All posts by Rocky

About Rocky

Pastor, CalvaryChapelLouisville.com

“Eat well, exercise regularly, live longer.” Nonsense!

“Eat well, exercise regularly, live longer.”

Nonsense!

Well, OK… perhaps in one sense the advice isn’t totally bogus, particularly if the goal is to keep “the delivery vehicle of the Word” maintained (1Co 3:16-17).

But really… how important is living longer if it still ends in death? The advice is useless if the prescription for life goes unnoticed or is ignored:

Pr 9:11 “Through Me your days will be many and years will be added to your life.”

This verse is interesting in that it can be read two ways.

The first is obvious: Life through Jesus is made up of many days and added years.

The second is less-obvious, but far more exciting: Life is made up of days which, through Jesus, are made many. But after these days are completed (at death), through Jesus, years are added. Here, the “days” in a lifetime are seemingly small when compared to the “years” of eternity which are added following the resurrection. Awesome!

As for me, I’m not content to settle for more days when it could be years eternal!

“The Darkest Hour is Just Before the Dawn”

“The darkest hour is just before the dawn.” – Thomas Fuller, Ralph Stanley, & Bob Dylan

Actually… the quote isn’t quite accurate, at least from a literal standpoint. The darkest time of the night is 12-2am, depending upon the season and location within a time zone. But nerdiness aside, the quote is true from a prophetic standpoint and, though the fellas who quoted it had different perspectives, there’s a reason why it relates to us.

When darkness falls, folks retire and go to sleep. Pretty normal. Been happening for thousands of years. Sometimes, if a party is planned, folks will stay up late and “party-on”. But, eventually they, too, will go to sleep (hopefully back at their house, not at the host’s, on a lawn, or in jail). The transition between being awake and asleep generally occurs when the night is darkest, around midnight. However, for the individual, the “darkest hour” is when the sleep is deepest, usually in the last hours of the night, just before dawn.

Night, and the inclination toward sleep, or partying (then sleep), is paralleled with the days leading up to Jesus’ return. The Apostle Paul’s instructions regarding this time are unique…

1Th 5:6 ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

let us not sleep – Not a big deal except for the fact that, at night, the majority of folks are asleep, so staying awake is abnormal, socially and physically. Here, Paul is exhorting believers to go against the norm with regard to the increasing darkness, sin, and godlessness in the world. And this will be doubly difficult as 1) social ridicule and the alienation of believers becomes more prevalent, and 2) sinful behavior becomes more acceptable, with opportunities to sin more available and inviting. Nevertheless, our instructions are clear: “let us not sleep”, and let us not risk sleep by closing our eyes in weariness.or in blindness.

let us watch – To counter the temptation to fall-in with the majority, Paul teaches vigilance and attentiveness, both of which emphasize engagement. Specifically, he’s speaking of watchfulness regarding the Lord, His return, and the accompanying indicators. In the third verse preceding Paul likens the events of the Day of the Lord to a pregnant woman – the day and the hour may be unknown, but what’s about to take place is inevitable. Therefore, let us not be lethargic and indifferent with regard to His eminent return, but “let us watch”.

and be sober – There are different ways to watch. Paul advocates that we watch “and be sober”. As the world grows darker, believers are to avoid the indulgences of the flesh in compensation for the world’s woes. Is it any coincidence that the liberties in which we indulge result in fatigue and weariness? Our liberties are really just distractions that create more distractions from the Lord! No; instead, “be sober”.

Drawing near to the day of the Lord, the world will become increasingly dark. And it’s pretty dark already! But while the darkness continues to fall, believers are exhorted to be awake, attentive, and vigilant regarding the Lord and His return. Contrary to the disciples who slept in the darkness of Gethsemane, whose “spirit was willing but their flesh was weak”, may we, by being attentive to Him, remain steadfastly “awake” unto the break of day when the Son will appear!

 

“Don’t Judge Me!” Nonsense!

“Don’t judge me! It isn’t your place to judge my Christianity or my relationship with God! That’s anti-biblical! Jesus says, ‘Judge not!'”

Nonsense!

I hear and read quotes like this with some frequency. If it wasn’t so sad, it’d be funny. Why? Because most times, the person preaching so dogmatically about how unbiblical it is to judge really has no idea what the Bible says about the topic! So, is it biblically okay to judge? The answer is: Yes. In fact, Jesus, Himself, instructs us to judge, but in a qualified manner!

