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Commentary on the Gospel of John 2

Ken

Two events are portrayed in John 2, which are Christ’s miracle of creating wine from water (2:1-21) and His cleansing of the Temple to announce Jehovah’s dealings with His people Israel (2:13-22). But, of greatest significance to the Church of Christ today is an overlooked distinction made by John based upon one Greek word pisteuō, translated as believe, commit, and entrust (2:23-25).   

I would like to further preface my remarks on John 2. 

Augustine said, 

In essentials, Unity. 

In non-essentials, Liberty.

In all things, Agapé. 

He also said, 

The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed, while the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed. 

I believe in the verbal inspiration and infallibility of the Word of God, which demands the literal inerrancy of His Word, and you should, too. You and I ought to take God as literally as possible with His Word; in other words, take God at His Word, just as you would receive the words of anyone, who has integrity. 

If God says,

“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18 NIV).

Believe it. 

If He says, 

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). 

Believe it, but know assuredly, 

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (19:26). 

Likewise, God’s Ceremonial Law for Temple Worship and Civil Law for the Ancient Nation of Israel has long passed away, but God’s Moral Law of “Love never fails” (1Corinthians 13:8 NIV). “The moral laws are such as grow out of the nature of things, and which cannot, therefore, be changed – such as the duty of loving God and his creatures. These cannot be abolished, as it can never be made right to hate God, or to hate our fellow-men” (from Barnes Notes on Matthew 5:18). 

The Ten Commandments represent God’s Moral Law. Not one jot or tittle (Matthew 5:17, 18) of God’s Moral Law of Love or any other part of His Inspired Word, for that matter, can fail or pass away until all is fulfilled, as we shall see in John 2. 

Now, let us examine John 2. 

Chapter 2 

Wedding at Cana — The First Miracle of Jesus (2:1-12)

John 2:1 

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there” (John 2:1). 

A marriage in Cana of Galilee is here recorded, where Mary the mother of Jesus was present. 

John 2:2 

“And Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding” (John 2:2 NIV). 

From the previous chapter, we learn Jesus and His disciples, Simon Peter, Andrew, Philip, Nathanael, and John, were also invited. 

John 2:3 

“When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, They have no more wine” (John 2:3 NIV). 

Mary already had thoughts about the potential help of her miraculous Son, when she approached Jesus. Possibly the addition of Jesus and His five disciples made necessary more wine than Mary originally planned. 

John 2:4 

“Woman, why do you involve Me? Jesus replied. My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4 NIV). 

Addressing His mother as “woman [Greek, gunē]” was not considered disrespectful or rude by the Greeks, and was also used by Jesus to address the woman at the well (John 4:21) and Mary Magdalene after His Resurrection (John 20:15). Mary’s request to Jesus may seemed to have been initially rebuffed, but her importunity in asking, evidently made clear that Jesus was willing to answer her request. 

John 2:5 

“His mother said to the servants, Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5 NIV). 

Mary already knew to take Jesus at His word, and told the servants to likewise obey His directions. 

John 2:6 

“Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons” (John 2:6 NIV). 

180 gallons of wine is a considerable amount of wine, even today. 

John 2:7 

“Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water; so they filled them to the brim” (John 2:7 NIV). 

This reminds us of Elijah directing the trench around the sacrifice in front of the prophets of Baal to be filled with water, then ordering his sacrifice to be drenched three times with water until the “water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench” (1Kings 18:35 NIV). And, in answer to his prayer, the LORD sent fire to consume the sacrifice and “licked up the water in the trench” (18:38). 

John 2:8 

“Then He told them, Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so” (John 2:8 NIV). 

Jesus wanted the miracle to become known, since this was the beginning of His ministry. Advertising does have its place, but we shall see Jesus did not always need or want it. 

John 2:9 

“And the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside” (John 2:9 NIV). 

The banquet master recognized the wine to be the “good stuff.” 

John 2:10 

“And said, Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now” (John 2:10 NIV). 

Just as the LORD created in the Beginning, Jesus was also creating, this time, wine out of water. Not realizing the miracle, the banquet master objected to the waste of the best wine on those who were too full to appreciate. Most probably, the over abundance of quality wine would be a marriage gift to the newly married couple. Thank you, Jesus! 

John 2:11 

“What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him” (John 2:11 NIV). 

