Randy Green's Blog, page 497
November 17, 2011
What's it take to be a Christian leader?
There's a misconception amongst a goodly portion of Christian leaders today. Such folks have the notion that Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Jeremiah—in fine, all those whom the Bible presents as strong spiritual leaders—that suchlike people would make poor leaders in the churches today.
If you will permit me to say so, I beg to differ! The Word of God instructs us to speak the truth in love. In today's mushy liberal culture, anything controversial is politically incorrect. It is a no-no which only rabble rousers and low-lifes would dare foment. Perish the thought.
Such sentiments are founded upon the worldview of our contemporary anti-christ society, dear friends. Today "love"—when it's not defined as sex—is defined as a feel good, kum ba yah around the camp fire moment. Following that prescription, leaders who don't make us feel good are not "loving" and so are not Biblical.
In terms of the Bible such a view attempts to speak "love" without keeping the "truth" attached to it. This cannot be done! The Lord NEVER sets aside the truth in order to make us feel good. He ALWAYS keeps the truth and love connected. When "love" is not conjoined in holy matrimony with the truth, then it is not Biblical love.
Yes, let us speak in a loving manner by looking out for the welfare of our brothers and sisters. But let us not set aside any of the whole counsel of God because we don't want to offend someone. If we present the truth in love and anyone is offended, then they are offended by the Word of God, not by us...in which case they need to take it up with the Lord and not with us!
If you will permit me to say so, I beg to differ! The Word of God instructs us to speak the truth in love. In today's mushy liberal culture, anything controversial is politically incorrect. It is a no-no which only rabble rousers and low-lifes would dare foment. Perish the thought.
Such sentiments are founded upon the worldview of our contemporary anti-christ society, dear friends. Today "love"—when it's not defined as sex—is defined as a feel good, kum ba yah around the camp fire moment. Following that prescription, leaders who don't make us feel good are not "loving" and so are not Biblical.
In terms of the Bible such a view attempts to speak "love" without keeping the "truth" attached to it. This cannot be done! The Lord NEVER sets aside the truth in order to make us feel good. He ALWAYS keeps the truth and love connected. When "love" is not conjoined in holy matrimony with the truth, then it is not Biblical love.
Yes, let us speak in a loving manner by looking out for the welfare of our brothers and sisters. But let us not set aside any of the whole counsel of God because we don't want to offend someone. If we present the truth in love and anyone is offended, then they are offended by the Word of God, not by us...in which case they need to take it up with the Lord and not with us!
November 16, 2011
Adam, meet Adam
When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, the Lord dried up the water for them to do so. When they crossed the Jordan River, the Lord likewise dried up that water near the town of Adam, so they could cross over on dry ground. The symbolism is intriguing.
We must die to living in and for the world, symbolized by the exit from Egypt which ended by crossing the Red Sea. At the Red SeaGod's people died to their old sinful life (the first Adam). They were cut off from returning to Egypt. But that only begins the matter. We also must rise out of death to newness of life, symbolized by crossing the Jordan River and receiving our inheritance in the Promised Land.
In our earthly existence we are not merely to be born again. We are then to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to mature spiritually into reborn adults, just as surely as newborns are to mature into adults in the natural realm.
By drying up the waters of both the Rea Sea and the Jordan River, the Lord taught both aspects of being new creations in Christ Jesus. The Promised Land symbolized victorious spiritual living, while the wilderness wanderings typified defeated carnal living. If we don’t enter the Promised Land and live by faith, then we are wandering the desert and living by sight.
If the Church would grasp this truth, not just intellectually but spiritually, what vast expanses would appear on the horizon! Revival would be the result. We mustn't merely call people to the front of the church building to “receive Jesus”, dear friends. We must needs rear them with strong spiritual meat to nourish them into spiritual maturity.
I fear that too often newborn spiritual babes are rushed into “serving Jesus”, into getting busy “doing things for Jesus”, before they are taught enough to grow up in Jesus. First we must be born again. Next we must spiritually mature enough to know our spiritual gifts. Only then are we equipped to know God's ministry for our lives and perform it under the power of the Holy Spirit.
We must die to living in and for the world, symbolized by the exit from Egypt which ended by crossing the Red Sea. At the Red SeaGod's people died to their old sinful life (the first Adam). They were cut off from returning to Egypt. But that only begins the matter. We also must rise out of death to newness of life, symbolized by crossing the Jordan River and receiving our inheritance in the Promised Land.