Joh 7:24 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

not… according to appearance – Sometimes things aren’t as they appear. Therefore, two alternate means of judgment are in order:

1) judging the fruit (the byproduct or source of inspiration in a person’s life)

Mt 12:33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.

2) judging the words (the byproduct of the condition of the heart).

Mt 12:34b “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
 35 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

with righteous judgment

1) according to the Scriptures –

2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2) without hypocrisy –

Mt 7:1 ¶ “Judge not, that you be not judged.
 2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
 3 “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
 4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
 5 “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

3) gentle, in humility, with repentance as the goal –

2Ti 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

And, to top it off: One day, the saints will judge the world and the angels!

1Co 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

 

Identifying The Church who will be Raptured

Who is The Church who will be Raptured? Where better to find the answer than the words of Jesus addressed to the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelation 1-3.

Re 1:11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

Broadly: The Seven Churches were located in Asia. While being comprised of Jews and Gentiles, all were generally regarded as Gentile congregations. Historically, the Church has carried-on this distinction, even to today. Therefore, given the context of Jesus’ address, The Church who will be Raptured will be predominantly Gentile.

Re 1:13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

Re 1:20 “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Specifically: The Church who will be Raptured is a congregation of individuals who have the collective characteristics found in the Seven Churches, among whom Jesus is in the midst.

Identifying The Church who will be Raptured – 7 characteristics Jesus will seek

1.  Intimacy with Him [Ephesus]

Re 2:4 “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

2. Fearlessness [Smyrna]

Re 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

3. Rejection of False Doctrine [Pergamos]

Re 2:14 “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
 15 “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

4. Abstinence from Sexual Immorality & Idolatry [Thyatira]

Re 2:20 “Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

5. Watchfulness [Sardis]

Re 3:3 “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

6. Faithfulness Keeping His Word [Philadelphia]

Re 3:10 “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

7. Zealousness [Laodicea]

Re 3:15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
 16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Re 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Pretty handy to know Jesus’ list for ID’g The Church who will be Raptured in advance of the event, isn’t it?

 

Not Appointed to Wrath

There’s a good amount of controversy surrounding the Tribulation and the Church. Some believe the Church will be absent, having been raptured in advance (a.k.a. pre-tribulation rapture). Others believe that the Church will endure for a period of time, and then will be raptured (a.k.a. mid- or post-tribulation rapture). And some even believe that the whole of Revelation was already fulfilled in the 1st Century (preterist non-rapture)! Remarkably, upon examination of the Scriptures it becomes evident that the Church does not have a role in the Tribulation or Wrath, and will therefore be removed beforehand. Hopeful news if you’re a born-again believer!

God’s “wrath” is for the the ungodly (ref verses below), and the “tribulation” will be the Jews’ (Dt 4:30, Mt 24:21)

Throughout the Bible the term “wrath” is referenced specifically with the Tribulation period, where God’s wrath is poured out upon the unbelieving world, while the Jews are undergoing tribulation and testing (anti-semitism as never before – Dt 4:30, Mt 24:21). The terms, Wrath and Tribulation, can be essentially regarded as synonymous timeframes, with “wrath” being associated with the Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl events. It’s also worth noting that neither the Tribulation nor the Wrath should be confused with the Judgment (Re 20:11-15 White Throne Judgment), which will occur after the 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ (ref Chronology).

“Wrath” is referenced early in the Tribulation [6th Seal]

Re 6:15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,
16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
17 “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

“Wrath” is referenced later in the Tribulation [7th Trumpet = Bowls]

Re 11:18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Re 15:1 ¶ Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

“Wrath” is referenced at the end of the Tribulation [after 7th Bowl]

Re 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Additional references to “wrath”, pertaining specifically to the Tribulation period: Isa 9:19, 13:13, Jer 10:10, 50:13, Zep 1:15, Re 14:8, 14:10, 14:19, 15:1, 15:7, 16:1, 16:19, 18:3, 19:15.

The ungodly are appointed to wrath

Job 21:30 For the wicked are reserved for the day of doom; They shall be brought out on the day of wrath.

