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Sunday, September 17, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Focus Point # 7
How many times have the Jews and Arabs "gotten into it?" Who knows? I know I don't, nor do I believe any other human being knows. They've "mixed it up" so many times that I think the general attitude is, "Well, here they go again." They are like two kids constantly fighting and bickering, blaming each other. "You started it." "I did not, you did."
Well, for now, for the present, things seem to be settling down. So let's go back to Genesis and disobedient Cain killing his obedient brother, Abel. Cain, you'll remember, was sent off and away from the Adam and Eve family that was going to produce the Seed that would eventually strike a fatal blow to Satan and his seed. Cain thought for sure some other member of the family would retaliate and knock him off. But God said, "No, that won't happen. But you will move to a new location." And so he did. So the Adam and Eve blood line that would eventually produce the Seed of the woman would continue on.
Incidentally, the most unusual thing about that verse, Gen. 3:15, is that phrase "The Seed of the woman." The woman was rarely, if ever, spoken of as the one who would produce "the seed." In this case the prophecy was right on! It would not be the seed of the father because there was no earthly father. Jesus, the Seed, masculine, singular was virgin born.
Well, again back to Genesis. Satan found out that his plan to nullify that Gen. 3:15 prophecy went "in the tank!" That one-at-a-time plan would never do it. So his next plan was to attack the WHOLE HUMAN RACE!
No doubt, when some of you read what I'm about to tell you, you'll write me off as a real nut case. But let me assure you, my view is held by many very reliable and intelligent Bible scholars. I'm referring to the conditions and circumstances in Genesis chapter 6 that led up to the Flood. I believe some of the fallen angels that were expelled from Heaven, along with Lucifer who became Satan, left that angelic state, became demons and infiltrated the human race in the form of human beings and sexually molested some of the women. The result was they produced almost a super human being called in the Bible "giants." These beings were born, not in the line of Adam, but in the line of Satan himself. Thus, they had no God consciousness which every human being possesses, born of a natural birth.
If Satan could produce a being not out of the Adam and Eve relationship, he would then be successful in nullifying the Gen. 3:15 promise of the "Seed of the woman."
God's answer to that evil, vile demonic attack was that wonderful word we call GRACE. Gen. 6:8, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." So God told Noah to start building an Ark. Build a big boat because someday it would start to rain, which had never happened before. Along with that, He told Noah the Flood would not come for 120 years. God, through Noah, invited folks to go on the boat ride of all boat rides. But they all refused! Reason? They liked the giants! They were big, strong, handsome kids. Parents and grandparents alike were blown away by these new specimens. Remember, this went on for 120 years. And the longer it went, the better they liked it. That was the evil part. The human race became so evil and wicked, that God stepped in, sent the Flood and destroyed?... no, God didn't destroy the human race....HE SAVED IT to again preserve His promised Seed (masculine singular).
I would imagine some will object to these fallen angels, demons who "left their first estate" found in Jude, verse 6, and you'll quote Matt. 22:29-30. "Jesus answered and said unto them, you do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor or given in marriage, but are like the angels of God IN HEAVEN." But whatever you do, don't leave out those two words in verse 30, "in Heaven." These fallen angels were NOT IN HEAVEN, they were on the earth.
One more thing about the days of Noah, Mat. 24:36-38. Just look what they were doing, would you! They were eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. Business as usual. I've done those things, eat, drink, marry, given in marriage and so have you. God didn't send the Flood because of the eating and drinking. The problem was the marrying and the giving their children in marriage. They were fascinated with that giant business! They showed total apathy - "We don't care what God thinks." Now that's 2006 for sure. And it will be again just prior to the Second Advent when Jesus returns as the King of Israel. With all of the wars, death and sufferings during the Great Tribulation....it will be total apathy.
So, Satan was foiled again. He tried to destroy the human race BUT GOD saved it and preserved that ROYAL LINE for the coming King.
Well, for now, for the present, things seem to be settling down. So let's go back to Genesis and disobedient Cain killing his obedient brother, Abel. Cain, you'll remember, was sent off and away from the Adam and Eve family that was going to produce the Seed that would eventually strike a fatal blow to Satan and his seed. Cain thought for sure some other member of the family would retaliate and knock him off. But God said, "No, that won't happen. But you will move to a new location." And so he did. So the Adam and Eve blood line that would eventually produce the Seed of the woman would continue on.
Incidentally, the most unusual thing about that verse, Gen. 3:15, is that phrase "The Seed of the woman." The woman was rarely, if ever, spoken of as the one who would produce "the seed." In this case the prophecy was right on! It would not be the seed of the father because there was no earthly father. Jesus, the Seed, masculine, singular was virgin born.
Well, again back to Genesis. Satan found out that his plan to nullify that Gen. 3:15 prophecy went "in the tank!" That one-at-a-time plan would never do it. So his next plan was to attack the WHOLE HUMAN RACE!
