I received an e-mail yesterday which contained this tirade by Richard Dawkins, Darwin worshipper, atheist, and general all around malcontent. "The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully."
Apparently he has not been to a manger.
Some Hanukkah facts from various sources.
The word is from the Hebrew word for, "dedication," or, "consecration." It "marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the forces of the King of Syria, Antiochus IV Epiphanes and commemorates the 'miracle of the container of oil.'" According to the Talmud, at the rededication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.
*****************
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Watchman
Sentinel
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
"To Save Us All From Satan's Power"
"....You shall call His Name JESUS, for He will save...." (Mt. 1:21)
The up beat version of, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," which I sent to you yesterday reflects to me the joy of the Season and the life of a Follower of Jesus Christ. "....Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day to save us all from Satan's power...." Indeed, as our text declares, "He will save His people from their sins." But, the reason we "Merry Gentlemen" can "rest" is that at the Cross Jesus went after the root of those "sins"---------------------------------------------- "Satan's Power!"
Sin enslaved Adam and Eve because they yielded to "Satan's power." Some of his other names give insight into this "power"---"Deceiver"--"Father of lies"--"And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon...." This text from the Book of Revelation gives us perhaps the most chilling description of the great Enemy of mankind, King...of the bottomless pit." The Hebrew word, "Abaddon," means, "destroying angel." It is from a root word meaning, "to wander away, lose oneself, perish." It sort of reminds me of a child at a mall during the Christmas season. All the lights, the excitement, the gaiety are just too much. He starts "to wander away" from his parents, an easy prey.
So too you and I, wandering through life, caught up in the lights, excitement, and gaiety, even of "good" spiritual things, are easy prey to the "Destroyer/Deceiver," the one whom Paul referred to as, "the Prince of the power of the air," lurking for a wandering "child" who has lost his way------------ and site of the Father. This "wandering" is in our DNA, what theology calls "the Adamic Nature." Robert Robinson expressed it this way,
"Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love."
But no matter "Satan's power" to destroy, deceive, lie, and eternally enslave as "King...of the bottomless pit." Jesus, The One Whom Heaven calls, "King of kings and Lord of lords," is "King of" the "king...of the bottomless pit." And, be sure of this; even though his "pit" is "bottomless," his power is not. "One little word shall fell him." My only caution?------------------------------ Be careful the wandering.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I too am "prone to wander," but I sing,
"Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above." Amen.
************************************
* As one of Christ's "servants of the Word," I am preaching in CCE's "Service of the Word" this coming Sunday, Dec. 13.
* Prophetic News: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
The up beat version of, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," which I sent to you yesterday reflects to me the joy of the Season and the life of a Follower of Jesus Christ. "....Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day to save us all from Satan's power...." Indeed, as our text declares, "He will save His people from their sins." But, the reason we "Merry Gentlemen" can "rest" is that at the Cross Jesus went after the root of those "sins"---------------------------------------------- "Satan's Power!"
Sin enslaved Adam and Eve because they yielded to "Satan's power." Some of his other names give insight into this "power"---"Deceiver"--"Father of lies"--"And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon...." This text from the Book of Revelation gives us perhaps the most chilling description of the great Enemy of mankind, King...of the bottomless pit." The Hebrew word, "Abaddon," means, "destroying angel." It is from a root word meaning, "to wander away, lose oneself, perish." It sort of reminds me of a child at a mall during the Christmas season. All the lights, the excitement, the gaiety are just too much. He starts "to wander away" from his parents, an easy prey.
So too you and I, wandering through life, caught up in the lights, excitement, and gaiety, even of "good" spiritual things, are easy prey to the "Destroyer/Deceiver," the one whom Paul referred to as, "the Prince of the power of the air," lurking for a wandering "child" who has lost his way------------ and site of the Father. This "wandering" is in our DNA, what theology calls "the Adamic Nature." Robert Robinson expressed it this way,
"Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love."
But no matter "Satan's power" to destroy, deceive, lie, and eternally enslave as "King...of the bottomless pit." Jesus, The One Whom Heaven calls, "King of kings and Lord of lords," is "King of" the "king...of the bottomless pit." And, be sure of this; even though his "pit" is "bottomless," his power is not. "One little word shall fell him." My only caution?------------------------------ Be careful the wandering.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I too am "prone to wander," but I sing,
"Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above." Amen.
************************************
* As one of Christ's "servants of the Word," I am preaching in CCE's "Service of the Word" this coming Sunday, Dec. 13.
* Prophetic News: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Thursday, December 10, 2009
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"-- And Ladies
"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt 11:28, 29)
Click Here>> http://tinyurl.com/ybc3fuq
and locate the Carol, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." It has been my favorite since my youth. I have read that it was also the favorite carol of the early Reformation period. One historian says that is means, "may God rest you merrily." I'm not so sure. Could it be a blessing to, "merry gentlemen," i.e., "May God give you rest."
"God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy."