Ro 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Lots of additional references: Ps 79:6, Pr 11:23, Isa 13:9, Eze 7:12, 7:14, 7:19, 13:15, 21:31, 22:21, 22:31, 38:19, Na 1:2, Zep 1:18, Mt 3:7, Lu 3:7, Joh 3:36, Ro 2:5, 9:22, 1Th 1:10

The Church is not appointed to wrath

1Th 5:9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Precedent: God doesn’t destroy the righteous with the wicked

Ge 18:23 ¶ And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Ge 18:25 “Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

The church will be saved and delivered from the wrath to come

Ro 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

1Th 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Enoch is a “type” of the faithful church, having been removed prior to the Flood. Noah and his family, who prepared for and endured the Flood, are a “type” for the 144,000 Jews and Saints who will survive the time Tribulation.

Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Conclusion: The Church is not appointed to the wrath; therefore, born-again believers can live in hopeful anticipation of the Rapture preceding the Tribulation. And, knowing that the time is short, believers can be all-the-more inspired to boldly share the Gospel in order to save as many as possible from the coming Tribulation and final Judgment.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up [raptured] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

 

What do you want to do when you grow up?

The question, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”, is a pretty good starter for a conversation with a kid. Most have an instant answer that’s easy to build upon: “A fireman!”, “An astronaut!”, “A doctor!” [I’ve yet to hear, “A Pastor!”]

I’ve also discovered that the response-time in answering this question usually goes down as age increases. In other words, older kids (even the adult variety) have a much harder time with the question. No problem understanding that, though – committing to a singular career through retirement is down-right overwhelming!

Thankfully, there’s good news from the following scripture:

1Pe 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. [NIV]

In effect, what this verse says is: Fulfillment isn’t a matter of giftings (or occupations, or careers), but a matter of serving others! Career interests, like gifts, are important, but only to the point of making another person’s life better. It’s when those gifts are lovingly “administered” that the personal satisfaction really kicks in. Great gifts, not served, result in emptiness and meaninglessness. Just one gift, given with lots of love, is life! [The Little Drummer Boy comes to mind.]

All said, don’t be afraid of committing to a job or a career (or the use of a gift), fearing it may be at the expense of another opportunity. It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing, but how you’re doing it. The joy is in the “administering (God’s grace in it various forms)”! That, and… if God is gifting, then He probably has an opportunity in mind to use that gift.

Mt 10:39 “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

 

The Chronology of the Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation is remarkable, and the Tribulation will be a time like no other! The understanding of both is discovered in the chronological structure of the Book. When Revelation, and the Tribulation period detailed within, is seen this way (ie as it’s written), then the whole of “The End Times” comes into clear view.

The basis for the “chronological” hermeneutic is found in three points:

1. Revelation 1:19, where Jesus specifically tells John to write what he was about to see, which was defined linearly:

Re 1:19 “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.

2. The repeated use of the phrase, after these things (Grk: meta tauta)… a) implies sequence and chronology, and b) recurs 9 times throughout the Book – Rev 1:19, 4:1, 7:1, 7:9, 9:12, 15:5, 18:1, 19:1, 20:3

3. The specific structure of “the Tribulation (seal, trumpet, bowl) events” reveals a “nesting” characteristic, where… a) the 7th Seal leads to the 1st Trumpet, and b) the 7th Trumpet leads the 1st Bowl. The “nesting” denotes sequence.

“the things which you have seen”

Jesus is identified at the Alpha & Omega (Rev 1)

“the things which are”

Jesus’ letters to the churches (Rev 2-3)

“the things which will take place after this

After the Church (implying after the Rapture)

View of God’s Throne (Rev 4)

Jesus takes the scroll with the 7 Seals (Rev 5)

The 7-year period of Wrath upon the Ungodly and Tribulation for the Jew (70th week of Daniel – Dan 9:27)

Seal 1 – White Horse (Rev 6:1-2)

Seal 2 – Red Horse (Rev 6:3-4)

Seal 3 – Black Horse (Rev 6:5-6)

Seal 4 – Pale Horse (Rev 6:7-8)

Seal 5 – White Robes given to early Tribulation Saints (Rev 6:9-11, 7:13-14)

Seal 6 – great earthquake, sun black, moon “blood”, stars fell, sky receded, mountains & islands moved (Rev 6: 12-17)

Seal 7 – 144,000 Jews sealed (Rev 7:1-8); silence for half-hour (Rev 8:1); 7 trumpets prepared to sound (Rev 8:6)

Trumpet 1 – Hail & fire, with blood: 1/3 trees and all grass burned (Rev 8:7)

Trumpet 2 – Great mountain into the sea: 1/3 sea, creatures, ships destroyed (Rev 8:8-9)

