A Pastor/Teacher Person

Who Am I?

2009-03-24T13:58:00.000-05:00

Who Am I?

Matthew 5:13

"You are the salt the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its savor with what shall it be salted? It is thereafter good for nothing, but to be cast out, and be trodden under the foot of man."

Jesus is talking to His disciples. These are believers whom He has chosen to be the leaders of His church which will be established on the Day of Pentecost. I see them as His "Seminary Students" who will be the spiritual leaders of His "called out" followers.

As I have evaluated His church, I see her (His bride) as the leaders of a two part spiritual community. In the church we have "the laity" and "the ordained laity" (I do not see any hierarchy between the two). "The laity" are believers (disciples) who are being trained to continue the work of the "Great Commission" (Matthew 28:18-20) while "the ordained laity" are those who have been called to prepare and instruct their brothers and sisters in Christ to carry out the Great Commission.

As Jesus is speaking to His disciples is He not speaking to me also? Am I not then permitted to say, "Jesus is speaking to me as He speaks to His disciples? Thus would it not be permissible for me to paraphrase this passage into the first person singular?" Let me paraphrase this by writing "I am the salt of the earth. But if I have lost my savor what will make me salt again? I am no longer fir for anything but to be tossed out and trampled on by men". To me, this makes the analogy far more personal as "I" refers it to "I, me, my" rather than "you".

Now let me share with you, the student, how this applies to "my" life rather than the proverbial "you".

I. The purpose of me" "I am the salt of the earth."

The value of salt. Throughout the history of mankind salt has been of great value in society and to our very lives. In the times of the Roman Empire it was of such great value that Soldiers were paid in salt. The word from which our word salt is a derivative is our word for "salary". This gives credence to our expression, "He isn't worth his salt." This is a less than honoring recognition.

As I apply this to my life, I see my value to the eternal God of heaven. I am of such value to Him, not because of my own personal self worth, but because of the value he has placed upon me. I am so valuable to Him that had I been the only individual on earth He sent "His only begotten Son" to die on the cross to pay the debt of my sin that I might live with Him forever. He has placed such a value on me that He wants me to call Him "Our (my) Father who art (is) in heaven ---."

The purposes of salt, the value of salt comes from its many uses.

It is used as a seasoning. This simply makes most any of our foods taste better, more palatable. When we face the menus of our life, many of the items may seem bitter, sour, or rancid. Daily, as I live my life, I may face difficult situations that may cause me bitterness. The seasoning of the spiritual understanding of God's word makes even the bitterest experiences more palatable. My life, my witness may make the difficult times in the lives of others more palatable, also.

Salt is also used as a preservative. When the Christians are caught up in the rapture, their preserving influence will be taken from the world and (excuse the term, but) "all hell will break loose as Satan is determined to destroy God's earth and all human being living on it."

Salt makes one thirsty. Does my life radiate the life of Christ that will cause others to see me and become thirty for the "Water of life"?

Salt makes food taste better. When others see my life and attitude of praise and joy do the desire to taste of the "Bread of Life".

We who live in colder northern regions also have another excellent use of salt. Salt can be used as a de-icer in cold winter weather. Does my walk with Christ help others get a solid grip on the sure foundation that they can have solid traction to walk steadfastly with Christ in slippery circumstances? (Matthew 7:13,14), Luke 6:39).

To me the richest blessing is answering the two questions "Who is speaking?" "And To whom is he speaking?" Jesus was speaking to the disciples. In reference He was speaking to believers. Thus, He is saying "You (believers) "I am the salt of the earth. This makes the challenge more personal; He is speaking to me personally. He is saying, "I am the salt of the earth." Then I must ask myself, "Is my life making all these qualities of salt available to those around me?"

We Have Seen His Star in the East

2009-03-24T13:55:00.001-05:00

We Have Seen "His Star" in the East

Matthew 2:2; Luke 2:8-14

The question concerning "the star"

For centuries various individuals and religious men, and yes, other than religious groups have searched for an answer as to what the star that the wise men saw in the east might have been. Most of these have sought the answer through natural logical explanations such as the movement of the heavenly bodies and constellations over the centuries. A few may have looked for a spiritual explanation that could be totally supported by the Scriptures, but to my knowledge nothing has been achieved which would include and be supported by all references concerning the event as they are recorded for our learning and understanding from the Bible's perspective.

I am a firm believer that the Bible is the literal inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16,17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God ."and that "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). I also believe that God is the author and initiator of all science and therefore would not permit anything to be recorded that was not scientifically correct. I do believe that certain events which we may call "miracles" have occurred that do not have any scientific foundation, but when all scientific knowledge is known, as God knows science, these miracles will be within scientific explanation. We must remember, as with any field of knowledge, man is still learning; and does no have all the answers. We must also remember that God's wisdom and knowledge is so far beyond the realm of human understanding that the Bible has recorded the statement "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Corinthians 3:19-21). Many, many other Scriptures carry the same thought and reference.

This being an event in the spiritual realm, as well as in the physical, we might well look into the spiritual as well as the physical to find the source of "His Star".

The time of the star's appearing

Notice the account in Matthew 2:2 is in the present perfect tense, "We have seen". The wise men had recently seen it (logically thinking toward Jerusalem), as I would assume, low in the western skies before they began their journey. However, it had disappeared and did not reappear until they began their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (Matthew 2:9,10). Had it guided them from "the east", it would have directed them to Bethlehem, not Jerusalem. At that time, when they needed specific directions to the place where the Christ child was, the star re-appeared as guidance for the wise men.

When they had first seen the star, while they were still in the east, they recognized it had a special significance. Apparently they were students of world religions. In this respect they knew the Jews, according to their religious writings, believed a king would arise that would be announced by the appearance of a significant star as well as referring to the individual as "a star" (Numbers 24:17). They recognized the significance of the star that they had seen in the east could be the star prophesied in the Jewish sacred writings. Knowing this prophesy they could travel by faith, to the city of Jerusalem where they would naturally assume a "king child" would be born. They had arrived in Jerusalem assuming a child who would one day be the "King of the Jews" would be born in the capitol city of the country.

When they arrived and had made inquiry as to where the child might be, Herod enquired diligently as the exact time of the star's appearing (Matthew 2:7). This would explain that there was definite period of time that had transpired between the appearing of the star they had seen in the east and their arriving in Jerusalem. This would also explain that they found Jesus in a house, not the manger" 2:11.

The identity of the star

Why would the appearance of a "star" designate, in their thinking, there would be a king born to the Jews? The answer is found in Numbers 24:17 "I shall see him, but not now; I shall behold him, but not [near]: there shall come a star out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel "

Some suggest this star may have been a nova, an exploding star, which lasts a few months as it burns itself out and disappears.

Could this be a configuration of stars in the solar system that would appear as a super

star, or could it be a special star of God's origin? Many have sought to retrace the orbits of the heavenly solar system to the time of Christ's birth to see if there might have been a configuration of various stars that could cause the appearance of the brightness of a super star.

Because of the change to the Roman calendar, years later, there was an apparent discrepancy that placed the birth of Jesus to what would be considered 4-5 BC. There was such an alignment of Mars, Mercury, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn and Venice between 3 And 5 B.C., Some have suggested this happened in 7 B.C., but that is before other events related to Jesus' birth and would discredit such an early date. There was a taxation registration that took place during this period of time when certain officials must be added into the mix. There have been no such configurations during the most accepted years of Jesus' birth, which is 3-5 BC. These are all discrepancies with the information in the Bible that would discredit such an assumption of an early birth.

What kind of star would "His Star" resemble?

Because this was the eternal Son of the living God, and this was His only begotten Son, this was "His Star" could this not have consisted of a representation of God's glory itself? As the son of the Living God, might this star be a radiance of God's presence at this special event if not the whole sum and substance of the phenomenal spectacular?

How great is His glory? In the Old Testament it is called "the Shekinah glory".

Let us consider such a radiance. God's glory is so spectacular that "No man can see God at any time and live" (Exodus 33:18-23).

Let us consider some of the appearances of God recorded in the Scriptures.

When Moses received the law on Mt. Sinai Exodus 34:29-35

When God hid Moses in the cleft of the rock Exodus 33:18-23

God's presence at the completion of the tabernacle Exodus 40: Exodus 34:29-35

When the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement - Leviticus 16:1-3 ff.

Jesus on the Mt. of Transfiguration Matthew 17:1,2 ff.

Paul on the road to Damascus Acts 9:1-9;26:13-18

God's presence in heaven Revelation 5:8-14;21:22-22:5

These are but a few of God's recognized appearances to men, but they are representative of all such appearances.

Note that each one of these appearances is accompanied with some form of spectacular light.

A Special Star's appearance His Star

"The angel of the Lord came upon them" Luke 2:10-12

From where had the angel just come? God's presence!

"The glory of the Lord showed round about them", the radiance of God's presence was with him as he spoke to the shepherds. Having just left the presence of God he would have carried God's radiance with him as he appeared to the shepherds.

"Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host."

A multitude of the heavenly host joined the angel in praise to God. cf. Revelation 5:11-14; Phil. 2:8-11. According to Revelation 5 there are billions of angels in glory. It states that there was a "multitude of the heavenly host" that had joined the angel who had brought the good news. How many are there in a multitude? With God's extravagance who can know? The writer states that "The glory of the Lord shone round about them". How much of God's radiant glory did they bring with them? Only God can express that, but I am certain there was an abundance of God's glory and grace present. This would not have been any ordinary glory or radiance. This was "the glory of the Lord". This was the "Shekinah" glory seen by Moses in the tabernacle, on the Day of Atonement, Paul on the way to Damascus.

