Monthly Archives: October 2012

2nd Notes From Reading “The Shepherd of Hermas”

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Stone Tower, Lynn Woods

Stone Tower, Lynn Woods (Photo credit: d4vidbruce)

The Church has not decided to include “The Shepherd of Hermas” in what we know of today as the Bible.  And I can see why such writings were not considered directly from God’s Holy Throne.  The author’s writings are much like mine.  They are not the pure revelation from God, but the interpretation of revelation.  However, let us not dismiss such work as worthless (or even worse, that of demons).  For there is great benefit to be had as men speak to one another regarding the things of God.

There is an item worth mention in his writings.  The reader of this post should do their soul good by reading the original text.  Some things such men write penetrate as deeply as a word from the Lord Himself.  And how do I know but this particular vision was not from the Lord.  By the power it is having on my heart I would consider the vision as God given.

There was a tower being built by Angels.  The stones used were so perfectly unionized that their joints were not visible.  When the Shepherd asked what was the meaning of this, he was told that the stones represented obedient Christians.  And that the tower was created entirely for God’s eternal purposes, and composed entirely of such men.  There were other stones which could not be used due to cracking, unevenness, and even rounded corners.  These other stones were not necessarily unusable.  But their use was less than glory.

I am given pause to consider that my past will come with me into my appearance before the Lord of Life.  And I confess that the vision related has left a mark on my thinking.  May God allow that the vision will not leave me till I appear before Him.

By His Grace.

Notes From Reading “The Shepherd of Hermas”

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English: The Lord Jesus Christ in the image of...

English: The Lord Jesus Christ in the image of Good Shepherd. Early Christian trsdition of symbolism. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am reading “The Shepherd of Hermas”.  I have stumbled on a few thoughts regarding “The Faith” and “The Way” that are worthy of note.  May the Lord of Life impart understanding through these words.

There are men in whose life righteousness has been King.  And there are those whose life has been dimmed by sin and a certain broken consistency with righteousness.  To the former, in Christ Jesus, is the prospect of salvation and glory.  To the latter, in Christ Jesus, is the prospect of salvation and far lesser glory is the prospect of their faith.  To each eternal life is offered.  The righteous will seal their identity in the body of Christ if they remain consistent to the end.  The wayward soul may attain to salvation in Christ Jesus if they will mend their pace toward attaining what the righteous own by their consistent actions of godly living.

What aspect of “The Faith” remains upon each group is that each is encouraged to add to what he already has attained.  What man can muster the measure of righteousness which the Lord Jesus held from birth to death?  So we encourage one another to add to their testimony all things good and sure.

In one way, I cannot help my brothers more than to render these words of hope and encouragement.  Yet, by my own appropriation of righteousness, it is possible to impart some worthy provocation toward what glory the Lord will give to those who practise righteousness.  That is to say:  If I live out the truth of Christ in my own life I can leave a legacy of example.  And in this way we are more effective in encouraging one another to a living faith.

And I am made aware of another aspect of “The Way” which we hear little about.  Salvation is not found in knowledge.  Rather salvation is found in “The Doing” of what is pure and right. And as we do what we are told more understanding will be given to us.  This understanding is said best by the Lord Jesus, as spoken by the “New Living Translation”:  “Those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Matthew 13:12)

Many seek to understand the greater things of God.  They perceive that if they understood more they would, naturally, become more adept at doing the things of God.  While Godly knowledge is good to own, there is an obvious tendency for knowledge to “puff up” a man’s perception of self.  It is better to be lacking in knowledge of revelation while doing the things of God, then to be over filled with pride for that which adds very little to a man’s obedience to the commands of Christ Jesus.

May the Living God bless these things for the sake of His Holy name to all people who desire to please Him.

By His Grace.

America’s Future

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Riot part 2

Riot part 2 (Photo credit: interrobang)

Considering how great the threats are which present themselves against the people of America, I have tried to give account of how involved with the things of God I am to another.  One does a task for the Lord.  Another does another task for the Lord.  One is given to provide for certain aspects in the family of God.  While another one is given to war in the realm of the spiritual, unable to deal with the issues of the other.  The Apostle Paul speaks of the “gifts of the Spirit.”

With this in mind, there are certain things we are all required to accomplish for the sake of God’s will for America.  God’s people in Jesus, who are named by God as His people, are the key to what happens next.  And this is summed up with the following Scripture.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”  (2 Chronicles 7:14)

It is appropriate to warn my brothers and sisters that there are two plans available in the hand of our God.  There is blessing for this land of America.  And there is horror to inhabit if we fail to heed this warning.  This is all I will say in regard to this.  May God bless our hearts to understand these things.

By His Grace.

The Surpassing Great Advent of Wickedness

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Christogram (labarum) with Jesus Prayer in Rom...

