Understanding “All”
“Praising God and having favor with all the people”
(Acts 2:47)
There are two basic uses of the word “all” in Scripture. The one is a general “all.” The other is specific and emphatic “all.”
Example A - “There went out a decree that all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1). The text while not so specifying, is referring to the Roman world – countries under the domination of Rome. Certainly South America and China were not included – and not meant in the “all.”
Example B - “That all the world might become guilty before God” (Rom. 3:19). That is a total “all!” No exceptions. Every man, woman and child on the face of the earth is guilty!
We need to learn to read carefully and understand clearly. Exaggeration and embellishment are easy to come by when we are trying to make a point. Be careful of your use of the word all.
In many instances, “all” does not necessarily mean “every last one of them.” In such cases “all” allows exceptions. This does not take away from the impact of the use of the word “all.” For instance, the Bible says that the early Christians “had all things in common” (Acts 2:44). This is not meant to mean they all used the same horse, the same toothbrush, and lived in the same house. It simply means they freely shared what they had.
Secondly, because the word “all” is used referring to a situation in Biblical times does not necessarily mean we can transfer that “all” to a situation today. We may – or we may not be able to depending on the circumstances…
Scriptures says of Jesus that He “healed all that were oppressed” (Act 10:38). Why don’t we who believe in Him have that power? (1) We are not Jesus, (2) We are fallen creatures, redeemed though we may be, (3) Pride is at our doorstep – it was not at His, (4) It would go to our head – these were supernatural acts performed by a supernatural person – which is why He got supernatural results. He was GOD. We are not God.Many of the “alls” in Scripture apply to you – without exception and without equivocation! Find them! Claim them!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Understanding Agenda
“My days are past, my purposes are broken”
(Job 17:11)
Everyone has an agenda. Agenda is purpose. What is your agenda? If you say you have none, then your agenda is nothingness – and you are a blob - and you don’t even know it.
You are either a writer in life – or a blotter. If you say you have no agenda, then you are blotter – and you just blot up whatever anyone says and accept it as normal – as truth.
I watched, the other day, as a big vacuum on a truck in the street was sucking up the sludge from a stopped up sewer. And what came up? Anything and everything!
If you are not conscious of having an agenda, then you are like that vacuum. And what do you suck up? Anything and everything imaginable! Nothing good. Just junk!
The result? Your mind, your philosophy, your ideas, your opinions, your thinking, your beliefs – they are all sludge. Worthless! Simply the result of dredging!
Jesus had an agenda. Yes He did! He had a platform! And He spent three years telling us what it is! If you don’t know what it is, shame on you! You have gotten this far in life and you don’t know what Jesus’ agenda is!
Let me assure you, the terrorists have an agenda. It is to destroy Christianity, destroy America, destroy western civilization, destroy innocent people and destroy the world! It is to squelch truth, to stifle freedom and to crush liberty!
And they have a five-step plan to accomplish their agenda. And they have target dates for each step. Our destruction is due 2020. And we Christians are so asleep we didn’t even know that!
Now, what is your agenda? What is your plan? What are your target dates to fulfill your plan? To counter their plan!
If our only agenda is to “live a Christian life” while sitting on a green lawn under blue skies we’ve missed the boat! That says nothing! It only helps draw doomsday closer!
If we don’t have an agenda, we will lose - and lose big!
Now - What is your agenda?
“My days are past, my purposes are broken”
(Job 17:11)
Everyone has an agenda. Agenda is purpose. What is your agenda? If you say you have none, then your agenda is nothingness – and you are a blob - and you don’t even know it.
You are either a writer in life – or a blotter. If you say you have no agenda, then you are blotter – and you just blot up whatever anyone says and accept it as normal – as truth.
I watched, the other day, as a big vacuum on a truck in the street was sucking up the sludge from a stopped up sewer. And what came up? Anything and everything!
If you are not conscious of having an agenda, then you are like that vacuum. And what do you suck up? Anything and everything imaginable! Nothing good. Just junk!
The result? Your mind, your philosophy, your ideas, your opinions, your thinking, your beliefs – they are all sludge. Worthless! Simply the result of dredging!