In our earthly existence we are not merely to be born again. We are then to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to mature spiritually into reborn adults, just as surely as newborns are to mature into adults in the natural realm.
By drying up the waters of both the Rea Sea and the Jordan River, the Lord taught both aspects of being new creations in Christ Jesus. The Promised Land symbolized victorious spiritual living, while the wilderness wanderings typified defeated carnal living. If we don’t enter the Promised Land and live by faith, then we are wandering the desert and living by sight.
If the Church would grasp this truth, not just intellectually but spiritually, what vast expanses would appear on the horizon! Revival would be the result. We mustn't merely call people to the front of the church building to “receive Jesus”, dear friends. We must needs rear them with strong spiritual meat to nourish them into spiritual maturity.
I fear that too often newborn spiritual babes are rushed into “serving Jesus”, into getting busy “doing things for Jesus”, before they are taught enough to grow up in Jesus. First we must be born again. Next we must spiritually mature enough to know our spiritual gifts. Only then are we equipped to know God's ministry for our lives and perform it under the power of the Holy Spirit.
November 15, 2011
Will the real sinner please stand up?
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all [1 Timothy 1:15].
Those words came from the Apostle Paul. The question is, "Did Paul write them before he was saved or after? Paul's salvation experience occurred on the Damascus road (Acts 9). The above quoted words from Paul are from one of the final letters he wrote, before being martyred for preaching the Gospel.
In other words Paul wrote those words to Timothy toward the end of his life, long after he was born again. This is signifcant for Christians today because of false theology making the rounds on the Christian circuit.
Some folks asseverate that Christians are not "sinners" because Christ saved them. Others limit sinlessness to just some Christians who follow Christ more maturely. Supposedly such folks have reached "perfection" already.
Paul's words are from an Apostle of Jesus Christ, a right holy man if ever there was one (aside from Jesus). Still, even as the end of his life drew nigh, Paul recognized that he was still a "sinner". Indeed, he saw himself as the FOREMOST of sinners. In Philippians 3:12-14 Paul noted that he hadn't yet attained to Christ's goal for his life, but he continued to press onward to reach it.
Let us not grow a fat head and hard heart and be full of ourselves, dear Christians. Let us not be too righteous to accept correction. Let us instead recognize that we are indeed sinners still. Yes, we have been saved by grace through faith and are justified; but no, we are not yet glorified and in eternity with the Lord. Only then will be be fully perfected. Until then we must continue being sanctified, continue working out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 1:12-13).
Those words came from the Apostle Paul. The question is, "Did Paul write them before he was saved or after? Paul's salvation experience occurred on the Damascus road (Acts 9). The above quoted words from Paul are from one of the final letters he wrote, before being martyred for preaching the Gospel.
In other words Paul wrote those words to Timothy toward the end of his life, long after he was born again. This is signifcant for Christians today because of false theology making the rounds on the Christian circuit.
Some folks asseverate that Christians are not "sinners" because Christ saved them. Others limit sinlessness to just some Christians who follow Christ more maturely. Supposedly such folks have reached "perfection" already.
Paul's words are from an Apostle of Jesus Christ, a right holy man if ever there was one (aside from Jesus). Still, even as the end of his life drew nigh, Paul recognized that he was still a "sinner". Indeed, he saw himself as the FOREMOST of sinners. In Philippians 3:12-14 Paul noted that he hadn't yet attained to Christ's goal for his life, but he continued to press onward to reach it.
Let us not grow a fat head and hard heart and be full of ourselves, dear Christians. Let us not be too righteous to accept correction. Let us instead recognize that we are indeed sinners still. Yes, we have been saved by grace through faith and are justified; but no, we are not yet glorified and in eternity with the Lord. Only then will be be fully perfected. Until then we must continue being sanctified, continue working out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 1:12-13).
November 10, 2011
Words, Phrases, Sentences, and More
What's in a name anyway? Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me. Suchlike banalities are common enough, are they not? Trouble is, they promote a mentality which equates with such bromides.
Words are indeed crucial in the Lord's economy, dear friends. By His Word the Lord created the heavens and the earth. Man is like the grass which grows on the rocks. Having no root it pops up in the morning and shrivels up in the evening.
Not so with the Word of God however! The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). God is not a man that He should lie or change His mind...EVER!
Because of this character in God, He cannot relate to us unless we to are people of our word. We must ALWAYS honor our oaths, never speaking only to be nice while having no intention of following through with what we say.
Words are indeed crucial in the Lord's economy, dear friends. By His Word the Lord created the heavens and the earth. Man is like the grass which grows on the rocks. Having no root it pops up in the morning and shrivels up in the evening.
