Quickening and Resurrections (Part 3)

Maybe people don’t understand death. Death is the continuing experience of a soul that is infected with sin and the resulting penalty. IT IS NOT EXTINCTION. A physical death is a change of location whereby a soul enters into a different world of one kind or another. When Jesus referred to death He said this about sinners; their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:48 People that have not served God in the correct way will live in torture and anguish forever. Death is the place where people are held until Judgment Day. No one wants to be held for judgment because we know how bad we are naturally. In Revelation we read that there is a “second” death.  See Rev 20:14 People will be taken out of the first death for judgment and then many of them will be placed into the second death of eternal condemnation. This terrible place is even worse than Hell is today. Scripture says that the fire will never be extinguished and it is punishment without end. We must help people to understand that the life they are living today will determine their place in eternity.

The Old Testament believers that entered death before the Christian era will be totally (body and soul) resurrected after waiting until the last days of this world. The Scriptures say that the first (in death) will be last (to live again). See Matt 19:30 This is why Hebrews talks about the fear of these people. Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Heb 2:14,15 The reason Christians don’t fear death is because we don’t enter it. When they lay our body in the ground our soul simply sleeps in the Lord. Someday in the rapture our body will stand up as a super body. Our sanctified soul/spirit will be joined with it for eternity. Not only was sin and death destroyed by Jesus after entering death for us but He destroyed the power of the Devil himself. After judgment day the Devil will be chained in torment forever. How wonderful that Satan cannot rebuild death again because his power over us has been broken.

Scriptures actually talk about the reason Christians have such a special place among the children of God. Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits (a gathering of the earliest part of a crop) of those who have fallen asleep.(in Him)…  ²² For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  ²³ But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 1 Cor 15:20-23 We will be the first part of a harvest that God is raising as His own family. The Christians are gathered first on rapture day and then at a later time Jesus will return to earth for the remaining believers. Note: There are three firstfruits in the New Testament. First Jesus himself, second Christians of the rapture, third the 144,000 male Jews. Actually, Christians are only a “kind” of firstfruits. The Scripture says; He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:18  This is true because we are “in” Jesus Christ who was the firstfruit of all the redeemed. At the end of time there will be a resurrection day for all those that were not in the rapture with Jesus Christ. The last resurrection will bring people “out” of their earthly death.

The firstfruits of another resurrection consist of a 144,000 Jewish men. See Rev 7:4 These special men are talked about several times in the Revelations of John. For example; They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Rev 20:5 This is the first resurrection to take place after the rapture of all Christians. The standing-up of this firstfruit is at the beginning of the 1000 years and the final resurrection is at the end of the world. These men’s lives are described in more detail in another place; No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. Rev 14:3,4 These firstfruits are harvested from the nation of Israel as God fulfills His promises to the nation He selected as His own from the beginning.  

How privileged the Spirit-filled person is because they do not need to enter death. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice and now he is the perfect source of eternal life. Our Savior lives today in Heaven and is always helping his friends to become a part of life eternal. Jesus satisfied the Father during His stay on earth; Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered  ⁹ and, once made perfect,(then) he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him  ¹⁰ and was designated by God to be high priest Heb 5:8-10 Salvation is provided by our perfect High Priest and Jesus lives in us by the Spirit. This is a wonderful time to become a believer. Jesus Christ is alive and well on his throne in Heaven and at the same time, He lives in us by the Spirit. In effect, our soul/spirit was resurrected the day we became born-again. The Bible says; Since, then, you have been raised (quickened) with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  ⁴ When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-4

Yes, it is true, we (as a soul) are already resurrected if we are born again. Christians will bi-pass the entrance to spiritual death because of Jesus Christ. We only wait to be brought into the glory of God. It is possible to meet the chosen ones of God today and find a fellowship that is really out of this world. That’s because a life that is lived under the power of the Spirit can easily join with others in the same Spirit.. ¹⁴ We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. ²³ And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.  ²⁴ Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. 1 John 3:14,23 God’s Spirit joins with our soul and we become a part of the body of Jesus Christ. How much do you love other Christians? Hopefully, we love them enough to know that we have not remained in death.  

Salvation is not simply about forgiveness of our sins. It is also about the life of Christ that dwells in us. For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Ro 5:10   This verse is very important to people of faith because it includes everything Jesus has done on our behalf. Everything in the perfect life of Jesus can be brought into us if we have faith. There are many places telling people how the life of God’s son saves us from death. It must be our soul first and then our body later. John really sums it up;  God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  ¹² He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11 To “be in” Jesus Christ results in the eternal life of our body and soul. Christians do not enter death we simply wait or sleep until our bodies are gathered when Jesus comes for us.

Quickening and Resurrections (Part 2)

Comparing two of the resurrections will show us a sample of the different purposes of God. Looking closely at the Greek words in John 6:39, we see that only the children of God stand up from their sleep during the rapture to have their body quickened. No one will be in these bodies. This happens on the last day of the grace period of human history.  The word used here for last day, describes “the last day of the festival”. John 7:37 Those of us born again during this “grace festival” understand that Jesus will return for us. However, the standing-up referred to in Matthew 13:40 is a different resurrection occurring 1000 years later. This one takes place at the end of this world as described in the Greek word sunteleia (the completion). The main feature of this standing-up is to sort all sinful people out from among the righteous. But the people of the last resurrection will all stand-up in their bodies to meet the judgment of God. ‘For a time is coming (end of world) when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out---those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. John 5:28,29

Our transformation during the salvation process is a reality that allows us to join with divinity. In addition Jesus physically destroyed death for us so that we have freedom from sin and death. But we see Jesus…now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered DEATH, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Heb 2:9 The Bible plainly says that because Jesus entered death, we can be buried and resurrected with Him as described in our baptism. Paul explains in Romans that our sinful nature must be dealt with because sin always causes our death. Jesus lived in perfection and then He entered death for us. Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Rom 6:3 Because He rose in victory over everything alive or dead, we are now invited to live in Him as His Spirit lives in us. This unbelievable redemption was designed before the universe was created. Everyone is invited to “enter-in” by their faith. The Scripture says that the work of Christ is available to all humans but we need the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. Acts 5:32 We can be quickened if we believe and obey.

