Bristol, Virginia rbreem@gmail.com

Two Standing

There is a parable found in Luke 18. In the parable two men went to the temple to pray. The first was a Pharisee (religious leader of the day).

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’” (vv. 11-12)

The other man was a tax collector.

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’” (v.13)

Which of the two do you think walked away justified? Jesus gives us the answer: “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (v.14)

While reading this the Lord showed me the modern version. Some believers today walk in pride with their relationship with God, as if it wasn’t grace all along that they stand in. They look down on others who seem (seem!) less spiritual. They are religious (fast twice a week) and even give tithe. They frequent church and Bible studies. But out of the two the tax collector was the only one to touch God’s heart. “God, be merciful to me a sinner!

Now, notice in the text they were both “standing.” The Pharisee was standing on his own works. The tax collector was standing in God’s mercy. But let’s be clear only one was standing on solid ground, even if it was from afar. Now, we can approach the throne of grace with boldness. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16)

There may be more of the Pharisee in us then we would like to admit. But the Lord is ready to root it out.

Father of mercy thank you for Your lovingkindness. Forgive me for being like the Pharisee, trusting in my own good works. I declare that I am nothing apart from Your grace. I stand in Your Mercy and I boldly approach Your throne of grace. In Jesus’ name. image credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/XPqJgBT97E8uUBfT9

Spiritual Warfare – Part 4

Subtitle: Taking Up the Whole Armor

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph 6:13)

Today we are going to be learning what it means to “take up” the whole armor of God. We can clearly see that just by becoming a believer we are not automatically equipped with the whole armor of God. It is something that we ‘take up,” piece by piece.

First, let’s look a little deeper into the Greek word for “take up.” Understanding the true definition of a Greek word, with its etymology, tense, mood and so on can give us great insight. Oh, and one doesn’t need to be a Bible scholar in order to gain profound insights.

Take up in this passage is analambanō. It comes from two Greek words, ana = “into the midst, in the midst, amidst, among, between,” and lambanō “to take to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it.” It carries the idea of receiving something. This is how we are to “take up” the whole armor of God. All the pieces are very personal to us – truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, These pieces of armor are not foreign to us. They all come from the person of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. They are ours, not something we merely use then put down again.

I think of a soldier in the army. He has an issued weapon, which he is fully trained on how to use. He knows how to take it apart and put it back together – very quickly no doubt. The weapon is cleaned daily. It is HIS weapon. Likewise, we are to take up the whole armor of God as a personal matter. All the pieces fit us perfectly. They are tailored just for us.

Paul used a similar term a few verses before our “take up” text.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (v.11)

The word for “put on” is interesting. It is endyō, meaning “to sink into (clothing), put on, clothe one’s self.” Yes, we are to sink into our armor. As I already said, this armor is tailor made for us. It fits perfectly and all we need to do is sink into it. Just as we put clothes on before leaving the house we need to sink into our armor on a daily basis. This is a natural thing we do but also a deliberate action. When Paal said “take up” and “put on” it was not a suggestion but a command. I take it as a command from the King of Kings, our Commander.

How do we take up and put on the whole armor of God? Well, first we must know the person of Truth, that He is our Righteousness and so on. The armor is not abstract, but the very person of Jesus received into our daily lives. In the Greek the command to take up the whole armor is in the active tense, meaning it is a continual thing that must be done. It is not a one-time action.

And why do we take up the armor? “…that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph 6:11b)

During WW2 there was a term coined about the Nazi’s that they engaged in “total war.” In other words, they were willing to use tactics not common in war, often at the expense of mass-civilian casualty. Do not be fooled, the enemy is at a total war with us. He does not play by the rules and never has. The “evil day” is fast upon us and we need to “having done all, to stand.” Our best defense is taking up and putting on the whole armor. May we be a ready people,

Spiritual Warfare – Part 3

Subtitle: Wrestling Against Principalities and Powers

We are continuing our series on spiritual warfare. So far we have learned how being strong in the Lord and the power of His might means receiving strength from above in order to fight. We also learned some very important keys in order to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Continuing in the text of Ephesians 6 we find Paul making a bold statement. It is surely one that would have caught the attention of his readers.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (v 12)

When the church at Ephesus heard the word “wrestle” they immediately thought of it as one of the ancient combat sports at the Olympics. If you mention wresting to a person in our time they will think of the civilized sport where blood is rarely shed. But to wrestle in the ancient Olympics was a far different, and even often deadly, sport to participate in. In order to get a fuller understanding of what Paul meant by wrestling against principalities, powers and rulers, we first need a clearer picture of how they viewed the sport.