Christogram (labarum) with Jesus Prayer in Romanian. Jesus Prayer in Romanian Doamne Iisuse Hristoase, Fiul lui Dumnezeu, miluieste-ma pe mine pacatosul. English translation Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner. This image appears on the cover of all editions of Romanian translation of Philokalia Français : Christogramme entouré de la Prière de Jésus en roumain (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I was a child I was taught to respect my elders, be kind to everyone, and consider myself last in everything.  This teaching was taught to the extreme.  By the Grace of God, I have developed out of that harsh treatment (to a great extent).

Being taught by Jesus now, I am taught to respect my elders in the faith, be kind to all while keeping in mind that there is a “justice” in the world, and to consider myself the servant to all men.  This teaching is being taught gently with mercy for my ignorance.  By the Grace of God, I am developing into the kind of man we all aspire to become.  (This is not to my account a righteousness.  But it is a gift from God through Jesus.)  Understanding that none of us can fully attain to the Glory that is Christ Jesus, we are encouraged to emulate the truth He allows us to “hear”.

I am shocked, however, to be witness to a new breed of human emerging on the scene.  People I thought would be steady and mature are beginning to adopt lies to themselves.  They hear some accusation against the righteous and run as a herald.  Foaming at the mouth with hatred of all that is pure, they run head long as servants of demons.  This is not the kind of place I was raised in when I was a child.

The very fabric of the world has changed, as if a blanket has developed a mold.  Young people wear disrespect for truth just as the young of past ages wore truth for the simple reason that they were taught that truth endures.  Older people are the most surprising to me of all.  For after living their lives through experience of lies and truth, they now prefer to spout ungodly lies against everything associated with God.  And I am surprised at how willing they are to put on the clothing of liars and demons.

Though I speak of being surprised at these things, there is no reason for my astonishment at the increase of wickedness among men and women.  We have been warned that such things will take place.  And of “increase”, the wicked will continue to mold their souls till the Lord comes to war against them Himself.

“Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.

Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.” (Rev. 22: 11-15)

This warning remains for all men.  Regardless your background, the Lord does not lie.  If you want to be clean seek the Lord Jesus’ mercy.  If you find yourself unable to care, consider this:  The wicked will not find pity before the Holy Throne of the Most High God if they appear without the covering of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Amen!  Even so, Lord Jesus, come.

Freedom or Oppression

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English: Ballot Box showing preferential voting

English: Ballot Box showing preferential voting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I got my mail in ballot today.  It’s the first time in my life I will vote.  Yeah.  The situation is that startling and vital.  But what is the situation?

Do we vote to sustain freedom for all people in America?  Or do we vote to limit freedom for all Americans?  I have come to an understanding about this that has rattled my cage slightly.

If Romney wins America is likely to struggle toward the freedom of expression America has always known.  If Obama wins we will continue to lose freedoms, eventually becoming a nation more in line with communism.  Which is better?

You might say that freedom is better, as did I until last night.  Then the Lord showed me the true issue at stake in this election.  The true issue at stake is obedience to eternal life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now I consider how men have responded to the freedom of expression this nation is used to enjoying.  And I consider the nature of men and women who live in communist nations.  I saw how the family in America has disintegrated under freedom of expression.  And I saw how the family is forced to huddle together under the trials of communism.

For the sake of salvation I am forced to tone down my abhorrent thoughts about President Obama’s policies.  But for the sake of the suffering that surely come under his second term, I am forced to lament for the tears that will be shed.

I will vote for every republican I can find on the ballot.  But I know that it will be God who will determine, in His Great wisdom, who will lead this nation into 2013.

By Your Grace, Marvelous Lord, we submit to Your decision with joy.  For we know that all things work toward the good of all who are learning to love You.  By the name of Your Holy Son I post this letter.  May You receive Glory forever by all Your people.  Amen.

The Fog of War!

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Fox news carries an article regarding Hillary Clinton taking responsibility for the confusion over the terrorist attack on 911.  They say she blames “the fog of war” on the confusion.  Please excuse me for saying the following:  “The fog of war” describes a mental lapse due to extreme hardship under extreme conditions.  Explosions, screams, smoke, and threat of imminent death, are usually present during “the fog of war”.  I thought the attack was in Libya.  And I hadn’t heard that Hillary was there.  On top of that this other thought comes to mind:  If her role in the administration is so extreme for her that she too experiences “the fog of war”, perhaps she should step down.  I wouldn’t want her to succumb to “the fog of war”.  Besides, under those conditions, how can we trust that she will be able to perform her duties in any other “extreme” situation?
Hillary Clinton in Hampton, NH

Hillary Clinton in Hampton, NH (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Let us assume that we are allowed to lie just to keep our job.  What will our duties produce?

Let us assume that we are commanded to lie to protect the guilty.  What can we expect from such behavior?

Let us assume that we are allowed to make excuses to God for our lack of performance in Jesus.  What can we expect as the outcome of our faith?

Those who are in Christ Jesus are held to the highest possible standard of behavior.  There is Grace, yes.  But there is also encouragement, rebuke, teaching in all righteousness, and the Love of God which restrains us in His Holy service.  Do not do as the world does.  Do as the Lord Jesus does.