Faithful on Fridays Blog

God is about to give a deposition of sorts in these verses; what’s His testimony?

“Gather to Me My faithful ones, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice!”

There’s an appointed time called Judgment Day, The Day of the Lord, That Day, The Day of Christ, and the Day of His Coming when God will instruct the angels to bring in the spiritual harvest. I harmonized or combined the two passages where Jesus encouraged us,

Then will the sign of the Son of Man appear in heaven that makes all the families of earth mourn, and they’ll see Him coming on clouds with great power and great glory. He’ll send out His angels with a loud trumpet call gathering His elect from the four winds, from the ends of earth and heaven. Matt. 24:30-31, Mark 13:26-27

Those who have been cleansed by Jesus’ blood will be gathered, whether alive or dead, to Him in righteousness. God made a requirement of blood in the beginning, since life is in the blood (Lev. 17:11), and those who have faith in Him meet that requirement.

“Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.” 

Verses 7-13 continue God’s deposition to His chosen people, you and me, to shema: hear, listen, and obey. He’s not mad at them, He required a burnt offering with blood, but He’s not pleased with the attitude behind it. God doesn’t simply want us to fulfill a duty, but to have an attitude of gratitude. Everything already belongs to Him, He created it and owns it, and doesn’t need a thing. He’s bringing correction to His people and we’d better listen. Any good father disciplines or teaches his children right and wrong and God’s no different. It’s for our good that we analyze our actions done in His name and the motive behind it. Why do you read your Bible, go to Church and a small group, or help the poor and needy? What’s your motive? So people can see you, think what a great person are, that you’re so spiritual? Maybe a spiritual EKG is in order.

Asaph closes this first half of the deposition with these promises (vs. 14-15),

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.

The bottom line? He loves you, desires your fellowship, and offers assurance that He’ll be there for you. A sacrifice is when you give up something, for something of higher value. Don’t keep your fear, anger, depression, or other emotion, sacrifice or replace it with thanksgiving and trust Him to bring you through to the other side. 

Did Asaph overhear David’s urging?

I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing. 2 Samuel 24:24b

Self-dependent or God-dependent … it’s a small price to pay.

Understanding the Mysteries

Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old. Matt.13:52 

Jesus liked parables. When He asked His disciples if they understood the stories their answer was ‘yes’. Now, they undoubtedly didn’t understand, but didn’t want the others to think they were less spiritual so they all said, “yeah, we get it.” 

How often do we read something in Scripture we don’t understand and bypass it instead of admitting our lack of understanding? Thankfully, that’s the purpose of Bible teachers, however, we have to be disciples as well, trained learners of His Word, when bringing understanding to others. Big assignment, daunting, really.

Parables are short stories whose purpose is to use the lower and upper story technique. Jesus told lower stories that were easy to understand and relevant to the culture, but had an upper story, a spiritual truth, thrown alongside. They use metaphors, imagery, and lots of comparisons to drive home a point. Some are long and some are only one sentence, but with the greatest Teacher of all time they always contain power for living.

Jesus typically began His story by saying something like this, “The kingdom of heaven is like …” and then told a story. He wanted His listeners to understand that by trusting in Him as Savior there’s a victorious life that’s unavailable to an unbeliever. It’s a higher life that looks the same on the outside, but on the inside is full of joy and peace through the Holy Spirit. Living in the kingdom is living with God on the throne, under His rule and reign, and doing life His way. His ways are always better, we find that out as we mature in faith, but submitting to His ways is a progressive walk in the Spirit. 

Believers share an important desire; we all want to learn from Jesus.

Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30

Our goal for the next few weeks is to become better disciples, learning His divine lessons as we study His Words in a few parables. 

“It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.”  John 6:45

My teaching is not Mine but His who sent Me. John 7:15

Allow me the privilege of bringing some treasures, old and new gems, from my storeroom of study as the Spirit of God shares His secrets with me.

For you can all prophesy, one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged. 1 Cor. 14:31

God’s Word always brings encouragement.

