See if you can guess the interesting thing in this Psalm:
"1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." (Psalm 91)
Did you see it? It's a condition. A conditional Psalm. A conditional promise. You see, sitting back and thinking of the wonderful promises in this passage does you no good if you aren't already meeting this condition. The condition is that you must "first seek the Kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33) Look again: "1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High"..."9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation"..."14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him."
Psalm 91 isn’t the only example of conditional promises: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15) Sometimes we take the promises in the Bible for granted just because we're Christians, but it doesn't always work that way. If you're a Christian but are living for yourself instead of living your life for the Lord God Almighty, these promises may not come your way anytime soon.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Gradatim Ferociter
I was flabbergasted (good word) to find that Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com, started a research and development company who's short-term goal appears to be space tourism! Will probably update. Blue Origin homepage.
In the mean time, for discussions of origins, blue or not, check out Atheist Central.
In the mean time, for discussions of origins, blue or not, check out Atheist Central.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
What Will You do for Christ this Fall?
~~~
I started to write this article exactly one year ago to the day. I don’t know why I never finished it, but today, on its anniversary, I have finally completed it and am now posting it. I pray you can find something edifying within its paragraphs.
~~~
Fall. It’s not official for a few more days, but the leaves are showing it. The crops are starting to yellow. Something in the air heralds the coming of fall. Harvest season. When the leaves change their dress and fly over the fields to play with the wind. The songbirds become scarce and the chirping crickets multiply. Everything changes this time of year; sights and smells. For most of us feelings of nostalgia emerge, for our country’s past or pleasant memories of Thanksgivings gone by; a time of giving thanks to God, for whatever our hearts may recall or, if nothing else, for this wonderful, blessed time of year. Though, we are not the only ones who give thanks to a “higher power.”
Fall is also a time when the spiders emerge to weave their intricate webs, the moths come out in their numbers, the crows roost in the dying trees at night in their murders, and, according to some, the veil between the living and the dead becomes thin.
Of course, such images as spiders and crows may bring thoughts of witches and cauldrons, moths may make one think of musty old libraries filled with sorcerer’s grimories and alchemical equipment. And all this may make you think of that favorite holiday of candy-loving boys and girls everywhere: Halloween.
Many Christians think it quite the thing to do when Halloween rolls ‘round to simply sit in their homes and avoid the evils of the day (and night). Others may think the holiday to be nothing more than innocent fun and embrace it. I am now here to say that, in light of our duties as vessels of Christ, I do not believe that either is the appropriate course of action.
To start off, I want to show you the origins of Halloween, and illustrate why embracing this holiday as harmless would not please Christ, then talk to you about why I believe the second most popular stand on the day, which is to ignore it, might not be most pleasing to Him either.
What follows is an excerpt from an article by minister, CEO, and author, Thomas R. Horn on the origins of Halloween:
“…offerings were made to Hecate because she was thought to govern haunted places where evil or murderous activity occured. Such areas where violence or lechery had a history were believed to be magnets of malevolent spirits, something like ‘haunted houses,’ and if one wanted to get along with the resident apparitions they needed to make oblations to the ruler of the darkness--Hecate. Hecate's familiar (the night owl) announced the acceptance of the oblations, and those who gathered on the eve of the full moon perceived the spooky sound of the creature as a good omen. Statues of the goddess bearing the triple-face of a dog, a snake, and a horse, overshadowed the dark rituals when they were performed at the crossing of three roads. At midnight, Hecate's devotees left food offerings at the intersection for the goddess ('Hecate's Supper'), and, once deposited, quickly exited without turning around or looking back. Sometimes the offerings consisted of honey cakes and chicken hearts, and at other time's puppies, honey, and female black lambs were slaughtered for the goddess and her strigae…
“…The connection between ancient paganism and the modern customs and costumes of Halloween is easy to trace. The Hecatian myths adopted by Celtic occultists continue in pop culture, in symbolism and tradition in the following ways:
* People visiting neighborhood homes on Halloween night represent the dead in search of food (the treat).
* Masks of devils and hobgoblins represent evil spirits seeking mischief (the trick).
* Those who pass out candy represent the homes visited by the dead, or may also represent worried individuals seeking to appease Hecate and other nighttime terrors.
* The Jack-O-Lantern (will-o-the-wisp, fox fire, fairy fire, etc.) is, according to some histories, a wandering soul stuck between heaven and hell. Others claim the Druids left Jack-O-Lanterns on doorsteps to ward off evil spirits. Another legend about a drunk named Jack who made a deal with the devil claims to be the true origin of the Jack-O-Lantern myth. [I would add that Celtic peoples carved faces into vegetables to trick evil spirits – Joe.]
“The list goes on but I'm afraid the bottom line is this: Whatever you make of such history, most children who wear masks and pursue sweets on Halloween night do not understand, or care about, the symbolism."
Not very pleasant origins, are they? The Roman Catholic Church, when coming to a new land and converting its peoples, has had a history of adopting paganism to appease the people around them. Big mistake. In Deuteronomy 18 we read “When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations (v. 9).” Many think of this verse and others like it and conclude that we should stay away from anything that has to do with Halloween. A good point, but the manner in which some go about doing this may be such that they pass up opportunities to serve Christ on this most evil of days.
Some take the stance of avoiding absolutely everything about it. They turn down invitations to Halloween parties, and most of all turn out their porch light and lock the doors. But think of this: how many children, teenagers, and their parents show up on a Christian’s door step asking for something—almost anything—in droves? Not many; probably almost none, and probably almost never. But Christ has told us to go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Our back yards are indeed part of “all the world.”
