Before and After

The following article was written for a writing competition sponsored by Faith Writers, a Christian Writers Community.  Follow the link on the right for more information.

Is there an after when you reject the notions of traditional Christianity? Is there any place to go? Are we as believers even allowed to question such notions? Who are the authorities in such matters?

Finding myself at this crossroad did not take place instantaneously. I now understand this crossroad was designed for me by my Creator long before my physical existence. For over 40 years I was to travel the road of Christianity with the same fervor that has seemed to flavor all of my life. From accepting Jesus in to my heart at the age of six years old and being in church every time the doors were open to formal Bible and Ministry education culminating in 20 years of Pastoral leadership, my life seemed to be pretty well ordered. I had a successful marriage, a successful family, and a successful multi staffed church. The ministry that God had given me was one to be envied! If only He hadn’t placed within me such a strong desire to know truth.

It was extremely disconcerting for me to realize that my own brand of Christianity embraced more of the traditions of men than the truths of Scripture. I did not want to admit that I had embraced many traditions that were simply Paganism in disguise. My denomination had led me astray by trying to force God into a box. My Heavenly Father was teaching me that He is simply too big to fit into any man made box!

Coming to this realization caused me to take every part of my Christian experience and place it upon a shelf. This was not for the purpose of walking away from it, but instead to examine it under the scrutiny of the whole of Scripture. Beginning with salvation, I would pull that particular piece down from the shelf and tear it apart, allowing the magnifying glass of Holy Writ to illumine portions that heretofore I had thought inconsequential. Things that I’d taken for granted to be truth were not backed up in Scripture it all. Conversely, details that were too small to be noticed came rushing to the forefront for further scrutiny. There were many spiritual “sighs of relief” when I would find portions of my Christian experience that lined up to scripture. There were also many tears of repentance when I discovered things that I had preached as truth were in grievous error.

When we, as believers, find truths that are new to us it is natural for us to want to share them with our fellow believers. I was very naïve to think that my fellow believers would embrace what I was discovering. I had to also rediscover that my Father had not called me to do that which only He could do, namely convict people.

Where do I go now? To whom do I turn? Who is the authority? These questions are answered for me with brand new illumination and renewed relationship with my Messiah! In the words of an old chorus, I conclude:

I go to the Rock of my salvation;

I go to the Stone that the builder’s rejected;

I run to the Mountain and the Mountain stands by me.

When the earth all around is sinking sand,

On Christ the solid rock I stand.

When I need a shelter, when I need a friend,

I go to the Rock!

 

Shalom

The Word of YHVH

Without question, this subject will be the most controversial of any that I have written on to date.  I ask that the reader seriously consider the subject matter in the light of Scripture.

Jeremiah prophesied that in the last days the Gentiles would begin to wake up (spiritually speaking) and realize that we have inherited lies (Jer. 16:19).  I believe that it is my own responsibility to expose these lies and present Truth in ways that will facilitate the soon return of our Messiah.  Fasten your seatbelt, here we go!

Is Jesus your Bible?  Does Yeshua = your Bible?  Is your Messiah limited to the pages of a book?

Why is it, when we ask these questions, we will answer with a thoughtful, but resounding no, but we have no difficulty stating that the Bible is the word of God.  Is there a conflict here? 

When we take the time to examine if both sides of this issue really are equal,  we find ourselves in a conundrum, not really sure what to do with our statement “The Bible is the Word of God.”

We have only one source to examine to determine Truth in this matter, and that is the pages of Scripture themselves.

John 1 tells us that YHVH created all things by His Word.  Did He create all things with the Bible, or was it through Yeshua, His only Son?  Verse 14 of the same chapter tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  We realize that it is foolish to say, “Our Bibles became flesh.”

Hebrews 4:12,13 states, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Personally, I have preached many sermons from this passage, relating it to the writings of Scripture instead of a living Messiah.  Here is the problem:  When I elevate the Scriptures and say, “The Bible is the Word of God” I am also saying that Jesus and my Bible are one and the same! 

