eternal security

Nov

2013

Live Life With Course Adjustments

“Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters; They have seen the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep.

“For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths; Their soul melted away in their misery.

“They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, and were at their wits’ end.

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.

“He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed.

“Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven.” (Psa 107:23-30)

Journal, Over my desk is a picture that my oldest son gave me as a gift. It is a picture of the disciples on the stormy sea of Galilee. After Jesus calms the sea, the disciples asked a question among themselves,

“What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Mat 8:27)

Good question. More people need to ask that same question, today. The question has been settled for me long years ago. I have met Jesus personally. I know what kind of Man He is. Over my many years, Jesus has been ever-present to guide me through the stormy seas of life. There have been quite a few. But I can certainly understand why the disciples became alarmed on the stormy sea of Galilee.

I met her in dry dock in Seattle, Washington

The USS Calvert, was the oldest troop transport in the Pacific fleet and one of the most decorated. She was undergoing some needed repairs. This was in 1962. I had spent a year and a half in the Philippines, and now I was to serve as one of Calvert’s radiomen.

What an initiation! On our voyage down the coast to San Diego we met a fierce gale off of Oregon. Calvert1 I watched her bow disappeared beneath the waves and then rise up again. The old ship would shudder.

It was electrifying. But for the USS. Calvert it was business as usual. The old ship had seen greater storms than this one. She just kept right on course.

I will never forget my year and a half as a radioman on board the USS Calvert. We carried troops throughout the far east, always ready to make assault landings. Anyway, many years later, the Lord gave me a dream about a ship. In the dream the Lord directed me to take the ship out from the coastal area and launch into the deep waters. When I awoke, I understood my instructions. We were to move Christian Challenge away from the shallow emotional driven teachings that were making rounds in certain movements at that time, and launch out into the deep of God’s faithfulness.

Troublesome Teachings

It had been troubling me for some time how so many of the modern-day, teachings appealed strongly to man’s natural inclinations, yet seemed to have little regard for a true Christ-honoring walk with the Lord. It was rare to hear any teachings on repentance or on the second coming of Jesus Christ.

I will never forgot how a minister visiting our services, felt a need to caution me about preaching on the second coming of Jesus, that I was really out-of-step with today’s message. It didn’t take long to make clear my position on what he had to say.

My point – Where are the teachings on godly living, on having a sanctified heart, on having a heavenward focus and not an earthly focus? No indeed, I am not against prosperity, but Biblical prosperity does not have its emphasis on dollars. It has to do with having a proper heart-relationship with the kingdom of God. Jesus said it this way –

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Mat 6:30-34)

Some people don’t catch the essence of what Jesus is saying. To seek ‘His kingdom’, means to seek God’s direct rule over your life, and not to seek to rule your own life. To seek ‘His righteousness’ means to seek His way of living. David said it well enough – ‘He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.’ Over time I began to really appreciate what the apostle Paul meant, when he said,

” … we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.” (Eph 4:14-15)

Oh yes, we had to deal with some ridicule in the background, but it was my responsibility to live in obedience to the Lord.

Making Course Adjustments isn’t easy

Would you believe that making a change in course is a major part of every believer’s walk with the Lord. Even the apostles had to learn to separate misguided teachings from the truth of the new covenant. And believe me, it is very easy to get caught in unhealthy, misguided teachings.

Being under bad teachings does not mean a person isn’t saved. But when the light comes it is time for a course adjustment. Is it easy to make a course adjustment? Not really. Sometimes these course adjustments will cause a separation from those that we hold dear. It is interesting how so many years earlier, the Lord gave me the very same instructions that He gave to Jeremiah.

” … Before Me you will stand; and if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman.

“They for their part may turn to you, but as for you, you must not turn to them. Then I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; and though they fight against you, they will not prevail over you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,’ declares the LORD. ‘So I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent.'” (Jer 15:19-21 NASB)

Are the Winds Blowing for You

Yes, the winds are still blowing strong. This is why I caution believers not to be taken in by movements that declare, ‘Come be with us. Lo Christ is here.‘

Don’t think it strange. The winds of false teachings and false movements have blown across the church from its infancy. They seem to be growing stronger all the while. Do you feel like you are being battered about by strange winds? Perhaps your ship needs to make a course adjustment.

But perhaps your course adjustment is not about where you attend church. Perhaps the path you been walking is causing you to drift away from your walk with the Lord Jesus. Don’t be surprised – The major goal of Satan is to draw God’s children away from a godly walk with Him.

Maybe its your turn and your time to find the calm peaceful waters that belong to the covenant of God’s dear Son. The Lord wants to bring you into the safe harbor of His love. Guess I need to find a stopping place.

I would dearly love to hear from any of my readers who feel the Lord has spoken to them through this journal entry. (You can write me personally – Buddy@ChristianChallenge.Org.

I am also on Facebook. You can message me there. https://www.facebook.com/BuddyMartin.) Please take time to listen to, ‘Master of the Wind.’ The Lord would like to speak to your heart.

[

Your friend and brother in Christ,

[signoff]

Jun

2013

Watchman, Watchman, Tell Us What You See

“Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.” (Isa 66:8)

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” (Mat 24:32-34)

Journal,

It has been on my heart for a while, to share some thoughts about the second coming of Jesus Christ, and of the end of the Church-age as we know it. However, there is something I need to say upfront. This is not about setting a date. Only a fool would set about to declare the hour or the date of Christ’s return.

Keeping that in mind, it is important to take note that the Lord gave us ample evidence and instructions to consider with regard to the season of His return. The season of His return is what I seek to discuss in this blog entry.

Let me begin with some general questions that I was recently asked by a dear sister. She asked me, “Do you think Obama plays a role in the end times? Now that America economy is down, are we ripe for a take over? Will Russia take over Israel and will America Stand in the way of letting this happen? Are we closer to the end, what should we be doing? Thank you Buddy for all you do.”

The box to the right is the simple response that I gave her.

Now for the sake of other things, let’s talk about …

The Time Clock

I believe that Israel became God’s time clock, on May 14, 1948. That is when a nation and a land was born in one day. (Fulfilling Isaiah 66:8)

Israel had to once again become a nation among nations to fulfill prophecy. This is why the apostles asked the Lord, “Is it at this time you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Act 1:6)

Keep in mind that Jesus had appeared to the disciples over a period of forty days. He was, “Speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

It is highly unlikely that the disciples would have asked the question about Israel, had not Jesus shared this with them. Keep in mind that Israel ceased to be a viable nation on the earth in 70 a.d. There was no nation of Israel until May 14, 1948. Therefore to fulfill prophecy, a nation called Israel had to reappear in a moment of time. And so it did!

Now we can consider what the apostle Paul said about Israel’s nationhood. Listen:

“For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery–so that you will not be wise in your own estimation–that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written,

“‘THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.’ THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.” (Rom 11:25-27)

Finally, we need to recall what Jesus said about Israel –

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!

“Behold, your house is left to you desolate; and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!'” (Luk 13:34-35)

Do you see it? There had to be a house of Israel in place, for this statement to be fulfilled.

My advice to certain prophecy teachers, ‘Don’t make Isaiah 66:8, fit the church. The church is not a land, nor is it a nation. Jesus Himself said that His kingdom WAS NOT of this world. Only a nation called Israel can fulfill the Isaiah prophecy.’

Another clue to the second coming of Jesus, could very much involve the time frame of …

The Seventy Years

If May 14, 1948, is God’s time clock, is it possible that a seventy-year prophetic pattern can have any relevance to the second coming of Jesus?

Consider the pattern –

When Judah was taken captive to Babylon, God said to Jeremiah, “This whole land will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. Then it will be when the seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation…” (Jer25:11,12)
Seventy years later the Lord brought Daniel’s attention to the prophecy of Jeremiah: “ … in the first year of his reign [Darius], I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophey for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.” (Dan9:2)
Daniel is given a series of visions that have to do with God’s Messiah and the time frames for varied nations. Again we hear: “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to set up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.” (Dan9:24)

[note color=”#eadca9″]Notice the fuller content of this prophecy – “So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.

“Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.” (Dan 9:25-26)

While this prophecy may seem difficult to grasp, it has long been the precursor for determining the first coming of God’s Messiah. (Also the second coming.) The Daniel prophecy is the primary reason multiplied thousands of people came to be baptized by John the Baptist. The time had come.

This prophecy is also why later Rabbinic Law placed a curse on anyone who attempted to calculate the time of Messiah from the book of Daniel. While the prophecy did not give the hour or the exact date, it did give the time frame. (This is all we are looking at in this study.)

I wish to keep all this as simple as possible. Rather than get into the finer details of how this prophecy is played out in redemption history, let’s continue with the issue of ‘seventy.[/note]

Where do we see the seventy-year time frame again? Think about the destruction of Israel. Seventy years after the birth of Christ Jesus, Jerusalem lay smoldering in flames, in 70 a.d.

