Let's follow the story of Elisha fighting his enemies. The following passage is found at 2 Kings 6:8-18, which is lifted from the New International Version.
What's the message? God fights for Elisha literally with chariots of fire, which is a host of angels, doing the battle.
Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans
Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
Today, how will God fights a battle for his children?
God fights the same way as he did at the time of Elisha. Most of us cannot imagine this to be so. But this is actually the case.
Be assured that God will work out all circumstances toward our good. [Read Romans 8:28-39] Trust him for he is always willing and eager to show us how he loves us. That's how he grows our faith, heightens our hope and nourishes our love for him and for our fellowmen.
Monday, 19 August 2013
Sunday, 18 August 2013
Presumed Saved
Many take for granted that they are saved from the Day of the Lord's judgment. Are they not baptized into Christ? Did they not professed their faith in God by believing in his Son, Christ Jesus? Have they not remained faithful until now? - they go to church on every worship day! Have they not abided in his words by reading and studying the Bible?
Has not God promised salvation to everyone who professes loyalty to him?
It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel
are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On
the contrary “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” In other words,
it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children
of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.
For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and
Sarah will have a son.” Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the
same time by our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything
good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but
by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written:
“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Romans 9:6:13
The child promised by God is Christ Jesus, whom he loves. Those joined with him as they live amongst men will also be loved by God. With God's grace and strength they will have victorious lives. They are the "Jacobs', whose lives are blessed due to their obedience to God.
Who are the "Esaus" whom God hates? They are those whom God knows [Read: God's foreknowledge] will not be following his Son, whom he anointed to save them. They have knowingly spurned what God has appointed to lead them into battles with the devil and his kingdom, the world. The latter will certainly prevail over them and it will lead them into an inexorable destruction by God's hand on the last day.
Has not God promised salvation to everyone who professes loyalty to him?
It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel
are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On
the contrary “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” In other words,
it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children
of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.
For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and
Sarah will have a son.” Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the
same time by our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything
good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but
by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written:
“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Romans 9:6:13
The child promised by God is Christ Jesus, whom he loves. Those joined with him as they live amongst men will also be loved by God. With God's grace and strength they will have victorious lives. They are the "Jacobs', whose lives are blessed due to their obedience to God.
Who are the "Esaus" whom God hates? They are those whom God knows [Read: God's foreknowledge] will not be following his Son, whom he anointed to save them. They have knowingly spurned what God has appointed to lead them into battles with the devil and his kingdom, the world. The latter will certainly prevail over them and it will lead them into an inexorable destruction by God's hand on the last day.
Saturday, 17 August 2013
Predestination, God's Foreknowledge and His Mercy
To be sure, no one is predestined to be saved or to be lost.
However, God knows who are destined for either destiny.
If one is destined for destruction at the last day, does he or she has a chance to reverse the inevitable? Indeed, not! But no man knows his/her destiny until God shows him. And man can know in his/her lifetime. In practice, those that are lost are not sure of their fate. In contrast, the saved are assured by God through his Spirit, whom he sends to "make tent" in individual disciple.
The Spirit seals the truth of salvation in God's children.
If God knows beforehand and altogether everyone's destiny - saved or unsaved - is he unfair to the many who are not saved?
"What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, 'I will have
mercy on whom I have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' ”
Romans 9:14,15, NIV
The key word is mercy - that of God. To whom does he give mercy? Those who have contrite or repentant hearts will receive God's mercy.
In contrast, the proud and the unrepentant will not have it. They will be given their wish: to be separated from God forever. From dust they came, to dust they will be, which is nothing in anyone's eyes and God.
However, God knows who are destined for either destiny.
If one is destined for destruction at the last day, does he or she has a chance to reverse the inevitable? Indeed, not! But no man knows his/her destiny until God shows him. And man can know in his/her lifetime. In practice, those that are lost are not sure of their fate. In contrast, the saved are assured by God through his Spirit, whom he sends to "make tent" in individual disciple.
The Spirit seals the truth of salvation in God's children.
If God knows beforehand and altogether everyone's destiny - saved or unsaved - is he unfair to the many who are not saved?
"What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, 'I will have
mercy on whom I have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' ”
Romans 9:14,15, NIV
The key word is mercy - that of God. To whom does he give mercy? Those who have contrite or repentant hearts will receive God's mercy.
In contrast, the proud and the unrepentant will not have it. They will be given their wish: to be separated from God forever. From dust they came, to dust they will be, which is nothing in anyone's eyes and God.
Monday, 12 August 2013
How Does one Know he or she is a Child of God?
Not everyone can claim to be one of God's children. One may be very religious and a baptised member of a church; but it does not mean he/she is altogether a God's child.
So, how can one know? God's word tells us how!
"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:15-17, NIV
Jesus taught that the Father has promised to make the body of his children the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because God knows everyone's heart he readily sends the Spirit to those whom he considers worthy of the gift - those considered already saved from condemnation at the last day.
Indeed, the Holy Spirit authenticates your faith.
