Randy Green's Blog - Posts Tagged "prophecy"
Oh Dear. What Next?
Life insurance. Death and disability insurance. Automobile insurance. Homeowners insurance. Retirement plans. Obviously we frequently wonder what tomorrow will bring, do we not?
If we know where to look, we can find some trustworthy answers. Only one person knows what tomorrow will bring. This Person is God, and He revealed a goodly amount of insight to us...sort of like pulling back the curtain of time a bit and giving us a sneak peek!
May I suggest we start a group of folks who want to explore this issue. We can read my book "Kingdom of Eretz, A Biblical Allegory of the Church Age" together. Then we can share our perspectives and decipher the meaning of this allegory.
Who's in? All volunteers will need to get the book from Red Lead Press. Google them to place an order. The book is available in paperback or as an eBook. So let the chase begin!
If we know where to look, we can find some trustworthy answers. Only one person knows what tomorrow will bring. This Person is God, and He revealed a goodly amount of insight to us...sort of like pulling back the curtain of time a bit and giving us a sneak peek!
May I suggest we start a group of folks who want to explore this issue. We can read my book "Kingdom of Eretz, A Biblical Allegory of the Church Age" together. Then we can share our perspectives and decipher the meaning of this allegory.
Who's in? All volunteers will need to get the book from Red Lead Press. Google them to place an order. The book is available in paperback or as an eBook. So let the chase begin!
Missouri, the Show Me State – Part 1
If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead [Luke 16:31].
I’ve had occasion over the years to hear it all, or at least most of it! One common statement coming from folks who stepped in it goes like this, “If only I had known, I wouldn’t have done what I did.” Perhaps not. Just perhaps. But then again…
It is troubling to hear suchlike talk, mainly because the words usually amount to no more than rationalization. The person speaking wants to explain away his guilt and make himself innocent without ever being sorry for his wrong. He is attempting to induce sympathy.
Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus, at least partially so. I refer to it as Jesus’ story and not His parable because I don’t believe it to be a parable at all. It was a true story by the telling of it, not containing the usual phraseology of a parable. Jesus usually began His parables by stating something to this effect, “The kingdom of God is like…”
In addition, the story could only be told by someone from eternity, seeing how it reveals events from eternity. This detail adds proof to Jesus’ claim to be God. Let’s review the story, shall we?
There was this rich man and there was this poor man, Larazus by name. The rich man was filthy rich and the poor man suffered from abject poverty. What’s more, the poor man was sickly—small wonder!—not having the means to pay medical expenses to care for himself.
Without money for food Larazus had to sit at the rich man’s door, in hopes of receiving some small token of charity from the rich man. Larazus served as the Lord’s opportunity for the rich man to do a righteous act.
Alas, but Larazus went unnoticed day after day, until one day he no longer sat at the rich man’s door. The Lord saw fit to promote Larazus to eternity, where at last he enjoyed his good things in Abraham’s bosom.
Then one day the rich man ceased to pass back and forth through his front door, the same door where Larazus once upon a time used to sit daily. The rich man’s hour glass ran out of sand, and the day of salvation ended for him. The Lord dispatched him to Hades, a place we should never wish upon anyone.
In Hades the rich man was in torment. He was able to see Lazarus enjoying himself in comfort and spiritual contentment. And there was Abraham right there with Lazarus.
Calling out to Abraham the erstwhile rich man pleaded, “Father Abraham, I am parched and suffer the most intense and searing pain. Please have Lazarus dip his finger in some water and come here to touch my tongue with a drop of the moisture.”
Abraham explained that no one was permitted to travel between the two locations. To this the rich man responded, “Then please send Larzarus to my five brothers who are still alive, with a message to warn them of what’s in store for them if they don’t repent.”
“Oh no,” Abraham rejoined. “Can’t do that either. They can read the Word of God and learn that information.”
Not wanting to stop the horse in the middle of the stream, nonetheless our time is up. The horse can drink his fill and we can spend time with the Lord while he drinks. We’ll continue this study tomorrow.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
I’ve had occasion over the years to hear it all, or at least most of it! One common statement coming from folks who stepped in it goes like this, “If only I had known, I wouldn’t have done what I did.” Perhaps not. Just perhaps. But then again…
It is troubling to hear suchlike talk, mainly because the words usually amount to no more than rationalization. The person speaking wants to explain away his guilt and make himself innocent without ever being sorry for his wrong. He is attempting to induce sympathy.
Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus, at least partially so. I refer to it as Jesus’ story and not His parable because I don’t believe it to be a parable at all. It was a true story by the telling of it, not containing the usual phraseology of a parable. Jesus usually began His parables by stating something to this effect, “The kingdom of God is like…”
In addition, the story could only be told by someone from eternity, seeing how it reveals events from eternity. This detail adds proof to Jesus’ claim to be God. Let’s review the story, shall we?
There was this rich man and there was this poor man, Larazus by name. The rich man was filthy rich and the poor man suffered from abject poverty. What’s more, the poor man was sickly—small wonder!—not having the means to pay medical expenses to care for himself.
Without money for food Larazus had to sit at the rich man’s door, in hopes of receiving some small token of charity from the rich man. Larazus served as the Lord’s opportunity for the rich man to do a righteous act.
Alas, but Larazus went unnoticed day after day, until one day he no longer sat at the rich man’s door. The Lord saw fit to promote Larazus to eternity, where at last he enjoyed his good things in Abraham’s bosom.
Then one day the rich man ceased to pass back and forth through his front door, the same door where Larazus once upon a time used to sit daily. The rich man’s hour glass ran out of sand, and the day of salvation ended for him. The Lord dispatched him to Hades, a place we should never wish upon anyone.
In Hades the rich man was in torment. He was able to see Lazarus enjoying himself in comfort and spiritual contentment. And there was Abraham right there with Lazarus.
Calling out to Abraham the erstwhile rich man pleaded, “Father Abraham, I am parched and suffer the most intense and searing pain. Please have Lazarus dip his finger in some water and come here to touch my tongue with a drop of the moisture.”
Abraham explained that no one was permitted to travel between the two locations. To this the rich man responded, “Then please send Larzarus to my five brothers who are still alive, with a message to warn them of what’s in store for them if they don’t repent.”
“Oh no,” Abraham rejoined. “Can’t do that either. They can read the Word of God and learn that information.”
Not wanting to stop the horse in the middle of the stream, nonetheless our time is up. The horse can drink his fill and we can spend time with the Lord while he drinks. We’ll continue this study tomorrow.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Missouri, the Show Me State – Part 2
If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead [Luke 16:31].
Yesterday we paused in Hades, where the rich man wanted Lazarus to return to earth and warn his five brothers to repent. Abraham denied the rich man’s request, noting that the five brothers could read the Word of God and learn of their need to repent. Let’s continue from there now.
Hades was so unbearable that the rich man was truly worried sick about his five brothers’. So he pleaded with Abraham, “They won’t listen to the Word of God, Father Abraham. But if someone were to return from the dead, then they’d listen!”
Isn’t that what all of us believe deep down? If the secrets of our hearts were laid bear for all to see, the truth would express itself something like this: “Show me a mighty miracle, and then I’ll believe whatever it is you’re selling, God! But some of the things in the Bible, well, it’s expecting a little much to hold me to them, don’t you think?”
This is where the conclusion to Jesus’ story comes into play, dear friends. We quoted it at the start of this study. What did Abraham answer the rich man? Just this: if your five brothers won’t listen to the written Word of God, they won’t be convinced by someone rising from the dead either.
Do you hear Father Abraham, dear friends? Do his words ring in your ears and descend into the depths of your heart? The written Word of God takes priority over miracles any day of the week, even such an astounding miracle as the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
The purpose of miracles was never to convince people to repent and be saved. Miracles never did achieve such a result. Miracles served to confirm that a prophet was truly sent from God. Miracles also confirmed that what was written by prophets and apostles was the inspired written Word of God.
But miracles never have, don’t now, and never will serve to convert anyone to salvation. The Word of God is required to do that, along with the Holy Spirit to impress the Word of God on the person, so that he is convicted of his sins and brought repentance.
The story of Lazarus and the rich man foretold the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what would follow. Those who believed before the resurrection continued to believe after the resurrection. Unbelievers before the resurrection continued in their unbelief after the resurrection.
The purpose of the resurrection was not to convince anyone of the truth. The resurrection was the necessary outcome of the crucifixion. By means of the resurrection Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power (cf., Romans 1:4). He died, yes, but death could not keep its hold on the Author of life.
By means of the crucifixion Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind. By means of the resurrection Jesus’ death was proven to be accepted by the Father as payment for the sins of all mankind.
