The Bible Hints of America's Future

     Based on Biblical teachings, let’s get a glimpse of America’s future.  The argument will be made by addressing seven questions.

1)     Are America’s priorities Biblically based?

According to numerous polls the major priority of America is a strong economy. 

Recall the great harlot described in the latter chapters of Revelation.  She will be providentially destroyed forever.  Who will miss her the most?

“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore.”  Revelation 18:11

And then America’s current president identifies another of his top priorities.

“Climate change is the most consequential, urgent, sweeping collection of challenges we face as a nation and a world.”

2)     Is America obeying God’s immutable standards?

One has only to look at recent legislation, Supreme Count Decisions, and executive orders to determine the answer to that question.  America is providing legal protection for those who choose to break God’s laws.  Examples include the right to choose gender preference and the legal right to kill children.

3)     Is division lessening or increasing in America?

Division is definitely increasing.  And the main cause of division is not limited to political ideologies.  The major division is between the ‘world’ majority and the ‘kingdom’ minority.

“But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation…’”  Matthew 12:25

4)     Is there a sense of urgency to seek God and His standard of righteousness and justice?

On the contrary, any attempts to seek God as the source of wisdom and the answer to our national challenges are considered to be irrelevant, counterproductive, and divisive.  Political correctness is the benchmark.  God forbid that we should offend anyone who chooses to embrace the naïve political concept of separation of ‘church’ and ‘state.’

5)     Is America, as in the time of Noah, just going about her business with little or no thought given to the immutable future intervention of Almighty God?

Perhaps the answer to this question can be illustrated by our reaction to the toppling of the World Trade Center in 2001.  The goal was to get the Dow up and running as soon as possible to show the world how resilient we were as a nation by restoring our financial system.

Consider the ‘World Trade Center’ in light of the answer to question number 1 above.

6)     Are there any ‘watchmen’ on duty?

Let’s define ‘watchmen’ as revealed to the Prophet Ezekiel.

“So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.”  Ezekiel 33:7

Remember what happened to Israel was ‘written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.’

Therefore, we can rightly insert ‘America’ for ‘the house of Israel’ in the above Ezekiel passage.

God told Ezekiel that He would reveal to him what was required of Israel.  If Ezekiel failed to pass on God’s warnings, he was held accountable for Israel’s judgment.

“When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.”  Ezekiel 33:8

7)     Who are the Biblical watchmen today for America?

Let’s refer back to Noah.

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”  Genesis 6:8

So Noah and his family received grace and were saved from judgment.

God’s grace was/is also given in the New Testament.  Consider Paul’s statement.

“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ…”  Ephesians 3:8

And then, who has been given the word of God?

“For I have given to them the words which You have given me; and they have received them…”  John 17:8

“He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.”  John 12:48

     The watchman of today is the Church!

         

What did we learn from Noah?

     The curse placed on Satan after he deceived Eve in the Garden included enmity between his seed and the Seed of the woman.

     The first example was Adam and Eve’s son Cain.

     “…and it came to pass…that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.”  Genesis 4:8

     Cain is later referred to in the Scriptures as being ‘of the evil one.’

     Things got progressively worse.

     “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”  Genesis 6:5

     Judgment was required by a Holy and Righteous God; however, the corrupt and unrepentant were oblivious to the impending judgment.

     But a man named Noah found favor with God because he humbled himself and was obedient before his Creator.

     “And God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.’”  Genesis 6:13

      How does Noah’s experience apply to us?   Have we heeded Noah’s example and warning of impending judgment?

     “But as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage… and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”   Matthew 24:37-39

     Luke provided another example of mankind’s indifference towards God’s righteousness and warnings.

    

     “Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.  Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”  Luke 17:26-30

     In both examples, historical judgment fell upon the unrepentant.  Their expedient destruction is compared with the inevitable coming/return of the Son of Man to whom all judgment has been delegated.

     After the birth of the church, the Apostles were diligent to warn of impending judgment.  The church was admonished to ‘watch’ and be prepared for the return of the righteous Judge.

     “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.  For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them...”  1 Thessalonians 5:2-3

     The ‘Day of the Lord’ is the return of the Son of Man.

     Paul admonishes the church to watch and be sober (vigilant).  He states that the church is not in darkness, but rather sons of the light.

     The true ‘church’ will find grace (favor) with God as did Noah for the same reasons Noah and his family were spared.  The church’s escape will be their removal before the righteous Judge is revealed.

     And then in the final Book in the Bible, Jesus Himself addresses the certainty of His coming and admonishes His own to watch for Him.

     “Behold, I am coming as a thief.  Blessed is he who watches…”  Revelation 16:15

     The significance of not knowing the timing of the Lord’s return was illustrated by Solomon approximately 3,000 years ago.

