Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1-2)

Pardon Revealed-No Stigma Entailed

My background is in Human Resources. When I was first starting hiring I was contacted by an agency that placed ex-felons in entry-level positions to give them an entry point back into society. That really appealed to me and I enthusiastically brought the agency to my manager's attention. She immediately told me “No, we can't do that.” I told her they were entry-level positions we would be hiring for adding it would give a hand up to people that needed it. Her response was “They can't be trusted” She was the boss so that ended it. That's stigma.

Christ doesn't do stigma. The account of the woman taken in adultery demonstrates it in a deeply touching and personal way (John 8:3-11). The Prophet Micah wrote 'He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot, You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea' (7:18-19). Believers on Christ are forgiven of every sin. Every mistake. Permanently.

God joys over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). He already knows what you need as soon as you open your eyes in the morning. Jesus said He gives abundant life (John 10:10). Is there something you need to confess to Him sincerely and with a repentant heart? He sees it and forgives you before you ask.

Neither Jesus nor our heavenly Father hold resentment and He never looks back. When the books of our lives are open before Christ, all we will hear is “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Inheritance speaks of adoption. Perfect love, perfect forgiveness. There is never any stigma in that.

Ken

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Sticks and Stones

Ever wonder why people can talk about God without getting nettled, but bring Jesus into the conversation and people become defensive and angry? I've been verbally abused in past conversations about Jesus Christ by people who knew absolutely nothing about Him above being a curse word. And yes, it can hurt. Speaking of God is generic in the sense many religions believe in “God”, just not the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible. Bringing Jesus into the equation can lead them to make some very ignorant and injurious comments. The old saying that sticks and stones can never hurt is plainly untrue. Verbal stones can hurt deeply.

Jesus is specific in His teaching of the kingdom of heaven and is inflexible in that everyone must go through Him to have salvation and fellowship with the God of the Hebrew/Christian Scriptures. He is the only way and that tends to get folks riled up.

But what kind of man would utter such an incredible statement as Jesus did? The only way? He even claimed to be God. The Jews understood that and picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy (John 10:30-39). No wonder He made that statement. He had authority from the Father that sent Him (John 7:16, 12:49).

Speaking of Christ stirs up rebellion and hatred in hearts that they must believe only on Him as the only way to God or that they must believe at all. Nobody tells me what to do. Jesus does and with authority, even to keeping them from eternal separation from God. If they choose to deny Jesus they will be found to be without excuse (Romans 1:19-20).

We can stand strong in the power of the Holy Spirit that God's word never returns empty (Isaiah 55:11). All we need to do is speak the truth of Christ in love and don't sweat the outcome. It goes out of our hands and into the hands of the Holy Spirit. He will do everything He can to work in people's lives. Maybe metaphorically speaking, unbeliever's sticks and stones may break our bones. But we can be certain that Christ has the last word on the subject and that Word always heals.

Ken

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3

The Banks of the Sacramento

Many years ago I taught a weekly noontime Bible study where I worked. It was done, surprisingly, at the request of our CEO, who was a believer. A few of the ladies in my study were always pressing me to tell the story of my conversion to Christ. I told them simply that I was raised and guided by my godly Mother in a fundamental Christian home as a child and believed on Christ at that time. But for many years it bothered me to tell my story.

Being part of the 'Jesus Movement' of the 1970s I'd heard dramatic testimonies of young people being freed from addictions to drugs, sex (termed 'free love,') and of their rebellion against God. Their testimonies had a very dramatic effect that people seemed to relish. It was a 'Wow' experience for many. I'd always looked at mine as a 'Yawn' experience.

My inferiority on the matter was changed one Sunday morning when my pastor (who came out of Jesus Movement, incidentally) spoke directly to those of us who didn't have dramatic stories of conversion. He said we could delight in the fact of Christ's holding power that kept us walking in His commandments and teachings up to now. That was a 'Wow' moment for me.