But no one present at the crucifixion could see with the visible eye that the penalty for his sins was paid. Nor could they view the empty tomb and see with the naked eye that the Father accepted this payment. Only the eye of faith can see these and all spiritual truths. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God, not from observing miracles.
There is this saying, “I’m from Missouri. You got to show me.” No offense intended for any of our Missouri friends, but let’s not take such an approach!
Let’s put our faith in the trustworthy Word of God, rather than in visible things like sign gifts and miracles, dear friends. By grace are we saved through faith.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Yesterday we paused in Hades, where the rich man wanted Lazarus to return to earth and warn his five brothers to repent. Abraham denied the rich man’s request, noting that the five brothers could read the Word of God and learn of their need to repent. Let’s continue from there now.
Hades was so unbearable that the rich man was truly worried sick about his five brothers’. So he pleaded with Abraham, “They won’t listen to the Word of God, Father Abraham. But if someone were to return from the dead, then they’d listen!”
Isn’t that what all of us believe deep down? If the secrets of our hearts were laid bear for all to see, the truth would express itself something like this: “Show me a mighty miracle, and then I’ll believe whatever it is you’re selling, God! But some of the things in the Bible, well, it’s expecting a little much to hold me to them, don’t you think?”
This is where the conclusion to Jesus’ story comes into play, dear friends. We quoted it at the start of this study. What did Abraham answer the rich man? Just this: if your five brothers won’t listen to the written Word of God, they won’t be convinced by someone rising from the dead either.
Do you hear Father Abraham, dear friends? Do his words ring in your ears and descend into the depths of your heart? The written Word of God takes priority over miracles any day of the week, even such an astounding miracle as the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
The purpose of miracles was never to convince people to repent and be saved. Miracles never did achieve such a result. Miracles served to confirm that a prophet was truly sent from God. Miracles also confirmed that what was written by prophets and apostles was the inspired written Word of God.
But miracles never have, don’t now, and never will serve to convert anyone to salvation. The Word of God is required to do that, along with the Holy Spirit to impress the Word of God on the person, so that he is convicted of his sins and brought repentance.
The story of Lazarus and the rich man foretold the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what would follow. Those who believed before the resurrection continued to believe after the resurrection. Unbelievers before the resurrection continued in their unbelief after the resurrection.
The purpose of the resurrection was not to convince anyone of the truth. The resurrection was the necessary outcome of the crucifixion. By means of the resurrection Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power (cf., Romans 1:4). He died, yes, but death could not keep its hold on the Author of life.
By means of the crucifixion Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind. By means of the resurrection Jesus’ death was proven to be accepted by the Father as payment for the sins of all mankind.
But no one present at the crucifixion could see with the visible eye that the penalty for his sins was paid. Nor could they view the empty tomb and see with the naked eye that the Father accepted this payment. Only the eye of faith can see these and all spiritual truths. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God, not from observing miracles.
There is this saying, “I’m from Missouri. You got to show me.” No offense intended for any of our Missouri friends, but let’s not take such an approach!
Let’s put our faith in the trustworthy Word of God, rather than in visible things like sign gifts and miracles, dear friends. By grace are we saved through faith.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Bible Trilogy I – Part 1
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? [Psalm 22:1]
Three crucial events of the Gospel are the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In defining the essence of the Gospel to the Corinthian Christians, the Apostle Paul noted those same three items (cf., 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). In this context we will embark on a Bible trilogy comprised of these three events.
Psalm 22 is a prophetic depiction of the crucifixion, of Jesus’ death on the cross for the sins of mankind. Anyone who reads the Bible, especially the Old Testament, knows that David ben Jesse suffered grievously during the course of his life.
David was hounded by King Saul without letup because the Lord through Samuel proclaimed David to be Saul’s replacement as king—and Saul didn’t want to relinquish the kingship to David. Saul was determined to keep it for himself and for his son Jonathan after him. “Down with David! Up with Saul & Family!” That was Saul’s logo.
And then there were David’s own sins which got him into hot water. He had no one to blame but himself for those ordeals. And did he pay the piper! A pound of flesh was demanded of him on more than one occasion. Yep, David suffered interminably during the course of his life.
Notwithstanding this, when David wrote Psalm 22 it was prophetic, not personal. Certainly the Holy Spirit inspired David to write it as prophecy. Yes, David suffered much in life. But no, Psalm 22 is not so much about David’s life of suffering, as it is about the suffering of the Messiah. Psalm 22 is prophetic.
