"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." (Matthew 4:16)
Our text is the Great "Declaration of Independence" of the "Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ." It is for all humanity, for all who will surrender their independence to dependence in and upon Jesus Christ. This "Kingdom Declaration" has held out great hope and inspiration to all freedom loving and freedom seeking people throughout history; hence, the celebration today in the United States of America. But the history of the United States teaches us an important lesson.
The Fourth of July, 1776, was just the "declaration of independence." The battle to secure that "independence" took 8 years. It is easy to "declare" a thing. It is quite another to secure a "thing." The "Treaty of Paris" sealed the independence of the United States of America from British rule. But it was not the final battle for freedom and "independence"-- 1812, 1836-1848, 1861-1865, 1898, 1917-1918, 1941-1945, 1950-1953, 1959-1975, 1990-1991, 2003.... and the battle for freedom continues.
I hear much today in the Christian Community about "declaring." Okay. But remember that your "declarations" will be contested throughout this life. The final victory was assured in the Cross of Christ, and the words, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." We should continue to "declare" the Words of God and our freedom and "independence" from the "kingdom of darkness." But if history teaches anything, it teaches that there are "many dangers, toils, and snares" in this life to overcome. But the obedient in Jesus Christ can take heart--- "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith."
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You so much for the United States of America. May the nations be a manifestation of Your "kingdom of light." Amen.
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Watchman
Sentinel
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
"When Will They Ever Learn?"
"In the beginning God...." (Genesis 1:1a)
Sarah and I were on the street where the Arab murderer went on a rampage yesterday. I guess I can understand why he did it. Perhaps if we were at war here in America, I would do the same thing. So that is it. The Jews and Arabs are at war. Novel? Hardly. It is a millennia struggle. I say to the world and especially politicians, "Accept it. It will not change until Jesus returns. Of course, talk, negotiate, etc., but you will not stop this."
This is the problem with humanists. They keep believing that man is basically good, and if we just do something, the right thing, everything will be all right. We have been waiting for over 4000 years for this
theory to prove correct. Why is humanity so bent on keeping the same failed policy on itself? The answer is relatively simple. They are still trying to fulfill the lie of Satan in the Garden. "You will be as God." Trouble is, we never will be, not in the sense that fallen man desires.
The new quarter has me in the early chapters of Genesis. "In the beginning God...." And in the end------- God. In eternity------- God. I suggest to the humanist to remember this. Everything starts and ends with the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, The Eternal One, dwelling solely in Jesus Christ. So, dear Believer in Jesus, do not despair. He started this----------- and He will finish this. "For in [Jesus] all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority...."-------------------------------------- and Humanism.
Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to be a living witness to the Truth, Your Truth, the Only Truth, Jesus Christ. Amen.
**************
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Sarah and I were on the street where the Arab murderer went on a rampage yesterday. I guess I can understand why he did it. Perhaps if we were at war here in America, I would do the same thing. So that is it. The Jews and Arabs are at war. Novel? Hardly. It is a millennia struggle. I say to the world and especially politicians, "Accept it. It will not change until Jesus returns. Of course, talk, negotiate, etc., but you will not stop this."
This is the problem with humanists. They keep believing that man is basically good, and if we just do something, the right thing, everything will be all right. We have been waiting for over 4000 years for this
theory to prove correct. Why is humanity so bent on keeping the same failed policy on itself? The answer is relatively simple. They are still trying to fulfill the lie of Satan in the Garden. "You will be as God." Trouble is, we never will be, not in the sense that fallen man desires.
The new quarter has me in the early chapters of Genesis. "In the beginning God...." And in the end------- God. In eternity------- God. I suggest to the humanist to remember this. Everything starts and ends with the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, The Eternal One, dwelling solely in Jesus Christ. So, dear Believer in Jesus, do not despair. He started this----------- and He will finish this. "For in [Jesus] all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority...."-------------------------------------- and Humanism.
Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to be a living witness to the Truth, Your Truth, the Only Truth, Jesus Christ. Amen.
**************
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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
"Do You Believe This?" (Your Life Depends on "This")
"Do you believe this?" (John 11:25c)
This is the question of life---------------- and your life depends on it. There are many things of the God-Breathed Word which many people agree with, acknowledge, hope are true. But what about that illusive reality called, "believe?"
I received an e-mail earlier this morning that Becca's time may be very short in this life. My heart sank. I don't understand anymore than you do. We can go back to the Garden and see what happened there, a sentence pronounced upon humanity, death, suffering ensued. But there is another "Garden," the Redemptive Garden of Gethsemane. It was there in Jesus' great trial, facing "the death of the cross," the turning of the Face of the Father that we see the curse of Eden being reversed. The forgiveness of sin and deliverance from the "power of darkness" was determined here.