Because the Early Church believed in taking the words of the Gospel of John literally, they rejected the writing of “The Infancy Gospel of Thomas” as part of our New Testament Canon of Scripture, because it falsely claimed Jesus performed miracles in His childhood, when it was clearly stated the transforming of the water to wine at “Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs [Greek, sēmeion, miracles] through which He revealed His glory” (2:11). 

John 2:12 

“After this He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples. There they stayed for a few days” (John 2:12 NIV). 

Evidently, some of Jesus’ immediate family, e.g., James, Joses, Simon, and Judas, were accompanying Jesus, along with His mother Mary, and the other five, newly christened disciples. 

Jesus Cleanses the Second Temple (2:13-22) 

The First Temple was built by Solomon [957 BC] and destroyed by the Babylonians [586 BC]. The Second Temple was rebuilt by Zerrubabel [516 BC] and later Herod began remodeling the Temple about 46 years earlier than that present time.  

John 2:13 

“When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 2:13 NIV). 

The Gospel of John is instrumental in establishing this as the first Passover Jesus observed during His ministry (2:13), i.e., His second Passover (6:4), third Passover (11:55-57). How long was Jesus’ ministry? About 3 1/2 years. “Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry” (Luke 3:23 NIV). 

John 2:14 

“In the temple courts He found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money” (John 2:14). 

Either the merchants were selling in sacred areas of the Temple grounds or the transactions trivialized the real need of the people to look to God for the atonement of their sins. 

John 2:15 

“So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables” (John 2:15). 

Though our Lord’s First Advent was to present Himself as a Saviour from our sins, “God is angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11 KJV). And, this was a day to remind Israel that a Holy God was not happy with turning sacrifice and forgiveness into simply a moneymaking business. 

John 2:16 

“To those who sold doves He said, Get these out of here! Stop turning My Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:16 NIV). 

John then cited Psalm 69: “Zeal for Your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult You fall on me” (Psalm 69:9). Jesus treated the merchants’ insults against His Father as an insult against Himself. God will not always restrain His anger. 

John 2:17 

“His disciples remembered that it is written: Zeal for Your house will consume Me” (John 2:17 NIV). 

Uncommon intensity and devotion to God characterized Jesus and unsettled the religious establishment of the Jews, whose interpretation of prophecy required a different kind of Messiah. 

John 2:18 

“The Jews then responded to him, What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” (John 2:18). 

They challenged Jesus, “Who do you think you are to do all this?” This was not a question from an earnest seeker of the truth. 

John 2:19 

“Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19). 

Jesus answered according to their heart opposition, knowing it would help those, who would eventually repent and harden those who would not. He referred to His body as God’s Holy temple, just as “you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst” (1Corinthians 3:16). He was referring to His Resurrection from the dead (Mark 9:31).

John 2:20 

“They replied, It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” (John 2:20 NIV). 

King Herod made improvements upon the Second Temple starting 46 years earlier. 

John 2:21 

“But the temple He had spoken of was His body” (John 2:21). 

Jesus was not speaking figuratively but literally, for He literally would die at their hands and resurrect. 

John 2:22 

“After He was raised from the dead, His disciples recalled what He had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken” (John 2:22). 

Ancient prophesy demanded a literal Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 9:25-26). It was not just an idea. Unfortunately, the Jews apparently wanted more of a deliverer from the Romans, not simply from their sins (Isaiah 53:1-12). Likewise, many today may be more prone to look for an easy Rapture exit than a plan for Spirit filled obedience in building His Kingdom. 

Jesus Knows What Is In Each Person (2:23-25) 

John 2:23 

“Now while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs He was performing and believed [Greek, pisteuō] in His name” (John 2:23). 

“Signs” or miracles [Greek, sēmeion] were being performed and people “believed [Greek, pisteuō] in His name” (2:23). Pisteuō is the same Greek word used in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes [Greek, pisteuō] in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” “Believe [Greek, pisteuō] in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household” (Acts 16:31). “If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe [Greek, pisteuō] in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Pisteuō is translated some 240 times out of 250, as believe. 

John 2:24 

“But Jesus would not entrust [Greek, pisteuō] Himself to them, for He knew all people” (John 2:24). 

The same Greek word pisteuō is here translated as entrust [NIV] and commit [KJV].  

