificant backwater.

This verse is also the only mention of Galilee in the prophets. In the order of the books in the Old Testament, it is the last reference to the region by the name Galilee.

It was in Galilee where the first sign of Jesus was done. It is considered the moment His Ministry began. That seemingly unnoticed yet long silence demonstrates the insignificance of the region that now commands attention.

Jesus left Galilee and went up to John the Baptist to be baptized. This is where God testified audibly to Who Jesus is. The Spirit testified visually.

As His Ministry grew, those in authority couldn’t help but to take notice. John records this in an interesting way. Those in the authority wanted Jesus arrested.

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?”
The officers answered, “No man has ever spoken like this Man.”
Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? Not at all. This crowd who does not know the law is accursed.”
Nicodemus, being one of them who came to Jesus by night, said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”
They answered him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.”

John 7:45–52 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

At first, it was the religious authorities who didn’t know. One would think that the Pharisees would know their Scriptures, and notice that the attention of the nation is being drawn to Galilee. As Israel is under the rule, that concern would spread to the government of the nations of the world at that time.

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the Man was a Galilean.

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

As with all prophecy, it’s a pattern given to be watchful for a match. That match can appear multiple times and in multiple ways. In this example, Jesus begins His Ministry in Galilee and consequently begins to draw the attention of the world to that region.

When Jesus spoke of His impending death to His disciples, take note of the place where they would go to Him.

But after I have risen, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 26:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Matthew will continue to witness that Jesus is of Galilee.

Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”

Matthew 26:69 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What I am saying is testified to plainly in the Bible. When Peter preached at Cornelius’ house, it’s clear where Jesus started. (The testimony is so good, I will give most of it.)

Then Peter began to speak, saying, “Truthfully, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which He sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, the word, which you know, that was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. “We are witnesses of all that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. But God raised Him on the third day and presented Him publicly, not to all the people, but to witnesses previously chosen by God, to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets bear witness that whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins through His name.”

Acts 10:34–43 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We see the pattern worked, and it expands. Jesus’ Ministry in a temporal body began in Galilee as Peter testifies. Just as Matthew tells us His Ministry in His Resurrected body began in Galilee.

Note some important details Peter introduced. God is no respecter of persons. That there are believers accepted by God from other nations. The disciples are called to deliver the message, that whoever believes in Him will receive not just forgiveness of sin, but remission of the same.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. All the believers of the circumcision who had come with Peter were astonished, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and magnifying God.
Then Peter continued, “Can anyone forbid water for baptizing these, who have received the Holy Spirit as we have?” So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts 10:44–48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They watched as the same Holy Spirit that baptized the Israeli disciples gathered on Pentecost (the inauguration of the church) fall on Gentiles. Gentiles could be Spirit-baptized believers, too.

This is yet another pattern we match back to Isaiah 9:1. And like the last mention of Galilee in the Tanakh, Acts 13 is the last reference to it by name in the New Testament.

Now we know that Galilee will be the gateway of the nations who come in peace to worship God. This pattern started with Jesus and will finish with Jesus. It points to yet a future time (for us) when glory is restored to Israel under the rightful King who will have dominion.

Keep all of this in mind as we move forward.

A Word About Justification

On By TimIn Justification, Romans 05Leave a comment

Words mean things. Let’s look at one.

Justification: Dictionary.com defines justification as “a reason, fact, circumstance, or explanation that justifies or defends(.)” It is the noun form of the word justify.

Justify is defined as “to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit(.)”

With that knowledge, let’s apply that to what Paul says.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 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. Furthermore, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 5:8–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

To some, this passage is often muddied with something called original sin. That is a term loaded with much baggage. It helps to not read that baggage into Romans 5 and take it for what it says.

First, while we were in rebellion, Christ died for us. Paul says we are justified by His blood. We are acquitted and guiltless. That applies to everyone, saved or unsaved. Paul declares that as reconciliation. The reconciliation is in His death.

Then there is this huge implied “but.” Though being reconciled by His death, we are not saved by it. We get salvation from His life.

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)

Paul is clear on the justification. The justification is to life. That is, not guilty of the death which is the penalty for sin. All men that live after they sin demonstrate they have justification of life.

The penalty for sin is the wages of death. All men are free from that. The problem as Jesus said… It is dying in your sins.

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

That is where the canker gnaws. “Unless you believe I am He,” He says. He is the One who justifies us from death and can take your sins away because He lives… You will die in your sins.

Why Not if There’s Safety and Security Today?

On By TimIn 2 Kings 20, JudgmentLeave a comment

Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” And he said, “Why not, if there is peace and security in my days?”