"The "Shekinah" glory of the Lord." Was this "His Star" that appeared to the shepherds? "We have seen his star in the east and are come to worship Him?"

A logical question may be, "if this were true, why didn't others see this radiance?" This was the middle of the night; most people would have been asleep. Most houses had shuttered doors and windows for fear of burglaries so little light from outside would have entered the house. Those who may have been out at that time of night may have seen the radiance, questioned what it was, and then because of lack of interest ignored it. Remember we did not see a large migration rush to the manger when the shepherds told the people of His birth (Luke 2:18,19).

The wise men were eastern astrologers; they would have been searching for new heavenly messages nightly. After they had seen the star the wise men must have time to prepare for such a journey of this magnitude. They knew the expectation of what they saw. By faith they would travel to Jerusalem. Their faith would guide them as far as Jerusalem. Why would they not have gone directly gone to Bethlehem? They assumed a king child would be born in the capitol of the country. Arriving in Jerusalem they would need further information concerning the king's birthplace, the birthplace of the Christ Child (Matthew 2:3-6)

Was the "star they had seen in the east" the Shekinah Glory that accompanied the presence of the Lord in the Old Testament? It was seen when the tabernacle was completed in the Old Testament; and also at the dedication of Solomon's temple Exodus 40:34,35, cf. 1 Kings 8:10,11."

The reappearing of the star would have been at least a year after the shepherds had seen God's presence that night. The Scriptures state specifically they entered "a house" (not the stable) "where the young child was" Jesus, by this time was no longer an infant, (2:1). Assuming they left Jerusalem during the day light hours (it was a journey of only five or six miles) could they have seen such a glory cloud (Shekinah glory) during the daylight hours - Acts 9:3; cf. 26:13. The radiance surrounding Paul at his conversion was "brighter than the noon day sun".

In Matthew 2:10 we read, "And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy". Why were they so exceedingly joyful? The star that led them to Bethlehem was so distinct they knew it was the same star they had seen in the east. They were reassured their travels had not been in vain. Soon they would see the quest of their journey, "The King of the Jews".

Questions remaining unanswered from other explanations.

The question that this star might have been a nova brings four questions before us.

1. This might answer the first appearance when the wise men saw "the star in the east" but would not students of astrology and astronomy recognize a Nova Star? Would such an appearance have given them enough credence to prepare for such a journey?

2. They probably would have seen such a phenomena before this occasion; why did they not associate other such appearances with such a prophesy before this time? Numbers 24:17?

3. Would a burned out star reignite and reappear in the same location approximately one year to a year and a half later?

4. Could such an appearance be so precise that it would direct the wise men to the exact "house where the young child was"?

The question concerning this being an alignment of the planets raises as many, if not more, questions.

Would an alignment of the planets remain in tact for a period of one or more years before again re-appearing as separate planets each in its own orbit?

Would an alignment of the planets appear for a short season, disappear, and then rearrange a second time approximately a year or so later?

Would such an alignment be specific enough to identify the exact house in which the Christ child was?

I have spent sixty years of teaching the Christmas story and the question of the star has been raised almost annually. Since I was a young pastor, this question has intrigued me. There must be a logical explanation; after many years of study, research, comparing scripture with scripture this satisfies my own question. If this has caused you, the reader, to search the Scriptures more diligently, PTL! If you have a better explanation that can be supported by all Scripture, please advise me, I am ready to know the depth of God's truth.

Might this be a possible explanation of "His Star"? If you agree, I will rejoice; if not, I trust it will cause you to search deeper into the scriptures for a fuller explanation of this divine phenomenon.

Feasting at the Festivals of the Old Testament

2009-03-24T13:51:00.007-05:00

FFeasting at the Festivals of the Old Testament

Leviticus 23

(This is a rather lengthy article. It can be summarized and used as a single study, or longer, if the group desires a more detailed study. It can be used as a series of studies on the various festivals of the Old Testament. This will make an excellent pre-Easter series of studies. Also there are some subtitles that can be used in other studies. This would make an excellent pre-Easter series of studies. This could be divided down into a series of pre-Easter studies which would be very appropriate.)

"It's the morning after Christmas and all through the house

confusion and chaos reign as we try to get back to normalcy

(whatever that is ---)."

We have already accomplished little or nothing toward out regular routines of life, plus we have locked ourselves out of our condo and had to call a neighbor to let us in. We also realized we left one of our gifts with the part of the family we enjoyed celebrating with the last couple of days. We are thankful for cell phones, because we had it with us or we would not have been able to contact our neighbor that he might share his neighborliness with us.

Christmas Eve found us in worship with other members of our family. The beautiful music and decorations lifted our spirits to rejoice as we worshipped "the new born King". Celebrating the Lord's Supper reminded us dramatically of the "reason for the season". Yes, it is important to remember the birth of the King, but we must also remember the true significance that He must first become out Savior before we can recognize Him as "King of Our Lives". The sharing of the bread and cup humbled us to appreciate that the "true meaning of the Christmas season" must also include the promises of Christ's death, burial and resurrection that assure us or our salvation.

Truly, in the spirit of the season, we returned to their home for the traditional oyster stew before opening gifts. However, in recent years, since our son married an FBI (Full Blooded Italian) the Italian tradition, with Lasagna, has been added to our tradition. Lasagna makes an excellent meal with oyster stew. The great-grand-children "weren't hungry" (I wonder why), but they waited impatiently. Immediately after our traditional Christmas Eve meal the wrapping paper flew as great-grand-children opened their gifts. Squeals of joy and excitement filled the air with "O! It's just what I wanted". Visiting, conversation and reminiscing filled the evening; then to bed.

Christmas Morning, pancakes, quiche, coffee with all the side dishes announced that "Breakfast was ready". Then the parents, grandparents and great grandparents enjoyed a leisurely opening of the gifts. The great grand children were still present, just in case they missed some gifts the evening before. More exclamations of appreciation were expressed. Dinner followed with more lasagna, ham and all the extras including tasty and filling desserts. Then came a time of sharing around the dinner table. Each of us had been given the name of one of the family members. We were to share a good word, thoughts and appreciation, concerning the individual whose name had been given.

A leisurely afternoon with conversations of family, God's love, football and, O, yes, always the side bar of all the delicacies, chocolate, mint, chocolate, breads, etc, etc, etc, and O, yes, did I mention chocolates?

Then came supper (dinner) time. No one was hungry, but we all managed to eat more sandwiches and the best of the leftovers. Then more relaxation, conversations and games before home and bed.

What has been repeated over and over again time after time in this moment of reminiscing? Certainly we rejoiced in God's love, grace, mercy, but food, food, food and more food and this was always surrounded by conversation. Our Lord knows we enjoy good food. Often traditional foods are reserved for just such occasions. Is it any wonder that our loving Lord included special foods when He called His people together for fellowship and worship? But have you ever noticed that the conversation continues long after the food is gone and forgotten. The truth is the conversation and fellowship are far more important than the food, no matter how delicious it was.

In this study I would like to share with you thoughts on "Feasting with Jesus". We will study together special spiritual feasts recorded in the Old Testament. These all relate to our Lord's suffering, death and resurrection. We will look at the Old Testament origin and observance of these feasts as they relate to Christ, and if time permits, we will see the feasts that preview our eternal walk with Christ. Though not quoting from him directly, I will include much from Merrill F. Unger's "Unger's Bible Dictionary" for some of my thoughts.

The festivals are seven Holy Days observed by the Jewish nation. Under God's instructions these are summarized in Leviticus 23; then we will turn elsewhere to see the details of each of the observances. The first four feasts relate to the suffering, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. The last three relate to our spiritual walk and maturity through walking with the resurrected Christ.

Prepare, through prayer for God's guidance, for a spiritual "Feasting with Jesus". Observe how perfectly God chose to picture the eternal ministry of His Son through the festivals He gave the Israelites. These are in fulfillment of Paul's statement in (1 Corinthians 10:11) "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom, the ends of the [ages] are come." Please notice the word "ensamples" is used. This word is stronger than simply a picture of certain future events. The word ensample is more of a term used in smelting and die casting of exact replicas. As the first "proof coin" coming out of the cast bears the exact perfect smooth finish of the inside of the die so these festival "ensamples" portray perfect types of our Lord and His ministry. One will also notice they have a soft satin finish, contrary to other die cast coins, which reveals it as a perfect replica. To know whether an incident in the New Testament is an "ensample" or an "example" follow this test. If an Old Testament event is mentioned in the New Testament it is an "ensample"; if not it is an "example"; it is a picture, but not a type in its every detail.

The Weekly Sabbath

I will begin with the observance of the weekly Sabbath. The weekly Sabbath is considered a Jewish observance, but in reality it anti-dates Jewish history. Though it is recorded with the commandments given to Moses, Exodus 20:8-11, it dates back to the time of the creation of mankind. In (Genesis 2:2,3) God's first suggestion to Adam and Eve was that the seventh day was to be a special day of blessing, a time of rest from labor as He Himself rested after the six days of creation.

Some believers observe to "remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy". This practice dates back to the commandment given to Moses in (Exodus 20:8-11), but I would suggest, if this is the reason to observe the seventh day, they should go back to its original beginning in the book of Genesis.

