I'm glad you asked...

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Better to marry than burn...

Paul states that it is better to marry than to burn. So if we are saved forever why would we burn? I think of that as a term for unbelievers who will end in the lake of fire.

When Paul mentions the word "burn" with believers in Corinthians, he is not talking about burning in hell, he is talking about burning "with sexual passion and lust!” The word "burn" in scripture is used many times to refer to "being on fire" about something.

1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Romans 1:27

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another ; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

He is saying that if your sexual passion and lust "burns" inside of you, then go ahead and take care of it with a spouse!

Paul makes it clear that although our works can be burned up as believers, we ourselves will not!

1 Corinthians 3:15

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Hopefully this helps!

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Marriage in Ages to Come

What is Jesus referring to when he states that there will be no marriage in the resurrection?

When the Lord Jesus Christ refers to "the resurrection," he is not talking about the resurrection (rapture) of the church, the body of Christ, (which is a mystery resurrection given to Paul alone), but he is talking about the first resurrection of God's prophetic program with Israel and the old testament saints. In this resurrection the prophetic program believers are resurrected into his eternal kingdom on the earth!

Matthew 22:30

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

His response is an answer to those unbelieving Sadducees who did not believe in a physical, bodily resurrection of the dead. As they tempted him with a hypothetical situation of one woman with many husbands, the Lord cuts through their deceit by showing them from the scriptures that in the resurrection of the old testament dead, even though she had many husbands, she will not have any husbands once the kingdom comes. Only those who are still alive when he brings the kingdom, and who walk into the earthly kingdom alive in their human flesh, will still be married and continue to be throughout the kingdom (if they live through the tribulation). They will also continue to have babies, etc.

Ezekiel 37:25-26

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Hopefully this helps

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Pagan holidays

How do you feel about pagan holidays, should we as Christians observe such holidays?

Thank you for writing and for asking such a wonderful question. It is a very common question that I am asked periodically, and hopefully what I see from scripture can help you. I will deal with the last part of your question first, then the first part last.

Should Christians observe...?

The first thing we need to know when it comes to anything concerning "holidays" is that our Lord Jesus Christ tells us through our Apostle Paul, that we are not to allow anyone to "judge" us, that is, to "condemn" us in any way, whether we observe them or not!

Colossians 2:16

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday [holiday], or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

The reason for this command from Paul to let no man judge you in this area is because today, under God's Grace, whether or not we choose to observe certain days or not, does not make us either more spiritually accepted by God, nor does it make us less acceptable to Him!

Paul tells us that things like "days" (and also what we choose to eat) are personal decisions of each individual believer and therefore not to be judged by or condemned by others in a legalistic way! To do otherwise is to be involved in "doubtful disputations," and to be involved with something reserved only for the Lord Jesus Himself!

Romans 14:1-6

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth : for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up : for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another : another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks ; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

So to your question about whether or not Christians should observe them today...God leaves it up to each individual’s own conscience as the barometer or whether or not they should observe it!

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How do you deal with pagan holidays?

I personally do not observe those so-called holidays that are rooted in pagan traditions. Not because I feel condemned by God or man, but because I am fully persuaded from God's Word not to! I have learned more and more information, light and understanding about the pagan roots and idolatrous origins of the customary holidays celebrated by both lost and saved in our culture, and my conscience will not let me partake in them!

Notice that when Paul mentions this observing of days and certain foods, he says that those that do observe them are "weak in the faith."

Romans 14:1-3

Therefore as I have grown stronger in the faith and in my understanding of God's Word, and in spiritual maturity, I chose to reject these things as one would reject the notion of an Easter bunny, tooth fairy and Santa Clause as they mature from childhood to adulthood!

God expects us to grow in our spiritual understanding over time, and as we do, He also expects us to walk in the ever increasing light that He gives us. So once I understood the God rejecting origins of these holidays, I also chose to reject them, knowing also that there are "weaker" brethren who have yet to come to this same understanding. So we who are strong are to bear them in love, because that is exactly how our Lord deals with us!

Romans 15:1-3

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

We who have knowledge of these things are to also walk in love towards them that do not...