In our text, Jesus, Author and Sustainer of Rest, simply yet gloriously and "Just as I Am," invites humanity to Himself. Augustine once prayed, "Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless 'til they find their rest in Thee." Couldn't have prayed it better. Who cannot testify to the reality? Think of life before Jesus Christ, restless, tumultuous, like a ship on a storm-tossed sea. Think of those times, also, when as a Believer, we have still sought "rest" other than the bosom of Jesus. Rest on now, saint, "He calleth thee."
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for the Rest which only You Are. Amen.
*********************************************
* Preaching this coming Sunday in the CCE Meeting
* Prophetic News, Commentary: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
When 18 year old Peter Torjesen"heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
YouTube - 9/11 "Living Memorial" in the Jerusalem Forest Hills Dedi
When 18 year old Peter Torjesen"heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Need Some Joy? Try This
"....Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10b, 11)
Just a little sidebar here: It is "The city of DAVID," not Mohammed, Ghandi, or Obama. But today, because of Carter, the Bushes, Clinton, and Obama, Bethlehem, "the city of David," is in the hands an alien, terroristic people. Warning: You do not trespass, or offer the means of trespassing on the property of the King----------------- and survive.
In 2 Samuel 4:9 (NLT), as a foreshadow of The Coming One, David refers to Jesus as, "the Lord, who saves me...." Matthew tells us that the angel told Joseph to, "call His name JESUS, for He will save...." Our text today tells us that the angelic host called Him, "a Savior Who is Christ the Lord." We can see why the scenario in our text would be "to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness." Look at the words which are compounded in Luke 2-- "City of David--Savior--Christ--Lord--Baby--manger." These personages and location just do not fit into Greek mythology, or Jewish theology. In the First Covenant, the word, "LORD," means, "The Existing One," i.e., "I AM." In the Second Covenant, the word means, "supreme in authority, controller, (and I like this one) Mr." The gods of pagan theology and the God of most Jews, "The Existing One," or, "The Eternal One," just do not become babies ("became flesh") and descend to stables.
Here is a mind-blowing, foolish, "stumbling block" translation------------"For unto you is born this day in the city of David (in a dark, smelly, stable, a baby is born) a Saviour which is Christ the Lord ('Supreme in Authority, the Controller, Mr. God, the Eternal One, the Self-Existing One, Creator, 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace....The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known')"--------------- and on and on and gloriously on!
Father, in Jesus' Name, I still have so little understanding of Who You really Are. But I am enjoying the journey. Amen.
*********************************************
* Read of the EU turning up the pressure on Israel @: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
* Devotional Archive: apfdevotionals.blogspot.com
(Just scroll down to the week you which to locate)
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Just a little sidebar here: It is "The city of DAVID," not Mohammed, Ghandi, or Obama. But today, because of Carter, the Bushes, Clinton, and Obama, Bethlehem, "the city of David," is in the hands an alien, terroristic people. Warning: You do not trespass, or offer the means of trespassing on the property of the King----------------- and survive.
In 2 Samuel 4:9 (NLT), as a foreshadow of The Coming One, David refers to Jesus as, "the Lord, who saves me...." Matthew tells us that the angel told Joseph to, "call His name JESUS, for He will save...." Our text today tells us that the angelic host called Him, "a Savior Who is Christ the Lord." We can see why the scenario in our text would be "to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness." Look at the words which are compounded in Luke 2-- "City of David--Savior--Christ--Lord--Baby--manger." These personages and location just do not fit into Greek mythology, or Jewish theology. In the First Covenant, the word, "LORD," means, "The Existing One," i.e., "I AM." In the Second Covenant, the word means, "supreme in authority, controller, (and I like this one) Mr." The gods of pagan theology and the God of most Jews, "The Existing One," or, "The Eternal One," just do not become babies ("became flesh") and descend to stables.
Here is a mind-blowing, foolish, "stumbling block" translation------------"For unto you is born this day in the city of David (in a dark, smelly, stable, a baby is born) a Saviour which is Christ the Lord ('Supreme in Authority, the Controller, Mr. God, the Eternal One, the Self-Existing One, Creator, 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace....The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known')"--------------- and on and on and gloriously on!
Father, in Jesus' Name, I still have so little understanding of Who You really Are. But I am enjoying the journey. Amen.
*********************************************
* Read of the EU turning up the pressure on Israel @: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
* Devotional Archive: apfdevotionals.blogspot.com
(Just scroll down to the week you which to locate)
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"You Shall Call His Name Jesus, For He Will Save"
"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
To understand Jesus as Savior we must read and have written on our hearts Leviticus 16, perhaps the greatest revelation on the saving work of Jesus Christ. I had been a pastor for 6 years before I ever read the whole book of Leviticus. How dwarfed a human being. Leviticus 16 gave me a glimpse into the mystery of the Atonement, the Living Triune God's "plan of Salvation," in a way I could never have imagined.
Just as one goat was slain in the camp and the other taken into the wilderness and abandoned to suffer thirst, starvation, and probable tearing apart by some vicious beast, Jesus so suffered on the cross. After the animals were offered "for sin," they were taken "outside the camp" to be destroyed. Jesus fulfilled all of this and so much more in His Cross. Hebrews 13 tells us, "For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate." The Holy Spirit then adds one of the most moving passages in Holy Writ. "Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach."