Here is the proper (Scriptural) equation: YHVH=Yeshua: God=Jesus: They are the Divine inspiration for Scripture!  Jesus/Yeshua is the Word of YHVH. 

Revelation 19:11-13 says, “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.   His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.   He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

The most salient point in all of this:  My Messiah is BIGGER than scripture!  John said that if all the things that He did while He walked on earthly soil were recorded, the earth could not contain the volume of material! See John 21:25.

One other very important point: Yeshua/Jesus still speaks into the hearts of every believer while Scripture is considered a “closed” canon.  Scripture can give you general guidelines on most subjects, but the voice of the Messiah, speaking into your spirit, will give you Divine clarification.

Yeshua is the Word of God!

The scripture is the word from God!

 

Shalom!

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

My wife and I just returned from a trip to Pie Town, New Mexico.  This was a first for us, as we packed our travel trailer, and headed south, purely as an act of obedience to our Creator.  I realize that Pie Town is not Jerusalem, but I have to trust that leaving the comforts of home is keeping the spirit of the command.

Pie Town, New Mexico sits at an elevation of approximately 8000 feet.  Needless to say, the weather was cold.  The wind blew a with a fury that would rival a redheaded Irishman's temper.  We woke several mornings with 1 to 2 inches of snow on the ground.  Water hoses had to be disconnected every night keep them from freezing.  The tent of meeting had to be constantly watched in order to keep it from being destroyed by the wind.

The Scriptures tell us that three times a year all of the men must present themselves before YHVH.  The three times are, The Feast Of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, and the Feast Of Tabernacles.  The Scriptures also teach us these presentations must occur on very specific dates.  Because YHVH is so specific about these dates, we have no excuse for not celebrating these holidays on these dates.

Is it really necessary to get so technical in our acts of obedience?  Does our Heavenly Father really care as long as we observe the days?  What difference does it make if we are a day or two off from what He commanded?

The answer to these questions will require some serious introspection on your part.  Scripture teaches us that before our Messiah returns, all things will be restored.  This includes the Creator's calendar.  When Yeshua comes back, will he be operating on a Rabbinic timeline, or will it be on a timeline that He Himself created?  Remember, these convocations, are also referred to as rehearsals.  By their design, they are intended to remind us of things to come.  I don't know about you, but my heart's desire is to get it right the first time!

 

Shalom

A NEW COVENANT PASSOVER?

Yeshua said, “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35). He also said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." (John 6:54-58).

Just before his crucifixion, Yeshua told his disciples to go and prepare for the Passover. He told them where to find an upper room that was waiting for their preparation. Because these men were Jewish, they understood the preparation required certain things. Celebrating the feast of unleavened bread required that they clean the room in very specific ways. The purpose of the cleaning was to make sure any and all leavening was disposed of by burning it with fire. What happens next in the Biblical account completely escapes our western gentile thinking. It seems, according to John’s account, that after dinner,(13:4) Yeshua got up and began to watch the disciples' feet. Peter was appalled at this action. Yeshua explained to him that unless Peter allowed this action, he would have no part in the kingdom that was to come. We understand that Yeshua was talking about a spiritual cleansing. Yeshua also told them at this time that one of them was about to betray him. They queried among themselves as to whom it might be. Yeshua told them it was he to whom he would give a morsel of bread dipped in the soup. Here is where we come to the Biblical conundrum.

What was this morsel of bread, (clearly bread with leavening) doing at this Passover? In John 13, verse 18, Yeshua says that one who would eat bread with him is his enemy, and will betray him. The Greek word for bread here, and other places throughout this passage, is ARTOS. It means “a leavened loaf". In Mark's account of this story, and also in Luke's, we see the same word. ARTOS is used consistently throughout the New testament when referring to what Yeshua did on this night. Paul the apostle, when referring to this night, in first Corinthians chapter 11, used the same Greek word. “and the Lord Jesus, in the same night in which he was betrayed took ARTOS, and broke it. How can this be in the light of the commands of Torah? Could it be that Yeshua was giving us a brand new concept that would apply to us as New covenant believers? If that is the case, is this an unprecedented act found nowhere else in scripture? I submit to you, Yeshua is God, and he has chosen to govern himself by His word. In the application of this concept, we must remember that His ways are far above our ways.