1 Corinthians 8:1-9

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better ; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

Just be content to allow others to observe them if they choose to, and then educate them on why you don't, while not condemning them.

Hopefully this helps!

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Both Kingdoms delivered…

Does the "kingdom" referenced in Daniel encompass all the universe, both those in heaven (saints making up the church, the body of Christ) and those in the earth (Jewish believers and gentiles)?

As you know, the book of Daniel is part of God's prophetic program with the nation of Israel, and thus has nothing to do with what he is doing with us in the dispensation of grace. Therefore, whatever this verse is referring to, we know that it is not talking about Christ delivering up the body of Christ, or his heavenly kingdom to God.

So what exactly is it talking about?

Earthly kingdom delivered

Well, look at what Daniel writes...

Daniel 7:13-14

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Notice that he says that in this vision he sees the "Son of man," a term used in reference to Israel's Messiah, coming with the clouds of heaven. Where was he coming from? And when he gets there he is brought before the Ancient of days? Who is that? Whoever this Ancient of days is, he gives the Son of Man, Israel's Messiah, all this kingdom and glory of all peoples, nations, etc.

As you can see, these things, as per prophecy, pertain to the earth! So what I see is that this is the Lord Jesus Christ (Son of Man, a term that he calls himself while on earth) coming before God the Father (The Ancient of days), to get the earthly kingdom. But once he, the Ancient of days, gives unto the Lord Jesus, the Son of Man, this earthly kingdom, then what? Well, notice the light that we get from other scriptures....

Luke 19:11-13

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Here we see that during the latter time of our Lord's earthly ministry to Israel—at a time when they think that he is going to Jerusalem to take the throne of David (vs. 11)—that he now tells them that he has something else in mind first!

He then tells them a parable about a nobleman (himself) who goes into a far country (heaven), to get a kingdom (that earthly kingdom of Daniel 7), and to return (that is come back to earth to establish it)!

I see this as when after his resurrection from the dead, he then ascends into heaven in Acts 1.

Acts 1:6, 9

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Notice here, that at his ascension, he goes up and a cloud receives him. (I believe that this cloud has to do with those clouds in Daniel 7:13—very well could be a cloud consisting of the angels of heaven!)

So, what I see is that at his ascension to the heavens in and with this cloud, he goes up into the third heaven, victorious over death, hell, and the Enemy, into his Father's (the Ancient of days') throne room, and then his Father gives him the earthly kingdom. Then one day, when the time is fulfilled, he will return with it and set it up on the earth!

Daniel 7:13-14

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man [the Lord Jesus Christ] came with the clouds [of angels] of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days [God, the Father], and they [angels] brought him [the Lord Jesus Christ] near before him [God, the Father]. And there was given him [the Lord Jesus Christ] dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Heavenly kingdom delivered

As far as the Lord handing us, the church, the body of Christ, off to the Father...that is what the verse in 1 Corinthians 15:24 is all about. What else would the Lord Jesus Christ do with us after he is done with the Judgment Seat? After the Lord Jesus finishes with us, he still has to go on to finish his plan and purpose for Israel right? We are not part of that because our vocation is for the heavenly places. So once he is done with us, he has to then commend us to the Father. That is what Paul is making reference to in 1 Corinthians 15.

1 Corinthians 15:24

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to god, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

2 Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hopefully this helps!

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Monday, April 25, 2011

Two-fold purpose of Cornelius

In Acts 15, is James speaking in v14 of what Peter said in v7 (which is in reference to Acts 10, Cornelius)?

If so, I am confused by this because I have been understanding that what happened with Cornelius was a picture of how the Gentiles would get salvation in the kingdom and that Peter is always associated with the kingdom. So, how is it that these Gentiles (referring back to Acts 10 and Peter's job in the kingdom?) in v14 represent the dispensation of Grace? (I'm assuming the v14 Gentiles is the dispensation of grace because v16 says "after this I will return." Anyway, I need clarification.

Yes, James is speaking about what Simon Peter said in verse 7, about God sending him to Cornelius' household in chapter Acts 10.

Acts 15:7, 14, 16

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles [Cornelius] by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles [Cornelius], to take out of them a people for his name.

