"Historical Narratives"

       "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were

     written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come"

                                                1 Corinthians 10:11

      The Bible's narrative section are among its most readable passages. It is uplifting for us to read of the mighty deeds of God and of the great saints who walked the earth before us. Unfortunately, interpretation of narrative passages can be quite tricky because the authors use such a wde variety of literary devices and techniques. If we are not careful, we can arrive at terrible erroreous conclusions.

      What is narrative? Simply put, it is those section of Scripture that relate historical events in story format, it portrays characters doing things in particular times and places. Unlike a parable, however, it usually has no moral point to make. Genesis and Exodus Joshua through Ester, and the gospels and Acts are books that are mainly narrative.

      In seeking to find the meaning of narrative passages, we must remember that Scripture interprets Scripture. That is, to understand what a passage is teaching we should consult others parts of Scripture. In interpreting narrative, it is particularly important to consult the didactic portions of the Bible, the section that have the primary purpose of teaching The New Testament epistles are the clearest example of didactic literature. These section of Scripture give us inspired interpretations of the narrative sections. By reading narrative in light of didactic passage, we guard the temptation to draw improper theological and doctrinal conclusion from the Bible's stories.

     Here are some example of how failure to let Scripture interpret Scripture can lead us to incorrect conclusions. In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son. When Abraham almost does so, God declares, "Now I know that you fear God" (v. 12). Thus it appear God did not know Abraham's heart, but other passage declare God's total omniscience. In another example, Genesis 1:27 teaches that God made man in His image. We might read this and deduce that since this is so, and since man has a body, God must have a body too. The Mormons makes this error, overlooking passages that teach that God is a spirit. Finally, we err by blindly attempting to omitate saints from the past. We must evaluate their deeds in light of all Scripture. Even imitation of Jesus is not always right. He was circumcised but we need not be. He forgaves sins but we cannot. Scripture itself helps us understand the stories it contains.

       We are often drawn to the narrative passages of Scripture, finding them compelling and easier to read. But we put ourselves at risk of drawing wrongful conclusion by focusing only on Bible stories. The only way to guard against this danger is to read all of the Bible. Make a commitment to read through the entire Bible in the next year or two.

"SET APART AS GOD'S PEOPLE"

       "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.

         His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him

                 who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

                                                1 Peter 2:9

         In Isaiah 33:17-24, there is a description of what it is like to live in a nation set apart to be holy and righteous in the worship and service of God. This picture was historically fulfilled in the reign of Hezekiah, but it foreshadow the kingdom of Christ, in which all things are made perfect. The Jews had lived so long under tyranny and the depraved desires of their own heart that they had forgotten their call. Isaiah described the kind of life they were called to, a life that carried with it the promise of freedom in holiness. The city of God, we will look for the next few days at what it means to be God's people; to live under divine rule in the city of God; and to be, as Peter wrote, "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people."

         When God created man, He made him in His own image. He called humanity to mirror and reflect His character and holiness. But sin marred this image, and as a result men now longer live according to God's holy law. When God called Israel to be His people, He was calling man back to this original mandate. They were consecrated for a holy life, to be set apart from the world and be different.

         Paul applies this theme to all Christian in Romans 12:2 when he writes, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." We are called to holy living. To live in the city of God means to live by a different standard the standard of God's law. The key to this transformation life is the renewing of our minds according to the Word of God. Those who live in the city of man want us to think their thoughts and conform to their ways. But God has commanded us to think His thoughts after  Him and to live according to a higher law.

        Sadly, too few Christian are doing this. Polls show that the behavior of professing Christian is not demonstrably different from the world's. Paul could call people to look at his life as a testimony of the truth. Can we do the same? Or do we look too much like the world in our broken marriages, our adultery our abortion, they called it love win? and our lust for fame and fortune? Let us come back to the city of God and live holy lives by transforming power of God's word.

         What areas in your life are most obviously not transformed to the holy behavior God has called you to? Make a list of these areas. Be specific. Make each a point of fervent prayer everyday. Look up Bible verse that have to do with these things and memorize them. Repent of your sin, knowing God is present to empower obedience. Psalm 14:2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

"The Terrible Wrath of God"

         "Also their slain shall be thrown out; their stench shall rise from

         their corpes, and the mountains shall be melted with  their blood."