The question is raised; the Jews observed the Sabbath on the last day of the week. The early church went to the synagogue and temple on the Sabbath day. This is true. The question to be answered is "Why did the early Christians go to the temple and the synagogues on the Sabbath?" Reading the contexts of these occasions we find they were doing missionary ministry for Christ. They wanted to reach the Jews, their brothers and sisters after the flesh, for Christ. To do so they went to the temple when the Jews would be present. They would go on the Sabbath, on the day the Jews went to be present for worship. Just as today, if non-Christians wanted to reach the most Christians with their religion, they would go to the church on Sunday, the day the believers would be in the building. An example of this would be found in (Acts 16:11-1)3. Paul had come into Europe to begin his ministry there. In verse 13 we read, "And of the Sabbath we went out of the city by the riverside, where prayer was [accustomed] to be made; and we sat down, and spoke to the women who resorted there." It was there he reached Lydia, the seller of purple, and brought her to faith in Christ, vv14,15,40.

Again in 1 Corinthians 16:2 the early Christians were making a practice of worshipping "on the first day of the week" because Paul admonished them "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."

Thus we see that the weekly Sabbath anti-dates the Jewish law back to the time of the creation of Adam and Eve.

Then, why did God permit, and not chastise, the early Christians for worshipping "on the first day of the week"? The first day of the week was the day Jesus rose from the dead. In observance of Jesus' resurrection and the assurance of our salvation was so important to God He permitted Jesus' people to worship together in observance of His resurrection. It wasn't long until the "First day of the week" began to be known as "The Lord's Day" Revelation 1:9,10.

Other references concerning these thoughts are found in the following scriptures. (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2,9; Luke 24:1; John 20:11; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Acts 13:14ff; 15:21; 20:7, Romans 14:5 ff; Revelation 1:20).

Now let us search a little deeper. What will be the position of the various groups of believers from the various dispensations of God's eternal plans? From various scriptures, these people do not all appear to have the same positions in heaven, yet, in another sense, they will all have the same importance and glory.

The believers of the patriarchal period.

This group of people came to salvation by faith in God's eternal plan, looking forward to the coming of Christ, as did the believers in all other dispensations. However, they did not have the written word of God as has been given to us through the Old Testament writers. God spoke to many of them through dreams, visions and certain events in their lives. When they died they were in the very presence of God as we will be, but there was a difference. God could not forgive and take their sins away until Christ had come and given His life to pay for their sins. As an example we read of Enoch, "And Enoch walked with God, was he not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:25). God took him into His presence in some relationship of which we are unaware. In Hebrews 11 we read that Abel, Enoch, Noah and others of this age were blest by God at the time of death.

The believers in the age of the Old Testament Jewish believers.

Israel, however, has a more clarified and specific relationship with God than did the believers in the age of the patriarchs. Throughout the Old Testament the People of faith in the Jewish nation are pictured as The Wife of God, the Father. God dealt with Israel often as an unfaithful wife. He never ceased loving them, whether wayward or walking at His side, but often He permitted justice and judgment to come upon them. As soon as they repented He took them back into His loving care.

An excellent example of this is in the book of the prophet Hosea. Hosea married a wife that was often unfaithful to their marriage covenant and vows. Whenever this happened Hosea, though he set her aside for the period of time when she was unfaithful, but was always there to restore her into his fellowship when she repented. He even bought her back from the slave market to reveal his love for her. She was twice his; he married her and later paid the price to redeem her unto himself once again. Read the entire book of Hosea and one can see the parallel between Hosea and his wife, and God's relationship with His wife, Israel. Have you ever thought of your own life as a Christian? You belong to Christ twice. First He created you (John 1:3,4) and then He redeemed you from the slavery of sin through His death on the cross (1 Peter 1:18).

As we see this truth revealed throughout the Old Testament, believing Israel will be in a relationship with God the Father as His wife. It will be a glorified position, just as any other groups will be. However, because they looked forward to the coming of Christ, through their various festivals and sacrifices, and because God the Father was the instrument through whom the godhead worked with them, the relationships will be different.

As a sidelight, consider this question. In a spiritual sense, Jesus is our bridegroom. He came from the nation of Israel through Mary, God's select and chosen vessel. Thus Israel is our mother-in-law, God's wife. Should we not acknowledge her with high respect and due honor as God's wife? God has promised her "I will bless them who bless thee and curse him who curses thee" (Genesis 12:3). Again, because the Jews, the believing ones, were saved by faith in their coming Messiah, they will be in eternity with all other believers on the same solid equal foundation. "God is no respecter of persons."

The believers in the New Testament era.

Now, coming to the New Testament time, to the present period in God's eternal plan, what will be the position of the New Testament believers? The New Testament makes it very clear that the church is seen as The Bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2; 22:17). Our relationship in heaven will be with Christ as the relationship of God, the Father, and the nation of Israel is in the Old Testament. In Matthew 25:1-13 we read the parable of the ten virgins who are invited to The Marriage of the Lamb to His bride. We read in Revelation 19:7-10 that this will be one of the activities we will be sharing during the period of Great Tribulation here upon earth. Matthew 22:1-14 tells us, in parabolic form, concerning the king preparing the banquet for His Son.

As we see the Old Testament written to and for the children of Israel, assuring them of their eternal relationship with God, as His wife, so the New Testament is written as the book of instructions for the Christians, who will ultimately be united with Christ as ius bride.His bride.His bride. Please consider – if the church is the Bride of Christ at the time we are raptured (Revelation 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) the church will be complete at that point in time, and will be the only group of believers recognized as the Bride of Christ. If others will be added later the bride will be incomplete at the time of the rapture. If others are to be added later the church will be "ruptured", not "raptured". God dealt with Israel as His wife in the Old Testament and Jesus is dealing with us as His future bride in the New.

I thought we, the church, will reign with Christ during His millennial reign. This is absolutely true, but in what position will we reign with Him? It will not in the legislative position as we may have often considered, but in a more glorious position. We will reign with Him as His bride, His queen; not in the legal and day to day governing of His kingdom.

The believers converted during the period of great tribulation

According to the Book of Revelation there will be a great multitude that will be converted during this period that transpires immediately after the church is raptured to be with Christ. At the rapture the church will be complete; no more will be added to it. Those believers who are saved during the tribulation will come to believe in Jesus Christ, but they will also be martyred for their faith in Him. Their souls will be cared for until the end of the tribulation (Revelation 6:9-11; 20:4). Then they also will be with all other believers in heaven for all eternity. According to (Revelation 20:4) these will all be raised at the end of the tribulation period to reign with Christ here on earth for a thousand years. What their position will be after the thousand years may not be as clear as the other groups. Their position is sealed because they will be ruling with Christ in governmental roles during His earthly reign. One may say, "But I thought we, the church, will reign with Him. True, but in our position, we will reign as His bride, His queen, not in the governing of His kingdom.

Now for a definite clarification; God does not have several ways of salvation for the various periods of human history. He is only revealing various views of His eternal – salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. The Old Testament believers came to Christ through faith in various pictures of His death as revealed in the Old Testament. 1 Corinthians 10:11 states "Now all these things happened unto them for [ensamples], and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the [ages] are come."

This verse clearly states that everything we find recorded in the Old Testament is recorded by the wisdom of God to point forward to the ministry of His Son, Jesus Christ. Though the Old Testament believers did not clearly understand the eternal meanings of all their sacrifices and festivals they visibly revealed what God planned for the way of salvation through the ministry of His Son. Though they may not have understood, the very fact they obeyed the teachings of God, they were saved looking forward, by faith. At the close of Hebrews 11 the writer concludes with these words, "And these all, having [received witness] through faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." These were all looking forward through types and pictures, to the coming of their Messiah, Jesus Christ, but the way was not completely or clearly understood. To them, Christ's first coming is like our looking forward to His second coming. Certain things are not totally clear to us concerning His second coming, but we accept the fact of Christ's return by faith. Thus, God accepted them by the faith the people had in His types and pictures. This caused the relationship of a husband being the head of the household to lead His wife as "help meets" one for the other. Notice the last verse, "They without us should not be made perfect". This certainly is not stating that we are, in and way ,better than they were; it is simply stating that because we have seen the coming of Christ and understand the way of salvation through Him, we can more simply understand what God's eternal purpose was and is to be.

Let me give you an illustration from my own life. I have MDS ((Myelo Disp+astic) Syndrome). This is a pre acute leukemia disease. Many of the red blood cells enter the body deformed and therefore they cannot effectively perform the work they were created to perform. These deformed cells are called "blast cells". I have blood tests taken monthly to see how many of these blast cells are present in my blood system, but from time to time the doctor takes a bone marrow biopsy to count the exact number, to see whether they have increased or decreased. When I questioned the doctor concerning the biopsies he said, "Through the blood tests we can see the number of blast cells as through a foggy mirror, but with the biopsies we can get an exact count to know the exact number and to know exactly how far the cells have progressed or regressed. Then we know to the point the amount of medication to use to keep the disease under control.

Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 13:12 will help us see that the Old Testament believers did not see nor could they understand it perfectly. "Now we see [in a mirror] darkly; but then, face to face; now we know in part, but then shall I know even as I am known" cf. (1 John 3:2,3). They saw the Lord as through a foggy mirror, like the blood tests. Those believers were just as we, because the future, though revealed in many ways, is still somewhat foggy, so it was with them. They could see the coming of God's plans through a foggy mirror, but much could not be totally understood.