2 Kings 20:19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is just one verse at the end of a long narrative. The word of the Lord that Isaiah spoke to Hezekiah was the doom of certain judgment.

For your own edification read the account from the first verse. It may help to offer insight as to the importance of what is happening.

In the beginning, Hezekiah is told to get his affairs in order as his death is near. He pled with God, and God extends his life for 15 years.

It is when dignitaries arrive from Babylon that things turn a bit sour. Hezekiah shows off. He gives the emissaries a grand tour of the treasures and storehouses.

When Isaiah asks about the visitors of what they wanted and whence they came, Hezekiah says they came from Babylon and were shown everything. The prophetic word given back is that Judah would be led away captive in the future.

Hezekiah’s answer was smug and self-serving. At least as long as Hezekiah reigns, there will be peace. Hezekiah confessed his actions, yes. But he did not confess any wrongdoing by those actions. He certainly showed no concern for the welfare of his progeny, either. In so doing, he ensured their future is dark and bleak.

I cannot help but to think of the United States… No almost every nation in the world. People are more than ever willing to place heavy and demanding burdens on their progeny for a bit of safety and security today.

What I mean is most currencies are debt-based. Like Hezekiah, national leaders cede responsibility by apathy. Central banks loan nations money. You and I pay the interest on the loans by taxes.

It used to be honorable to work and save, passing inheritance to our children. Mindsets changed. People pass on debt and with it slavery. They have themselves become bondservants to debt. That’s been the same deal from the garden where the enemy used deceit to enslave.

It’s the same principle ensuring a dark and bleak future, except we clearly see the danger looming.

Hezekiah was only thinking about himself.

Hezekiah enslaved his progeny and his nation simply because he didn’t confess his wrongdoing. Our nation, nay our world, is hurtling into chaos (by demonic design,) and many live like Hezekiah thinking it’s good enough now.

The entire globe is on the precipice of the culmination of being led off into Babylonian-type captivity. I know this isn’t a rosy outlook. It’s Biblical, though. The Bible told us of these particular tribulations among many more things in advance.

So, what to do?

The first thing is to do what Hezekiah did not do. Get right with God. That’s going to mean different things to different people. But it means having nothing between you and God. If it’s sin, confess it. If it’s not believing… Believe!

Hezekiah did get right with God, but when he stumbled afterward… He failed to confess his sins to God. That’s an important thing. Hezekiah’s actions had grave consequences for others. Those consequences would remain because of his inaction on the matter.

What I do know, is there is a Remedy.

Like Hezekiah in this instance, all people have fallen short somewhere of the standards of doing right. I don’t care how short or how far away any fall is. I know the shortness cannot be made up in our own endeavors. You cannot clean yourself up enough to come to God. And you cannot fix a bright future without God.

But Jesus…

Yes, Jesus shed His own blood for that reason. Jesus covered the shortfall by giving of Himself He did that because each of us needs to be in good standing with God. That would be impossible if there is an impediment between you and God. Jesus obliterated all impediments. He opened the presence of God to any and all that would come, no matter their moral condition.

I also know the rose again. He defeated death resoundingly. And one day, there will be no death.

If you find yourself to be in the predicament of falling short and myopically thinking of numero uno… You can fix it now. It isn’t fancy preacher-type talk. It’s you alone going to God. Acknowledge Jesus is real and is Who He claimed to be. Believe He died for you and your sins, and can forgive them when confessed because He rose again. Confess this out loud to Him. Give to Him your burden of sin by confessing it to Him.

Second… Stay right with God.

My hope and prayer are that anyone reading this has talked to God in that way. For Christians, God is not some old man in the sky. He is a Heavenly Father Who wants many children. Even a child like you… No matter what it is you’ve done. Yeah, even that thing that just blasted into your mind.

God wants you as a child, no matter what it is you’ve done.

Making Faith my Own

On By TimIn 2 Peter 01, Encouragement2 Comments

Begging for a bit of indulgence to deviate slightly in order to demonstrate a life lesson.

I met a young woman named Dinah this weekend. She was with an older friend and coworker named Byron. I had the opportunity to hear both of their testimonies before they were baptized.

Dinah spoke of a sort of coming of age in her own walk with Jesus. She had grown up in a Christian home with Christian parents. She went to church. She prayed. She read her Bible. She had even been baptized before.

But when she went to college, she realized something was missing. She was not going to church. She was not with her parents. Her faith was not her own, but it was her parents. She had gone to church, prayed and was even baptized because that was what was expected of her to do.

She endeavored to make her faith her own.