Jesus had an agenda. Yes He did! He had a platform! And He spent three years telling us what it is! If you don’t know what it is, shame on you! You have gotten this far in life and you don’t know what Jesus’ agenda is!
Let me assure you, the terrorists have an agenda. It is to destroy Christianity, destroy America, destroy western civilization, destroy innocent people and destroy the world! It is to squelch truth, to stifle freedom and to crush liberty!
And they have a five-step plan to accomplish their agenda. And they have target dates for each step. Our destruction is due 2020. And we Christians are so asleep we didn’t even know that!
Now, what is your agenda? What is your plan? What are your target dates to fulfill your plan? To counter their plan!
If our only agenda is to “live a Christian life” while sitting on a green lawn under blue skies we’ve missed the boat! That says nothing! It only helps draw doomsday closer!
If we don’t have an agenda, we will lose - and lose big!
Now - What is your agenda?
Understanding Age
“There shall be no more thence an infant of days”
(Is. 65:20)
Unless you want to get a slap in the face, don’t ask a woman her age. At the same time, don’t bother asking an infant his age because he won’t answer you either. He’s speechless!
I am appalled as I visit ancient graveyards to notice the number of infants and small children laid to rest. You pause, stunned, as you read the stones. A life cut off. Potential greatness that never had a chance. And you reminisce. You thank God for all your years. And mine at the moment are seventy-six – which is six more than the number the Lord designed that I should have. If you didn’t get that, the Lord said our years are “three score [a “score = twenty] and ten.” That’s 70 (Ps. 90:10).
I have two close friends – one is 92 and the other is 86. You ask, How can I waste my time hanging around such decrepit, broken down, bald, toothless, demented old men? The remarkable thing is that both still have hair – and teeth. And may I add, their own hair and teeth! They also have more wit, intelligence, brilliance and mental acuity than any hundred teenagers together out there today. They are not just a pleasure but an inspiration to be around!
They don’t waste time talking about aches and pains. They discuss life-giving, life-saving, life-promoting issues. And you don’t want to miss a word they say! You will be the loser if you do! Also you might remember not to mince words with them!
I find two classes of people are sharp – young children and old men. I guess that is why I get along so well with both. They keep me going. I can’t keep up with them! Everyone in between I can pass by and not miss a moment with them! There are exceptions, of course.
Will there be infants in Heaven? God says, “There shall no more be an infant of days” (Is. 65:20). Our ages will all be “leveled out.” Age has to do with maturity in Christ. Closeness to Him at any age will make you mature! And may I add - make you brilliant!
“There shall be no more thence an infant of days”
(Is. 65:20)
Unless you want to get a slap in the face, don’t ask a woman her age. At the same time, don’t bother asking an infant his age because he won’t answer you either. He’s speechless!
I am appalled as I visit ancient graveyards to notice the number of infants and small children laid to rest. You pause, stunned, as you read the stones. A life cut off. Potential greatness that never had a chance. And you reminisce. You thank God for all your years. And mine at the moment are seventy-six – which is six more than the number the Lord designed that I should have. If you didn’t get that, the Lord said our years are “three score [a “score = twenty] and ten.” That’s 70 (Ps. 90:10).
I have two close friends – one is 92 and the other is 86. You ask, How can I waste my time hanging around such decrepit, broken down, bald, toothless, demented old men? The remarkable thing is that both still have hair – and teeth. And may I add, their own hair and teeth! They also have more wit, intelligence, brilliance and mental acuity than any hundred teenagers together out there today. They are not just a pleasure but an inspiration to be around!
They don’t waste time talking about aches and pains. They discuss life-giving, life-saving, life-promoting issues. And you don’t want to miss a word they say! You will be the loser if you do! Also you might remember not to mince words with them!
I find two classes of people are sharp – young children and old men. I guess that is why I get along so well with both. They keep me going. I can’t keep up with them! Everyone in between I can pass by and not miss a moment with them! There are exceptions, of course.
Will there be infants in Heaven? God says, “There shall no more be an infant of days” (Is. 65:20). Our ages will all be “leveled out.” Age has to do with maturity in Christ. Closeness to Him at any age will make you mature! And may I add - make you brilliant!