From the cross Jesus the Son of God cried out to Father God, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” [Matthew 27:46] Jesus quoted verse 1 of Psalm 22, when He uttered those words. He recognized their prophetic import as applicable to His crucifixion.
Someone might choose to query, “What do those words have to do with Jesus’ crucifixion?”
It’s like this. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all mankind, past, present, and future. It is a mystery of eternity how Jesus as God could take upon Himself the sins of mankind. I mean, Jesus is God and God cannot even look upon sin, so how could He permit them to be placed upon Himself?
For three hours while Jesus was on the cross, from noon to 3:00 PM, darkness covered the land. This was God’s demonstration, employing visible physical reality, to teach us invisible physical truth. The visible reality was the three hours of darkness. The invisible truth was that, while Jesus the Son of God bore the sins of all mankind on Himself, Father God turned away and refused to look upon His Son.
I must apologize, but the day is far spent and the shadows are growing longer. Let us betake ourselves to the prayer closet a while and learn at the feet of Jesus. We’ll continue this topic on the morrow.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Three crucial events of the Gospel are the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In defining the essence of the Gospel to the Corinthian Christians, the Apostle Paul noted those same three items (cf., 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). In this context we will embark on a Bible trilogy comprised of these three events.
Psalm 22 is a prophetic depiction of the crucifixion, of Jesus’ death on the cross for the sins of mankind. Anyone who reads the Bible, especially the Old Testament, knows that David ben Jesse suffered grievously during the course of his life.
David was hounded by King Saul without letup because the Lord through Samuel proclaimed David to be Saul’s replacement as king—and Saul didn’t want to relinquish the kingship to David. Saul was determined to keep it for himself and for his son Jonathan after him. “Down with David! Up with Saul & Family!” That was Saul’s logo.
And then there were David’s own sins which got him into hot water. He had no one to blame but himself for those ordeals. And did he pay the piper! A pound of flesh was demanded of him on more than one occasion. Yep, David suffered interminably during the course of his life.
Notwithstanding this, when David wrote Psalm 22 it was prophetic, not personal. Certainly the Holy Spirit inspired David to write it as prophecy. Yes, David suffered much in life. But no, Psalm 22 is not so much about David’s life of suffering, as it is about the suffering of the Messiah. Psalm 22 is prophetic.
From the cross Jesus the Son of God cried out to Father God, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” [Matthew 27:46] Jesus quoted verse 1 of Psalm 22, when He uttered those words. He recognized their prophetic import as applicable to His crucifixion.
Someone might choose to query, “What do those words have to do with Jesus’ crucifixion?”
It’s like this. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all mankind, past, present, and future. It is a mystery of eternity how Jesus as God could take upon Himself the sins of mankind. I mean, Jesus is God and God cannot even look upon sin, so how could He permit them to be placed upon Himself?
For three hours while Jesus was on the cross, from noon to 3:00 PM, darkness covered the land. This was God’s demonstration, employing visible physical reality, to teach us invisible physical truth. The visible reality was the three hours of darkness. The invisible truth was that, while Jesus the Son of God bore the sins of all mankind on Himself, Father God turned away and refused to look upon His Son.
I must apologize, but the day is far spent and the shadows are growing longer. Let us betake ourselves to the prayer closet a while and learn at the feet of Jesus. We’ll continue this topic on the morrow.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Bible Trilogy I – Part 2
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? [Psalm 22:1]
We concluded our last study at the foot of the cross. Darkness covered the earth from noon to 3:00 PM. The darkness was the visible reality which depicted a spiritual truth. This truth was that Father God turned away from looking upon His Son because the Son became a sin offering on behalf of mankind.
Huh? That doesn’t compute! How can God turn away from God because God has sin on Him and God cannot even look upon sin? Oh, my aching head! Everything is spinning in circles and I am becoming quite disoriented. Can someone please explain this bizarre concept to me? I am confused.
Uh, that would be no. Can’t explain it. It is a Bible mystery. We only know that it is true because the Word of God tells us as much. But it is beyond the comprehension of finite minds because it is spiritual truth, the truth of eternity. And that is something we finite creatures have no experience with, rendering us incapable of grasping it fully.
