Passage From A.E. Knoch

"God's goal is to be All in All, when all are subject to Him.  In order to reach this consummation He reveals to His creatures, by numberless object lessons, their utter helplessness apart from Him.  Collectively as nations, as well as individually, man is a failure, for the flesh will not be subject to God, nor the spirit give Him the worship which is His due.  Adam sinned at the first opportunity, and each of his descendants experiences his own innate incapacity to do God's will.  This they are shown in situations of infinite variety, either in this life or in the judgement to come.  Thus also with human government and religion.  When man congregates, he only emphasizes his Godless impotence.  Kings and high priests were never intended by God to fulfill their function perfectly, but rather to fail in order to reveal their futility, so that God Himself will be the only Refuge of His creatures when every other one has disappointed."

~ Concordant Studies in the Book of Daniel (pg. 9 & 10)

I really enjoyed reading this passage because it shows us that without God we are nothing but men coming together to fail.  Our leaders aren't here to create a utopia for the rest of us but rather to fail miserably.  Once we see that man has and always will fail, only then will we crave God as our only leader.  So I guess there is beauty in the breakdown.

What does the bible teach us about the second coming of Jesus?

In seeking to answer the question "What does the bible teach about what happens to people after they die?", it has become clear to me that the bible talks a lot about the fact that there will be a moment in history when Jesus returns to being judgment and resurrection.

from Hebrews 9:

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

The early church lived with eager anticipation of this event in history - not knowing exactly when it would happen, but definitely allowing the certainty of it to shape they way they lived their lives.

Are we prepared for that day?  Are we living in a way that anticipates that day?

We are made for more than merely getting through this life.

We are made for more than having a comfortable life.

We are made for more than accumulating wealth and a retirement plan.

We are made for more than the American dream and the pursuit of our own happiness.

We are made to know Him and make Him known.

We are made to work with Him in bringing heaven to earth.

We are made to love and serve others in His name.

We are made to bear His image and to reflect His glory and character into the world.

Living in the light of the second coming of Jesus focuses our lives on what is eternal, what really matters.

Living in the light of His coming keeps us from wasting the precious time He has given us.

What happens when we die?

Fellas,

Here are some scriptures to ponder on.  Pondering means we are searching and have not concluded anything.

Ecclesiastes 9:5  "For the living know that they shall die, but the dead know nothing whatsoever..."

Ecclesiastes 9:10  "All that your hands find to do, do with vigor; for there is no doing, or devising, or knowledge, or wisdom in the unseen where you are going"

Psalm 6:5  "For in death there is no remembrance of you; in the unseen, who shall acclaim you?"

Psalm 146:3,4  "Do not trust in patrons, in a son of humanity with whom there is no salvation.  His spirit has go forth and he shall return to the ground; in that day his reflections perish."

Psalm 115:17  "The dead cannot praise God, nor all those descending into stillness."

John 11:11-14  I'm paraphrasing here but Jesus first says he's gonna raise Lazarus from sleep.  Then the disciples thought sleep as in REM sleep.  then Jesus told them that they are idiots and says plainly that Lazarus had died.

1 Corinthians 15:51-58  Basically these versus say that the dead will rise without decay and join the Lord in an instant.

Acts 2:34  King David did not ascend into Heaven.  He is awaiting the 2nd coming.

John 5:28,29  The righteous will come from the grave into life with Jesus and the wicked will come from the grave into life under judgement.

John 14:2,3  Jesus tells he is going to go make a place ready for us and come back to get us in the future.

For now, I believe this is sufficient for study material.  When all scripture about death is laid on the table the evidence points me towards unconscious slumber until the return of Christ rather than a prejudgment ascension into Heaven or free fall into Hell.  This is an important study because it involves the thing that most of the world fears...death.  Plus our beliefs about where people go when they die lead us to make some wild judgments about other individuals and might give us a anxious complex to save ourselves and others before they die.  Jesus commands us to be anxious for nothing.  

Let's ponder

What relevance does knowing what a Jew is have to do with our lives today?

Jared brought up the subject of what a Jew is this morning.  Thought we might explore our understanding of why that has relevance to our lives in Eagle, Idaho in the 21st century!  The fact that I am writing this indicates that I think it does.  Look forward to our discussion here.  May the Lord use it to help us understand better what it means to love Him, worship Him, and serve Him as followers of Jesus - and to better understand each other.

More thoughts on yeast

I wanted to post some of my reflections from last week on the yeast of false teaching, seeing we have such limited time together...