                                             ISAIAH 34 : 3

         We pick up our study of Isaiah in chapter 34 where Isaiah changes the subject from the blessing of the church to the cursing of the nations. As glorious as the future will be for the people of God, it will be that much more terrible for the pagans of this world. Isaiah called all the nations to come forth and listen, as if they were being called to the tribunal of God Himself in heaven. Though Edom was singled out as a particular nstion that would receive the judgment of God this proclamation, according to John Calvin, could apply to all the surrounding nation that harassed Israel.

         The language of this prophecy is striking and terrifying. It paints in a very serious light the anger of God toward His enemies and the destruction that will certainly come upon them if they do not repent. Isaiah says that the fury of the Lord will rise up against them. He says, "their stench shall rise from their corpses, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood...."For My sword shall be bathed in heaven. The sword of the Lord is filled with blood. . . Their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust saturated with fatness.' Forit is the day of the Lord's vengeance for the cause of Zion. Its stream shall be turnef into pitch, and its dust into brimstone. Its smoke shall ascend forever. From generation it shall lie waste; no one shall pass through it forever and ever."

         One cannot read these passages without being struck by the power and horror here. Truly, it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God, though this is a doctrine that is rarely mentioned today. The days of Jonathan Edwards and his preaching on the fury and wrath of God are all but lost in today's sentimentality and presumptive grace. And yet, we only have to turn to the pages of Scripture, and not just the Old Testament, to read of God's fury being poured out against His enemies.

        Many horrible things happen i this world, and Christians often do not have answer for them. Even with the aid of Scripture, which explains that God's wrath against His enemies, we cannot explain some suffering. God's intent in allowing suffering is sometimes not clear. But we should not turn our backs on His providence and try to explain disaster away as chance. We should understand it in light of God's character, both His holiness and sovereignty.

        Do you take warning of Scripture seriously? Do you believe that God really does judge people through terrible and devastating means? Read the passages below. Remind yourself of the wrath of God, and you will have greater reverence for zhim and more motivation to call others to repent.

"GOD IS FAITHFUL"

       "God, who has called you into fellowship with his 

                Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is Faithful."

                              1 Corinthians 1:9

       The movie ends and the credits glide by, a long list of all the people and activities involved in making the film. But in the story of our salvation there is only one credits, one name. All our hopes for this life and the next depend upon our Savior alone. He promises us, "I am trustworthy."

       For this reason Paul always thanked God when he thought of the Christians at Corinth. Despite enemies outside and inside, the church would survive because God is faithful. His grace and reliability are sure guarantee that all he has promises us will come to be.

       Remember this simple truth: God is faithful! It comforts us because often we are not faithful to him.  Our best intentions to trust and obey can crumble when we are threatebed, unhappy or under  pressure and temptation. Our love and patience with others may be shallow and weak. Even together as a church, se are sometimes slow to put into practice the very things we have united to say and do. The world we live in also makes it increasingly hard to follow Jesus and keep our consciences clear from sin.

       If our of forgivesness and eternal life depended in any way upon and our faithfulness, there simply would be no hope. But God is faithful! Through baptism and his message he has created new life in our hearts and minds. He called us into fellowship with his Son, making us members of his family, citizen of his kingdom of grace. God cares for us and leads us with his Word and Spirit as our Good Shepherd, our heavenly Father. The fellowship we have with God's Son and with all other believers in him is for our blessing and joy. Together we are ready and waiting for the coming of our Lord.

       Just as the rainbow reminded Noah of God's faithfulness, God's Word will stand forever as proof that we can rely on him as our Savior. Do not take his promises lightly . God is a faithful judge, who will not be mocked by those who turn away. When Christ returns, he will be relentless in his judgment against those who do not among them. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ, who rely upon his work for our salvation. Our Savior is faithful. 

       When you are troubled by your sins and the evil of the world around you, take heart in this great promises: God is faithful!

"HOPE OUTLASTS TROUBLE"

        "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while 

          You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."

                                           1Peter 1:6

        There was a time when the prophet Elijah was so over whelmed by the difficulties of his work that he simply gave up and prayed to die. It is a feeling many since Elijah's day have shared. Life is indeed difficult. At times it maybe seem unbearable. For many suicide seems the only answer, the easy way out.

          "To end it all. To be rid of my suffering. To put my treatments behind me." How simple it all seems.

          A man once said, "when you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." Yes, it's not easy to lie in a hospital bed day after day. Nor is it fun to come home when somebody in the family believes the only answer to life comes out of a bottle. But even these problems are not too big for God. If you give up on them, if you give up on life, you are really giving up on God.