Trumpet 3 – “Wormwood” star falls: 1/3 fresh water made bitter (Rev 8:10-11)

Trumpet 4 – 1/3 sun, moon, stars, day, & night darkened; “3 woes” announced (Rev 8:12-13)

Trumpet 5 – Woe #1 (Rev 9:12): Bottomless pit opened (Rev 9:1-12)

Trumpet 6 – Woe #2 (Rev 11:14): “Four Angels” released; 1/3 mankind killed 3 plagues – fire, smoke, brimstone  (Rev 9:13-21); Mighty Angel with Little Book [pertaining to 7th Trumpet] (Rev 10); Temple measured, Holy City [Jerusalem] under foot 42 months (Rev 11:1-2); 2 Witnesses prophesy 1260 days (Rev 11:3-13)

Trumpet 7 – Woe #3 (Rev 12:12): Heavenly temple opens, Jesus begins His return (Rev 11:15-19); the devil “comes down” (Rev 12:12); parenthetic lesson regarding Satan & the Beast [Anti-Christ] (Rev 12-13); Jesus on Mt Zion with 144,000 Jews (Rev 14:1-5); 3 Angels preach to the world (Rev 14:6-12); the great winepress of the wrath of God (Rev 14:13-20); sign of the last plagues [Bowl Judgments] (Rev 15)

Bowl 1 – foul & loathsome sore on the Marked (Rev 16:2)

Bowl 2 – sea to blood, all creatures die (Rev 16:3)

Bowl 3 – rivers & springs to blood (Rev 16:4-7)

Bowl 4 – sun scorches, men blaspheme (Rev 16:8-9)

Bowl 5 – darkness over throne and kingdom of the beast, men blaspheme (Rev 16:10-11)

Bowl 6 – Euphrates dried, demonic activity, Armageddon staged (Rev 16:12-16)

Bowl 7 – “It is done” (Rev 16:17-19:4) – greatest earthquake, islands & mountains leveled, great hail (Rev 16:17-21); Mystery Babylon described & judged (Rev 17-19:4)

Upon Jesus’ return

Marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:5-10)

Jesus & the armies in heaven on white horses conquer, Beast & False Prophet cast into Lake of Fire (Rev 19:11-21)

Satan captured, thrown into Bottomless Pit (Rev 20:1-3)

1000-yr Reign, ending with Satan’s release and rebellion (Rev 20:3-9)

Satan cast into Lake of Fire (Rev 20:10)

White Throne Judgment, Death & Hades cast into Lake of Fire, unrighteous cast into Lake of Fire (Rev 20:11-15)

New Heaven & New Earth (Rev 21-22)

Re 22:20 ¶ He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

 

Bible Number Soothsaying

Springing off a previous post, Bible Number Significance, I’m reminded of Christians who, armed with these insights (with their ‘safety’ off), adopt the practice of ascribing significance to numbers in their daily walk.

Striving for a sense of affirmation by God, and to be in harmony with His will, numbers with spiritual meanings are sought and embraced. “Good” numbers, like 7 (perfection, fullness) and 3 (divine completeness), are taken into consideration as they relate to the decision-making process. For instance…

“Does this house we’re wanting to buy have a ‘good’ address? a ‘good’ price? a ‘good’ number of stairs? a ‘good’ number of neighbors?” Implying, does it have “good” numbers associated with it? Do the numbers begin with 3 or 7? Do they add up to 3 or 7? If not, do they add up to another “good” number like 10 (3+7), or 21 (3×7), or 9 (3²), or 27 (3³), etc.. If not, “Well… then the house must not be ordained by God for our purchase.”

Perhaps the example was ridiculous (I hope so!). Or maybe “it hit really close to home”. I certainly run into Christians, some very serious and spiritual, some who are in the ministry, who use this practice to ascertain God’s will. The bottom line: Living this way is akin to soothsaying [fortune-telling] and divination, where the “bible number” serves to fore-tell or influence a decision. We’re not appointed to this!

De 18:13 “You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.
14 “For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.