For those of us that might feel we have weak and ineffective conversion testimonies remember God did not let us grow in the wilderness as wild trees but planted us beside the water. We have endured storms and sunshine through the years yet by His grace we have remained steadfast in His loving power and grown into mature trees that bears fruit.

When I read today's verse I'm always reminded of a family reunion I attended at my uncle's home in Northern California. His backyard border were the banks the Sacramento River. It was a clear and gently flowing part of the river bordered by many trees. A beautiful teaching moment from Psalms 1. The point here is the strength and maturity of the tree. It stands firm by the water and is never moved. It might be blown about harshly at times by wind and storm but always comes out standing strong where it was planted.

Christ Jesus is the creator of all things, both visible and invisible and all things are upheld by Him (Colossians 1:16-20). No matter your testimony of faith you have been kept by His glorious and holy power.

You have something to take great joy in that you have always walked in the Light of the Master Gardner that planted you in the right place at the right time. The next time you see a tree standing strong beside the water be reminded that you stand in the Savior's strength just like that. Your leaf will not wither and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ you will bear your fruit in due season.

Ken

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed (1^st Corinthians 15:51-52)

Faster Than Lightenin'

Author and pastor Hal Lindsey, wrote a book called The Rapture. He said learning about it after becoming a believer was the most exciting thing about his new found faith in Christ. The Rapture is the taking of the Bride of Christ (the Church) to Himself, all living believers including the resurrection of dead believers before the beginning of the dreadful Great Tribulation spoken of by the Prophet Daniel and the Apostle John. It will happen as quickly as the 'twinkling (Blink) of an eye.' Faster than a flash of lightening.

The word 'rapture' isn't in the Bible. It describes the taking up to Christ in the clouds. The word comes from the Latin Rapturo (caught up) taken from the Greek word Hapazo which means to 'snatch up' or 'seize upon by force.' Christ will bring believers to Himself instantly and with great power. Paul explains the rapture at length in 1^st Corinthians Chapter 15 and 1^st Thessalonians 4:13-17. He did not think these things up alone or receive them from men. He received all he knew of the Christian faith through revelation from Christ Himself (Galatians 1:11-12). You will be excited as you read and contemplate these Scriptures.

The consensus by most theologians is the teaching of a pre-tribulation rapture only first appeared between AD 1812-1830.

Didn't the early Church Father's have anything to say about the taking out of the church before the Great Tribulation or has it only been taught since the 19^th century? The Christian writer and poet Ephraem the Syrian (AD 306-373) who lived in what is now Turkey, taught of a pre-tribulation Rapture of believers, a Great Tribulation, and the Antichrist as early as the fourth century (AD 373). It is not a 'recent' teaching.

Paul and Peter both wrote of a great falling away in the last days of people's belief in God and the evil it would bring. We are currently seeing many scoffing at belief in God and the promise of the return of Christ. There is great evil in society today (2^nd Timothy 3:1-5, 2^nd Peter 3:1-7). As bad as it gets we can take heart in the promises of God and His dependability to do them. He is faithful.

The Rapture is a major biblical promise of this hope. Today the world seems to be pushing itself beyond the point of redemption. It is only a matter of time before God's judgment falls upon the wickedness of the world. However the redeemed can live in a climate of hope in Christ. He will keep His promises. Yes, let us be comforted with these words. Christ will return as promised to take us to Himself and make things right to His Glory and Honor. “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

Ken

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1^st Peter 5:8

Are you aware just how savage lions can be? British Lieutenant-Colonel John Henry Patterson, DSO, wrote a book of his experiences hunting and killing two man-eating lions at the Tsavo River in 1898. The Britons were building a railroad in British East Africa (now Kenya) and had come to the Tsavo River where crews (mostly Indian nationals) began constructing a bridge.