Now let’s consider if the seventy year prophetic emphasis could have any relevance with Israel today.

This brings us to…

May 14, 1948, Plus Seventy Years

It doesn’t take much to apply a seventy year time frame to Israel. 1948 plus 70 years brings us to 2018. But there is something else we must consider. Daniel provides a final seven-year period that has to do with what is called, ‘the time of Jacob’s troubles.’

The seven years is often accounted as the time of the tribulation. For all who believe in a rapture of the church, there are two things to consider. Some believe the rapture takes place at the very beginning of the tribulation period. In this time frame, the rapture would have occurred in 2011 thereabouts.

Those who believe in what is called the ‘mid-trib’ rapture, then the rapture would occur thereabouts in 2015.

For those who don’t believe in a rapture, the point at hand does not change. If the seventy-year prophetic rendering can be applied to Israel, it goes to reason that we are living in the very time-frame of the Lord’s second coming.

Does this bring me back to setting a date for the coming of the Lord? Far from it. I am merely speaking of the season for His coming. The Lord Himself, and the prophets, and the apostles, all gave signs to consider with regard to the coming of the Lord.

Keep in mind what the Lord said to the religious leaders of His day –

“The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.

“But He replied to them, ‘When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.” ‘And in the morning, “There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.”‘

“Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?” (Mat 16:1-3)

The Pharisees and Sadducees were demanding that Jesus give them a miracle sign that He was the Messiah. He merely responded to their wicked hearts in why they were asking for a miracle sign. He then pointed to the one sign that they would be responsible for accepting.

Jesus said,

“‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.’ And He left them and went away.” (Mat 16:4)

The sign of Jonah spoke to the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God, that there would be no salvation aside from believing in that sign.

But why would Jesus call attention to the signs of the times?

The reason is the time of Messiah had already been laid out in the writings of the prophets, including the writings of Moses. In another place the Lord said to them, “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.” (John 5:46)

Thus we have ‘signs of the times’ to consider for the second coming of Jesus. God did not leave us with nothing to consider with regard to the second coming.

In speaking of the given signs of His second coming, Jesus said,

“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

“Then He told them a parable:

“‘Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.'” (Luk 21:28-31) – The fig tree parable has relation to Israel.

Then we have this to understand…

It Ends in Jerusalem

The Bible defines the spirit of antichrist as denying that Jesus is the Son of God. John wrote:

“Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.” (1Jn 2:22-23)

Many are little aware that the religion of Islam is antichrist in its core beliefs. Listen to one of several statements found in the Qur’an, about Jesus is not the Son of God.

– Those who say: ‘The Lord of Mercy has begotten a son,’ preach a monstrous falsehood, at which the very heavens might crack, the earth break asunder, and the mountains crumble to dust. That they should ascribe a son to the Merciful, when it does not become the Lord of Mercy to beget one! —Qur’an 19:88

Is it any wonder that the radical Islamic religion by in large, hates both Christians and the nation of Israel. America is called, ‘the great satan‘, and Israel is noted as, ‘the little satan’.

Also pay close attention to the world scene today, and especially the middle eastern nations. The entire middle east is caught in a struggle with group pitted against group. And yet in all this, everything continues towards Jerusalem.

Special Note: It needs to be said that Muslims by the untold numbers are turning to Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior. Perhaps this is what the Lord meant, when He said, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues.” (Rev18:4) — The ‘her’ is the mystery religion of Babylon. And remember that ancient Babylon included both Iran and Iraq, and much of the surrounding Muslim nations.

According to a Muslim cleric (Imam), Muslims by the millions in Africa are becoming Christian. There are even Muslim mosques that are becoming Christian mosques. The Lord is appearing to Muslims in dreams and in personal visitations.

The greatest help that a Muslim can get is to have a Christian Bible placed in his or her hands. This is happening. Former Muslims are now preaching the gospel over television, by radio, and by the internet. Muslims are crying out for Bibles.

There is so much to be said about the alignment of the nations in the last days.

Without laboring this too much, take time for these Scriptures –

“Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” (Zec 12:2-3)

“And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.” (Zec 12:9-10)

“In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south.” (Zec 14:2-4)

Calling For the Watchman

What about it Watchman? Can you proclaim the good news of happiness for God’s children, and all the while help to prepare them for the things to come?

Several years ago I was confronted by a minister in that I was out of step with the message for today. I had just taught on the second coming of Jesus Christ. He let me know that I should be preaching on the prosperity message among other things.

Yes, I spoke with Him about our call as gospel ministers, that we are not to neglect to preach and teach the fullness of the gospel, which includes both the second coming and the judgments to follow.

Listen to the charge that the apostle Paul gave to Timothy. It pretty much says it all –

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

“But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2Ti 4:1-5)

The minister I mentioned actually presents a sad picture.

Yes, I am afraid the time has come when the gospel message is being distorted beyond measure. I see a larger part of the nominal church digressing morally and spiritually.

Homosexual preachers being ordained to the pulpit. Homosexual marriages taking the forefront. A love for pleasure is quickly replacing a love for godliness. Young people awash in a world of drugs and rebellion. Marriages are crumbling at an astonishing rate, while recreational sex is flooding the airwaves by way of television, movies, and computers.

Need I go on?

Did not the Lord say that His coming again would be just like it was in the judgment in the days of Noah?

It says,

“God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. Then God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth.

“‘Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch.'” (Gen 6:12-14)

As a final thought, let me address one more thing. It has to do with …

The Lord’s Promise to His People

Just as God had Noah prepare an ark for the salvation of his family, even so, the Lord Jesus is God’s ark of safety for all true believers.

I use the word ‘true‘ for the sake of understanding that not all people who call themselves Christian are true Christians. Just a look at the church world will confirm that issue.

What then is the promise to the people of the Lord? His promise is that not one single person who truly trusts in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savor, will ever be lost.

Jesus explains the will of the heavenly Father, about all believers –

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of ALL that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (Joh 6:38-40)

I pray this study will be an encouragement to my readers.

Why not take time for this song, titled, ‘So Close, I Believe.’

Your Friend in Christ,

Buddy

Mar

2013

The Secret Hiding Place of God

“How great is Your goodness, which You have stored for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! You hide them in the secret place of Your presence, from the conspiracies of man; You keep them in the shelter from the strife of tongues.” (Psalm 31:19,20 nasb.)

Journal,

In Psalm 31, David expresses grief over the strife of life. But he also breaks forth into praises that speak to God’s love for His people through all the ages. As a prophet, David’s conveys the believer’s beauty of life in the Lord.

Listen:

v1: “For You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.”
v4: “You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength.”
v5: “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; you have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.”
v8: “And You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a large place.”
v19: “How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear you, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men.”
v20: “You hide them [all God’s children] in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.

David’s reference to the secret place of God’s presence can also be translated, “the secret of Your face.” The idea is that God hides His people from the view of their enemies, that is, by bringing them to the very place that He Himself dwells.

This wonderful truth is fully brought out in the new covenant. Paul said that the lives of all believers are now hidden with God in Christ.

But first let’s see how the tabernacle of Moses, sets forth this wonderful truth of our redemption.

The only furnishing in the holiest of holies was the ark of the covenant where two covering angels spread their wings over the golden mercy-seat.

Over the mercy-seat was a brilliant light. In the light was a form. The angels have their gazed fixed on the form over the mercy-seat.

Peter explains this:

“It was revealed to them [the Old Testament prophets] that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you from heaven-things into which angels long to look.” (1Peter 1:12)

The Angels, the Form, and the Mercy Seat

The angels gazing at the mercy-seat were expressing wonderment at the atonement of Jesus Christ, that is, both of His incarnation, of the work of the cross, and of His ascension to the throne of God.

The angels longed to see into God’s gracious work of redemption through Christ. Paul tells us that the Lord is instructing angels about His wisdom in the cross, and by His presence and grace in the Church.

In the Light over the mercy-seat was a form that only Moses was allowed to see. The form was the preincarnate Jesus Christ. We see this by tying the Old Testament and the New Testament together.

When the Lord rebuked Miriam and Aaron over their presumptuous attitude towards Moses, He said to them,

“He said, ‘Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, shall make Myself known to him in a vision. I shall speak with him in a dream.

“Not so, with My servant Moses, he is faithful in all My household; with him I speak mouth to mouth, even openly, and not in dark sayings,

“And he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant, against Moses?'” (Num 12:6-8)

The Glory and the Image

Moses saw the glory and the image of the invisible God. He saw Jesus. To the Jews, God’s Messiah was known as the form of God, the glory of God, the image of God, and at times even the Shekinah of God.

Listen carefully. Paul said of Christ,

“Although He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself…” (Phi2:6)

Any Jewish person reading Paul’s writings would immediately connect Jesus with the light over the mercy-seat and the form that Moses beheld.

Then we need to recall the bright Light that blinded Paul on the road to Damascus. What Paul heard was, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” He responded, “Who are You, Lord?” Keep in mind that both the Lord and Paul are speaking Hebrew.

