Showing posts with label christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christian. Show all posts

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Got Questions: What Is Catharism?

Like many of my readers, I also peruse a great deal of medieval literature and history. During these mental travels into the past I had come across a few references to the Catharism cult and a few others. Curious as to what they practiced, I looked them up and thought I'd share the findings. From all this reading, I've learned that our ancestors where a superstitious lot!

Cathars where a strange bunch, weren't they? They vaguely remind me of the present day cult of worshiping the earth (i.e. Climate Change, Progressives, etc.). I guess that's because they worship the same 'god of the air', the great deceiver, the father of all lies, satan.

Many years ago I read part of the Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin book, referenced below. If you don't have that in your home library, I highly recommend it. Knowledge of what's right and wrong help to understand the enemy that we may fight for Him. This is a spiritual warfare, after all. [Ephesians 6:12Ephesians 6:111 Peter 5:8]

Thank you LORD Jesus for protecting us from such deceits that we may worship you in truth. Amen.
~ ~ ~ ~

www.GotQuestions.org


Question: "What is Catharism?"

Answer: Catharism is the term used to describe a set of quasi-Christian beliefs held by a group of medieval ascetics known as the Cathars (or Cathari), which means “pure ones.” According to Catharism, everything physical was created by the evil god of the Old Testament, and everything spiritual was created by the good god of the New Testament. The Cathars believed that human beings are really angels trapped in corrupted matter, forced to reincarnate until finally released by a ritual of purification.

One of the tenets of Catharism, which began in the 12th century, was a rejection of marriage. Cathars forbade marriage for a couple of reasons. First, they believed that humans were simply angelic beings imprisoned in flesh—and angels are genderless. Also, the Cathari believed that procreation was an evil act, since it prolonged the suffering and evil of the physical world. Cathars were also vegetarian and pacifistic.

Catharism taught that salvation required a ritual known as a consolamentum. This was vaguely similar to baptism, with the addition of speaking in tongues and fasting. A Cathar typically observed the consolamentum as late in life as possible, since he believed any pleasure taken in the world after the ritual would corrupt his spirit and prevent him from ascending to heaven. Many Cathars undertook the consolamentum on their deathbeds, then voluntarily starved themselves to death in order to guarantee purity in the afterlife.

Theologically, Catharism was dualistic; biblically, Catharism is completely false, although the Cathars claimed to be Christians. Scripture says that the same God who created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1) is the One who came in human form for our salvation (Acts 3:13). Unlike Catharism, the Bible says that each person is born and dies only once (Hebrews 9:27), has a human soul (Genesis 2:7), and is saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). No ritual can save us (Titus 3:5), nor are all worldly things inherently evil (Genesis 1:31).

In modern times, Catharism might be seen as a quirky or even progressive religious group. But in medieval Europe the Cathars were considered radical and profoundly dangerous to the stability of a fragile society. Those who denied the authority of the government to wage war and who refused to procreate were seen as anarchists threatening the culture. Catharism also rejected the Catholic sacraments and almost all other religious traditions. Unsurprisingly, Catharism was heavily persecuted by the Catholic Church; they were the particular targets of at least one minor Crusade and parts of the Inquisition. Catharism died out in the 14th century.

© Copyright 2002-2016 Got Questions Ministries

Recommended Resources: The Kingdom of the Cults, revised and updated edition and Logos Bible Software.

Sunday, April 19, 2015

PBS: Ancient Roads From Christ To Constantine

A few weeks ago, I happened upon a very interesting six hour mini-series on PBS titled “Ancient Roads From Christ To Constantine” by London based Jonathan Phillips. It’s a very well done. So far, I’m impressed by how thorough Mr. Phillips was in researching the history of the time. He couldn’t quite get it right about the Apostleship of Paul (Saul of Tarsus) and Paul’s importance to the Gentiles though. Perhaps Mr. Phillips has not been taught the Grace Message and why Paul was raised up after the stoning of Stephen but he did seem to get the history of all his journey’s and writings correct. With all the persecution going on at that time and then the twisting of the truth when merged with the still pagan Roman culture, it’s amazing that the message survived at all. The Grace Message given to Paul was kept safe in the Netherlands for many centuries during the time of the Roman conquests. God always keeps His Word safe so that all may hear and be saved.