         How can you give up on God when he brought you into life? How can you give up on God when he gave his one and only Son to be your Savior? How can you give up on God when he has been with you with his word on the pages of the Bible?

         Do not give up on him who has promised, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." God will not give up on you.

         We simply need to remember that every problem in life is only temporary. We can outlast it. God may well bring our difficulties to a close with the new dawn. In this we can greatly rejoice. But what of the person who has been told his illness is terminal? How can we call that temporary? If we will just look to the garden where a man by the name of Joseph of Arimathea owned a burial site, we will note thag the grave previously occupied now stands empty. Christ has conquered death. And we now have the hope of life in heaven. In christ we can outlast any problem, even death.

          When Elijah prayed that God would let him die, God instead patiently listened to his troubles and then renewed his hope in the promises of the Lord. God is listening to you. Talk to him in prayer. Listen to him through his Word.  And then conquer each day with hope in a God who truly cares for you.

           

               

"God Speak in Many Times and Ways'

             "God who at various times and in various ways 

             spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,

              has in these Last days spoken to us by His Son."

                                      HEBREWS 1 : 1

Our generation is preoccupied with methods. When we find a program that works in one business, we immediately want to package and distribute it so that it will work for others. The attitude carries over into the spiritual like as well. We spend much ebergy looking for spiritual disciplines, books seminars, or conferences that "work" in order to feel satisfied with our Christian life. God does not want us to trust in methods. Rather than in a Person serious limits the way we experienceGod. When we expect Him to speak to us only in predictable ways, we forget that God is much more complex than our perception of Him. In times past, God spoke in dreamw and visions. He used nature; miraculous sign; prophets, a still, small voice; fire trumphets; fleece; the casting of lots; and angels. He spoke in the middle of the night, during worship services, at meal times during funerals, while people were walking along the road, through sermons, in the midfle of a storm, and through His Son.

        The important thing was not how God communicated, but that He spoke. If God always spoke to us through dreams, we would remain in our beds awaiting a divine revelation! The means God uses to communicate with us is irrelevant; the fact that He is communicating is what is critical.

        Don't limit yourself to a method, exoecting only to hear from your Father in predictable ways. Rather open yourself up to other means by which God wants to commune with you. Allow the Holy Spirit to sensitize you to God's message at all times, in every location, under any circumstances. Then you will ecperience God in entirely new dimensions as you are receptive to His voice. 

         Last week it went viral about sound the in heaven! Two Angel was flying! 

"LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE"

"Let Your Light so Shine before men, that they may see your Your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" 

MATTHEW 5:16 (KJV) 

Our source of strength is returning. The world has buried us as insignificant, but we want you to know, we are coming back. Spiritually, our hair is growing back, our source of strength is returning to us. Do you know why? Because, more and more, the church is beginning to realize it's not in principle, it's not in formulas, it's not in methology, but it's in relationship with Christ that true power flows.

  The Apostle Paul said it so well; he said  "above everything else, I might know whim." And that is where the source of our strength lies, in knowing the Savior. You know why we lost our strength? Because we've left our source. We started trusting in man and the super hero ministries he established.  And it is sad to say that some of them had to fall off their pedestals so we would wake up and realize that there is no person. That is infallible and no ministry that is as important as developing a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. And anything above that is idolatry.

   If you wouldn't miss a certain preacher on TV every week no matter what, but your devotion and prayer time is skipped on a regular basis, you need to repent of the sin of idolatry. You are elevating that ministries to a more import priority in your life than your personal relationship with God. You know what, every time thzt happens, you're getting a hair cut. We need a full head of spiritual strength.

  When it comes to preaching about character and  commitment, and what the Word of God had to say about these things, sometimes we view thes things as boring. They are Just foundational truths. Well, no house is stronger than its foundation. When the spiritual earthquakes come, that's when we find out whose house has been built earthquakes-proof.

  I want you to know, we need to shore-up ourselves so that when the earthquakes of life come our way, I didn't say IF they come, I said WHEN they come, we will be squarely build on THE Rock. For some of us, the aftershock alone are devastating. But if we'll start making ourselves earthquakes-proof by developing the character of Christ in us, we will realize that there are absolutes in this life, and one of those absolutes is that God is absolutes love and absolutes loves us all the time. By virtue of habing that fact intertwined as a central spring of strength around us, we can bounce-back from any circumstances or situation.

  "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers us from them all.. What are these afflictions? They are only opportunities to realize that the power of God is more real than the problem. We must once again realize that the character of God will carry us through and over any crisis of life.