John shares his personal experience with Jesus to remind the churches about the truth of the real, physical Jesus Christ, whom he personally encountered, walked with, talked with, and saw after His resurrection, before he experienced the inaugural effect of the Holy Spirit himself, as well as the other disciples, 40 days after Christ's resurrection. That said, John's message is very deep, spirit filled, and loaded with energy. In this portion of his letter to the churches, John encourages fellowship with one another. He confronts false doctrine (in the form of what is known as the Gnostic gospels-completely taking away the godly qualities of Jesus Christ). And in this portion, John exhorts believers to walk in the light of Christ and to, in that light, walk with each other.
In the first message in a new series on the book of I John, Pastor Troy Billow lays the historical foundation and theological basis that John is addressing. Many false teachers known as Gnostics, are exerting false doctrine, and it is infiltrating the church. John is bringing the points up in this book to confront that false doctrine and holding the hand of the churches that need help and instruction. Then, like today, the church needs help and instruction to confront and combat false doctrine in its many forms, to make God's impact on one's mind, heart, and soul, clear, concise, powerful, and effective.
When Jesus said to His disciples that He would be killed by the Romans and rise again on the third day, they not only didn't understand, but when the reality played out, they were scared and ran. When Jesus's body was gone after His resurrection, even though Jesus told his disciples what was going to happen, logic and reason, anchored in what was only natural by the dictates of this world, led them to believe that Jesus's body was taken by someone or stolen. However the supernatural intervention by God in human history tells a different story; one that transcends human logic, reason, and comprehension. That said, in raising Jesus from the dead, the "grip" of what seems natural or logical was loosened, and left an imprint and impression that could only give glory to God. However, what people said about Jesus back then, still try to say the same things today about Him. And the people Jesus showed himself first to, were considered the "lowest" in society, because He could start with a fresh slate, one that didn't involve the religious hierarchy, who were hostile to Jesus and would not accept Him as their Messiah. What Jesus taught was what God commanded Him and many of the prophets before Him to speak, and one of those things was the marvel that was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. And why? Because Jesus came to conquer something greater than people's convenience, comfort, and safety, and that greater thing is what enables, empowers & inspires us today.
In observance of Passover/Good Friday, Rock of Israel Ministries hosted a special Seder Ceremonial Service. This service observes both Passover, when God used the blood from a lamb to save those who trusted Him from the angel of death, and freed the Jews from Egypt, and incorporates Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, whose blood frees us from the power of death, the power of sin, and hell. The similarities are striking, however some unfortunately don't make the connection. So join us as we present the Seder Service in its entirety.
On Palm Sunday, many people saw Jesus as a bringer of political peace, economic freedom, and were looking to Him to be the one that released them from the dominance of the Roman Empire. They waved palm branches at him which signified peace, and victory. What they couldn't understand was that Jesus needed to free them from bigger political enemies, economic hardships, personal hardships, etc. He needed to free people from Satan, demonic influence (i.e. the principalities and powers of this dark world), the influence of evil, and inner personal sin. Jesus needed to free them from the Kingdom of Darkness. In so doing, Christ set in motion the powers that would lead Him to the cross one week later.
In today’s dark times, believers face weariness, exhaustion, and exasperation, and need strength more than ever before. We all need some “upward draft” to make us, as scripture says, “soar as wings as eagles” so we can be strong, bold, and bright with the Love of God in these days. The way to do this is to look upon, depend on, and hope on Jesus, and He will provide the “upward draft” needed for you to keep going, keep motivated, keep strong, keep content, and in turn fill you with the stamina, endurance, and joy needed to raise you up and be happy in Him who gives you strength.
Like the Israelites, when they were surrounded by the Assyrians, we get surrounded by what we can't control. In other words, at times when we know we're in trouble, we know we're not getting out of this. But when you take God seriously, have faith in Him, and stay close to Him, things will happen. Isaiah assures King Hezekiah of the Lord's protection if he trusts him. Hezekiah decides to do so, and an angel wipes out 185,000 Assyrian soldiers via a "mysterious plague". God will demonstrate His power and give strength to the weary when one places their faith in Him, cause that's what He's looking for.
Full Title: "Lift Up Your Eyes To The Heavens" (Isaiah 40:25-26)
Isaiah keeps giving the people perspective. Isaiah exhorts his people (and us today, as we are similar to the culture of his day) to understand He who has created the earth. Isaiah uses the enormity and complexities of God's creation to show what kind of God people are not listening to. Isaiah also stresses how "people are like chaff" and when God blows on them, they blow away. So why don't people listen to God? Because whatever people are devoted to, That's what they love, and when chances to repent are given, they do not take it. So then people end up suppressing the truth in their wickedness, and God is sending warnings and judgments to remind them that they are mortal, He is eternal, and in that grace, reminding them to start thinking of acquainting themselves with Him.
Full Title: "He Sits Enthroned Above The Earth" (Isaiah 40:21-24)
The Bible (which is a collection of numerous historical accounts, documentations, experiences, warnings, and interactions between God and man) records human nature through the Israelites and what happened to them when they defected away from God. They became wicked, foolish, and were like silly children. Today, it's easy to point the finger at them and say "look at what they did", but we, as a human race are doing the exact same things, (though perhaps in a few different ways) and yielding similar results. The reality in light of this world, human nature, and where things are headed is that God has the answer and the antidote to what ails this world. Why? Because His principles are forever principles, and lasts forever. Isaiah compared humanity to grass, flowers (which wilt and die), dirt, and now insects (grasshoppers). God wants us to walk in His truth because He wants us with Him in eternity. Today, just like in Isaiah's day, He wants us to realize who and what we are in His sight, evaluate our sin, and see the impact today.
It is when we hit rock bottom, and realize that we are nothing, we realize our perspective on God and on ourselves. In light of that, Isaiah showed the Israelites the mistakes of their grandparents, and how those behaviors were provoking God to put an end to their corruption in system, religion, spirit, and soul. Back then the Israelites had turned to idol worship which is spiritual idolatry. Today, we have idols though they may not necessarily be made of wood, metal, or some other material. When your devotion to a THING supersedes your devotion to God, THAT is your idol. Since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, we need spiritual renewal, as it will provide us with the strength and wherewithal to get through life and whatever else it throws at us. We need to meet God on His terms, and He wants us to be strong, be able to stand, and be able to get through whatever comes against us.