Why would Jesus refuse to entrust or commit Himself to these Jews in John 2, if they had “believed [Greek, pisteuō] in His name” (John 2:23)? Since “He knew all people” (2:24), He knew their faith was insincere and insufficient for Him to entrust Himself to them, to commit to them, and to believe in them. This simple but significant statement informs us that our faith is not enough for Jesus to commit Himself to us, unless we have genuinely committed ourselves to Him. 

This does not upend the validity of faith in our salvation, but it cautions us from the uselessness of promoting a “faith without deeds” (James 2:20). Instead, we should reevaluate John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes [literally, COMMITS] in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). 

John 2:25 

“He did not need any testimony about mankind, for He knew what was in each person” (John 2:25). 

This is not a works salvation but an ongoing relationship with the only One who truly knows us, loves us, and genuinely seeks our highest good. 

How can we not in return commit ourselves to Him and count upon His Spirit to work in us “to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13)? 

Let us pray. 

Father, You have been amazingly patient with us to make Your point to us that faith is meaningless unless Your Spirit has inspired us to obey You. Work in us all Your good pleasure. And, may we keep our hand to the plow until Your Trumpet announces it is dinner time for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen and amen.

I Found None

Ken

What a sad state, when God cannot find anyone to do His bidding! “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30 KJV). Our feeble hands are insufficient to stop the enemy! What are we to do? “And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him” (Isaiah 59:16). Do everything consistent with righteousness, but seek deliverance only from God. He alone can deliver! “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him” (59:19). Strong crying to Yahweh alone will fix our situation. If He instructs us to get up and get busy, then we must act. But, our activity alone does not presently seem to be the key. “It is time for Thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void Thy law” (Psalm 119:126).  Where do we not need healing, deliverance from demonic opposition, diminishing of the opposition to our doing the right thing? Paul complained of a “thorn in the flesh” (2Corinthians 12:7), to which he referred as a “messenger [Greek, aggelos, angel, i.e., evil angel or demon] of Satan to buffet [literally, torment] me” (12:7). Do we have more opposition than we realize? Then, we need all the more deliverance only God can provide! Father, it is not an unrighteous thing for us to cry out for deliverance. May we repent, trust, and obey, as we should. But, may that only clear the way for You to act. “O our God, wilt Thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee” (2Chronicles 20:12). In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen and amen.

Secrets With God

Ken

Sharing a secret with God is not the same as refusing to confess Jesus before man, for those who refuse to acknowledge Jesus as Lord before others have no part in His kingdom. “But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33 KJV). God’s children share a secret place and secret things known only between ourselves and Yahweh. A secret place of shelter is offered by Almighty God to His trusting children. “He that dwelleth in the secret place [literally, shelter] of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Secret giving, secret prayer, and secret fasting are things God shares with His children. Open reward is promised to only those, who seek to keep their secret with God. “4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). Manifestations of godly living will be inescapable though not intentionally sought. 

Father, may we be like Jesus, who has a secret name “no one knows knows except Himself” (Revelation 19:12 NET), since His glory cannot be seen by man while we continue to live, unless the Almighty places us in the cleft of the rock to see His back side as He passes by. Cause us to be more concerned with keeping our secrets with You than any vain show to man. Lord Jesus return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Only Sustainable Solution

Ken

Sustainability, by definition, is the means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals for future generations. Who wouldn’t be in favor of that kind of sustainability? Yet somehow, Christianity has been depicted in opposition to sustainability. But, what saith the Scripture? 

Even before God had given any other command to His newly created human image bearers, “God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28 KJV). He blessed them and approvingly gave His command to multiply their offspring with dominion over all living things. But most significantly, humanity is to “replenish” (1:28) and equally to “subdue” (1:28) our planet. The significance of near space and outer space is important only in relation to how it affects our primary dominion over earth. 

The depiction of ravaging the planet in the name of monetary profitability may be acceptable to some economic systems, but God’s economic model must feature subduing the planet, while replenishing it (Genesis 1:28). This only meets the requirement of God’s original directive to man. Any human system — public or private — must optimize these features of subduing and replenishing, if it reflects God’s original intention for humankind. 

God Alone Is Sustainable 

But, the concept of sustainability is truly feasible only to the extent it represents obedience to the command of the Creator God. This is true because Jehovah alone is sustainably everlasting. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlastings arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them” (Deuteronomy 33:27). Only a God capable of sustaining Himself from everlasting to everlasting is able to promote true sustainability. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). And, it is unsurprising in our New Covenant times that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of true sustainability. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). 

