The Word of God…First, Last, Always!

Scholars often break apart texts and historical accounts in order to write scholarly documents for a doctoral thesis.  They will frequently say that changes in someone’s writing style over the years must mean that those later works are not written by the original author.  This is especially true in prophetic books where the writing is about future events that the author has not experienced.  Rather than believe God gave this information to the author it is easier to say a later author added to the book.  Isaiah has been broken up in this way for centuries and yet Jesus Himself quoted this book on numerous occasions and declared the author to be Isaiah.

One problem with this ‘scholar’s view’ of scripture is that scholars tend to discount the ‘God Breathed’ nature of the Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) scriptures.  It has been said that Mark was Peter’s amanuensis or secretary, and yet all Peter’s works are divinely inspired.  Either Peter wrote those works or Mark took dictation word by word.

In the Torah (Pentateuch) when it speaks of a pregnant woman, the value of the Hebrew letters that describe this condition add up to the same number of days that a woman carries a child.  What does this tell us?  It says that God not only told Moses and the other writers what to write word by word, but in the case of Moses and the others, God told them what to write letter by letter.  He broke it down so we would have proof of the divine inspiration of scripture.

A REMEZ is a hint of God’s handiwork shining through.  If two disparate (markedly different) words add up to the same number in Hebrew or Greek (whose letters all have numerical values), it is likely that those two words are somehow linked together.  This is why it is imperative that our study of scripture goes beyond the simple plain text as offered by an interpreter.  We must learn to cherish the original text and through the use of computer translators learn how to break the original down. 

If the Holy Spirit went to the effort of naming a series of workmen or children, it is for more than historical reasons.  It may be that He wants you to look up the meaning of every one of those names and string those meanings together or it might just mean – as in the case of Abraham’s servant Eleazar – that the name means ‘Comforter’ and is an allusion to the Holy Spirit.

Modern scholars tend to believe Isaiah was written by three men.  In this case do not place too much faith on there being three separate authors.  It is enough that Jesus quoted from it and called it Isaiah’s work.  When someone brings into question the different styles of an author, they also bring into question whether the real author is God or man’s imagination. 

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools…  Is it any wonder that rather than call themselves teachers they have chosen the title of ‘professor.’  This chapter goes on to say that this excessive over thinking of life’s processes leads to homosexuality and other life damaging sins.

Why?

Because they do not accept the existence of God and therefore will not accept His rules or instruction.  If some professors do believe in a greater power or heavenly influence over our lives, they will not give Him the honor He is due as our heavenly Father and Lord.  They feel they must keep themselves in control of their own destiny and protect themselves from any ridicule they might suffer.  ‘Professors’ who believe the Word of God is miraculous and flawless are cast down in the court of public educational opinion and tossed out on their ears.

Because scripture is perfect and without error (in the original), God does not allow it to be watered down in any way.  This is obvious in Revelation 22 which says, “19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 20 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

If anyone adds their own opinions to certain doctrines contained in scripture they will be cursed with plagues.  We have seen this happen time and time again.  Most recently in this country, men and women state that God loves and accepts them when their lifestyle goes against scripture.  When someone removes various doctrines they will be removed from the book of life.  This is more difficult to observe, but equally frightening.  If you say God will not judge you or that it ‘doesn’t take all that’ then you simply will not make it in on ‘that day.’

Scripture was closed with the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.  After that moment there could not be any other additions.  Every religion and revelation that goes against this finished work of God is forever cursed.  There are no new scriptures after the time of Christ.  Any new ‘non-scriptural’ revelations such as those contained in Islam, Mormonism or others are sufficient to curse their followers to Hell.  Sadly, scripture says that many will follow these paths to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

Beloved, the 66 books contained in scripture will serve you well in your knowledge of God.  They are miraculous and inspired by God.  Never doubt His promises and you will not be disappointed by life’s trials.

“…and having done all to stand, stand therefore.”

Bishop J

Give Advantage To Win

People are often accused of taking ADVANTAGE of others.  I’ve heard it said that people took advantage of my late Apostle Joseph Sims.  The truth is that Apostle Sims gave every advantage to those he met.  He was always giving opportunities to others no matter if those people responded in kind or not.  To him it was a chance to share some of the revelation and anointing God had given him.  He gave opportunities to preach and opportunities to prophesy, opportunities to be better and opportunities to get up when you failed.  He never took opportunities away because you fell short.  He knew God was still working on you.

You have to ask yourself, can someone can steal what God has given you?  Jesus said, “My Father which giveth them to me is greater than all....” (John 10:29).  God does not need help defending His promises or bringing them to pass.  Scripture also says that whoever follows Christ will have rivers of living waters flowing out of his belly (John 7:38).  A river is not a stagnant body of water that fills up and becomes lifeless.  The river Jordan flows into two bodies of water, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.  The Sea of Galilee receives water in and lets it back out.  The Dead Sea takes water in but none flows out.  One is full of life, the other…not.