According to Patterson, for nine months there was a period of terror where the lions systematically killed 135 persons in the area including 28 Indian construction workers. Some of the workmen were stalked and others dragged from their tents at night by the beasts and eaten. The situation became so terrifying that all the workers abandoned the worksite blaming the attacks on Patterson as they had begun shortly after he arrived at the river. Some even threatened to kill him. After the crews deserted the worksite Patterson remained, eventually killing both of the man-eaters at great personal risk. Over the years Hollywood has made three movies based on Patterson's book. The last was the 1996 film The Ghost and the Darkness. The mounted bodies of the 'Lions of Tsavo' are on display at the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History.

Most people in the secular world like to think of Satan as a comical, chummy little guy with horns and a pointy beard that stands on the shoulder, whispering temptations of hidden pleasure. Is that how the devil really is? A funny little man in a red suit? Or is he a savage lion? I believe his brutality and viciousness go far beyond that.

Taken in its overall context the Bible teaches Satan is the latter. He is in rebellion against God, hating Him and the human race. Jesus said Satan was a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). His rage and disposition to disruption and destruction is compared to a vicious lion seeking to destroy prey.

Satan isn't funny in spite of how movies and TV commercials like to show him. When it comes to Adam's race he and his fallen angels are cruel and barbaric man-eaters without a shred of mercy.

But were you aware there is another Lion? One that loves Adam's Race? He is the holy Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ, who has received from God absolute power, authority, and dominion over all things (Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:21-22). He is the head of the church.

Paul said though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. Our war is against spiritual (Satanic) forces. He goes on to say the weapons we fight him with are not fought through fleshly means but are mighty in God to the pulling down of strongholds (2^nd Corinthians 10:3-4).

The Christian faith must remain militant against spiritual powers in heavenly places that war against us. Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God in our fight, giving us the strategy for the Battle (Ephesians 6:13-18). While Satan can still be a formidable foe, when the Lion of Judah is near his roar is reduced to a mewl. Christ, as the Lion of Judah reigns supreme. His roar is not frightening but a wonderful consolation to believers, leaving the man-eaters trembling in their dins (James 2:19).

Ken

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek [Gentile]. Romans 1:6 ESV

Edith Was Right

Edith Schaeffer, wife of the late Christian philosopher and apologist Francis Schaeffer, published a book many years ago titled Christianity is Jewish. The title and subject of the book sent a sense of surprise, and some shock, through both Christian and Jewish circles. It was something I had never really considered but could not deny historically.

Schaeffer and her husband founded L'abri (shelter), an evangelical Christian organization in Switzerland in 1955. They hosted many Bible studies that were geared to college aged students.

I recall one story she wrote of a group of Jewish students, one of which was particularly openly hostile toward Christianity. He rejected the New Testament gospels being adamant that Jesus was not the Messiah. At one point Edith read to the group from Isaiah Chapter 53 which speaks of an individual who carried our sorrows and was crushed for our iniquities, upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by his stripes we are healed. Edith stopped and asked “Who is this speaking of?” The antagonistic Jewish student pretty much snorted and said, “That's easy. It's Jesus Christ.” The room was stunned to silence by the comment as was the student who uttered it.

It may come as a surprise to many but Jesus was not a 'Christian Gentile' as some believe. He was a Jew born and raised in Israel with a Royal lineage back through David to Abraham (Matthew 1:17) and a physical Jewish lineage through the Jewess Mary all the way through David to Adam (Luke 3:23-37). 

The very day of His resurrection Christ met two disciples, one named Cleopas, walking on the road to the town of Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32). Jesus joined them but Luke in his gospel writes their eyes were kept from recognizing Him (verse 16). As they walked Jesus asked them what they were discussing.

They told Him of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet mighty in word and deed before God and all the people. They also spoke of a strange report by two women saying early that morning the tomb where the body of Jesus had lain was empty. Jesus said, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (vs 25-27).