So, to what degree should numbers – “biblical numbers” – play a role in a Christian’s conduct and manner of living? Following are some examples (Disclaimer: All examples appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real examples, living or dead, is purely coincidental.):

  • Purchases (eg “I’ll give you $70.77 for that, but not a penny more… or less.”)
  • Dining totals & tips amounts (eg “I (barely) give 10% to God, I’ll (barely) give a 10% tip to this waiter!”
  • Auction bids (eg high bid: $43.77)
  • Calendar dates (eg is Fri the 13th a problem?)
  • Phone numbers (eg here’s a heavenly phone number: 373-3737; and when added, equals 33 – doubly divine!)
  • Age (eg 66 yrs old – bummer!)
  • Elevators (eg “Are we skipping an actual 13th floor, or is the 14th floor really the 13th?”)

The answer to the question, of course, should be: “NONE! To NO degree! Numbers have no influence upon my life or decision-making. I have a relationship with God, and I walk by faith (according to His word), not by sight (all that is external to the inward working of His Spirit)!”

To this we’ve been appointed…

Joh 15:16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Otherwise…

Re 2:4 “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
 5 “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place–unless you repent.

 

Bible Number Significance

It’s fascinating that numbers have spiritual significance in the Bible, consistent throughout the Old and New Testaments. By design, they carry an underlying prophetic connotation, denoting authorship to a singular source – the Creator (2Ti 3:16). Simply put: God’s signature can be found even on a number. That’s awesome!

Following is a list of numbers referenced in the Bible, with their interpreted meanings. Though not absolute, the meanings demonstrate constancy and, in most cases, are corroborated by “two or more” (Mt 18:16) references.

1 – singularity, unity (the Shema, one Spirit/Lord/God, abiding as one)

2 – truth, justice, division (testimony of witnesses, double-edge sword, Old & New Testaments)

3 – divine completeness (trinity, baptism into triune God, “Holy, Holy, Holy”)

4 – the earth, creation, empirical truth (North/South/East/West, seasons & earth life, corners of the earth)

5 – grace, instruction (Torah/Book of Moses, equipping of the saints)

6 – man, works, sin (man created, 6-days work, 6th commandment = sin against man)

7 – spiritual perfection, fullness, rest (lamps & the throne, 7 churches, 7th day rest)

8 – new beginnings (new week, Noah’s ark passengers)

9 – transition, visitation (Jesus died, Peter & John’s 1st miracle, Cornelius’ vision)

10 – divine order (plagues, Commandments, the tithe)

11 – disorder (brothers minus Joseph, disciples minus Judas)

12 – governmental authority (tribes of Israel, Apostles, fruit on tree of life)

13 – rebellion (Chedorloamer, Solomon’s house)

14 – release, deliverance (Jesus’ crucifixion, Passover, Paul’s storm & shipwreck)

15 – new direction (Israel departs Egypt, Hezekiah’s additional years, Hosea buys his wife)

16 – love (characteristics of love)

17 – victory (Jesus’ resurrection, Noah’s ark rests on Mt Ararat)

18 – bondage (Israel oppressed, woman with issue of blood)

20 – enlistment (Jacob serving LabanJoseph’s sale price, offering given, military service)

24 – priesthood (division of priests, 24 elders)

30 – ordination (Joseph, David, Jesus)

39 – mercy (40 stripes minus one)

40 – trial (the flood, Moses receives the Law, desert wanderingJesus’ fast)

42 – mocking, blasphemy (mocking Elisha, antichrist blasphemes God)

50 – liberty & joy (year of jubilee, Pentecost)

70 – human leadership (elders, Sanhedrin, disciples)

100 – fullness, fruitfulness (Abraham’s age at Isaac’s birthprophets hidden in caves, assured age in millennium, a crop on good ground)

120 – limits (age, priests at temple dedication, Ninevah heathen (x1000), disciples at Pentecost)

153 – congregational subset (aliens in the kingdom, Peter’s catch)

490 – forgiveness, humanity perfected (70 x 7)

666 – anti-Christ, secular humanism (number of the beast, Solomon’s gold)

Before getting too carried away, beware of the dangers associated with Bible Numbers. Read Bible Number Soothsaying.

