Are You a Member of 'The Church of the Church'?

Americans, in general, do not know much about royalty, at least not from personal experience. So, I’m not sure how it sounds to you that a royal prince would dethrone his father to assume power as king. It is not necessarily unheard of, but that is not how things are supposed to go.

Yet, it just so happened that the most beloved king of Israel was temporarily dethroned by one of his sons. King David angered his son Absalom when he took no action to bring justice in a sinful situation involving Absalom’s blood sister. From that point forward, Absalom, his son, was filled with anger and hatred toward David.

When it was clear to King David that Absalom had won the favor of Israel, he fled Jerusalem to save is family and the people of the city. Then Absalom and his followers entered Jerusalem and he assumed the throne.

Absalom immediately asked, “Give your advice. What shall we do?” He was advised to send an army in pursuit of his father. He was assured that there would be peace in the land when the army returned victorious.

So the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
-- 2 Samuel 17:4

How does that strike you? Did you know that Absalom’s chief adviser was also King David’s chief adviser? Had the elders of Israel not been among those who cheered the victories of King David as he defeated Israel’s enemies?

It is true that Absalom had been manipulative, but it pleased the people to dethroned David and set Absalom in his place.

• Absalom was not God’s anointed.
• His chief advisor did not consult with God.
• A sympathizer of King Saul mocked King David as he fled Jerusalem saying that God was behind it all. Yet, God was not.

When people rule God’s people, things always go very badly. Whether it was God’s chosen people in the Old Testament, Israel, or God’s chosen people today, the church, God is the true ruler of His people. The church of God must never be ruled by the church (the people).

God used men as prophets, priests, and kings to lead his people. Yet, Moses led by the voice and will of God. Gideon would not allow the people to make him king. David, God's anointed, always consulted God. Even when God first allowed a king over Israel, He knew that Israel had rejected Him as King!

In the ‘new Israel,’ God’s church today, He has provided roles of leadership: elders (pastors), deacons, preachers and teachers. However, Jesus Christ is the Head of the church and there is none other (Colossians 2:8-10). Even the great Apostle Peter referred to himself as a ‘fellow elder’ and Jesus as the ‘Chief Shepherd’ (1 Peter 5:1, 4). He held no position in a church hierarchy.

Many voices in God’s church today advocate change. Others are ready to fight to preserve the old ways. Who is right? Does it matter?

Whenever you hear voices promoting change which mirrors changes in American society, is that from God or man? If the majority voice insists on no change, but only to appease, is that from God or man? The church of God is a monarchy with Christ as King. We please the King.

Near the beginning of the Book of Revelation Jesus rebuked a church for being too conservative, for lacking love (2:1-7). He rebuked another church for being too tolerant (progressive) (2:18-29). What would he say to your congregation? Is your congregation just another self-ruled, please-the-people ‘Church of the Church’? 

The only way to answer is with an open Bible! 

What is the church? 

Open the Book! 

Read...

Think.

Mark Stinnett 

End Time Prophecy -- 09/23/2017 ???

This is the one-year anniversary of September 23, 2017.

That date might not ring a bell, but there was quite a flurry of activity on the Internet a year ago about a date that would usher in the 'beginning' of the end times. Today, on the anniversary of that date, I wanted to re-post my blog from a year ago that addressed how we (Christians) are to understand biblical teachings regarding the 'end of time' in light of the unending predictions that litter social media and other news outlets.

*** Reposted from September 25, 2017 (edited). ***

_______________________

Last Saturday, September 23, 2017, was, according to many prognosticators, a very significant day for Christianity. I personally found no one predicting the ‘end of the world,’ but rather, a grand event that would mark the ‘beginning’ of the end times. (If you missed all the hub-bub just look it up on the Internet.) 

One preacher claimed that the biblical statement that ‘no one knows the day and hour’ was about the end of the world, but applied only to people before Jesus ascended to heaven. He went on to say that anyone who disagreed with him was a scoffer.

So, how do people come up with specific dates like this?
Well, as one author put it, there are many ways to misinterpret the Bible. So, instead of trying to identify and untangle potential misinterpretations, why not just take a careful look at Scripture?

There are many claims being made these days concerning the 'end times.' Let’s consider two recent claims:

• Christians can figure out specific dates on which prophesied events from the Bible concerning the end of time will be fulfilled.
• September 23, 2017 marked the appearance of a sign that is found in Revelation 14, and that relates to our future (i.e. the end of the world).

1. Let's begin with Jesus' statement about 'the day and hour.' It is true; Jesus did warn the people of his day saying:

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. (Matthew 24:36)

What did He mean by that?
Luke recorded the exact same occasion in his gospel account. Comparing the accounts of Matthew and Luke is illuminating. And why is that?