Think instead what it would be like if zealous Christians left their porch lights on for a change, opened their doors, and gave out tracts and the like to the dozens of unsaved fathers, mothers, teens and children walking to their doorsteps! The Disciples and Apostles dealt with real magicians and real devil worshipers, and were surrounded by real paganism and real satanic temples. Did they hide inside and turn out the lights, or did they go and preach the good news of Jesus?
So, this Halloween, are you going to let Satan run rampant and steal souls by the dozens, or are you going to pass out a little bit of candy and a whole lot of Jesus this fall?
[Check out the vintage 1901 postcard at the beginning of this post. Click to enlarge.]
God bless!
I started to write this article exactly one year ago to the day. I don’t know why I never finished it, but today, on its anniversary, I have finally completed it and am now posting it. I pray you can find something edifying within its paragraphs.
~~~
Fall. It’s not official for a few more days, but the leaves are showing it. The crops are starting to yellow. Something in the air heralds the coming of fall. Harvest season. When the leaves change their dress and fly over the fields to play with the wind. The songbirds become scarce and the chirping crickets multiply. Everything changes this time of year; sights and smells. For most of us feelings of nostalgia emerge, for our country’s past or pleasant memories of Thanksgivings gone by; a time of giving thanks to God, for whatever our hearts may recall or, if nothing else, for this wonderful, blessed time of year. Though, we are not the only ones who give thanks to a “higher power.”
Fall is also a time when the spiders emerge to weave their intricate webs, the moths come out in their numbers, the crows roost in the dying trees at night in their murders, and, according to some, the veil between the living and the dead becomes thin.
Of course, such images as spiders and crows may bring thoughts of witches and cauldrons, moths may make one think of musty old libraries filled with sorcerer’s grimories and alchemical equipment. And all this may make you think of that favorite holiday of candy-loving boys and girls everywhere: Halloween.
Many Christians think it quite the thing to do when Halloween rolls ‘round to simply sit in their homes and avoid the evils of the day (and night). Others may think the holiday to be nothing more than innocent fun and embrace it. I am now here to say that, in light of our duties as vessels of Christ, I do not believe that either is the appropriate course of action.
To start off, I want to show you the origins of Halloween, and illustrate why embracing this holiday as harmless would not please Christ, then talk to you about why I believe the second most popular stand on the day, which is to ignore it, might not be most pleasing to Him either.
What follows is an excerpt from an article by minister, CEO, and author, Thomas R. Horn on the origins of Halloween:
“…offerings were made to Hecate because she was thought to govern haunted places where evil or murderous activity occured. Such areas where violence or lechery had a history were believed to be magnets of malevolent spirits, something like ‘haunted houses,’ and if one wanted to get along with the resident apparitions they needed to make oblations to the ruler of the darkness--Hecate. Hecate's familiar (the night owl) announced the acceptance of the oblations, and those who gathered on the eve of the full moon perceived the spooky sound of the creature as a good omen. Statues of the goddess bearing the triple-face of a dog, a snake, and a horse, overshadowed the dark rituals when they were performed at the crossing of three roads. At midnight, Hecate's devotees left food offerings at the intersection for the goddess ('Hecate's Supper'), and, once deposited, quickly exited without turning around or looking back. Sometimes the offerings consisted of honey cakes and chicken hearts, and at other time's puppies, honey, and female black lambs were slaughtered for the goddess and her strigae…
“…The connection between ancient paganism and the modern customs and costumes of Halloween is easy to trace. The Hecatian myths adopted by Celtic occultists continue in pop culture, in symbolism and tradition in the following ways:
* People visiting neighborhood homes on Halloween night represent the dead in search of food (the treat).
* Masks of devils and hobgoblins represent evil spirits seeking mischief (the trick).
* Those who pass out candy represent the homes visited by the dead, or may also represent worried individuals seeking to appease Hecate and other nighttime terrors.
* The Jack-O-Lantern (will-o-the-wisp, fox fire, fairy fire, etc.) is, according to some histories, a wandering soul stuck between heaven and hell. Others claim the Druids left Jack-O-Lanterns on doorsteps to ward off evil spirits. Another legend about a drunk named Jack who made a deal with the devil claims to be the true origin of the Jack-O-Lantern myth. [I would add that Celtic peoples carved faces into vegetables to trick evil spirits – Joe.]
“The list goes on but I'm afraid the bottom line is this: Whatever you make of such history, most children who wear masks and pursue sweets on Halloween night do not understand, or care about, the symbolism."
Not very pleasant origins, are they? The Roman Catholic Church, when coming to a new land and converting its peoples, has had a history of adopting paganism to appease the people around them. Big mistake. In Deuteronomy 18 we read “When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations (v. 9).” Many think of this verse and others like it and conclude that we should stay away from anything that has to do with Halloween. A good point, but the manner in which some go about doing this may be such that they pass up opportunities to serve Christ on this most evil of days.
Some take the stance of avoiding absolutely everything about it. They turn down invitations to Halloween parties, and most of all turn out their porch light and lock the doors. But think of this: how many children, teenagers, and their parents show up on a Christian’s door step asking for something—almost anything—in droves? Not many; probably almost none, and probably almost never. But Christ has told us to go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Our back yards are indeed part of “all the world.”
Think instead what it would be like if zealous Christians left their porch lights on for a change, opened their doors, and gave out tracts and the like to the dozens of unsaved fathers, mothers, teens and children walking to their doorsteps! The Disciples and Apostles dealt with real magicians and real devil worshipers, and were surrounded by real paganism and real satanic temples. Did they hide inside and turn out the lights, or did they go and preach the good news of Jesus?
So, this Halloween, are you going to let Satan run rampant and steal souls by the dozens, or are you going to pass out a little bit of candy and a whole lot of Jesus this fall?