 Ps 90:12 ¶ So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

 

Additional references:

 

n04 John 3:16 Insights

John 3:16 is, perhaps, the most popular verse in the Bible. Christians are familiar with it as a one-verse summary of the Gospel, easy to memorize, serving as an excellent starting point for evangelism. The rest of the world is familiar with its reference in sporting events, graffiti, and evangelical attempts by good-intentioned Christians. Regardless of the association, John 3:16 is one of those verses that keep recurring in people’s lives.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [KJV]

For God so loved the world – Good news! God loves the world! This truth is important, particularly on those days when we may feel unloved or unlovable. This verse clearly indicates God’s heart of love toward the world. Further, God’s love is defined as an action, as an initiative, as a matter of sacrifice, not as an emotion. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1Jo 4:10)”

that he gave his only begotten Son – God gave His son, not some other object of lesser value or affection. No greater loss could be known than that of a parent’s loss (much less, sacrifice) of their child; all the more, their only child. God’s plan of redemption was no cakewalk, being extremely painful for both the Son and the Father.

that whosoever believeth in him – Believing in Him, in Jesus, is an option made available to every inhabitant of the world: “whosoever”. Although an affirmative response is implied, a valid decision includes the option for rejection. In either case, God took the initiative, and the responsibility now rests upon the decision-maker.

should not perish – Death is a reality, but it really “should not” occur. For some, death is a topic they’d rather not discuss nor have any association; however, the ability to ignore the reality of death has little effect upon its inevitability. Others may face death apart from “believing in him [God’s only begotten son]”, only to bear the consequence of a life in rebellion to God (2Th 1:9). Both perspectives are foolish when the option to “not perish”, through faith in Jesus Christ, is available.

but have everlasting life – Life can be, is intended to be, and is available to be, everlasting! And it’s offered freely (though the cost, Jesus’ death at Calvary, was high). The alternative to everlasting life is not immediate death, as some might believe, but everlasting death – separation from God and His attributes (Gal 5:22-23). Why choose the latter when the former is so good?

De 30:19 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 “that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…”

A New Name and a New Future

At significant moments in Biblical history, God changed the name of a few characters to correspond with their relationship, identity, and future related to Him:

Abram (high/exalted father) to Abraham (father of a great multitude) – cf. ACC Ge 17:5

Sarai (my princess) to Sarah (princess of nations) – cf. ACC Ge 17:5

Jacob (supplanter) to Israel (prince with God) – cf. ACC Ge 32:28

Lucifer (morning star) to Satan (adversary) – cf. ACC Isa 14:12 & ACC Job 1:6

Simon (hearing) to Peter (rock/stone fragment) – cf. SC Grk4613/Heb 8095/Heb8085 & cf. ACC Mt 16:18

Joseph (let him add) to Barnabas (son of encouragement/exhortation) – cf. SC Heb3130 & ACC Ge 30:24 & cf. ACC Ac 4:36

Saul (asked/sought) to Paul (Latin: little/dwarf -or- Heb: extraordinary/ wonderful) – cf. ACC Ac 13:9

ACC = Adam Clarke Commentary, SC = Strong’s Concordance

Similar to a bride whose name and identity changes to her husband’s when wed, God will, at a significant moment in history, change His bride’s name to correspond with her new relationship, identity, and future in Him.

Re 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Re 3:12 “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”

And, although the bride may not know the new name yet, God already does!

 

Hebrews and the Apostle Paul

The authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews is a much debated subject! The following are some reasons why the Apostle Paul may be its author:

“My Chains”

Heb 10:34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

Paul is the only writer to reference my chains in the New Testament, and he does so 9 times (Php 1:7, 13, 14, 16, Col 4:18, 2Ti 1:16, 2:9, Phm 1:10, 13).

My chains coincides with Paul’s letters written during either his…

1st Roman imprisonment (60-62AD): Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (aka The Prison Epistles)

2nd Roman imprisonment (67AD): 2nd Timothy

“Timothy” and “Italy”

Heb 13:23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. 24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

Timothy was Paul’s closest associate

1Co 4:17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

Php 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

Paul was “bound” for Italy

Ac 27:1 ¶ And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.

Ac 28:30 ¶ Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house [in Rome], and received all who came to him,

“Hebrew of Hebrews”

Php 3:4 ¶ though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee

Q: Who would have been more qualified to address the Jews than Paul, the Hebrew of Hebrews?

“My Countrymen”

Ro 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,

Paul loved his brethren to such a degree that, if it were possible, he would have been willing to be accursed for their sake!

Wide Circulation

In order for the Epistle to the Hebrews to be received authoritatively, it had to be authored by a significant church leader. With the exception of the Epistle of James (the half-brother of Jesus), all other NT writings have apostolic origins.

Compliment to the Epistle to the Romans

Just as the Epistle to the Romans was written by Paul for the Gentiles, Hebrews may have been written by Paul for the Jews.