If you receive God’s blessings, whether spiritual, financial or any other and do not allow those blessings to bless others, you have become stagnant and grasping.  You will become dead and lifeless, your life clogged with stagnant mold, rusty and tattered.  On the other hand, if you receive His blessings and always send a portion back out you will reap the great rewards. 

Proverbs 11:24-25 says, “There are those who generously scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered.

I have heard many mistaken people say the church only wants money.  This is incorrect.  The local ministries need finance to function, this is true, but according to Luke 10:3-12 the workman (preacher) is worthy of his wages.  When someone brings us a good word and causes our understanding of scripture to grow, we are to bless that person with our finances, food or help. 

This is apparent in Romans 15:27

27  It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

and in 1 Corinthians 9:11. 

11  If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things.

God makes it very plain in Malachi 3:8-12,

8  Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings.

9  You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation.

 10  Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

 11  And I will rebuke the devourer [insects and plagues] for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of hosts.

 12  And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”

Many in the early church even went so far as to sell all they owned and to share it with those less fortunate as in Acts 2:45. 

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Why would they do this?  In this world of greed, lies and climbing over one another, why would someone give an advantage to someone else?  It makes no natural sense.  

That is the reason.  It makes perfect spiritual sense, not natural sense.  These people have chosen to live their lives sharing with and pouring into those less fortunate so they might have great treasure in heaven rather than merely on earth. 

Matthew 6:19 makes this quite clear,

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Have you ever wanted some thing more than anything else?  God desires to have this relationship with you.  He is perfectly willing to allow His son Jesus to die for you, suffer for you and bear in His body forever the scars of that death and suffering but he wants you to desire His Son’s sacrifice and be willing to reciprocate in your own life with equal passion.

Matthew 13:44-45  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

God wants you to want, even to NEED the kingdom of heaven in your life more than any wealth or gift or even life itself.  He wants you to purchase it with your faith, your life and your obedience, willing to give anything to obtain it.  The time for cute wishy washy lukewarm saints is over and done with.  In this season God wants those who have a strong burden for this life.  How much are you willing to pay for a pearl of great price?  Will you give it your all?  Will you give Him all?

The world is full of those who would steal their own brother or sister’s inheritance rather than sharing.  God is asking you to share your finances, your gifts, your faith and your life to help make those He sends stronger and more faithful. 

God wants you to be a river, not a puddle.  He wants His life and light to flow through you into others.  A portion of that blessing will always remain in you.  You cannot lose; but a portion will always leave you and bring increase to those you love in Christ.  Even if they can never repay you for your kindness and graciousness, God can; and He will.

If life isn’t working for you right now, give.  If holding tight to what you own doesn’t seem to help you, give.  If storing more and more in life’s warehouses doesn’t help, then open the doors and pour all that ability into someone else’s life and see the salvation of the Lord.

Luke 12:13-21 says,

13  And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

God’s word is always true.  He will honor you for your liberal attitude toward others but He will chasten you if you fail to be gracious and giving.  Never fear beloved.  King David reminds us that throughout his life from youth to old age he had never seen the righteous forsaken or God’s seed begging for bread (Psalm 27:35).   

What have you got to lose?

What do you have to win?

Resurrection Blessings

This week as we approach Resurrection Sunday let us keep in mind all the wonderful blessings we enjoy from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Last Sunday in church as I listened to pastor Clyde pouring out his heart about the sacrifice of Christ the Lord gave me a revelation about the three days He suffered in Hell on our behalf. 

It says in 2 Peter 3:8, "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." 

On the one hand, God sees our entire life as a fleeting moment of time, indeed, whole epochs, past or future, can flash by Him with the same clarity that we can consider the day we have just completed.  That explains the second half of the scripture above but what about the first half?  In the first half it says, "a day to OUR LORD is as a thousand years."  In His eternal state He sees things in a certain way, but in His human state He must observe time as we do.  The revelation I received was that God did not endure three days in Hell as we would but rather as He, God, would.  To Him those three days were subjectively three thousand years.  He didn't die to suffer for one man's sin but for all mankind's sins.  That weight of suffering was not anything that you or I could endure and maintain our sanity.  That suffering was something that only God Himself could endure.  Objectively a mere three days separated Him from His Heavenly Father, but in reality as God Man He endured it with all the clarity, understanding and eternity that made Him the only acceptable payment for our sins.  Jesus was in the grave, separated from His Eternal Godhead while still possessing that glorified state of being.  In that glorified state He effectively endured three thousand years of sorrow and grief for our sakes.

Beloved, the next time you read Matthew 26:39, consider that Jesus was not concerned so much with His death as with His extraordinary separation from God, something He had not endured for all eternity past.  The fear and grief Jesus bore was from our standpoint an almost eternal separation from God that effectively lasted for three thousand years. 

If you have ever told yourself, "I could do three days in Hell without God for an eternity of reigning," I submit that even a mere three days would have destroyed you.  Certainly three millennium would.  Rejoice in our Lord and Savior beloved.  His suffering for our sakes is much greater than we will ever know.  Call out to our Lord and rejoice in His sinlessness AND His strength!  Thank you Lord for my salvation!

Rejoice on this Resurrection day beloved.

Bishop J