But not to worry. We believe this truth by grace through faith because the Lord teaches it to us, and we trust Him to tell us only the truth. No sooner did Jesus cry out the words of Psalm 22:1, than He released His Spirit, surrendering His life all the way to death so that sinners can live.
Indeed Father God did forsake the Son of God, but not as the Son of God. Rather, Father God forsook Jesus as the Son of man. This was essential because Jesus the Son of man became a sin offering for mankind. God is righteous, so He cannot tolerate sin. Sin is the refusal to obey the Word of God. Sin requires God’s judgment of death.
If God overlooked sin, any sin, even a so-called peccadillo, He would no longer be righteous. Such a prospect is an impossibility because God cannot deny Himself. He is righteous. He cannot be otherwise.
Ergo, when Jesus the Son of man became a sin offering on man’s behalf, God the Father turned away from Him, rejecting Him because God must reject sin. God judged sin in His own Son. He did forsake Jesus the Son of man for a time, as He judged mankind’s sins in Jesus.
We’ve already gone down this road further than perhaps is advisable. As finite creatures we cannot really grasp the extent of Jesus’ death on our behalf. We mustn’t attempt to explain it more than is revealed in Scripture. It is revealed, and it is explained; but the explanation is tempered with moderation because the truth is vast and unfathomable. Let us believe without thinking we know it all.
Read Psalm 22. As you do so, consider the prophetic import. Meditate on the crucifixion of Jesus and how Psalm 22 depicts that historic event. You meditation will bring the psalm alive, and you will find yourself in deep and stirring worship of our God.
Lord Jesus, we appreciate you even more, now that we’ve pondered anew your death on our behalf. Thank you for loving us that much. We love you in return because you first loved us…all the way to death on a cross. Make us like you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
We concluded our last study at the foot of the cross. Darkness covered the earth from noon to 3:00 PM. The darkness was the visible reality which depicted a spiritual truth. This truth was that Father God turned away from looking upon His Son because the Son became a sin offering on behalf of mankind.
Huh? That doesn’t compute! How can God turn away from God because God has sin on Him and God cannot even look upon sin? Oh, my aching head! Everything is spinning in circles and I am becoming quite disoriented. Can someone please explain this bizarre concept to me? I am confused.
Uh, that would be no. Can’t explain it. It is a Bible mystery. We only know that it is true because the Word of God tells us as much. But it is beyond the comprehension of finite minds because it is spiritual truth, the truth of eternity. And that is something we finite creatures have no experience with, rendering us incapable of grasping it fully.
But not to worry. We believe this truth by grace through faith because the Lord teaches it to us, and we trust Him to tell us only the truth. No sooner did Jesus cry out the words of Psalm 22:1, than He released His Spirit, surrendering His life all the way to death so that sinners can live.
Indeed Father God did forsake the Son of God, but not as the Son of God. Rather, Father God forsook Jesus as the Son of man. This was essential because Jesus the Son of man became a sin offering for mankind. God is righteous, so He cannot tolerate sin. Sin is the refusal to obey the Word of God. Sin requires God’s judgment of death.
If God overlooked sin, any sin, even a so-called peccadillo, He would no longer be righteous. Such a prospect is an impossibility because God cannot deny Himself. He is righteous. He cannot be otherwise.
Ergo, when Jesus the Son of man became a sin offering on man’s behalf, God the Father turned away from Him, rejecting Him because God must reject sin. God judged sin in His own Son. He did forsake Jesus the Son of man for a time, as He judged mankind’s sins in Jesus.
We’ve already gone down this road further than perhaps is advisable. As finite creatures we cannot really grasp the extent of Jesus’ death on our behalf. We mustn’t attempt to explain it more than is revealed in Scripture. It is revealed, and it is explained; but the explanation is tempered with moderation because the truth is vast and unfathomable. Let us believe without thinking we know it all.
Read Psalm 22. As you do so, consider the prophetic import. Meditate on the crucifixion of Jesus and how Psalm 22 depicts that historic event. You meditation will bring the psalm alive, and you will find yourself in deep and stirring worship of our God.
Lord Jesus, we appreciate you even more, now that we’ve pondered anew your death on our behalf. Thank you for loving us that much. We love you in return because you first loved us…all the way to death on a cross. Make us like you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Genesis: Volume 1 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Kingdom of Eretz
Did you know...? I have already expounded upon all five books of Moses. These consist of the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The five Bible books together are known as the Law of Moses, aka Torah. Each and every verse of this major section of Scripture is vetted in detail. The Law of Moses is the foundation for the entire Bible. If you want to know the Bible, to really get a handle on it, you need to begin at the beginning and understand the foundation.