I would describe a false teacher as anyone who claims to instruct others about God and His ways, but does so in a manner that does not bring the hearers under the rule of God and into direct relationship with the Father through the Son, but rather under the rule of men and into some kind of indirect relationship with God through a person, organization, or institution.

Bottom line:

False teachers don't lead people to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

They lead people to something other than the purity and simplicity of devotion to Jesus.

They have some other agenda.

Consider Acts 20:

24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. 25"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of everyone. 27For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number some will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.

vs. 24 - Here Paul speaks of his task : to testify to the good news of God's grace.
False teachers do no not teach grace, unless they distort the grace of God into being a license to sin without the need for repentance. They typically lead people into guilt, fear, pride, and slavery to something or someone other than the Lord himself.

vs.25 - Paul preached the kingdom of God - the rule of God.
False teachers seek to bring people under the rule of men (albeit in the name of God!).

vs.27 - Paul proclaimed the "whole will of God".
False teachers distort the scriptures by teaching a part of the truth, but not the whole truth.  They will use the bible to justify their ideas - they use the bible to serve their purposes.

vs.30 - Paul reveals the primary motivation of false teachers - pride.
One of the primary motivations of false teachers is that they are seeking the position of being the leader.  And leaders need followers.  The way they gain followers is by distorting the truth.  They use the bible, but they distort it to serve their own ends. They draw people away from the unity of the Spirit and after themselves.  They lead people to derive an identity from belonging to their group.  Instead of simply being a member of God's family in Christ, they seek membership for their group.  It is primarily numbers they care about, more than the unity of the Spirit among the people of God or the individual.  Success is measured by numbers of followers/attendees/members/etc.

vs.31 - Be on your guard! 
Paul is echoing Jesus word to his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Look out! Be on your guard!  Paul warned the disciples (with tears) that these false teachers would come.  The unity of the Spirit among God's people was very important to Paul (and Jesus - see John 17).  False teachers have no concern for that unity whatsoever.  After all, they are seeking their own glory (through the number of followers they gather around themselves and their group) rather than the glory of the One who purchased for Himself a people from every nation, tribe, and language with His own blood.

vs.32 - Paul commits the disciples to God and to the word of His grace.
True teachers trust God to do the work of leading people to Himself.  False teachers insert themselves between God and His people, claiming to be the ones leading others to truth (through their teachings of course!).  False teachers point to themselves - trying to make others dependent on them and their unique insights.  God's teachers point to God, to the word of His grace, and have great confidence in the work of the Holy Spirit - who leads every believer into relationship with the Father through the Son!  There is one mediator between man and God - and that is Jesus our King.  True teachers encourage others to receive from the diversity of ministries and gifts the Lord has given to His church for its growth in love.  False teachers always want to limit truth to themselves, their interpretations, and their group.  Any time we find ourselves listening to a single teacher, instead of a diversity of teaching ministries in the church, we are in danger of allowing false teaching to take root in our lives.

vs. 33-34: Paul was not motivated by greed.
Notice Paul talks about not coveting people's money, but working hard to provide for not only his needs, but the needs of those traveling with him who were helping with the work to which God had called him (and them).  It seems another motivation of false teachers is they seek people's financial support rather than working themselves. Be on guard!

Other passages I found speaking about false teachers:
2 Peter Chapter 2, 1 John Chapter 4, 1 Timothy Chapter 1

Spiritual Warfare (from Tom's email)

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

THE DEADLIEST WAR OF ALL

The history of mankind is exemplified by a series of endless wars and conflicts between nations, within the boundaries of a nation, and between individuals. No nation in history has been immune to at least one involvement in war. Psychologists estimate that individuals will engage in a minimum of eight personal conflicts before they enter adulthood.  The world and its inhabitants have been at war, are involved in war, and will always encounter some form of conflict. This is true for nations as well as for individuals.

To understand this historical fact, it is necessary to trace back to the core element why the world is in constant conflict and will always be so despite the efforts of ambassadors and organizations whose purpose is to prevent wars and to create peaceful co-existence. The core basis for all wars comes under the umbrella of spiritual warfare, the deadliest war of all.

Spiritual warfare is the result of the current war between satan and the Sovereign Godhead. This war began before the creation of the earth and of man. Nobody knows exactly when the war began but the Bible states that the angel known as Lucifer, a created being of the Godhead, at some point wanted to be a god. He refused to accept the fact there is only one true God and he revolted with the result of being cast out of heaven and eternal relationship with the Sovereign Godhead. Biblical scholars are in agreement that the angel Lucifer also influenced other angels and they all are forever banished from the heavenlies and condemned by the Sovereign Godhead. They will never be reunited in eternal relationship with their Sovereign Creator.