As we have begun by tasting the delicious hors d'oeuvres, now we can see that "Feasting with Jesus" will be a delicious banquet so let us continue. Now we will get into the "main course" of our "Feasting at the Festivals" of the Old Testament.

The Feast of the Passover – Leviticus 23:4,5; Exodus 12:1-14

The Passover is introduced to us the evening before the children of Israel left their 433 year bondage in Egypt.

It's significance. The Passover was to be kept as a memorial of redemption of the first .born. They were delivered from the death angel as he passed over Egypt and killed the first born of every man and beast in all the land. The first born son was delivered because the blood of the Passover Lamb was applied the lintel and doorposts of the house. This simple act in itself is a picture of Christ's death as we will see in a few minutes.

The Passover Feast and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are tightly knit together as one feast because they were introduced at the same time and because of their common unity in time. They are often referred to as one and the same, "Now the feast of unleavened bread drew [near] which is called Passover" (Luke 22:1).

When the Israelites were preparing to leave Egypt God told Moses that this was to become their first month of the year. Since then Nisan is their first month and corresponds to our March and April. This will correspond to our Easter season. This in itself tells us there is a correlation between the Jewish Passover and the observance of the Christian time of crucifixion and resurrection. The Passover was on the fifteenth day of Nisan. The first day of The Feast of Unleavened Bread began on the fifteenth day of Nisan. This was a festival that was to continue for seven days; thus it concluded on Nisan 21. The first and last days of this festival were Holy Days to be observed as a High Holy Sabbath day. These would be separate from the regular weekly Sabbaths.

Because they were on a given date of the month, not the same day of the week, they could not fall on any given day of the week such as our Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's, but on different days of the week as our Independence Day, Washington or Lincoln's birthdays.

Its initiation. Passover was instituted as a memorial to remind the children of their deliverance from the last plague that was delivered upon the Egyptians when the first born was slain in every family and animal in Egypt (Exodus 12:1).

. Its name literally comes from God's promise to Israel. If they were obedient, in their obedience, God promised that the death angel would pass over their dwellings (Exodus 12:23).

Its observance Exodus 12:1-14 gives us a detailed explanation of the preparation and observance of this special day that was to be remembered as a memorial annually (14)"throughout their generations".

On the tenth day of the month the father of the family was to set aside a yearling lamb that was to be observed continually until the fourteenth day of the month (vv. 5,6). It was to be set aside that there might be a daily scrutiny of the lamb. "In the evening" of the fourteenth day, the day of preparation, the lamb was to be killed. In the Jewish thought "In the evening" was afternoon to be killed at three o'clock "The hour of sacrifice". Please note these details carefully; they are essential as we observe their fulfillment later. Note that this was "The Day of Preparation", the day of killing the Passover lamb. This was of such importance the every gospel writer takes special note that this was the day on which Christ was crucified (Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:14,31,42).

The blood was caught in a basin and saved for a later use. Now, another important detail must be taken into consideration to fully understand the chronicle of events. The Jewish day is from sunset to sunset. At sunset on the fourteenth, the day the lamb was slain, the fifteenth day of the month Nisan began.

After the lamb was slain the Father was to dress it, put it on a "spit" over an open fire to roast it. A "spit" was a rod thrust through the body from head to tail to suspend the lamb over the fire. Another spit was fastened into each front leg to "spread eagle" the lamb that all would be roasted evenly and nothing would restrain the fire from accomplishing its work. Little did the father ever understand in so doing, according to God's instructions, the lamb was literally "crucified". This would symbolize their Messiah's death on a cross.

The blood that had been caught in the basin was to be applied to the door posts and the lintel of the house in which they would later eat the lamb (v22). Neither would the father understand, holding the basin probably at waist level, as he applied the blood to the two door posts and then above, on the lintel, he was literally making the form of the cross. Aren't God's instructions marvelous in their detail? (This is the foundation for many denominations making the form of the cross in their worship.) Then all the family needed to do is stay within the house and rest, secured under the blood, Then, "the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood upon the lintel, and on the two door posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not [permit] the destroyer to come into your houses to smite you. And you shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever" (v 2,3,24).

The application – Our heavenly Father knows the end from the beginning. Nothing takes Him by surprise. It is for this reason He could instruct Moses to give such detailed account as to how and when the Lamb was to be slain and how the blood was to be applied. This all portrayed Calvary and the plan of redemption, by the blood of Calvary, for lost sinners around the world.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread – Leviticus 23:6-8; Exodus 12:14-20

The Time and Purpose to Establish the Feast of Unleavened Bread – Leviticus 23:6-8. The feast is to begin at sundown on Nisan 14 and was to continue for seven days, thus concluding in Nisan 21. Both the first and last days of the feast were to be "Holy Convocations". These would be observed as "High Sabbaths" as in contrast to the regular "Weekly Sabbaths". Because these are stated days of the month (Nisan 14,21) they could fall on any day of the given week. Note the feast is to be simultaneous with and continue after the Day of Passover.

For seven days no leaven (yeast) is to be found in any home of the Israelites. For this reason all leaven is to be searched out and destroyed before the feast begins. The leaven must be destroyed by sundown on that day - Nisan 14.

The question can rightfully be raised, "Why is all leaven to be destroyed for this period of time?" Leaven is a fermenting agent and it destabilizes anything with which it comes in contact. Whenever it is mentioned in the scriptures it is pictured as a type of sin. This was to be a very sacred season of the year for the Israeli nation and thus this picture or type of sin is to be removed from their homes. For this reason leaven is to be eliminated .from all worship and for use in the homes for this period of time (Exodus 12:15; 13:7) and in all meal offerings that were offerings of grain (Leviticus 2:11; 6:17; 10:12). As the whole week pictured the work of the sinless Christ, every suggestion of sin must be irradiated because there was no sin in Him.

The New Testament carries the same connotation when leaven is mentioned. (Matthew 13:33; 16:5; Luke 13:21; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8). In Matthew 13:33 because leavening (yeast) was hard to reprocess after it is once destroyed, the housewives would often try to hide a little leaven in a batch of flour, ready to resurrect it after the feast was over. However, through that period of time the leaven continued the process of fermentation. When the meal was once again reconstituted it had already leavened the meal.

In Matthew 16:6 Jesus is reintroducing the subject of leaven and its unholy identification. He uses it in teaching against the Pharisees and Sadducees. As He speaks of their "forms of godliness but denying the power thereof" He refers to it as fermenting leaven which negated all of their positive ministries and made them of no avail.

In Luke 13:20,21 Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God, all creatures in God's universe. Leaven was introduced when Lucifer fell from God's grace (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19). When Lucifer fell and became the Devil, the deceiver, he introduced leaven in to the Kingdom of God. He reintroduced it into the Garden of Eden, and it has continued to multiply until the whole universe is feeling its impact.

Paul continues this negative fermenting action as leaven is introduced in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 5) when a man in the church takes his father's wife as his own (5:1). He described how the church should discipline an individual for committing such a heinous sin. Such a one is to be cast out of the church and treated as an unbeliever. Continuing through the passage, Paul refers to two sins specifically, malice and wickedness. as the antitype of leaven.

The regulations and practices of the Feast of Unleavened Bread – Exodus 12:14-20. On the first day, Nisan 14, all leaven is to be removed from their houses. The first and the seventh day were to be holy days to observe as a weekly Sabbath. No manner of labor is to be done (v16). It is to be a week long celebration to conclude in the 21^st of Nisan (v6). To follow this exactly as written it would total eight days. Over and over it repeats that this is a seven day festival. As I might interpret the statements to bring a reconciliation I ask myself the question, Is this referring to the evening of the day (Nisan 13) or at toward the evening of the day (the closing of the day)? As I see the chronology of the events I lean toward thinking this is referring to the evening (closing) of the day. To fit this into the seven day time frame it would be the evening of the fourteenth day (our time interpretation). Thus the fifteenth to the twentieth would be a seven day period.

With this understanding, let us reconstruct the time table and activities of the day. During the fourteenth day all leaven was to be cleansed from the house. Then beginning at sundown at evening, they were to east unleavened bread through the twenty-first day of the month. As this represents a perfect picture of the very solemn time in the life of our Lord, leaven, a type of sin in its every reference in the Bible, it is set aside completely. This represents a perfect picture of our Lord's death, burial (and in the next lesson) His resurrection (Hebrews 4:15)"For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin".

(See my lesson on "Satan's Attack Plans")

The Feast of First Fruits – Leviticus 23:7-14; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

This feast is a closely related part of the Passover and the feast of which we have just written. The Passover was first introduced and the Feast of Unleavened Bread became a part of the Passover observance (Luke 22:1). The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a week long celebration of which Passover was observed as the first day. God instructed Moses that the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread was to be a holy Sabbath on which the people were not to perform any labor. This would also be the Day of Passover. The Passover lamb was to be slain the previous day (The Day of Preparation) at "the hour of sacrifice" (three o'clock in the afternoon). It was to be dressed, the blood applied to the door posts and the lentil of the door. After the lamb was roasted the entire family entered the house to which the blood had been applied. They were to eat the lamb prepared for urgent departure (Leviticus 12:11).