In the Olympics there were three combat sports – wrestling, boxing and pancratium (a combination of boxing and wrestling that allowed such tactics as kicking and strangling). Wrestling entered the Olympic program in 708 B.C.E. The combat sports, including wrestling,  were designed to be as physically taxing and uncomfortable as possible. This meant no time limits, no rounds, no rest periods, no respite from the midsummer sun.

In wrestling there were also no weight classes. If your opponent was much bigger than you then you either took your chances or forfeited the match. There was no mercy shown by bigger opponents.

I think some believers are under the false – and dangerous – notion that the enemy plays fair. He is crafty, ruthless (without mercy), and plays dirty. Yes, the enemy is greatly limited by God. But let’s be on our spiritual guard, knowing the enemy is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. And yes, if we will choose to wrestle, it will be dirty, hot and uncomfortable.

Out of all the combat sports wrestling was known for requiring great technical skill. Michael B. Poliakoff, writing from the Biblical Archeology Society, says this:

Unlike boxing and pancratium, a wrestling match typically did not end with submission or incapacitation, but rather with one competitor achieving technical mastery over his opponent. The ancients admired wrestling for the level of skill and science it required. Homer’s Odysseus is the archetypal clever wrestler who deflects and neutralizes the massive strength of a far larger man (Ajax) in Book 23 of the Iliad. A statue honoring one Aristodamus of Elis for his victory at Olympia in 388 B.C.E. is inscribed with text reading, “I did not win by virtue of the size of my body, but by my technique.”12 In the Laws, Plato praised wrestling as a form of exercise well suited for the training of Athens’s youth. Plutarch referred to the sport as “the most technical and the trickiest,” and a surviving section of a first- or second-century C.E. wrestling manual shows how well developed the drills for tactics and counter tactics were.13

This brings us back to why Paul said we are to put on the full armor of God.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (v.11)

Wiles are schemes, plots and methods the enemy uses against us. Take a look how the devil is first described by God:

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made.” (Genesis 3:1)

In Luke 16 we find a fascinating parable from Jesus. It has been coined the Parable of the Unjust steward. In the parable a rich man had a steward. It came to the rich man that the steward was wasting his good. The steward, fearing his future, settled the debts of the master buy cutting in half what they owed.

So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.” (Luke 16:8)

Interesting. May we learn to be a bit more shrewd – not toward the world but in our wrestling the enemy. Who’s with me?

I feel it stronger than ever in my spirit that now is the time to be aware of those schemes. The full armor of God – truth, righteousness, preparation of the gospel of peace, and helmet of salvation, will be our defense. In future articles we will explore those pieces of armor. Don’t worry we will finish up with the sword of the Spirit – our offensive weapon. And oh yes prayer!

Spiritual Warfare – Part 2

Subtitle: Wiles of the Devil

‘Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph 6:11)

The believer, as a soldier in God’s army, is instructed to put on the whole armor of God in order to stand against the wiles of the devil. In future articles we will discuss the individua parts of the armor. Oh and on a side note, there is a book that I highly recommend on this topic. It is The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall. Get the unabridged version.

Being equipped with the whole armor enabled us to stand against the wiles of the devil. Let’s take a look into that word wiles. It holds some interesting keys to spiritual warfare. It is methodeia. We get our English word method from it. It comes from two Greek words – meta = “with, after, among.” And – hodeuō = “to travel, journey.” Therefore, we find the Devil as one who travels along the same path as us. He examines us and watches our every move. With that intimate knowledge of us he seeks methods to overthrow us. But that is where our armor comes in – both our offensive and defensive pieces!

In Matthew 12 Jesus gave us some fascinating and helpful information about demonic spirits. He said:

When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” (vv.43-45)

Jesus said the unclean spirit goes through “dry places.” Some have speculated dry places means the desert. But since Jesus was referring to demons inhabiting humans and not nature we are strongly inclined to think the dry places referred to the spiritual state of human souls. Jesus said “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)

Therefore, we see being dry spiritually puts us at great risk. But we have an open invitation today to come to Jesus and drink. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit there will absolutely be no room for the enemy in our hearts. The key is staying in the flow of the living water of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Peter gives us some insight into our adversary as well.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Being sober not only means not being drunk but being awake spiritually. To be vigilant means you don’t easily give up. Vigilance is required if we determine to take a stand against the enemy.

The devil walks about like a roaring lion. His main goal is first goal is to scare you. Don’t be afraid of his roar. And he can only devour those who allow him. He seeks to get us alone and afraid. That is why it is important to be in regular fellowship with other strong believers.