No doubt, when some of you read what I'm about to tell you, you'll write me off as a real nut case. But let me assure you, my view is held by many very reliable and intelligent Bible scholars. I'm referring to the conditions and circumstances in Genesis chapter 6 that led up to the Flood. I believe some of the fallen angels that were expelled from Heaven, along with Lucifer who became Satan, left that angelic state, became demons and infiltrated the human race in the form of human beings and sexually molested some of the women. The result was they produced almost a super human being called in the Bible "giants." These beings were born, not in the line of Adam, but in the line of Satan himself. Thus, they had no God consciousness which every human being possesses, born of a natural birth.
If Satan could produce a being not out of the Adam and Eve relationship, he would then be successful in nullifying the Gen. 3:15 promise of the "Seed of the woman."
God's answer to that evil, vile demonic attack was that wonderful word we call GRACE. Gen. 6:8, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." So God told Noah to start building an Ark. Build a big boat because someday it would start to rain, which had never happened before. Along with that, He told Noah the Flood would not come for 120 years. God, through Noah, invited folks to go on the boat ride of all boat rides. But they all refused! Reason? They liked the giants! They were big, strong, handsome kids. Parents and grandparents alike were blown away by these new specimens. Remember, this went on for 120 years. And the longer it went, the better they liked it. That was the evil part. The human race became so evil and wicked, that God stepped in, sent the Flood and destroyed?... no, God didn't destroy the human race....HE SAVED IT to again preserve His promised Seed (masculine singular).
I would imagine some will object to these fallen angels, demons who "left their first estate" found in Jude, verse 6, and you'll quote Matt. 22:29-30. "Jesus answered and said unto them, you do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor or given in marriage, but are like the angels of God IN HEAVEN." But whatever you do, don't leave out those two words in verse 30, "in Heaven." These fallen angels were NOT IN HEAVEN, they were on the earth.
One more thing about the days of Noah, Mat. 24:36-38. Just look what they were doing, would you! They were eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. Business as usual. I've done those things, eat, drink, marry, given in marriage and so have you. God didn't send the Flood because of the eating and drinking. The problem was the marrying and the giving their children in marriage. They were fascinated with that giant business! They showed total apathy - "We don't care what God thinks." Now that's 2006 for sure. And it will be again just prior to the Second Advent when Jesus returns as the King of Israel. With all of the wars, death and sufferings during the Great Tribulation....it will be total apathy.
So, Satan was foiled again. He tried to destroy the human race BUT GOD saved it and preserved that ROYAL LINE for the coming King.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Focus Point #6
Well, the bombings and killings in Northern Israel and southern Lebanon seem to be subsiding. Maybe the conflicts between Israel and Hezballah seem to be over. I don't think so!! While it may be quiet in the North, it's not quiet in the South. Israel and Hamas are still at it. Things have quieted down, and for that we should be very grateful. I know the folks on the exploding end of those bombs are grateful.
But, as peaceful as things may seem, believe me, it's only temporary. The angelic conflict, the battle between God and Satan will not be over until Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire. These two forces, or powers, will never, never set down to negotiate or dialogue toward some peaceful settlement. No way!!
One of the things we should keep in mind is, of all the attributes of God - who He is and what He's like - Satan has NONE of the same qualities. Not one! I mentioned some of those attributes in the first "Missle" I'll mention 3 more, just to give you a little background:
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT - There is no place where He is not (except in the souls of the unsaved or in the Lake of Fire). Satan is NOT omni-present. He is a person, a spirit being. He has demons, to be sure, but he is limited to being in one place at a time. I think he must spend a lot of time in San Francisco and Washington D.C. (Only kidding!).
GOD IS OMNISCIENT - God knows everything. He knows all things - all things past, present and future. Satan knows the past and he knows a lot of things in the present. Not all, but a whole lot. He knows the future, but only what he reads in the Bible, the Word of God. And it's here that I want to apply the angelic conflict.
Satan didn't know that God was going to create human beings until he saw it happen in the Garden of Eden. He didn't know that Eve would fall for his lies, until she did! He didn't know that Adam would willingly listen to Eve when he found out that she listened to the devil and disobeyed God, and for that disobedience, be cast out of the Garden. But Adam had that choice to make - so he did.
And when God, speaking directly to him (Satan) in Gen. 3:14 and 15 said
"And the Lord God said unto the serpent, because thou hast done this,
thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon
thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy
seed and her seed; he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise
His heel."
When God said in verse 15 "Between your seed and her seed" - the "seed of the woman" is masculine singular, referring, of course, to the Son of Mary. We know that, but Adam didn't and Eve didn't and neither did Satan!