The death angel would go throughout the land of Egypt and in whatever house did not have the blood applied, the death angel would kill the first born of all the Egyptians from Pharaoh to the most humble of the nation, not only of the family, but also of all their livestock (Leviticus 12:12). But in the homes of Israel where the blood had been applied the death angel would "pass over" that home and the first born would be saved. Why would the first born be spared? Because the first born was to be set apart from birth as holy unto the Lord (Leviticus 13:1). They were to be redeemed through the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). He had been saved by the blood being applied on the doorway into the house. The first born was to be redeemed as holy unto God (Exodus 13:2,5; 12:11-15). Because God had been gracious and merciful God claimed the first born as His own. Truly this was looking forward to Mary's first born, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of the Living God. Christ has become our "Passover" (1 Corinthians 5:7). As our Passover, He became the Passover lamb that paid the debt for our sins that we might live forever with Him. We have been purchased with His precious blood just as the first born in Israel were redeemed by the blood of the Passover lamb being applied.

Christ was crucified on the Day of the Preparation just as it had been done to the Passover Lamb. The high priests came to Pilate and asked that the legs of the two thieves and Christ might be broken to hasten their deaths, not out of pity for these, but that the bodies might be taken from the crosses and disposed of before the Sabbath holy day (John 19:31). They were more concerned about desecrating the holy day than they were the victims of their harsh cruelty. When they came to Christ, they saw that He was already dead so they pierced His side. Why? This was in fulfillment of prophecy which stated "not a bone of his body shall be broken" (John 19:36,37; cf. Psalm 34:20 cf. Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Zechariah 12:10;Revelation 1:7)).

Now "Feasting with Jesus" let us see what we are having for desert. Dessert is always special; it is the sweetest and most delectable part of any meal. I am reminded of the story of the pastor visiting one of his parishioners as they were coming close to the time she would be going home to be with the Lord. She said she had instructed the funeral director she was to be buried with a fork in her hand. Of course the pastor had a question about the purpose of the fork. Then she told him that during the funeral service why she had made such a request. She said, "Tell the congregation that she had attended many church suppers and as they cleared away the dishes from the main course the waitresses would always say 'keep your forks, there is something better coming'. From those experiences I learned 'there is something better coming'". Is this not true at the end of our physical life for the believer? "There is something better coming."

And He arose from the grave the same day as The Feast of First Fruits were harvested and presented to the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

But wait, there is one more detail that must be fulfilled to make this an absolute perfect fulfillment of this entire weekend. Turn to Matthew 27:52,53. Note the exactness of these two verses. The graves (I believe of the Old Testament believers) were opened; but notice carefully, "and many bodies of the saints (Old Testament believers) that slept [were raised] and came out of the graves after his resurrection". I quote from the New Scofield Reference Bible page 1044, note 2 on v52 as he has explained to my thinking in concise and clearer explanation that I could write it. "(27:52) Although the graves were opened at the time of Christ's death (50,51), the bodies did not arise until "After his resurrection" (v52). Christ is the first-born from among the dead (Col. 1:18; Revelation 1:5) "and "the first fruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20). It is not stated that these bodies returned to their graves. The wave sheaf (Leviticus 22:10-12) typifies the resurrection of Christ, but it would appear from the symbol used that plurality is implied. It was a single "corn of wheat" that fell into the ground in the crucifixion and entombment of Christ (John 12:24); it was a sheaf which came forth in resurrection. The reference is that these saints went with the risen Christ into heaven."

To complete this entire, complex, yet simple ensample of God's divine authority of the Bible let us look at an incident on the morning of the resurrection that I have never heard explained. In Matthew 28:1-10; John 20:11-18 we have two accounts of Mary Magdalene going to the tomb on Easter Sunday morning, one time alone and another time with other women. I have never heard an explanation about a single detail of these two passages. Matthew 28:1 can very easily be translated "In the end of the Sabbaths" (plural rather than singular). According to the Thursday explanation of Jesus' crucifixion rather than Friday it would correct many apparent discrepancies as to the day Jesus was crucified. This would explain Friday as the High Holy Sabbath of Passover and then immediately Saturday, the regular weekly Sabbath. Then on the "first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher" (Matthew 28:1). The fact there are two different accounts of appearances of Jesus to the women after His resurrection must be considered. Before I do, I must admit through all of my studying I cannot go into the details because they are too many. Left to our imagination and insight I will not discuss what is not clearly stated. However there are two appearances that call for our observation. In Matthew's account it states that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb and seeing the stone rolled away and an angel sitting on the stone that had been rolled away. He told them that Jesus had been raised from the dead. They are instructed to go and tell His disciples. As they went they met Jesus. He greeted them and we read, ""They came and held him by the feet and worshipped him." Now let us turn to John's account (20:10-18). Mary is alone weeping outside the tomb. She stoops and looks in and two angels are sitting on the ledge on which Jesus had been laid. The conversation indicates that as yet she did not understand anything about the resurrection. She thought someone had stolen the body of Jesus. Then turning, she saw Jesus. Jesus spoke to her and she "supposing him to be the gardener" carried on a conversation with Him.

There is no explanation recorded in the scriptures, but I have often wondered where Mary might have gathered the idea that the resurrected Jesus was the gardener. It does prove one thing, Jesus did not travel with a holy radiance about Him as some have portrayed Him because she did not recognize Him from a holy radiance. He was total man just as much as total God. I see a simple explanation, but I have no scripture to support my line of reasoning. If you have a better explanation I would certainly give it consideration.

To answer this question let us go back to the crucifixion. I do not want to take away any of the "romance" one might have about this incident, but let us be realistic. First, Roman execution by crucifixion was to strip the victim naked to add to the humiliation to their already humiliating situation. I know every picture we have seen of the crucifixion there is a loin cloth present to show some modesty, but this is not the reality of execution by crucifixion. He was nailed to the cross naked to add more humiliation. Upon death Joseph and Nicodemus took Him from the cross, wrapped Him in burial cloths which were still in the tomb after His resurrection (John 20:6-8). From these stated and historical facts Jesus came from the tomb naked. Where would He get clothing to cover His nakedness? Did the garden caretaker have a tool shed where he could hang his work clothes before going home at night? Might Jesus have gone to the tool shed and put on the gardener's work garments? I see it as a possibility and a logical explanation.

Then there arises another question with even greater significance. Note John 20:17 which states "Jesus said unto her (Mary), Touch me not; for I have not yet ascended to my Father." Again quoting from the New Scofield Study Bible, page 1156 note 2. "(20:17) Compare Matthew 28:9; "and they came and held him by the feet and worshipped him".

A contradiction has been supposed. (1) That Jesus spoke to Mary, acting, as it were, as the High Priest fulfilling the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). Having accomplished the sacrifice, He was on His way to present the sacred blood in heaven; and, between the meeting with Mary in the garden, and the meeting of Matthew 28:9, He had ascended and returned – a view in harmony with types.

What would have transpired during this interval? To bring us to date once again, let us review. Christ had been crucified; at the moment of His death, there was an earthquake, the graves had been opened but not depopulated; Jesus had entered Paradise to welcome the repentant thief; the veil of the temple had been torn completely in two, from the top to the bottom. Now let us consider the resurrection. The stone at the tomb had been rolled away; the angels were present and prepared to encourage the disheartened; the Old Testament believers had come from the graves and walked in the streets of Jerusalem. Mary had come and was told not to touch the Lord. His explanation was, "I have not yet ascended to my father." Later the women saw Him and they were permitted to touch Him and worship Him.

To answer the above question may I give a suggestion? There is nothing in the scriptures to verify the events specifically. My suggestion was that Jesus ascended to heaven, offered His blood to the Father as an atonement for our sins. Heaven was then open for all believers and thus Jesus escorted the Old Testament believers into the very presence of God, the father. See Ephesians 4:8; Psalm 68:18.

Today, the delectability of our Feasting with Jesus is to see how fully and completely he fulfills all of these feasts. Did you realize that over three hundred prophecies and ensamples of His ministry were fulfilled in a period of less than twelve hours on the day of His crucifixion, and each in total and complete accuracy. Charting, as I did in my seminary study, let us see how these few days are completely fulfilled in the anti-type of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord.

IMPORTANT: To see the fulfillment of these feasts in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, remember, the Jewish day began at sunset one day to the sunset of the next day. In contrast our day begins at 12 am and ends at 11:59 pm that day.

Just a sidelight for your evaluation. In Ephesians 4:26 we read "Be angry and sin not, let not the sun go down upon your wrath; neither give place to the devil". Why did Paul suggest we have all negative accounts resolved by sunset? Because that was the close of the day and a new day began at that moment of sunset. Wouldn't it be a marvelous experience to resolve all issues by sunset rather than carrying them to bed with us? By resolving all conflicts at sunset, we would have the evening to relax so at bedtime we would be rested and at peace. What a night of restful sleep this would bring to each that we could rise upon a new day ready to serve without contention. Just a thought.

The first actions that introduce this season of festivities began on Nisan (the first month of the Jewish year comparable to our March/April).

The Old Testament Activity The New Testament Fulfillment

Nisan 10

The Passover lamb was set aside to seek The Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, The

out any blemishes or imperfections time Jesus was set aside to be observed, scrutinized for any imperfections. Jesus' sinless perfection was seen in its fullest during this week.