Spiritual Warfare – Part 1

The Apostle Paul had a whole lot to say in the book of Ephesians. It is one of the richest books in the New Testament. I encourage you to come to know it well. Let its truth sink deep down in your spirit. Paul ends the book with these mighty words:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Eph 6:1)

By saying “finally” the Apostle Paul was saying “Yes, I have said a lot of important things in this letter but something of greater importance remains.” We need to pay special attention to these things and especially what Paul says here. Now, let’s break down this verse. It has much to say to us.

The first command – or strong admonishment – was to “be strong.” When we were young our fathers may have told us to be strong. That being strong meant conjuring up strength from within in order to face something. But that is not at all what this verse is saying. In fact, it is saying the opposite.

The Greek word be strong is endynamoō and means “to be strong, endue with strength, strengthen.” It is found in the passive voice meaning it is something received. It is likened to being clothed by another. Or we can think of a man being knighted. Our being strong pulls from His empowering us not us conjuring up strength. Knowing this takes the burden off our backs and puts it on the Lord. It is His strength, not mine that I am to be strong in.

We are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. First off, we are to be strong in the Lord. This speaks of our nearness to Him. Strength through intimacy. Now, we find 2 more Greek word for power in this verse. Each are different and allow us to battle in a different way against the enemy. “…and in the power of His might.”

  • Power – krátos “force, strength.” This is the Greek word for dominion. The advancement of His kingdom. We are to be strong in His power – the dominion that He has given us as children of the King.
  • Might – ischys “ability, force, strength, might.” This word indicates a show of force.

In conclusion, we can say use liberty to translate the verse like this:

“At last, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord and in His dominion power, using a great show of force.”

There is a battle raging whether we realize it or even like it. It is time to be strong in his dominion power. We have been given all authority. Jesus said to the disciples and us “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

plants growing

God is Primarily Interested in Our Growth

As humans we worry about many things. But there is one thing on the mind of God concerning us: our growth – or maturity if you will. So I say let’s push aside the things that hinder growth and draw towards the things that foster growth.

How do plants grow? Sunlight, proper temperature, moisture and air

Sonlight – we must invest time in the light of the Son. This also means spending time reading and studying the Word of God. Jesus is the Word.  (John 17:3)

Proper temperature – temperature is key to growth. Jesus doesn’t want us lukewarm but hot! We should also be around those who are hot for God! (Revelation 3:16)

Moisture – In the Bible water is a symbol of the person of the Holy Spirit. We need Him to fill us daily in order to grow spiritually. (John 4:14)

Air – Again, the person of the Holy Spirit. When God created humans He breathed the breathe of life in them (Genesis 2:7). Today, we receive the breathe of the Spirit when we are baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-2; John 3:8)

Lord, thank you that you so greatly desire to see us grow even if we are happy to stay where we are. We say yes to spending time with Your Son. I ask you for a renewed fire in my walk. Help me to invest time in the Word of God. Let it master me. I ask for a fresh infilling of the moisture of the Holy Spirit. And yes, oh yes, breathe on me today. In Jesus’ name.

Prophetic Dream / Prepared Table on Wheels

I was sitting in the back row of Pastor Daniel Holohan’s church. Pastor Dan was sitting next to me and we were both very relaxed. Then from behind us came a table on wheels full of food. Enough food for a massive feast. The Lord gave me the verse.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” (Psalm 23:5a)

The table was on wheels symbolizes that God is in a hurry to bless us. It also speaks of an acceleration happening right now in the body of Christ. Lastly, the table was on its way to the alter. Its at the alter where God prepares the table for us. This alter is not a physical place but rather the alter of our hearts.

image credit: https://static4.depositphotos.com/1000615/359/i/950/depositphotos_3593689-stock-photo-banquet-table.jpg?fbclid=IwAR3p834evWoGMJZN31FQiKUi4OANk_QZ3xj7mSaBmdM4R5PGUp12XV-ee6M

Raised with Christ and Setting Affections Above

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1,2)

The King James translates verse 2 as “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” The Greek word for affection is phroneō, meaning ” to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication.” It can be said it is the framework of the mind. We are to set the framework of our minds on the things above where Christ is.

Now, let’s back up to verse one. Paul asks a question of sorts, while making a profound statement at the same time. “If then you were raised with Christ...” The Greek word for raised is an interesting one. It is synegeirō and means “to raise together, to cause to raise together.” The word binds two together. Without the binding (and raising) of the two the word would not exist. In other words, our being “raised” can only be WITH Christ, united and tied with Him.

So, Paul was saying “If then you were tied and raised together with Christ seek those things which are above.” With Christ, we are to seek the things above. Not alone but with Christ. Isn’t that comforting?