Sustainability Possible Because God Commands It 

God never gives a command which cannot be obeyed, because God is faithful. “For this is the love of God: that we keep His commandments. And His commandments do not weigh us down” (1John 5:3 NET). No one can say to God His commands are burdensome, impossibly grievous, and unthoughtfully weighing us down. When we have treated Yahweh as a burdensome taskmaster rather than a Loving Father or Faithful Creator, then we are prone to interpret our profitability more in terms of subduing our planet rather than also replenishing it. 

Sustainability Advocated by the World, Laudable But Impossible 

Advocated by the world, True Sustainability is not possible. The Second Law of Thermodynamics speaks of a running down process counterintuitive to an evolutionary principle. Sustainability should not be opposed on the grounds the world lacks theological justification, but it should be understood as truly supported by solid biblical principle. Sustainability scientifically modeled may be practically feasible but becomes burdensome without the realistic goal of duplicating the Creator’s intention. “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV). God’s faithfulness models His intention of sustainability and promotes His glory when sustainability is achieved. 

Sustainability in Economic Model and Resources Unachievable 

Viewing manmade programs from the perspective of sustainability should direct our involvement or reluctance to be involved. To the degree sustainability is understood to align with God’s faithfulness, it is achievable; but, when others promote sustainability short of that understanding, sustainability should only be pursued with the understanding God will sustain His own people regardless of the consensus of the surrounding world. “And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exodus 10:22-23). 

Sustainability Is Truly God’s Faithfulness 

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The world can require sustainability, but it cannot achieve it without the Invisible Hand of God working. We do not want to discourage the world from seeking sustainability, but we do desire them to see their goal truly achieved by seeking the Everlasting God. “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 106:48). Sustaining us now and forevermore is our understanding of Jesus Christ. “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). God’s blessing of sustainability can be noticed by those outside of our understanding of faith because of the conduct of our trusting in God’s sustainability. “And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake” (Genesis 30:27). 

Father, may Your people look upon You as the Eternal Sustaining God. May You promote and preserve Your people as You sustain our planet. May those around us sense their blessing comes from our presence. But, may your blessing of sustaining us be to your glory and not our credit. Continue to work until our purpose is fulfilled on this planet. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen. 

Love Life, See Good Days

Ken

“10 For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit. 11 And he must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12  For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil” (1Peter 3:10-12 NET).

Was that the Apostle Peter, who wrote those words towards the end of his life? Wasn’t he the one, whom Jesus prophesied would die a martyr’s death (John 21:18)? Still, Peter loved life and saw good days, completing his life about age 68. Doesn’t the LORD expect the same of us? The Psalm of Moses reminded us, “Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations” (Psalm 90:1 KJV). We are to rest in the eternity of His strength, though as a “tale that is told” (90:9) our fleeting existence is but “threescore years and ten [70]; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore [80] years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (90:10). And, like the super centenarian Moses [120 years], “O satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (90:14). It is the quality of our life, not its length.

What advice does Scripture give us to see good days? 

First, teach us to consider our mortality as we wisely live our lives. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). 

Second, love life because it is a gift from God and approach life as working out for your good (Romans 8:28). “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile [Greek dolos, deceit]” (1Peter 3:10). 

Third, live in righteousness or do that which is right because God’s Spirit “worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13) giving us the satisfaction of the LORD. “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). 

Fourth, do not allow evil and deceit (1Peter 3:10) to come out of your mouth, “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). 

Fifth, actively “turn away from evil and do good” (1Peter 3:11), since it is impossible to be both sinful and holy simultaneously (James 3:11), and seeking “peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:10) will be the only way of catching a peaceful life. 

Sixth, be more concerned about producing spiritual fruit than dying with the most toys (Luke 16:23) or the most admired body (Proverbs 20:29). “13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing” (Psalms 92:13-14). 

Seventh, focusing our sight on the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9, 13, 22) is our attempt to imitate the highest model of longevity, “for in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). 

