24:7 For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
So I bought a Interlinear Bible and was reading Matthew 24 and when I came to verse seven I was stopped in my tracks because it the Interlinear Bible instead of being "earthquakes in various places" it states "there will be earthquakes against places". The wheels in my mind starting turning quickly, as question after question ran through my mind. "does this mean every earthquake is the judgment of God?" "He really chooses where earthquakes hit?". I was stopped in my tracks with the intensity of this all. So I went on a word study. Wouldn't you know it my Bible teachers were right its truly the best way to understand the word.
The word is this: kata kata
Pronunciation: kat-ah'
Origin: a primary particle
Reference: -
PrtSpch: prep
In Greek: kat 85, kata 325, kay 61
In NET: according to 68, against 49, in 42, by 36, according 22, every 13, privately 9, throughout 8, with 8, as 6, on 5, of 4, like 4, from 4, to 4, year after year 3, daily 3, from house to house 3, in accordance with 3, in keeping with 3, just as 3, off 3, along 3, Day after day 3, opposed 3, about 3, According to 2, About 2, During 2, Every 2, because of 2, further 2, due 2, after 1, where 1, alone 1, accords with 1, accordingly 1, with reference to 1, wherever 1, one at a time 1, along the coast 1, aside 1, at 1, as expressed in 1, as displayed in 1, when 1, as a result of 1, one house after another 1, To 1, Before 1, By 1, At 1, Against 1, present 1, prescribed by 1, over 1, outward 1, On 1, This accords with 1, In regard to 1, In 1, Each 1, orderly manner 1, attention 1, based on 1, town after town 1, in accepting 1, in accordance 1, through 1, from such 1, on the basis 1, such 1, near 1, in detail 1, in the various 1, in various 1, in regard to 1, in line with 1, in every 1, meets in 1, for 1, following 1, circumstances 1, correspond to 1, case 1, what 1, one after another 1, beyond 1, corresponding to 1, on the basis of 1, face to face 1, facing 1, various 1, each 1, day after day 1, since 1, just as we are 1
In AV: according to 107, after 61, against 58, in 36, by 27, daily + 2250 15, as 11, misc 165
Count: 480
Definition: 1) down from, through out
2) according to, toward, along
a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in
varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or
accusative) with which it is joined):-about, according as (to),
after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even,
like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before,
beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered,
(dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for,
from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ...
by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X
mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over
against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout,
-oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost,
where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these
applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or
intensity.
After reading that I asked myself "why did the NKJV use "diverse", the NIV use "various", and the Interlinear use "against""? I found myself at a stand still. Not knowing where to turn or what to think. I starting thinking of the ultimate question, "God who are you?"
As I went back and forth with the thought that God causes every earthquake and thinking of the recent events of Haiti, not wanting to just say "this was judgment, God killed all those people". Which I know God judges and the word is very clear on that, but there was no voice before hand saying, "Flee because judgement is coming!" in context to judgment in the bible there is always a clear voice that comes before hand saying judgment is coming, and I had heard nothing of that coming before hand? But then again the bible says it will happen, so does their need to be a voice? Like I said the wheels were turning. Then I ran across Romans 6:23 and it says that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. The reason destruction and death hits the earth is because humanity choses sin and death over God. What happened to the nation of Haiti is the result of sin? So both us and God are the reasons earthquakes destroy nations like Haiti? I know Haiti had it coming being in covenant with Satan and all, but sin is sin right?
If God planned every earthquake I would be okay with it. I don't have offense against Him for doing so. We are a wicked people and deserve nothing less than to be judged. But why does the bibles differ on the way they use the words? Does God plan it or is it just part of the earth groaning for the return of Jesus? The closer we get the more it groans, so the more earthquakes happen. But does God direct it? Yes God directes it. But so did they, so do we, and so does the earth. The word "kata" means "against" and "diverse" so could the translation be this, "there will be earthquakes against diverse places?" Meaning this its against them from God, as judgment against sin, and the earth groaning for the return of Jesus. We cause, so does the earth, and does God. Where it hits and how big is not up to me and God allows and directs all things according to Job.