But, back to the series, I admit, I’m very weak on this part of history because I don’t understand Middle Eastern customs or how they live. Quite frankly, never been overly interested. I’ve been so focused on learning what God wants for me in this life that sometimes I forget about the humans surrounding Him during the time that He walked the earth. This production has more-or-less fleshed out what that area was like back then. Until the series, I had never heard of Josephus (born Joseph ben Matityahu, lived 37 AD to 100 AD) and one of his writings titled "The Jewish War". I looked his writings up on Amazon, thinking that I would like to read it, but after reading the reviews, I think the book would too deep for me.

Sometimes I forget it was such violent, unstable time then. I do recommend the series. It's aiding me in learning about Christ during His time on earth. 

Here's a promo at Vimeo of "Ancient Roads". Enjoy!


(If it's visible on your end, please excuse the strange font changes and sometimes it goes "bold" without my asking it too. Blogger is messing up again.)

Friday, January 3, 2014

Stop Pushing Me: A Statement About My Faith


In reference to the ongoing conversation about homosexuality I wish to make an open comment.

In light of the way things seem to be going it seems to me that lines have been drawn and forces arrayed on both sides. There’s a lot of pushing and shoving going on from the government. They want an anointed sainthood for the homosexuals and those of us of faith want to be left alone. This is nothing new under the sun. I’m an amateur historian and know that events like this have happened all down the centuries and, like I always say, history does repeat itself. Right now things aren’t too bad but I think  the time to choose may well be upon us sooner rather than later. It's important to me to clearly state my position and openly declare which side I am on and who I am. It comforts me that so many have also stated in no uncertain terms what they believe and who their alliance is with. I can do no less.

I am an unabashed and unapologetic Bible believing, fundamentalist Christian. That means that I personally have accepted and embraced Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I’m counting on Him for my eternal salvation. That also means that I know that the Holy Bible is the literal Word of God. In that light I also know homosexuality is a sin (just one of a multitude, but still a sin and worthy of death). Not a crime but a sin. I only care about this as it relates to everyone's immortal soul. It horrifies me to think some will be spending eternity in Hell because they haven’t accepted Christ. All of us as Christians have the duty to tell folks that unforgiven sin is a one way ticket away from the Grace of God and into eternal damnation. We are His Ambassadors in a foreign land. My statement today is that everyone can have a relationship with God, no matter what the sin. What that relationship is depends on each of us. I'm not in the eternal judgment business, that's God's purview, but with the help of His Holy Word, I can make my own judgments on what constitutes sin, what the result will be and what I need to do personally to be right with The Lord. I'm a sinner, no less than anyone else. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …” [Romans 3:23] As one who professes Jesus Christ, that puts me in the position of witnessing to others but also looking after my own house. How you manage yours is your business but I will speak out. I will not be silenced no matter the cost. That makes me loving, not full of hate and certainly, not intolerant. If you where sitting on train tracks with your back to an approaching train, shouldn’t I warn you to get off the tracks!? Of course I would. This is no different.

I also strongly believe in the rule of law and the fact that all people are created equal with inherent free will. That means they are free to choose the life they wish to lead and so long as that doesn't infringe on the inherent personal rights of others, it‘s none of my business. I'm supposed to love all and I strive to do just that in my own quiet way. I do not hate anyone based on their race, culture, life choices or sexuality. Every human being is my brother or sister. If you're life choice is destructive, it‘s only hurting you, not me. It doesn't effect our relationship, only yours with a loving God. It has nothing to do with me. If you've heard The Word then go and live your life as you deem fit. I have taken the same stance on homosexuals pretending that they can be married to each other. They want to play house without any of the consequences. Doesn’t work that way. We all pay for our life choices. However, it seems to me that it is in the best interest of a country to encourage the idea of Going Forth and Multiplying under the protection of the marriage contract. It protects women and it protects the children that are sure to follow. I’ve always felt that the Constitution is a divinely inspired document. The reason it's silent on the specifics of marriage is because back then, people walked closer to God and this wasn‘t an issue. I do suggest that let's get government out of marriage altogether and let churches go back to deciding who they'll marry. For everyone else it should remain a civil license. A contract is a contract. Perfect equality while respecting religious freedoms.

