How To Approach God - Leviticus 1:3

‘If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it of his own free will at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord.' - Leviticus 1:3

    Leviticus offers us the instructions for the proper worship of God through the system of sacrifice. We have the reference to offering an unblemished sacrifice. And we have the admonition that our sacrifice must be of our own free will. “Let him offer . . . without blemish . . . of his own free will . . . .”
    Our instructions are essentially dependent upon our willingness to approach God.  Even in Leviticus this, the first of five offerings, was a voluntary offering. If the Israelites were willing, they could approach God. If we are willing, we may approach God. The offering has already been made for us in the unblemished sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! There is no offering we need to bring and none that could ever equal the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ. And as we approach the door of the tabernacle of God we do so of our own free will. “But there has to be more,” you say. Indeed there is.
    And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. - 1 Peter 1:17-19.
    The apostle’s directions are unambiguous: “if” we call on the Father (the implication is that of us using our own free will to approach God), we are to conduct ourselves with fear. The term “fear” as used by Peter in this verse comes to us from the Greek primary “phěbŏmai”, meaning respect, reverence, and awe. The reason why we are to conduct ourselves with respect, reverence, and awe is because we know that we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, who for us was the lamb “without blemish.” How dare we approach God with a pharisaical attitude or with unrepented sin bleeding out through our white-washed tombs.
    The instructions in Leviticus were designed to show the Israelites the importance of detail; details that required thoughtful and heartfelt repentance prior to approaching God. After what Christ, our unblemished sacrifice, has done for us may we always seek our Lord with an attitude of respect, reverence, and awe.


                           

On the Grandiloquence of Satan - 2 Timothy 2:26

 . . . and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. - 2 Timothy 2:26

    Ever been tempted to do something you might regret? Ever taken a dare that wasn’t in your best interests? Most of us have at one point in our lives or another. Hopefully, as Christians our choices and actions are now guided by the Holy Spirit. So how is it that we ever allowed ourselves to be “conned” by Satan into regrettable decisions? Well, the idea that we were conned speaks volumes about the machinations of Satan.
    The devil is a liar. In fact, he is the father of lies. (John 8:44) The entire reason for the existence of a lie is to convince others that it is . . . the truth! A lie stands on no other foundation.           
  In reexamining 2 Timothy 2:26, we note two words - snare and captive - both are translated in the Greek to “zōgrěō”. To snare something we cleverly disguise what is familiar to our prey so that we can “fool it” and draw it into captivity. To disguise the environment we use manipulation, deceit, and lies. These are the classic methods used by trappers (and psychopaths) since the dawn of time.
    In developing his classic “Psychopathy Checklist,” Dr. Robert Hare included in his checklist designated  “Factor 1 - Facet 1:Interpersonal”, a definitive description of psychopathic behavior, interestingly enough they can also be used to describe Satan. They are: glibness and superficial charm, grandiose sense of self-worth, pathological lying, cunning and manipulative behavior. I can’t think of a better description of Satan.
    For Satan to pull off his trickery he must convince the unwary that all he says and puts forward to us is true and desirable. Satan will never set his snares with bait that reveals the pain and suffering to us and that of others injured by our sin. He paints the allure of an illicit affair between a married man and a married woman as not only conceivable but desirable. Satan never showcases beforehand the hellish hurt and pain felt by the spouses and children made victims by such sinful liaisons. The temptation always shimmers and shines like a hook laden lure. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. - 2 Corinthians 11:14.
    The devil is beyond doubt a charming performer, an eloquent orator, a pathological liar, and he is a necromancer, for he deals not with the living but those who are dead through sin.. Despite the false light he cloaks himself in let us not be deceived by him or his minions. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. - 1Thessalonians 5:16-22. Being justified through Jesus Christ we already hold the keys to exposing both Satan and his cleverly devised snares. If we do as Paul says we need not fear being snared and captured by Satan.
                                   