Understanding Affection - II
"…for Achan took of the accursed thing”
(Joshua 7:1)
What you do affects others. O, does it ever affect others! You don’t know the half of it! Your affection is a time bomb!
Achan was just one little man – “of the tribe of Judah” (Joshua 7:1). He had no army, headed no organization and had no prominent position in the community. Just one little man! An insignificant man.
That is what we would like to think of ourselves when we sin. “How could my little sin possibly affect anyone else? So we like to ask the begging question.
The Israelites were told to destroy Jericho and all the people in the city. But they were to save the gold and silver for Israel’s treasury. Since there might be a big temptation to pilfer some gold for themselves personally, they were strictly warned against it. “Keep yourself from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves cursed!” (Joshua 6:18). The gold in itself was not cursed. It would only be accursed if they stole some of it!
And Achan couldn’t resist the temptation. Who would know? Just a “little!” Who would miss it?
So Achan wanted to think.
Israel next went to fight against the city of Ai – and guess what? They lost! How come? It was a small city. They should have won - easily! Israel “fled before the men of Ai!” (Joshua 7:4). Israel “turned their backs on their enemies!” (Josh. 7:8).
Note carefully what God says. “Israel has sinned!” (Josh. 7:11). Israel? I thought it was just Achan! Notice God’s pounding conclusion and interpretation… Achan’s one little sin was imputed to the entire nation of Israel!
“All Israel” - not just Achan – “were accursed!” (7: 12).
You completely fail to comprehend the rippling effect of your pride – your covetousness, your greed, your stealing, your selfishness, your self-centeredness. It affects many more than you might ever be willing to believe. God says Think twice – before you bring down many others because of your selfish sin!
"…for Achan took of the accursed thing”
(Joshua 7:1)
What you do affects others. O, does it ever affect others! You don’t know the half of it! Your affection is a time bomb!
Achan was just one little man – “of the tribe of Judah” (Joshua 7:1). He had no army, headed no organization and had no prominent position in the community. Just one little man! An insignificant man.
That is what we would like to think of ourselves when we sin. “How could my little sin possibly affect anyone else? So we like to ask the begging question.
The Israelites were told to destroy Jericho and all the people in the city. But they were to save the gold and silver for Israel’s treasury. Since there might be a big temptation to pilfer some gold for themselves personally, they were strictly warned against it. “Keep yourself from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves cursed!” (Joshua 6:18). The gold in itself was not cursed. It would only be accursed if they stole some of it!
And Achan couldn’t resist the temptation. Who would know? Just a “little!” Who would miss it?
So Achan wanted to think.
Israel next went to fight against the city of Ai – and guess what? They lost! How come? It was a small city. They should have won - easily! Israel “fled before the men of Ai!” (Joshua 7:4). Israel “turned their backs on their enemies!” (Josh. 7:8).
Note carefully what God says. “Israel has sinned!” (Josh. 7:11). Israel? I thought it was just Achan! Notice God’s pounding conclusion and interpretation… Achan’s one little sin was imputed to the entire nation of Israel!
“All Israel” - not just Achan – “were accursed!” (7: 12).
You completely fail to comprehend the rippling effect of your pride – your covetousness, your greed, your stealing, your selfishness, your self-centeredness. It affects many more than you might ever be willing to believe. God says Think twice – before you bring down many others because of your selfish sin!
Understanding Affection - I
“Because I have set my affection on the house of my God”
(I Chron. 29:3)
Do you see yourself as a person of affection? Are you affectionate?
You may answer, No. “I am not that kind of person.” You may think of an affectionate person as a sort of wishy-washy, effeminate type of person.
This may be a stereotype, yes. But it is not what the real word means.
Affection simply relates to what you are affected by. Each of us is affected by many different things – including the weather, what other people think or say, our job, our family etc. We are also affected by GOD too, if you will.
So when a person is said to have affection for a certain person, place or thing, he is saying he is affected by them – to one degree or another, in one way or another.
Some people are married, but they have no affection for each other. They live with them, put up with them, provide for them, care for them – but there is no affection – positive affection – between the two of them. They are not positively affected by one another. They accept one another’s presence, but that is about it.
The Bible speaks of “natural affection” (Rom. 1:31). We should be naturally affected by other people’s goodness, their kindness, their forgiving spirit, their forbearing posture, their encouraging nature – their love. We should be drawn to others who exhibit these traits – virtues, if you will. It is natural.