Let me ask you a very pointed question. Does Yeshua, as YHVH, have your permission to do things that are above your ways or your understanding? Does he somehow need your approval to operate beyond your way of thinking? We bristle at this, thinking that somehow He has circumvented His own laws. Is this the only place in the entire New testament that this has happened ? What about in the book of Hebrews the where the writer is explaining to us the concept of the “priesthood forever” after the order of Melchizedek?

The bottom line is this : Yeshua is the bread of life! The leavening that is in Him speaks of the newness of life that He has given us. If He chooses to use the concept of a brand new leavening agent, that is His prerogative!

Shalom!

How Do You Know?

A comment was recently made to me concerning proof of Yeshua’s Messiaship and how we know of its authenticity. Is there a litmus test to tell us once and for all if He is truly the Messiah? Can we know with absolute certainty? This question has haunted believers since our Savior walked the earth. C.S. Lewis concluded in Mere Christianity that either Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be or else He was a raving lunatic, and there could be no middle ground.

What about you? Have you gotten quiet enough before Him to hear Him whisper to you, “Whom do you say that I am?” Have you come to a conclusion or have you allowed the jury of your mind to remain sequestered, deadlocked in never ending deliberation? (See Matthew 16:13-20)

I am struck by the fact that Yeshua posed this question to an ignorant, belligerent fisherman plagued by small-man syndrome. Why didn’t He ask the same question of the religious leaders? Why was Peter’s answer important enough to be recorded in Scripture? Why, after Peter gave an answer that would rock every religious establishment to the core of its being, did Yeshua tell the disciples not to tell any one else of their conclusion?

We can see several things that must be brought into our decision making process here:

• Whatever conclusion we come to must NOT be based on academia…Peter had none!
• Our conclusion must be based upon a simple, yet spiritual event…a revelation!
• When revelation is received, my personal lack of ability to explain every nuance of that revelation becomes secondary…The important thing is, “I once was blind, but now I see” (John 9:25).

I believe the reason that Yeshua didn’t ask the religious leaders this question is because He understood the trappings of religion and academia (religion and academia without revelation is a lethal combination). The ability to fully explain the four levels of interpretation (according to a Hebrew mindset) of every scripture well enough to write our own commentaries…without a personal revelation of the Sonship of Messiah is mindless drivel! If the question of the identity of our Messiah was to be settled by scientific proof, wouldn’t the Creator of all science have been able to make that proof as succinct as the law of gravity? Just as our elementary textbooks explain the simple rules of mathematics, our place in the Creator’s universe would be taught in every school in the world. THAT WAS NOT HIS PLAN! It was, now is, and always will be a matter of personal revelation!

Revelation allows us to put things in proper order. God allows us to see who He is knowing that we can NEVER understand Him or His ways. Being able to prove my point through scripture is far less important than the personal revelation. While scriptural understanding will add color and clarity to the revelation, it must never supersede it. Academia allows US to figure it out….Revelation concludes the matter from YHVH’s perspective!

Shalom

The Masculinazation of Love?

Is it possible that, at least to a small degree, we men have fallen into the same trap that we are complaining about with our wives? Could it be that we bear some responsibility here?

Of course, the answer is a resounding YES! It is a characteristic of human nature that whenever we are under pressure (of any kind) we revert to a “former lifestyle”. Allow me to explain:

When installing plumbing into a new construction project and before final inspection, the plumbing must pass a “pressure test”. A pressure gauge is installed, compressed air is put into the pipes, and the pipes must hold that amount of compressed air for a specified amount of time. When there is a leak, it ALWAYS occurs at the ‘place of least resistance’. Whatever is inside the pipe will come out at the weakest point.