The Uniform of Love - Matthew 7:15

You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? - Matthew 7:15

    Uniforms - they’re all around us. From the service man or woman protecting our freedoms to police officers protecting our lives and our homes, uniforms mark the man and woman in an easily recognizable way. There’s no doubt in our minds when we recognize a uniform as to what we can reasonably expect from the person wearing it.
    As Christians we too wear a uniform of sorts and by it we should be identified just as easily as is the men and women wearing worldly uniforms. We too represent something when people recognize us in our uniforms. Even the most biblically illiterate person should be reasonably able to expect us to “act like Christians” or people of God.
    While Matthew’s indication is a negative aimed at false prophets the  positive inverse is true for the Christian who walks in Christ’s way. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God . . . Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. - 1 John 4:7, 11.
    Love truly is a recognizable “uniform” for a Christian. By the love we show for one another and those who remain unredeemed we fulfill the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  But even the unredeemed, the unsaved, those of the world? Christ admonishes us further in Matthew 5:43-45 - “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 spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
    Yes, our love for others is a uniform of sorts. It calls us out to holiness; it calls us out to be like Christ; it sets us apart from the world and that is what we as Christians are called to do - be in the world but not be of it.
    May we always remember to wear our uniform in humility and allow our light to shine as that city on a hill so that we may glorify our heavenly Father.

The Next Time . . . . - Genesis 1:26

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness . . . . - Genesis 1:26

    The next time someone who doesn’t have a command of holy scripture says, “Jesus never said anything about homosexuality,” delicately suggest that they may be guilty of Arianism. They probably won’t have any idea what you’re talking about but that would come as no surprise; they obviously don’t grasp the concept of the Holy Trinity and the deeper understanding that every word of the bible is inspired by God. And who is Jesus?
    Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us . . . - Genesis 3:22. Who does God keep speaking to in these verses? Who is “Us”? “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” - Genesis 11:7. It is clear from the first words of Genesis that the word used for God (“Elohim”) is a plural noun thus indicating that the Godhead is a plurality which includes God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit - the Holy Trinity!
    We know the bible speaks directly to the sinful behavior of homosexuality in Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, and 1 Corinthians. With that in mind we might also retrace the words of Jeremiah 1:9 - Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.” Based on 2 Timothy 3:16 we would have to come to the logical conclusion that God put His words into the mouths of all the writers of the bible - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, . . . .
    If all scripture is given by inspiration of God and God has put his words into the mouths of all his prophets and writers and Jesus Christ is a member of the Triune God it’s reasonable
( and logical) to say that Jesus has indeed said much about the sin of homosexuality.
    I only posted this because with all the current news regarding same-sex marriage and homosexual advocacy we hear from those with a less than a studied opinion about what is said and not said in the bible regarding such sins. The bible is the inspired word of God. Jesus is God, ergo Jesus speaks to us about all the issues contained within the bible. And He reminds us of the danger of redacting or embellishing His words - For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. - Revelation 22:18-19.
    May we always remember Paul’s words that “all scripture” is profitable for reproof, correction, and righteousness. May we also remember to be gentle in our admonishment of those who don’t understand.

Jesus Christ On Self-Defense - Luke 22:36

  
Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.” - Luke 22:36

    There is a great deal of controversy over the above text. So let us place it in context. It was after Christ had instituted the Lord’s Supper. Christ had just finished revealing to Peter that he would deny Him three times that night. Jesus then poses the question : And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” - Luke 22:35. It was a pointedly direct and literal question. No one would ever deny this unless they were purposely trying to twist Christ’s words. The Apostles responded to Him with a resounding, “No.” It is then that our Lord commands them to take personal control of their expenses (purse), and to carry with them what they would need (knapsack) on their journeys. Now comes the controversy - He then commands them to purchase a weapon if they did not have one. In this case, during the First Century AD the most common form of weapon was a sword. Not only did He command them to obtain a weapon, He told them to do so at the expense of their cloaks. This is an extremely important reference when attempting to interpret this verse.
    A man’s cloak in those times was described as an outer garment, robe, or mantle. It held a special value among the First Century people. Considered nearly irreplaceable, it served both its obvious purpose but also as a blanket at night. In Christ’s day the cloak was considered a necessary and valuable garment. “If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” - Matt 5:40. The mere idea that one would sue another over their clothing attests to the value of such items.
    The value of a cloak is also mentioned in regard to the crucifixion of Christ. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. - Luke 23:11. Finally, And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. - Mark 15:24. The objection that we don’t know for certain if Herod’s robe was among the clothing cast for is moot. The idea I’m trying to convey here is the perceived value of such an item of clothing. It was of such value that Christ commanded His disciples to sell theirs in order to purchase a sword.
    Many prominent church leaders today will be quick to suggest that the term “sword” should not be taken literally; however, proper bible exegesis insists that we read it literally when it is obvious that there is no allegory being presented. Here in Luke 22:36 there is no allegory. Jesus is speaking in literal terms to His disciples. The only explanation I can give you as to why so many pastors insist that the word sword is to be taken figuratively is that the crux of Christ’s message is love. Many pastors believe that such a command as given in Luke 22 doesn’t jibe with Christ’s overall message and as such may be taken out of context and be used to excuse or mitigate aggression. But the words of Jesus in the said verse clearly indicate that He was informing the Apostles that, in His absence, there might be times they would have to defend themselves.
    In one final verse from scripture I will try to bolster my position with Christ’s response to Peter’s defense of Him in the Garden of Gethsemane - But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” - Matt 26:52. “Put your sword in its place!” Christ didn’t order Peter to get rid of his sword, to throw it away, or to sell it off - He told him to put it in its place. There’s no allegory or figurative speech there. Jesus was letting all of us know that even a sword or weapon of choice has its place in our lives. It is up to us as Christians to see to it that we never use such weapons in aggression but only in defense of life. May God grant us all the discernment to know the difference.