But. There's a limit to all this tolerance and it's reached under duress and state coercion.

This then is the position I and many others of my faith find ourselves in. I think by our very silence we encourage further persecution of Christianity. As a Christian it is my sacred duty to teach The Word and share the love of Jesus Christ to anyone who desires to hear and that's the key phrase. Desires. Teaching others about the His love has a lot of different connotations. I'm a layman so I'm generally limited to a soft word, a prayer or an answered question. But I'm beholden to my God not to be silent. That is my Faith in action.

What I strongly object to is the idea that I must celebrate any lifestyle at odds with my religious beliefs. Why isn't it enough that we can live together in peace and harmony without my having to deny my profound and deeply personal relationship with my Creator and literally abandon Him? Stop pushing me to accept your sin as being “OK“ or an “alternate lifestyle“. It ain‘t happenin‘. I won't do that no matter the cost. Leave me alone and I'll return the gesture. Defend my freedoms and I'll do the same for yours. But stop pushing me. If you back me into a corner where the choices are between belief and non belief, between God or political correctness, there's going to be a fight because I'll choose God every time and I won't go down timidly. It has nothing to do with tolerance or bigotry or phobia or any of the other made up buzzwords being tossed out by a culture increasingly hostile to God. It has to do with my own personal deeply held faith and the idea that I am either free to live my life as I deem fit or we as a people are a lot less free than we imagine. Thought Crime persecution isn't on my side, it's on the side of the rabidly atheist, humanist, politically and power driven Left.

I desire no authority over anyone's life and it infuriates me that others want power over mine. God is my ultimate authority and I desire no more than to be free to try and live as I believe he wants me to. In my world Christians are the Paladins, riding to the rescue and defending freedom and the forces of good and decency. Yes, we do fall and fail with maddening regularity but that doesn't take away from the core. The basic idea behind true Christian Faith. Love. Love for God and Love for each other. If you're like me, a sinner (and in my belief you are, we all are), then I love you. If you hate me I love you. If you persecute me I will still love you and I will continue to do so even if you force me to defend myself, my freedoms and my faith. And understand, defense of self and faith is no sin. Defense of faith does not mean forced conversion to Christianity but it does mean active and forceful resistance to forced conversion to a belief system incompatible with my faith by those who view Christianity as something to be eradicated.

We were once a nation founded on the basic idea of live and let live. Cuique Sum," to each his own". We are seemingly no longer that country. I still see signs of it, in the words of some who are not of my faith, but I fear they are now the exception and not the rule. So let me state it for myself. My words and not those of any other. My understanding and not those of learned scholars. My misunderstandings, failures and weaknesses. My human frailties. My Faith.

We are all created equal in the sight of God. We all have the exact same chances, choices and inherent rights. We are all free to choose the life we want within the strictures of civil law. No one should be free to exercise undue and unfair influence on that basic equality. We should be free to practice religion, or the absence of same, as we deem right and fit without fear of repercussions or silencing. No one is created better or worse than anyone else. How we end up depends on the choices we make on this Earth. I love everyone to the extent that I am capable and within the bounds of my life experiences and how they have shaped me. I am fragile, fallible and imminently human. I am prone to mistakes and errors of both discernment and judgment. I am a terrible sinner who needs God's Grace and Forgiveness each and every day of my life. I am neither judge nor jury and have no desire to be either. I have enough problems ordering my own life to meddle about in others. Please stop pushing me.

And that's sort of my point in all this. Faith, or the lack of, is a deeply personal thing. It's in our hearts and the deepest and darkest parts of our minds and souls. It is an intimate matter between each of us and our Creator and no one else. In the end it's all that really matters in this life and to be so arrogant as to believe that anyone has the right to dictate what that relationship is, or even whether it will be allowed to exist at all, is the ultimate tyranny. Coercion is evil. Period dot end. My answer is an unqualified No.