As questions were posed to her, the answers seemed to be good but there was a subtle vagueness to them. She never had a testimony of responding to an invitation, nor really saying a sinner’s prayer. She did have a testimony of asking God to be real to her and work in her.

When the attention turned to her friend Byron, things become crystal clear. By looks alone, this man seemed to be old enough to be Dinah’s father. He was a coworker.

Byron, knowing Dinah was a Christian asked her to pray for him as he was going through a dramatic and emotional upheaval of his life. She said I can pray for you and sensed he need more than prayer. She told him she would pray for him but said it would be better for him to come to come sit next to her in church.

Byron soon became a Christian. He knows the day he was saved, and two months later was standing in front us ready to be baptized.

As I was listening to all of this, I could not help but to think of Peter’s second epistle. In that writing Peter speaks of distinct groups of people by seemingly similar phrases. The first group are those saved, the ones who escape the corruption of the world and partake of the divine nature. Dinah’s testimony comes in Peter’s words.

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence, by which He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that through these things you might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

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

These are real Christians. They can be babes in the faith or seasoned saints. Nevertheless, these live as a partakers of the divine nature. The divine nature is permanent, and such speaks to the permanence of salvation as a part of the divine nature.

Look at how Peter’s further encouragement to these saints helps us to see the shining Light of Dinah’s testimony.

For this reason make every effort to add virtue to your faith; and to your virtue, knowledge; and to your knowledge, self-control; and to your self-control, patient endurance; and to your patient endurance, godliness; and to your godliness, brotherly kindness; and to your brotherly kindness, love. For if these things reside in you and abound, they ensure that you will neither be useless nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the one who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted because he has forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

2 Peter 1:5–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Dinah did know all of the Christianeze. Yet she also knew something was missing. She also knew she had sinned and fallen short of the perfection God demands. She went to Jesus as He is the only way to escape the certainty of that corruption that comes from those defilements.

In her own youth, it seems she forgot to make her faith her own. She didn’t add virtue to her faith. She didn’t add knowledge to that virtue. There is a chain of things we must add to our faith, which brings us to godliness, brotherly kindness, and love for others.

Dinah had the protection of family and church. It was when she left she realized she missed the fellowship of the Spirit of God, though she never voiced it that way. The reality was clear.

It’s easy to relish in that when we go to church and have a Christian family. The presence of the Holy Spirit is always there. When we become separate from others who have the indwelling Spirit that comes by that faith… If we’ve not matured we sense the emptiness. Sometimes that emptiness comes from not really being a saint. I trust that isn’t the case with anyone reading this, but if it is… It’s quickly rectified by asking Jesus to save you right now. That’s the best way to start.

This neglect of our faith leads to a bit of shortsightedness. It will eventually place the memories of salvation into the far recesses of the mind, only to be forgotten.

Nevertheless, Dinah worked out her own faith. She cried out to Jesus to be real to her. Instead of being useless and unfruitful to God, she had the opportunity to ensure another man was led to Jesus. She was the willing tool God used to bring a radical change in Byron’s life.

Byron’s presence and testimony proved that Dinah was indeed saved and useful to God. She is bearing fruit in her walk with Jesus.

It was an awesome thing to see both of them baptized that morning. There is such a satisfying sweetness in the juxtaposition of a young lady leading an older man to Jesus.

There is that second group of folks Peter also describes.

Although they promise them freedom, they themselves are slaves of corruption, for by that which a man is overcome, to this he is enslaved. For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn back from the holy commandment that was delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog returns to his own vomit,” and “the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mud.”

2 Peter 2:19–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here Peter is talking specifically about the false teacher. He doesn’t have kind words. What is clear from Peter’s writing is that these false teachers have some knowledge of Jesus and the way of righteousness. But they reject it. They turn their back on the Holy command, you must be born again.

These are ones that have a familiarity with the Holy Spirit because they may have grown up in a Christian home or they have even attended church for some time. They’ve read their Bible, sang worship songs and may have even been baptized. In that sense, they escape the defilements… The sins and decadence of the world for a season. They enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit not inside of them, but around them. When they leave those environs these become entangled again in the mess they left. The end is worse for them.

It’s not that they are doomed, but much more unlikely to come to their senses and be born again.

As I am reading this portion of text this morning and thinking of yesterday, I rejoice in Dinah’s repentance. Yes, there was real evidence, not so much as on a certain day she said a certain prayer or responded to a preacher’s pleading. She reached out to God for herself by herself because she knew something was missing and He is the only remedy. He answered her!