So to try to stop that promise from taking place, Satan thought maybe the seed was one of their kids - like maybe Abel. Abel was an obedient, God honoring, God worshiping young man. So Satan thought "I'll kill him, because he might be the seed that will destroy my seed." So he used a kid that didn't obey and didn't honor God - Cain. Cain, under the evil controlling influence of Satan slit his brother Abel's throat.
But Abel wasn't who God was referring to way back there in the beginning.
The seed, Masculine, singular, was none other than Jesus Christ.
Satan didn't know "That Seed" was going to come out of the family of Abraham, the father of the Jewish race, a brand new race. So he then tried to destroy Abraham's family...and so on. He didn't find out that this precious Seed would be born of a virgin. Satan got that information from Isaiah. God told Isaiah to write it down. And when He did, Satan read it.
Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Isaiah 9:6-7 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
"Of the increase in His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord WILL perform this."
So, all that's in the Word of God - Satan knows. He is still trying to keep God from carrying out His Word - trying to keep Jesus from coming again the second time, and trying to keep Him from sitting on the Throne of David and ruling the whole world. Satan will do anything he can to stop what's going to be happening; things that Isaiah wrote about in chapter 11. (Read Isaiah, chapter 11)
He will do anything he can to make God out to be a helpless liar. That's why the Jews are always and ever his constant target and the radical element of the Muslim world (1.2 billion of them) are the most usable weapons he has going for him.
Blessings,
Bro. Bob
But, as peaceful as things may seem, believe me, it's only temporary. The angelic conflict, the battle between God and Satan will not be over until Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire. These two forces, or powers, will never, never set down to negotiate or dialogue toward some peaceful settlement. No way!!
One of the things we should keep in mind is, of all the attributes of God - who He is and what He's like - Satan has NONE of the same qualities. Not one! I mentioned some of those attributes in the first "Missle" I'll mention 3 more, just to give you a little background:
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT - There is no place where He is not (except in the souls of the unsaved or in the Lake of Fire). Satan is NOT omni-present. He is a person, a spirit being. He has demons, to be sure, but he is limited to being in one place at a time. I think he must spend a lot of time in San Francisco and Washington D.C. (Only kidding!).
GOD IS OMNISCIENT - God knows everything. He knows all things - all things past, present and future. Satan knows the past and he knows a lot of things in the present. Not all, but a whole lot. He knows the future, but only what he reads in the Bible, the Word of God. And it's here that I want to apply the angelic conflict.
Satan didn't know that God was going to create human beings until he saw it happen in the Garden of Eden. He didn't know that Eve would fall for his lies, until she did! He didn't know that Adam would willingly listen to Eve when he found out that she listened to the devil and disobeyed God, and for that disobedience, be cast out of the Garden. But Adam had that choice to make - so he did.
And when God, speaking directly to him (Satan) in Gen. 3:14 and 15 said
"And the Lord God said unto the serpent, because thou hast done this,
thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon
thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy
seed and her seed; he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise
His heel."
When God said in verse 15 "Between your seed and her seed" - the "seed of the woman" is masculine singular, referring, of course, to the Son of Mary. We know that, but Adam didn't and Eve didn't and neither did Satan!
So to try to stop that promise from taking place, Satan thought maybe the seed was one of their kids - like maybe Abel. Abel was an obedient, God honoring, God worshiping young man. So Satan thought "I'll kill him, because he might be the seed that will destroy my seed." So he used a kid that didn't obey and didn't honor God - Cain. Cain, under the evil controlling influence of Satan slit his brother Abel's throat.
But Abel wasn't who God was referring to way back there in the beginning.
The seed, Masculine, singular, was none other than Jesus Christ.
Satan didn't know "That Seed" was going to come out of the family of Abraham, the father of the Jewish race, a brand new race. So he then tried to destroy Abraham's family...and so on. He didn't find out that this precious Seed would be born of a virgin. Satan got that information from Isaiah. God told Isaiah to write it down. And when He did, Satan read it.
Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Isaiah 9:6-7 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
"Of the increase in His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord WILL perform this."
So, all that's in the Word of God - Satan knows. He is still trying to keep God from carrying out His Word - trying to keep Jesus from coming again the second time, and trying to keep Him from sitting on the Throne of David and ruling the whole world. Satan will do anything he can to stop what's going to be happening; things that Isaiah wrote about in chapter 11. (Read Isaiah, chapter 11)
He will do anything he can to make God out to be a helpless liar. That's why the Jews are always and ever his constant target and the radical element of the Muslim world (1.2 billion of them) are the most usable weapons he has going for him.
Blessings,
Bro. Bob
Focus Point #5
I remind you again, the war on terrorism is a spiritual conflict and the major players are God and Satan.