I keep getting told that my faith makes me a hater, a phobic and a criminal moron. So be it. If that's what you believe then you are free to do so. You are free to insult, hate, and preach against me and my faith. But understand that I, and a lot of others just like me, have more than a bit of the Old Testament in us and we absolutely will not lay down and die just because we're inconvenient to your view of the World as you wish it to be. I am most definitely an acolyte of the Church Triumphant. Anyone who has ever read my blog or writings knows that I am hardly a fire and brimstone Christian. I consider myself a fairly quiet person on issues of faith preferring to let others seek and find as they will. Sometimes I worry that I'm too silent but my Libertarian side requires that of me just as my Faithful side requires obedience. I am not tolerant, I am an American who holds the idea that true freedom is given by God Himself and is the natural state of Man. Your relationship with God is your own business. I won't pretend otherwise. But so is mine. Please refrain from telling me otherwise.

I've come to the point where I have stopped begging and started telling.


Stop pushing me into that corner.

~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Sticking My Neck Out (Again)

Herman For some time now I've been suffering from mysterious right shoulder and neck pain. I'm also suffering from unexplained temporary vision loss. Needless to say, I've been to doctor after doctor seeking treatment.

Some doctors have recommended therapy [Ehhhh, wrong answer! Just made it worse!]. Others recommended mind bending drugs [DEFINITELY a wrong answer!]. One even said, "Well, you have a trigger muscle. Learn to live with it."

Today, I gave yet one more doctor a try, a vascular surgeon. Well, let me back up, I gave one more Neurologist a try one month ago. After multiple tests, lots of hmmmm's and ah haw's, he suggested that I might have Subclavian Steal Syndrome.

"Oh Boy!" I thought, "Someone who takes me seriously and has a legitimate suggestion." He had even called his vascular surgeon friend and over the phone they came up with this diagnosis.

I was absolutely giddy with joy! FINALLY, someone had a diagnosis for my pain.

Today, after more on-hands, visual tests with the vascular surgeon, he shot my balloon right out of the air. Now it seems I may have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

OK.

Back to square one. [very heavy sigh] Now I need to have yet more tests to be performed at a local hospital. More precious time spent running back and to. Spending more money we should be saving during this economic Depression. And I still hurt. This seems to be dragging on and on and on and on. I have wept all afternoon. I felt so discouraged and abandoned.

Then, I happened upon this in our local paper:

Billy Graham - My Answer

Q: I have terrible pain all the time from a bad back, and the doctors can’t seem to do anything about it (except to prescribe strong drugs, which I don’t want to get hooked on). What good is God to me, if He won’t relieve my pain? Is it wrong for me to ask Him to take it away? — J. McS.

A: No, it isn’t wrong for you to ask God to bring healing to your body and take away your pain. Chronic pain is a terrible burden, and the Bible encourages us to bring all our burdens to God in prayer. But if your pain stays with you, I urge you not to get angry with God or turn away from Him in bitterness or disappointment.

Instead, I pray that your pain will cause you to turn toward God and draw closer to Him, so you can discover His strength and presence. In spite of your present feelings about Him, God has not abandoned you; He loves you and wants to encourage you. The Bible’s promise is true: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

Think of it this way. In your letter, you mentioned that you are married, and although your wife can’t take away your pain, her presence has been a source of great comfort and encouragement to you. In a similar way, knowing that God cares for you and is constantly with you will bring you great comfort and encouragement.

Bring your burdens — including your pain — to Jesus, and ask Him to encourage you and help you keep your eyes on eternity.

The Bible says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22).
I sure needed to hear that today! Plus, I made mental notes of all my blessings instead of focusing in on the failures and the seemingly endless medical adventures I've been on these past years. I have a lot to be thankful for. Now I feel better. God sure works in mysterious ways, doesn't he?! :)

I hope this encourages others to not give up too. Remember, you are LOVED!

Besides, it reminds me of that old saying, "Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out."

I just hope I don't get it chopped off.

