DOUBTING THOMAS

Matthew 13 - 41-42

The Son of Man will send forth his angels,

and they will gather out of His kingdom

all things that offend, and them which do iniquity,

and shall cast them into a furnace of fire:

there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

KJV

A few years ago I attended an evening service at a local evangelical church.  The elderly man speaking that particular evening told the congregation "very few christians actually believe in the devil".   

There was a deadly silence, I didn't hear one "amen" or "that's right" the usual familiar sound of approval or agreement.   On leaving the church I expressed my appreciation as it could not have been an easy message, nevertheless he was right, few people believe in hell, Satan or his little helpers.

Perhaps reading the Screwtape letters by C.S. Lewis and "Screwtape proposes a toast" at the banquet held in the Tempter's Training College might just highlight the antics and manipulation experienced by christians and unbelievers alike.

This is a work of fiction yet one can readily picture the scene in the banquet hall and imagine the squeals of approval at the sight of Peter Tatchell's face flushed with pride at the culmination of his vision now flashed on the college media service to the eagerly awaiting audience.

It is so incredibly easy to corrupt minds who doubt the existence of anything they can't touch and feel, who are illiterate and easily led by the sirens of this world.  Slowly but surely the commandments are eroded but the message they will believe is "when you are dead that's it" or as the bill poster read outside one local church "if you think life is full of surprises, wait till you die" which is surely more appropriate.

The trainee devils are informed eventually they won't have to worry about tempting the individual.    Catch the ring leader and the rest will follow.   This book was first published in 1942 and it is an excellent example of what can be achieved when you don't believe in accountability to any higher being other than yourself.   

If ever a book reminded the Christian of his need for armour against the attacks of his adversary this is it.   In a time when scripture is twisted the closing sentence at the celebration banquet is so very true.

I would be in breach of copyright if I actually printed this.   Please read the book.   Yet at the time it was written I doubt even the brilliant C.S. Lewis would have realised how worthy of hell the church in the U.K. has become.  Hell, the devil and sin have all been neatly eliminated.

Psalm 1 - 1

Blessed is the man 

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly.

Psalm 1 - 2

But his delight is in the law of the Lord.

Matthew 13 - 43

Then the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.

HE WHO HATH EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR.

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD.

Shalom

THE SEEING EYE

GENESIS 18 

 20 - 21

Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great,

and because their sin is very grievous,

I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether

according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not I will know.

KJV

The camera doesn't lie.   Perhaps the scourge of all politicians, academics and religious leaders is that someone, somewhere has recorded their comments, broken promises and threats.

"Time for a visit Lord" thought Frank as he quickly flicked through the contents of a newspaper that was heading for the trash can.    He found it hard to believe people would pay to read the contents. 

Amy pushed her Sunday paper through his letter box.  She considered he should read her copy instead of buying his own. "Hells bells Amy" Frank shouted "don't you get depressed reading this constant trail of depravity and misery, just drop it in your bin will you, I don't want it."      But still the paper came through the door every Sunday.  In the end realising his criticism had been ignored he started to lob it straight in the recycling bin.

Sitting in front of his large picture window he watched the ducks flying on to his front garden eagerly landing next to the carefully placed mound of diced bread next to a fresh water bowl. 

There would be quite a few to feed before the end of March but today it was just a drake and his mate.   

There were too many drakes and not enough ducks to go round so every year one particular drake had the sense to remove his mate to safer ground.    The drakes on the canal were waring to mate with the remaining females and an unfortunate duck could well drown in the process.

Frank's couple walked casually round the fields bordering the small housing estate and arrived early morning and late afternoon to feed.   He sat quietly observing the scene as another female arrived.  Sometimes he had as many as fifteen diners all anxious for a free meal. 

At the end of March they would return to the local canal and the cycle of life would begin again.

Frank considered the question of balance, applicable to both man and beast.   Where ever the scales tipped there were victims, innocents caught up in wars not of their making as good and evil clashed over territory and resources.

Frank's carer arrived and the ducks waddled on to the next free meal.   He was the last client of the day and having supervised his daily care Janet appreciated a moment to relax, enjoy a cup of tea and a chat with this incredibly gentle caring man.   