When we are baptized in Christ, we are resurrected to a new life. This makes Jesus our resurrection out of death. And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience (a quickened life)toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand. 1 Pet 3:21 The death of Jesus can remove sin from our life and the deposit of God’s Spirit into us is the way we maintain a good conscience (walk the walk) toward God. The water baptism symbolizes these two realities in our life. Living with “the way of grace” in your life will get you ready for the completion of your salvation someday. God, who is rich in mercy,  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  ⁶ And God raised us up (stood our soul up) with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Eph 2:4-6 If we are alive with Christ in heaven then it is not possible for our soul/spirit to enter death.

Another time when Jesus was talking about people who are born again He mentions that we must “cross over” a term that is sometimes used at the cemetery. Here is what He said; I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 This passage tells us that a real believer has already passed over. The Spirit of Life dwells in us and cannot enter death. Martha received this explanation when weeping for her brother. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?  John 11:25,26 Although the body dies here on earth, Jesus claims he is the resurrection and that those who live in Him do not enter death. Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality, 2 Tim 1:10 To repeat, Jesus destroyed our death when He arose victorious over sin and death. Therefore, the Spirit filled person is immortal. Jesus is asking; do you believe I can do everything I say?

The gathering of the Lord’s children is not a resurrection out of death. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thes 4:14 Paul says in both Corinthians and Thessalonians that Jesus is coming back for those who either sleep in Him or are living in Him. The word sleep that he uses is koimaoListen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed….then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 1 Cor 15:51,54  This is why Paul refers to those who are absent from us as “sleeping”. Christians don’t enter death, we are simply waiting to have our body changed like our risen Savior. 

The standing-up of the saints is referred to many times in the New Testament. It is reassuring to know that we will have our own appearance in eternity and will recognize other people. They will all be the people we know that have the Spirit in their life. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies----through his Spirit, who lives in you. Rom 8:11 Note that if the Spirit is not active in your life, then the Spirit will not quicken your body when the time comes.  Another Scripture reminds us that we must be a part of Jesus Christ if any of this is to be true for us. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? 1 Cor 6:14,15 Leaving this world is a time that should be celebrated by the Christians left behind. A Christian leaves this life of troubles and enters a place that promises many wonders to come.

Quickening and Resurrections (Part 1)

Christians learn from the Scriptures that there are different types of resurrections. These have to do with God’s different purposes in the history of man. The most privileged of them all is the one reserved for those of us that are saved by grace. The quickening (granting of eternal life) of our soul/spirit by the Spirit of God during this life gives us a special relationship with our Creator. Born again people will receive a unique resurrection at the gathering of our bodies into the air. Redeemed souls actually return with Christ for the purpose of possessing their new bodies that look like the old ones. Of course, the Christians that are still living on earth will simply be changed in the twinkling of and eye. Paul said; We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye. 1 Cor 15:52 Whether we are in the grave or alive every redeemed person will be spared from entering the realm of Death. A soul can only obtain eternal life (be born again) while alive on earth otherwise they will certainly enter Death.

Scriptures are very clear about the day Christians are gathered from the world as mentioned in this passage. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so (therefore) we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him…and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. 1 Thess 4:14-17 Only Christians (from the last 2000 years) will enjoy this wonderful event. Note that the Spirit of Grace (Heb 10:29) came at Pentecost and He will leave the earth along with all the Christians. This is the beginning of the greatest adventure in history and it will never end. This old world will never see another Christian because it will be totally devoid of any Spirit filled person. During the next 1000 years it will be much more difficult to find salvation. The Lord Almighty says; In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, “let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.” Zech 8:23

It is common knowledge that Christians have been martyred by worldly people many thousands of times in our history. However, the laying down of this body is not a big deal to people serving God. Probably because we have already given up our natural life in order to live our new eternal life. The Bible says it this way, For we know that our old self was crucified with him…because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Ro 6:6,7 This is why our old body can stand up as a sin-free new body when Jesus returns some day. The word for resurrection in Greek is anastasis (to stand up). This is the same thing that was said when someone was told to get up out of bed in the morning. Our righteous soul goes to live with the Savior when we are serving God and our old body lies down. None of the different resurrections includes any type of spiritual quickening. In other words, if someone has not been regenerated (soul spiritually quickened) while they live on earth they wait to be resurrected only for the purpose of final judgment.

Gods Spirit joins himself to our spirit during the salvation process. If our spirit/soul was sent into Death, the Spirit would be going with us. However, this is impossible because God’s life eliminates death by its very existence. We should know that all Christians have passed from death into life. Jesus told his disciples; I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. John 8:51 For some reason people find this truth difficult to believe. Because our spirit/soul is joined with God’s Spirit we go directly to be with Him when we leave this earth. The Scripture says; What is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Cor 5:4,5 There is a wonderful fact in this statement “made us for this purpose”. We have been created with the duality needed to be transformed from this life into another. God is offering us eternal life with Himself and no other creation has the ability to enter into this covenant.

The Baby Was God

Simeon took him (the baby) in his arms and praised God, saying: Sovereign Lord…my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:28 Could you have enjoyed knowing the value of that baby as the warm little bundle lay in your arms? As we gather with our families and friends for Christmas the power and value of this baby is still very much alive. Nothing has ever happened on this earth that compares to the incarnation that took place over 2000 years ago. All the people who ever walked on the earth needed what this baby was bringing to earth. When Isaiah spoke of this baby he said “they will call him Immanuel” which means, God with us. Our Creator had come to live on this earth among His own creation.

THE BABY WAS A REAL PERSON

How amazing that this tiny new life contained the ability to control events that would shape every human life for all eternity. Talk about your over achievers. The remarkable life that this baby faced contained events that can hardly be believed. Some people even question whether Jesus really did the things recorded in history. Of course we know that the baby was God. As we celebrate the birth of this child we might consider some of the things that his life means to us. All the Scriptures confirm that God became flesh. Paul said plainly, for in Jesus Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, Col 2:9 and John said, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14. John was a good friend of Jesus and at the end of his long life he still talked about the amazing man he knew personally.