[tee hee]

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The Right Stuff: A Call To 40 Days Of Prayer

40 Days Of Prayer

Calling all believers in Jesus Christ! Someone has organized a "40 Days Of Prayer" for our nation. Please, everyone, pray for our Nation, that unbelievers will hear the Word rightly divided and give their hearts to Jesus Christ to be saved from the wrath to come, and equally important about the upcoming election. Pray quietly in our hearts all day, if necessary. God loves to hear from us. Prayers doesn't have to be "formal" or in a special place or use special words. The Holy Spirit makes intersection for us anyway.

I really appreciate the good folks behind the organizing of the 40 Days Of Prayer. I know most who believe pray anyway. And as we all know, HE always answers prayer. Perhaps more will be convicted in their hearts to do the right thing so that we can turn our Nation back from the brink of destruction.

The well-being of our country depends on good people like you.

Oh, also, if you're feeling discouraged about the elections, I suggest reading this very well done post by Legal Insurrection here.

Thank you!

Monday, August 8, 2011

And Now A Message Just For You

I don't know why, or for whom, but I feel led to share this message. Someone needs this today. My step-mother very wisely once told me that when she dies, she figured it would be like moving from one room to another to be with Christ. How right she was.

If anyone has any questions about how to be saved, please feel free to ask.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" [Isaiah 41:10]

God bless,
Sparky :)

* * * * * *

Billy Graham
My Answer

Q: How long will it take us to get to heaven, once we die? Will it be like space travel is today, taking maybe millions of years to get there? — K.S.

A: No, our journey from earth to heaven won't be like modern space travel, taking perhaps millions of years for us to arrive! Don't let this concern you; when we die we won't be bound any longer by the physical limitations we experience now.

Instead, the Bible tells us that if we know Christ, we will be in God's presence immediately after we die. How is this possible?

When we die, we enter into a whole new level of existence — an existence governed by spiritual rules.After recalling all the trials and problems we experience in this life, Paul declared, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Never forget: You and I were not meant for this world alone. We were meant to live forever —and we will, because death is not the end. Death instead is like a doorway, ushering us into eternity either with God in heaven, or without God and without hope in that place of absolute despair the Bible calls hell. Not one word in the Bible about heaven should make you not want to go there — and not one word about hell in the Bible should make you want to go there.

Is heaven your hope? Do you know for sure that if you were to die tonight, you would be safely in God's presence forever? You can be sure, by trusting Christ and what He did for you by His death and resurrection. Put your faith and confidence in Him today.

(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

Friday, March 4, 2011

The Ultimate Random Act Of Kindness


I have had the privilege to believe in Jesus Christ as my personal Lord & Savior for many years. Well, since I was in my mid-teens, actually. I accepted Him while reading His word, then went to the “altar” in my heart at home, then at church on Sunday and kinda sealed the deal. :) I then attended church quite faithfully for many years.

Later, I became disillusioned by the earthly Church and quit attending when some of a previous congregation in which I was involved, turned against me when I had to divorce my first husband. Things were not going well in my life then. It was not a happy time and, justified or unjustified, I felt totally betrayed by my then so-called Christian friends. But that's another story.

I’m told I had a rough life but, in retrospect, it doesn’t seem like it. Not compared to what some people have had to deal with. My mother died suddenly when I was 10 years old. My father was exceedingly physically and mentally abusive. It seems like he was forever yelling, hitting, cursing over something. He was such a perpetual grouch and very unstable! As I grew older, I learned to tune him out. And I remember avoiding him at all costs and NEVER asking him anything if possible. It was impossible to have an rational conversation with the man. I only relate this, not for sympathy, but to lay the ground work for what happens next.

So, I thought, Ok, God was like that, right? Only LOUDER and SCARIER.