Nisan 14 – Day of Preparation

The Passover Lamb was slain at 3 pm, Jesus died at 3 pm, the same moment the

Dressed, prepared and roasted to be Passover Lamb was slain 1 Corinthians 5:7

Eaten and the blood applied to the

The blood was applied to the door of

the house where they ate the lamb

All leaven was to be purged from

their houses

Nisan 15

The Passover Lamb was eaten and all Jesus was in the grave after He had

remained under the blood paid for our sins – Passover Sabbath

Passover Day – Sabbath observed

Nisan 16

Weekly Sabbath, all rested Jesus remained in the grave

Nisan 17

The observance of the Feast of First Jesus rose from the dead as our first fruits

Fruits ! Corinthians 15:20-23

The open graves were emptied

Fifty days later

Feast of Ingathering; Feast of Weeks Pentecost, the giving of the Holy Spirit

The birth of the Church of Jesus Christ

Acts 2

Another thought – If there had been a day between the two Sabbaths, given this opportunity, would not the women have come to the tomb and prepared Jesus' body for permanent burial? Lazarus had been in the grave for four days (John 11), and when Jesus commanded them to open the grave Martha responded, "Lord, by this time his body has begun to decompose; for he has been dead four days (v39).

They had gone to the grave of Jesus for the same reason, to prepare the body for permanent burial. Would they have not taken the same opportunity to save such a situation?

Eating from the Tree of Life

2009-03-24T13:41:00.001-05:00

Eating from the Tree of Life

Genesis 2:9

Trees! Trees are phenomenal!

You hear the word "trees" and a myriad of thoughts cross your mind. The word may bring back childhood memories of special trees that have affected your life; you might become hungry thinking of the various delicious fruits you enjoy; or the word may bring back thoughts of storms that have destroyed a favorite tree. Your mind wanders.

Several years ago I was conducting a youth camp and decided to get up early, before the young people got out of bed, and go fishing. Believe it or not, I accomplished the feat. As I was sitting on the dock soaking my line, my mind focused on a tree directly across the lake from where I was sitting. I became so fascinated with the tree I lost interest in the things around me. The tree was tall and stately. I wondered at its age; how strong it was to stand alone on the shores of the lake. It had no protection; there were no other trees to help defend it from the ravages of the weather. I became so obsessed with the tree that I lost all attention to my fishing gear. Suddenly I heard a scraping noise just in time to see my pole drop over the end of the dock. I reached out to grab it, but I was too late; I watched the fishing rod, reel and all sink to the bottom of the lake and disappear. Whatever it was that had struck the bait was pulling out into deeper water until it disappeared. I was thankful it was an old rod and reel so I didn't lose much.

After the excitement of the moment I once again settled down to meditate on the tree across the lake. It became such an obsession with me that I decided later in the day, when the campers were in their cabins resting (I think that is what they are supposed to be doing) I would drive around the lake and see if I could find the tree and observe it from closer range. I could see the stately figure as I drove around to where it was standing. It was so tall that I seldom lost sight of it, and when I did it was only for a few minutes. Suddenly, I had arrived; there it was; more stately than I had imagined; in a pasture, alone, by the shore of the lake. I parked the car at the side of the road and walked over to admire it at close range.

What a sight. As the result of the years of its sentinel duty watching its terrain, the waters had washed away the soil from its roots to the point where I could literally stand among the roots without stooping over and see the bottom of the trunk. The bark had been beaten from the bottom of its trunk, still it stood. I wondered how old it might be to have withstood so many storms, draughts, and other natural disasters, but it stood firm.

I took my New Testament and Psalms from my pocket and read Psalm 1:1-3."Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper."

The Bible records many situations in which trees were involved. Some were events of blessing, joys and happiness while others bring pain and sorrow to our hearts Today let us look at one tree which is mentioned from the early chapters of Genesis to the book of Revelation. Its name is "The Tree of Life". As we progress through the scriptures let us see how this tree has affected our lives.

The tree to physical life Genesis 2:9,19; 3:22-24

We have heard much concerning the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil"; but a tree just as important is found just a short distance away. It is called "The Tree of Life". To eat of the fruit of this tree would cause an individual to live forever in his physical body. Think of the horrible possibility of living forever in this natural body we are wearing today. Living in this body and contracting an incurable painful disease would become intolerable. We would desire to do anything to get relief, but no relief would come.

There will come a time when all men, great and small, rich and poor, young and old will desire such relief and it will not be within their reach. Revelation 6:12-17 records such a time when men will desire and do the physical actions to bring about death, but it will flee from them. There will also be a time when all unbelievers will experience this in a physical/spiritual sense. It is a place called "prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:40). Whoever, except for the Devil and his angels, enters it is an intruder.

Interestingly, when God created the Garden of Eden He planted two trees "in the midst of the garden" apparently side by side. I am sure one was as beautiful and attractive as the other, and the fruit would have tasted just as delicious as the fruit of the other. I have often questioned, with this potential and possibility available, why did Adam and Eve select to eat of "The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil" rather than "The Tree of Life"? Certainly Satan was involved as we read the story as it is recorded; he knew what the results would be if they disobeyed God's command, so he drew their attention to the one tree rather than the other, and we are reaping the harvest of that one act today. We have suffered as the result of that one sin even until today.

Supposing God had not turned them out of the Garden of Eden after they disobeyed Him. What if they had remained and sooner or later have eaten of The Tree of Life, what would have been the result? They would have lived physically from that moment on. God gives us the answer to that question in Genesis 3:22, "and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take and eat of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever; Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from where he was taken". God, knowing the result of their eating of the other tree, because of His love for them, drove them from the garden.

What kind of tree were these two? One produced the fruit of 'the knowledge of good and evil"; the other produced the "fruit of life". These trees were not apple, or peach or pear trees; their fruit was what is stated in the Bible. One was the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil" and when Adam and Eve ate of the fruit, they knew and understood what good and evil was. The fruit is recorded in the next two verses (7,8). They saw they were naked. Could Adam and Eve not see; did they not know this fact before this incident? Yes and No. They could see and know each other, but there was no sense of guilt in their physical appearance toward each other. Living in the very presence of God to this very moment, I am sure there was the sense of God's radiance surrounding them. Suddenly, at the moment they ate the fruit God's presence disappeared 'they saw they were naked"; as the result of their sin, they found themselves naked; God's radiant presence disappeared "and the eyes of them both were opened" (v7). What was the first thing they did? They tried to cover their guilt (nakedness). And the second thing they did? "They hid themselves from the presence of God (v8). Why? Because they had eaten of the fruit "The knowledge of good and evil".

Supposing Adam and Eve had eaten of the tree of life, what would have been the result? The result would have been the sense or experience of understanding what continual life would have been like. They would have sensed the experience, but they would not have known what the results of such an experience would be because they had not yet sinned.

Now, before we study any further, note this, the fruit was not poisonous; had it been Adam and Eve would have died physically immediately, however they had immediately died spiritually. The fruit produced a deadly toxin like substance that though it was slow acting it was one hundred percent fatal. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4). It was not that the fruit itself was deadly; it was the act of eating the fruit (disobedience) that was deadly. Another name we might give that tree would be "The Tree to Disobedience and Its Result". God said, "Thou shalt not eat"; disobedience said, "You cannot make rules to govern us; we will do as we please." The sin was disobedience, not the act of eating the fruit, and God stated specifically, "In the day you eat the fruit you will die" (2:17). The moment they ate of it, immediately they died "spiritually", separated from the presence of God.

Would it not be important to pause at this juncture and define the word "death"? What is death? In its simplest definition death is separation. We are present as group today, but when we leave this place later today and go our separate ways we, in a sense died one to the other. We are separated; there will not be the fellowship we are having at this moment, and that broken fellowship will continue until we meet again.

When physical death is involved, that fellowship is broken once again. At this time that separation will be physically permanent until the day of the resurrection in Christ's presence; and if one has not put their personal faith in Christ's finished work for salvation it will be a permanent separation. This is known as "eternal death" the separation from the God who is the source of all life. That separation, or death, will be an eternal period of consciousness separated from the God of life, separation from this source of life and it will be a conscious eternal separation from that source of life.

The separation that was introduced to Adam and Eve at that very moment could not be reinstated until God took the initiative. Adam and Eve tried to cover their nakedness by sewing fig leaves together to cover themselves (3:7), but the fig leaves were insufficient. Though the hid their bodies from one another, they stood naked before God. Through their guilt they tried to hide from God (3:8) .As one of the first pictures of Christ recorded in the Old Testament God clothed them. From the beginning God was picturing the death of Christ because the scriptures state specifically, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin" Hebrews 9:22). Thus God killed an animal (as it relates to other offerings) we assume was a lamb and made our first parents coats of skins to clothe them. Through their coats of leaves God could still see their hearts and they were guilty (1 Samuel 16:7b). The blood only covered their sins until our Lord came and gave His life for us. Thus the truth of the statement "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin" (I John 1:7,9) is fulfilled.

Because of their sin and because of God's love Adam and Eve never had the privilege of eating from The Tree of Life. God closed the way to that life giving tree by driving them from the Garden of Eden and placing the cherubim with flaming swords at its entrance.

The Tree to spiritual cleansing

This is in fulfillment of the prophecy, "Cursed is everyone that hanged upon a tree" (Galatians 3:13).