The “former lifestyle” mentioned above comes into play here. When pressure is applied, we naturally retreat to a place of comfort and/or habit. We are not compelled to change our behavior until we perceive that the place we are trying to attain will be more comfortable than the place we currently are in. We will only take on new employment when we perceive that more money will make us more comfortable. We make purchases, move the furniture in our homes, and even change the channel on our TVs based on this concept. We will never change our behavior concerning our interpersonal relationships UNTIL we perceive that change will bring us more comfort. (OK, if the word comfort makes you feel selfish, you can use the word PEACE in its place.)

Scripture tells us, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”. (Matthew 12:34). In other words, “If it wasn’t in the pipes, it wouldn’t leak out!” As human beings, we are created to “leak” a little. The leaks serve to show us (and those around us) what is inside.

The “masculinization” of love tries to fix the leak, even when that leak may be extremely important to the well being of your relationship. Our wives will thrive when we allow them to share emotions, ideas, and especially intellect with us. Learn to embrace her intellectual contribution to your relationship.

My bride and I, when combining our I.Q.s are an extremely intelligent unit, created in our Father’s image!

Shalom

The Feminization of Respect

Women’s libbers beware!  My intent in this post is not to be disparaging of women in any way, shape , or form, but to point out how a particular societal shift has affected a foundational component of marriages in America. 

When it comes to the concept of respect in marriage, most women will tell you that love = respect.  However, when asking men about the same concept, you will get a far different answer.  Here is where a problem arises.  Because of our innate lack of ability to verbally communicate, we come across like an ogre with fourteen thumbs trying to perform micro-surgery!  We can’t tell you why love and respect are not mutually inclusive, but we are absolutely sure that they are not.

So, on behalf of all men everywhere, here is my attempt!

The problem with the women’s liberation movement is that in trying to “level the playing field” between the sexes, the movement brought down men instead of raising the bar for women.  In order for this to happen, a fundamental component of our society had to be changed.  Positions of authority that were held mostly by men had to be attacked in order to break through the ‘glass ceiling’ and level the field.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to disparage (disrespect) those individuals whose positions were the desire of attainment.  Thus, in the attempt to elevate themselves, the result was a lowering of standards.  I am not saying that I think it impossible for women to attain to those various positions…in fact, I am saying the opposite.  The women’s liberation movement took the easy way out!  Our society would have benefited mightily had they taken the high road and taken on the glass ceiling through merit alone. (No, I am NOT saying there was a lack of equality based on merit…that is not what this post is about).

The result…A lack of respect has permeated our society and we men have stood by and allowed it to happen!  Our fault men, not theirs.  The reason women will tell you that love = respect is because our Creator has created them to conceptualize that way.  A typical male response (conceptualized, not verbalized) is I cannot feel (accept) your love until I feel your respect. 

Just as a woman needs romance to fan her feelings of love toward her man (Yes gents, I am talking about flowers and chocolate and all that other sappy stuff here), a man needs to feel respected in order to be motivated to provide the romance.

I am taking for granted that I am speaking to mature believers that have laid aside the arguments of “If he shows me love, I will show him respect'”, and vice-versa.  If that is your attitude, you need to grow up.

Respect for your man can be summed up this way…Awareness and recognition of his provision, protection, and covering for you and your family.  Your man wants to know that he is still attractive to you, even with his stretched out belly and shrunken posterior.  Do you remember how you used to like to just  “watch” or “look at him”?  He needs to know that you are still interested in the same way!

Maybe I can get my wife to write about love.  I guarantee she will give valuable input!

 

Shalom

Love and Respect

I was recently asked to join a team of speakers/teachers at a Feast of Unleavened Bread celebration in Pie Town, New Mexico.  As I waited on the Lord for His direction, He whispered into my spirit. “Speak on interpersonal relationships.”  Consequently, I find myself in the midst of that period of preparation.

Because my bride and I have a 32 year track record of what marriage is supposed to be (I am convinced if every man had a lady like mine, divorce and even most of the conflict in marriage would be non-existent!), and because of our mutual commitment to our Heavenly Father, I believe I can speak to this issue with a certain degree of competence.