Now back to the tabernacle. John wrote,

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The glory that rested over the mercy-seat was now tabernacled in Jesus Christ. Paul specifically calls Jesus, “The Lord of glory” (1Co2:8)

It is on the Mount of Transfiguration that Jesus appears on the outside what He is on the inside. It says, “And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.” (Mat17:2)

Looking Past the Veil

David could see by the Spirit into the redemption of Christ, past the veil, and into God’s salvation plan that would stretch across the ages, eternity past and eternity future.

The secret place of God would take in all His people from ancient time on. The tabernacle was a picture-perfect symbol of God’s eternal purpose for all His people.

The Old Testament saints somehow knew in their hearts that the Lord Himself was their ever-present security in life. Moses said,

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Ps90:1,2)

Here Moses uses the same word that David used with regard to the ‘secret place’ of the tabernacle.

Once again think about the two cherubim with their golden wings spread over the mercy-seat. Listen again to David:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, `My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (Ps91:1,2)

David uses the same word again which references the secret place of God’s presence, that is, the mercy-seat in the holiest of holies. God’s people dwell under the very presence and protection of angels.

The Treasured Ones of God

Here is where we come to the great mystery of God’s love for His people. The Psalmist Asaph speaks of God’s people as His ‘treasured ones.’ He writes,

“They make shrewd plans against Your people, and conspire together against Your treasured ones.” (Ps83:3)

These treasured ones are God’s people from the ages. The Hebrew for ‘treasured ones‘ addresses that which is covered by God, that which is hidden, or that which is kept secret. But it especially speaks of the secret of one’s heart. God’s treasured ones are the secret love of His heart.

The Psalmist puts things together when he writes,

“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.

“For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock [the Rock is Christ].

“And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” (Psalm 27:4-6)

The Hebrew for ‘conceal‘ is the same word for God’s ‘treasured‘ ones. God’s people are His treasures in the earth and for all eternity. This allows us to have a better understanding of a kingdom parable about a treasure. Jesus said,

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field [world], which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matt13:44)

The treasure has to do with the kingdom of heaven. The story is the story of the cross. Jesus Christ gave His life for the hidden treasure. Jesus came to seek that which was lost. Now the treasure is hidden again, but this time it is hidden in Christ.

Paul said,

“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Col3:3,4)

The Work is Finished

All we have read in David’s writings have their fulfillment in the finished work of the cross. Being hidden in Christ means that every believer is eternally secured from the power of darkness. We can never be separated from God’s love. Our life is placed in the Light of God’s very being. Peter said that our calling was into, “His marvelous light.”

While this may seem difficult to grasp, what we need to realize is that our faith is to be based upon our place in Christ. Our position in Christ is secured. We have already been raised up and seated with Him in the heavenly places.

Our concern is in living out our present life with the knowledge of our eternal placement. God gives us heavenly life as a foretaste of eternity. This is what believers are to learn to live by. Heavenly life is God’s oversight of our lives.

Did you know that God never takes His eyes off you? Listen to this conversation between David and the Lord:

[David] “You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.”

[Lord] “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (Ps27:7,8)

Did you know that there is continually joy in heaven over each person who turns to the Lord? The joy of heaven is the joy of the Lord Jesus Himself. The reason Jesus endured the cross was the joy that was set before Him. The joy set before Him was all those whom the Father would give Him for all eternity.

Jesus said,

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. … This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:37,39,40)

For God so Loved

You have come to love God because He first loved you. Once again, did you know that your joy in the Lord is a reflection of His joy over you? Did you know that the grace that flows in your life is not something that you earned? It is freely given to you in God’s Beloved.

There is only one question that needs to be answered. Are you right now trusting in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Faith in Jesus alone is proof positive that you belong to Him. And if you belong to Him, then you are most certainly one of His treasured ones.

This is what the great apostle said:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph2:8-10)

Think about it. Have you met the Great I AM?

Much love coming your way,

Buddy

Nov

2012

Our Victory and Our Rest

“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.” (2Pe 1:19)

Journal,

Its been about three weeks since my last journal entry. Sorry about that. I’ve been out of the country on a ministry trip to Mexico. So, I’ll begin this entry with a synopsis on a Youth Conference held in Las Choapas, Veracruz, Mexico.

The Beautiful People of Mexico

The Mexican Youth Conference was well attended and well blessed. Our team spoke to the youth on various subjects. (Large turnout. No parents allowed.)

Nathan began the Youth Conference in speaking to the youth in Spanish, on the subject of ‘Walking in the Spirit.’ The young people responded like sponges. You could see expectancy on their faces. Lori had a special meeting with the women.

As the conference progressed, one of our team members spoke from a Satanist background. Another was molested as a youth. Another was deeply involved in pornography and was introduced into it by a youth leader. And another spoke on purity of life.

What made everything even more telling is that none of the team members knew how and what the other members would be sharing. The entire event was under the influence of the Holy Spirit. (There were times I was simply overwhelmed and could only weep.)

Sunday morning was for general attendance. The building overflowed with several hundred. The royal anointing of God rested upon every part of the service.

Once again I caught myself weeping. When their worship group began, it was like a river that began flowing from the platform. The Lord of glory was meeting with us.

I was honored to address the congregation. My ministry was on, ‘The Children of the Cross.’ God gave me insights to share about the kingdom of God, how each church is an embassy for the government of God, and how the Lord sent Pastor Pedro as an Ambassador of the kingdom to raise up their church as an embassy in Las Chaopas.

I don’t know how many came forward for first time salvation or re-dedication. I estimate at least 60-70. Pastor Pedro later said that they had never had a service like that. Actually, I don’t recall having been in a service of that order. It was all the Lord’s doing. I believe it will be awe-inspiring as to what comes out of all this. (Like the ripple effect when a stone is thrown in the water.)

Other highlights will be shared this Sunday by our ministry team. However, there is one very important point I need to make. We could have done nothing without Nathan. Nathan did an outstanding job in having to translate for so many speakers, and yet he never complained about his own physical difficulties.

Thank you son. I am so proud of you. And I’ve also very proud of our team. What a bunch of troopers.

So now we come to the issue of …

Man’s Restless Heart

Humans are born with a restless heart. Wars are continually fought over this restlessness. Religions are created out of this restlessness. There seems to be no fix. Drugs-alcohol can’t fix it. Popularity, power, wealth, want to be someone special can’t fix it.

But why, why do we have such restless hearts? Augustine said it best, ‘Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You.’

This brings us to man’s place with God and …

Partaking of the Divine

Ever since the fall of Adam, there has been a vacancy in the hearts of all humankind. David and Solomon spoke to this longing of our heart. Listen:

[Solomon] “[God] has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.” (Ecc 3:11)

We are eternal creatures made in the image and likeness of God. Adam’s fullness of life could only be met in God Himself. Hence Solomon tells us that ‘eternity’ itself dwells in the deepest part of our human makeup, and can only be awakened by God.

David was a prophet. In Psalm 139, David calls attention to the mystery of God’s relation to His human creation

“You [God] scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.” (Psa 139:3-6)

In another place David says,

“What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty!” (Psa8:4,5)

And so we come to the purpose of the cross. The purpose of the cross was and is about…

Our Victory and Our Rest in Christ

The term Christian carries various meanings such as, Christ like, belonging to Christ, followers of Christ, and even ‘the anointed ones.’ [Jesus Christ is the Anointed One.]

This is why Jesus describes the believer as having a divine outflow of life from within.

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’

“But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (Joh 7:38-39)

In the new covenant, the Holy Spirit enters a believer’s heart with the fullness of our restoration to the heavenly Father. Both the apostle Peter and the apostle Paul said that we now partake of the divine life. It all took place at the cross.

This is why you find so many terms of victory in the New Testament writings, such as, ‘more than conquerors’, ‘seated with Christ in heavenly places’, ‘entered His rest’, ‘heirs and joint heirs with Christ’, ‘triumph in Christ’, ‘all things are yours’, ‘glory of the children of God’, ‘the law of liberty’, ‘no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus’, ‘passed out of death into life’, and myriads of other related statements.

Oh yes, we’ve managed to make a mess out of things by creating religions in place of relationships. I think there is no greater need than for a child of God to come to the knowledge of what being restored in Christ truly means.

Through Christ we are brought to our rightful place in God’s created order. This reflects on what Peter was talking about when he wrote,

“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.” (2Pe 1:19)

And remember well that the best is yet to come.

While you think about these things, take time to listen to this wondrous older chorus, ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.’

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRYPCR3EhFc[/youtube]

In Christ,

Buddy

Jul

2012

Do You Really Know the Lord

“But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.” (1Co 2:14-15)

Readers,

The past December (2011) I shared a study entitled, ‘Never Go With Strangers.’ I felt a need to re-emphasize that study again, but with more insights about what knowing the Lord is really all about.