[Check out the vintage 1901 postcard at the beginning of this post. Click to enlarge.]
God bless!
<><
Saturday, June 26, 2010
This generation...as told by Proverbs.
Tell me if this doesn't sound like this current generation:
"There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
"There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
"There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
"The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
"The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
"The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." Proverbs 30:11-17
"There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
"There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
"There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
"The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
"The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
"The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." Proverbs 30:11-17
Can the moon "smite" you?
“The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:6
That is the very question I asked when I read this verse. Can the moon “smite” you? Maybe we won’t really understand exactly what this verse is meaning, but it is interesting to speculate.
We all know that the sun can be quite brutal, but what about the moon? It just reflects the sun’s light, right? Well we all probably also know that the moon affects the tides. No moon, no Earth. If the moon affects things like gravity and the tides can it affect people?
Most people say no. Most people, however, are incredibly closed minded. Closed minded, that is, in the sense that they are incredibly arrogant and think they know everything, not that being open minded is always a good thing.
Anyhoo, I suppose most of us are also aware of full moons being associated with werewolves, and that witches and occultists pay close attention to the phases of the moon; but I recently found an article talking about the effects the moon can have on humans, not that most “respectable scientists” would care to admit any of it.
Firstly, it talks about a study that found murder rates in one particular city stayed fairly steady in the more usual phases of the moon, but rose sharply around the full moon and new moon phases. To be sure, they tested more than just that city. Sure enough, their research seemed to conclude that murder rates rose around the full and new moon. It goes on to point out that even in medieval England they noticed this, and I’m sure that people in less arrogant societies than our modern world have known this as well (as evidenced by the “legends” surrounding it).
Another interesting thing I read in this article was about a study of 1,000 tonsillectomies that 82% of bleeding crises that happened after surgery were around the full moon phase.
Just think of this evidence, and then think of all the legends and monsters and witches. It does indeed seem that the moon can smite you.
Though this all sounds a bit bleak. Here are some positive verses that talk about the moon:
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” Psalm 8:3
“They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.” Psalm 72:5
“In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.” Psalm 72:7
“It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” Psalm 89:37
God bless!
<><
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Drunk in the "spirit"...?
“Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.” Isaiah 29:9
Many Christians may have heard of being drunk in the “Spirit” before, especially those who are familiar with the beliefs of certain branches of Pentecostal churches. Before I say much more, I have been a member of an Assembly of God church for a couple of years, though I recently left it (not because of anything they preached, it was just time). I am glad that our pastor did not really support such things as being drunk in the “Spirit” because if he did my friend and I would have left much sooner.
Now, the idea with being drunk in the “Spirit” is that you are so filled with the Holy Spirit that you act as though you are drunk, and display all of the sings of being drunk. Many who support such activity will reference a passage from the New Testament when the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost and everyone mocked them saying that they must be drunk:
“Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.” Acts 2:13
They say “See, they were drunk in the Spirit!” but is this really the case? Let’s look at a couple of videos of a man who is an abnormally large proponent of being drunk in the “Spirit.” His name is John Crowder and is supported (or at the very least was) by such organizations as The International House of Prayer, or IHOP, in Kansas City:
John Crowder and others who support being drunk in the “Spirit” also seem to support being “High on the Holy Ghost” as being another form of “drunk in the Spirit”:
Obviously this man is a blasphemous and irreverent moron, and many people who support “Holy Drunkenness” would say that he is a little over the top, but it they still claim to get drunk and high on the “Spirit” just like him. So…do they have any form of biblical support for such things?
As stated earlier, many proponents will say that Acts 2 is evidence of the people being drunk in the “Spirit.” When the Holy Spirit came down and filled them, they all heard each other in their own languages. These people have just been filled with the very Spirit of God, and were seeing amazing things happening. I would imagine they were quite happy, and thrilled. Imagine how they must have looked, how amazed they must have been, how they all would have reacted to hearing everyone from different nations speak in their own language. Does that mean they were drunk? No. I can imagine people mocking them and saying that they were. Sure. But look at what Peter says in response to these insults:
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
“For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;” Acts 2:14-16
Look at those above videos. Look up videos yourself. These people can barely form coherent sentences. Peter stood up and said “Hey, we’re not drunk!” and quoted Scripture for the next 20+ verses. If he was drunk could he speak so well? The Bible then says:
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37
I don’t think they were touched by the inane drunken babbling of someone who was acting like John Crowder. (Peter goes on with his speech for several more verses). John Crowder can barely speak when he is behind a podium.
Here is a biblical description of being drunk:
“who hath contentions? who hath babbling?... Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
“They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.” Proverbs 23:39, 34-35
The Bible frequently talks about drunkards as stumbling about and losing control of themselves.
God says that He has given us a spirit of discipline and a sound mind. Why would His presence take that away from us? Proponents of being drunk in the “Spirit” can describe it in as many favorable terms as they like, but they do not have any biblical evidence for it. The Bible says:
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
What does the Bible say about the conduct inside the churches of the saints (specifically when it comes to spiritual things)?
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40
Those videos display nothing but loss of self control and confusion; nothing is peaceful about those people. One more video:
God is the author of peace, not drunkenness and confusion.
The next question is whether or not people involved with this are demon possessed. I would have to say no. I don’t believe that a Christian can actually become possessed by a demon, and I know that there are real Christians that have experienced being drunk in the “Spirit.” Maybe not possessed, but definitely influenced. Demonic possession is different than demonic influence.Possession is when a demon takes over a person’s body and causes them to do things, such as inflict harm, or uses the person’s vocal cords to speak, sometimes without even moving their mouth.