JESUS HAS THE ABILITY TO GIVE US A NEW LIFE

Today if we want to be saved it is necessary for us to know God personally. This is one of the things that the baby Jesus made possible for us. When we accept this human baby as God it is the beginning of our intimate knowledge of the Father. The life of Jesus, which we should know by heart, is a genuine introduction to the Almighty. Jesus told Philip one day, anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. John 14:9 In other words, if we want to know God personally we must learn everything we can about the life of Jesus. The life that the Christmas child would grow into demonstrated the way to enter and live in eternity. Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 It would be fantastic if every person in the world had a basic awareness of the existence that Jesus is offering them.

THIS HUMAN WAS THE EXACT LIKENESS OF GOD

When Jesus said that Philip had seen the Father, he did not mean physically because God is a spirit and has no body. Therefore, we may see the Father as clearly, or even better, if we know God through the Spirit. A person knowing the gospel knows God’s glory. Scripture says the gospel is the glory of Jesus Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Cor 4:4b The word “image” denotes a likeness between two individuals. A spiritual likeness is what Jesus had with the Father and today we struggle while being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. It must have been exciting to watch the child as He grew into a man who would give up His life to rescue us from the evil one. No one else would have suffered His difficult life just to give us an opportunity to live forever in Heaven.

SEVERELY TESTED IN EARTHLY LIVING

The Christmas child was born to a life of suffering. As human beings we want every child to find a happy life. It upsets some people to think about any child that is born into a life of hurting. Jesus had heart aches all His life for people he loved. There were many insults from people of both high and low standing. He healed the sick until he was worn completely out but it was never enough to satisfy the people. The ground he slept on must have seemed as hard as rock sometimes. His disciples were slow to understand the Gospel message. Paul who also suffered tells us that; Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Heb 2:18 God would certainly have spared his Son if there was any other way to save sinful humans. Everything that happened as this child grew was absolutely necessary.

HIS SINCERE PRAYERS HELPED HIM MAKE IT

During the days of Jesus life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears…he learned obedience from what he suffered. Heb 5: 7,8 God was learning what it is like to be a righteous human on this earth. Many people have asked why he cared that much. Maybe we will never know the exact answer. What a brave child this was that endured the challenges of His 33 years on earth. Even at the age of twelve Jesus said “I must be about my Father’s business”. We know that Jesus suffered for identity with humans and ultimately for our redemption and we are called to suffer in return that we might identify with Him. Jesus prayed many petitions on our behalf but he also asked God to relieve him during distress. These heartfelt prayers show us what a serious life this child was facing.

PERFECTION MADE HIM QUALIFIED

There is…one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men. 1 Tim 2:5,6. The baby Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, has truly gone where no man has gone before. Today he sits beside his Father waiting for the day we will join Him.

Power Unlimited

     This is the mysterious story of how we came from the Almighty. Before time existed, God released some of his creation power on our behalf. He converted this mighty burst of energy into the mass contained in our universe. Miraculously, all of the elements in this mass were formed with different weights and properties. The most abundant element in creation is hydrogen which is a very light substance. Science has taught us that with heat and pressure we can compress the mass (elements) and great power is produced. As lighter elements join together and become a heavier mass the extra energy is released into freedom. This process is called “fusion” which makes possible our hydrogen bombs. It is interesting that the power God used to construct our world can be reversed and used to destroy mankind.

The astonishing thing is that God has given the same Spirit, who is the agent of the power of the universe, the ability to live inside a Christian. Most people are unaware that the additional power of God is available to them through the Spirit. With or without this extra power our spirit is going to live forever. People who ignore the Spirit of Power will live in eternal torment. However, the few that walk together with God’s Spirit will receive the power to live in eternal bliss. There are people that hope their life force will be extinguished when they die. This is impossible. Einstein made us aware that energy and mass may be mutually convertible but nothing can be created or destroyed in this universe. When a human dies they simply move into the spiritual world. Our spirit will never cease to exist.

People, in their unbelief, like to think that our Lord died in weakness. The truth is that Jesus was the most powerful man to ever walk the earth.  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, Heb 9:14 (ASV) The Savior was strong enough to live a perfect life in this evil world and then through the power of the Spirit offer himself as our perfect sacrifice. Look at the power Jesus has always had, all things have been created through him(Jesus), and unto him; 17 and he is before all things, and in him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fullness dwell; 20 and through him(Christ) to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; Col 1:16-20

     In the Scriptures we find the word “through” many times. This word points out where the power for some undertaking is coming from. The power of God’s Son was evident before He became a man. However, as a man Jesus set aside his power and placed his faith in the power that God sends “through” the Spirit. When Gods will is activated, it proceeds through an intermediate. This power allows the intermediate to cause the right result. People who are allowed to receive the Spirit of God inside of them can access unlimited power. Of course, this power is to fulfill the will of God. Most people don’t believe Jesus was serious when he said we could move a mountain. This task would hardly strain the power of God.
     Great power is available to any Christian who allows the outpouring of the Spirit through their faith. The American church, for the most part, has been taught that the manifestations of God through people must not be a part of their life. There are leaders in the Church who even say that tongues, healings and miracles are from the Devil. This unbelief in the abilities of God will be an issue on judgment day. Naturally, the result today is that the Church and its people have become weak and we have only a “form of Godliness.” The fact that the organized Church is operating only in the power of men, is not the end of Christianity. Individuals still have the right to allow the Spirit to work through them. God calls these people his remnant.
     The remnant is the people that follow the will of God. The Church has reduced the work of God down to a simple process in order to appeal to the masses. This great deception has obscured the true nature of our redemption. Peter spoke of three parts to our salvation in his great sermon and the Church has adopted only one for its theme. He said “All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act”. Our Church allows believers to continue their lives in the same way they have always lived, other than conforming to certain obvious codes. Next Peter preached “each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven.” This is the one that believers today like because they feel that they don’t have to do anything themselves. The third part of this verse says “Then you will receive the Holy Spirit”. Acts 2:38
       The Church has failed to notice the word “then”. After the first two parts of salvation are adhered to THEN the Holy Spirit can begin to direct the Christian life in a believer. For some reason people think they have no part in their salvation. The truth is that we have a very important part to play. We must allow and facilitate the working of God in our life both now and forever. Yes, unlimited power is available to each Christian but have we made ourselves ready for such a position? Are we ready for the power needed to raise us from this earth and carry us to the next world?