Marriage, romance, and familial relationship has long been a passion of mine and the shelves of my library prove that statement.  My son and his bride recently gave us a book that added to my arsenal…LOVE AND RESPECT by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.  Although some readers may find Dr. Eggerich’s style redundant and a bit condescending, the premise of the book hits the proverbial nail right on the head.  He uses the scriptural passage in Ephesians 5 to prove a major difference in the emotional needs of men and women in their relationships.  While women are primarily motivated by love (no surprise here), men are moved to action by the simple concept of respect.  Because of the feminization of our culture, respect has been greatly diminished.  This is evidenced by our society’s view of law enforcement, the education system, clergy, etc. Fifty years ago, individuals whose careers encompassed these callings were highly respected…today they find themselves treated with a degree of contempt with no explanation of how they got there.

In the posts to come, I will deal with these two primary motivations.  Love and respect need to be restored in order to attain the health that YHVH intended for our relationships.

 

Shalom

Lets have Relationship

This past week I have received no less than 5 prophetic warnings of disaster that is about to strike the United States of America and other parts of the world.  Most of the warnings that we hear will come from ministers and ministries that have compromised their journeys with the Father in one way or another.  At least 2 of the five that I received come from people whom I trust implicitly (If they spoke to me and said that YHVH told them to tell me to swim the ocean, I would immediately begin looking for my launching point!).  David Wilkerson is encouraging people to have a 30 day supply of food on hand, as he believes there will be panic buying of groceries when this disaster hits.

I want to encourage you to get involved in another type of preparation that is (or at least will become) more important that the food we stock. 

What is the status of your interpersonal relationships?  As a believer in Messiah, does your relationship with your spouse and family adequately reflect His concern for you?  Sir, does your wife know that the needs of your family will be priority #1 when disaster hits, or have you shown her a lifestyle pattern that says something far different?  Ma’am, does your husband know that you trust and respect him to make critical decisions in the face of calamity?  Do your children see your relationship as a “united front” that will be a source of protection for them? 

RELATIONSHIP IS A FOUR LETTER WORD!

And that word is WORK!  It is time to take inventory of your relationship status.  As you discover things that are missing, please don’t delay…get the shelves re-stocked! 

The most important tool for “relationship-shelf-re-stocking” is repentance.  Prove your acts of submission to the Almighty by your willingness to humbly say to your spouse or children, “I’m sorry.”  Then do whatever is necessary to live out that repentance.

 

Shalom

I’m back!

Because of work responsibilities, I have not been able to write on this blog with the frequency that I desire.  My work seems to be slowing down to somewhat less of a breakneck speed so I should be able to catch up with some writing.  I hope to soon be back in the swing of posting here 2-3 times a week.  I am excited to share what YHVH has been speaking to my heart.  I believe we are headed for some extremely difficult times in the United States.  Our relationship with our Messiah will come to light in ways never before seen.  Discerning His voice will become a matter of survival in the days to come.  Preparation for this time will consist of deepening your relationship with Him alone.  In other words, stocking up on food,  clothes, money, etc., will be insufficient for what is to come.  Yeshua made the statement to all 7 of the churches in Revelation (see Rev. 2-3) “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.” 

The question that naturally follows is: What is the state of your spiritual hearing?  Have you developed a quiet enough spirit to hear His voice?  When He speaks, do you recognize His voice?

Just something to think about.

Shalom

Calling all Pre-Trib Rapturists

Because I preached this doctrine for over 20 years, I believe I can speak to it with a certain degree of clarity.  Although it is not within the scope of this particular post to argue the finer points of biblical interpretation on this subject, I am happy to discuss with any and all comers the misinterpretations we have used to arrive at a Pre-Trib Rapture.

The purpose of this post is to pose another, perhaps even more poignant, question.  What world event must take place in order for you to realize you missed the Rapture?