Living during the time of King David, Asaph was crucial in worship leadership at the Ark in Jerusalem. His name means ‘gatherer’ and he had many duties as a Levite; he was responsible for all aspects of the Ark, led the order of service, may have served as security, maintained the general duties, but also, he was a singer, musician, poet, and prophet. Asaph, specifically chosen by King David, was quite valuable to the ministry. Listen to his words:

The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to it’s setting. Vs. 1

This prophetic writer declared right from the start that Israel’s God is all-powerful as He daily speaks and commands the earth. Did you ever wonder what God does all day? He’s communicating with the earth for us! He’s maintaining creation, making sure our earth stays on it’s axis, rotates and revolves around the sun, and so much more. He’s making sure our needs are met, providing a good life for us until we join Him in the final Kingdom enjoying eternity with Him.

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Vs. 2

From where does God fulfill all His promises? We would answer heaven, of course, but Asaph gives us more revelation: Zion. This Hebrew name refers to the place of God’s manifested or revealed glory (shekinah) which shines for all mankind. It was a lower story in the Tabernacle and Temple, but it’s the upper story or spiritual sense of God’s presence which is perfect or complete beauty. This word picture conjures up images in our minds of whatever we think is absolute, breathtaking beauty. It stimulates our imaginations in order to worship Him more effectively. Personally, I think of Rev. 4 where the Throne Room is pictured for us full of light, beauty, and activity.

Our God comes; He does not keep silence; before Him is a devouring fire, around Him a mighty tempest. Vs. 3

Jesus is coming again, not like the first time in silence and humility, but with pomp and circumstance, an impressive display of grandeur, exciting celebration, and attracting the attention of all. On That Day He’ll be surrounded by fire and tornado winds; no one will be able to miss it. 

He calls to the heavens above and to the earth that He may judge His people. Vs. 4

This aspect of ‘judging’ referring to believers, His people, is not a guilty verdict, but ruling leadership; He’ll lead His people back to Eden, the place of delight, for all eternity. 

… and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire … when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 2 Thes. 1:7a, 10

That’s Asaph’s point; God fulfilling every promise.

Mysteries of God

Part Three

Preaching and teaching are empowerment gifts given by the Spirit to bring about spiritual growth. They’re methods of communication; pastors and teachers imparting what they’ve learned about God known to their listeners and He’s faithful to reveal His wisdom and knowledge as they seek Him.

But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 1 Cor. 2:7

Paul was clearly a preacher/teacher who knew the Scriptures and desired to make his thoughts known. He explained to us in Ephesians that the Spirit revealed the mystery of both Jews and Gentiles being fellow heirs of God’s promises (Eph. 3:3-6) and that was only the beginning.

Paul said to the Corinthians that it was for our glory. When a Bible teacher searches out a matter and communicates the richness of His Word to his/her listeners or readers there’s a reputation of honor and good character: that’s glory. 

It is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings is to search things out. Pv. 25:2

What things?

But as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 1 Cor. 2:9-10

God has prepared things for those He loves, they are deep, rich, and searchable but they require revelation by the Holy Spirit. When we spend time searching the scriptures, praying, and fellowshipping with God He’s faithful to tell us some secrets.

Remember, Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven,” Matt. 13:11a

Again, what things?

• The mystery of the gospel of Christ: Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected for your redemption. Eph. 6:19, Col. 4:3

• The mystery of His Presence living in us. Col. 1:26-27

• The mystery of hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge found in Christ who lives in us and fills us. Col. 2:2-3, 10

• The mystery contained in the prophetic writings, revealed through the preaching of Jesus Christ, that brings about obedience of faith. Rom. 16:25-27

• The secret of facing all trials in life: His strength infused into me. Phil. 4:12-13

• The mystery of faith and godliness. 1Tim. 3:9, 16

• A partial hardening of Israel and her salvation: Rom. 11:25

• Christ and the Church pictured as husband and wife. Eph. 5:32

• And last, but certainly not least, the mystery of God’s will to unite all things in heaven and on earth when Jesus returns at the fullness of time as we know it.