Fortress Watchman

The Land of Israel has always been a dangerous place. There are always thieves and killers who survive off of the decent people. Of course, for most of history there are many different invaders trying to rule the land. For many years Israel has been known as the land of walls. You can see walls of all styles and descriptions. Simply studying the walls can carry a person back through all of man’s history. During the 11^th and 12^th centuries, many Europeans came on crusades to the land of Israel. They all built great fortresses so that they could sleep at night. The very style of their building can tell you which country the builders were from. (French, English, etc.) Several of these great structures are still standing and we can see how the soldiers lived years ago. Some even have the original mote surrounding them.

Usually there are about four watch-towers to be manned all the time. Most fortresses were built on top of a hill. This gave the watchman a great view of the land. When you climb one of these towers today the view is usually breathtaking.  In the old days if a watchman fell asleep he was put to death. The lives inside the fort were all his responsibility. Many times a fortress would pass from one group to the next depending on who was ruling at the time. Because of modern warfare the forts are no longer used. In fact, the Bible said this so long ago that the people probably thought the prophecy was crazy. You will say, I will invade a land of un-walled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people---all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. Ezekiel 38:11 It does not say it here but obviously there are no serious watchmen looking out for the people.

Our scriptures tell us that each of us is a watchman because we know the Gospel message.  7 “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for the people …. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me. 8 … I say to a wicked person, ‘You wicked person, you will certainly die,' and you say nothing to warn him to change his ways. That wicked person will die because of his sin, and I will hold you responsible for his death. 9 But if you warn a wicked person to turn from his ways and he doesn't turn from them, then he will die because of his sin. However, you will save yourself. Ezek 33:7-9 Not until the Lord takes us away from this world our responsibility will be over. Some people say that these are Old Testament passages and they do not apply today. However, we are told that O.T. Scriptures are the patterns revealing what God wants for us all. Are we really serious about our belief in God?

More Than Once

God told Abraham nearly four thousand years ago that He was going to give the land of Israel to his descendants. The fact is that Israel has been returned to the Jews over and over again. Maybe it is the Devil's persistence but all through history some nation has been trying to make the land of Israel into their possession. Out of the whole wide world, this small piece of land was reserved by God to be known as the center of the earth where His presence is greatest. This is a story of one of the thousands of times God has returned some of the land to His people. There is a five mile stretch of beach on the Mediterranean coast that runs from Tel Aviv to the hill of Joppa. About the middle of this beach is a small building containing the history of the return of Joppa to Israel in 1948. Upon entering you will be greeted by a man who was given the mission during 1948. He will explain what happened just like it was yesterday.

After Israel declared themselves to be a Nation in 1948, as authorized by the United Nations, the Arabs who lived on the hill of Joppa began to rain shells down upon the city of Tel Aviv. This indiscriminate killing in the Jewish neighborhoods had to be stopped. The leaders selected a young man twenty years old to lead 300 men against the hill of Joppa. This young man led his fighters against the hill time after time believing God would give them the victory. After three days, 100 of his men were dead and he had made no progress. Because he had not slept in three days he fell onto a cot totally exhausted and discouraged. God sent a vision as he slept and showed a certain street to him that went straight to the top of the hill. On one side of the street were dwellings built one against the other, all the way to the top of the hill.

 He saw himself and some of his men breaking holes in the walls all the way to the top. He jumped from the cot and ordered his men to attack the hill one last time. He and his chosen few went un-noticed as they worked their way through the houses to the top and surprised the Arabs. The Arabs immediately surrendered and the hill of Joppa belongs to Israel until this day. This is how God returned Joppa to the Jews in 1948. The history of Israel is about the Jews failing their position with the Almighty and then the Lord returning them to His land to start again. God uses Israel as a lesson for all believers. If you have failed God in some way then you must repent and God will show you a way to return to your Christian life. Your godly life is the land God has given you to occupy and enjoy.

School of Elijah

Haifa has the only major harbor in the land of Israel. The city is absolutely beautiful because it is on a neck of land that protrudes out into the Mediterranean. This peninsula is the end of a mountain range that causes the horseshoe shaped city to always have a steep climb at its back. Mount Carmel is very famous in the Scriptures and it runs parallel to the south side of the Jezreel valley and ends in the middle of Haifa. It seems unusual to find a dirt trail in the city that meanders up a hill through the trees and brush. After climbing halfway up the hill and rounding a corner you come face to face with a chiseled rock doorway. No one would ever know it was there if the trail were not so well used. This is the entry into the School of Elijah. Young men who wanted to serve God had to be trained in the Scriptures.

Upon entering the doorway there is suddenly a large rectangular room that has all the chisel marks that were made thousands of years ago. Because Elijah lived near the top of the mountain he must have climbed down the hill to teach the truth to his young prophets. The room/cave would not hold more than 50 people. It is interesting that when Elijah was called to leave this world there were fifty prophets following him to watch. 2 Kings chapter 2 records that after watching him disappear the 50 men spent three days looking for this great spiritual teacher that they loved. This man had an amazing life as a servant of God but the ungodly king and people hated him and what he represented. If God had not protected him many times he would have been killed. God protects every servant of His.