Demonic influence can be anything from sinful thoughts, to keeping one in bondage, and addictions, and…”holy laughter” and “holy drunkenness” as well. Based on the Bible and other evidence, we know that demons cause many diseases, such as epilepsy and cancer. Christians can have cancer. I think this is similar
Therefore, because God is the author of peace, not confusion, and that God gave us a spirit of discipline and a sound mind, that church is supposed to be orderly, and that there is absolutely no evidence that being drunk in the “Spirit” is biblical but much evidence that drunkenness is sin and goes against the aforementioned biblical points, I conclude that “holy highs” and “holy drunkenness” are false experiences perpetrated by the devil and his demons.
Stay in His True Spirit, and God bless.
<><
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Test
The following is a kind of test I made a long time ago. It is a test to use before you choose a movie to watch, a book to read, or a game to play. I can't honestly say that I have always followed it and heeded the scriptures it cites, but I have tried.
The Test
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
How can you know what a good or bad entertainment choice is? First, read these verses:
"Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Romans 12:9
"...hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thessalonians 5:21-22
"...hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thessalonians 5:21-22
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness..." Isaiah 5:20
Remind yourself that,
"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..." Psalm 101:3Alright, now go through these two simple steps:
- Think on These Things -
The Bible tells us exactly the types of things we should dwell on as Christians:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
Ask yourself if what you are considering is:
True
Honest
Just
Pure
Lovely
Of Good Report (Admirable)
Virtuous
Praise (to God or Praiseworthy)
- The Fruits of the Spirit -
Look at the fruits of the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are the things that those who have been born again will display in every aspect of their life. Memorize them, mark them in your Bible, or write them down: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22, 23).
Does what your considering reflect any of these? Are you displaying them when taking part in this activity?
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering (Patience)
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance (Self-Control)
If you are honest with yourself, and God, it should not take long to know if whether the things you are dwelling upon are of the Lord, or of the Adversary.
God bless!
<><
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Think of America While You Read This
1The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 2God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. 3The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 4He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. 5The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. 7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. 8But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies. 9What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. 10For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry. 11There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor. 12Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. 13For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. 14And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile. 15Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off. (Nahum 1, King James Version)
*Image Credit
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Mouse and the Poison
Once upon a time, there was a mouse king. One day, the mouse king gathered all his mouse subjects together. He showed them a pile of delicious, beautiful, food and said, “My children, eat this food. It is healthy and good for you. See that food over there? It’s made by the enemy. It’s called poison, and it can kill you if you eat enough of it.”
Well not long after this, some of his subjects were walking down a hallway. When they came upon an open closet door, they noticed a curious box with strange pellets inside. One of the mice noticed the skull and crossbones on part of the packaging. “Gasp! That’s the poison that the king told us about,” said one. Another, bold, mouse looked on the back of the box at the ingredients. “Hey look here! 99% good food, and 1% poison! That’s not so bad!” So the mouse started eating. The others reminded him of the king’s warning. He didn’t care. “Well, it doesn’t feel bad to me, so it must be alright.” He reasoned that if he just ignored the poison, it would be OK. But it was still there.
Christians do this same thing on a daily basis. Our King tells us “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) But sometimes in our Christian walk, we come across a shiny box. We look at the ingredients. “Rated R for mild language and brief nudity.” “Hey, that’s not too bad,” we think. Maybe it’s PG-13. Maybe it’s an M rated video game, maybe it’s Satanic music, maybe it’s dirty magazines or books. No matter what packaging it comes in, it’s poisoned.
Think about that mouse for a second. He can ignore that poison all he wants, but it’s still there, working its way into his system and doing its damage. He can even try to eat around it, and pick the poison out. But will he really get it all? If he has to do that, why not just eat the good food? Besides, his king told him not to eat it. Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that perish; it shall not cling to me. “ Ask yourself, do you set wicked things before your eyes? Do you hate the works (of art, of music, movies) of those who perish (sinners)? Do these things cling to you?
Habakkuk 1:13 says of God “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity…” God is too holy to look upon iniquity. The Bible tells us to not let Satan get a foothold. When we set wicked things before our eyes, and think on things that are not lovely, not pure, not virtuous, there is a good chance God is turning His holy eyes from us at these times, and we are most definitely giving the devil a foothold. I don’t know about you, but I do not want the wicked works of perishing sinners to cling to me, causing God to look the other way while I give the devil a foothold.
Someone once told me, “Yeah well the Bible has some violent and explicit things in it.” Would you really bring the Bible to the level of an R rated movie? Of course not. The Bible is the Word of God, and is historical fact. It is not made solely for our entertainment. Movies and video games and such are. I do not sit down and read about people having tent stakes driven into their temples for entertainment. I do not entertain myself with the telling of the defiling of Dina. That is history (from the Word of God). Have you ever thought about that? When someone sits down to watch an R or PG-13 rated movie they are entertaining themselves with violence, or sexual immorality, or foul language, or whatever else.
I have had people tell me that "God wants us to have fun in life too, you know!" With what? People being blown up, or using foul language, or being generally immoral? I don’t think so! God wants us to think about things that “are true…honest… just…pure… lovely…of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise.” If that sounds drab to you, and you would rather watch someone get blown up or cussed out, then maybe it’s time to examine your thinking.
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that perish; it shall not cling to me.” Psalm 101:3
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
God bless!
Well not long after this, some of his subjects were walking down a hallway. When they came upon an open closet door, they noticed a curious box with strange pellets inside. One of the mice noticed the skull and crossbones on part of the packaging. “Gasp! That’s the poison that the king told us about,” said one. Another, bold, mouse looked on the back of the box at the ingredients. “Hey look here! 99% good food, and 1% poison! That’s not so bad!” So the mouse started eating. The others reminded him of the king’s warning. He didn’t care. “Well, it doesn’t feel bad to me, so it must be alright.” He reasoned that if he just ignored the poison, it would be OK. But it was still there.