If this teaching doesn’t ignite you to hear good preaching, learn from good teachers, and study His Word for yourself, I don’t know what will. If you seek, you will find. If you knock, the mysterious door will open.

In closing this message, Jesus’ kid brother, in humility at being part of the physical family of Messiah, and unquestionably taught the Old Testament throughout his life, realized his privilege of writing to the Church, not taking his responsibility for granted.   

His warnings are based on the Scriptures Jesus taught him as they grew up together, mentioning the ungodly people of Egypt, fallen angels, Sodom and Gommorah, Cain, Balaam, and Korah comparing them to one who walked with God: Enoch. This end-time book gives us many examples of the ungodly actions of people who aren’t filled with the Spirit, and yet reminding us of a Spirit-filled life assured of God’s mercy and love to help others. He’s ready to complete his one message with words of praise and glory to his Savior, Jesus Christ: it’s a doxology.

Verses 24-25 begin with the word ‘now’; it’s not a timing word of the present ‘now’ as much as it is a reminder that we’re in an in-between time, living as the circle of life moves toward completion, and what we know as the present becomes the future. Since there are two advents or comings of Christ, Jude makes it clear by using this specific word for now to point us to the second coming. That’s undoubtedly why the Church Fathers placed this book right before Revelation.

Jesus is the only One who has the ability (dynamic power) to keep us from slipping into sin or going in reverse; He will guard and keep, but not control us, since we have the ultimate choice or freewill. His desire is to present us blameless, unblemished with sin, to the Father on Judgment Day proving our justification by His blood. We can stand before God redeemed and without fear of punishment. 

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight. 2 Peter 3:14

This will bring Jesus much joy, not simply happy, but an exuberant, singing and dancing, jumping and twirling joy, with piercing exclamations of Halleluia! The Bridegroom is reunited with His Bride, we’re back in Eden, the garden of delight and eternity continues in ways we cannot fathom. Those truths apparently drove Judah to exclaim four aspects of our Lord: glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. 

Glory recognizes the worth of Christ, 

majesty, His greatness, 

dominion, His power, might, and strength, and 

authority, only Jesus is authorized to act on our behalf.

As we live in the interim between the first and second comings of Christ, Judah encourages and warns us to watch how we think and therefore, act. We can experience the future as present. He’s our God who’s before time, present, and forever, the closing words, and we are one with Him. Amazing.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Mysteries of God: Part Two

God had a unique connection with Moses, which he proved to his siblings Aaron and Miriam during their wilderness journey. They heard God’s own voice from the cloud:

“Hear My words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses. He is faithful in all My house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD.” Num. 12:6-8a

That special relationship was unheard of in the Old Testament: face to face with God? It was a secret, intimate bond that was a foreshadow of our opportunity to be mysteriously intimate with God as well. His Spirit speaks to us today, clearly, not in riddles anymore, when we develop that friendship with Him. However, Moses didn’t begin in an intimate way … it grew over time. Listen to his lack of confidence toward his calling and God’s reassurance that’s it’s not about him:

“Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since You have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?” Ex. 4:10-11

The fellowship Moses and God enjoyed wasn’t based on eloquence or powerful words; it was based on a trusting, covenant love. God desired companionship with man, a type of oneness, and He was willing to descend to our level to enjoy it.

The most profound mystery of God, in my estimation, is this truth.

… the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col. 1:26-27

What I’m saying is this; you have access to a relationship with the God of all creation if you’re a believer. You join an intimate circle of friends to whom God tells His secrets. Seriously?

The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant. Ps. 25:14

The Hebrew word for friendship points to secret counsel, revealing His mysteries to those who stand in awe of Him: that’s what’s meant by fear. Jesus clearly taught that kingdom living was a secret He would explain only to believers; that’s why He taught in parables (Matt. 13:10-17; Mark 4:10-12). We can now understand spiritual truths and live by them.