Does there have to be a prophetic voice saying this coming? No there doesn't, Jesus says these will come. So we as believers have to begin to sound the alarm according to what Jesus says is coming to the earth. If I truly believe we are living in the day of the Lord's return then I have no other choice but to become a voice of crying in the wilderness "prepare the way of the Lord". How do I do that? Live my life eating the scrolls and soaking in prayer and fasting.
Amen.
By. Jonathan.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Just a quick thought about the end of the age.
Matthew 24:3 "As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” 24:4 Jesus answered them, “Watch out that no one misleads you. 24:5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many."
So before I read Matthew 24 I read Matthew 23 and listened to it on the Bible Experience. Just to get more context and I gotta admit it was more alive than ever before. The more I read through it and listened to it the more of the reality of what is coming hit me in the face. I did not even know where to start writing my journal at, so I am starting at the beginning.
The first thing Jesus says out of all the things that is coming, all the judgments, wars, earthquakes, out of every single end of the age events He starts with deception, seems to me that Jesus is highlighting this to us. What kinda power is really coming at the end of the age that would make Jesus say this first. I sat listening to worship thinking about this, chewing on it, repeating it in my mind over and over. And the reality of what is coming began to set in. Just how the so many people freak out when someone does a sign and a wonder. (I love signs and wonders) We all take notice and listen to what they have to say. And at the end of the age there is a false prophet who calls down fire from heaven. How many Jews will look at this and say "this is what our prophets did", Christians who are somewhat familiar with scripture see this "says this is what the prophets in the bible" and they will begin to listen to what he has to say, with a demonic anointing he begins to speak. He has them hanging on every word, this man is really the Christ. An because he has power everyone listens to him, then falls in line with what he is saying. Hitler deceived nations, millions of people, and he did not do one sign and wonder. He was simply a passionate speaker, and because of his passion people believed in what he was saying. With Islam we are seeing the same thing millions a year being converted, blowing themselves to peaces killing thousands and they have not seen one sign and wonder it just simply passionate speakers worshiping demons. Jesus Miranda in florida clams he is the second coming of Jesus and over a million people are following him, convinced he is Jesus. Walking down the streets chanting "the son of man is back". He says sin does not exist and prayer is a waste of time, that we are already perfect spirit. The man has not done not one sign and wonder. How many will be deceived when someone is calling down fire from heaven?
In light of that I ask myself, "How do I guard myself? How do I prepare to know in that day I will not be deceived by this false prophet?" Well its to know what is going to happen before it happens, the answer is found all through the new testament. Matthew 24:23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together."" 1 Thessalonians 5 "1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." What our response is to be is very clear. "WATCH". We have to be those ones who have stood before the Lord with His word know the time and the seasons that is coming, that is at hand, so when this hits we can stand in boldness without doubt saying this is that, and this is what's coming next.
So before I read Matthew 24 I read Matthew 23 and listened to it on the Bible Experience. Just to get more context and I gotta admit it was more alive than ever before. The more I read through it and listened to it the more of the reality of what is coming hit me in the face. I did not even know where to start writing my journal at, so I am starting at the beginning.