Father, teach us to number our days as those who have not a worry about the fleetingness of our existence yet make the fullest count for Your eternal purpose. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

How to Walk in the Spirit

Ken

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 KJV). If we are fulfilling the lust of the flesh, then we are NOT walking in the Spirit. What does it mean to “fulfil the lust [Greek, epithumia, desires, longings] of the flesh” (5:16)? To pursue the desires and longings of the flesh is to “fulfill the lust of the flesh” (5:16). There is no mystery about walking in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is simply conducting ourselves consistent with the supreme heart choice of continually choosing Christ Jesus. The goal we seek is also the means to attain it. This is a virtuous cycle of “I sought the LORD, because He sought me first, so I seek Him, because He continually chooses me to be conformed to the image of His Son.” This virtuous cycle is walking in the Spirit. A scriptural example. The Holy Spirit is “given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32), and God’s Spirit inspires us “to walk in [His] statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Think on these things.  

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). Whenever we are actively seeking God’s Kingdom first, then we are walking in the Spirit. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Since we cannot serve or seek two masters at the same time, then either we will walk in the Spirit or we will fulfill the lust of the flesh. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon [Greek, mammōnas, riches, wealth]” (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). 

How can anyone change their mind and their heart about the desirability of the Spirit and not the flesh to be the ultimate goal of their existence? Quite simply, 

Allow the Holy Spirit to Persuade and Teach You: 

First, crucifying the flesh spiritually is walking in the Spirit. “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). 

Second, the Spirit of God alone is capable of changing your heart and mind about sin (what is wrong), righteousness (what is right), and judgment (what God must judge, if we do not judge ourselves). “7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. 8 And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on Me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” (John 16:7-11). 

Third, though God rightly holds you responsible for obeying  Him, since He created you with the capacity for obedience, we thoughtfully realize we will never obey Him without His Spirit working in us “to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). 

Fourth, when we do repent, for which we have no excuse for resisting Him, it is God granting us repentance. “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2Timothy 2:25). 

Fifth, when we do believe, for which we have no good reason for not trusting Him, it is God’s gracious gift of faith, which makes our salvation possible. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

Sixth, God has always blessed us with obedience, when we wholeheartedly sought Him. “With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:10).

Seventh, God’s Spirit, though always present among His people has been especially covenanted to dwell within the individual members of His Church, who have been grafted into the New Covenant promised to Israel. “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). “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). 

Father, cause us not to be in confusion about walking in the Spirit. Help us to realize and claim our promised condition of abiding in truth, love, and obedience. Grant us new understanding of You that we would not go to sleep in traditions. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Inevitability of God

Ken

“From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God” (Psalm 90:2 KJV). True religion starts and ends with God. That is the inevitability of God. There is none like Him. Any attempt to build the Kingdom of God on any other foundation will “frustrate the grace of God” (Galatians 2:21) and aid the enemy in the delay of the return of our True King to take His place on the Messianic Millennial Throne of David. Herein is the seeming paradox of Christianity. Is our goal to fulfill the Great Commission of evangelizing the world with the saving grace of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20), which requires more time; or, is it to warn the Church to be ready for imminent departure at the Rapture or Harpazō (1Thessalonians 4:17)? 

Both are true, but it is only the Holy Spirit, who will blend both goals for their appointed time fulfillment. Remember, all of the events of Acts 2 and the subsequent Church Age were directed by the Spirit of Christ to engage in the Great Commission, though the disciples were correctly awaiting the establishment of the Davidic Throne. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). The Holy Spirit managed the disciples by preparing them to direct their immediate attention on evangelism (1:8). But, our secret is we need not account for how the world will deal with all the world ending issues of human existence— though we are not oblivious nor insensitive to accomplishing the little we can — our emphasis must be upon keeping our hand on the Gospel Plow (Luke 9:62), strengthening the saints (Jude 1:20), and literally hastening our Lord’s return, i.e., “while waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2Peter 3:12 NET). 

Apparent delay will only use the enemy’s wrath to praise God’s name (Psalm 76:10) in the salvation of those previously unreachable. Jesus Christ is Yeshua the Anointed One, who will return not as a lowly sacrifice for our sins but as the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords (Revelation 19:16) to reign over us in an earthly kingdom. “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).

To end as we started, our LORD is the Inevitable God. He will win the battle. “The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies” (Isaiah 42:13). Righteous energy belongs only to the Almighty. The saints of God participate in the LORD’s inevitability only so far as we walk righteously. “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God” (Psalm 62:11). What inspires us to right action? God’s Spirit. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne” (Revelation 1:4). 