However, before initiating the Heavenly Citizens series I wrote my first book. It is title Kingdom of Eretz and is available from CreateSpace and Amazon Kindle. It is much smaller in pages than any of my Heavenly Citizens books, but it is no less ambitious. It is a Biblical Allegory of the Church Age, consisting of any exposition of two chapters in the Bible. You may purchase your copy from http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
However, before initiating the Heavenly Citizens series I wrote my first book. It is title Kingdom of Eretz and is available from CreateSpace and Amazon Kindle. It is much smaller in pages than any of my Heavenly Citizens books, but it is no less ambitious. It is a Biblical Allegory of the Church Age, consisting of any exposition of two chapters in the Bible. You may purchase your copy from http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
Of Nerds & Squints & Other Assorted Characters
What do CSIs and Squints have to do with Deuteronomy 21? Hmm... That's a toughie. If you want to know the answer, purchase your copy of Deuteronomy: Book III, Volume 5 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. It's very interesting.
Oh, dear. What’s next?
Life insurance. Death and disability insurance. Automobile insurance. Homeowners insurance. Retirement plans. Obviously we frequently wonder what tomorrow will bring, do we not?
If we know where to look, we can find some trustworthy answers. Only one person knows what tomorrow will bring. This Person is God, and He revealed a goodly amount of insight to us...sort of like pulling back the curtain of time a bit and giving us a sneak peek!
May I suggest we start a group of folks who want to explore this issue. We can read my book "Kingdom of Eretz, A Biblical Allegory of the Church Age" together. Then we can share our perspectives and decipher the meaning of this allegory.
Who's in? All volunteers will need to get the book from Amazon CreateSpace or Amazon Kindle, as a paperback or as an eBook. So let the chase begin!
If we know where to look, we can find some trustworthy answers. Only one person knows what tomorrow will bring. This Person is God, and He revealed a goodly amount of insight to us...sort of like pulling back the curtain of time a bit and giving us a sneak peek!
May I suggest we start a group of folks who want to explore this issue. We can read my book "Kingdom of Eretz, A Biblical Allegory of the Church Age" together. Then we can share our perspectives and decipher the meaning of this allegory.
Who's in? All volunteers will need to get the book from Amazon CreateSpace or Amazon Kindle, as a paperback or as an eBook. So let the chase begin!
Missouri, the Show Me State – Part 1
If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead [Luke 16:31].
I’ve had occasion over the years to hear it all, or at least most of it! One common statement coming from folks who stepped in it goes like this, “If only I had known, I wouldn’t have done what I did.” Perhaps not. Just perhaps. But then again…
It is troubling to hear suchlike talk, mainly because the words usually amount to no more than rationalization. The person speaking wants to explain away his guilt and make himself innocent without ever being sorry for his wrong. He is attempting to induce sympathy.
Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus, at least partially so. I refer to it as Jesus’ story and not His parable because I don’t believe it to be a parable at all. It was a true story by the telling of it, not containing the usual phraseology of a parable. Jesus usually began His parables by stating something to this effect, “The kingdom of God is like…”
In addition, the story could only be told by someone from eternity, seeing how it reveals events from eternity. This detail adds proof to Jesus’ claim to be God. Let’s review the story, shall we?
There was this rich man and there was this poor man, Larazus by name. The rich man was filthy rich and the poor man suffered from abject poverty. What’s more, the poor man was sickly—small wonder!—not having the means to pay medical expenses to care for himself.
Without money for food Larazus had to sit at the rich man’s door, in hopes of receiving some small token of charity from the rich man. Larazus served as the Lord’s opportunity for the rich man to do a righteous act.
Alas, but Larazus went unnoticed day after day, until one day he no longer sat at the rich man’s door. The Lord saw fit to promote Larazus to eternity, where at last he enjoyed his good things in Abraham’s bosom.
Then one day the rich man ceased to pass back and forth through his front door, the same door where Larazus once upon a time used to sit daily. The rich man’s hour glass ran out of sand, and the day of salvation ended for him. The Lord dispatched him to Hades, a place we should never wish upon anyone.