But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Matt. 13:16

You have a unique opportunity to be friends with God; don’t miss it, plan on it, and spend time with Him. He loves you and eagerly waits to hear from you.

This has been a sobering message so far because Jesus was serious about our being ready for His return. When He walked this earth His words were often encouraging His followers to be different from the world in order to live the higher life in Him. Jude’s message echoes much of what He said. Jesus prayed right before going to the cross,

I have given them Your Word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John 17:14-16 ESV

In verses 17-19 Jude wrote to the people he loved, fellow Christ-followers, that we ‘must’ remember what we’ve been taught; there’s a sense of urgency in his words. What’s so critical that they, and us, should remember? “In the last times” was his phrase; time as we know it is drawing to a close and we need to be on guard for strategies the enemy uses to draw us away from God. He goes on to show the contrast of ‘worldly people’ and ‘spiritual people’; even now the difference is obvious because of the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer.

He turns the corner of warning in verses 20-23 and begins to give us or own strategies for the end times; this is our calling as he wrote in the beginning of the message. First of all, build yourself up in faith, read and study God’s Word, stay in daily prayer, and regularly attend a church that preaches Jesus. Keep reminding yourself of God’s love, even when the trials of this life pressure you; there’s a heavenly eternity waiting for you. 

Then, show God’s mercy to others, especially the doubters. There are many who have a hard time believing God because their outward circumstances make them think God doesn’t care. He does. Encourage them, speak hope and life to them, and if necessary, rescue them from the fire they find themselves in. That’s love and that’s mercy. We can literally snatch, the Greek word is where we get harpoon, them from their fiery trials by telling them the truth in love.

Finally, we’re told to hate, not people, but Satan and his evil demons who continue to tempt and successfully lead people away from God’s higher life in the Spirit and into works of the flesh (Gal. 5:16-26). Hating means to be fierce and radical against the devil, not people, in other words, hate the sin, yet ‘love the sinner’. I’m thankful for churches, however, not everyone will attend one, but they might listen to a podcast, YouTube video, or read a short blog. I encourage you to encourage others by sharing messages that have touched your heart; who knows, maybe you’ll do some ‘snatching’ of your own!

Mysteries of God: Part One

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Cor. 4:1

What makes a good mystery? Solving a riddle, a whodunit, questions to answer and problems to solve? Christian teaching may baffle us, elude our understanding, yet we are taught that we are stewards, in management positions, of the mysteries or secrets of God’s grace.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace … 1 Peter 4:10

The spiritual grace-gifts, charismata, are given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of building up and encouraging each other. Good managers are consistently growing in the knowledge of Christ and His teachings to strengthen ourselves and others. Whether you’re a family leader, participate in a small group, teach or preach to others, you should faithfully grow in your understanding of the mysteries of God.

What mysteries?

Think about these: God is a trinity, three persons, one God, how’s that possible? Jesus resides in heaven beside His Father but is also in us (Col. 1:27). Pause and reflect on that nugget. 

Or these: We have free will but God is also sovereign, Satan used his free will to defy God before sin entered the world, or the Father and Jesus are one (John 17:21). Really? Those are  samples of mysterious truths the Bible teaches; sometimes they’re beyond our understanding, even unsearchable, but other times we’re told we can understand them. 

And when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parables. And He said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God but for those outside everything is in parables.” Mark 4:10-12

Believers in Jesus Christ are given a special dispensation of understanding God’s mysteries, not all of them, but certainly some of them. Paul used this word twenty one times so we know it’s important.

… making known to us the mystery of His will, Eph. 1:9

… how the mystery was made known to me by revelation … When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, … This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs … and to bring to light to everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God … Eph. 3:3a, 4, 6a, 9a

By sheer definition mysteries are to be kept secret since they are often concealed from some but revealed to others. That’s part of the role of the Holy Spirit; He reveals truth to believers in order to help us grow in Him.

