Infallible, Immutable Benchmark

     To assess the success or failure of America or any nation, there must be a benchmark, or a standard against which to measure performance.  Inasmuch as America is a Christian nation, that benchmark should be the Bible.

     There will be those who argue that the Bible focused initially on the nation of Israel and then the ‘church’ and thereby limited it’s applicability to those specific segments of mankind.

     However, that viewpoint is myopic.  Even though the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is largely the history of Israel, the majority of that history was written before it occurred.  The amazing prophetic accuracy of Israel’s pre-written history should authenticate the Bible for all segments of mankind throughout the world.

     The 66 individual ‘books’ in the Bible were written over a period spanning 1500 years by an estimated 40 inspired writers.  The Bible outlines the detailed process which instructs mankind how to regain the innocence lost in the Garden of Eden.  And while God originally revealed His standard of righteousness and justice to national Israel, they in turn were delegated to be the living example for all nations.

     “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth…Therefore know that the LORD your God, His is God…and He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them.  He will not be slack with him who hates Him…Therefore you shall keep the commandment, the statutes, and the judgments which I command you today…”  Deuteronomy 7:6-11

     The nation of Israel was chosen to be ‘a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth’.  That truth prevails yet today and even though Israel has ‘forgotten’ their God, His unconditional covenant with Abraham through his descendents Isaac and Jacob will be fulfilled in His time and Israel will once again be the light of all nations.  Notice further that God will deal justly with those who ‘hate’ Him.

     “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe…Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”  Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-6

     Then Moses stressed that the Israelites were not to alter the instructions.

     “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it…”  Deuteronomy 4:2

     Even before Israel asked for a king to rule over them, God spoke through Moses and outlined specific instructions for their future king.

     “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites and it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment…”  Deuteronomy 17:16-20

     Note that the king was to govern by the exact same law used by the priests and Levites.  No provision is made for a separate standard of justice for their religion versus their ‘state’.  Furthermore, the king was to study the law continuously so that he would know how to rule righteously and justly so as not to pervert the law.  These were the same instructions given to the judges, priests, and all other officials.

     “You shall appoint judges and officials in all your towns…You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.”  Deuteronomy 16:18-19

     Approximately seven centuries later the Prophet Isaiah reaffirmed the unending applicability of God’s laws and oracles.

     “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”  Isaiah 40:8

      

Training for the Future

     When Christians think about life after death, oft times they think of the new heavens and new earth basking in the light of the heavenly city New Jerusalem.  However, prior to that time Christians will return to earth with Christ and spend 1,000 very active years with Him immediately after the tribulation period.

     “But hold fast what you have till I come.  And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations…”  Revelation 2:25-26

     The Greek word ‘overcome’ can be translated to prevail, triumph, subdue, or to be victorious.

     All who are Christ’s will overcome because that promise is given to all who have been redeemed and whose names are in the Book of Life.

     The Apostle John also describes the future reign of those who become Christ followers during the tribulation period and martyred for their stand.

     “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.  Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God…and they lived and reigned with Christ for the thousand years.”  Revelation 20:4-4

     There are some who attempt to soften the meaning of the term ‘beheaded’ saying that the word means execution by any means, however, the Greek for beheaded is pelekiso which means ‘to chop off or behead with an axe’.

     Jesus revealed in His letter to the church in Thyatira as noted above that the saints would have ‘power over the nations.’  In the gospel records He told His disciples that they would also judge the twelve tribes of Israel in the millennial kingdom.

     “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials.  And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”  Luke 22:28-30

     Recall when Jesus ate the Passover with His disciples He revealed the New Covenant based on His shed blood and announced that He would not drink the fruit of the vine with them again until the coming Kingdom.

     “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”  Matthew 26:29

     Therefore, God has a wonderful plan for His elect who were created in His own image. 

     “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”  Romans 8:29-30

     Subsequently God’s elect are joint heirs with Christ. 

     As joint heirs with Christ, redeemed man will reign with Him not only over the nations but also over God’s chosen nation of Israel.    