Do you have the Spirit teaching and working in your thoughts and doings? If so, you are really a child of God. When worship day comes and the preacher says you can have God's promises and blessings daily as you pray and ask for them, you can in fact relate. In contrast, one who doesn't have the Spirit might wonder what the message of the preacher is coming from for he/she cannot recall instances of his/her life that were truly blessed.
So, how can one know? God's word tells us how!
"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:15-17, NIV
Jesus taught that the Father has promised to make the body of his children the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because God knows everyone's heart he readily sends the Spirit to those whom he considers worthy of the gift - those considered already saved from condemnation at the last day.
Indeed, the Holy Spirit authenticates your faith.
Do you have the Spirit teaching and working in your thoughts and doings? If so, you are really a child of God. When worship day comes and the preacher says you can have God's promises and blessings daily as you pray and ask for them, you can in fact relate. In contrast, one who doesn't have the Spirit might wonder what the message of the preacher is coming from for he/she cannot recall instances of his/her life that were truly blessed.
Friday, 9 August 2013
Being Righteous vs. Being Wicked
There are just two conditions of man: living righteously or unrighteous. In other words, either one is a child of God or the devil's ambassador on earth.
“Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father.”
“Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father.”
“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” John 8:39-47, NIV
Jesus is saying simply that doing right to anyone means you belong to God. Doing the opposite means your father is the devil.
This is easier said than done, one would say. Again, one of Jesus' teachings will come to play: faith will appropriate God's power for anyone to stay righteous. He promised in fact the Holy Spirit to live within his children.
What do you choose to be?
What do you choose to be?
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
True Happiness only Comes from God
Happiness only comes with God in us. God through the Holy Spirit will "make a tent" [Bible term: tabernacle] within anyone who lives morally right. One starts to become righteous as he/she fears the Lord's judgment. The Bible says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." A righteous person shuns evil.
Jesus did not only come to die for our sins but also to live the life anyone should live that he/she be called a child of God. Indeed, he is the model that we should follow.
In contrast, God cannot be with someone who does wrong. Wrongdoings will always lead to trouble. And this is doubly alarming for without God's power no one can do right. For the devil's power is too powerful to be defeated by man's effort.
Defeating the devil requires that you join with Christ. How? Believe and do what he teaches. That's the essence of being called to follow God. This is made easy by God's power as he sends the Holy Spirit to live within anyone who believes his Son.
Jesus did not only come to die for our sins but also to live the life anyone should live that he/she be called a child of God. Indeed, he is the model that we should follow.
In contrast, God cannot be with someone who does wrong. Wrongdoings will always lead to trouble. And this is doubly alarming for without God's power no one can do right. For the devil's power is too powerful to be defeated by man's effort.
Defeating the devil requires that you join with Christ. How? Believe and do what he teaches. That's the essence of being called to follow God. This is made easy by God's power as he sends the Holy Spirit to live within anyone who believes his Son.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
God's Help for Trouble
WE might have heard someone blame another for causing his/her troubles. This is wrong. Have you heard of the story of the first fall? Eve was the first to fall into sin, who being deceived by the devil chose to disobey God. So Eve blamed the devil. On the other, Adam blamed Eve and particularly God for giving Eve as his companion.
This blame game has been replayed so many, many times. It is counterproductive to say the least. It never solves any problem.
I'll give you one that can solve every problem of any man or woman. It's the prescription of the Bible. It's God's own medicine for anyone looking for a peaceful, worry-less and trouble-free life. All Christians know or at least are aware of it but they can't seem to apply or use it. Anyway, I know it's very effective for it solved and still solving mine.
I was as evil as any man on earth. It's only on degrees that we vary. Then God brought me down to my knees by taking away almost everything that I have. I almost lose my family. Out of the blue God gave me a promise through a dream that he will bring and gather myself and family into one place. That was my first dream ever. It was the end of 2004.
At the end of the year 2012 the family was reunited in one city - in one family home.
How does my story relate to anyone? In not so many words, God converts anyone who owns up to their fallen nature; that one cannot be fully righteous without being joined with Christ. Christ has said and still saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing [righteously]."
Troubles come with the wrong things we do which in turn result from wrong choices. Anyone not counseled by the instructions of God but taking cue only from himself will fall into making mistakes.
The Word of God contains...warning signs. The book of Hebrews especially provides
cautions about perils to the soul. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil
heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while
it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin”
(Hebrews 3:12-13).
In contrast, taking a stand always for the right things as defined by an outside source, i.e. the very righteous God, will bring you that trouble-free, happy and peaceful life that no man or woman can ever take away. You must know that the devil tempts through his followers - the evildoers. Anyone without God when tempted can do evil most easily.
Anyone's troubles or fears will not go away until he admits he is committing wrong things and must turn back to God, the only person who can change him/her.
Men may be able to help someone in distress in the normal or usual way people do but God gives the greater help. And it's permanent or eternal, too. For God provides through the Holy Spirit the will and the power to remain righteous to those he wants to help.
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