• Matthew primarily targeted a Jewish audience who would understand Jewish terminology.
• Luke primarily targeted a non-Jewish (Gentile) audience using non-Jewish terminology that his audience would better understand.

So, Luke's record ‘decodes’ the Jewish terminology used by Matthew on the same occasion as the verse quoted above.

Matthew recorded Jesus saying that a future event would be marked by the "abomination of desolation." More specifically, He told his listeners to literally run to the mountains “when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet….” (Matthew 24:15)

Luke, decoded the words of Jesus for his non-Jewish audience, “when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand.” (Luke 21:20)

The Roman army surrounded Jerusalem and laid siege to it ultimately ending with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. So, the 'abomination of desolation' was a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem and it took place in the lifetime of those listening to Jesus on that day. It is understandable then why Jesus also said:

This generation will not pass away until all these things take place. (Matthew 24:34)

So, Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24 about 'no one knowing the day and hour' applied specifically to the destruction of Jerusalem. And while no one knew the specific day and hour in advance, Jesus gave the people a warning sign that they could recognize.

So, is it possible that later Christians can figure out the ‘day and time’ of the end of the world?

Short answer: No.
Consider the following verse as explanation:

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10)

This verse is clearly refers to the end of the world in which everything will be burned up. The Apostle Peter wrote this to a Christian audience well after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. So, no one can claim that the teaching applied only to those at the time of Jesus. And whether God revealed the end of time date to the ascended Jesus, as some claim, is immaterial. Peter said the time will "come like a thief," meaning, a time that is unknown. 

Peter's statement applies equally to Christians today. So, the conclusion that Christians today can accurately calculate the date of 'end time activities' or the specific date of the 'end of the world' is based on speculative human reasoning and conflicts with scripture.

2. What about the Book of Revelation and the great sign of 09/23/2017?

Let's look at a few statements made at the beginning and end of the Book of Revelation.

At the beginning of the Book of Revelation John was instructed by an angel to write what he was told. At times he recorded the actual words of the resurrected/ascended Jesus. The following things were revealed to John at the beginning of the book:

• The things revealed in the book “must shortly take place.” (1:1)
• Blessed are the ones who read and heed the writing, “for the time is near.” (1:3) [So, the 1st Century reader was expected to read and respond to the things written.]

The following things were revealed to John at the end of the book:

• An angel was sent to show John “the things which must shortly take place.” (22:6)
• Jesus explicitly said to John, “And behold, I am coming quickly.” (22:7)
• John was told to NOT seal up (conceal, hide) the message of the book, “for the time is near.” (22:10)

These statements form what you might call 'bookends' to the entire revelation that John received...and what do they reveal?
Whatever people think about the prophetic imagery in the book of Revelation, John and his readers understood the message to be for them, in their time. So, from our perspective today, the events referenced in the Book of Revelation are history.

Conclusion:

Christians should anticipate the return of Jesus with readiness. That means that they must remain faithful to Jesus and follow His word continually. Then, whenever He returns, they will not be caught off guard and unprepared.

Spending time calculating the end of time is futile. In fact, when predictions fail, it teaches non-believers to stop listening to the message of the Bible! 

The gospel message on the lips of a true disciple is a much better message to non-believers than subjective predictions that breed contempt and, ultimately, unbelief!

Mark Stinnett

Are The Proverbs Believable

Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
--Proverbs 30:5

God’s word has already been tested. There is no need for us to test or evaluate God’s word to see if it holds true. For example:

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, 
But the hand of the diligent makes rich. 
 —Proverbs 10:4

Is it necessary for you to try this out before you believe it? Do you need to research this saying by observing the results of others who are either negligent or diligent in their work? Does it upset you or make you doubt when you think of people who are ‘exceptions’ having seemingly struck it rich in other ways such as: inheritance, get-rich-quick scheme, lucky find, auction treasure, etc.?

Discipline your children while there is hope.
Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
—Proverbs 19:18 (New Living Translation)

Has modern research governed our thinking about discipline? Who wants to test this proverb on their own children only to find out that God had it right? Do you know children that appear to be exceptions (they had no discipline in the home but turned out great, and vice versa)? If so, would you be willing to omit discipline and just cross your fingers and wish for your child(ren) to turn out great?

Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, 
     for they are on their way to poverty, 
     and too much sleep clothes them in rags. 
 —Proverbs 23:20–21 (New Living Translation)

What would it take to test this proverb? How long to prove it true or false? Do we look at teachings like this but disregard the warning about those with whom we spend our time? Can I associate with evil and not be affected?

The Proverbs do not stand as neutral teachings subject to the testing and approval of man.

In the first proverb quoted here, to ‘take refuge’ in God is to trust His word even when it seems to go against the wisdom of our day. It will serve as a protection to you just as a shield protects a warrior on the battlefield.

God’s word is true. It is trustworthy. It is ready for use.