Father, You are the “high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; [You] dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). May Your Spirit direct us to keep our eyes upon Jesus that all will be done until it is the appointed time for our departure and Your Son’s return. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen. 

What Did Jesus Mean?

Ken

“He that is not against us is on our part” (Mark 9:40 KJV). Jesus had just responded to His disciples forbidding others from casting out demons in His name, who were not followers and colleagues of theirs. Jesus is not interested in building our human organizations; instead, He glories in raising up His Spiritual Kingdom. We are not to quantify support for Jesus simply by counting membership in our group or following, because we are only fellow laborers with the larger Body of Christ. We ought to pray as an organization for all the endeavors of the Body, whether we are familiar with the other members or not. Our power is not in the superiority of our numbers at any given location but our connection with the entire Body of Christ. “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad” (Matthew 12:3). Our understanding and emphasis must be upon our connection to Jesus. 

Yes, we have more connection to Christ’s Body than possibly we have appreciated; but, do we have more connection to OT Israel than also we have realized? Before there was an Israel, back at the Beginning, at the time of the Fall, the battle lines were drawn, when the LORD announced the conflict between Satan “and the woman, and between thy [Satan’s] seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). Israel and the Jews proclaim, “We have Abraham to our father” (Matthew 3:9; Luke 3:8); and likewise, the Church acknowledges Abraham’s parentage. “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham” (Galatians 3:7). 

What connects Israel and the Church? The Messiah. It is Jesus, who proclaimed, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30), and further made known, “he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” (14:9). Both Israel and the Church are peculiar to the Almighty. “Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye [Israel] shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine” (Exodus 19:5). “But ye [the Church] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1Peter 2:9). 

Israel’s current status is “unbelief” (Romans 11:20) and “blindness” (11:25) for the past 2,000 years. But, God’s choice or election of Israel is unconditional, “for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (11:29). All of this is consistent with the “purpose of God according to election [that it] might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth” (9:11). On the other hand, God’s Church has also been called, chosen, or elected (Romans 8:28) to fulfill His purpose of fulfilling His promise to Abraham of gaining for Himself “many nations” (Genesis 17:4), even while Israel sleeps. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12). 

If both Israel and the Church are to “declare His glory among the heathen; His marvellous works among all nations” (1Chronicles 16:24), then the Church does not replace Israel but explains the conduct of Israel “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). The Church is only doing what Israel should have done, but without the baggage of the ceremonial, Mosaic Law. It would appear the Fulness of the Gentiles concludes at the Rapture or Harpazō of the Church (1Thessalonians 4:17), when the prophetic program of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27) would recommence, concluding with the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; 19:19-21), the Spiritual Rebirth of the Nation of Israel (Isaiah 66:8), and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to begin the Millennium (Revelation 19:15). 

To be remembered, the all important outpouring of the Spirit of God that defines the essence of the Church (Acts 2:38) was originally promised to Israel (cf. Jeremiah 31:31). Finally, the Blessing will come home to Israel! “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). Only by unbelief has Israel been sidelined, God using the Church to stir up Israel to jealousy (Romans 11:11). That God’s election of Israel might stand, He will pour out His Spirit upon Israel in one day (Isaiah 66:11) and will work out all the elements upon the Nation that once had only been received by a small number of Jews 2,000 years earlier at Pentecost (Acts 2).  

Father, bring about all Your will for Israel and Your Church that You may receive the honor and praise for so vast, mighty, wise, and loving a work. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen. 

Didn’t See It Coming

Ken

Revivals — like earthquakes — are hard to predict. A butterfly flapping its wings causing a hurricane is more of a chaos theory perturbation ignored by most working meteorological forecast models because it makes accurate prediction unlikely. Modern Large Language Models of Artificial Intelligence, no doubt will begin to affect the discussion. But, calculating the occurrence of a revival — a moving of the Holy Spirit — was precisely what Charles G. Finney, a controversial 19th century, American evangelist and theologian attempted to do in his seminal work, Revival Lectures. “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till He come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12 KJV). 

Finney’s contention was a revival could be expected, when it was needed most. 

“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19).