Not so with the Word of God however! The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). God is not a man that He should lie or change His mind...EVER!
Because of this character in God, He cannot relate to us unless we to are people of our word. We must ALWAYS honor our oaths, never speaking only to be nice while having no intention of following through with what we say.
November 8, 2011
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!
September 10, 2011
Excerpts from Deuteronomy, Book I and Book II
BOOKS BY RANDY GREEN. To place an order, click on one or more of the bookcovers on the left side of the page:1. Kingdom of Eretz. This book is an allegory of the Church Age, based upon two descriptive chapters of the Bible. Published by Red Lead Press, $13.00 softcover + S/H, 108 pages.2. Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes, An Exposition of the Scriptures for Disciples and Young Christians, Volume 1: Genesis. This book is the first volume of my series on the Bible, covering the Book of Genesis. Published by PublishAmerica, $10.00 paperback + S/H, 637 pages. Also available as an eBook, $10.00 + S/H, 629 pages.
3. Exodus: Volume 2 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes, An Exposition of the Scriptures for Disciples and Young Christians. This book is the second volume of my series on the Bible, covering the Book of Exodus. It is available as an eBook, $10.00 for 763 pages.
4. Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes, An Exposition of the Scriptures for Disciples and Young Christians. This book is the third volume of my series on the Bible, covering the Book of Leviticus. Published by PublishAmerica, $10.00 paperback + S/H, 722 pages. Also available as an eBook, $10.00 + S/H, 720 pages.
5. Numbers: Volume 4 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes, An Exposition of the Scriptures for Disciples and Young Christians. This book is the fourth volume of my series on the Bible, covering the Book of Numbers. It is available as an eBook, $10.00 for 798 pages.
6. Deuteronomy, Book I: Chapters 1-16, Volume 5 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes, An Exposition of the Scriptures for Disciples and Young Christians. This book is the fifth volume of my series on the Bible, covering the first sixteen chapters of the Book of Deuteronomy. It is available as an eBook at Amazon Kindle for $6.99, 520 pages.
7. Deuteronomy, Book II: Chapters 17-34, Volume 5 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes, An Exposition of the Scriptures for Disciples and Young Christians. This book is the fifth volume of my series on the Bible, covering chapters 17-34 of the Book of Deuteronomy. It is available as an eBook at Amazon Kindle for $6.99, 448 pages.********************
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ********************
The first nine verses of Deuteronomy 21 detail a procedure to be used, when murder was committed but the murderer was unknown. Imagine watching one of the CSI TV series or Bones. A corpse is discovered in some secluded location. There are no witnesses to the crime and the corpse isn't talking either. What to do? Well, on TV the scientific nerds and squints commence to gathering materials from the landscape around the corpse, and from the corpse too. Then they retreat to the laboratory and see what they can find out from their collection of materials. Finally, as more and more evidence is examined and new revelations come to light, a light bulb comes on over the head of one of the actors and he or she exclaims, "I know who did it!" Well guess what? It doesn't usually work like that in reality! It didn't usually work like that in Old Testament Israel either. So much for Plan A. That left the Lord with Plan B, which He shared with the Israelites in Deuteronomy 21:1-9. Let's spend our time today studying this plan. You may read the full account in Deuteronomy Book II.
Deuteronomy 5:3 might be a wee bit befuddling to some folks. At Mt. Sinai the older generation of Israelites received the Law. On the plains of Moab in our present text the younger generation of Israelites were about to receive the Law. How then did Moses assert that the Lord didn't make His covenant with their fathers, but with them? Hmm. I am reminded of Winston Churchill's 1939 description of Soviet Russia. He referred to them as "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma"! They were a tough nut to crack. But not to lose heart, dear heart. Let us wade through the confusion and decipher the cipher. Moses and all the Old Testament saints had an Oriental mindset. They didn't fraternize with Aristotle much. Their way of reasoning and concomitant mode of expression did not jive with the Occidental mode, and vice versa too!Moses was not claiming the Lord at Sinai did not make a covenant with the older generation. He stated that the Lord's covenant was not SOLELY with the older generation. His covenant was with Israel, with all Israelites throughout ALL generations. So did the Lord give the Law to the generation of Israelites who were at Mt. Sinai? No, He did not. Did He give the Law to all Israelites of all generations? Yes, that is precisely what He did. It is in this context we are to interpret Moses' words in verse 3, brothers and sisters. You may read the full account in Deuteronomy Book I.