The first thing Jesus says out of all the things that is coming, all the judgments, wars, earthquakes, out of every single end of the age events He starts with deception, seems to me that Jesus is highlighting this to us. What kinda power is really coming at the end of the age that would make Jesus say this first. I sat listening to worship thinking about this, chewing on it, repeating it in my mind over and over. And the reality of what is coming began to set in. Just how the so many people freak out when someone does a sign and a wonder. (I love signs and wonders) We all take notice and listen to what they have to say. And at the end of the age there is a false prophet who calls down fire from heaven. How many Jews will look at this and say "this is what our prophets did", Christians who are somewhat familiar with scripture see this "says this is what the prophets in the bible" and they will begin to listen to what he has to say, with a demonic anointing he begins to speak. He has them hanging on every word, this man is really the Christ. An because he has power everyone listens to him, then falls in line with what he is saying. Hitler deceived nations, millions of people, and he did not do one sign and wonder. He was simply a passionate speaker, and because of his passion people believed in what he was saying. With Islam we are seeing the same thing millions a year being converted, blowing themselves to peaces killing thousands and they have not seen one sign and wonder it just simply passionate speakers worshiping demons. Jesus Miranda in florida clams he is the second coming of Jesus and over a million people are following him, convinced he is Jesus. Walking down the streets chanting "the son of man is back". He says sin does not exist and prayer is a waste of time, that we are already perfect spirit. The man has not done not one sign and wonder. How many will be deceived when someone is calling down fire from heaven?
In light of that I ask myself, "How do I guard myself? How do I prepare to know in that day I will not be deceived by this false prophet?" Well its to know what is going to happen before it happens, the answer is found all through the new testament. Matthew 24:23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together."" 1 Thessalonians 5 "1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." What our response is to be is very clear. "WATCH". We have to be those ones who have stood before the Lord with His word know the time and the seasons that is coming, that is at hand, so when this hits we can stand in boldness without doubt saying this is that, and this is what's coming next.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Jesus, or Utopia?
If all the sick in this fallen world were suddenly healed; if all the poor were given jobs; the homeless, a place to stay; the hungry, fed; governments passing high-moral laws and crime eliminated - would you still want Jesus to come back?
Is your faith rooted in an unbiblical idea of Utopia or the return of the Person? Does your heart long for a moral world to live in, or for the return of our King? I am all for cities, regions and nations turning to Jesus, but only in the context of salvation! We should not set our eye upon laws and legislation, but on souls who need to be revived by the resurrection power of Jesus! Revival is not transformed areas, but souls being *revived* (brought back from the dead). It is about Jesus having His inheritance in the nations; that He would receive the rewards of His sufferings!
Let it be known to all: righteousness outside of Jesus is the highest form of idolatry. For man to consider himself good would be for man to consider himself God. Jesus communicated this truth clearer than the most refined and purest diamond: "No one is good, except God." God is infinitely above all things - created and uncreated. He is the Creator. To offer even the most highly exaggerated comparison of His glory and Person to anything other than Himself would be hilariously silly, as the comparison would fall infinitely short of how Mighty YHWH is to the competitor. He created the heavens, the earth, and all the things therein. He formed the mighty mountains and the frightening ocean depths. His voice commands the storms and winds and mountains melt like wax in His presence. There is no one before Him, nor will there be any after Him. The highest heavens cannot contain Him and He holds the vast ocean waters in the palm of His hands. Before Adam rebelled against God and allowed the filth of sin to corrupt creation, all things that were created by God reflected a facet of His glory. This is why He deemed them, 'good', because they mirrored a part of Himself. Because of this, when man exalts himself to the position of 'good', his pride soars through the highest of heavens and asserts itself before Good Himself (I said "Good" on purpose). This is why the 'goodness' of man is such an affront to God, and why it is such a vile and ridiculous idea that man could be good - or have *any* good in him at all!
As Christians, we do primarily not long for a changed society. Paul's mission was not to confront Rome with their immorality and change their laws to reflect what he understood in Torah. He was not looking for a Utopia. Paul was obsessed with one thing and one thing alone: the return of Jesus! This was true of all the apostles! They were all lovesick for their Master, Friend, and God. They were pierced by the revelation of Christ, which caused an incurable wound of love that could only be healed by His return. They longed not for a changed society, but as Peter preached, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before". The reason why he preached the Gospel is because he wanted Jesus to come back! He was not looking for 'manifestations', although, he certainly did (Acts 2). He was not looking for 'revival', although, he certainly saw it. He wanted Jesus - and that was it.
