Author: kezha1

The Antichrist is identified here and elsewhere in Scriptures as the “lawless one”. (I John 2:18, 4:3) He is an individual who will oppose and exalt himself over everything that is called Godly, even to the point of proclaiming himself to be God. But we see how effortlessly Christ Jesus deals with him at His Second Coming. In Revelation 2:16 and 19:15 it’s called the “sword of His mouth”. So by Christ’s mere breath and His appearance again here on earth, He will totally overwhelm and destroy His enemies in an instant.

We see this metaphor used again by Isaiah when he writes, “The wicked conceive trouble and give birth to evil.” (Isaiah 59:4) Later, in the New Testament, James writes, “Evil desires are conceived and give birth to sin, and sin when full grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:15) What they all are saying, is that wickedness isn’t just one impulsive act, but rather a lifestyle of unwise decisions & desires…and where the excitement of temptation, enticement, and seduction is a preferred way of life. Therefore, their point is clear…a sinner will reap what he sows, and sadly, their sin will always bring retribution upon them…including eternal/spiritual death.

When we’re in those times of our lives of great turmoil, stress, anxiety, and sorrow – our strength is zapped. We find ourselves drained mentally, physically, and spiritually … and with the inability to stand, or withstand the onslaught of all the chaos around us. But God promises He will give us the strength to stand as we put on the full armor of God. ” Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13-14)

Jesus was reassuring not only His disciples, but all Believers, that He will never abandon them…”and where I am, my servant also will be.” And until that day, we are to work with love and devotion serving the Lord… even though we’d rather be with Christ, like Paul longed for in Philippians 1:23. Jesus explained to His disciples in Mark 13:26 that His Second Coming will be an open declaration of His Divine Glory… and will commence with the so-called “Rapture of the Church” … as all righteous ones, without distinction, will be united with Christ, (caught up in the air ) and will live with Him forever. (I Thessalonians 4:17)

Maybe you can still remember that very old TV show, “Father Knows Best.” So in this Scripture, Isaiah is gently reminding us that it still holds true today…our Heavenly Father really does know what’s best for us. That’s because He is our Deliverer and Protector… His holiness is sacred and distinct…His awe-inspiring splendor is unique only to Him. And when He instructs and trains us, it’s always in truth, for He is the Source of all Truth. Now, His best for us may not be our first choice in actions and behaviors we want to do…but if we allow God to direct our journey in life, we can be sure He will guide us in all righteousness.

The Sabbatical principle is grounded in creation and integral to the abiding moral Law (Exodus 20:8-11). This day of rest was given to man for rejuvenation and worship (Exodus 23:12 & Deuteronomy 5:14), not for man to impose mountains of legalistic restrictions. Thus in these verses, Jesus explains that as Master of the Sabbath, He alone is the Mediator of these Laws…not man.

Originally found in Leviticus 19:18, mankind over the ages has tried to qualify just who a neighbor is and who is not. In Luke 10:29, an expert of the Law attempted to split hairs with Jesus when he asked Him, “Who is my neighbor?” But Jesus made it quite plain…it’s anyone in close proximity to us that we should be concerned with, regardless of whether or not there are mutual ties of kindred or nation. So that pretty much takes down all barriers of race, creed, or color. Therefore, when we see someone that needs help…we need to help. And in doing so, we’re fulfilling the Scripture to, “Love our neighbor.”

For every Believer, this quote from Spurgeon should be our sincere aspiration, aim in life, and ever present goal before us. We need to walk with God (Micah 6:8), not running ahead, not lagging behind, but rather walking side by side in the middle of His Will. We need to have fellowship with God (I John 1:3), by being in His Word daily. We need to abide in Him (John 15:4), and He in us. We need to remember daily that we are deeply loved by Him (Deuteronomy 33:12). Finally, we must continually strive to become more and more like Him every day. (Romans 8:29 & Philippians 3:21)

Paul’s ministry was to the Gentiles…proclaiming the Gospel Message and leading them into the saving grace of eternal Salvation. He saw his preaching as a means by which the Gentiles could be brought into the family of God. Thus, he was proud and joyful of his work as he faithfully served God. For he truly believed that it was God’s vision, plan and purpose for him to reach the Gentiles for Christ… Who was the fulfillment of God’s promises to both the Jews and the Gentiles.

When this was written, it was a period of the judges, when sin abounded, (Judges 21:25) idol worship was common, and the Word of the Lord was rare. (I Samuel 3:1) But this verse could also easily serve as a warning then and now concerning the impending judgment due to our disobedience. Amos’s message to the people came during a time of great prosperity…and yet, they were spiritually barren, with lives filled with activities and desires that catered to their selfish needs only. Sound kind of familiar? The people had abandoned the things of God, which led them to deny His Divine communication, intimate fellowship, and steadfast guidance…and instead, went seeking after guilty pleasures and immediate gratification.