There is much sin in the world, suffering, heartache------- dying. But there is also much Grace here, because Jesus Christ is here. And He is still saving from sin, giving peace and comfort to the brokenhearted. I stood at the grave of our son and heard very clearly His Word, "I am the resurrection, and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die." But I also heard the last sentence which is usually left out of this oft quoted verse. "Do you believe this?"
The promises are "exceeding great and precious," but the issue that will determine our survival in life is-------------- "Do you believe this?"
Father, in Jesus' Name, I believe as I can. Take me further in belief, trust, hope, faith, and love in You. Amen.
**************
Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.
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This is the question of life---------------- and your life depends on it. There are many things of the God-Breathed Word which many people agree with, acknowledge, hope are true. But what about that illusive reality called, "believe?"
I received an e-mail earlier this morning that Becca's time may be very short in this life. My heart sank. I don't understand anymore than you do. We can go back to the Garden and see what happened there, a sentence pronounced upon humanity, death, suffering ensued. But there is another "Garden," the Redemptive Garden of Gethsemane. It was there in Jesus' great trial, facing "the death of the cross," the turning of the Face of the Father that we see the curse of Eden being reversed. The forgiveness of sin and deliverance from the "power of darkness" was determined here.
There is much sin in the world, suffering, heartache------- dying. But there is also much Grace here, because Jesus Christ is here. And He is still saving from sin, giving peace and comfort to the brokenhearted. I stood at the grave of our son and heard very clearly His Word, "I am the resurrection, and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die." But I also heard the last sentence which is usually left out of this oft quoted verse. "Do you believe this?"
The promises are "exceeding great and precious," but the issue that will determine our survival in life is-------------- "Do you believe this?"
Father, in Jesus' Name, I believe as I can. Take me further in belief, trust, hope, faith, and love in You. Amen.
**************
Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.
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Tuesday, July 1, 2008
"Surely I am Coming Quickly"
"Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion...." (Revelation 14:1a)
Yesterday was the last day of the quarter, so I finished the Book of Revelation. It's a New Testament "Book of Psalms." What praise; what comfort; what rebukes; what warnings. Yet it is perhaps the most "controversial" book of the canon. Is it prophetic? Is is allegory? Is it history? My personal approach to Scripture is that if you are in doubt about the whole "type" or "foreshadow," allegory, prophetic, historical hermeneutic approach, take the literal approach. Don't worry. The Holy Spirit will "teach you all things," and I have confidence that He will keep you from misinterpretation, religious fanaticism, or whatever.
In Revelation there are 27 references to Jesus Christ as "the Lamb." "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David--- And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne...stood a Lamb as though it had been slain....Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him Who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever"-- He is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." And some day this Lamb of God, the Father, will be "standing on Mount Zion" in Jerusalem. I have been on Mount Zion, but, O, when the historic and eternal Jesus will be in His Glorious Resurrected Body, "standing on Mount Zion"--That Day will be like no other!
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (standing Revelation 22:20, 21)
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Monday, June 30, 2008
"The Lamb...on Mount Zion"
"Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion...." (Revelation 14:1a--NASB)
The Lamb, Jesus, "on Mount Zion." This is not in the past. This is not allegory. This is prophesy. Some day we will all, Believer and unbeliever alike, see "the Lamb...standing on Mount Zion." Remember? "Every eye shall see Him." Are you ready? Are you looking forward to That Day?
Don't let "The History Channel," or the twisted reasoning of some theologians, or even perhaps our own questioning minds keep you from this Great Day. No matter what happens to you in this life, no matter the economy, the political scenes, no matter what happens among men and nations, Jesus Christ, the Lamb "in the Throne," will return to take all of us, who have trusted, obeyed, and served Him, into His "Everlasting Habitations." It will start in Jerusalem, Israel, and complete in "the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
No Monday, no matter how "blue," can take this from you.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that You will keep me to "That Day." Amen.
**************
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The Lamb, Jesus, "on Mount Zion." This is not in the past. This is not allegory. This is prophesy. Some day we will all, Believer and unbeliever alike, see "the Lamb...standing on Mount Zion." Remember? "Every eye shall see Him." Are you ready? Are you looking forward to That Day?
Don't let "The History Channel," or the twisted reasoning of some theologians, or even perhaps our own questioning minds keep you from this Great Day. No matter what happens to you in this life, no matter the economy, the political scenes, no matter what happens among men and nations, Jesus Christ, the Lamb "in the Throne," will return to take all of us, who have trusted, obeyed, and served Him, into His "Everlasting Habitations." It will start in Jerusalem, Israel, and complete in "the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
No Monday, no matter how "blue," can take this from you.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that You will keep me to "That Day." Amen.
**************
Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.
(http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)
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