One may say in defense, "I am not connected with His second coming because I have not studied the end times." To the extent that your heart burns for His second coming is directly knit to the extent that it was conquered by love in His first. How can you long for someone you do not miss? How can you love someone you do not know? Let us return to our first love, and not our first cause!
So, what does your heart long for? Jesus, or everything else?
Is your faith rooted in an unbiblical idea of Utopia or the return of the Person? Does your heart long for a moral world to live in, or for the return of our King? I am all for cities, regions and nations turning to Jesus, but only in the context of salvation! We should not set our eye upon laws and legislation, but on souls who need to be revived by the resurrection power of Jesus! Revival is not transformed areas, but souls being *revived* (brought back from the dead). It is about Jesus having His inheritance in the nations; that He would receive the rewards of His sufferings!
Let it be known to all: righteousness outside of Jesus is the highest form of idolatry. For man to consider himself good would be for man to consider himself God. Jesus communicated this truth clearer than the most refined and purest diamond: "No one is good, except God." God is infinitely above all things - created and uncreated. He is the Creator. To offer even the most highly exaggerated comparison of His glory and Person to anything other than Himself would be hilariously silly, as the comparison would fall infinitely short of how Mighty YHWH is to the competitor. He created the heavens, the earth, and all the things therein. He formed the mighty mountains and the frightening ocean depths. His voice commands the storms and winds and mountains melt like wax in His presence. There is no one before Him, nor will there be any after Him. The highest heavens cannot contain Him and He holds the vast ocean waters in the palm of His hands. Before Adam rebelled against God and allowed the filth of sin to corrupt creation, all things that were created by God reflected a facet of His glory. This is why He deemed them, 'good', because they mirrored a part of Himself. Because of this, when man exalts himself to the position of 'good', his pride soars through the highest of heavens and asserts itself before Good Himself (I said "Good" on purpose). This is why the 'goodness' of man is such an affront to God, and why it is such a vile and ridiculous idea that man could be good - or have *any* good in him at all!
As Christians, we do primarily not long for a changed society. Paul's mission was not to confront Rome with their immorality and change their laws to reflect what he understood in Torah. He was not looking for a Utopia. Paul was obsessed with one thing and one thing alone: the return of Jesus! This was true of all the apostles! They were all lovesick for their Master, Friend, and God. They were pierced by the revelation of Christ, which caused an incurable wound of love that could only be healed by His return. They longed not for a changed society, but as Peter preached, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before". The reason why he preached the Gospel is because he wanted Jesus to come back! He was not looking for 'manifestations', although, he certainly did (Acts 2). He was not looking for 'revival', although, he certainly saw it. He wanted Jesus - and that was it.
One may say in defense, "I am not connected with His second coming because I have not studied the end times." To the extent that your heart burns for His second coming is directly knit to the extent that it was conquered by love in His first. How can you long for someone you do not miss? How can you love someone you do not know? Let us return to our first love, and not our first cause!
So, what does your heart long for? Jesus, or everything else?
Monday, January 11, 2010
21 quick questions for everyone.
While students at Oxford, John Wesley and a few friends (including his brother, Charles, and George Whitefield) formed a group called "The Holy Club." The purpose was to deepen their faith, and help them to live it day by day. In this "Holy Club" they had 21 question they would ask one another. These are those 21 question, and trust me their humbling.
I suggest you read them in light of Romans 8:1
1. Am I creating the impression that I am better than I am?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words?
3. Do I break confidence -- tell others' secrets?
4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, habits?
5. Can I be trusted?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did God's Word live in me today?
8. Am I enjoying my prayer time?
9. When was the last time I shared my faith?
10. Do I pray about the money I spend?
11. Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
12. Do I disobey God in anything?
13. Do I have an uneasy conscience?
14. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, touchy, irritible, or distrustful?