Now the question arises, what did this created angel of God do that resulted in such severe repercussion by the Sovereign Creator of all the heavens and the earth and all that is in it? The answer is pride, arrogance, and the desire for control are the factors for what is referred to as the Great Fall and the beginning of the Great War that will last until Christ Jesus returns as stated in the Bible Book of Revelation.

What began in the heavens is the basis for all wars that have taken place throughout history and for all wars that will continue until Christ’s coming. All wars on earth resemble this spiritual, heavenly war. This spiritual war having earth s its battlefield includes soldiers for each side as well as numerous casualties. Spiritual warfare for the purposes of this narrative will be centered on definition, Biblical examples, preparation for, and how to combat this deadliest of all wars.

DEFINITION: Spiritual warfare is the system of tactics utilized by the devil to prevent God from carrying out His will, plan, and purpose for his special creation, mankind. The purpose of spiritual warfare is to also keep mankind from having what the devil never will enjoy; eternal life and relationship with the Sovereign Godhead.

Let’s break down this definition for better understanding. First is the word system: “A set of interrelated ideas and principles that form a method of carrying out or maintaining a stated purpose.”

Now let’s look at the word tactics: “The technique of securing the objectives designated by strategy, especially the method of deploying and directing troops in coordinated maneuvers against a stated enemy.”

Tactics is commonly referred to military operations but also is incorporated by businesses, organizations, religions, governments, and individuals. These two definitions fit within the scope of our understanding spiritual warfare. In spiritual warfare there is one leader for each combatant side. The commander designs the technique and the deployment of the troops. The tactics used by the troops are funneled to them through a series of sub-commanders. It is the duty of the troops to carry out the tactics in battle to achieve the desired purpose and goal.

In the case of the evil commander, satan, the tactics are designed to rob, kill, and destroy any and all relationship any human being may have or has with God. As in any war, by attacking all human beings, satan is attacking God for the purpose of satan’s becoming God.

The righteous commander, The Sovereign Godhead, also has a stated objective and tactics to achieve His will, plan and purpose. Sovereign God’s army includes those soldiers who have been selected to be His ministers to overcome the tactics employed by the devil. Opposite of robbing, killing, and destroying; Sovereign God desires to redeem, renew, give abundant life, and have eternal relationship with His special creation, mankind. God's will was the same at the time of The Great Fall as it is today and will be tomorrow. This was His intent when He created Adam and Eve, and why He gave His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, as a sacrifice to open the door for redemption, renewal, and abundant eternal life.

THE DEVIL’S SYSTEM & TACTICS:  The devil has a strategy, plan of action, in the deadliest war that consists of the flesh, the world, and personal harassment. The flesh consists of one’s five senses plus the various emotions and feelings that combine to influence our thoughts and subsequent decision making. The world is the culture in which one lives and includes the rituals, laws, traditions, and mores deemed necessary for acceptance and continued membership. Personal harassment includes those elements that trigger our reactions and responses to stimuli that will impede, destroy, and kill our effectiveness in a variety of endeavors. This harassment is initiated by the devil and carried out by his demons that have chosen to align with him in carrying out his evil purpose.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES: In Genesis 2:9b the Word of God states; “…and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” This phrase tells us that evil existed when the devil was cast from heaven and before God created Adam and Eve. No human knows how long before God created man and woman that the devil was cast from heaven. Also of particular note is that no mention in the Book of Genesis is made of the devil until God created man and woman. In Genesis 2:15-16 God gave Adam the commandment to take care of the garden and not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This passage clearly indicates the existence of both good and evil and reflects the spiritual war, the deadliest war was already happening. In Genesis 3 we are informed the devil initiated spiritual warfare against man and woman by tempting Eve. As the saying goes; “And the rest is history.”  Genesis 1: 26-27 tells us the devil hates God and all His creation and in Genesis 1: 28-31 the devil’s stated purpose is to rob mankind of God’s blessing.

How is it then that the devil could and continues to go against God and His special creation and involve mankind in this spiritual war that has deadly consequences? After all God proved His sovereignty by casting the devil and all his followers from heaven into the darkness. The devil’s desire to become a god received fuel and an opening with the creation of man and woman. The devil saw this as an opportunity to get back at God. In Genesis 2: 15-17 God clearly and emphatically instructed Adam and Eve not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or surely they would die. God’s statement tells us two things: #1. Disobedience to His commands results in death and #2 that both Adam and Eve had the God given blessing of freedom of choice. Adam and Eve, similar to Lucifer were created with freedom of choice to have and to maintain a loving relationship with the Godhead from the heart and not merely a pre-programed robot whose obedience and relationship with God would be hollow and meaningless.