God so loved this Masterwork of His creation He immediately began revealing His eternal plan for their salvation. Through various portraits of sacrifices, festivals and gatherings of the people he began revealing this eternal plan. 1 Corinthians 10:11 Paul wrote this summary of the Old Testament; "Now all these things happened to them from ensamples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come." Even as we have seen, God began revealing this eternal plan through the clothing He created for Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness. From this moment on God is continually working with His people, those who by faith have placed their faith in Him, to reveal His eternal plan that would be revealed when he sent His only begotten Son into the world. His Son would be made a curse to pay the penalty for sinful man (2 Cor. 5:21).

His eternal Son, through the bodily coming of Jesus Christ, is the fulfillment of the prophesy, "Cursed is everyone that hangs upon a tree" (Galatians 3:13).

This tree, though cursed and was dead is still the source back to the Tree of Life from which Adam and Eve had been separated when they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Christ became a curse for us when He was hanged upon the cross at Calvary. Galatians 3:13 states, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hands on a tree." This is a fulfillment of the law recorded in Deuteronomy 21:22,23. Absalom, David's rebellious "hippie" son, known for his long hair, when fleeing from David's army, his hair became his curse and downfall for it was caught and tangled in the branches of a tree and he hanged there until the army arrived and one of the soldiers killed him. The story is recorded in 2 Samuel 18.

While hanging upon the cross, "being made a curse for us", Jesus was rejected by His heavenly Father, and cried out in agony, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Notice Jesus did not call Him "Father" as He had done so many times throughout the gospels. Here Jesus refers to Him as "My God! My God!" What has caused this change in relationship? When Jesus hanged upon the cross to pay for the penalty of our sins this relationship changed radically. Rather than being His father, the eternal God became His judge. Jesus had become sin for us as recorded in 2 Corinthians 5:21. Because Jesus had become sin (personified) for us, God rejected Him, turned His back upon Him; Jesus faced eternal separation from His heavenly father. In so doing God became the eternal judge and permitted Christ to pay the penalty of separation from Himself, the Father, in payment for our sins (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

I have heard some teach that His heavenly Father never did truly forsake Him. They claim He was totally drugged and He hallucinated and thought His heavenly Father had forsaken Him. This is totally anti scriptural. There were absolutely no drugs given to him at this time of his life and death. At one point they offered him a pain reliever (vinegar), (Matthew 27:48). We read immediately following this statement that Jesus cried with a loud voice and gave up His spirit and died (Matthew 27:50).

Let us clarify this from the scriptures, Psalm 22:1, prophesied this would happen. Psalm, 22:3 answered the question why it would happen, "but thou art holy".. God is holy and cannot look upon sin. Jesus was made to be sin for us, (2 Corinthians 5:21) "For he (God the Father) has made Him (God the Son, Jesus Christ), to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." God cannot stand in the presence of sin. He made Jesus to become sin personified and He, Jesus, represented the sins of the entire world, and thus His Father had to turn His back on Christ who had become sin personified. It is recorded at the crucifixion "from the six hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour." God brought darkness upon the land so that mankind could not see the agony Jesus went through as he was paying for our debt of sin. Jesus, the light of the world, was separated from His heavenly father and suffered the darkness and agony of hell for that period of three hours.

At the close of that period of time Jesus cried with a loud voice, "My God, My God! Why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46 Why God?) Did the Father literally turn His back on His dying Son? Let me ask one question in answering this question. What is the penalty for our sins? The answer is Eternal death, total separation from God. If the Father had not separated Himself from Christ, then Christ did not pay the total penalty for our sins, eternal separation from God. Note Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Yes, he is speaking of the resurrection of Christ, but had Christ not have been separated from the Father, paying the total debt of our sins, His Father could not have raised Him from the dead; Christ had not yet paid the total penalty for our sins. To our thinking this seems absolutely impossible. How could God do this to His own Son, His only begotten Son? This is total and unreserved love, "agape" love. His love for us was so deep He willingly gave His Son to pay the debt that we might have eternal life (Romans 6:23). He challenged Abraham to do the same thing (Genesis 22); would God expect the one who has been called "a friend of God" (2 chronicles 20 7; James 2:23); and not have been willing to suffer the same experience. To do so, God would have expected more from His creation than He was willing to experience Himself.

How do I know this was the time of separation between the Father and the Son? At that same moment He also cried out with a loud voice, "It is finished, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit and having said this He gave up His spirit" (Matthew 27:50). At the very moment Jesus cried out this cry of separation God's eternal plan of the ages was complete. Christ opened once again the way to God's presence and to the tree of eternal life. After paying the penalty for sin, the experience of separation from God, the Father, and salvation was complete. Nothing can be added to nor can anything be taken away; Salvation is complete. PTL! The veil of the temple, which had been a symbol of separation from God for centuries, was now torn asunder from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51.52). The curtain of separation was torn apart and free access was offered to "Whosoever may come".

Note, Jesus always called God His father until this moment of separation. Then immediately following this declaration He again cries, with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit, and having said this He gave up His spirit" (Matthew 27:50) - into the father's loving hands.

The way is now open through the veil of the temple that was torn in two at the very moment of Christ's death. Since that moment God has welcomed anyone and everyone who will believe that through His death on the cross Christ paid the debt for every sin ever committed. He is your savior if you have made that commitment.

The Tree of Eternal Life Ezekiel. 47:7,12; Revelation 2:7; 22:2,14

To further support the fact that the cross was also a tree and Christ was accursed because He hanged thereon can be seen by the fact that the cross is mentioned as a tree in Acts 5:30; 10:39; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24. It is through Christ's death on the tree that we have eternal life. "Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes we are healed" (1 Peter 2:24).

Adam and Eve were driven from the Tree of Life, that had they eaten from its fruit, it would have given them physical life without end. I am certain they would have desired this except they could not understand the prolonged consequences as the result of this sin they had committed against their Creator, God. God, as the result of His compassion, grace, love and mercy, drove them from the Garden of Eden and blocked the way to this tree.

Jesus, the eternal Son of God, with the same love, compassion, grace and mercy, in obedience to His Heavenly Father's will, came to earth and paid the debt that all their descendents owed for their sin. Dying on the accursed (Galatians 3:13) cross of Calvary He paid the debt for their sins in full (Matthew 27:50). By this profound act of kindness, love and mercy He again opened the way to the Tree of Life. However, rather than providing continued unending physical life, He provided forgiveness for their sins and made it possible for Adam and Eve and their descendents to eat of the Tree of Eternal Life.

I just make reference to Ezekiel 47:7,12 at this point. Read it and we will continue and refer back to this reference later in our study. This is a prophecy for redeemed Israel who will occupy the land during the millennial reign of Christ. He speaks of the River of Life flowing from the Holy City in all directions. The abundance of the river will provide nourishment for the trees on either side of it (v7). This prophecy will be "fulfilled" when our Lord returns to reign here on the earth, but it is "filled full" throughout eternity in heaven.

In Revelation 2:7 Jesus is writing to the Seven Churches of Revelation in this section of the book (Revelation 2,3). This is an outline of the church age in which we are now living from Calvary to the present moment in history. Ephesus is the church that suffered persecution, and Jesus is writing to encourage the members of the church. The persecution was so severe the members were looking forward to death as the only release from the suffering they were enduring. Jesus encourages them by assuring them that through He Himself, they will overcome and they will be rewarded by eating the fruit from The Tree of Life.

There is a special reward for faithfulness by overcoming the world. One will be able to eat from The Tree of Life. Who has completely overcome the world? Only Christ has been "tempted in all points like as we and yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus said, "I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). How can anyone overcome the world? The only way is through Christ living in and through the individual.

Where is The Tree of Life today? Revelation 2:7,17,26; 3:12; 21:7 tells us it is in the midst of "the paradise of God". Compare this with "The Tree of Life" in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:22,23). It is watered from the River of Life producing The Water of Life. From where is The Water of Life coming? "He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the lamb" (Revelation 22:1). This is the source of all life, the throne of God and of the Lamb. Note the title. How do we gain such life? Ephesians 2:8,9, "For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not or works lest any man should boast." And as John has told us "Behold, the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

This Tree of Life will produce a different fruit every month. Why a different fruit every month? To make eternal life refreshing, pure and with continual anticipation. Have you ever noticed when you drink a "Coke" no two ever seem to taste quite the same? Several years ago I worked for the Coca Cola Company. I was informed that the company changed the flavor of "Coke" every thirty days so people would not become tired of the taste or flavor. Our God loves us so much He desires we will eternally look forward to the unexpected from Him. Thus He causes new fruit to grow on the Tree of Life every month throughout eternity.

"The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations ((Revelation 22:2)." The nations will be healed as was the nation of Israel, through faith in the work of Jesus Christ. They will ne judged as to how they treated Israel throughout their history (Matthew 25:40).

Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have right to The Tree of Life." These are "The robes of righteousness" (Christ's righteousness) with which we will be clothed in heaven. Adam and Eve were clothed with the glory of God's presence in the Garden of Eden; we will be clothed with Christ's righteousness throughout eternity.

A Pastor Teacher Person

2009-03-13T16:18:00.004-05:00

A Pastor/Teacher Person

(My Purpose Statement)

Who am I?

To know who I am as a person is of little value or is it of any great importance. Only to know I am a sinner saved by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ will suffice. Many years ago the Lord laid on my heart the truth of John 3:30 with such conviction that this verse has become my "Verse for Life". "He (Jesus) must increase, but I (self) must decrease."