Embrace the Proverbs. Embrace the truth of God’s word. Here are four more proverbs for our day that are important to live by:

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, 
And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. 
—Proverbs 16:32

A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, 
but physical discipline will drive it far away.
 —Proverbs 22:15 (New Living Translation)

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, 
Favor is better than silver and gold. 
—Proverbs 22:1

Do not let your heart envy sinners, 
But live in the fear of the Lord always. 
—Proverbs 23:17

You will need to supply only one thing: genuine faith.

Mark Stinnett

I Have To...Do You?

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments.
--Proverbs 3:1

For some people religion is a drudgery. Morality is a duty. Living right is a challenge. ‘Church’ is a weekend requirement.As a result, Christianity is often perceived to be composed of confusing requirements, and do’s and don’t’s that do not even make sense. Involvement in religion and religious activities ends up being something I “have to” do:

• “I have to go to church.”
• “I have to put money in the offering plate.”
• "I have to attend this church function."
• “I have to do good deeds.”
• “I have to be moral (At least when parents or the preacher are around).”
• “I have to be obedient.”

It is unfortunate that many preachers and teachers have presented the ‘Old Law’ in the Bible (The Law of Moses) as a burdensome ‘duty-driven’ law. In other words, it is presented as if, it was the duty of the ancient Israelites to robotically obey the rules of behavior to please God (though a difficult burdensome task):

• Observe the feasts,
• Observe the requirements of animal sacrifices,
• Observe the Sabbath,
• Observe the tithe requirement,
• Observe the food requirements, etc.

It is as if God had handed Israel a legal checklist. Yet, man is not a programmable machine. 

Did God expect Israel to obey the laws and ordinances and precepts and commands in the Law of Moses? Yes! Of course; but not merely out of a sense of duty. His desire from the beginning has been for mankind to respond to him from the heart. He desired His people to intend to please Him, adopt His will as their will, invest emotionally and intellectually.

The Law of Moses revealed the character of God. When God’s people honored Him by keeping the Law they would be like Him and also learn something about His divine nature.

Mechanical worship or robotic obedience is far from God’s desire. In fact, a duty-driven approach to God will invalidate one's offering making it meaningless and unacceptable to God.

The wise Solomon captured the essence of God’s desire as he instructed his son to keep the commandments, not through mere external behavior, but from the heart.Today, God wants those who have a fellowship relationship with Him (Christians) to obey His instruction because they understand something about Him and His character; because they love Him and know His love and compassion for them; because they realize the true benefit of His instruction; because they naturally want to please Him...because He is Creator.

So, I am obedient to his instruction...
...Not because “I have to”...an external response of duty,
...Not necessarily because "I want to"...a response of love and devotion,
...But ideally because “I have to”...a changed nature...it's simply who I am.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 
--2 Corinthians 3:18

Mark Stinnett

Can You Resist the Little Words?

   For the man is not at home,
   He has gone on a long journey.
   --Proverbs 7:19

Removed from its context, this verse seems rather unimpressive. However, it was a statement made by a married woman who intended to seduce a young man.

Solomon had described the adulteress and the many preparations she had made for an unsuspecting young man with whom she could find pleasure. The statement above was her way of luring him in.

Let’s take a close look at her statement and learn something about manipulative behavior.

‘For’ - The word ‘for’ introduces an explanation. In other words, the woman is attempting to explain why it is safe for the young man to accompany her. It is called rationalization, that is, an explanation given to make things seem rational or sensible.

Her rationale (thinking) could be summed up: “No one will know.” However, her rationalization is merely a clever way of hiding the reality that her actions are sinful. (If her actions were not sinful, then why would she need to make them seem rational?)

‘The man’ - The woman refers to ‘the man.’ In the ancient Hebrew language there was not a specific word for 'husband,' so a husband was referred to as a woman’s man or her man. So, the woman in this text would have normally referred to her husband as ‘my man.’ However, by saying ‘the man’ she softened the reality that 'the man' was actually her husband. In our day it might sound like: ‘the man of the house’ instead of ‘my husband.’ (And her wedding picture is placed face-down on the dresser.) The impersonal nature of ‘the man’ detaches the woman and her young man from reality: She IS married.

Rationalization through word play is a key ingredient to manipulation.

When you are faced with a morally questionable situation, if a friend or acquaintance or boss or coworker begins to explain why you should go along with the questionable idea, listen carefully to the explanation. Is it clear and simple honesty? Or do you hear words that soften reality, blur lines of clarity, excuse right behavior, and/or rationalize wrong behavior?

Recognize that whether it is sexual sin (as in Proverbs 7, above) or any other kind of sin, there are many people who will rationalize and manipulate you into doing what is wrong. 

‘The man’ may not be at home, but wrong is still wrong; sin is still sin.

Avoid being manipulated.
Listen for the little words.
Be wise.