She knew the light dimmed in those piercing blue eyes when he lost his precious Louise and an advancing disease had stolen his mobility and freedom.   Never one for booze or bingo he sat like a sentinel on the ramparts watching the rapid slide into chaos that would surely come.

Papers lay scattered around his computer.  The screen flashed the latest pictures of mob violence in the Ukraine.   Frank was a regular viewer of the R.T. news whereas Janet only ever watched the carefully edited news on her television.   

"Dreadful isn't it" said Janet "how long before that happens here?" she asked anxiously.   Frank smiled "Ignorance is far from bliss Janet" he replied "you need to know that the information that is being put out there is the truth.    Sadly you can't rely on the media in this country and that will remain unchallenged as most people are not concerned unless it is happening on their doorstep affecting their lifestyle.

"Do you think we are heading for war, well not us directly, but allied with America" asked Janet.    

Frank's expression changed to one of sadness as he viewed the street carnage unfolding before his eyes.     "It's all in Ezekiel 38 - 39" he muttered "and considering the inflammatory remarks

hurled at Russia by the West there could be trouble further down the line.   However the  hypocritical arrogant statements made by Obama and his buddies appear to have had little effect on Putin.   

"Well" said Janet somewhat ignorant of biblical prophecy "it doesn't mention Russia in your bible does it?"  "No" replied Frank "the name for Russia in the bible is Gog"  At this point in time Putin is not playing the aggressor, but there is someone waiting in the wings who will and then.............." his voice trailed off.

"Look" he continued "short of a natural disaster I think this is a few years down the line but it is surely coming, while the sun rises and sets all we can do is pray.   If you belong to the Lord you have nothing to fear - death has no hold over you.   Yeshua's children have His peace,  but as we stand against injustice and corruption in high places we will become targets.

"Gosh" said Janet somewhat alarmed "I signed a petition against fracking this week"

Frank grinned "then no doubt you are now an activist and if you are amongst the protestors you could well be arrested as were my son's neighbours.   

"Heavens above, really" exclaimed Janet "yes it is" replied Frank mischievously  "and did you know there is a rift fault line which runs directly under the Dead sea, up through the Jordan valley and the sea of Galilee to the North of Jerusalem.    If that blows, along with other hot spots that will be it -  game over - as it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.  

"When you have some spare time read the book of Enoch parable 2.   And don't forget the book of Daniel and Ezekiel.   Its all there.   But make sure you have a decent study bible because before you know it you will be asking me who "Cush" is - its the biblical name for Sudan.  The countries in the middle east all had very different names in the old testament.   In fact I have a study bible you can have.   It belonged to Louise."

"Really" replied Janet "honestly I couldn't take it"

"Yes you can" replied Frank "Louise would love to know that it was helping someone to understand what at times is a difficult book to read.  There are very few bible prophecies left."  

Janet stared at Frank.    She knew that despite everything life had thrown at him he had a deep peace and she yearned for what he had.    

"Just give your life to Jesus" Frank said "everything is in His hands" and what is written will come to pass,  but we who know the Lord have nothing to fear and there's a bonus in it for me" said Frank laughing "you can push my wheelchair round to the Upper Room Fellowship every week"   

"Right" said Janet "I'll pick you up seven Friday evening and take you to your fellowship - is that okay"   "That would be wonderful" said Frank knowing full well that her journey had only just begun.

Isaiah 51 - 6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath:

for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke,

and the earth shall wax old like a garment,

and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner:

BUT MY SALVATION WILL BE FOR EVER.

AND MY RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL NOT BE ABOLISHED. 

Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai.

SHALOM

HATE

LEVITICUS  

19 - 17-18

You shall not hate your brother in your heart.

You shall surely rebuke your neighbour, and not bear sin because of him.

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people,

but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.