     That being the case, how is redeemed man preparing for their future role?  The Apostle Paul sheds light on training during the present age.  It is based on how Christians apply God’s revelations to present day living.  For example, consider how the Christian Brotherhood is to relate to non members.

     “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?  Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?  And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  Do you not know that we shall judge angels?  How much more, things that pertain to this life?  If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?”  1 Corinthians 6:1-4

     The above profound passage instructs Christians not to look to the world for wisdom in differentiating right from wrong or good from evil.  In other words, if the saints are to judge the nations, Israel, and angels in the future, they must apply God’s precepts in the present age in preparation for their role in the millennial kingdom.

     It’s called ‘on the job training’.

America is Powerless to Prevent Terror

     Even with the best, although naïve, intentions America cannot put an end to terror.  Terror, or terrorism, is premeditated acts or threats of violence intended to intimidate, confuse, and coerce the victims.  However, for the one instigating terror, it is justified to accomplish a specific purpose or agenda.  As might be expected, terrorism is not new.

     Recall Jacob’s daughter Dinah was raped.  That incident and the resulting action by her brothers caused great animosity between the people of Shechem and Jacob’s family.  God instructed Jacob to return to Bethel.  Jacob was very much afraid that the men of Shechem would retaliate before he could reach the safety of Bethel.  However, God prevented harm to Jacob and his family.

     “And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.”  Genesis 35:5

     The Hebrew base for ‘terror’ also means dread, fear, and shock.  God used terror tactics to accomplish His purpose.

     In the book of Exodus God again used the terror tactic to protect His people as they began to enter the land of Canaan.

     “I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come, and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.”  Exodus 23:27

     Likewise Moses recounted to the Israelites the words that God spoke to him before taking possession of the land from King Sihon the Amorite.

     “This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you.”  Deuteronomy 2:25

     Notice the phrases in the above verses spoken by God: ‘I will send My fear,’ ‘I will cause confusion,’ and ‘I will begin to put the dread and fear...’  Recall that these terms can be used interchangeably with ‘terror.’

     And when Rahab hid the spies, she spoke thusly:

     “…I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you.”  Joshua 2:9

     As history progressed through the time of the prophets, the terror of God was even more pronounced.  As Isaiah spoke of the terror of God in the latter days, it is universally applicable to all mankind.

     “The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day…They shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, from the terror of the LORD and the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake the earth mightily.”  Isaiah 2:17, 19

     In these verses Isaiah tells of a time in the future when the terror of the LORD will be so great that men will try to hide from Him to escape His terror.  Isaiah’s words should be taken absolutely literally.

     The Apostle John put Isaiah’s words in perspective and context in the last book of the Bible.

     “I looked when He opened the sixth seal…and the kings of the earth…the rich men...the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!’  For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”  Revelation 6:12-17

     God has used terror throughout history to alert man that the day will come when all things will be done according to His standard of righteousness. 

     The term ‘terror’ in the Greek is nearly the same as in Hebrew, i.e. to inspire fear and dread to accomplish a given purpose.

     Those who choose to turn a deaf ear to God’s wake-up calls and terror tactics are setting themselves up to experience His wrath.

     In this current age and troubled times, man should be considering the big picture.

Radicalization of the Christian Brotherhood (2)

     During Jesus’ earthly ministry He warned that during the latter days of the church age many deceivers including modern day Pharisees would rise up against the Christian Brotherhood and their Leader.

     “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.  And then many…will hate one another.”  Matthew 24:9-10

     Regardless of the persecution aimed at the Brotherhood; the members will not, in fact cannot, defect or be proselytized.

     “…And I give them (members of the Christian Brotherhood) eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone 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 My Father’s hand.  I and My Father are one.”  John 10:28-30

     All members of the Christian Brotherhood were recruited by God the Father at the foundation of the world.  Members are prepared to give their lives to the cause and their Leader, but will continue to love those who want to kill them.

     “…Yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.  And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.”  John 16:2-3

     The above passage describes succinctly the story of the Pharisee Saul.

     “Now Saul (a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin) was consenting to his (Stephen’s) death.  At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem.”  Acts 8:1

     God in His great mercy saved Saul, whose name was subsequently changed to Paul, and he served his Lord from the day he was converted.  So there is hope for current day Pharisees if they would acknowledge and bow down to Christ. 