Christians do this same thing on a daily basis. Our King tells us “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) But sometimes in our Christian walk, we come across a shiny box. We look at the ingredients. “Rated R for mild language and brief nudity.” “Hey, that’s not too bad,” we think. Maybe it’s PG-13. Maybe it’s an M rated video game, maybe it’s Satanic music, maybe it’s dirty magazines or books. No matter what packaging it comes in, it’s poisoned.
Think about that mouse for a second. He can ignore that poison all he wants, but it’s still there, working its way into his system and doing its damage. He can even try to eat around it, and pick the poison out. But will he really get it all? If he has to do that, why not just eat the good food? Besides, his king told him not to eat it. Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that perish; it shall not cling to me. “ Ask yourself, do you set wicked things before your eyes? Do you hate the works (of art, of music, movies) of those who perish (sinners)? Do these things cling to you?
Habakkuk 1:13 says of God “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity…” God is too holy to look upon iniquity. The Bible tells us to not let Satan get a foothold. When we set wicked things before our eyes, and think on things that are not lovely, not pure, not virtuous, there is a good chance God is turning His holy eyes from us at these times, and we are most definitely giving the devil a foothold. I don’t know about you, but I do not want the wicked works of perishing sinners to cling to me, causing God to look the other way while I give the devil a foothold.
Someone once told me, “Yeah well the Bible has some violent and explicit things in it.” Would you really bring the Bible to the level of an R rated movie? Of course not. The Bible is the Word of God, and is historical fact. It is not made solely for our entertainment. Movies and video games and such are. I do not sit down and read about people having tent stakes driven into their temples for entertainment. I do not entertain myself with the telling of the defiling of Dina. That is history (from the Word of God). Have you ever thought about that? When someone sits down to watch an R or PG-13 rated movie they are entertaining themselves with violence, or sexual immorality, or foul language, or whatever else.
I have had people tell me that "God wants us to have fun in life too, you know!" With what? People being blown up, or using foul language, or being generally immoral? I don’t think so! God wants us to think about things that “are true…honest… just…pure… lovely…of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise.” If that sounds drab to you, and you would rather watch someone get blown up or cussed out, then maybe it’s time to examine your thinking.
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that perish; it shall not cling to me.” Psalm 101:3
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
God bless!
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God Loves You
"If we are the sons of God, we are dearly beloved of God. Did you ever try to get that thought into your mind, that God loves you? I can understand that God pities me; that is a feeling which so vastly superior a being might well feel to so inferior an existence; but that he loves me is scarcely conceivable, although it is most sure and certain. Who can drink this well dry? Who can bear home this fruitful sheaf of delights, this purple cluster of Eshcol? Sons of God are loved of their Father with a love surpassing thought.
"They are, indeed, intimately related as well as dearly loved. There is a union between God and his sons. There is the same nature in the son as there is in the father, for we become “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” These are no words of mine, but of the Holy Spirit; one would not have dared to have uttered them if inspiration had not made them ready to our hand. We are most near and dear to the blessed God who filleth all in all."
~ Charles H. Spurgeon
From a sermon entitled "Open Heart For The Great Savior," delivered December 17, 1865.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
O Death
"One day we shall slip away from these scenes of earth. Our eyes shall be closed on all familiar things. Next moment--O rapture! they will be opened on the unveiled face of Jesus Christ! That is what 'death' will be to you--if you are God's child. You may now dread death--but it is only going to look at your Redeemer's face!"
~ J. R. Miller
~ J. R. Miller
Friday, January 15, 2010
Of Goats, Azazel, and Things That Annoy Me!
This post I am going to address something that has bothered me for quite some time. I mean really bothers me. Lots!! It is about “Azazel.” Who or what is “Azazel”, you ask? Azazel is a Hebrew word that is used for “scapegoat.” However, looking this up online may lead to different results. You see, Azazel is also the name of a demon in the apocryphal Book of Enoch (apocryphal means it is not considered to be inspired by God, and is thus not included in the Bible).
In the Book of Enoch, Azazel was the leader of the angels that voluntarily fell from Heaven to have intercourse with women (Genesis 6) and created the giants of the Old Testament, also referred to as Nephilim, Rephaim, Giborrim, and other terms. Now I have read the Book of Enoch, and my concern is not whether the events did or did not happen; my concern is with people that cannot seem to make the distinction between goats and demons.
On Wikipedia, when looking up the demon Azazel, we read “The word's first appearance is in Leviticus 16, where a goat is designated "for Azazel" and outcast in the desert as part of Yom Kippur.” “For Azazel.” As though it was sacrificed to a demon. Ridiculous. This sentiment is carried throughout the Internet and beyond (I was just on IMDB and someone referenced similar misinformation). Here’s what the Bible actually says:
Leviticus 16:8-10
“And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.”
The lot is not designating a goat to be sacrificed to the demon Azazel. It is designating it to be an “azazel,” or “goat of departure” (Young’s Literal Translation). A scapegoat. The goat was to carry the people’s sins of into the wilderness, and was symbolic of Jesus having the iniquity of mankind laid upon Him; that’s one reason this misinformation ticks me off, and the other is just because misinformation ticks me off in general.
I don’t really have much more to say, but I saw something that renewed this feeling of annoyingyness and just had to say something. So…God bless!