I do this with regard to what the apostle said –

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

“Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” (Php 3:1-3)

There is one question that can only be answered on a personal basis. I don’t ask to entertain doubt about someone’s salvation. I ask so that my readers can decide for themselves if their relation to the Lord God is what it really should be.

The question that needs to be answered is simple — Do you really know the Lord?

An Innate Knowing

All true followers of Jesus Christ are given a unique spiritual ability to recognize those things which are of God. This ‘intrinsic’ knowing is functional to our born-from-above spiritual nature. It is a knowing that becomes even more acute as a believer matures in Christ.

The apostle uses the term ‘spiritual’ with regard to our maturing in Christ. Paul said that the mature spiritual believer ‘knows’ and ‘appraises’ all things.

These words are important. The word ‘know’ is ‘eido’ in Greek. It means ‘to turn the eyes, the mind, or the attention to a thing, that is, to be skilled in knowing the spiritual significance of a thing.

Then we have the word ‘appraises’. The Greek term, anakrino, carries a forensic sense which addresses an investigation to decide either the excellence or the defect of a thing.

In another place the apostle says that all things have to be examined – Listen:

“Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1Th 5:19-22)

The term ‘examine’ belongs to the class of ‘knowing.’ Dokimazo simply means to prove whether a thing is worthy or not. There are many false teachings to be found in the realm of Christendom. It is the believer’s personal responsibility to find out if these teachings are worthy of the gospel.

The Crown of a Believer’s Life

The crown of a believer’s walk rests in this ability to truly know if a thing is of God. It is this knowing that protects the believer from error.

The English language doesn’t always carry the fuller meaning of a Hebrew or Greek term. For this reason it is good to know what certain terms really mean in the original languages of the Bible.

For example, Jesus said,

“I am the good shepherd, and I know (ginosko) my own and my own know (ginosko) Me.” (John 10:14)

Ginosko addresses a personal closeness. Jesus said that He addresses each of His sheep by name. He also stated that His sheep know His voice. It is in this secret of knowing the Shepherd personally that compasses our love and loyalty to Him.

Fleeing From Strangers

Let’s continue with Greek terms. Listen carefully:

“When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know (oikeios) his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know (oikeios) the voice of strangers.” (Joh 10:4-5)

Now we find a different word. The Greek for ‘know’ here is the word, ‘oikeios’. Oikeios implies, ‘belonging to a household’. Oikeios is a family word. Jesus said that because of His family relationship to the sheep, they would never confuse who is doing the speaking.

Remember how we teach our children not to go with strangers. That is the idea being projected here. Not only will the sheep not go with a stranger, but they will actually flee from the stranger’s voice and beaconing.

Now notice again how the term ginosko is used:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know (ginosko) them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (Joh 10:27-29)

Knowing Jesus Christ is knowing salvation.

It’s All in the Knowing

Did you catch it? Jesus is saying that no one can be saved and not know it. Salvation is a knowing relationship with the Lord.

Listen to how the Lord defines eternal life in His prayer:

“ … and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.’

“’…This is eternal life, that they may know [ginosko] You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” (Joh 17:1-3)

There it is. Eternal life is all about knowing the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ.

A Deepening Knowing

When Jesus said that His ‘sheep’ know His voice, notice that Jesus did not use the term ‘lamb’. Until the lamb becomes better acquainted with the voice of the Shepherd, the lamb will follow other sheep and especially the mother.

Does that mean the lambs have little protection? Not at all. Consider:

“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” (Isa 40:11)

Now let’s talk about why this issue of ‘knowing’ the Lord is so important.

Deception – The Hallmark of Satan’s Work

The ability to know if a thing is of God is important because the supernatural realm makes up more than the things of God. Satan is a spiritual being. The hallmark of Satan’s work is deception. Paul said,

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this spiritual darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph6:12)

We are especially warned that in the last days there will be a great increase of deception in the earth. The Lord said that this deception would be so acute that even the very elect will have to keep up a special guard.

Consider these cautions:

“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance.“ (Mat 24:24-25)

“But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2Ti 3:13)

“ … there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

“… in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” (2Pe 2:1-3)

Appealing to the Flesh

The work of demons is closely linked to the prideful flesh of man. And what the prideful fleshly person attributes to God, are actually ‘soulish’ powers at work.

James gives us the basic description of how the soulish person functions. James 3:13-18)

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic..”

The word for ‘natural’ is the word, ‘psuichikos’. This word speaks to the sensual side of our lower nature. Did you take note of how ‘psuchikos’ relates to, ‘demonic’?

And so where you have bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, arrogance, earthy, natural issue at work, these characteristics give place for the demonic.

James goes on to describe what is truly of the Lord;

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”

When prideful flesh is at work it glories in itself.

Making Careful Examinations

The way Paul taught believers is to check things was by use of the Scriptures. According to ‘what is written’ is always to be the testing ground for teachings, experiences, and prophecies.

Listen to Paul’s instruction on teachers:

“Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.

“Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.” (1Co 4:5-6)

Again, did you catch it? We are never to exceed, ‘what is written’. If the teaching is truly of the Lord, it will always line up with the Word of God.

We must always check teachings to make certain they are in agreement with the true gospel message. This is where caution is important. It is easy to prove many things in the Scriptures, but are these things in accordance with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Satan does his work through half-truths.

Then we are to look at things that are said to be spiritual operations. Demonic spirits bring a false anointing. These spirits love to prophesy. They love to give information about people. They love to be the center of attention.

Learn Spiritual Balance

The balance comes where God’s people are told to keep a pilgrim attitude about life. We are to hold tightly to Jesus, and loosely to the world. There is a prosperity message making its rounds today that is very much earthly centered. Where is the balance?

Paul said,

“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

True Biblical prosperity has a spiritual base. It is an outflow of a proper relationship with the Lord. This proper relationship has a heart attitude in the word ‘humility’. We are to live with humble hearts before the Lord, never striving after things of the world.

The Lord Himself said that if we will seek first God’s kingdom, and His righteousness, then everything else will be provided for us.

What’s the message in all this? It is simple. As a believer you must learn to trust your own spiritual intuition and never ever hearken to the voice of a stranger. The Shepherd is the guardian of your soul. Trust in Jesus with all your heart.

Think about these things.

Here is a song for your meditation … ‘Lead Me to the Cross’

In Christ always,

Buddy

Jun

2012

The Valley of Baca

“How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion! Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; the early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion.” – (Psa 84:5-7 NASB)

Journal,

I’ve thought it would do well to resend a writing that I provided well over two years ago. It has become one of the highest readings of my blog. It has to do with what the Bible calls, ‘the valley of baca.’ Hope it refreshes your heart.

Have you ever been through the valley of Baca?

Sure you have. Every human has been there The valley of Baca is the valley of weeping. The valley of Baca is part of our journey of life. My wife and I are very familiar with this valley. Forty-three plus years ago we stood by the grave of our nine month old son. We were passing through the valley of weeping. How our hearts filled with sorrow.

But the valley of Baca isn’t simply about tears. Believe it or not the valley of Baca is also the valley of strength. It is in the valley of Baca that a believer finds himself being renewed in the Lord. Betty and I knew that we would see David Lynn again. There was no question in our minds about that. That knowing has become one of the trail markers on our journey of faith.

There is an explanation for this idea of Baca also being the valley of strength The truth of the matter is that…

We are on our way home

No matter what else Psalms 84 may speak to, it also carries its own spiritual significance for our journey of life. And so Psalm 84 begins with,

“How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.” (Vv1,2)

Psalm 84 opens with the longings of the heart. And while the Psalm has in view the earthly Jerusalem and the tabernacle, its deeper spiritual inference is for those who have been born from above. Its deeper spiritual lessons go far beyond an earthly Jerusalem.

To be born again is to be born from above. In this ‘heavenly’ birthing we actually become children of God, or, heaven’s children. In the heart of every born-from-above person, God places the seal of the ‘Holy Spirit’. Paul calls this seal the ‘pledge’ of our inheritance. (Or, ‘the seal of redemption.)

The seal cannot be broken. It is a seal of ownership. It is also a seal that carries with it the very essence of heaven. We can think of it as our ‘going home’ seal. The seal lets us know that we are pilgrims in this life. It is because of the seal we can say with Paul,

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven.” (2Co5:1,2)

See the connection. The Psalmist said, “My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord.”

But in the meantime, we groan. We all have these groaning times in this life. Paul uses the same language as the Psalmist.

The tell-tale sign

The book of Hebrews tells is that this ‘longing‘ is one of the signs of God’s people through the ages. It is applied to the Old Testament saints who longed for Messiah and for a country that was to be their own. It says that Abraham “was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” (He11:10)

Then it speaks of all the holy ones who were before Christ. Of them it says,

“[They] confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth … But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” (Cf. He11:13-16)

When birds preach the gospel

Psalm 84:3,4 continues with,

“The bird also has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young. Even Your altars, O Lord of host, My king and My God. How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah.”