One feature of the cave is very clever. Above the door and across the exterior face of this rock cliff is a six inch gutter to collect rain water. The water runs into a holding tank (cistern) to be used when ever needed. Hard work went into chiseling this wonderful water system. Is it possible that God put His words into Elijah as a well of truth for the people to draw from as needed. One time Elijah ran away from his work and told God he was the only one on earth left alive that loved the Almighty. ( 1 Kings 19:10) Of Course, the Lord did what he usually does when one of His servants gives up. He gives them another job to do! Today when you visit this cave a Jewish person will usually greet you outside the door to welcome you to the school of Elijah. What a wonderful way to remember the work of a servant of God.

Trees of God

It is an amazing walk from the little town of Bethany around the bottom of the Mount of Olives and up to the Temple. Although it is less than two miles you experience the feelings of a lifetime, as if Jesus were walking the dusty road with you. It is possible that the greatest events in history are part of this small road. Jesus walked part of this road when he entered Jerusalem to die for the sins of the world. Someday Jesus will return to stand on the Mt. of Olives and look across this road at the Temple Mount. This little road is there today if you want to walk on it. One of the very impressive things you notice along this road are the different trees at various places. It seems that God has preserved them. One olive tree beside this road is nearly two thousand years old and is an offspring of the original tree that Jesus sat under. This road used to pass through the Garden of Gethsemane which has many olive trees.

Josephus recorded that when the Romans attacked Jerusalem in 70 A.D. they cut down every tree in this valley. But in time the trees returned by coming up from the roots that were still in the ground. The same olive trees are now in the garden where Jesus prayed so many times beside this dusty road. The city was under siege for two years and the Romans did not want the Jews sneaking in or out. Eventually the city fell from hunger and the Romans tried to remove all traces of the Jewish civilization including the Temple. If you continue walking along the road toward Bethany there is a large group of fig trees along the creek down in the valley below. We know that one tree is missing today because Jesus cursed it and it died. As they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Mark 11:20 Jesus would have climbed down from the road to the tree but upon arrival He found nothing on the tree.

Some other interesting trees are in Bethany. The front yard of the house where Jesus stayed with his friend Lazarus is full of trees. (See John 11 and 12) Sometimes Jesus taught parables referring to the tiny mustard seeds that are in little pods all over the ground in this yard. He said the kingdom of God was like, a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches. Luke 13:19 Even today you can sit in the front yard of Lazarus under the mustard trees and listen to the many birds singing their songs. Many years ago the beautiful tree of life was removed from the earth because of our sinful ways. But the eternal kingdom of God is growing on the earth and it will not be long until we are removed from the earth to live forever with that tree of life.

Somehow God’s trees have returned to Israel after years of barrenness. We know that Israel itself is returning so that all the end time prophecies can be fulfilled. God has the power to restore anything. Do you need restoration of your spiritual life? Repent and ask God for help.

I Did It

God has always had this problem with His children. Usually when He does miracles on earth somebody will take the credit for themselves. This seems to be a habit that has been with us for a long time. The Lord has many ways to deal with this problem and we are told about one of His ways in the Old Testament. 5 That is why I revealed to you what would happen long ago. I told you about them before they happened. {I did this} so you couldn't say, “My gods have done these things. My carved idols and my metal idols have commanded them to happen.” 6 You've heard these words. Now look at all this. Won't you admit it? Isaiah 48:5 If you go to Israel today and interview the older people they will tell you that they are the ones who rebuilt the Nation. If you point out that God had everything recorded that he would do thousands of years ago they just stare at you. They are saying this because they have no real faith in God.

There is one place where Israel honors God on a huge rock in the middle of the city square. It is in a town that Israel never possessed before 1948. The word of the Lord is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you so that no one will be living there.” 6 The seacoast will become pastureland with meadows for shepherds and fenced-off places for sheep. 7 The coast will belong to the faithful few from the nation of Judah. There they will graze their sheep. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The Lord their God will take care of them and will restore their fortunes. Zeph 2:5-7 Ashkelon is a thriving Jewish city today and this passage is chiseled in the rock for all to see. Visitors can walk among the ruins of the old Philistine City and see their pillars and walls lying on the ground. There is no trace of the Philistine people today because God destroyed them.

Jewish people usually say that they have rebuilt Israel without God. Are we any different when we talk about building our lives? Many times we will minister to others by asking for God to help us but when it is all over we humbly take the credit. The truth is that if the Lord does not give us another breath we cannot exist to do anything. We must never take credit for the life God has given to us.  In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1 Thes 5:18 A person of real faith will say “thank you” for every single thing in their life. This will be honoring God and gives Him proper credit. In fact this is the definition of a life of faith. We should look to God every moment of every day.

Oh Jerusalem!

Praise the Lord…he builds up Jerusalem… Great is our Lord. Ps 147:1-5 David lived 3000 years ago but he knew without a doubt that Jerusalem was special to God. When people walk up to the old city they feel something that can be felt nowhere else in the world. Many nations have coveted this city and much blood has been shed on the hills that surround it. The Arabs are attempting to gain part of the city for themselves at this very time. Because they serve a false god they have no chance of ever owning Jerusalem. In 1967 Israel took all of Jerusalem away from the Arabs. In order to keep them quiet the Jews allow some Arabs to worship their false god on the mountain that King David purchased for God’s temple. So David paid Araunah (a gentile) six hundred shekels of gold for the site.1 Chr21:25 Of course, we know that soon the Jews will rebuild their own temple once again on the mountain.

For just a few shekels (four per dollar) you can climb to the top of the wall and walk most of the way around the old city. (not along the eastern wall of the temple/city) The southwest part of the city is called the Armenian Quarter and is the quietest part of the city. Looking down from the wall you see churches, cemeteries and the occasional tall black hat of the priest. After passing over the Zion Gate on the south side you begin to see much more activity and hear a lot of noise. This is the famous Jewish Quarter with its many shops. Looking into the middle of the city you can see the west wall of the temple mount. Almost always there are Jews bobbing their heads in worship at the wall. In the southeast corner of the Jewish area is very interesting because it is almost all stones, columns and roads from the time of Jesus. It is an odd feeling to walk on the roads where Jesus walked and touch the walls that he touched.