The wise men came bearing gifts. May you and I come "bearing His reproach."
Father, in Jesus' Name, forgive me when my desire for respectability has kept me from going "forth to Him, outside the camp." Amen.
********************************************
Prophetic News, Commentary: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Devotional archive @: apfdevotionals.blogspot.com
(Just scroll down to find a date you would like to access)
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
To understand Jesus as Savior we must read and have written on our hearts Leviticus 16, perhaps the greatest revelation on the saving work of Jesus Christ. I had been a pastor for 6 years before I ever read the whole book of Leviticus. How dwarfed a human being. Leviticus 16 gave me a glimpse into the mystery of the Atonement, the Living Triune God's "plan of Salvation," in a way I could never have imagined.
Just as one goat was slain in the camp and the other taken into the wilderness and abandoned to suffer thirst, starvation, and probable tearing apart by some vicious beast, Jesus so suffered on the cross. After the animals were offered "for sin," they were taken "outside the camp" to be destroyed. Jesus fulfilled all of this and so much more in His Cross. Hebrews 13 tells us, "For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate." The Holy Spirit then adds one of the most moving passages in Holy Writ. "Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach."
The wise men came bearing gifts. May you and I come "bearing His reproach."
Father, in Jesus' Name, forgive me when my desire for respectability has kept me from going "forth to Him, outside the camp." Amen.
********************************************
Prophetic News, Commentary: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Devotional archive @: apfdevotionals.blogspot.com
(Just scroll down to find a date you would like to access)
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Monday, December 7, 2009
If You Are In a Hurry, You Won't Want to Read This
"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:32, 33)
You and I should be thankful that the announcement of the coming King and His Kingdom was not just for "the house of Jacob." It was for all who hear, respond in obedience, and surrender to Jesus Christ as King and Savior. And, if you read the entire first chapter of Luke, you discover that it was an announcement to "the kings of the earth...and the rulers," that the Coming King would bring a judgment on all those who try to exalt any kingdom, any political or social philosophy, and any religion above His Kingdom. "He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty....He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts."
As I read the Bible I continually notice how universal is the Word of God. The only way the Blessed Trinity considers other religions or philosophies of the world is that they are enemy states; they are evil,
and, they are only to be judged and ultimately destroyed. There is no "political correctness" in the Bible. The only place you find "PC" in any generation is in the hearts of people who are trying to avoid a fight, save their own lives, keep their jobs, and keep harmony in their communities and nations. But the fight is on. It has been raging since the great rebellion in the Garden and The Tower; and no matter how high man tries to build his towers, and so-called Christians compromise with the religions and political systems of the world, The Blessed Trinity will do what He did with the first Tower-- "Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech."
The call to humanity has not changed. Receive Jesus Christ to be "born of the spirit." Only then can you "see the Kingdom." Be baptized in water so that you can, "enter the Kingdom." This is the Gospel, not some abbreviated, convenient "evangelical" version. There is simply no future with "the kings of the earth" other than to be, "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and might forever and ever."
The "national anthem" of the Kingdom of Heaven is, "Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ," ----------------------- "Oh--say--can--you--see!!!"
Father, in Jesus' name, thank You that Your Kingdom is for all who will come and surrender to you. Amen.
*******************************************
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
You and I should be thankful that the announcement of the coming King and His Kingdom was not just for "the house of Jacob." It was for all who hear, respond in obedience, and surrender to Jesus Christ as King and Savior. And, if you read the entire first chapter of Luke, you discover that it was an announcement to "the kings of the earth...and the rulers," that the Coming King would bring a judgment on all those who try to exalt any kingdom, any political or social philosophy, and any religion above His Kingdom. "He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty....He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts."
As I read the Bible I continually notice how universal is the Word of God. The only way the Blessed Trinity considers other religions or philosophies of the world is that they are enemy states; they are evil,
and, they are only to be judged and ultimately destroyed. There is no "political correctness" in the Bible. The only place you find "PC" in any generation is in the hearts of people who are trying to avoid a fight, save their own lives, keep their jobs, and keep harmony in their communities and nations. But the fight is on. It has been raging since the great rebellion in the Garden and The Tower; and no matter how high man tries to build his towers, and so-called Christians compromise with the religions and political systems of the world, The Blessed Trinity will do what He did with the first Tower-- "Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech."
The call to humanity has not changed. Receive Jesus Christ to be "born of the spirit." Only then can you "see the Kingdom." Be baptized in water so that you can, "enter the Kingdom." This is the Gospel, not some abbreviated, convenient "evangelical" version. There is simply no future with "the kings of the earth" other than to be, "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and might forever and ever."
The "national anthem" of the Kingdom of Heaven is, "Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ," ----------------------- "Oh--say--can--you--see!!!"
Father, in Jesus' name, thank You that Your Kingdom is for all who will come and surrender to you. Amen.
*******************************************
Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
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