For those of you reading this far, if you are a Christian and have neglected your faith, start feeding it. Pray to God, ask for help, and read your Bible. That’s adding virtue. Continued reading and prayer adds knowledge. These things make your faith stronger and a continued exercise of that faith muscle makes a mature believer. One unmovable in faith who truly loves and serves others.

But what if you read this and have gone to church or had Christian parents, but cannot seem to escape the siren call of the decadence of the world that entangles you?

I have one answer. Come to your senses. Stop indulging your flesh, and hang out in that community where the Holy Spirit works. Repent… That means change your mind. Acknowledge that Jesus is right. Believe He is God, that He died to atone for all sins, the sins of the whole world. And confess that aloud to Him.

You can renounce your old way of life. You can take back control of your own life. You can ask Jesus to save you. You can escape the corruption of th world and that comes by lust. But you need Jesus inside of you first. That’s the hint command, you must be born again.

If there is one thing that I am sure of, Jesus can change your life.

If you’re not sure about anything here, and need help… You can send a message via the contact section. Find a Christian friend to listen.

Note: The testimonies are accurate though the names have been changed.

Deceit and Usury

On By TimIn Genesis 031 Comment

Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?”
And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

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

That word deceived. It is the Hebrew word nasha (Strong’s H5377.) The King James Version translates that verb to beguile. Other translations of this primitive word are to impose, seduce, or lead into error.

I think the idea is clear.

Yet, there is an identical Hebrew word nasha (Strong’s H5378.) It means to exact, as in a price or to place under debt. To better understand, it is to lend on usury (charge interest.)

Another lexicon says that the idea conveyed by the word is to give false hopes.

What does that mean for a society that is based on debt instruments?

Almost all modern economies are managed by central banks and loans. Modern money policy is established by usury. Just let your mind wander with all that that entails.

As this is the first usage of nasha in the Bible, it requires attention.

Usury is enslavement.

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

After the law came into existence, usury was considered a sin. It was forbidden (except for a limited case.)

If you lend money to any of My people who is poor among you, do not be a creditor to him, and do not charge him interest. If you take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering; it is his garment for his body. In what else will he sleep? And when he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious.

Exodus 22:25–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I am convinced that usury is the root cause of all suffering on this planet. It started with that first rebellion when the Shining One enslaved Eve.

God doesn’t take kindly to this kind of debt slavery. That’s clear. From another portion of Scriptures, we see the idea in a narrative form. As Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile, the gentry was busy enslaving their brothers.

Now there was a great outcry of the people and their wives against their fellow Jews. Some were saying, “We and our sons and our daughters are many. Therefore, let us acquire grain so that we may eat and live.”
Others were saying, “We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards, and houses so that we might acquire grain because of hunger.”
Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute against the value of our fields and vineyards. Now our flesh is the same as the flesh of our countrymen. Our children are like their children, but we are subjugating our sons and our daughters as servants. Indeed, some of our daughters are in bondage already, and we are powerless to do anything because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”
I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. So I contemplated about this for myself and, as a result, I rebuked the nobles and officials and said to them, “Based on the claim of each against his brother, you are exacting usury.” Then I convened a great assembly against them, and I said to them, “By whatever means we had, we purchased our Jewish countrymen who were being sold to the nations. So, will you once more sell your countrymen so that they might again be sold to us?” Then they kept silent, because they found nothing to answer. Also I said, “What you are doing is not good! Should not you walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? Moreover, I, my relatives, and my servants are loaning them money and grain. So, I urge you, cease from this practice of usury. Please restore to them, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, along with a hundredth part of the money, the grain, the wine, and the oil that you had exacted from them.”

Nehemiah 5:1–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What I find thought-provoking is the actual percentage rate given. It’s 1%. Nehemiah called that usury!

The idea of enslavement by debt instrument is also a theme alluded to by Jesus and Paul.

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

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

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?

Romans 6:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The transaction from the shining one (the serpent) to Eve was a transaction of usury. He indebted her by sin, sin unto death.

What does that mean for us?

Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8 (MEV):

First… Don’t take loans at interest. This is crazy, even for me to think about. Yet I owe, I owe. That’s the part of being enslaved.

The second point is even harder. How many of you save and invest your money hoping to reap a return?

Well, that’s the part of being one who enslaves others. That’s hard enough to hear. But then…

He who by usury and unjust gain increases his substance will gather it for him who will pity the poor.

Proverbs 28:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Clearly, a 1% return is usury and extortion (unjust gain.) And as is clearly being modeled, our modern rigged system benefits the nobles and the gentry, who will have “pity” on the poor. You won’t own anything and will like it, living on the subsidence (basic income) they offer. That’s the promise of the new world order. And it was prophesied centuries beforehand.