Where did it all begin? Well, this will sound like science fiction or star wars to some, but believe me, it's straight from scripture. Isaiah 14:12-17 describes the fall of Satan. In this passage he's identified as "Lucifer" which means "Day Star." Imagine, a star so bright you could see it in the daytime. Pride led Lucifer to declare that his intentions were to exalt himself above God! (Note the 5 "I wills" in
verses 13 & 14) and note his future in verse 15.
Another key passage is Ezekiel 28:11-19. It's too long for me to comment on these truths, but you'll notice some vivid descriptions of Satan's at one time beauty and power (vrs. 12-15). The passage also refers to a king from Tyre, a big time king in early Bible days. But there is more in the passage about the devil than about the king. There is a principle of Bible interpretation called "double reference" where the writer, under the influence and direction of God, the Holy Spirit, would write about a human being or circumstance in a familiar place or time in history, and at the same time make reference to the Person of Christ and an event, or events, in the affairs of His Kingdom. So while Ezekiel wrote briefly of the King of Tyre, he wrote extensively of the enemy of God in the angelic conflict...Satan!
Just so you'll know where this conflict started and where it will end, take note of the three major falls of Satan:
Fall #1 - Lucifer is expelled from his exalted place in Heaven. Isa. 14:12-17.
This happened before the earth's time clock started to run, before
weeks, months and years.
Fall #2 - Rev. 12:7-12 this will occur in the middle of the 7 year Tribulation period.
Note verse 12 that says he has a short time left to vent his wrath 42 months
or 3 and a half years. This second fall means he will have no more
access to Heaven to accuse Christians before God. (Remember Job
chapter one). Yes, Satan accuses believers - even today, so keep
your nose clean!
Fall #3 - The final curtain! Rev. 20:1-10. After the 1,000 year period called the
Millennium, there are 6 references to this time period, after this rule and
reign of Christ, he, Satan, will be cast into the Lake of Fire - forever
and ever.
So, there you have the future events that will conclude the angelic conflict. Does Satan know his future? Yes! He's smarter than we are. Not only can he read the Bible, but he and his demons know more about God than we know. James 2:19 says, "The demons also believe and tremble." This is not a believing faith, it's a believing because they were once in Heaven themselves. They saw that throne. Sure, they believed and they know their future. They have eternal INSECURITY!
One more point while I'm on a roll. If Satan and his demons know their future and ultimate defeat and destination, why do they continue to oppose God and His promise to exalt His Son, the Lord Jesus? Here it is folks, here's the answer:
They can do nothing else! It's their nature, it's what and who they are. They are forever evil, the essence of hatred, sin and darkness.
And so, the battlefield is in the hearts of men and women who walk this earth. Those people of years past, those of us today and those who will be alive after we've gone. A good model for us was Joshua - "For me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
Bro. Bob
Where did it all begin? Well, this will sound like science fiction or star wars to some, but believe me, it's straight from scripture. Isaiah 14:12-17 describes the fall of Satan. In this passage he's identified as "Lucifer" which means "Day Star." Imagine, a star so bright you could see it in the daytime. Pride led Lucifer to declare that his intentions were to exalt himself above God! (Note the 5 "I wills" in
verses 13 & 14) and note his future in verse 15.
Another key passage is Ezekiel 28:11-19. It's too long for me to comment on these truths, but you'll notice some vivid descriptions of Satan's at one time beauty and power (vrs. 12-15). The passage also refers to a king from Tyre, a big time king in early Bible days. But there is more in the passage about the devil than about the king. There is a principle of Bible interpretation called "double reference" where the writer, under the influence and direction of God, the Holy Spirit, would write about a human being or circumstance in a familiar place or time in history, and at the same time make reference to the Person of Christ and an event, or events, in the affairs of His Kingdom. So while Ezekiel wrote briefly of the King of Tyre, he wrote extensively of the enemy of God in the angelic conflict...Satan!
Just so you'll know where this conflict started and where it will end, take note of the three major falls of Satan:
Fall #1 - Lucifer is expelled from his exalted place in Heaven. Isa. 14:12-17.
This happened before the earth's time clock started to run, before
weeks, months and years.
Fall #2 - Rev. 12:7-12 this will occur in the middle of the 7 year Tribulation period.
Note verse 12 that says he has a short time left to vent his wrath 42 months
or 3 and a half years. This second fall means he will have no more
access to Heaven to accuse Christians before God. (Remember Job
chapter one). Yes, Satan accuses believers - even today, so keep
your nose clean!
Fall #3 - The final curtain! Rev. 20:1-10. After the 1,000 year period called the
Millennium, there are 6 references to this time period, after this rule and
reign of Christ, he, Satan, will be cast into the Lake of Fire - forever
and ever.
So, there you have the future events that will conclude the angelic conflict. Does Satan know his future? Yes! He's smarter than we are. Not only can he read the Bible, but he and his demons know more about God than we know. James 2:19 says, "The demons also believe and tremble." This is not a believing faith, it's a believing because they were once in Heaven themselves. They saw that throne. Sure, they believed and they know their future. They have eternal INSECURITY!