Every time I read this how I wish Cleopas had written that conversation down! How insightful it would have been. Jesus joined them at their house and revealed himself to them as he broke bread with them. At that moment they recognized Him and He vanished from their midst. They said afterward of His words, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He spoke to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”

Jesus did not start a new religion but fulfilled it as completely Jewish. The first believers in Christ were Jews! We Gentiles by God's grace were included later. The Jewish Christians were at first critical that Gentiles, through the Jewish Christian Peter, were receiving inclusion into the faith (Acts 11:2-3). And later the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Rome that we Gentiles have been grafted into the tree of Judaism as 'wild branches.' But less we become proud and arrogant over it Paul reminds us we must not forget the branches do not nourish the root but the root nourishes the branches (Romans 11:17-18). We gentiles do not practice a new religion but we serve and worship, by God's gracious benefaction, the Jewish Messiah that fulfilled Moses and the Prophets predictions.

As wild branches we give praise, worship, and thanks to the Master Horticulturist for His skill and love in grafting us into the verdant, lithesome, and treasured tree of Judaism. As God twice promised Abraham that through him all the nations of the Earth would be blessed (Genesis 18:18, 22:18) those promises have proved true and include all peoples, races, and languages (Revelation 7:9). Edith was right. Christianity in its being and practice remains to this day completely Jewish, first to the Jew and then to the Gentile. What wondrous news and promises of Grace upon Grace to Israel and every nation of the Earth.

Ken

“Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:20

I Made it to Page 30

There is a saying: 'The Devil doesn't care who does the hating, as long as the hating gets done.' The reality behind the hatred that causes the persecution of our faith is something we would rather not dwell on. For many it's happening somewhere else. Distance becomes an anesthetic. I've noted on social media many Christians pursue what I call 'fluffy religion' that only speaks of feel good Bible verses, flowery sayings, and pretty posts failing to grasp weightier spiritual issues. Persecution of the church is too disconcerting to think about. Yet unfortunately it is happening today worldwide to millions of Christians. But as it did in the 1^st century church it has actually strengthened the persecuted church. I recall a conversation I read recently between a Chinese Christian and an American pastor. As the conversation ended the pastor said “I'll be praying the persecution ends for the Christians in China.” The Chinese brother was quick to say, “Oh no, don't pray for that. Pray the Lord gives us courage and strength through it. Persecution keeps the church strong.”

In the 1500s an Englishman named John Foxe wrote a book known as Foxe's Book of Martyrs. It recounts in vivid and chilling detail the histories of Christians who refused to deny their faith in Christ after given the choice to deny and go free or refuse and face torture and death. Many refused to deny Christ and paid a horrific price. The tortures inflicted on them were so barbarous and cruel they could only have been conceived in the mind of Satan. I made it to page 30 and was so distressed at the monstrously evil treatment of these believers that I had to lay the book aside. It shames me to admit I believe it was more due to conviction than horror. Would I be able to choose my faith over denial and face fiendish torture?

There were more Christians martyred in the 20^th century than all other centuries combined. The exact number cannot be known but it is in the millions. I read recently that 75% of the world's nations are hostile to religions and especially to Christianity. Right now Christian men, women, and children are the most persecuted group in the world. The Middle East is a particular hotbed of hatred toward believers. 

Many are being slaughtered for their faith. A case in point is the May 26, 2017 article in the Los Angeles Times of the massacre of 28 Coptic Christians by masked Muslim gunmen in Minya province, Egypt. The Christians were taking two buses to a monastery to pray. They were blocked on the road by the gunmen who made them get off the bus. They told the Christians to deny Christ and recite the Shahaba (Testimony of Faith) and become Muslims. They all refused. Some had their throats slit and others were shot in the head. The perpetrators then shot up the buses and sped away. Sadly the persecution and slaughter goes on to this day in many nations around the world, mostly unreported by the press. I can understand why a biased Media barely mentions it but why is the free and autonomous Christian church silent? Why no outcry?