The issue here is that heaven’s children are able see the goodness of the Lord in everything. Even the swallow has a lesson to teach us about God. Perhaps she knows much more than we realize. Did not the Lord say,

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matt6:26)

I’ve had a couple of unique experiences that involved birds. One was when we pastored a former church. For a good while each morning when I showered I would hear a bird outside the window. One day I caught a glimpse of her. She was on a limb right outside the shower. Coincidence? Perhaps. But I like to think that she was sent as an encouragement. Yes I know. I’m a dreamer.

Another time was when the Lord spoke to my heart to ‘Expect the unexpected.’ This was when the Lord gave me a miracle healing from cancer. I was sitting on the hill behind Christian Challenge during a time of devotion and meditation. When the Lord spoke to my heart, I glanced up and right above my head on the high line was a beautiful dove. She didn’t move a feather. I looked at her and she looked at me. Coincidence? Not for me.

Well, let’s continue, Psalm 84:5 says,

“How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion!”

Again we can reflect on Jesus. The highway to heaven’s Zion is the path of Jesus. The Psalmist said in another place that God would make the Messiah’s footsteps “into a way.” (Ps85:13)

So where are the highways to Zion? Are not the highways to Zion in our hearts?

And where is our true strength?

It is in Jesus. The Psalmist said, “How blessed is the man whose strength is in You.” Did you know that most burn out in a believer’s life is a burn out of the flesh. There is no burn out in the Spirit. The Spirit refreshes. But if we are doing our work in the flesh, we will wither with weariness.

Let’s now look at the path that leads us home. After all we live in the nasty now-and-now.The Psalm continues,

“Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; the early rain also covers it with blessings.” (V6)

How many times have we been through the valley of Baca? I’ve been there often. There is no use in me telling you about my “Bacas.” You’ve been there. It is a place of deep sorrow. But it is in the valley of Baca that we come to know the Lord in a even more intimate way. Thus we hear in another place, “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Ps30:5)

One day the Lord may pull back the veil of our life and allow us to see all the ways He intervened in those moments of deep sorrow. And what may amaze us the most, is when He shows us His intervention in our lives before we came to a conscious knowledge of Him as our Lord and Savior. It is very much like the song which says, “He was there all the time.”

It was 1961. I was in Manila bay with a group of sailors and marines. In tossing a beach ball around, the ball got away, and I began swimming to retrieve it. What I didn’t realize was that the tide was carrying me out. On top of that, every time my fingers touched the ball, it sprang forward. When I finally realized that I couldn’t get the ball, I turned to swim back. But I had been carried far out into the bay. And as hard as I tried, I couldn’t fight the tide. It was pulling me further out. (Manila bay is part of the South China Sea, and is known for its shark activity.)

The short side of this is that I became so exhausted that I began to lose hope. I felt that the sea wanted to drag me down. Then I heard this thumpa, thumpa, thumpa, thumpa. A Philippine fisherman saw my distress and he headed his banka boat straight for me. That non-English speaking fisherman became my savior that day. But to this day I believe the greater Savior was behind the scene. My Baca valley turned to rejoicing.

Every one of them appears before God

The Psalmist continues,

“They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion.” (v7)

Listen to the language. Every one of them! Every one of them! Why does this sound familiar? Jesus said,

“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (Jn6:40)

This is Jesus saying, “Every one of them will appear before God in Zion.”

In another place He says, “Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me!” (He2:13)

It is like Jesus is saying, “Here we are Father. They are all here. I haven’t lost a one of them. I have kept them in Your name. The family is home.”

Salvation is an awesome and wondrous thing. But it only becomes truly awesome when we realize that our salvation is never based on anything we can do. Jesus alone saves us. He saved us. He is saving us. He will save us. He intervenes in our lives constantly. He intervened before we came to know Him. And He is ever-present in our lives afterwards to help us process every struggle.

Is it any wonder that our path goes from strength to strength, from grace to grace, from blessing to blessing, and yes, even from baca to baca.

Lets end our study with the ending prayer of Psalm 84. No need for me to explain prayer. Just listen with your heart:

“O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah. Behold our shield, O God, and look upon the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!” (vv8-12)

What say ye — How are you doing on your way home?

Much love to you from the Martins,

In Christ always,

Buddy

Jun

2012

The Gospel of the Prostitute

” … ‘Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.’” (Mat 21:28-31 NASB)

Journal,

Why did Jesus say that prostitutes and tax collectors would enter the kingdom of God before the chief priests and the elders of the temple?

Let’s see if we can find out.

Think about it – The primary reason prostitutes and tax collectors would enter God’s kingdom before the chief priests of the temple, is because the prostitutes and tax collectors knew they were sinners. The chief priests and other religious leaders were of a different fabric. They never considered themselves as sinners.

You see this typified when Jesus healed a blind man. Listen –

“So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, ‘Give glory to God; we know that this man [Jesus] is a sinner.

“He then answered, ‘Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.'” (Joh 9:24-25)

Why did they say that Jesus was a sinner? It was because the Lord never aligned Himself with the religious system. He was always in the mix of sinners of all sorts. Even lepers were allowed to touch Him.

And so it is with the prostitutes and tax collectors that we find the gospel story unfolding. These people were utterly detested by the religious authorities. You have the dregs of society versus the high and mighty.

You have those who knew they are sinners, and you have those who looked down their noses at everyone not of their sort.

Why Prostitutes and Tax Collectors

To appreciate what Jesus had to say about prostitutes and tax collectors entering the kingdom of God before the religious authorities, we need a bit of background.

The day before this exchange with the chief priests, Jesus ran the money changers out of the temple area. When He returns to the temple the following day, He is confronted by the temple authorities –

“When He entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?

” Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.

“The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?

“And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, ‘If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ “But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet.”

“And answering Jesus, they said, ‘We do not know.’ He also said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’” (Mat 21:23-27)

It is at this point that the Lord gives the parable of the two sons and follows it up with the vineyard story. (You may want to read the parable and the vineyard story in its entirety: Mat 21:28-436)

But it is how Jesus ends this parable that is so interesting. He simply says that the prostitutes and tax collectors would enter the kingdom of God, ahead of these Jewish leaders?

Once again…

But Why?

Think about it. The Lord was in the temple complex speaking to the recognized leaders of world Judaism. Included in this group would be those who would have Him crucified.

Yes, have you guessed it yet? It wasn’t the prostitutes and tax collectors who would crucify Jesus. It was religion that crucified Jesus.

And this is the story of the cross.

Do you find it interesting to find that the very first person to carry the message of the risen Christ was a woman of whom Jesus had cast seven demons? It wasn’t Peter, or John, or any of the apostles that Jesus first showed Himself to. It was the woman Mary Magalene.

Paul nailed it down very well when he said, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” (Rom5:20)

The apostle included his personal testimony in how God reaches into lowest points of sin to rescue the sinner –

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

“Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” (1Ti 1:15-16)

The Sinner’s Story is Seen in the Genealogy of Jesus

Strangely enough the verity of ‘the prostitutes entering first’ can be seen in Biblical form.

In the genealogy of Jesus Christ, only four women are recorded. Three of the four women were non-Hebrew in ancestry; Tamar the Canaanite, Rahab the Canaanite, and Ruth the Moabite.

Two had prostitution written in their lives, Tamar and Rahab.

One was an adulteress, Bathsheba. (Bathsheba was the only Hebrew of the four. She was from the tribe of Judah.)

These four women were in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ. Does that tell us anything at all?

Why were these the only women recorded? Perhaps it is because in these women we see the very heart of the gospel, and the story of God’s love for all of humanity.

Here is a brief rundown.

Tamar dressed herself as a temple prostitute to deceive Judah. Through Judah would come King David, and thus God’s Messiah. (Story in Genesis 38)
Rahab was a ‘harlot.’ [Hebrew is ‘zanah’ which means to be a harlot or to commit fornication.] The two spies were sent to spy out Jericho. Rahab protected them. She believed in the Lord God of Israel. (Story in Joshua 2)
Ruth’s story is one of the most beautiful in all the Bible. She was a Moabitess. Once again we have a non-Israelite woman preserving the seed of Messiah. (See the book of Ruth.)
Finally we have Bathsheba. She was married to Uriah the Hittite. David paid dearly for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba. And yet this is another of the four women who are written in the genealogy of Jesus. (Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon.)

The Issue is Not Justification of Sin

It is important to understand that this is not an issue of lifting up immoral sexual behavior. Sin pulls its own red wagon. Sin is a destroyer of lives. No one knows this better than the one who is in sin.

There is a truism which says…

Sin will take you further than you want to go.
It will keep you longer than you want to stay,
And it will cost you more than you want to pay.

To glory in sin and think that it doesn’t really matter, is a grave mistake. To preach the love of God in a way that sin is not part of the picture, is to preach a false gospel.

Jesus came to save us from our sins, not to endorse us in a sinful life-style.