The Bible says some are “without natural affection” (II Tim. 3:3). Rather, they “break their word, accuse others falsely, are self-centered, high-minded, traitors, lovers of pleasure…”
Exhibiting such traits works against natural affection.David said, “I have set my affection on the House of God” (I Chron. 29:3). So Paul who says, “Set your affections on things above” (Col. 3:2). Such a person, in truth, is affectionate. And then, “Be kindly affectioned one to another” (Rom. 12:10).
“Because I have set my affection on the house of my God”
(I Chron. 29:3)
Do you see yourself as a person of affection? Are you affectionate?
You may answer, No. “I am not that kind of person.” You may think of an affectionate person as a sort of wishy-washy, effeminate type of person.
This may be a stereotype, yes. But it is not what the real word means.
Affection simply relates to what you are affected by. Each of us is affected by many different things – including the weather, what other people think or say, our job, our family etc. We are also affected by GOD too, if you will.
So when a person is said to have affection for a certain person, place or thing, he is saying he is affected by them – to one degree or another, in one way or another.
Some people are married, but they have no affection for each other. They live with them, put up with them, provide for them, care for them – but there is no affection – positive affection – between the two of them. They are not positively affected by one another. They accept one another’s presence, but that is about it.
The Bible speaks of “natural affection” (Rom. 1:31). We should be naturally affected by other people’s goodness, their kindness, their forgiving spirit, their forbearing posture, their encouraging nature – their love. We should be drawn to others who exhibit these traits – virtues, if you will. It is natural.
The Bible says some are “without natural affection” (II Tim. 3:3). Rather, they “break their word, accuse others falsely, are self-centered, high-minded, traitors, lovers of pleasure…”
Exhibiting such traits works against natural affection.David said, “I have set my affection on the House of God” (I Chron. 29:3). So Paul who says, “Set your affections on things above” (Col. 3:2). Such a person, in truth, is affectionate. And then, “Be kindly affectioned one to another” (Rom. 12:10).
Understanding Adversaries
“For My love they are mine adversaries”
(Ps. 109:4)
Do you have adversaries? If you don’t think so, your eyes are not open!
Your adversaries are within, as well as without – and they are surrounding you! Some of your adversaries are visible. Others are invisible. They are all there, together, in full array!
If there is anything scary and unnerving it is having invisible adversaries!
With hosts like that arrayed against us, it is a wonder we get through life.
The fact is, we would not get through life if it were not for an invisible advocate and warrior on our side – Jesus Christ! Apart from Him our foes are just too formidable. Our resources, by ourselves, are not capable or sufficient for the foe we face.
Some fight imaginary foes and battles. They have hallucinations that the world is against them. Some even believe that God is against them. Others yet believe that they themselves are GOD! There is a lot of stuff “out there!” Don Quixote got mixed up in all that. “Windmills” were his biggest enemy.
Do you feel people are against you, talking about you, whispering behind your back? Chances are it’s not true! But you are not alone. There are many like you. Does the Bible speak to this problem? It sure does. “Cast down vain imaginations!” (II Cor. 10:5). Take control. Assert yourself! Cast them down!
On the other hand, if you are a believer, you will be attacked on every side – be sure of it! “The wicked have waited for me to destroy me!” (Ps. 119:95). David was not blind! Nor was he hallucinating! His eyes were wide open!
Don’t think for a minute people don’t know you are a believer – particularly your enemies!
However – take heart. While “The Devil as a roaring lion seeks whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8), our Advocate Jesus fights on our behalf to subdue our enemies. “HE that is in you is stronger than he that is in the world!” (I Jn. 4:4).
“For My love they are mine adversaries”
(Ps. 109:4)
Do you have adversaries? If you don’t think so, your eyes are not open!
Your adversaries are within, as well as without – and they are surrounding you! Some of your adversaries are visible. Others are invisible. They are all there, together, in full array!
If there is anything scary and unnerving it is having invisible adversaries!
With hosts like that arrayed against us, it is a wonder we get through life.