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

By sending Peter to Cornelius' house after Paul was saved, God was showing how He would one day again deal with Israel (Peter being the chief Apostle), after the dispensation of grace ends, and will save Gentiles through Peter's ministry in the kingdom.

But remember, because Acts is also a book of transition, showing Israel’s fall and salvation going to the Gentiles through Paul's ministry, the Cornelius incident was also to show Peter (and Israel) that God was doing something different with Gentiles in that present moment (i.e., saving them without, and before being water baptized).

So just like water baptism is not a part of God's program today, yet God allowed Paul to baptize during the transition period of Acts,

1 Corinthians 1:16-17

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Peter’s going to Cornelius serves two purposes: a type of gentiles being saved in the future, after Paul's ministry is done; and, to show Israel that at that moment in the past, God changed the program!

Acts is maybe the toughest book to understand (when you let it stand alone) of all the books of the bible because of its transition from law to grace, from prophecy to mystery.

But that is why you don't go to Acts to understand Peter or Paul's ministries fully; you go to their writings...their epistles!

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Acts 15:16

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

This is a quote from Amos, which has to do with the day of the Lord in which he abandons Israel because of their sins against him in prophecy.

Amos 9:11-12

In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.

James is saying that the fact that God left Israel, and went to the gentiles, was in agreement with that scripture (although it was not a direct fulfillment of it—the fulfillment of it will happen in the future in the kingdom).

But with this mystery dispensation, God was doing nothing unrighteous to Israel because He forewarned them that he would leave. He just kept the timing of when, what, and how he would do things a secret (aka, the mystery).

Hopefully this helps!

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Sunday, April 24, 2011

When the graves opened up…

Regarding Matthew 27, was this rising of the saints foretold in scriptures? Also since in Matthew 27:50 Jesus yielded up the ghost and then v53 says after his resurrection, was Christ's resurrection immediate?

Matthew 27:50-54

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Was this rising of the saints foretold in scriptures?

Yes there are many verses in the Old Testament where it was both prophesied about and was a foreshadowing of what will take place in the kingdom when He returns in the future! Here is one that makes it crystal clear.

Isaiah 26:19

Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

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Was Christ's resurrection immediate?

My answer: If you mean immediate, like the exact moment after He gave up the ghost and died, then NO! If you mean immediate like on the third day, then yes.

The scriptures make it crystal clear that our Lord Jesus died, was buried and on the third day He rose again!

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

And even right there in the chapter...

Matthew at 27:64

Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

So it is clear from scripture that our Lord did not rise from the dead until the third day!

So what is that verse all about then?

Matthew 27:50-53

Well Matthew, who is writing this account by the Holy Ghost years after the actual event is looking back and simply giving the readers commentary on what took place back in those days. He is giving proof that Jesus rose from the dead and now has power over death and the grave, by showing that others saints back in that day who had died rose from the dead as well and appeared to their loved ones at the same time. This was proof that Jesus was who He said He was, the Christ, the Son of God as the Jews require a sign to believe! Plus it was in fulfillment of that verse in Isaiah 26 that the kingdom of Heaven was at hand!

Isaiah 26:19

Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

Anyway, because Matthew focuses on Jesus being Christ the King, Son of David, and proof of it was his resurrection and that of those who believe on him, then God has Matthew comment on this event even though it did not happen in the chronological order of the events that Matthew records. No marvel though, the bible often records significant events out of "chronological" order in order to make a statement and to focus on one particular aspect of the story. And here, the focus is on the fulfillment of the kingdom promise that death will not have a hold on the believing Jews in that day!

Evidently, during that earthquake that took place the moment that he died, the earth rent and the graves were opened then! But it is clear that although the graves were opened on the day he died, the people did not come out until he resurrected.

I think that this is symbolic of the fact that through his crosswork, Christ freed the nation of Israel from their bondage of sin/death/hell the moment that he shed his blood. But the delay of the third day is symbolic of the fact that it won't be until after 2,000 years that they actually arise and walk into the kingdom!

Hosea 6:1-2

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Furthermore, most likely, when the Lord went to Paradise, he arranged to have the souls of these particular saints return to their bodies to prove his power over hell and death to all the other Jews in Jerusalem.

Hopefully this helps!

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