Where the source of all this hate, what the purpose and agenda.   Is this pure evil straight from Satan's halls.  "Like cancer the sin of hate can spread quickly and corrupt an individual as well as a whole church and nation". (Quote from Truth in Action - NSFLB - KJV)

In Leviticus the teaching is clear and explicit on the subject of sexual behaviour and as true Christians (our faith rooted in the Old Testament and the teaching of Yeshua HaMashiach) we cannot affirm, give approval, say that's okay.  But our refusal to do so is considered hateful.

For non believers who are not bound by any such restrictions that is their choice.  Likewise with all areas of non belief.  So perhaps when it comes to walking in the world we should remember the teaching of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Parable of the Good Samaritan - Luke 10.27

The study note on that particular parable suggests "however the Samaritan although despised as a man of a mongrel race and of a polluted religion is commended because he didn't theorize but acted.

We are called to do the same,  to walk in this world and witness to our neighbour regardless of the consequences.   Jesus warned his disciples that would mean taking the mocking and ridicule but because we know Christ those comments should run like water off a duck's back.   

The tendency to remain separate and apart from non believers as if in some preferred religious elite does not bring the required witness Yeshua (Jesus) demanded.    Matthew 10 - 8 clearly states "Freely you have received, freely give.    

In Matthew 10 - 34-39  Yeshua (Jesus) does not attack family relationships, but indicates that no earthly tie, however intimate, should detract from aggressive loyalty to Him.   This loyalty may even result in certain family members being shunned by others.    Note:   Non believers will shun believers - not the other way round.   We are called to take the flack, walk the walk and prayerfully our witness combined with compassion and a genuine love for the lost, walking wounded and captives will eventually lead them to Yeshua.  

Then we have antics of those who are actually rewriting scripture.   In their world of both poetic and photographic artistic license Yeshua is a cross between George Clooney and Brad Pitt.   European and so very handsome.   Sorry girls, the bible suggests its the devil who is handsome and seductive.
So we can forget the glossy images and remember the words of Isaiah 53 (2-3)

He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

They picture themselves in a beautiful gown floating heavenward towards their and I stress the word THEIR beloved, their heart's desire, conveniently forgetting He is Lord of all the sick and crippled souls on this planet.   Do they even read their bible.

Matthew 20 - 16  
So the last will be first, and the first last.   For many are called but few are chosen.

Meanwhile they eagerly await the Day of the Lord having seemingly misunderstood how terrible that will be.   He is coming in power and glory - not for the beautifully gowned Jenny, Melissa or Sheila, but to the point from whence he departed.   

Matthew 24 - 21-22 also clearly indicates his Elect will still be on the earth at the time of the great tribulation.  But because they are - that time will be shortened.   And sadly Jenny, Melissa and Sheila might well have to suffer as did their Lord.   Obviously the desired option a transporter out before the rubber hits the road. 

In Matthew 24 - 31 - we are assured it will be HIS ANGELS that will gather the ELECT from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.       

Acts 1 - 10 - 11 - Now when He had spoken these things while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And while they looked steadfastly towards heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, (11) who also said "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.

Perhaps the Sizer camp will note the Lord is coming back to His land and His People.  The Jews.

Why the nagging feeling that a good many professing Christians would not know Christ if they fell over him.   That like the priest and the Levi they would walk past the battered body or the tramp sleeping rough on the embankment.   Those in power that cram into the cathedrals for that "wedding of the year" would have happily authorized the arrest of that shabby looking disruptive protestor standing with crowd and would not know who He was.  

Some years ago a very ordinary woman experienced a vivid dream.  She told a friend she had observed the figure of a man robed in white.      "Describe what you saw" the friend suggested with a somewhat half amused smile perhaps gently questioning her sanity.    "I can't" the woman replied "I knew this was a man and that I was held captive by His gaze that emanated pure love.  I will never forget that face, yet I can't describe it, how strange is that.   And the friend smiled cynically and probably considered she had just had one glass too many.   

Until you realise how truly unworthy and totally insignificant you are in the scheme of things.

Until you realise its not about you and all about HIM.

Until your heart is overwhelmed with compassion for the hungry, sick and lost of this world to the extent that your personal agenda is buried forever.

BROTHER, SISTER you know Him not.

Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai