Author: Ken

More Than One Isaiah?

Ken

Doubting the authorship of the OT Book of Isaiah produces a nagging doubt that we cannot simply trust the declarations of the writer about the future, if we are not even sure he is who he says he is. “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah” (Isaiah 1:1 KJV). Does the following represent the views of your minister? Liberal scholarship has separated the Book of Isaiah into three parts, representing three different Isaiah authors: Proto-Isaiah (chapters 1-39), Deutero-Isaiah (chapters 40-55), and Trito-Isaiah (chapters 56-66). In response, without consulting the differing language styles employed in each of the three sections, none other than the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, asserted the authorship of the 53rd chapter of Isaiah to be “Isaiah the son of Amoz” (1:1). Jesus quoted Isaiah 53:1: “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed” in John 12:38: “That the saying of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed.” Jesus further asserted Isaiah to be the author of Isaiah 6:10: “Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.” Liberal scholarship does “greatly err” (Mark 12:27). 

Why not let them differ and be quiet? “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). We need all the confidence possible to wage war against the devil, and we cannot afford to allow nagging doubts to rob us of our offensive power against the real enemy. Jesus is coming soon, and we need everyone who names the name of Christ fully engaged with all offensive power to support the prophetic message of the Book of Isaiah. Between the declarations of the Suffering Messiah on the Cross in Psalm 22, especially verse 16, “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16); and, the prophecy concerning the Messiah’s atonement for our sins, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5), we have a clear declaration of the NT Gospel in the OT. If our confidence is shaken in the authorship of the last chapters of Isaiah, how can we have confidence in the integrity of the first chapters? “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it” (Isaiah 2:2). 

May God give confidence to all readers of the Book of Isaiah, that He will as surely perform His saving work (Chapter 53) as He will fulfill His prophecies to build His actual Kingdom as foretold (2:2). Father, may Your will be done and Your Kingdom come. Grant to us knowledge and understanding that we may have renewed power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Learn By Teaching

Ken

“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” (Romans 2:21 KJV). The best way to learn something is to teach it. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1Timothy 4:16). Paul understood the value of his teaching. He would be the first benefactor; subsequently, so would anyone else who was listening. According to Dr. Michael L. Jones, “We remember 14% of what we hear, 22% of what we both see and hear, 70% of movies in our mind, and 91% of what we teach others” (The Overnight Student, p. 8). Discipling incorporates such thinking, since all disciples are to make disciples. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). Undoubtedly, this was Paul’s meaning with Timothy. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2Timothy 2:2). More than a method of education, we also have the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Father, make us to be teachers to replicate images of Yourself in all whom You come to dwell. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Nearly 2,000 Years of Coming Quickly?

Ken

Jesus said, “I come quickly [Greek, tachu, soon, suddenly]” (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20 KJV). What part of nearly 2,000 years sounds quick? If He meant to keep us in a constant state of readiness, then He chose His words wisely. Did Paul think he might be alive, when Jesus returned? “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17). Yes, he seemed to include himself in that last statement of “we which are alive and remain” (4:17). But, don’t the words, “I come quickly,” lose their impact over the passing years? Not if you consider that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Peter 3:8). Isn’t that difficult language to use around small children? Only if they haven’t been growing. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). We have been warned not to fall asleep, as if we would miss something, otherwise. 

“1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1Thessalonians 5:1-11).

Father, make us to be ready. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Doctrine of the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ

Ken

If I had a theory that human history would be only 7,000 years, would that immediately qualify as entry to the Flat Earth Club? Until we can be persuaded by Scripture, a theory is only a theory, not doctrinal fact. And, we have no obligation to believe anything, unless necessity forces a choice. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1Corinthians 9:16 KJV). On the other hand, before Jesus ascended back into Heaven, He promised to return, but more important, He promised we would be present with Him. If that was only a promise of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, He would not need to depart to prepare a heavenly place. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). He was promising at any moment to return to us, fetch us, and bring us to be at that heavenly place with Him. He said, “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20); and, we were further instructed “to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1Thessalonians 1:10). Coming quickly, while we are waiting qualifies for an Imminent Coming. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching” (Luke 12:37). 

You can see that a Pre-Tribulational Rapture fits nicely with the Doctrine of the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ. 

  1. The Lord draws near, standing before the door. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door” (James 5:7-9). 
  2. Wake up. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).
  3. Throw off. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12).
  4. Put on. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).

Father, may we be a blessed servant found watching to “be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). Help us to keep our garments clean. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen. 