One more point while I'm on a roll. If Satan and his demons know their future and ultimate defeat and destination, why do they continue to oppose God and His promise to exalt His Son, the Lord Jesus? Here it is folks, here's the answer:
They can do nothing else! It's their nature, it's what and who they are. They are forever evil, the essence of hatred, sin and darkness.
And so, the battlefield is in the hearts of men and women who walk this earth. Those people of years past, those of us today and those who will be alive after we've gone. A good model for us was Joshua - "For me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
Bro. Bob
Focus Point #4
Thursday morning, August 17, I watched Rick Warren, A guest on "Fox & Friends." A good interview about his efforts to bring together a possible solution to many of the conflicts going on in the world. Although he did not mention the Hezbollah or Hamas, he did mention AlQuaeda. His efforts are directed to government, commercial and the religious groups in these various parts of the world. If, according to his programs, these three groups can be brought together, they could counter the ideas and goals of the terrorists with peaceful solutions and ideals.
Just prior to watching that program, I watched an interview of a well educated and peace seeking Muslim from England. His slant was that the immoral and unethical actions of the United States, Great Britain and Israel must stop. To listen to those two interviews one would think that both sides are looking in the same direction for the ultimate solution. Their efforts would be well and good, but both should be reminded that this terrorist action did not begin with the USA, England, or for that matter, Israel. This conflict started long before the USA or Great Britain ever existed. And, yes, long, long before the Muslims came on the scene.
There is little doubt in my mind, looking at it all objectively, that terrorism is satanic. The devil is the father of lies. He is deceitful and a murderer. Again looking at it objectively, I believe Israel, the United States and England as well as others, these entities are not evil.
I believe, left alone, Israel would not start or even provoke a war against any of their Arab neighbors. These are evil forces in the world, motivated and driven by Satan himself. It's his nature to do that. He'd kill every last soul in the world if he could. But he needs to do that through people who will allow him to use them. And wherever there's a vacuum, you can be sure he's there to fill it. Atheistic Communism, Russia, China, North Korea and, yes, Castro's Cuba, along with anti-Christ Islam, gives to Satan millions of, negative to God, hearts and lives through which to work.
I'm not at all suggesting that those who live in the free world are always good and always right. Not at all! Our leaders are often self-centered, self-motivated and far too often strangers to God and His Son, The Lord Jesus. That being so, they (as do we) do wrong and commit evil acts, i.e some of the despicable evil deeds of our men and women serving in the military.
I'm not faulting Rick Warren for trying to do something positive in this world to bring an end to wars and suffering. Good statesmen and peace seeking world leaders have been trying to do that for years and we should applaud and support their efforts.
Looking at it all Subjectively, it's a sad thing to watch a dust covered father carrying the limp body of his young child out of a bombed out, destroyed building. It's a sad sight if it's in TelAviv or Beruit, Haifa or Tyre, London, New York City or Babylon. Life is precious and we should do all we can to protect it.
I'm reminded of the story in the 5th chapter of Mark. The crazy man of Gadara was out of his mind and the only thing they could do for him was to put him in chains.
Is war with bombs and rockets the only choice we have in these conflicts that pop up? No, it's not. But our enemies leave us no other choice. With them it seems to be kill or be killed. And when being killed is an honor and a promotion to them, obviously our choices are between zero and none.
Until next time,
Blessings,
Bro. Bob
Just prior to watching that program, I watched an interview of a well educated and peace seeking Muslim from England. His slant was that the immoral and unethical actions of the United States, Great Britain and Israel must stop. To listen to those two interviews one would think that both sides are looking in the same direction for the ultimate solution. Their efforts would be well and good, but both should be reminded that this terrorist action did not begin with the USA, England, or for that matter, Israel. This conflict started long before the USA or Great Britain ever existed. And, yes, long, long before the Muslims came on the scene.
There is little doubt in my mind, looking at it all objectively, that terrorism is satanic. The devil is the father of lies. He is deceitful and a murderer. Again looking at it objectively, I believe Israel, the United States and England as well as others, these entities are not evil.
I believe, left alone, Israel would not start or even provoke a war against any of their Arab neighbors. These are evil forces in the world, motivated and driven by Satan himself. It's his nature to do that. He'd kill every last soul in the world if he could. But he needs to do that through people who will allow him to use them. And wherever there's a vacuum, you can be sure he's there to fill it. Atheistic Communism, Russia, China, North Korea and, yes, Castro's Cuba, along with anti-Christ Islam, gives to Satan millions of, negative to God, hearts and lives through which to work.