The fact is, we would not get through life if it were not for an invisible advocate and warrior on our side – Jesus Christ! Apart from Him our foes are just too formidable. Our resources, by ourselves, are not capable or sufficient for the foe we face.
Some fight imaginary foes and battles. They have hallucinations that the world is against them. Some even believe that God is against them. Others yet believe that they themselves are GOD! There is a lot of stuff “out there!” Don Quixote got mixed up in all that. “Windmills” were his biggest enemy.
Do you feel people are against you, talking about you, whispering behind your back? Chances are it’s not true! But you are not alone. There are many like you. Does the Bible speak to this problem? It sure does. “Cast down vain imaginations!” (II Cor. 10:5). Take control. Assert yourself! Cast them down!
On the other hand, if you are a believer, you will be attacked on every side – be sure of it! “The wicked have waited for me to destroy me!” (Ps. 119:95). David was not blind! Nor was he hallucinating! His eyes were wide open!
Don’t think for a minute people don’t know you are a believer – particularly your enemies!
However – take heart. While “The Devil as a roaring lion seeks whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8), our Advocate Jesus fights on our behalf to subdue our enemies. “HE that is in you is stronger than he that is in the world!” (I Jn. 4:4).
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Understanding Advantage
“What advantage then…”
(Rom. 3:1)
Having the advantage in a situation is always to your advantage. Height is an advantage in basketball. Being limber is an advantage in ballet. Being short can be a disadvantage …
Zacchaeus, in the Bible, was at a disadvantage – because “he was little of stature.” No man wants to be short. It robs him of his manliness. Or so he feels. But his disadvantage did not rob him of his opportunity. Thus short “Zacchaeus climbed up into a Sycamore tree” to see Jesus (Luke 19:4). And he ended up seeing Him better (an advantage) than those taller, standing on the ground.
If you feel at a disadvantage in a given situation, consider, like Zacchaeus, improvising to get the advantage.
Seeing Jesus always puts a person at an advantage. When you can see Jesus you will always have perspective – and thus have the advantage.
Now what do you have to say about “disadvantage!?”
Winston Churchill was brought up in boarding schools, giving him a desolate, lonely childhood, hardly knowing his mother and father. That was a disadvantage. But his becoming a fencing champion early in life taught him to be an aggressor and fight for position in life. His disadvantage spurred him on to capitalize on his advantages and so become one of the world’s greatest orators – and Prime Minister of England. He now had the advantage.
What disadvantages do you think are holding you back? When you understand who you are in Christ, every disadvantage can be turned into an advantage with the result that everything will work for you and nothing will work against you.
What a decided advantage we have as believers! “My God shall supply ALL your needs (Phil. 4:19) “according to His riches in glory!”
In Christ we have every advantage and no disadvantage!
“What advantage then…”
(Rom. 3:1)
Having the advantage in a situation is always to your advantage. Height is an advantage in basketball. Being limber is an advantage in ballet. Being short can be a disadvantage …
Zacchaeus, in the Bible, was at a disadvantage – because “he was little of stature.” No man wants to be short. It robs him of his manliness. Or so he feels. But his disadvantage did not rob him of his opportunity. Thus short “Zacchaeus climbed up into a Sycamore tree” to see Jesus (Luke 19:4). And he ended up seeing Him better (an advantage) than those taller, standing on the ground.
If you feel at a disadvantage in a given situation, consider, like Zacchaeus, improvising to get the advantage.
Seeing Jesus always puts a person at an advantage. When you can see Jesus you will always have perspective – and thus have the advantage.
Now what do you have to say about “disadvantage!?”
Winston Churchill was brought up in boarding schools, giving him a desolate, lonely childhood, hardly knowing his mother and father. That was a disadvantage. But his becoming a fencing champion early in life taught him to be an aggressor and fight for position in life. His disadvantage spurred him on to capitalize on his advantages and so become one of the world’s greatest orators – and Prime Minister of England. He now had the advantage.
What disadvantages do you think are holding you back? When you understand who you are in Christ, every disadvantage can be turned into an advantage with the result that everything will work for you and nothing will work against you.
What a decided advantage we have as believers! “My God shall supply ALL your needs (Phil. 4:19) “according to His riches in glory!”
In Christ we have every advantage and no disadvantage!
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