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Book of Eli and the Legion (of Lucifer)
"The Book of Eli" is the newest Hollywood film to delve into the apocalypse--or more accurately the supposed aftermath (post-apocalyptic). The concept, and I am attempting to recite this from memory, is that a man named Eli (Denzel Washington) has the last Bible, a book that can "redeem" mankind with its "good moral teachings" or something equally ridiculous, and an "opportunistic [and I might add psychopathic] preacher" who wants it for himself.
Eli is far from a peaceful Christian man, given that the trailer showcases his impressive arsenal and his use of it on his fellow men. The man who plays Eli is also far from a peaceful Christian man. Denzel Washington, when talking about one of his movie roles, talked about letting the "spirits" possess him to help him act better. He said something along the lines of that he couldn’t have done it without them if I remember correctly. Oprah, who has people summon "clusters of highly evolved beings" (aka legions of demons) on her radio shows, also has stated that she "empties" herself to let "the spirits" possess her for her shows and movies. Gary Oldman, the “opportunistic preacher” has played a role I’d rather not mention committing unspeakable acts of evil in one of his movies (You’ll regret it if you try to find out what. You’ve been warned).
This movie, and the actors in said movie, are devoid of morality and are evil. But I doubt any of it holds a candle to the next movie I’ll mention: Legion. I’ll let the below video [just click the link] from Good Fight Ministries speak for itself.
*VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED* [some blood and demonic imagery]
http://www.themovielegion.com/
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Saturday, January 9, 2010
More Precious Than Gold
1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 9What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? 10I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 12I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. 14I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. 16And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. 17I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. 18I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? 22Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? (Ecclesiastes 3, King James Version)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
On the Subject of Hell and Its Denizens - Part 1: The Place and Nature of Hell
“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” Psalm 139:8
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:1
For this post, I’d like you to join me in a little Bible study.
Perhaps the most foundational point upon which this biblical study will be built is that the place we call “hell,” where the souls of the dead went, and the “lake of fire,” where the Lord will send the souls of the wicked for eternity, are two distinct and different places.
- Hell and Sheol –
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “sheol” is translated as “hell” 31 times, “grave” and/or “the grave” 31 times, and “pit” 3 times [1]. Tradition holds that “hell” is where the souls of the wicked would go for eternity. Why then is “sheol” also translated as “grave,” and referred to as the place where the righteous went as well? Examples of this can be found in:
Genesis 37:35
“And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave [“sheol”] unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.” [emphasis added]
Psalm 49:15
“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave [“sheol”]: for he shall receive me. Selah.” [emphasis added]
Psalm 139:8
“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell [“sheol”], behold, thou art there.” [emphasis added]
Here we see that not the wicked, but the righteous, spoke of going to “sheol.” Therefore, we may conclude that, at least in the days of the Old Testament, more than just the wicked went to the place we refer to as “hell.” Consider the following verse:
Ezekiel 31:16
“I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell [sheol] with them that descend into the pit [sheol]: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.”
Ask yourself, “Why would anything or anybody be comforted in hell?” This is because, as many scholars and even different religions believe, that in the “realm of the dead,” there is a “bad” side, and a “good” side. This idea is illustrated in Jesus’ story about Lazarus and the rich man (I wish to make the point that this was not a figurative parable, as Jesus never named anybody in His parables, but a story relating actual events):
Luke 16
19“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20“And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21“And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28“For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29“Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30“And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”
Jesus did not say that Lazarus was in Heaven. He said that he was carried by the angels into “Abraham’s bosom.” In keeping with the rest of Scripture up to this point (“this point” being that Jesus had yet to defeat death through his death, burial, and resurrection), one may conclude that Lazarus, as well as the rich man, went to “sheol.”
- The Place of Hell -
From the above, we can now conclude that there was a “bad” side and a “good” side to sheol. Not only that, the above verses tell us where sheol is: in “the nether parts of the earth.”
Matthew 12:40
“For as Jonas [Jonah] was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Obviously, hell/sheol is in the center, or heart, of the earth.
- Hades, Tartarus, and Hell -
In the New Testament the word “hades” is translated as hell in Matthew, Luke, Acts, 1 Corinthians, and Revelation. In each instance hell as sheol is mentioned, not the “lake of fire,” the place of future punishment. Definitions of “hades” include:
1. name Hades or Pluto, the god of the lower regions
2. Orcus, the nether world, the realm of the dead
3. later use of this word: the grave, death, hell [2]
As you can see, there are similarities with hell as sheol, and thus we can conclude that hades and sheol are the same place. And again, the verses which use the word “hades” are not referring to the future place of eternal punishment.
Also in the New Testament, the word “tartaroo” or “tartarus” is used to refer to hell in 2 Peter chapter 2 verse 4:
“For if God spared not the angels that sinned , but cast them down to hell [tartarus], and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;”
Definitions of “tartarus” include:
“the name of the subterranean region, doleful and dark, regarded by the ancient Greeks as the abode of the wicked dead, where they suffer punishment for their evil deeds.” [3]
You can see the similarities between the two, and as you will see hades, tartarus, an hell/sheol are indeed the same place.
- The Nature of Hell -
Re-read this verse:
Matthew 12:40
“For as Jonas [Jonah] was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Now, with that in mind, read the following verses:
Jude 1:6
“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”
1 Peter 3:18-19
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.”
The word “prison” here is “phulake” (foo-lak-ay') and its definitions are as follows:
1.guard, watch
a.a watching, keeping watch
1.to keep watch
b.persons keeping watch, a guard, sentinels
c.of the place where captives are kept, a prison [4]
Read this verse again:
Jude 1:6
“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”
Consider the similarities of being “bound in chains of darkness” “reserved unto the judgment of the great day” and being in prison.
It would seem that Jesus went to the “heart of the earth” and preached to the spirits, both of angels and men, which were imprisoned there.