     The setting is a young, naïve man who was being enticed by a harlot.  The harlot assured the young man that their clandestine activity would not be revealed because her husband was on a long journey and his return date was known, so she thought.

     “For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey…and will come home on the appointed day.”  Proverbs 7:19-20

     The above Scripture represents Jesus’ example for current times.

     “…A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.”  Luke 19:12

     Upon his return the nobleman commanded his servants to account for their stewardship during his absence.  Some had been good stewards while others despised his rule.

     “…bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them and slay them before me.”  Luke 19:27

     Is America preparing for the return of the ‘Nobleman?’  If not, are we prepared for the consequences?

     Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com

    

    

Absolutes Should Determine Priorities

     Webster defines ‘absolute’ as something that is unquestionable and unmitigated.  While ‘absolute’ is not a Biblical term, ‘immutable’ is, which means ‘not capable or susceptible to change.’  Therefore, absolute and immutable can be used interchangeably. 

     Perhaps the greatest absolute in the Bible relative to the future is the return of Christ.  The time of Christ’s return is called ‘the day of the Lord’ where He is referred to as the ‘Son of Man.’

     The Bible has much to say about that wonderful event.

     “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be…Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth…will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”  Matthew 24:27, 30

     Jesus was describing His return to His disciples approximately 570 years after Daniel recorded his vision of the same event.

     “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven!...Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom…His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.”  Daniel 7:13-14

     To explain the Scriptures and illustrate the point of Christ’s return, the Son of Man will also be referred to as the Master, and/or Bridegroom/Husband.

     Christ’s return will occur when the world least expects it.  The time between Jesus’ ascension and His return will be illustrated by the Master/Bridegroom/Husband being on a long trip with His return time being unknown.

     “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  Mark 13:32

     Inasmuch as the timing of Christ’s return is unknown but imminent, the Bride, i.e. the Church must be prepared from this time forward. 

     The Bible presents several exhortations to watch and be prepared for Christ’s return.

     For example:

     “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.  It is like a man going to a far country who left his house and gave authority to his servants…and commanded (them) to watch.   Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming…lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.  And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”  Mark 13:33-37

     ‘Watch’ is an extremely important word in the Scriptures.  Several synonyms include ‘vigilance,’ ‘ready,’ ‘sober,’ ‘prepared,’ and ‘alert.’

     Jesus presented several parables alerting His disciples of the significance of being prepared for His return.

     For example, He said that if the master of his house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.

     “Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”  Matthew 24:44

     In another example Jesus spoke of a cruel servant who treated his fellow servants despicably thinking his master’s return would be delayed.

     “…the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.  There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  Matthew 24:50-51

     And recall the parable of the ten virgins.  The virgins represented bridesmaids awaiting the arrival of the Bridegroom.   Five were prepared should the Bridegroom’s arrival be delayed beyond their expectation.  The other five were not prepared.

     Again, the consequences of not being prepared for the Bridegroom’s arrival were catastrophic.  When the five unprepared virgins attempted to join the wedding later, they were told:

     “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.  Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”  Matthew 25:11b-13

·        Christ’s return is an absolute

·         the timing is unknown

·         the bride must be ready

·         the consequences of not being prepared are devastating

     Much more will follow next week including Solomon’s example of a husband’s journey and unknown return time.

     Walt.Thrun@gmail.com

Jesus and the three Monotheistic Abrahamic Faiths

     Continuing in the Book of Genesis, Abraham’s descendants to receive the covenant are clearly identified as Isaac, Jacob, and Judah.

     Now fast forward approximately 1000 years after the time of Abraham where more information is provided regarding his ultimate descendant; the Seed of the woman.

     God speaks to King David, a descendant of Abraham, through the prophet Nathan.

     “When your days are fulfilled…I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish…the throne of his kingdom forever...”  2 Samuel 7:12-13

     Several hundred years after God promised David an eternal kingdom through his seed, the prophet Isaiah provided more detail.

     “For unto us a child is born…unto us a Son is given…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…”  Isaiah 9:6-7

     Let’s review the very first words in the New Testament.

     “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah…and Jesse begot David the king….”  Matthew 1:1-2, 6

     Luke provided more details of the person and deity of the newborn King.

·        He was born of a virgin named Mary

·        Mary was betrothed to Joseph of the lineage of David

·        The child was conceived by the Holy Spirit; thereby being the Son of God

·        His name was to be called Jesus

·        He would receive the throne of His father David and rule over the house of Jacob forever

     The three Monotheistic Abrahamic Faiths have a different perspective of Jesus.