Sin does matter. It was the sin of the fallen race that brought Jesus to the cross.

This is why in the new covenant God gives us the gift of a new heart. Thus the apostle said that a true believer can never be comfortable in sin. It hurts too deeply.

And this is where religion needs to be looked at more closely.

The Law says, ‘Stone her! What do You say?’

What is Jesus speaking of with the parable of the two sons is that religion in and of itself can become the very destroyer of lives. Sometimes we exalt our religion to the extent that we’ve become ‘religion worshipers.’ This is what had happened in Israel’s religious establishment.

We see religious blindness in the gospel story of Jesus. When the men wanted to stone a woman caught in adultery, Jesus diverted the attention of the men to their own sins.

He spoke nothing but kindness to the frightened woman. However, the Lord said two things to her that we must never forget. First, He did not allow her to stay under the bondage of condemnation.

And secondly, Jesus simply told her to free herself from the sin that she was involved in. He Himself would be her freedom.

The woman at the well is another classic example. This woman had been married five times and was then living with a guy.

How did Jesus handle her? He began by helping her process her life. He spoke to her heart. He awakened something in her. Jesus Himself would be her answer.

But notice that the woman has a final argument. It had to do with religion. She said,

“Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”

There it is. See how plain and simple it is? All she knew was religion. She had a pain in her heart and couldn’t do anything about it. The Lord took it out of the hands of religion. He said,

“Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.”

He goes one to say,

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Now we know the primary reason the temple authorities hated Jesus. He was dismantling their power over the people.

No More Special Mountains

Jesus was telling the woman at the well that there wasn’t going to be any more special mountains she needed to go to. There will be no anointed places you need to seek out.

There will be no more great religious figures you will need to bless you. True worship will be a matter of the heart. It will be as personal as a kiss. (The Greek for worship, proskuneo, literally means ‘to kiss.’ It is a very intimate word.)

True worship is deeply personal.

Jesus drew attention to the danger of following religious movements and men:

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. [Keep in mind that the term ‘the Christ’ essentially means, ‘the anointed one’.]

“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

“Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them.” (Mat 24:23-26)

Think deeply about what Jesus is urging. He is saying that there will be men and women who will be noted as ‘special anointed ones’, there will be movements and places that will be noted as, ‘special anointed movements and special anointed places’ that you need to go to truly find Jesus.

Anything wrong with this? You decide.

The apostle said it as well as it can be said.

“…to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col 1:27)

Where is Christ? He is in the hearts and lives of all God’s children.

What Does All This Mean

This brings us full circle back to the high priests, the elders, the prostitutes, and the tax collectors.

What does all this mean? It means the door to heaven has been flung open. The curtain has been ripped. No one can ever again stand between you and the Lord God. There is no prophet that you need to go to.

Jesus is present with every one of His people. He is in their hearts. He is in their mouths. He is in their lives.

“I have other sheep also, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one Shepherd.”

Does this do away with the Church? May it never be.

Jesus Founded the True Church

The Church has never been a building. It has never been a denomination. It has never been an earthly institution. The Church is a heavenly institution and can be found in many forms throughout the earth.

Christ Himself builds His Church, and He flocks His people as He wills. We just need to find out where we need to be.

Did the Lord not say,

“Heaven is my throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me?” (Isa66:1)

Well, God did build a house to contain His glory. He built it out of fallen humanity.

The apostle said it well enough;

“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts (this is the glory shining) to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face [exact presence] of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels…” (2Co4:6,7)

The flock of God

So, whence went religion? If the glory is shining in our hearts, why would we need an outward system of symbols and rituals, with vestments and forms, to tell us what God is like? Well, we don’t really need any of that.

Jesus said,

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” (Jn10:27,28)

Now the big question – What need do we have for flocking together as a Church?

The need is great. God has ordained that each of His people be assigned to a particular flock for their care and safety.

There are hundreds of thousands of gospel believing churches with the same hundreds of thousands of godly pastors who care deeply for their flock. We just need to look to the Lord to place us in our proper flock.

A church assembly may be of the thousands or it may just be a handful. The church always addresses the gatherings of God’s people.

It should go without saying that we aren’t in heaven yet. Nor are we secured from the presence of evil.

And so God has decreed that He will meet with every flock, regardless of how tiny or how large it may be, and it is in these gatherings that He will make Himself known in special ways.

The point at hand is that the young lambs need a place of security so they can grow properly, and be taught the ways of the Lord, and not have to worry about harassment by wolves.

God’s people do need pastoral oversight. Mature believers are a safe-guard against spoilers of the flock.

Paul warned us about the spoilers. Wolves are sly. They often try to enter the flocks disguised as sheep. But you can recognize them after a bit.

They emit an order that is unpleasant to the sheep.

Besides that, wolves are really stuck on themselves. They can’t hide it. On the other hand, sheep are humble creatures and non-threatening.

I have been a pastor for a long time. My greatest joy is to look at those who have been made part of God’s church, and say …

“Thank you Lord, for every prostitute and every tax collector. Thank you for all these beautiful people. They were once sickened in sin, but you have glorified Yourself in them. Thank you Jesus.”

While you think about these things, take time for the beautiful gospel song – “He Touched Me’.

Much love in Jesus,

Buddy

May

2012

The Issue of ‘Once Saved, Always Saved’

Journal,

The following guest study is from Pastor Charles Smoot of ‘Simple Church Ministries’ of Lancaster, PA.

While Charles and I may view some things a bit differently, I have found his study on the security of the believer to be well written. I thought it would be good to offer it here for the benefit of my readers.

Note: Charles’ web site is: http://charlessmoot.org/

[heading style=”1″]Assurances for the True Believer by Charles Smoot[/heading]

There are many promises in the Word of God giving assurance to the true believer in Christ that he cannot lose his salvation. To be saved is to have eternal life.

Eternal life is not based on human merit, but is a gift to all who come to Christ in faith and place their trust in him and his finished work of the cross. To have eternal life is to experience everlasting joy and peace in the presence of God forever. Jesus promised:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:29).

However, not all who profess salvation are genuinely saved (Matt. 7:21). There are also warnings in the Word of God to make your calling and election sure (1 Pet. 1:10). Indeed, there are tares that grow among the wheat (Matt. 13:24-30). There will be some who will fall away from “the faith” and reveal their true nature as counterfeit believers (2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4). Only the process of time will reveal who is truly saved and who is not (I Pet. 1:5).

The Apostle John writes:

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 Jn. 2:19)

Even Jesus had followers who walked with him for a while, but afterward walked away from him in unbelief (Jn. 6:64-66). Judas Iscariot was chosen by Jesus, but afterward became a “son of perdition.”

Nevertheless, a genuine believer can and should have full assurance that he is indeed saved, and that heaven will be his eternal home. Yet, how is it that some Christians live from day to day with insecurity about their salvation?

Salvation is a Finished Work

What is sad to me is: Many believers do not yet understand that salvation is a “finished” work. They do not understand the New Covenant of Grace and the basis from which they are saved. In addition to not understanding salvation through Grace, many believers do not understand how the believer is subsequently sanctified through Grace.

Eternally Secure

Often, because of incorrect teaching and ignorance of God’s Word, a believer may embrace some form of legalism (righteousness through human merit) which will distort his understanding in the area of the assurance of salvation. In view of the fact, that legalism encourages a spirit of self-righteousness; the believer, regretfully will look at his performance to validate or invalidate his salvation, rather than to the truth of the Word of God.

Based on their performance (works) or even on the way they feel on any given day (emotions) some believers are just unsure about whether they are going to heaven. Thus, a person’s lifestyle may contradict their profession of being a Christian, and introduce doubt, as to whether they were truly saved in the first place.

Remember, it is Satan’s business to cause the believer to doubt his salvation and his relationship to God.

How can the believer know and be assured that he is saved and that his salvation is secure? He must understand two things:

1) The Word of God makes the believer sure.

2) The blood of Jesus makes the believer secure.

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 Jn. 5:11-13).

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12).

Often, because of failure to obtain the “perfection” encouraged through legalism, some believers may become discouraged to the point of disillusionment. They may even eventually backslide and stop serving God altogether. This is tragic.

Putting Things into Perspective

Let’s put some things into perspective.

1) As a work of grace, the believer’s salvation is a past, present, and future work that has already been “finished” in Christ.

a) We are saved – (justification) past

b) We are being saved – (sanctification) present

c) We shall be saved – (glorification) future

Paul writes in the book of Romans:

Father, we are all here! (John 6:39 - Heb2:13)

It is in the present tense that we as Christians live. This is the “sanctification” phase of our relationship with the Father; a process which is both an instantaneous and progressive work of God’s sanctifying grace. However:

2) As a work of grace, the believer’s sanctification has been already been completed and perfected in Christ.

Thus, the writer to the Hebrews says:

“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:14).