Genesis tells us that both Adam and Eve did use their God-given freedom of choice and ate of the deadly fruit and were cast out of the Garden of Eden, subjected to a life of toil physical death and potential eternal death. Because of the choice made by Adam and Eve, all descendants inherit physical death and the potential for eternal death as well. This is why God the Father send His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus to die on the cross to be our Redeemer and to pay the price of original sin.

Another Biblical example of spiritual warfare is found in the Book of Job 1:6-12. In studying this particular passage it is evident that God is Sovereign by the fact the devil had to ask permission to attack/harass Job. The devil cannot do anything of his own accord because he isn’t sovereign and despite the fact he is banished from heaven he remains subservient to God’s will, plan, and purpose as well as His total authority. #2 With harassment and attacks come trial, testing, and suffering  all of which add up to the fact that spiritual indeed is real, with real consequences. Spiritual warfare is very nasty and deadly. #3 Throughout his ordeal, Job retained the gift of choice. At one point in his suffering, Job’s wife pleaded with him to renounce God and die. Her words were part of the devil’s tactics and she became an evil messenger. #4 God allowed this trial/test and suffering to go only so far then He intervened. Job was restored, blessed beyond his imagination and the devil realized his limitations and incurred defeat.  #5 There were casualties in this battlefield engagement and that often one’s personal battle includes others. This informs us of the consequences of sin, disobedience, and failure to seek God during those times of trial, testing, and suffering.

In Matthew 4:1-11 God’s Word teaches us another interesting aspect about the devil and spiritual warfare. In this passage the devil tempted Christ Jesus much as he did Adam and Eve. The devil attempted to ignite triggers that would lead Christ Jesus to sin, thereby destroying Christ’s purpose of dying on the cross as mankind’s Redeemer. These attempts of harassment reflect the diabolical purpose of the devil and that he does not respect or fear Christ the incarnate Son of God. If the devil doesn’t respect or fear the Son of God, it doesn’t respect or fear the human efforts of mankind to thwart his deadly efforts. This passage, as well as others, tell us the devil will attack anyone regardless of gender, age, race, status, or affiliation.

It must be emphasized that the devil will tailor his tactics to the unique personalities of men and women. The devil always attacks on the personal level and aims at those areas of weakness of that individual.

The final example of the existence of spiritual warfare for definition purposes is found throughout the Book of Revelation. In chapter 12:10 the Word of God states that the devil has access to God but only by permission from the Godhead. #2 Christ Jesus, after His sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension now and forever sits at the right hand of Abba God in ALL power, authority, and grace. This passage becomes important when one encounters the harassment and spiritual warfare tactics aimed at them.

QUESTIONS:

1.       After reading the given Biblical passages, do you believe spiritual warfare exists?

2.      Do you believe you are immune to spiritual warfare simply because you have received Christ’s salvation?

3.      Do you believe in eternal life and death?

4.      What tactics has the enemy employed against you recently?

5.      Do you know how to combat spiritual warfare?

After meditating on these questions, share your thoughts and answers with others you share a spiritual bond with and do so in faith. The next section on spiritual warfare will address the devil’s tactics and how to prepare for his fiery darts of harassment.

What does the bible say about spiritual warfare?

JARED WROTE:

Hey guys,
I know we are supposed to stick to Matthew but I've got a few questions. I'm struggling understanding this whole "spiritual warfare" that is often discussed. Here are my thoughts: I know warfare is done between two opposing forces who wish to cancel each other out. However, the Bible clearly states that God created good and He also created evil. If that is the case, then how and why does one God want the things he created warring with each other? Does He really mean "war" as in the way we humans know it? Or does He mean something completely different based on the teaching of "do not resist evildoers" spoken in Luke? 

I'd like to know your thoughts, comments, etc.

Did Satan fall from heaven?

JARED WROTE:

Listening to the discussion this morning I remembered a comment about Satan getting kicked out of Heaven for being prideful, arrogant, and controlling.  I know this isn't following Matthew 14, but I thought it might be a great discussion.

John 8:44 - "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

1 John 3:8 - "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

I personally don't think Satan fell from Heaven (being a resident of Heaven in particular).  If Satan was a murderer, liar, and sinner from the very beginning of his existence how could he reside in the Kingdom of God?  How could he have time to influence a third of the angels?  It just doesn't make sense for Satan to have been a part of God's almighty place when is specifically states that he was a "heathen" from the very beginning of his creation.

Revelation 12:3-4 - "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 

Rev 12:4  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."

I'm not sure what the real truth is but I'm searching.  I'm interested to hear everyone's opinion.