I'm not at all suggesting that those who live in the free world are always good and always right. Not at all! Our leaders are often self-centered, self-motivated and far too often strangers to God and His Son, The Lord Jesus. That being so, they (as do we) do wrong and commit evil acts, i.e some of the despicable evil deeds of our men and women serving in the military.
I'm not faulting Rick Warren for trying to do something positive in this world to bring an end to wars and suffering. Good statesmen and peace seeking world leaders have been trying to do that for years and we should applaud and support their efforts.
Looking at it all Subjectively, it's a sad thing to watch a dust covered father carrying the limp body of his young child out of a bombed out, destroyed building. It's a sad sight if it's in TelAviv or Beruit, Haifa or Tyre, London, New York City or Babylon. Life is precious and we should do all we can to protect it.
I'm reminded of the story in the 5th chapter of Mark. The crazy man of Gadara was out of his mind and the only thing they could do for him was to put him in chains.
Is war with bombs and rockets the only choice we have in these conflicts that pop up? No, it's not. But our enemies leave us no other choice. With them it seems to be kill or be killed. And when being killed is an honor and a promotion to them, obviously our choices are between zero and none.
Until next time,
Blessings,
Bro. Bob
Focus Point #3
POINT #3
WHY THE JEW? Why not the Irish or the Italians? Why are the Jews, of all people, called "God's chosen race?" Are they any better than Hitler's so called great Arian ideal? No, even though they were a bunch of nit-wits. No, the Jews are no better than anybody else in this crazy world.
Then why are they God's chosen people? Answer - because God said they were, and are, and will be. And remember, God is sovereign and we have no right to say "Why have you made them so?" Rom. 9:20
It all started with Abram (exalted father) whom we now know as Abraham (father of a multitude). Abram was born and reared in the lowest, filthiest, evil living bunch of sinners in the world. He appeared to Abram and said, "Abram, I am God, will you believe me?" And Abram said, "Yes I will" - (my own imagination) and out of that wicked environment was born, by faith, the race of people called the Jews, or the Israelites. The important part? "By faith." When Abram obeyed God, he left that evil Chaldean area, and as he did, God, our Heavenly Father, made an unconditional, unbreakable covenant with that man of faith. In its beginning form this was the deal: Gen. 12:1,2 & 3
1. You go to a land that I will show you.
2. I will make of you a great nation.
3. I will bless you, make your name great and you shall be a blessing.
4. I will bless all of those who bless you and I will curse all those who curse you
and in you, Abram, your seed (Jesus Christ) shall all of the families of the earth
be blessed.
Mercy! Those are big time, far reaching promises. And just think, they were made to one man who followed God by faith.
You will recall, that promise was passed on down through that miracle race of people through Abraham's son Isaac, and not through his wife's scheme, the son of her hand maiden, Hagar.....Ishmael. That birth was not of faith. It was one of
faith-less-ness. Isaac's birth was a miracle. "Abraham had believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness." (James 2:23)
So - back to the beginning. God made a promise to Abraham that out of him and his seed, the whole world would be blessed. That seed was not Isaac. You have not been blessed because of Isaac, nor of his kids, nor their kids. Not until you get down to the Lord Jesus - born of the seed of Abraham! He's the seed! He's the blessing!
He was...a JEW!
No wonder Satan hates the Jew. No wonder down through the years he has tried to annihilate those people. Not only before the virgin birth, but during his life - and even today. Why? Because Jesus is going to return...as THE King of the Jews!
Satan's constant effort is: If there are no Jews on the earth for Him to rule over, God will have made a promise He will be unable to keep.
So, the spiritual, angelic conflict goes on. That's WHY THE JEWS? and not the African Americans, not the Irish, not the Italians or Hitler's great Arian bunch of air heads.
Blessings,
Bro. Bob
WHY THE JEW? Why not the Irish or the Italians? Why are the Jews, of all people, called "God's chosen race?" Are they any better than Hitler's so called great Arian ideal? No, even though they were a bunch of nit-wits. No, the Jews are no better than anybody else in this crazy world.
Then why are they God's chosen people? Answer - because God said they were, and are, and will be. And remember, God is sovereign and we have no right to say "Why have you made them so?" Rom. 9:20
It all started with Abram (exalted father) whom we now know as Abraham (father of a multitude). Abram was born and reared in the lowest, filthiest, evil living bunch of sinners in the world. He appeared to Abram and said, "Abram, I am God, will you believe me?" And Abram said, "Yes I will" - (my own imagination) and out of that wicked environment was born, by faith, the race of people called the Jews, or the Israelites. The important part? "By faith." When Abram obeyed God, he left that evil Chaldean area, and as he did, God, our Heavenly Father, made an unconditional, unbreakable covenant with that man of faith. In its beginning form this was the deal: Gen. 12:1,2 & 3
1. You go to a land that I will show you.
2. I will make of you a great nation.
3. I will bless you, make your name great and you shall be a blessing.
4. I will bless all of those who bless you and I will curse all those who curse you
and in you, Abram, your seed (Jesus Christ) shall all of the families of the earth
be blessed.
Mercy! Those are big time, far reaching promises. And just think, they were made to one man who followed God by faith.
You will recall, that promise was passed on down through that miracle race of people through Abraham's son Isaac, and not through his wife's scheme, the son of her hand maiden, Hagar.....Ishmael. That birth was not of faith. It was one of
faith-less-ness. Isaac's birth was a miracle. "Abraham had believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness." (James 2:23)
So - back to the beginning. God made a promise to Abraham that out of him and his seed, the whole world would be blessed. That seed was not Isaac. You have not been blessed because of Isaac, nor of his kids, nor their kids. Not until you get down to the Lord Jesus - born of the seed of Abraham! He's the seed! He's the blessing!
He was...a JEW!
No wonder Satan hates the Jew. No wonder down through the years he has tried to annihilate those people. Not only before the virgin birth, but during his life - and even today. Why? Because Jesus is going to return...as THE King of the Jews!
Satan's constant effort is: If there are no Jews on the earth for Him to rule over, God will have made a promise He will be unable to keep.
So, the spiritual, angelic conflict goes on. That's WHY THE JEWS? and not the African Americans, not the Irish, not the Italians or Hitler's great Arian bunch of air heads.
Blessings,
Bro. Bob
Focus Point #2
Well, here I am again as promised with another focus point that we must keep in mind as we read and study the Word and observe world events.
It is imperative that we keep our eyes on the Lord. I think most of us who are believers love and trust our president. I think he knows the Lord and seeks His guidance every day, but when he made the statement that we would "win the war on terrorism," that might have been the politically correct thing to say, but biblically he's on shaky ground.
What with the millions of Muslims (hundreds of thousands in every major country in the world) and I realize they are not all radical in their hatred for Israel and America, but when push comes to shove, I have no doubt as to which God they will align themselves with. For sure it won't be Jehovah! They won't even acknowledge He exists. But no big deal. I don't think there is such a being as "Allah" either.
I've often asked myself - what has led up to this (I think) never ending war? In W.W.2 our military defeated Germany and Japan. In Vietnam our military defeated the Viet Cong. Well, they could have if the politicians would have stayed out of it and the same goes for the Korean "conflict."
Those wars ended. We could tell when it was over. But not this one. What city, what country do we invade to destroy this insidious, demonic agenda that says "There is no room on this earth for the Jewish people, they must be destroyed?" Isn't it strange, for the first time in history we have a political system that's based on Atheism? Who? Communist Russia. And for the first time in history we have not one country but many who espouse not Atheism, but a system that's built on and operates as anti-Christ! (I John 2:18; 2:22; 4:3 and II John verse 7)
The war on terrorism is not political, it's spiritual. And the major combatants are not Israel versus Hamas and Hezbolla. It's not Iran versus the USA. It's a spiritual conflict. It's God versus Satan himself! That's why Paul says we wrestle not against flesh and blood. Our enemy is evil - it's Satan and his demon army. And our weapons are not physical. We won't win this (no, not never) with rockets, guns or any other new invention. Our only hope of victory is our Hero, our Champion, our One and Only Celebrity....our precious, victorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
It should be then, no surprise for us to observe the insidious "bed partners" - atheistic Communist Russia and anti-Christ Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan and every other nook and cranny Islamic cell blocks around the world.
Until the next time.
Blessings,
Bro. Bob
It is imperative that we keep our eyes on the Lord. I think most of us who are believers love and trust our president. I think he knows the Lord and seeks His guidance every day, but when he made the statement that we would "win the war on terrorism," that might have been the politically correct thing to say, but biblically he's on shaky ground.
What with the millions of Muslims (hundreds of thousands in every major country in the world) and I realize they are not all radical in their hatred for Israel and America, but when push comes to shove, I have no doubt as to which God they will align themselves with. For sure it won't be Jehovah! They won't even acknowledge He exists. But no big deal. I don't think there is such a being as "Allah" either.
I've often asked myself - what has led up to this (I think) never ending war? In W.W.2 our military defeated Germany and Japan. In Vietnam our military defeated the Viet Cong. Well, they could have if the politicians would have stayed out of it and the same goes for the Korean "conflict."