Often, as small groups, Christians may discuss as to whom their favorite character in the Bible might be – or – If you had your choice, what character would you like to personify from the Bible? My choice for many years has been, "If I could be any character in the Bible I desired to be, I would like to have been the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem at the triumphal entry". Why? Jesus said, "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32). Obscured from the multitude, and covered by the robes of the disciples, his only responsibility was to lift up Christ. The donkey only appeared on the scene of history for a short period of time, but he fulfilled the commission God for him and passed from the scene into obscurity, but God has remembered. My only desire is to life up Christ and when my task is complete to pass from the scenes of history into the presence of God to hear the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

An interesting sidelight on this incident should be presented at this point. Note: the Bible states of the animal Jesus rode "on which yet never man sat" (Luke 19:30). Jesus was placed on this little animal and rode triumphantly into the holy city. What should have been the natural instinct of this colt? - Revolt, rebellion, stubbornness? Did the colt know his Master Creator was riding on his back and thus he was totally submissive? By being that little colt I desire to be unseen, only lifting up my Lord and Savior.

A Pastor/Teacher Person, known only to God, is the only recognition I need. You ask, "How did you select this name? In Ephesians 4:11, 12 Paul writes "and he gave some … pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ …." I think it is difficult for these two gifts to be separated. Every pastor should be pasturing his flock through his teaching ministry as well as through his preaching ministry. These two gifts were given for three specific purposes – For the perfecting of the saints (to bring Christians, Believer to maturing growth); "for the work of ministry (bringing these to a more efficient and effective ministry) for the work of edifying (maturing, growth, building) of the believers)." This has been the fulfillment of my ministry as "A Pastor/Teacher Person" for over sixty years. I trust to continue this ministry for Christ through this new and enlarged ministry.

Two illustrations will suffice to emphasize my point.

One Sunday morning after the worship service my wife asked me this question, "When are you going to stop teaching and start preaching?" She had seen me as teaching through my preaching ministry.

A short time later, a layman in the same church said to me, "I love to hear you preach because I learn something new every time I hear you preach." He, too, was learning through my preaching ministry.

Notice I have called myself A Pastor/Teacher Person; I am not The Pastor/Teacher

Person. There are many others, but I am one whom I trust the Lord can use in this new ministry.

What are my credentials?

I am, with my wife of 63 years, "A Pastor/Teacher Person". We have three sons, fifteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

We both attended Northwestern Bible Institute (now Northwestern College) in Minneapolis, MN during the early nineteen forties. I graduated from Northwestern Seminary in 1945.

I am an ordained Baptist Minister, and we have pastured churches in Minnesota, Texas, Iowa and South Dakota retiring after fifty three years of active pastoral service. Since then I have continued my ministry as a teacher until September 2008 when my health began to slow me down.

As I memorized all my scriptures from them KJV and have used it as the basis of much of my teaching and preaching, all my quotations will be from the KJV of the Bible.

What is my purpose?

While praying as to how I might continue the Lord's ministry, I received a letter from a family member suggesting that I continue my teaching through writing sermons and lessons for others to use. These could be placed on line to encourage others in their Christian faith. Also, fellow pastors, missionaries, teachers and devotional leaders could use these to glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

What is my plan?

I will be sharing sermons and Bible studies for pastors, teachers and other Christian leaders for use to glorify Christ. These will be available for any individual wanting to walk in a closer fellowship with Christ. There may be someone reading these articles that does not have a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. These, too, are invited to read and find such a new life changing experience.

I am writing from a conservative viewpoint that the Bible in the inerrant Word of God, Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and the only way to heaven comes through a personal faith in His finished work on the cross of Calvary. I believe in the security of the believer from the moment of salvation to the soon return of Christ to set up His millennial kingdom here upon earth. We will reign with Him and live with Him for all eternity.

I will not get into any doctrinal controversy with any of my readers. These articles are written for anyone to read and use to glorify our Lord. You may disagree with some of my doctrines; may the Lord bless you if you are seeking to serve Him and Him alone. Accept whatever you can use as you minister for Him and set aside the remainder. May He be praised!

I am sure that many of these thoughts may be entirely new to some of my readers; they may be "old hat" to others. When I first read some of these lessons from the Bible, I was challenged and questioned whether they were my thoughts or whether they were from God. If they are new, please do not set them aside and not be challenged by them. Study them, see how many of them will clarify the criticisms that people have leveled against the Bible and its inerrancy. Some of them will certainly clarify many of these criticisms. These are the results of sixty years of in depth research through the scriptures.

All the thoughts I may offer will be as I feel the Lord has given them to me, therefore, these thoughts and truths belong to Him. To copyright this material would be to copyright God's thoughts, therefore, I do not want this material copyrighted. I desire that it be used openly and freely for Christ's glory as widely as possible

If you disagree with my findings, one thing I request, "Please do not use this material to discredit the work of God. Just set it aside and continue your activities for God without disclaiming His majesty and glory."

Introduction

2009-02-05T16:20:00.000-06:00

A Pastor/Teacher Person

Who am I?
To know who I am as a person is of little value or is it of any great importance. Only to know I am a sinner saved by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ will suffice. Many years ago the Lord laid on my heart the truth of John 3:30 with such conviction that this verse has become my “Verse for Life”. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Often, as small groups, Christians may discuss as to whom their favorite character in the Bible might be – or – If you had your choice, what character would you like to personify from the Bible? My choice for many years has been, “If I could be any character in the Bible, I would like to have been the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem at the triumphal entry”. Why? Jesus said, “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Obscured from the multitude, and covered by the robes of the disciples, his only responsibility was to lift up Christ.

An interesting sidelight should be presented at this point. Note: the Bible states of the animal Jesus rode “on which yet never man sat” (Luke 19:30). Jesus was placed on this little animal and rode triumphantly into the holy city. What would have been the natural instinct of this colt? - Revolt, rebellion, stubbornness? Did the colt know his Master Creator was riding on his back and thus he was totally submissive? By being that little colt I desire to be unseen, only lifting up my Lord and Savior.

A Pastor/Teacher Person, known only to God, is the only recognition I need. You ask, “How did you select this name? In Ephesians 4:11, 12 Paul writes “and he gave some … pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ ….” I think it is difficult for these two gifts to be separated. Every pastor should be pasturing his flock through his teaching ministry as well as through his preaching ministry. These two gifts were given for three purposes – “For the perfecting of the saints (Christians, Believers); for the work of edifying (maturing, growth, building) of the believers).” This has been the fulfillment of my ministry as “A Pastor/Teacher Person” for over sixty years. I trust to continue this ministry for Christ through this new and enlarged ministry.

Two illustrations will suffice to emphasize my point.

One Sunday morning after the worship service my wife asked me this question, “When are you going to stop teaching and start preaching?” She had seen me as teaching through my preaching ministry.

A short time later, a layman in the same church said to me, “I love to hear you preach because I learn something new every time I hear you preach.” He, too, was learning through my preaching ministry.

Notice I have called myself A Pastor/Teacher Person; I am not The Pastor/Teacher
Person. There are many others, but I am one whom the Lord can use.

What are my credentials?
I am, with my wife of 63 years, “A Pastor/Teacher Person”. We have three sons, fifteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

We both attended Northwestern Bible Institute (now Northwestern College) in Minneapolis, MN during the early nineteenforties. I graduated from Northwestern Seminary in 1945.

I am an ordained Baptist Minister, and we have pastured churches in Minnesota, Texas, Iowa and South Dakota retiring after fifty three years of active pastoral service. Since then I have continued my ministry as a teacher until September 2008 y to “slow down”.

As I memorized all my scriptures from them KJV and have used it as the basis of much of my teaching and preaching, all my quotations will be from the KJV of the Bible.

What is my purpose?
While praying as to how I might continue the Lord’s ministry, I received a letter from a family member suggesting that I continue my teaching through writing sermons and lessons for others to use. These could be placed on line to encourage others in their Christian faith. Also, fellow pastors, missionaries, teachers and devotional leaders could use these to glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

What is my plan?
I will be sharing sermons and Bible studies for pastors, teachers and other Christian leaders for use to glorify Christ. These will be available for any individual wanting to walk in a closer fellowship with Christ. There may be those seeing these articles that do not have a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. These, too, are invited to read and find such a new life changing experience.

I am writing from a conservative viewpoint that the Bible in the inerrant Word of God, Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and the only way to heaven is through a personal faith in His finished work on the cross of Calvary. I believe in the security of the believer from the moment of salvation and the soon return of Christ to set up His millennial kingdom here upon earth. We will reign with Him and live with Him for all eternity.

I will not get into any doctrinal controversy with any of my readers. These articles are written for anyone to read and use to glorify our Lord. You may disagree with some of my doctrines; may the Lord bless you if you are seeking to serve Him and Him alone. Accept whatever you can use as you minister for Him and set aside the remainder. May He be praised!

I am sure that many of these thoughts may be entirely new to some of my readers; they may be “old hat” to others. When I first read some of these lessons from the Bible, I was challenged and questioned whether they were my thoughts or whether they were from God. If they are new, please do not set them aside and not be challenged by them. Study them, see how many of them will clarify some of the criticisms that people have leveled against the Bible and its inerrancy. Some of them will certainly clarify some of these criticisms. These are the results of sixty years of in depth research through the scriptures.

All the thoughts I may offer will be as I feel the Lord has given them to me, therefore, these thoughts and truths belong to Him. To copyright this material would be to copyright God’s thoughts, therefore, I do not want this material copyrighted. I desire that it be used openly and freely for Christ’s glory as widely as possible