Unto Us A Child Is Born

Ken

Christmas is a special time of caring because God set the example. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 KJV). Jesus is that child born in a Bethlehem manger, God’s One and Only Son. He came the First Time as a lowly Savior, but He will return the Second Time as conquering king and judge to rule an earthly, millenial kingdom. The actions of the Messiah are wonderful and marvelous. His words are that of a counselor. Christ Jesus is The Mighty God to the consternation of His enemies. He is one with the Father. And, to our great joy, He is our Prince of Peace. Hallelujah! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Father, all praise to You for sending us Your Son. Forever thank you! May the gladness You put in our heart translate into the caring we give one another. You are the founder of the feast and reason for this season. We gratefully praise You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

First Coming Is Incomplete Without The Second Coming

Ken

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV). Our salvation is complete, when we shall come into His presence at His Second Coming, for we shall lose our present corrupted bodies of flesh and become like Him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1John 3:2). We are saved from the penalty of sin (eternal death), the effects of sin (physical suffering), and the power of sinning (necessity to commit sin). 

All will confess to being saved from eternal death, since the “gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

According to our faith, some will lay hold of physical healing in the atonement, i.e., “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 cp. Matthew 8:16-17). 

But, possibly the most overlooked benefit in the Atonement is the Gift Within the Gift — the giving of the Holy Spirit. We are saved from the necessity to sin by the inspiration of the Indwelling Holy Spirit to cause us to obey Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27 cp. Acts 2:38). 

We certainly will have all of these fulfilled by the time we stand in His presence at His Second Coming. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

Father, only You can give us full deliverance, but as always, it is according to our faith. You saved us not just to deliver us from eternal pain or physical suffering, but to gain for Yourself a people devoted to Your obedience by Your Spirit. May we embrace this truth and overcome the wicked one by faith. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

An Atheist Remembers Christmas

Ken

I ran across this article, I Took Religion Out of Christmas. I Regret It. The author is an unapologetic atheist, but has a nostalgia about a religious Christmas. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11 KJV). Reading her explanation, pick out any similarities between her story and yours. Children will either be better or worse than their parents, rarely the same. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father” (John 14:12).

Grow or Die

Ken

Why are we commanded to “grow [Greek, auxanete, grow, increase, an imperative] in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18 KJV)? If we are not spiritually growing, then we are spiritually dying. Casual Christianity is deadly. If those who introduce someone to the Lord Jesus Christ do not assume the role of parent, then the infant will die. “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matthew 13:20-21). The Holy Spirit is the provocateur, and He will perform the work. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). However, we need to assume human, parental responsibility, where we can, if we can, to ensure the welfare of the Newborn Christian. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1Corinthians 11:1). Waiting for Christ to return is an act of living the life of Christ until He comes for us, not laziness or indolence. “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2Thessalonians 3:5, 10 KJV). Lord, cause us to continually seek to grow in our understanding and confidence in You. Make us careful to promote the faith of newborn disciples by encouraging their reading of Your Word, praying, fellowshipping, and assembling with brothers and sisters at church. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Taking God At His Word

Ken

“God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 KJV). It is a shame, when we cannot appreciate the figurative language of poetry or the similitudes of Christ’s teachings. Though we should not always take our Lord’s meaning as literal, we must always take Him at His word. He means what He says! This should be the correct understanding of the Literal Interpretation of Scripture. “And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:15). Return quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Lazy Man Approach?

Ken

Work smarter not harder. Ever hear that said by a reproachful colleague at work? Wisdom is more economical with choices, unless the cheaper, quicker alternative is unethical. “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way [love]” (1Corinthians 12:31 KJV). Make no mistake, laziness is universally condemned by the LORD. “A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again” (Proverbs 19:24). The world may have no such aversion to sloth and may prefer it to the ‘stupidity’ of honest labor, if it gains the same money. Yet, the godly can be taught by even an ungodly, unethical colleague, when their lazy man approach accomplishes a task more efficiently. Love is “not self-serving… but rejoices in the truth” (1Corinthians 13:5, 6 NET). Just because our goal is the eternal does not mean we should be inefficient, but never sacrifice the eternal on the altar of the immediate. Father, grant us the humility to be taught by the world, when their lazy approach is more efficient than our well meaning but less efficient attempt. However, cause our light to shine before the world at other times, when they notice we do not attempt to take advantage of them, if it is only self-seeking. Give them opportunity to seek the truth, or give Yourself evidence to condemn them in the Judgment. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.