This scripture teaches us that our sanctification and perfection is based solely on the blood atonement of Jesus Christ and His finished work of the cross. It has nothing to do with our works, performance, or the way we feel. Notice, He has perfected us “forever!”

Once a Son, Always a Son

In order to understand how sanctification works in the life of the believer we must have an understanding of the difference between the two aspects of relationship and fellowship and how sin and disobedience affects each.

a) Relationship: has to do with our standing or position in Christ. The aspect of relationship is not subject to change. Regardless of the fruitfulness, level of maturity, or degree of victory in the believer’s life, we are sons and daughters, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.

b) Fellowship: has to do with the quality or level of intimacy of our relationship with Christ. It can range from intimacy and complete submission, to estrangement and rebellion. The aspect of fellowship is subject to change and directly affects the fruitfulness, level of maturity, and the degree of victory in the believer’s life.

How does sin affect the believer in the aspects of relationship and fellowship?

The answer is really quite simple. Sin (disobedience) separates the believer from intimate fellowship with the Father, but sin cannot separate us from His love, favor, and our standing as sons and daughters. As a son, regardless of the quality of our fellowship or lack thereof, our relationship to God the Father remains the same. “Once a son, always a son.”

A good biblical example of these two aspects is given in the story of the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-31). Understanding the restorative grace displayed in this parable will help the believer understand that:

Though we may often fail, we are by birthright a child of God; a son or daughter completely loved and accepted of the Father. Though we are children of God, we all have the freedom to leave the Father’s house, to stumble, to fail, to repent, and to find grace, mercy, forgiveness, and restoration.

The bible teaches us that broken fellowship can be restored through repentance and faith. We must understand, however, sin and disobedience will affect the quality of our relationship to the father. Sin will impair intimacy, cause estrangement of our relationship, and it will provoke the correction, discipline, and chastisement of the Father who waits with loving arms for the prodigal. A chastisement that may even end in a premature death (Acts 5:1-11).

John the beloved writes:

“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 Jn. 3:9).

Personally, I have no problem with the implications of “once saved, always saved.” In my opinion,

The eternal security of the believer is the greatest testimony to the efficacy of the cross of Christ. Therefore, an assault on the eternal security of the believer is, in effect, an assault on the efficacy of the finished work of Christ. Moreover, any doctrinal position with regard to the security of the believer which takes into account human merit (in any sense and to any degree) presents an anthropocentric (man-centered) view of the atonement and diminishes the efficacy of the cross.

Just my thoughts,

Charles S

www.CharlesSmoot.org

[quote style=”1″]Thank you Charles. Now if my readers will just take the time to study the various Scripture references that you have provided, what a great help they would be to them. Buddy[/quote]

One other item for this blog entry….

[heading style=”1″]Congratulations Graduates[/heading]

Congratulation to the graduates of the Christian Challenge International 48th School for Christian Workers. May the Lord bless you in all that you do for His name’s sake, and may you become even more fruitful in the harvest work of God’s kingdom.

Apr

2012

Mom’s Memorabilia – A Missionary Report

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.” (Pro 1:8-9)

Journal,

This past Sunday was Resurrection Sunday. And I am always reminded that it was on Resurrection morning 2005, seven years ago, that my mom went to be with the Lord. She was 85 years young.

How I miss my mom. But as much as I miss her, my heart rejoices that the Lord chose to call her home on the day that we celebrate His resurrection.

Guess I was a bit spoiled. I have three sisters and we have shared a lot of family love through the years. But as an only son, my mom and I had that unique mother-son bond. I use to love to talk with her. She often shared with me about her childhood and how very special her family was to her. We also had wonderful Bible talks.

It reminds of what the sage said:

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.” (Pro 1:8-9)

Yes, it was my mother who first introduced me to the Lord in the children’s prayer of, ‘Now I lay me down to sleep’.

And this brings me to…

Mom’s Memorabilia

Occasionally I will look in an old shoe box were mom kept bits of memorabilia about her family. It was mostly newspaper clippings of her kids, along with items about other members of our family. Mom had such a love for her family.

She had a clipping about my cousin Ora Vay, about her appearance on the Grand Old Opry. Another clipping was of my cousin Eddie Tilley, who was a missionary to Norway.

There were clippings about my great-uncle John Carver, a pioneer preacher with the Church of God (Anderson.)

She had a clipping of our son, André, and his military training. (André was in Desert Storm.) It goes on and on. Each clipping spoke to my heart. And each one was special.

Then there was a newspaper clipping where our son Nathan, was interviewed by the newspaper, about his missionary work in Mexico. It is dated, Saturday, May 30, 1987. That was 25 years ago. Nathan was 22 years old then. He is now 47.

Thought I’d share part of mama’s clipping on that interview. Hope you enjoy it.

Here goes…

MISSIONARY BRINGS JESUS TO MEXICAN INDIAN TRIBES – Long hikes, witches’ curses don’t deter him – by Sidney Williams, Staff reporter (Alexandria Daily Town Talk.)

Every mission field has unusual elements. Mexico’s version of the unusual is witchcraft.

During these past five months, Nathan Martin has been working with other missionaries in the jungles of southern Mexico preaching and helping establish Christian churches for Indian tribes in the Mexican states, Oaxaca and Vera Cruz.

There are many witches in the area who practice spells and make herbal potions. One area is considered the witch capital of Mexico, Las Tuxtlas, or the “Land of Witches.”

“They’re real proud of their witches,” Martin, a Christian Challenge International missionary, explained.

People there go to witches for consultations. “They all charge money for what they do,” he said.

Martin said the Christian missionaries are not popular with the witches. “When people see the power of Jesus, they stop going to witches,” he explained.

That has led to the witches placing curses on the missionaries.

Miracle and healings

Despite the hardship, Martin said there have been some real miracles, including healings. He attributed that to the fact that the Gospel has never been preached to many in the area, and miracles can be expected when the Gospel comes alive.

Martin also trains churches leaders. Right now, he’s home in Pineville with his family. His father, Buddy Martin

Through the years. Buddy, Betty, Nathan, Andre and Shana

is pastor of Pineville Christian Challenge church.

“I’m required by the Mexican government to come out every six months,” Nathan Martin explained in a recent interview.

The past five months have been busy ones for him. Much of that time he’s had to hike to his preaching points. One trek was 4 1/2 hours over mountains and across a river. That’s not uncommon.

“The people are sturdy,” Martin noted. Most of the Indians are farmers who raise coffee or cattle.

Not familiar with Jesus

Martin, who speaks Spanish, said one thing he’s discovered about the people is that they don’t have a concept of who Jesus was. When he can present them a message about Christ, they respond.

One time when he was conducting a campaign, which is like a revival, he saw 109 people converted to Christianity. He said many of the people who make that decision continue in a Christian life.

A campaign is an interesting experience, Martin said. A tent is set up and a band plays songs. He said missionaries take generators into remote areas and set up musical equipment.

“Campaigns are electric,” he said. “They’re exciting.”

Build Churches

He said the Indians build their own churches because it gives them a great sense of pride. “They value it higher,” he said.

The churches, like the homes, are of mud or concrete blocks with thatched or tin roofs.

He recalled that one night while he was preaching, a bat flew into one of the buildings. On another night, he saw a man rise, take off his shoe and charge toward the pulpit. Martin said he thought the man was charging at him, but the fellow ran past him and killed a scorpion on the wall.

Congregations in the churches range in number from 10 members in the smaller churches to about 100 members in the larger ones.

Alcoholism is a problem

Martin said there are other problems besides witchcraft among the Indian tribes. Alcoholism is prevalent.

“I think that’s one of the major problems we have down there,” Martin said.

He’s seen women come for prayer whose husbands have spent every penny on alcohol.

“It’s destroying lives,” he said.

Bars close at 8 p.m. in the area where Martin lives, but that doesn’t ease the problem. In the United States, people might see drunks on the street at 1 or 2 a.m. “Down there you see drunks at six in the afternoon,” Martin said.

While there are hardships involved, Martin is enjoying his work and is looking forward to going back.

“I love it. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I know I’m doing exactly what God wants me to do,” he said.

Well, that was 25 years ago. The churches have grown and some are sending out their own missionaries now. The last church Nathan and Joel founded has grown to several hundred. And the churches that they founded continue to look to Nathan and Joel as their spiritual fathers.

Mama’s Love for Jesus

Well mama, thanks for holding on to all the clippings…

Yes indeed. My mom was an extra special woman. One of my sisters liked to refer to her as a queen without a country. That’s not the case anymore. Before mama went home on Resurrection morning, 2005, she shared with me her wonderful experience with Jesus.

She said that one morning while she was reading her Bible, it was like the very presence of Jesus rested upon her and filled the place where she was sitting. Mama could hardly find words to describe what happened. That awesome feeling of security and happiness lasted three days. She told me that if this is what heaven is like, she was ready to go.

Well, just a few days later mama made her journey home. There was no fear in mama. She loved the Lord deeply. And mama will be there when I make my journey home.