Walking the walls to the northwest we look down on the Christian Quarter and to the northeast we observe the Muslim Quarter. The world wants to make Jerusalem an International City and rule all the religious people as one group to do their bidding. The Bible tells us many times that God has selected this place as his headquarters on earth. Jewish people were elected long ago to occupy this place and personally serve the Lord. The Devil is always fighting against God and has struggled for years to make Jerusalem his own. This is why the Scriptures say that Jerusalem will be a tripping stone (problem) to the nations throughout our history. Why observe this ancient city at all? Maybe because we were elected by God long ago and the Devil is struggling to make us his own. This struggle is always a problem in our lives and we will need divine help to keep us from being overwhelmed in this fight… Fight the good fight my friends.

Oasis of Beauty

The highway that meanders down among the hills east of Jerusalem and out onto the dry Jordan valley is called the Jericho Road. It was somewhere in these ten miles of hills where the robbers beat up the Jew that the Good Samaritan stopped to help. In fact the foundations of the Inn are still available to visitors today. Coming down the last hill you can look north four or five miles across the flat valley and see a beautiful green oasis. This is a sanctuary for the big, very hot and dry, basin that runs all the way down to the Dead Sea. Even the Sea of Galilee is in this basin and its self is 700 ft. below sea level. Elisha greatly improved this oasis of trees and crops thousands of years ago when he visited the town. Then he went out to the spring (of Jericho) and threw salt into it, saying; this is what the Lord says: I have healed this water. 2 Kings 2:21 You can still drink this water when you visit and it tastes wonderful.

Date palm trees are everywhere in this oasis town and you can buy this sweet fruit at many places in town. Standing at the edge of this green area we can look out at the surrounding desert and wonder which direction would take us to the place that Jesus lived forty days without food. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Matt 4:1 Sometimes we feel like there is a spiritual desert all around us. Jesus is our beautiful oasis but there are times when we wonder if our hope is real or not. When people visit an oasis we feel something that is nowhere else in our experience. It is like stepping out of the hot sun into a cool place where a little breeze seems to lift your feelings to a level of drifting, free of care. This is a place where a complete feeling of peace seems to soak into your soul. King Herod built a retreat in Jericho and even died there about a year after Jesus was born.

The Christian life is an oasis in our world. Unfortunately, many people cannot see this beautiful place although it is readily available. There is a fitting story that happened just as Jesus approached Jericho two thousand years ago. Jesus asked him, what do you want me to do for you? Lord, I want to see, he replied. Jesus said to him, receive your sight; your faith has healed you. Luke 18:40-42 Many people are just not asking Jesus to show them this beautiful spiritual oasis. The blind man had never seen this beautiful place and he must have been overwhelmed the first time his eyes opened on the oasis.  It seems that everyone today is looking for this place of peace in their life but they cannot see what is right in front of them. Are you standing alongside of this peaceful place but have never seen it?

Three Dungeons

Absolutely the most depressing places you could ever visit in Jerusalem are the dungeons located at the judgments of Christ. This triangle of despair is another story written in stone for all to see. The first dungeon is a ten by ten square room chiseled in the rock down below the courtyard of the Jewish high priest. There is a small round hole in the stone yard where prisoners were lowered or raised from the pitch dark room. Did Jesus wait in this hole on the dark night he was arrested? We know he was taken from the garden on the east side of town, up the hill to the south side where the Jews lived. They went to the house of Annas who was the retired high priest. Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest. John 18:24 Caiaphas was his son in law that lived in the large house with the dungeon. It was just around the corner because their houses were built against one another. The Jewish rulers held discussions all night.

In the morning Jesus was taken to Pilate’s palace which is north of the temple. This trip would have been right through the middle of the city on the main street. The chief priest, with the elders…and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. Mark 15:1 By the way, it was not legal for the Sanhedrin to meet at night. Pilate’s dungeon was in the rock under the palace. Inside the door are two niches in the wall where a prisoner puts his legs into rock holes and is chained against the wall in the standing position. About six feet in front of that is a great hole with stairs going down thirty feet. At the bottom are chains on the rock walls to hold about eight men. The darkness and the terrible echo of a frightened voice cuts deep into your soul as you descend the tiny stairs on the wall. Across from the stairs is a pit in the dungeon floor. One man at a time could be lowered into this deep wet pit of no hope. Barabbas was being held somewhere in this place.

Herod also has a dungeon under his palace. You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths…You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; Ps 88:6-8 How many of these three dungeons did Jesus visit during this long terrible day of agony? To finish our three dungeon story, it was later in the day when Pilot learned that Jesus had been living under the jurisdiction of Herod. So Pilot sent Jesus across town to Herod’s palace which is on the west side overlooking the road to Jaffa. After they mocked Jesus, he was sent back across town to Pilot. Luke 23:12 says that these two men became great friends on this day. Maybe they were both afraid to kill an innocent man? These three dungeons were all holding tanks so to speak. They were not used for punishment like we do today. Actually, if you left anybody in them for a prolonged time they would die. Do not let your friends die in the dungeon’s of sin.

The Next Hill to the Northwest

Most people know that Jesus grew-up in the quiet town of Nazareth. This little town is on a hill looking south onto the Jezreel valley. However, you may be surprised to know that a large city on a lower hill two miles northwest was a part of our Saviors life as he grew up. Sepphoris was the Roman capital of northern Israel when Jesus was a young man. This Roman city had forty thousand people with a large theater that could hold 4000 people for their many plays. If anyone living in the small Jewish town of Nazareth wanted something in the big city next door, they could easily walk there in 30 minutes. Because there was lots of spring water in Nazareth, an aqueduct was built to carry water down to Sepphoris. This aqueduct is still there today. We can even walk along the bottom of the huge cistern today and look up at the water levels on the giant walls. It makes you wonder at which level the water was when Jesus looked at the city water supply.