Today I read the article below by Rev. Billy Graham in our Waycross newspaper:
Q: If all our sins are forgiven, then why does the Bible say we’ll have to stand before God to be judged? Does this mean it isn’t enough to believe in Jesus and put our trust in Him as our Savior? — Mrs. S.L.
A: No, this isn’t what it means. One of the Bible’s greatest truths is that when Jesus Christ died on the cross all our sins were transferred to Him, and as we put our faith and trust in Him we are forgiven — freely and fully. The Bible says, “God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins” (Colossians 2:13).
This is why we don’t need to fear God’s judgment once we have committed our lives to Christ, for now we’ve been cleansed of all our sins. We deserved God’s judgment, for we were guilty of breaking His law — but Christ took all our sins upon Himself, and He endured the judgment that we deserved.
As the Bible says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Why, then, must we still stand before God some day, even as believers? The reason is so God can reward us for what we have done for Him. The Bible doesn’t explain in detail what those rewards may be — but it reminds us that we are still accountable to Him for how we live. Our greatest reward, however, will be to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant .... Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).
Is your goal to serve yourself — or to serve Christ? Make sure of your commitment to Him, and then put Him first in everything you do.

Reading the article by Rev. Graham brought back memories of my very similar thoughts during a sermon at our church on “standing before God“ at the Judgment Seat a couple of years ago.

Not too long ago, after our Pastor’s heart transplant, he had a real revealing & moving sermon one Sunday concerning the glories of being in Heaven. He made everything seem like it will be so delightful in Glory. I remember asking him "So, does that mean that God isn't going to yell at me?" He chuckled and responded, "Of course not!" Then proceeded to explain in language I could understand, why God will not 'yell' at any of us who believe. We, who believe in the One True Living God, will not receive any punishment but will stand there to receive rewards.

Imagine that!

We who deserve punishment will instead receive kindness in it’s place because we trust in the innocent blood of Jesus Christ to save us [and He will too]. Don’t we have a cool benefit package folks? Jesus loves all us so "that all may be saved". We truly are SAVED BY GRACE.

I thought I’d share that happy truth tonight in case anyone else has these very thoughts and may feel troubled over it.

Hope this blesses all who read this.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Amazing Grace How Sweet The Sound

Amazing Grace is my husband's and my favorite old hymn. It never fails to arouse emotions and remind us of our frailties before God. Many years ago, my husband heard this hymn on a televised Billy Graham show when he gave his heart to Christ. So, it holds special meanings for him.

'Tis grace indeed that saves us from the wrath to come. We are "For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God; not as result of WORKS, so that no one may boast." [my emphasis] ( (Eph. 2:8,9) My earnest prayer is for all within the sound of my voice to come before God on bended knee and ask for forgiveness from Him. Those who believe in Jesus Christ as Son of God and son of man, are saved for all eternity by His mercy. There is no water baptism, no speaking in tongues, no tithing, no chanting or any other man made works that can save us. Only the innocent blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross.

Dear Reader, if you haven't already, won't you give your heart to Him today and know eternal salvation? The time is short and every breath takes us closer to death. Accept Him freely. Right now, for a limited time, it is a FREE GIFT from God, not from man.

If you have any questions, please ask either me or a trusted spiritual adviser.

I humbly recommend the Berean Bible Society. They've helped me tremendously in learning about the grace message.

Go with God.

My testimony, if interested :)

Amazing Grace Lyrics

John Newton (1725-1807)
Stanza 6 anonymous


Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.


Saturday, September 19, 2009

Happy Rosh Hasanah


The Feast Of Trumpets
Trumpets
by Zola Levitt


God seems to have enjoyed the trumpet. Ever since Isaac was spared by virtue of the ram being caught in the thicket by its horn, the trumpet, or in biblical times, the ram's horn, was special to God. After all, without Isaac, we would not have had the Jews; and without the Jews, we would not have had the Bible, the apostles, the disciples, and we must suppose, the Messiah Himself.

God actually seemed to enjoy hearing trumpets blown, and He used them to great effect when Joshua conquered Jericho. He also specified their use in the Year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:8-10) having the trumpets "proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." That quotation appears today on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, and may reassure those who feel this country was not founded by Bible-reading men.

But even previous to Jericho, God instructed Moses about trumpets on Mt. Sinai, in regard to our fifth feast!

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, in the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation (Lev. 23:24).