The Power of Prayer - Exodus 2:24-25

So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them. - Exodus 2:24-25
   
    How often in times of trouble have we cried out to God for relief? The trouble we suffer from may be family problems; trouble on the job or at school; financial troubles; problems with relationships; problems with our health or the health of a loved one. Regardless of the nature of our issues we come to the point (sooner than later, I would pray) that we realize our only solution is through God. Our heavenly Father is truly our safety net.
    As the verse says, God hears us, remembers us, looks upon us, and acknowledges us. But the preliminary to all God’s graces is our initial “cry unto Him.” Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. - Exodus 2:23. Because the children of Israel cried out God heard them. Certainly God knew of their straits. He is omniscient; He knows all things. There was nothing about the terrible oppression they suffered that God was unaware of any more than He is unaware of the troubles and problems we face daily. But do we cry out like the children of Israel did?
    Christ admonishes us to . . . “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” - Matt 7:7.  We simply must bring our fears and problems to the Lord. We do so by prayer. Our prayers are heard by god. He is not a CEO with no time to spare for the “little people.” We are His adopted sons and daughters. He will hear us, remember us, look upon us, and acknowledge us if we but “ . . . pray without ceasing . . . .”
 -1 Thessalonians 5:17.
    Let us always bring our burdens to Christ and find our rest in Him.

On the Dangers of “Self-Expression” - 2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20

    In the last fifty years so much has said about the inherent right to self-expression that to say anything negative about it brands one an intolerant narrow-minded troll. If that’s the way the world wants to interpret one’s hesitancy to endorse the freedom of self-expression then so be it, but we know from holy scripture that God takes a very different view. In fact, we are given specific guidelines for the way we present ourselves to the unbelieving world. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16. Does that sound like God is indifferent to your methods of self-expression? Is the way we carry ourselves in and present ourselves to the world glorifying God in heaven, or is having spiked rainbow colored hair and three nose-rings simply all about us?
    This isn’t to suggest that people prone to extreme methods of self-expression are unloved by God. I’m not qualified to give an opinion on who God loves and who He doesn’t. But when the world sees someone engaging in outlandish personal behavior and appearance do they also see God in His glory? For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.  - Leviticus 11:45. Are we truly glorifying God by our looks and behavior? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31.
    It all comes back to the idea that what I say it isn’t as important as my commitment to walk in that way. It is always more important to exercise the word of God in thought, word , and action then it is to merely rattle off scriptural quotes. In such cases the word of God is turned into mere blather by someone whose looks and manner mirror the world rather than the glory of God. “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind . . .” - Ephesians 4:17. We must keep the idea in front of us that we either reflect the light and holiness of God or we reflect the darkness and sinfulness of Satan. There is no middle-ground. We cannot claim to be citizens of that city set on a hill and project an image of one who is of this world. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. - Colossians 3:17.
    May God always give us the fortitude to leave the trappings of this world behind and put on  the “new man.”