On the Freeway of Biblical Eschatology there are several exits of Rapture theory, the first of which is the Pre-Trib Rapture.  My question again:  What buildings/events/scenes will you have to pass in order for you to know that the exit is not valid?  I have listed below some possible exits.

Global Monetary System:  This week on Fox News I listened to a report about the Nationalization of America’s banks.  The reporter stated that the problems that the US is currently facing are not indigenous to this country alone.   We are in the midst (or at least the beginning) of a global economic meltdown that must culminate in a singular, albeit regional, monetary system.

The revealing of the Antichrist:  This ministry has stated for the past several years to be mindful of what is taking place in Syria and Iran.  Get the latest details here: http://profoundprophecy.com/ 

The Continued Crumbling of the US Government: It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that chipping away at the moral fiber of any country will eventually lead to its demise.  Just like EVERY nation,  the US must fall to make way for the Kingdom of Messiah.

I would like to know personally what exit you must pass to KNOW that the Pre-Trib Rapture fits into the category described by the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 16:19)

You can email  your response to bill@house2life.org

 

Shalom

Open My Eyes,Lord

As I was contemplating the events of the day, namely the plane crash in New York (The News Media is now calling this The Miracle on the Hudson River), I sensed a stirring in my spirit.  I began asking, “what are You doing, Father? …What are You trying to show us?” 

Before giving a direct answer, please allow me to digress a bit.  It has been a couple of months since I have felt compelled to post to this blog.  Why?  It has been a while since we have filmed for the TV program (We have been running re-runs for several months now. Why?  For several months now I have not been allowed to share things the Holy Spirit has been whispering into my spirit.  Why not? 

I now believe I have at least a partial answer.  My Heavenly Father was saying to me, “Don’t miss the forest for the trees.”  He wants us to see a bigger picture and it is extremely easy to get bogged down by the details of life to the point that we will miss the beginnings of an incredible picture that He is starting to paint on the canvas of history.

Jeremiah 16:14,15 states: Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;  But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.

This passage could never have been fulfilled at any other time in history other than in the day in which we live.  YHVH God, the Creator of the universe is telling us that in this day He will cause His very reputation to be changed through the events that are happening and will happen around us.  Let me share with you how that reputation change has begun!

Reputation Change on a personal level:  In August I had a heart attack.  Why would a loving, caring God allow this to happen to me?  To teach me of His miraculous provision that I could have known no other way!  I have related the physical story in a previous post and here I will relate the provision side:  We had no health insurance in place to pay this $40,000 bill.  I will save all of the details for the sake of time and space.  Before we gave the Hospital a penny, the bill had been reduced to around $16,000!  We received a statement from the doctor for his portion that said, “Paid in Full”!

Could I have been spared a heart attack? How would I know of YHVH’s care in the MIDST of the trial.  Could He have arranged for 100% of the bill to be taken care of?  How would I be reminded of His promise to meet my DAILY needs?

Reputation Change on a National level:  The crash of US Airways flight 1549 is an event that our creator has allowed to give us an incredible object lesson.  I am not hinting that I think the passengers aboard were any more or less righteous than any one else.  Our Father just wanted to give us a taste of what kind of things He does THROUGH the circumstances.  We are going to see many more crashes in the world, from financial markets to total economies, from cities to countries, from individuals to armies.  We, as the Children of the Almighty, get to be partakers of His reputation-changing power and provision!

Reputation Change on the International Level:  As I was listening to a news story about the conflict in the Gaza strip concerning casualty reports the thought came to the forefront of my mind, “It sounds as if I am hearing a Bible story from the Old Testament! 1100+ enemy deaths to 6 or 7 Israeli deaths?  While I am not discounting that every one of those numbers represents a human life, those are the numbers of casualties that occur when the Almighty is on your side! I make no point here about the righteousness of Israel…just a reference to the promise of the Faithful One!

Well, my friends, we are in for a wild ride, the culmination of which is the return of Our Messiah.  Lift up your heads, your redemption draws near!

 

Shalom