We have skipped over quite a bit of time now from Pentecost, to picture the year as it was prescribed. Our first three feasts occurred, of course, in the first month, normally in April.

Pentecost occurred at the early part of summer, usually in late May or early June. Now we go over to the first day of Tishrei, on the Jewish calendar, the seventh month, which occurs in the fall, in September. This jump in time seems to represent the Church Age in God's planning, since the trumpet unquestionably represents the Rapture of the Church.

The trumpet was the signal for the field workers to come into the Temple. The high priest actually stood on the southwestern parapet of the Temple and blew the trumpet so that it could be heard in the surrounding fields. At that instant, the faithful would stop harvesting even if there were more crops to bring in, and leave immediately for the worship services.

The Lord used the image. We can imagine the scene as a Jew and an Arab worked side by side in the fields, as they do even today. When the trumpet would sound, the Jew would leave immediately, and the Arab, believing otherwise of course, would continue bringing in the crops. Thus the Lord stated, "Where there are two working in a field, I'll take one and leave the other."

The Rapture is very clearly associated with trumpets:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lordin the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (I Thess. 4:16-17).

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (I Cor. 15:51-52).


When that great trumpet sounds, the miracle to surpass all miracles will take place. The living believers will rise from the earth. The graves will give up their dead. All the believers will be mysteriously changed and outfitted for immortality. (The Scofield Memorial church of Dallas has made good use of the phrase "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all bechanged," placing it in the church nursery.)

The triumph of mighty Joshua at Jericho is a type of the Rapture of the Church. There, the people shouted and blew on trumpets, and the walls fell down, and each man "ascended up" into the city. Beautiful Jericho, with its flower gardens and citrus fruits, is a gorgeous oasis in a very arid wilderness. It was the place where God chose to take His people into their Promised Land. It was their first sight of anything but hopeless desert for some forty years. Likewise, with the Christians, our glimpse of heaven at the Rapture will represent the end of a long journey for each of us through the wilderness. The entire story of the exodus--the story of Passover, our first feast--illustrates the salvation of the believer. First, there was the blood of the lamb, which delivered him from death, then the trip through the Red Sea--baptism, then the wandering in the wilderness--this life on earth, and finally, Jericho--heaven, when the trumpets sound. There is a very close comparison between the verses, Joshua 6:5 and I Thes. 4:16-17, as if God purposely indicated the correlation. If the Israelites could believe that their exalted group of men, women, and children could cross the Jordan and assault mighty Jericho, with its huge walls, and somehow take the city, then the Christians can equally believe that he can rise off the earth and meet the Lord in the air. The clincher of the type is in the name of the leader; in both cases, Joshua (Jesus' name was, of course, Yeshua, in Hebrew, Joshua, in English.)

Sadly, only a small portion of the Jews (the remnant which is in the Church at the time of the Rapture) will see this magnificent fulfillment. Jeremiah, with his usual clear-eyedforecast, lamented the situation:

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved (Jer. 8:20).

But for the remaining Jews of the world, who will not participate in the Rapture of the Church, God will have a restoration to the Promised Land. We have seen a portion of theJews retake the land, of course, but Isaiah indicates that they will all go back at the sound of the trumpet:

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria and the outcast in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount of Jerusalem (Isaiah 27:12-13).

We might suppose this would be a logical move for Jews left on earth after the Church is gone, in the tribulation period. The Jewish people will hardly have a friend anywhere. They certainly won't bow to the Antichrist, particularly when he enters the Temple (II Thes. 2:3-4), and their best defense will be to stand back-to-back with their brethren in the Holy Land. This is how it will find them all regathered when He returns (Romans 11:26).

Trumpets, then, occurs on the seventh new moon of the year, a significant time for the conclusion of an age. The Church will be taken out of the world, and God will move on to the difficult fulfillment of the next and most sacred of Jewish feasts.

Source

To buy his booklets, go here. I HIGHLY recommend to any Christian or seeker of the truth to read Zola's books. Zola is a Jewish Christian (or as he says, a complete Jew). His writings and TV shows helped me a great deal when I first believed.

We won't all meet one another here on earth so may we all " ... be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)

God bless.