As we dig into this topic my prayer for you is:

… that your hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 2:2-3

After studying the first thirteen verses it’s no surprise that preachers don’t base many sermons on this book; it’s kinda depressing. And yet God chose Jesus’ brother to send this warning message, reiterating much of what Jesus taught, to the churches. Matthew (24:36-44) and Mark (13:33-37) record some serious forewarnings of Jesus given to His disciples about His return: stay awake, be ready. Luke wrote,

Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.

Luke 21:34-35

Jude 14-19 sends a similar message describing the ‘ungodly’ or ‘those people’ he mentioned earlier. Interestingly, there was an apocalyptic or end-times Book of Enoch being circulated, an ancient Hebrew writing about demons, giants, and angels that influenced Jude. He referred to these writings confirming what he’d undoubtedly heard Jesus teach: there’s a final judgment of evil coming called That Day. Does a believer have to worry or be fearful about what happens on That Day? No. Jesus took our punishment on Himself so we have only reward in our future. Who gets judged? Those people, those who have stood in rebellion and refused to acknowledge their sin before God. Someone must be punished for your sin, either Jesus or you take it on yourself. It’s a no-brainer for me, but not for everyone.

The Book of Enoch wasn’t included in the Bible due to some of it’s content, however, Jude recognized the value of some of it (vs. 14-15) as he records a courtroom scene for us to imagine. The Lord comes with thousands of angels to convict and execute judgment on all the ungodly sinners. He wouldn’t be a ‘just God’ if He let some off the hook; all must stand before Him as He calls to account their words and deeds against Him. Maybe it doesn’t seem fair to you, 

… but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God.

Romans 5:8-9

It is fair. 

As you read the descriptions of those people in verses 10-16, grumblers, complainers, following sinful desires, and using flattery to get what you want, ungodly behavior, it helps us remember how a Christian does NOT behave. We must take these warnings of the apostles to heart remembering that in the last days, now, my friends, the culture will mock our faith calling evil good without the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to guard our hearts from the ‘influencers’ and make a stand for what’s right with the Holy Spirit.

… I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:21

Being forewarned is being forearmed.

Increase our Faith

While visiting White Sox Spring Training my husband and I enjoyed watching the team prepare for the season. We observed the players stretching, running, batting, and catching. The team is strengthening and sharpening their skills for the big games ahead. I think if you would ask each one, “Would you like to increase your skills?” the answer would undoubtedly be, “Of course. Why do you think we spend months here in training? We want to improve and it takes hard, sometimes monotonous, work developing skill.” 

The apostles were also stretching, running, batting, and catching, not in the lower story, but in a spiritual way: the upper story. I know that’s true because they declared to Jesus in Luke 17:5, “Lord, increase our faith!” When your faith in God’s promises are being stretched, when you feel like you’re running through life, when you’re batting the devil’s balls instead of standing strong deflecting them, or even if you’re catching some here and there; do you want to increase your faith for the big game? If you’re a child of God, I know you do. The funny thing about the apostles’ comment is the context of the statement. Jesus had just spoken to them about forgiveness. 

So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” Luke 17:3, 4 

Don’t you cringe when you read verses like that? “Really Lord? Doesn’t that make me a doormat? Why don’t you deal with him/her? I didn’t do anything wrong! Why should I have to forgive? He should change!”

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. ” Mark 11:24, 25 

God is speaking to you. “Lord, increase my faith,” we say, and God answers, “OK, (does God really say OK?) forgive him/her … again.” Come on, man, not again! Yes, again. When your favorite team is training they don’t throw the ball once and they’re done for the day. They repeatedly throw and catch with their teammates. They hit the balls over and over again with their teammates. Did you get that? We’re in this game together. We’ll sometimes miss the throw, sometimes strike out, but we continue our training, stretching our faith, running the bases, increasing our endurance, and all the other sports metaphors you can think of. Jesus’ point is unmistakeable. 

… forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:37b-38

Hit it out of the park today!