In Hades the rich man was in torment. He was able to see Lazarus enjoying himself in comfort and spiritual contentment. And there was Abraham right there with Lazarus.
Calling out to Abraham the erstwhile rich man pleaded, “Father Abraham, I am parched and suffer the most intense and searing pain. Please have Lazarus dip his finger in some water and come here to touch my tongue with a drop of the moisture.”
Abraham explained that no one was permitted to travel between the two locations. To this the rich man responded, “Then please send Larzarus to my five brothers who are still alive, with a message to warn them of what’s in store for them if they don’t repent.”
“Oh no,” Abraham rejoined. “Can’t do that either. They can read the Word of God and learn that information.”
Not wanting to stop the horse in the middle of the stream, nonetheless our time is up. The horse can drink his fill and we can spend time with the Lord while he drinks. We’ll continue this study tomorrow.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
I’ve had occasion over the years to hear it all, or at least most of it! One common statement coming from folks who stepped in it goes like this, “If only I had known, I wouldn’t have done what I did.” Perhaps not. Just perhaps. But then again…
It is troubling to hear suchlike talk, mainly because the words usually amount to no more than rationalization. The person speaking wants to explain away his guilt and make himself innocent without ever being sorry for his wrong. He is attempting to induce sympathy.
Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus, at least partially so. I refer to it as Jesus’ story and not His parable because I don’t believe it to be a parable at all. It was a true story by the telling of it, not containing the usual phraseology of a parable. Jesus usually began His parables by stating something to this effect, “The kingdom of God is like…”
In addition, the story could only be told by someone from eternity, seeing how it reveals events from eternity. This detail adds proof to Jesus’ claim to be God. Let’s review the story, shall we?
There was this rich man and there was this poor man, Larazus by name. The rich man was filthy rich and the poor man suffered from abject poverty. What’s more, the poor man was sickly—small wonder!—not having the means to pay medical expenses to care for himself.
Without money for food Larazus had to sit at the rich man’s door, in hopes of receiving some small token of charity from the rich man. Larazus served as the Lord’s opportunity for the rich man to do a righteous act.
Alas, but Larazus went unnoticed day after day, until one day he no longer sat at the rich man’s door. The Lord saw fit to promote Larazus to eternity, where at last he enjoyed his good things in Abraham’s bosom.
Then one day the rich man ceased to pass back and forth through his front door, the same door where Larazus once upon a time used to sit daily. The rich man’s hour glass ran out of sand, and the day of salvation ended for him. The Lord dispatched him to Hades, a place we should never wish upon anyone.
In Hades the rich man was in torment. He was able to see Lazarus enjoying himself in comfort and spiritual contentment. And there was Abraham right there with Lazarus.
Calling out to Abraham the erstwhile rich man pleaded, “Father Abraham, I am parched and suffer the most intense and searing pain. Please have Lazarus dip his finger in some water and come here to touch my tongue with a drop of the moisture.”
Abraham explained that no one was permitted to travel between the two locations. To this the rich man responded, “Then please send Larzarus to my five brothers who are still alive, with a message to warn them of what’s in store for them if they don’t repent.”
“Oh no,” Abraham rejoined. “Can’t do that either. They can read the Word of God and learn that information.”
Not wanting to stop the horse in the middle of the stream, nonetheless our time is up. The horse can drink his fill and we can spend time with the Lord while he drinks. We’ll continue this study tomorrow.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Missouri, the Show Me State – Part 2
If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead [Luke 16:31].
Yesterday we paused in Hades, where the rich man wanted Lazarus to return to earth and warn his five brothers to repent. Abraham denied the rich man’s request, noting that the five brothers could read the Word of God and learn of their need to repent. Let’s continue from there now.
Hades was so unbearable that the rich man was truly worried sick about his five brothers’. So he pleaded with Abraham, “They won’t listen to the Word of God, Father Abraham. But if someone were to return from the dead, then they’d listen!”
Isn’t that what all of us believe deep down? If the secrets of our hearts were laid bear for all to see, the truth would express itself something like this: “Show me a mighty miracle, and then I’ll believe whatever it is you’re selling, God! But some of the things in the Bible, well, it’s expecting a little much to hold me to them, don’t you think?”
This is where the conclusion to Jesus’ story comes into play, dear friends. We quoted it at the start of this study. What did Abraham answer the rich man? Just this: if your five brothers won’t listen to the written Word of God, they won’t be convinced by someone rising from the dead either.