 The conclusion of intellectual thought, on the fact that Jesus grew up alongside a large city, is that we don’t really know what kind of a person the Savior was. Scholars believe that the knowledge of several languages and availability of Roman plays, history and etc. were influences over His thinking. We may not credit Jesus with all his knowledge of this world but Christians certainly know what Jesus was thinking while on Earth and how He lived His life. At times we can actually feel for lost souls the way He did. There were four large Roman cities when Jesus walked in Israel. Caesarea is on the coast, Sepphoris next to Nazareth, Tiberias by the Sea of Galilee, and Bet She’an near the Jordan River. Jesus did not minister in these four cities because of His mission to the Jews. Remember when the woman who was “not” a Jew asked Jesus to heal her, He said; I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. Matt 15:24

Speculation is made that Jesus worked as a carpenter in this large city to the Northwest. It does not seem possible that Jesus was a carpenter at all. When He was a teenager he told His mother that; I must be about my Father's business. Luke 2:49 This passage went on to say that Jesus grew in favor with God and men. Jesus probably did not have time to work as a carpenter because becoming the savior of the world was a full time job. People sometimes say “if I could only have been alive during the ministry of Jesus things would be different.” The truth is that if we had lived in one of these four Roman cities at the time, we would not have received a visit from the Savior.  As a gentile it would “not” have been a good experience living in Israel. If we could only understood the benefit of the Spirit living in us, our faith would really grow.  The Spirit reveals what Jesus is like directly to our hearts and His life becomes our life. May we forget the next hill which contains the neon signs of this world.

Megiddo and the Great Road

Everyone visiting Israel seems to know that Megiddo is the location of the great battle of Armageddon. This huge battle will soon determine whether Israel will survive or be wiped from the face of the Earth. However, to the many people who traveled through the history of this land, this was the important city of Israel located on the “great highway” from Damascus down to Egypt. A continual flow of commerce from Egypt came through Gaza then Megiddo and finally Damascus and back again with the goods of all the northern countries. When you stand on the hill of Megiddo and look out over the great valley of Jezreel you can feel the power of possessing the high ground in a battle. It is hard to believe until you see it but this huge valley slopes “away from” the Mediterranean all the way back to the Jordan Valley.

Leaving Megiddo and traveling south you climb through a wide pass in the Carmel Mountains allowing room for any size army to travel down the Coast. Many armies in history have traveled this Great Road. The greatest builder of Israel was King Solomon and he made Megiddo into a strong hilltop fortress that controlled this part of the Great Road. This road was very important to the world in the old days. When some part of the road was blocked for some reason the world came to a halt. If our world had no fuel for transportation we would have a similar situation. People of every different civilization must rely on the roads of their time. Because Israel is located in between the north and the south of the world they have always had the good or bad of every situation.

Not only is the Great Road important in history but it will also serve a purpose during the Millennium. The prophecy says; In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. Isa 19:23 During the last one thousand years of man on earth, the Great road will be used to bring worshipers of God together according to this scripture. During our history this road was used for war and business. Now for a thousand years it will be used for the purpose of worship for the first time. What an amazing God we have. Of course, the hilltop fortress of Megiddo will no longer be necessary. When the people of the world put God first they will become the light shining from that city on the hill. And when travelers feel the dry wind coming from the desert there will be no need to run for the city. A traveler will know that it is the comfort of God that they feel and not a dust of death covering the road.

Yarkon River

One of the oldest spring fed rivers in the world. It slowly winds its way from the springs down to the Mediterranean shore. This historic landmark is located in the middle of Israel. There are over 2000 springs in a small valley nine miles northeast of Tel Aviv. This crystal clear water was flowing to the sea when Abraham entered the land four thousand years ago. On a hill overlooking the valley of springs are the multilayered ruins of Antipatris. This is the place where Paul stayed overnight when traveling with the Roman Army as written in the book of Acts. In fact, every great army in history that traveled between Europe and Africa camped at this water supply. When you walk along the banks of the Yarkon, a feeling that thousands of war horses are bending their heads to drink fills your imagination.

Originally Israel was a part of the most beautiful garden in the world. Maybe this great flow of pure spring water ran its course through the Garden of Eden after the creation of Earth. Watching the kids run off a high bank and plunge in to the stream can carry you into deep thought. On a hot day the cool water must have saved countless souls from the oppressing heat. When a person is lost they must find water in order to survive. If water is not found, death is only two or three days from claiming its victim. Usually, trees and food surround the water. It can be said that water has a certain power over death. Jesus said that; Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. John 4:14 This means that they will never die. If the spring water of the Yarkon were drank only once for eternal life, there would be a long line at the river bank.

Most of this spring water is sent down to the desert. You can drive along a two lane road in the desert and enjoy seeing miles and miles of beautiful flowers being raised to ship out to the world. Both sides of the road have many blocks of different colors as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of years ago the Scriptures prophesied; The wilderness will rejoice and blossom…water will gush forth in the wilderness. Isa 35:1,6 The spring water no longer travels nine miles to be lost into the sea. It now travels 80 miles to the middle of the desert where life burst forth in astounding color. All life is provided by God and he can make everything beautiful and alive. The Lord will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Isaiah 51:3 Although the Garden of Eden was spoiled by the sin of humans, God can easily rebuild it.

Every life has been spoiled by sin making us into spiritual deserts. The Almighty is ready to provide everything needed to turn our desert into a beautiful garden. He wants to send life giving water down to each of us. The Book of John tells us that Jesus is the water of life. The water we need comes to us from Heaven through the conduit of the Holy Spirit. Most people today have become oriented to this world and will not give it up to live entirely for God. Remember that our garden was destroyed by sin and it must have a great power to recreate it. Turn to God and your desert will blossom. I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people. Isaiah 43:20

Modern Arad

Israel is a small place with a wide range of climate choices. The north of this country is green with beautiful coast lines, mountains and valleys. But in the south it is brown and dry like the Sinai. Between the two is a hilly wilderness area, stretching from Gaza across to the Dead Sea. Much of the Old Testament history took place in this middle area. On a hill high above the Dead Sea is the small town of Arad. The hill is not that high but the Dead Sea is 1300 ft. below sea level. One tour guide tells some of his Jews that Jesus is not dead like this body of water. Driving in this arid town gives you a strange feeling. There is a notable absence of all speed signs, stop lights and no traffic signs of any kind. If you roll down your window you hear the silence of the desert and feel the warm dry breeze that the town is known for. When entering their underground mall there is a feeling that very independent people live here.