- Jesus and Sheol -
At this point you may find yourself thinking, “Ok, so sheol is like a prison and Jesus went there, but did He go to the good side or bad side?” I do not know for certain, but here is a verse that may give us something of a clue:
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him [the thief on the cross near to Jesus], Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Jesus did not immediately go to Heaven after dying on the cross. In His own words, He went to “the heart of the earth.” It is therefore possible that He went to the so-called “good side,” but we can’t know for sure.
It is worth noting that some believe, in the above verse, Jesus was telling the thief that, not just today, but “because you have done this today” you shall be with me in paradise. That is up for debate. Either way, there is enough evidence to suggest that there was a “bad” side (hell) and a “good” side (paradise) to sheol/hades/tartarus.
On another note, some people claim that Jesus lead all the souls out of “paradise” in some kind of triumphal victory march to Heaven, but there is absolutely no biblical proof for this whatsoever.
John 5:28, 29
“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
It is also possible that the “dead in Christ” that “shall rise” during the Rapture are souls that were in the “good side” of sheol, and are now being let into Heaven. Again, this is just speculation.
- The Nature of Hell (cont.) –
Ok, hell/sheol/the pit/hades/tartarus is in the heart of the earth, has a “good” side and a “bad” side, and acts as a kind of “prison” or holding place until the Day of Judgment. Now what is the place of eternal punishment?
A key passage for this question can be found in Revelation 20: 11-15:
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
From this passage we find that “death and hell [hades]” will be cast into the “lake of fire.” Therefore, hell is not the place of eternal punishment in which the souls of the wicked are cast. If it was, this would mean that God is casting “hell” into itself, which makes no sense. So this passage reinforces that hell is a “holding cell.”
Here are all verses concerning the “lake of fire”:
Revelation 19:20
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
Revelation 20:10
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Revelation 20:14
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
Revelation 20:15
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 21:8
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
The term “geenna” (gheh'-en-nah) is also used to refer to the place of future punishment in Matthew (5:22, 18:9, 23:15), Mark (9:43, 9:45, 9:47), Luke (12:5), and James (3:6).
Thus, the lake of fire/geenna is the place of future punishment, and not hell.
Where is the lake of fire/geenna? These verses provide some clues:
Matthew 8:12
“But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 22:13
“Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 25:30
“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This also answers a question that unbelievers ask: “How can you be happy in Heaven knowing there are people burning in hell?” The Bible says that God will create a new heaven and a new earth. How can we be happy, they ask, if we know people are burning beneath us? The above verses answer this by pointing out that hell will be cast [from earth] into the “outer darkness” of the lake of fire/geena.
- Conclusion -
To review,
Hell/sheol/the pit/hades/tartarus is in the heart of the earth, has a “good” side and a “bad” side, and acts as a kind of “prison” or holding place until the Day of Judgment.
The lake of fire/geena is in outer darkness, and is the place in which the devil, his angels, and all wicked spirits shall be cast for all eternity.
Well, I hope you got something out of this Bible study, and hopefully had some questions answered. God bless!
[1] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/kjv/sheowl.html
[2] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/hades.html
[3] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/tartaroo.html
[4] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/phulake.html
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:1
For this post, I’d like you to join me in a little Bible study.
Perhaps the most foundational point upon which this biblical study will be built is that the place we call “hell,” where the souls of the dead went, and the “lake of fire,” where the Lord will send the souls of the wicked for eternity, are two distinct and different places.
- Hell and Sheol –
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “sheol” is translated as “hell” 31 times, “grave” and/or “the grave” 31 times, and “pit” 3 times [1]. Tradition holds that “hell” is where the souls of the wicked would go for eternity. Why then is “sheol” also translated as “grave,” and referred to as the place where the righteous went as well? Examples of this can be found in:
Genesis 37:35
“And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave [“sheol”] unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.” [emphasis added]
Psalm 49:15
“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave [“sheol”]: for he shall receive me. Selah.” [emphasis added]
Psalm 139:8
“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell [“sheol”], behold, thou art there.” [emphasis added]
Here we see that not the wicked, but the righteous, spoke of going to “sheol.” Therefore, we may conclude that, at least in the days of the Old Testament, more than just the wicked went to the place we refer to as “hell.” Consider the following verse:
Ezekiel 31:16
“I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell [sheol] with them that descend into the pit [sheol]: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.”
Ask yourself, “Why would anything or anybody be comforted in hell?” This is because, as many scholars and even different religions believe, that in the “realm of the dead,” there is a “bad” side, and a “good” side. This idea is illustrated in Jesus’ story about Lazarus and the rich man (I wish to make the point that this was not a figurative parable, as Jesus never named anybody in His parables, but a story relating actual events):
Luke 16
19“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20“And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21“And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28“For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29“Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30“And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”
Jesus did not say that Lazarus was in Heaven. He said that he was carried by the angels into “Abraham’s bosom.” In keeping with the rest of Scripture up to this point (“this point” being that Jesus had yet to defeat death through his death, burial, and resurrection), one may conclude that Lazarus, as well as the rich man, went to “sheol.”
- The Place of Hell -
From the above, we can now conclude that there was a “bad” side and a “good” side to sheol. Not only that, the above verses tell us where sheol is: in “the nether parts of the earth.”
Matthew 12:40
“For as Jonas [Jonah] was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Obviously, hell/sheol is in the center, or heart, of the earth.