Those wars ended. We could tell when it was over. But not this one. What city, what country do we invade to destroy this insidious, demonic agenda that says "There is no room on this earth for the Jewish people, they must be destroyed?" Isn't it strange, for the first time in history we have a political system that's based on Atheism? Who? Communist Russia. And for the first time in history we have not one country but many who espouse not Atheism, but a system that's built on and operates as anti-Christ! (I John 2:18; 2:22; 4:3 and II John verse 7)
The war on terrorism is not political, it's spiritual. And the major combatants are not Israel versus Hamas and Hezbolla. It's not Iran versus the USA. It's a spiritual conflict. It's God versus Satan himself! That's why Paul says we wrestle not against flesh and blood. Our enemy is evil - it's Satan and his demon army. And our weapons are not physical. We won't win this (no, not never) with rockets, guns or any other new invention. Our only hope of victory is our Hero, our Champion, our One and Only Celebrity....our precious, victorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
It should be then, no surprise for us to observe the insidious "bed partners" - atheistic Communist Russia and anti-Christ Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan and every other nook and cranny Islamic cell blocks around the world.
Until the next time.
Blessings,
Bro. Bob
Focus Point #1
I surf the channels often. I think we have 7 or 8 that deal with the gospel and religions. I can't believe (obviously) some of the radical, unfounded, so called Bible positions some of these people put out. I know everyone has a right to their opinion and method of interpretation, but in my view - all of them I have listened to completely omit some very important facets in this whole Middle East crises.
I'd like to comment on several. (call them shooting off one or two missiles).
The FIRST is....Let's never forget the attributes of God. I'll not apply all of them, but several come to my mind as I think they should to every Bible believer.
ONE - God is SOVEREIGN. Every life and every day is in His constant, absolute
control. And I do mean EVERY life.
TWO - God is LOVE. He loves every saint and He loves every sinner. Every born
again believer and every follower of the radical Muslim terrorists.
THREE: In His sovereign love, He allows every human being a free will,
either to do HIS will or not to do His will. Obviously, we are watching
literally millions of Muslims getting up each day wondering how they
can destroy God's chosen people, the Jew.
FOUR: God is IMMUTABLE. He can NOT change. Every attribute and every
prophecy He has ever made will forever be carried out and be
completed. Isa. 49:13-16.
Now - along with these and other attributes that I have not mentioned (you probably
have my note on that) I remind you of the great Angelic conflict that has been an on-going battle since before the creation. God and Satan are in constant conflict. I believe that's true in every life, and in every sovereign nation.
God has made scores of prophecies concerning His Son. Some have been fulfilled in every detail. Those that have not been fulfilled WILL BE fulfilled in every detail.
ONE...and I'll only mention one at this time, is found in Isa. 9:6&7. In those two verses there are 15 promises. Some have already come to pass. Two, to be specific. That leaves 13 to go! And it is imperative that the believer believe this.
The conflict between God and Satan is this: If Satan can thwart, change or prevent any of God's promises, then he (Satan) can prove God to be a liar and prove Him NOT to be sovereign.
Is that what this war in the Middle East is about? Emphatically ....YES! This is what every war everywhere is about. Is this war a pre curser to the Battle of Armageddon? No, I don't think so because that doesn't come until the end of the Tribulation (7 years) and we don't and can't know when that will begin. But more on that next time.
Blessings on you,
Bro. Bob
I'd like to comment on several. (call them shooting off one or two missiles).
The FIRST is....Let's never forget the attributes of God. I'll not apply all of them, but several come to my mind as I think they should to every Bible believer.
ONE - God is SOVEREIGN. Every life and every day is in His constant, absolute
control. And I do mean EVERY life.
TWO - God is LOVE. He loves every saint and He loves every sinner. Every born
again believer and every follower of the radical Muslim terrorists.
THREE: In His sovereign love, He allows every human being a free will,
either to do HIS will or not to do His will. Obviously, we are watching
literally millions of Muslims getting up each day wondering how they
can destroy God's chosen people, the Jew.
FOUR: God is IMMUTABLE. He can NOT change. Every attribute and every
prophecy He has ever made will forever be carried out and be
completed. Isa. 49:13-16.
Now - along with these and other attributes that I have not mentioned (you probably
have my note on that) I remind you of the great Angelic conflict that has been an on-going battle since before the creation. God and Satan are in constant conflict. I believe that's true in every life, and in every sovereign nation.
God has made scores of prophecies concerning His Son. Some have been fulfilled in every detail. Those that have not been fulfilled WILL BE fulfilled in every detail.
ONE...and I'll only mention one at this time, is found in Isa. 9:6&7. In those two verses there are 15 promises. Some have already come to pass. Two, to be specific. That leaves 13 to go! And it is imperative that the believer believe this.
The conflict between God and Satan is this: If Satan can thwart, change or prevent any of God's promises, then he (Satan) can prove God to be a liar and prove Him NOT to be sovereign.
Is that what this war in the Middle East is about? Emphatically ....YES! This is what every war everywhere is about. Is this war a pre curser to the Battle of Armageddon? No, I don't think so because that doesn't come until the end of the Tribulation (7 years) and we don't and can't know when that will begin. But more on that next time.
Blessings on you,
Bro. Bob
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