On another little mound about five miles west are several layers of the original towns of Arad. Probably dating back to the grandsons of Noah we know that this old town was inhabited by different ethnic groups over the years but all were known for their independence.  As you look south at the Negev wilderness it is hard to visualize 2 million people advancing on this little town. However, this is how Israel approached the Promised Land after the Exodus from Egypt but there were tough Canaanites living in Arad. The Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked Israel and beat them all the way to Hormah. Numbers14:45 ( Halfway back to the Red Sea) The Lord allowed this to happen because of their unbelief at the time. Forty years later Israel entered from the north and killed the Canaanites and Arad became theirs. It follows that some of the most independent people of Judah settled in this dry town.

One of the sure signs of their independence was found while digging in the ruins of the old Arad. The foundations of an imitation of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem were uncovered. This is the only place found in Israel where the people broke the law by building their own temple to God. It was patterned after the one in Jerusalem. The experts say that it was destroyed in 622 BC when the godly King Josiah was destroying the shrines of Israel for the greatest Passover ever celebrated. Just as he had done at Bethel, Josiah removed and defiled all the shrines at the high places that the kings of Israel had built… “Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God” 2 kings 23:19-21 For some reason the people in Arad felt they could set up their own Holy Temple and worship God by their own rules.

Most Americans believe that they can worship God by following their own rules. We are a young and independent country and can accomplish anything we put our minds to. But God does not change for anyone. Maybe it is time for us to read the scriptures and follow instructions the way Josiah did when Israel had done its own thing. We might have to tear down some religious temples to make room for the true worship of God in our lives. Are we willing?

Gifts From God

The “Free Gift” of God is something we are familiar with in our culture. Because of Christmas, Easter and Sunday preaching, 85% of Americans feel they will receive the free gift of God. We are referring to Jesus of course, and how people think he gives out free passes into heaven.  If it were that simple God would not have given us hundreds of pages of instruction. Salvation is a plan for our lives that is very complex and intricate. In addition to the gift of God’s only son to the whole world, there are many other gifts available to Christians. These other gifts are foundational to the Christian life. For some reason, most Church people today are telling God they are not interested in his additional gifts. This is denying the truth and living in unbelief. Is it possible that we accept the first gift because Jesus did all the work but refuse the individual gifts because something is required of us?

All God’s gifts are undeserved favor toward humans. The grace of our God cannot be measured because it is so great. Although undeserved and immeasurable, all the gifts of God must be accepted in the prescribed way. The distribution of gifts is always accomplished by the Holy Spirit. If the gifts are to be a part of our life it is necessary that the Spirit live in us to provide the continuing grace of God. The Salvation of a person involves everything necessary to change an undeserving human from their position as a sinner into a righteous being that lives continually in God. As we sit on the Church bench we hear the words about living our lives for Him. We even sing songs stating that we will live our life completely in the service of our Lord Jesus.  Then we walk out the door and don’t even think about him for a week.

The main thing we need to receive the gifts of God is a desire for them. Unfortunately, most Churches have been teaching people that the additional gifts of God ceased a few years after Jesus died. However, the Bible tells us clearly that the gifts are for all Christians. One verse tells us directly that the gifts of God never stop. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Rom 11:29 The word repent does not tell fully what God is saying here. He is stating that he has no regrets and does not make mistakes and never needs to change the way he does things. When people say the gifts are not for today they are calling God a liar. If God were to stop the gifts of the Spirit then He would have effectively stopped his calling of sinners into righteousness. Christians must believe in the gifts of the Spirit.

The Greek word for “gifts” is charisma. In English it means a charming personality but in Biblical Greek it means the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Maybe spiritual gifts give us an appealing personality in the Heavenly world. We do know that everybody is different in the next world just as we are individual in this world. This verse explains that having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us. Rom 12:6 This passage goes on to say that whichever gifts have been given to us we must use them with the love of God for others. In another place Paul is talking about the gifts of God and he says; Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1 Cor 12:4 Although we are very individual the Spirit makes us all one in Jesus Christ. Our gift is always to benefit the body of Christ.

Peter confirms the “gifts are for the body” principle, while teaching about Christian love. He says; As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 In the last part of this verse we are told again that the gifts are part of God’s unmerited favor and we are required to be responsible to the body of Christ. All the spiritual gifts are given to us by the Spirit and are not the natural gifts we were born with. The Church is attempting to use the natural gifts in place of spiritual gifts. This is doomed to failure because everything we have naturally is involved in our sinful nature. We will never please God until our nature is completely yielded to Jesus Christ and we accept the gifts he has for us.  

Humans also have another problem that causes us to fail God. Simply put, we are easily distracted. Paul told his friend; Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which is given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of hands. 1 Tim 4:14 Even the few people that have accepted the gifts of the Spirit can grow weary and become involved in worldly things. A person must really love God if they intend to continue in His service. The best gifts are usually received by prophecy and the laying on of hands. This is not a hard and fast rule but God does have preferred ways of doing things. Because the Church has rejected tongues, healings, and miracles (gifts of the Spirit) it is difficult to find someone to lay hands on us. Somehow, we must receive the gifts of God. Lord, help us in this land of unbelief.

God uses people as his agents on earth. We may not feel qualified but this is the way of God’s favor (grace). Paul wanted to go to new places if God would allow. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established. Rom 1:11 Acting as God’s agent, Paul would lay his hands on someone the Lord had chosen and impart a gift of the Spirit. There have always been a few that served God like this but there are not very many. God’s servants are not cowardly and they must really focus, Wherefore, I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear. 2 Tim 1:6,7  We must accept all the gifts of God if  we want to be a good servant of Jesus Christ.