Boy, my mama was one beautiful woman, and in more ways than one.

Well, maybe this country gospel song will tell the story better than I can. Take time to listen to the Palmetto State Quartet as they sing, ‘Don’t That Sound Like Heaven.’

In love with Jesus always,

Buddy

Dec

2011

In the Midst of the Congregation I Will Sing

“…in the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praise; and again, ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ …

” … And again, ‘Behold, I and the children who God has given Me.’” (Heb 2:11-13 nasb)

Readers,

Notice the bold portion of the above Scriptures where we hear Jesus say, “Behold, I and the children who God has given Me.”

This statement draws on a redemption promise that God gave through the prophet Isaiah.

“And I will wait for the LORD who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob; I will even look eagerly for Him. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.” (Isa 8:17-18)

Then we have this in Isaiah:

“Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: ‘Jacob shall not now be ashamed, nor shall his face now turn pale; but when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they will sanctify My name; indeed, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.” (Isa 29:22-23)

Fulfilled in Christ

Jesus said,

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. …

“ … This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds [looks to] the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (Joh 6:37-40)

Again pay close attention to the words in bold print – “Of all that He [the Father] has given Me I lose nothing.”

Christians who lack knowledge in how salvation works will always battle insecurity. The problem isn’t merely with the believer. In some pulpits Jesus Christ is being presented in a way that is not worthy of the gospel message.

The message they hear is often filled with fear and condemnation. It centers on a salvation through works, that is, a salvation that is based on a believer becoming good enough.

This kind of thinking is a misreading of the gospel story. The work of salvation is not our work. We are all sinners saved by grace. Salvation is God’s work from beginning to finish. He alone is the author and the finisher of our faith.

Here is an example where a Scripture is sometimes mismanaged:.

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Php 2:12)

Sounds pretty plain. How then is it mismanaged? The problem is that this statement is only half of what is being said. Listen to the rest of the statement:

“ … for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Php 2:13)

Notice carefully that the working out has to do with God Himself. The believer is to place his faith in God who is at work in his life. The believer is to trust that the Lord is working His will in the believer’s life.

That isn’t the only Scripture that sets forth God at work in the believer. Listen with your heart:

“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, …

“… working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Heb 13:20-21)

Once again note the words in bold. God is the one who equips us to do His will. God is the one who is working in us that which is pleasing in His sight.

The Author and Finisher

The apostle said he was convinced the good work that God began in us, He would perfect until the day of Jesus Christ. God is the author and the finisher of our faith. He is the perfecter of His work. The Lord God began the work and the Lord God finishes the work

The Lord does not want His children to live in fear of any nature. And when the Lord speaks into our lives it is His purpose is to destroy our fears. Even when He needs to correct us, it is a correction towards life.

Here is an example from my walk with Jesus –

It was 1974

I had just resigned from my former church affiliation. The following morning at my office a dark cloud settled over me. What will we do? Where do we go? Where will we find fellowship? Did I miss God?

The last words my former pastor had spoken to me when I handed him my resignation was ringing in my ears, “Brother Martin, these people will never anything else to do with you.”

I fell on my knees next to a chair, and reached for my Bible. Lord, I need to hear from You.

My Bible actually fell open to Philippians 1:6, and my gaze riveted on these words,

“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

The Son of God had spoken to my heart. Instantly the cloud vanished. No more fear! No more uncertainty. I knew everything would be alright. Our future was well cared for.

In my excitement I reached for the phone to call Betty. Little did I realize that she was facing the very same struggle at that very same moment. Before I could get the words out of my mouth, Betty said, “Honey, listen to what the Lord just shared with me.”

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Gal 1:10) — We were both using the KJV at the time —

The Lord had spoken to both of us at the same time. Betty knew just as I knew that our future was well cared for.

God’s Unconditional Promises

Of course I’m not telling any true believer something that you don’t know. Jesus has come to my aid myriads of times on my pilgrim journey. He does the same for all who belong to Him. What did the Lord say about His presence in our lives?

“ … for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, or will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Heb 13:5-6)

That, dear friend, is an unconditional promise.

This is where we need to understand Biblical promises.

Conditional promises are based upon some action on our part. Unconditional promises are based upon something God has promised with no aid from us. These are the, “I will” promises of God.

An example of a conditional promise is Luke 6:38, where the Lord says,

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

Notice that it is by ‘our standard’ of measure that gauges the ‘pressed down’ blessings.

Unconditional promises are different. Unconditional promises are generally summed up as redemption promises. These kinds of promises are, ‘from God, through God, and to God’ promises. They cannot be broken by believers simply because we have no role to play in them. They are based entirely on the sovereignty of God.

The Bedrock of the Faith Walk

These ‘never-ever’ promises serve as the bedrock of our walk with the Lord. One of the very last things Jesus said to the disciples was,

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt28:20)

Another one is the John 10:27,28, promise where Jesus said,

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”

Some believers see the strength of their walk in how strong their grip is on God. This is not what Jesus is saying. The safety for a child of God does not depend on his or her grip. It rests entirely in the hands of the Lord. Jesus said,

“No one will snatch them out of my hand.”

A few more ‘never-ever’ promises

“…whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)

“…everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38-39)

Our Inheritance in Christ

The point being that these promises are based upon something God says He will do. These unconditional promises relate to God’s redemption plan in Christ, a plan that was set forth before time.

Paul gave insight into this area, when he said,

“We have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to [God’s] purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” (Eph1:11)

Notice that Paul said it is God’s will that is at work. The apostle John certainly agrees. He said that our birth from heaven was not a thing of our will. He says,

“[We] were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13)

When we were born again, it is because God opened our ears to hear, and placed in our heart to respond. We see this being worked out in a lady named Lydia. It says,

“A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshipper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.” (Acts 16:14)

The stumbling, bumbling apostle

Have you ever been a stumbling believer? Sure you have. Think about a man called Peter. Peter actually denied the Lord three times. Was that the end of the story? Certainly not. Jesus sought him out, restored him in faith, and gave him the privilege of preaching the gospel at the very place where Peter had become fearful for his life.

Have you caught the point in all this?

— Regardless of how well we think we understand the mystery of our salvation, the fact remains that God’s unconditional promises do not rest upon how well we are able to do or how much we understand. They are not performance promises. Each of these promises rest upon God Himself. When He says that He will never desert us or forsake us, that promise cannot be broken.

Yes, we all become stumblers at times. So we ask, “Why me, Lord?” About the best any of us can do is write songs about all this.

In the Midst of the Congregation

And so, we agree with the Psalmist who said,

“…in the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praise; and again, ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ …

We write:

“I don’t know why Jesus loved me. I don’t know why He cared. I don’t know why He gave His life for me. Oh, but I’m glad. So glad He did.”

And,

“Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak, but He is strong.”

And,

‘All hail the power of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall…”

And,

“I am weak but Thou art strong, Jesus keep me from all wrong…”

And,

“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, … Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.”

Oh yes, we Christians write songs without end. And we will continue to write them.

But the message from heaven never changes. While we love the Lord with a love that cannot be measured, John wants us to understand something very special when he writes,

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1Jn4:10)

Think about these things.

In the meantime listen to this song that was written and sung by Kris Kristofferson – ‘Why Me Lord.’

Your Servant in Christ,

Buddy

I met her in dry dock in Seattle, Washington

Troublesome Teachings

Making Course Adjustments isn’t easy

Are the Winds Blowing for You

The Seventy Years

May 14, 1948, Plus Seventy Years

It Ends in Jerusalem

Calling For the Watchman

The Lord’s Promise to His People

The Angels, the Form, and the Mercy Seat

The Glory and the Image

Looking Past the Veil

The Treasured Ones of God

The Work is Finished

For God so Loved

Man’s Restless Heart

Partaking of the Divine

Our Victory and Our Rest in Christ

An Innate Knowing

The Crown of a Believer’s Life

Fleeing From Strangers

It’s All in the Knowing

A Deepening Knowing

Deception – The Hallmark of Satan’s Work

Appealing to the Flesh

Making Careful Examinations

Learn Spiritual Balance

Have you ever been through the valley of Baca?

We are on our way home

The tell-tale sign

When birds preach the gospel

And where is our true strength?

Every one of them appears before God

Why Prostitutes and Tax Collectors

But Why?

The Sinner’s Story is Seen in the Genealogy of Jesus

The Issue is Not Justification of Sin

The Law says, ‘Stone her! What do You say?’

No More Special Mountains

What Does All This Mean

Jesus Founded the True Church

Salvation is a Finished Work

Putting Things into Perspective

Once a Son, Always a Son

Mom’s Memorabilia

Mama’s Love for Jesus

Fulfilled in Christ

The Author and Finisher

God’s Unconditional Promises

The Bedrock of the Faith Walk

A few more ‘never-ever’ promises

Our Inheritance in Christ

The stumbling, bumbling apostle

In the Midst of the Congregation

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