So… why is it important to know who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews? Well, actually it isn’t – not enough, anyway, that the Holy Spirit wouldn’t have included the information instead of remaining silent. All the same, the study of Paul’s life as it relates to his Hebrew brethren and to the Gentiles is inspiring!

Ac 26:22 “Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I [Paul] stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come–
23 “that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

 

“All truth is God’s truth.” Nonsense!

“All truth is God’s truth.” – St. Augustine

Nonsense!

It’s not uncommon to hear Augustine’s quote in Christian circles. It’s usually applied to an idea or theory that’s been accepted as true, based upon empirical evidence, that’s subsequently being ascribed to God as His truth. The intent in using the phrase is to attach greater significance to an idea or theory in order to make it more acceptable. Because… who wants to disagree with God?

The problem, however, is that empirical evidence cannot validate an idea or a theory. In fact, observation and experimentation provide only evidence for a reasonable conjecture. Thereafter, a group of “very influential people” may assemble to agree that their conjecture is now a truth, and then publish their findings to the world. But…

Is God in agreement with these truth-setters? It would seem that, rather than taking an idea and trying to secure an endorsement from God, we’d all be better served by answering the following first:

  1. What has God already revealed as truth?
  2. Is anyone or any group really in a position to declare anything as true if it’s only conjecture?
  3. Isn’t it irresponsible (and blasphemous) to ascribe a truth to God without His direct verification? and what would be that means of verification?
  4. Is it possible that those who are assembling to ascribe a truth to God might be undermining God’s authority for a secular humanistic ideology (eg The Tower of Babel)?

In regard to truth, only that which has been revealed by God can be regarded as genuine truth. He’s the only one in a position to make such a declaration.

De 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

The secret things are the realm of understanding which God has not (yet) revealed or disclosed. It’s these secret things which some attempt to define, for their own glory and recognition (and condemnation).

Those things revealed pertains to God’s truth through the Word of God, given that we may do all the words of this law.

Additionally, God’s revelation is unchanging and eternal!

Ps 119:160 ¶ The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

There’s a better phrase and theology than Augustine’s: “God’s truth is all truth!”

 †

Ps 2:1 ¶ Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.

 

Against My Better Judgment

Against my better judgment I played the game, PayDay, today with my family. Against my better judgment because, for the most part, I’m not into playing games – those who know me would say this was a gross understatement. There are (lots of) other things I’d rather do (like playing the guitar, blogging, reconciling a checkbook), but this was an opportunity for us to spend some time together so, against my better judgment, I played the game.

So we set up the game and started playing. My favorite game playing piece, blue, was snatched-up so, against my better judgment, I settled for yellow (my least favorite color, the color of cowardice and humiliation).

On my first move I landed on a Deal space and had the opportunity to buy an investment; however, I didn’t have enough money built up (only $325, my monthly salary) since it was early in the game. So, against my better judgment, I took out a loan to make the purchase. [NOTE: I didn’t know until another move later that the monthly interest on the loan was 20% (240% APR – it’s robbery, that’s what it is!) if not paid in full by month’s end!]

On my next move, I landed on a Mail space and received bills requiring payments equally ~$1200. I didn’t have that either so, against my better judgment (more like, against my will), I increased the line of credit.

A round later, someone landed on the Poker Game space, where each participant could pitch-in $100 for a chance to win the pot with a high roll. Decent odds but, being deeply in debt only 1/6th of the way into the game, I wasn’t going to take a $100 loan to play Poker. “Come on, Pop!” they all said, so, against my better judgment, I played… and subsequently lost $100.

A turn later I landed on a Mail space again and received a Lottery Ticket, worth $100 if I landed on the Lottery Draw at the end of the month. Big deal – the odds were worse than the Poker Game, and it would expire at the end of the month. So, I considered selling it for the highest bid since I was so far in the red. But, against my better judgment, I kept it… and passed over the Draw space.

The game continued like this pretty much to the end. Four or five more Poker Games came up and, against my better judgment, I played on loaned money (“I’m due for a win!”) and lost. At the end, my total “assets” equaled -$1000; everyone else had at least $1500; the youngest won the game with >$5000!

3 Lessons Learned (for games and, all the more, for life):

Ps 119:66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments.

  1. Learn good judgment and knowledge.
  2. Believe and stick to (DOING) what is “right” according to God’s word (ie Loans, Poker Games, and the Lottery are bad ideas and lead to poverty).
  3. Don’t go against my better judgment again!