Finney preached in Lecture 2, which was later transcribed into Revival Lectures: 

“At such a time a Revival of Religion is indispensable to avert the judgments of God from the church. This would be strange preaching, if revivals are only miracles, and if the church has no more agency in producing them, than it has in making a thunder storm. To say to the church, that unless there is a revival you may expect judgments, would then be as ridiculous as to say, If you do not have a thunder storm, you may expect judgments. The fact is, that Christians are more to blame for not being revived, than sinners are for not being converted. And if they are not awakened, they may know assuredly that God will visit them with his judgments. How often God visited the Jewish church with judgments, because they would not repent and be revived at the call of his prophets! How often have we seen churches, and even whole denominations, cursed with a curse, because they would not wake up and seek the Lord, and pray, ‘Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee?’ [Psalm 85:6].” 

The Church does not have the luxury of debating Finney’s underlying theology as heterodox, when the enemy is already at the gate. One question only to the Spirit of Christ: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6).

Dealing With Demons (Part 2)

Ken

Demonized: Oppressed or Possessed by Demons

What is the difference between oppressed or possessed by demons? Both demon oppression and demon possession mean to be demonized. To further explain, Jesus was oppressed by the devil, while the demoniac of Gadara was possessed by a demon. Jesus was oppressed or “tempted of the devil” (Matthew 4:1 KJV), when He heard the distinct voice of the tempter. “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” (4:3). By comparison, the demoniac of Gadara was possessed “with an unclean spirit” (Mark 5:2). Both Jesus and the demoniac of Gadara were demonized, but the obvious difference is the demon possessed are “always, night and day” (5:5) possessed, while the oppressed, like Jesus, “the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him” (Matthew 4:11). If Jesus could be tempted by the devil, then any Spirit filled disciple can be demonized, but only for a season (Luke 4:13). 

If it is possible for even the godly to be demonized, how do we distinguish between being tempted (demonized) by demons and non-demonically tempted? Non-demonic temptation is described by James. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [Greek, epithumea, strong desire, which can be evil or good, as in the case of lusting the office of a bishop in 1Timothy 3:1], and enticed” (James 1:14). Non-demonic temptation occurs without the direct agency of the devil or demons, simply by the “lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1John 2:16), which even Adam and Eve had before they first sinned. Jesus illustrated both non-demonic temptation from His ordinary life, for He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). And, He was demonized, being “forty days tempted of the devil” (Luke 4:2). So, not every temptation endured by the godly is a demonic temptation (being demonized). “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer [allow] you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1Corinthians 10:13). 

Characteristics to Differentiate Between Demon Oppression and Demon Possession 

  1. Demon possession is always present (Mark 5:5), whereas, demon oppression comes and goes (Luke 4:13). 
  2. Demon oppression causes the entertaining of an unthinkable, evil decision (John 13:2), while demon possession makes that decision (13:27).  
  3. Demon oppression may cause thoughts of self-harm, but demon possession can result in acts of self-harm (Mark 5:5) and ultimate suicide (Matthew 27:5). 
  4. Demon oppression may be overcome by individually trusting divine promises, i.e., “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7), while demon possession requires the intervention of others to cast out the demon (Acts 16:16-18). 
  5. Demon possession may be reversed or halted by disciples, who obey the Great Commission. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17). Demon oppression will be accomplished by disciples over their adversary the devil, i.e., “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1Peter 5:9).  

The Great Commission and Spiritual Warfare Appoint Disciples to Cast Out Demons

  • “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17).
  • “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). 

Preparation for Casting Out Demons

  • Total submission to God (James 4:7). 
  •  Honest understanding of a humble heart, “greater is He [Yahweh] that is in you, than he [the devil] that is in the world” (1John 4:4).
  • Prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29).

Casting Out Demons

  1. Commanding the demon to come out, only by the authority given to us by Christ based on the blood of Jesus. “She continued to do this for many days. But Paul became greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And it came out of her at once” (Acts 16:18 NET).
  2. Physical proximity to the demon possessed one is assumed; however, Jesus gave special commendation to the Roman centurion for believing Jesus would command healing for a servant without being present (Matthew 8:8-9, 13).
  3. Failure to succeed at casting out demons would be further addressed “by [more] prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29). 
  4. Failure to cast out a demon resulting in bodily harm to the exorcists was due to their lack of authority because of their lack of submission to Christ (James 4:7), i.e., “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded” (Acts 19:13-16). 
  5. Christ promised, “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), reminding us not to glory in our ability to command demons out of the possessed. “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).