In Genesis 18-19 we read the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (the home of Abraham’s nephew Lot and his family) and of Abraham’s plea with God that the cities be spared from what we have believed to be God’s wrath against their many sins, including homosexuality. We even hear preachers today denouncing cities like New Orleans and Las Vegas, saying that hurricane Katrina was God’s wrath against the people of New Orleans. I’ve heard more than one minister make statements like this one: If God doesn’t punish America [or a specific city in America], He’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. Continue reading “Ten Righteous Men”
1Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
As I was meditating before getting out of bed this morning, listening to the still small voice inside, I was once again made aware of what a major role the law is still playing in my life. I was asking God to show me why it is still so difficult for me to accept the abundant life Jesus came to reveal to us—not a life that we must attain to, but one that is already there for recognition and acceptance, the life that Jesus called the kingdom of heaven that is within everyone.
I haven’t written any contemplations for some time now. I felt that it was time for me to walk out in my everyday life what God had already given me. I felt I really did know the truth and couldn’t understand why I was experiencing it to such a limited degree.
Revelation 21:1-8 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
All of orthodox Christianity is based on the belief that Jesus was a blood sacrifice offered by God to appease His wrath against our sin and enable Him to forgive and accept us into heaven when we die —if we say the right prayer which proves that we have accepted that sacrifice on our behalf.
Without exception, the right hand and arm of God are referred to in the Old Testament as instruments of salvation toward those who put their trust in God. To be on the right hand of God is to be safe, secure, and full of joy —being a partaker of God’s life. It is the place of righteousness, or right standing with God. Here is the absence of sin and sin consciousness and the presence of confidence in His salvation —not in one’s own ability. (Psalms 16:11 (KJV) Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 17:7 (KJV) Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Psalms 44:3 (KJV) For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. Psalms 89:13 (KJV) Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Psalms 98:1 (KJV) O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. Psalms 48:10 (KJV) According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.)
I must make the attempt to say that which cannot be conveyed in words, but only through revelation by the Spirit of God. But words are necessary (Jesus used them) to bring light into a world which needs words to confirm what is being revealed.
Recently I heard a sermon on the cross. The speaker was very gifted in dramatic presentation, and many were profoundly moved by his sermon —and with good reason.