I have been wondering of late if intense persecution of the church might happen here in America? There are already suspicion and hatred of Christians (especially Evangelicals) in this country distorted and aggravated through press, TV news, and Hollywood anti-Christian agendas. Watching the current news and seeing how some local, state, and federal agencies are using the courts in their twisted mandates to block and persecute Christians for refusing to violate Biblical beliefs, seems like the writing on the wall. I can foresee churches being attacked, and then Christians. And with open anti-Semitism on the rise even in our Congress, the Jews? God forbid! The founder of the Proclaiming Justice to the Nations network (PJTN), Laurie Cardoze-Moore, reports that in 2017 anti-Semitism and violence against Jews had risen 45% in college campuses.

You might be thinking there is no way anything like that can happen here in America. Right? The mindset of many today, just not Millennials, reject the existence of the God of the Bible. Therefore why obey Biblical commandments if He does not exist? They won't. As our Lord says “If they [the world] obeyed My teachings they will obey yours.” There are elements today that are working to undermine the values of the Judeo-Christian ethic. This Biblical precept was and is the foundation of our western civilization and our Republic's Constitutional form of government. Our Constitution has remained relevant after 230 years and remains the best constitutional form of government in the history of the world. The power in the Constitution is to protect the American people from government tyranny and the Bill of Rights guarantees our freedom that is derived from God, not the state. Already elected to Congress for the first time in U.S. history are two Muslim women who are openly and vocally anti-Semitic. Both are members of the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement (BDS). This movement is a global campaign promoting various forms of boycott of our strong and democratic ally Israel. Both women have already condemned Israel for various reasons that deny the facts. On her first day as a Congresswoman one of them referred to the president (and the office) with the most vile epithet and threat. 

Even at this moment Democrats on the far Left in the 86th Texas legislative session have gotten on the offense in the traditional conservative stronghold. They are in the process of introducing  a number of proposed "sexual orientation and gender identity" laws (SOGI) that would attack people of faith. These laws are so anti-God and religion that many outside the Left are tagging them as "Ban the Bible" laws. It doesn't mean confiscating physical Bibles (yet) but it does mean something worse; stripping Texans of their right to practice biblical teachings in their day to day lives. Already the Society For Human Resource Management writes that as early as 2015 22 states had banned sexual orientation and/or gender identity bias. This information ought to galvanize Christians to contact their senators with concerns of being unable to practice their religious liberty without fear of reprisal.  Numerous bills seek to force by law people of faith to conform to far-Left leaning policies that violate their freedom of conscience to practice their faith without fear of retaliation. Those who do not conform could face fines, possible jail time, or other criminal charges (James Wesolek, Federalist.com, 2/1/2019, Society For Human Resource Management, 7/28/2015).

In touching on the rejection of God and His moral values, speaker and author Dennis Prager, a self-professed practicing Jew, speaks often about the devaluing of the Judeo-Christian ethic and how it has affected the moral view of today's generation. In speaking in the past 30 years he has continued to ask high school and college age students the same question, “If you are at the ocean and a stranger and your dog are drowning which one would you save?” He said in all the years he's been asking that question 2/3rds have said they would save the dog over the human being. Why? “Because I love my dog and I don't know what the stranger would do.” Prager also said that he has noted more and more adults choosing to save the dog over the human too. The values and consciences of this current generation are seared against God (1^st Timothy 4:2), His attributes, and the God-endowed sanctity of life. Today the value of an animal over a human being is a premium. Because we are made in God's image (Genesis 1:26) the value of human life is far and above superior to the life of animals. That news will make some people furious, some to the point of sending me death threats, and I speak from experience. I've even received death wishes from children! Don't get me wrong. I love animals and always have. But however cute and smart they are I would always choose saving a God-given human life over an animal because according to Judeo-Christian teaching the sanctity of human life is reverent and holy.

And in the same vein if persecution does come to the American church let's pray Christ will give us strength and trust, anchored in an unshakable faith. And let's remember to pray for our brother's and sisters under the boot of tyranny and torture for their faith daily. Pray they receive strength to endure. I read a phrase on growingchristians.org that sums it all up: “I believe the Church persecuted will be the Church glorified when Christ's body on earth is united with her Head in heaven.” Let that be our prayer. It alone is our highest hope.

Ken