Before leaving the earth Jesus promised the person of the Holy Spirit would be sent to them. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you.” (John 14:16,17)

The Greek word for advocate is paraklētos and means “summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid.” This advocate was not just for early church believers but for us – right now. The Holy Spirit is by our side giving us wisdom and strength.

Don’t miss this: we have died WITH Christ, raised WITH Christ and now the Holy Spirit walks WITH us. We can seek the things above only because we have been raised WITH Christ. I’ll end with verses 3 and 4 from our Colossians 3:

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

Our lives are hidden with Christ. He is seen and not us. But when He appears we will appear with Him. That is because we are tied and united for eternity. I have twin girls. If you see one in a room or anywhere you will see the other. They are tied together with a special bond. We too are united with Christ in His death, resurrection a will appear with Him in glory!

simplicity

Simplicity of Christ

In the second chapter of Colossians the Apostle Paul gives a firm warning to the church there.

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

Some translations use spoil instead of cheat. I think spoil is a good word for the above verse. Paul was talking about dangers of Gnosticism. We talked about Gnosticism in a previous article. Here is an excerpt from that article:

“Gnosticism borrowed ideas from various religions and cultures such as Judaism, Greek, Persian religion and so on. They also incorporated truth from Christianity such as redemption but rejected the idea of sin altogether. It is clear that those ideas were very dangerous to the early church. Part of the allure was that ideas needed to be added to the message of the gospel. The gospel was too simple for them.”

To the Gnostics the teachings of the gospel were just too simple. To them something needed to be added in order to make them complete. But Paul, after warning the Colosse church, said:

And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:10)

Yes, we who have given our lives to Jesus are complete in Him. There is nothing to be added. The gospel doesn’t need help or any new revelation added to it.

So, are there modern-day Gnostics in the church? Yes there are. Their ideas pull some away from the simplicity of Christ. These people are always found striving. They tend to put their trust in works and not the simple grace of God. They are always looking for some new teaching or idea. Let me tell you these people are being cheated. The good they do have are being plundered by the enemy.

The Apostle Paul talked about another group in the book of Acts. They were called the Athenians.

For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.” (Acts 17:21)

We need to be careful not to be like this in the church. Personally, I only listen to a few select voices in the body of Christ. I am very careful with whom I sit under.

The bottom line is that the gospel is simple. It is powerful. And it is complete. It is all we need. As we read we are “complete in Him.” No need to add anything. To try to add anything would be to cheapen the power of the cross.

Jesus, I thank you that I am complete in you. I thank you that I don’t need to add anything to Your wonderful gospel of grace. I reject the false philosphies and traditions of men in my day. There are many. I embrace the fullness and completeness of Your beautiful gospel. In Jesus’ wonderful name.

image credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/C9ZWDB1deXyX2Evm9

A True knowing part 3

A True Knowing – Part 3

Subtitle: Retaining God in Our Knowledge

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, (epignōsis) God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” (Romans 1:28)

The Greek word for retain is echo and means “to have, i.e. to hold.” It carries the idea of personal possession. It also can mean the strong bond of blood or marriage. These people rejected God, choosing to not hold on to Him any longer. I cannot think of anything sadder.

As is the case with all serious study of the Bible the context must be considered. In the verses leading up to the one above Paul showed the downward spiral of sin that led to them not retaining God in their knowledge. Back in verse 18 Paul says that these people:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” The Greek word for suppress there is katechō and it means “to hold back, detain.” Think of riot police who are tasked with holding back a crowd of people. Likewise, these people forcefully hold back God in their lives. They keep Him at a distance.

Paul goes on to say that despite their suppression of the truth that God is clearly seen in nature. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (v.20) It is no wonder people these days are surrounded by digital worlds that shield them from creation – and the Creator. Do yourself and your family a favor and spend time outside. You will see God.

These people also exchanged the truth of God for a lie. “who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” (v.25) This can apply to the worship of animals or even other humans. We live in a celebrity culture where these people are worshipped. It should not be so. We should only reverence God in that way.

We have the same choices as the people Paul describes. We can either retain God in our knowledge or we can choose to not hold onto Him. We can suppress the truth or we can welcome the person of Truth. Truth can be exchanged for a lie or vice versa. Let us not think we are immune to the things Paul is talking about here.

Let’s flip things for a second and think positive. We have the opportunity to retain God in our knowledge. We can hold on to His truth and not let go. Instead of suppressing the truth we can open the floodgates! Instead of exchanging the truth for a lie we can reject all lies and embrace the Truth!