- Hades, Tartarus, and Hell -
In the New Testament the word “hades” is translated as hell in Matthew, Luke, Acts, 1 Corinthians, and Revelation. In each instance hell as sheol is mentioned, not the “lake of fire,” the place of future punishment. Definitions of “hades” include:
1. name Hades or Pluto, the god of the lower regions
2. Orcus, the nether world, the realm of the dead
3. later use of this word: the grave, death, hell [2]
As you can see, there are similarities with hell as sheol, and thus we can conclude that hades and sheol are the same place. And again, the verses which use the word “hades” are not referring to the future place of eternal punishment.
Also in the New Testament, the word “tartaroo” or “tartarus” is used to refer to hell in 2 Peter chapter 2 verse 4:
“For if God spared not the angels that sinned , but cast them down to hell [tartarus], and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;”
Definitions of “tartarus” include:
“the name of the subterranean region, doleful and dark, regarded by the ancient Greeks as the abode of the wicked dead, where they suffer punishment for their evil deeds.” [3]
You can see the similarities between the two, and as you will see hades, tartarus, an hell/sheol are indeed the same place.
- The Nature of Hell -
Re-read this verse:
Matthew 12:40
“For as Jonas [Jonah] was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Now, with that in mind, read the following verses:
Jude 1:6
“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”
1 Peter 3:18-19
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.”
The word “prison” here is “phulake” (foo-lak-ay') and its definitions are as follows:
1.guard, watch
a.a watching, keeping watch
1.to keep watch
b.persons keeping watch, a guard, sentinels
c.of the place where captives are kept, a prison [4]
Read this verse again:
Jude 1:6
“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”
Consider the similarities of being “bound in chains of darkness” “reserved unto the judgment of the great day” and being in prison.
It would seem that Jesus went to the “heart of the earth” and preached to the spirits, both of angels and men, which were imprisoned there.
- Jesus and Sheol -
At this point you may find yourself thinking, “Ok, so sheol is like a prison and Jesus went there, but did He go to the good side or bad side?” I do not know for certain, but here is a verse that may give us something of a clue:
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him [the thief on the cross near to Jesus], Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Jesus did not immediately go to Heaven after dying on the cross. In His own words, He went to “the heart of the earth.” It is therefore possible that He went to the so-called “good side,” but we can’t know for sure.
It is worth noting that some believe, in the above verse, Jesus was telling the thief that, not just today, but “because you have done this today” you shall be with me in paradise. That is up for debate. Either way, there is enough evidence to suggest that there was a “bad” side (hell) and a “good” side (paradise) to sheol/hades/tartarus.
On another note, some people claim that Jesus lead all the souls out of “paradise” in some kind of triumphal victory march to Heaven, but there is absolutely no biblical proof for this whatsoever.
John 5:28, 29
“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
It is also possible that the “dead in Christ” that “shall rise” during the Rapture are souls that were in the “good side” of sheol, and are now being let into Heaven. Again, this is just speculation.
- The Nature of Hell (cont.) –
Ok, hell/sheol/the pit/hades/tartarus is in the heart of the earth, has a “good” side and a “bad” side, and acts as a kind of “prison” or holding place until the Day of Judgment. Now what is the place of eternal punishment?
A key passage for this question can be found in Revelation 20: 11-15:
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
From this passage we find that “death and hell [hades]” will be cast into the “lake of fire.” Therefore, hell is not the place of eternal punishment in which the souls of the wicked are cast. If it was, this would mean that God is casting “hell” into itself, which makes no sense. So this passage reinforces that hell is a “holding cell.”
Here are all verses concerning the “lake of fire”:
Revelation 19:20
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
Revelation 20:10
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Revelation 20:14
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
Revelation 20:15
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 21:8
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
The term “geenna” (gheh'-en-nah) is also used to refer to the place of future punishment in Matthew (5:22, 18:9, 23:15), Mark (9:43, 9:45, 9:47), Luke (12:5), and James (3:6).
Thus, the lake of fire/geenna is the place of future punishment, and not hell.
Where is the lake of fire/geenna? These verses provide some clues:
Matthew 8:12
“But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 22:13
“Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 25:30
“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This also answers a question that unbelievers ask: “How can you be happy in Heaven knowing there are people burning in hell?” The Bible says that God will create a new heaven and a new earth. How can we be happy, they ask, if we know people are burning beneath us? The above verses answer this by pointing out that hell will be cast [from earth] into the “outer darkness” of the lake of fire/geena.
- Conclusion -
To review,
Hell/sheol/the pit/hades/tartarus is in the heart of the earth, has a “good” side and a “bad” side, and acts as a kind of “prison” or holding place until the Day of Judgment.
The lake of fire/geena is in outer darkness, and is the place in which the devil, his angels, and all wicked spirits shall be cast for all eternity.
Well, I hope you got something out of this Bible study, and hopefully had some questions answered. God bless!
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[1] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/kjv/sheowl.html
[2] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/hades.html
[3] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/tartaroo.html
[4] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/phulake.html
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Familiarity with Sin
"Sin is a monster of such awful mien,
That to be hated needs but to be seen,
But seen too oft, familiar with face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace." (Alexander Pope)
"...know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4)
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20)
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/009/america-6.htm
That to be hated needs but to be seen,
But seen too oft, familiar with face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace." (Alexander Pope)
"...know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4)
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20)
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/009/america-6.htm
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Jesus and Santa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NStpjQ477HA
"Lately, it seems like some of us have been confusing Jesus with Santa. After all, they both have beards and several nicknames, and often, we get caught up hoping that they both bring us everything we want. However, this season let us remember that one of them comes to give us what we think we want; the other came to give us what we need."
"Lately, it seems like some of us have been confusing Jesus with Santa. After all, they both have beards and several nicknames, and often, we get caught up hoping that they both bring us everything we want. However, this season let us remember that one of them comes to give us what we think we want; the other came to give us what we need."
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