     The Christian Brotherhood is presently experiencing ‘Christophobia’ resulting in great persecution.  The Brotherhood, however, is never to seek vengeance on their own.  God has said plainly that He will take care of repayment in His timing.

     “…since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power…”  2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

     This great nation is presently experiencing great unrest.  Perhaps it is time for our Christian president to enlighten not only Americans but all the world of the unfair persecution directed towards the Christian Brotherhood.  He must surely realize that while such persecution may be politically correct it is not politically expedient.  Perhaps also the newly appointed Secretary of State will address the United Nations and boldly proclaim that ‘Christophobia’ will no longer be tolerated.

     According to the Bible the whole world will witness the ultimate victory of the Brotherhood when their leader who is also the King of the Jews returns to earth.  At that time enemies of both the Brotherhood and national Israel will be soundly defeated.

     And lastly, for those who still cling to the myth of separation of church and state, remember the title given Christ upon His return.

     KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

     After His resurrection, Jesus proclaimed the totality of His authority.

     “And Jesus came and spoke to them (His disciples), saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”  Matthew 28:18

     The prophet Isaiah had previously likewise described the scope of authority of the returning Ruler.

     “…Your eyes will see Jerusalem…a tabernacle that will not be taken down…But there the majestic LORD will be for us…for the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King.”  Isaiah 33:20-22

     So even though members of the radical Christian Brotherhood will suffer great and increasing persecution during this age, the gates of hell cannot, and will not, prevail against them and they will dwell with Christ forever.

Radicalization of the Christian Brotherhood (1)

     There is little doubt that the Christian Brotherhood is a radical organization, or perhaps a better term would be organism.  Synonyms for ‘radical’ in both Hebrew and Greek include zealous, fervent, or intense.

     As previously noted the Christian Brotherhood was first alluded to in the Psalms depicting the sacrifice of the future Messiah.  The terms brotherhood, brethren, and brothers are used interchangeably.

     “I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You.”  Psalm 22:22

     Matthew recorded a basic proclamation of Jesus relative to the Brotherhood and His position as Leader and Founder.

     “…One is your Teacher (Master, Leader), the Christ, and you are all brethren.”  Matthew 23:8b

     The immutable purpose of the Leader of the Christian Brotherhood is to establish a universal sovereign ruling authority based on absolute justice and righteousness according to God’s standard.  The plan was announced more than 2,500 years ago in the prophecy of Isaiah.

     “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.”  Isaiah 9:7

     Note particularly the wording in the last sentence of the above.  Recall the word ‘zeal’ is synonymous with ‘radical.’

     The New Testament Apostle Peter stated also that the Christian Brotherhood would experience great suffering during the church age just because of who they were.

     “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…but rejoice…that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you…” 

1 Peter 4:12-14a

     Many would consider the Brotherhood to be radical simply because of their doctrines.  For example, the Brotherhood is admonished by their Leader to love their enemies instead of seeking to destroy them.

     “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you. Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who…persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…”  Matthew 5:43-45a

     While the Brotherhood has many enemies, Jesus identified a particular group who adamantly hated Him, and were thus self professed enemies.  The following doctrines were ascribed to those haters.

·        They denied that Christ was deity, the Son of God

·        They denied the power of the Holy Spirit and attributed Christ’s miracles to Satan

·        They claimed to be sons of Abraham, yet they wanted to kill Jesus

·        They added to Moses’ law and then gave those additional traditions the same weight as the original law

     Jesus boldly exposed the scribes and Pharisees for who they really were.

     “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him…”  John 8:44a

     Jesus also vehemently condemned them for leading others astray.

     “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in ourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in…Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”  Matthew 23:13, 15

     Jesus warned His disciples to beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees.

     “…He began to say to His disciples first of all, ‘Beware of the leaven (teachings) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.’”  Luke 12:1b

     The warnings about the doctrines of the Pharisees were so significant in the New Testament that more than three dozen chapters reference them.  The Christian Brotherhood must be on guard until the end of the age.

     To be completed next week.