Do you hear Father Abraham, dear friends? Do his words ring in your ears and descend into the depths of your heart? The written Word of God takes priority over miracles any day of the week, even such an astounding miracle as the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
The purpose of miracles was never to convince people to repent and be saved. Miracles never did achieve such a result. Miracles served to confirm that a prophet was truly sent from God. Miracles also confirmed that what was written by prophets and apostles was the inspired written Word of God.
But miracles never have, don’t now, and never will serve to convert anyone to salvation. The Word of God is required to do that, along with the Holy Spirit to impress the Word of God on the person, so that he is convicted of his sins and brought repentance.
The story of Lazarus and the rich man foretold the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what would follow. Those who believed before the resurrection continued to believe after the resurrection. Unbelievers before the resurrection continued in their unbelief after the resurrection.
The purpose of the resurrection was not to convince anyone of the truth. The resurrection was the necessary outcome of the crucifixion. By means of the resurrection Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power (cf., Romans 1:4). He died, yes, but death could not keep its hold on the Author of life.
By means of the crucifixion Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind. By means of the resurrection Jesus’ death was proven to be accepted by the Father as payment for the sins of all mankind.
But no one present at the crucifixion could see with the visible eye that the penalty for his sins was paid. Nor could they view the empty tomb and see with the naked eye that the Father accepted this payment. Only the eye of faith can see these and all spiritual truths. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God, not from observing miracles.
There is this saying, “I’m from Missouri. You got to show me.” No offense intended for any of our Missouri friends, but let’s not take such an approach!
Let’s put our faith in the trustworthy Word of God, rather than in visible things like sign gifts and miracles, dear friends. By grace are we saved through faith.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Yesterday we paused in Hades, where the rich man wanted Lazarus to return to earth and warn his five brothers to repent. Abraham denied the rich man’s request, noting that the five brothers could read the Word of God and learn of their need to repent. Let’s continue from there now.
Hades was so unbearable that the rich man was truly worried sick about his five brothers’. So he pleaded with Abraham, “They won’t listen to the Word of God, Father Abraham. But if someone were to return from the dead, then they’d listen!”
Isn’t that what all of us believe deep down? If the secrets of our hearts were laid bear for all to see, the truth would express itself something like this: “Show me a mighty miracle, and then I’ll believe whatever it is you’re selling, God! But some of the things in the Bible, well, it’s expecting a little much to hold me to them, don’t you think?”
This is where the conclusion to Jesus’ story comes into play, dear friends. We quoted it at the start of this study. What did Abraham answer the rich man? Just this: if your five brothers won’t listen to the written Word of God, they won’t be convinced by someone rising from the dead either.
Do you hear Father Abraham, dear friends? Do his words ring in your ears and descend into the depths of your heart? The written Word of God takes priority over miracles any day of the week, even such an astounding miracle as the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
The purpose of miracles was never to convince people to repent and be saved. Miracles never did achieve such a result. Miracles served to confirm that a prophet was truly sent from God. Miracles also confirmed that what was written by prophets and apostles was the inspired written Word of God.
But miracles never have, don’t now, and never will serve to convert anyone to salvation. The Word of God is required to do that, along with the Holy Spirit to impress the Word of God on the person, so that he is convicted of his sins and brought repentance.
The story of Lazarus and the rich man foretold the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what would follow. Those who believed before the resurrection continued to believe after the resurrection. Unbelievers before the resurrection continued in their unbelief after the resurrection.
The purpose of the resurrection was not to convince anyone of the truth. The resurrection was the necessary outcome of the crucifixion. By means of the resurrection Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power (cf., Romans 1:4). He died, yes, but death could not keep its hold on the Author of life.
By means of the crucifixion Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind. By means of the resurrection Jesus’ death was proven to be accepted by the Father as payment for the sins of all mankind.
But no one present at the crucifixion could see with the visible eye that the penalty for his sins was paid. Nor could they view the empty tomb and see with the naked eye that the Father accepted this payment. Only the eye of faith can see these and all spiritual truths. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God, not from observing miracles.
There is this saying, “I’m from Missouri. You got to show me.” No offense intended for any of our Missouri friends, but let’s not take such an approach!
Let’s put our faith in the trustworthy Word of God, rather than in visible things like sign gifts and miracles, dear friends. By grace are we saved through faith.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