     The ‘Church’ embraces Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world; the God/man who paid the redemptive price for mankind’s sins, i.e. the price that could be paid by no other inasmuch as Christ was sinless.  Christ was resurrected from the grave as proof of His Father’s acceptance of His vicarious death.

     The Church anxiously awaits the return of King Jesus to take possession of all that He paid for on the cross.

     To the Jews, their Messiah has not yet appeared.  While the church is awaiting the return of the King, the Jews rejected Him at His first coming and are still waiting for His initial appearance.  When the King returns, Israel will once again be the light of all nations and Christ will rule them with a rod of iron from Jerusalem. 

     To Islam, Christ is recognized as a great prophet, but not the object of prophecy. 

     Let’s again quote Professor Exposito from Georgetown University so as to avoid misrepresenting their view.

     “However, Muslims believe that Islam supersedes Judaism and Christianity – that the Quran is the final and complete word of God and that Muhammed is the last of the prophets.  In contrast to Christianity, which accepts much of the Hebrew Bible, Muslims believe that what is written in the Old and New Testaments is a corrupted version of the original revelation to Moses and Jesus.” 

    “Moreover, Christianity’s development of ‘new’ dogmas such as the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the doctrines of redemption and atonement is seen as admixing God’s revelation with human fabrication.”

     Inasmuch as Islam didn’t appear until approximately 600 AD, the Bible doesn’t mention Islam specifically; however, the New Testament does refer to Ishmael.

     Paul addressed those who wished to remain under the law with relevant history.

     “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.  But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.”  Galatians 4:28-29

     Just as Ishmael scoffed at Isaac when Isaac was a small child, Paul said such persecution continued to the age of the church.

     As such, Paul quoted Sarah’s words from Old Testament, i.e. “Cast out the bondwoman and her son…”

     The continuing battle is between Ishmael and Isaac.  Read the leaves on the fig tree.

     “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free…”  Galatians 5:1

     Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com

Monotheistic Abrahamic Faiths

     There is no doubt that Judaism and Christianity are described and defined in the Bible as monotheistic Abrahamic faiths.  And according to Islamic literature, Islam is also considered to be such.

     This column will refer to statements made by John L. Exposito who is Professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University.  Inasmuch as the Bible was written approximately 500 years before the birth of Islam, we’ll simply take Professor Exposito at his word.

     Professor Exposito states: “Jews and Christians trace themselves back to Abraham and his wife Sarah; Muslims, to Abraham and his servant Hagar.”

     In the early chapters of the Book of Genesis, God revealed Himself to Abram (Abraham).  He instructed Abram to leave his native land east of the Euphrates River and travel to a new land where he would become a blessing to all people groups on earth.

     “Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country…to a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you…and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”  Genesis 12:1-3

     Abram took God at His word and at the age of 75 years he and his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot journeyed westward as instructed; first to Haran, and then southward to the land of Canaan. 

     “Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I will give this land.’”  Genesis 12:7a

     But after dwelling in the land of Canaan for 10 years, Abram and Sarai had no children, i.e. descendants.  Abram would have been 85 years old at that time and Sarai would be 75 years old; well beyond childbearing years.  That was concerning.  Sarai in fact stated that “…the LORD has restrained me from bearing children…”

     Sarai proposed a solution by offering her young handmaid named Hagar to Abram as a surrogate wife to bear him a son.

     “So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived…”  Genesis 16:4a

     Hagar’s pregnancy caused bitter contention between herself and Abram’s wife Sarai, and Hagar departed to the wilderness.  The Angel of the LORD approached her and spoke to her thusly:

     “Behold, you are with child, and you shall bear a son.  You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your affliction.  He shall be a wild man; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him...”  Genesis 16:11-12

     But when Abraham was 99 years old and Sarah was 89 years old, God visited Abraham again and told him he would have a son by Sarah the same time the following year.

     “And I will bless her and also give you a son by her…and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”  Genesis 17:16

     Abraham’s response was an outburst of laughter.  He thought it preposterous that a man of 100 years and a woman of 90 years could have a child.  Then Abraham said to God:

     “…Oh, that Ishmael might live before You.”  Genesis 17:18

     God’s response was very clear and straightforward.

     “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.  And as for Ishmael…He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.  But My covenant I will establish with Isaac…”  Genesis 17:19-21a

     And so it was, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah at the exact time promised by God.

     Interestingly, when Isaac was about 2 years old and Ishmael was in his mid teens, Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned.

     “And Sarah saw the son of Hagar…whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.”  Genesis 21:9

     “Therefore she said to Abraham, ‘Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.’”  Genesis 21:10

     Recall the Angel of the LORD had told Hagar that her son Ishmael would beget twelve princes.

     And so it was that Ishmael did have twelve sons who were the beginning of the Arab nations.

     More next week.

     Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com