16. Am I proud?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Do I thank God that I am not like others?
19. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, disregard or resent?
20. Do I grumble and complain?
21. Is Christ real to me?
I suggest you read them in light of Romans 8:1
1. Am I creating the impression that I am better than I am?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words?
3. Do I break confidence -- tell others' secrets?
4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, habits?
5. Can I be trusted?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did God's Word live in me today?
8. Am I enjoying my prayer time?
9. When was the last time I shared my faith?
10. Do I pray about the money I spend?
11. Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
12. Do I disobey God in anything?
13. Do I have an uneasy conscience?
14. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, touchy, irritible, or distrustful?
16. Am I proud?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Do I thank God that I am not like others?
19. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, disregard or resent?
20. Do I grumble and complain?
21. Is Christ real to me?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Can we boast?
Think for a moment about all of the qualities, experiences, and privileges that you could boast about. Remember all of the encouraging words given to you by people, seeing the fruits of the Holy Spirit working in your life to produce love, meekness, or overflowing joy. You could boast in this, right? When one looks at the state of the world, they see a dark plague of filth that covers the hearts and minds of those unredeemed by the blood of Jesus. Surely, then, could not one who has been washed white as snow boast in their progress of sanctification? Is it not a marvelous wonder to once hate righteousness, yet now, to hunger and thirst after it?
What about your experiences? Ponder on the angelic encounter or dream that marked your life in your past. Are these rare occurrences rightful ground to boast, even if it seems only a few are chosen to experience them?
Consider then the honors bestowed upon you. The 'anointing', or preaching platform that many desire to see and operate under, yet it has been placed upon your shoulders like mantle. From miracles, signs and wonders to the confronting truth, spoken in love; matchless wisdom and eloquent words - graced with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, are these areas that you can boast?
By no means! Let us not be caught up in the favor that our Savior has given us that we would taken honor upon ourselves! Are not all of these graces only made possible by the blood of the Lamb, spilled on the Cross for us? Woe to us if we steal His glory! Woe to us if we take what is rightfully His, and adorn ourselves with His praise like a lace around our neck! Let us familiar ourselves with the cry of heaven - "Worthy is the Lamb of [paraphrase] EVERYTHING!" To Him be ALL the honor, the glory, the wealth and the kingdom! For all things were created by Him and for His glory, not yours.
Therefore, let us not boast in anything, no gifts, nor power, or wisdom - but let us boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Amen.
Consider then the honors bestowed upon you. The 'anointing', or preaching platform that many desire to see and operate under, yet it has been placed upon your shoulders like mantle. From miracles, signs and wonders to the confronting truth, spoken in love; matchless wisdom and eloquent words - graced with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, are these areas that you can boast?
By no means! Let us not be caught up in the favor that our Savior has given us that we would taken honor upon ourselves! Are not all of these graces only made possible by the blood of the Lamb, spilled on the Cross for us? Woe to us if we steal His glory! Woe to us if we take what is rightfully His, and adorn ourselves with His praise like a lace around our neck! Let us familiar ourselves with the cry of heaven - "Worthy is the Lamb of [paraphrase] EVERYTHING!" To Him be ALL the honor, the glory, the wealth and the kingdom! For all things were created by Him and for His glory, not yours.
Therefore, let us not boast in anything, no gifts, nor power, or wisdom - but let us boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Amen.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Kiss of death
My eyes are glazed and set. My lips are as cold as the night air. My muscles are relaxed. For I am resting in peace, but I am much alive. warm but cold. I'm still but running, free but bound by one. I am a living death, my heart is burning. my soul is crying, my flesh is rotting. I am a man possessed, I embrase my cross, I kiss the nails. I thank them that persecute me for it drives the nails deeper. deeper into my hand and into my feet.my screams are those of joy, for I am coming closer to you. as I die I become alive. as my body is bound to this tree I become free, I am a living death. dead to myself but alive in Him.
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