ICR Devotion:
The Good Pastor
May 28, 2010
"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." (John 10:14)
The Greek word used here for "shepherd" is the same as for "pastor." The Lord Jesus, therefore, was saying, in effect: "I am the good pastor: the good pastor giveth His life for the sheep
that is, 'for His flock'
." A good pastor is, thus, one who leads his flock into good pasture, who knows his flock, and who is known by his flock. A good pastor would even give his life for his flock (vv. 1-16).
However, this is not merely a term for the leader of a church congregation. The term and the concept are sufficiently broad to include all those individuals (teachers, military officers, parents, etc.) who have leadership responsibilities.
In all such cases, our guide and example is our good shepherd, our good pastor, our good leader--the Lord Jesus Christ. With this in mind, consider some of the other biblical references to our good shepherd: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 5:2-4).
Note also Hebrews 13:20-21: "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever."
Most every Christian, at least on occasion, must assume the function of a spiritual shepherd, and every Christian, always, is spiritually a sheep. The Lord Jesus is our good shepherd, and we do well to follow Him in all things. HMM
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Monday, May 31, 2010
Devotion
Here is a devotion from ICR (Institute for Creation Research)
Nine Forty-Day Periods
May 27, 2010
"To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3)
It is interesting how often the Scriptures refer to a fortyday period. There are nine different forty-day periods noted in Scripture (the phrase itself occurs seventeen times), and it may be noteworthy that forty days is one-ninth of the original (and prophetic) lunar/solar year of 360 days (note Genesis 7:11; 8:3-4; Revelation 11:2-3). Thus the total of the nine forty-day periods equals the ideal year.
These nine forty-day periods are as follows: (1) The intense rainfall at the start of the Flood (Genesis 7:12, 17); (2) The first giving of the law (Exodus 24:18; Deuteronomy 9:9, 11); (3) The second giving of the law (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:18, 25); (4) The searching of Canaan by the fearful spies (Numbers 13:25; 14:34); (5) The defiance of Israel by Goliath (1 Samuel 17:16); (6) Elijah's journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:8); (7) Jonah's reluctant preaching in Nineveh (Jonah 3:4); (8) Christ's temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2); (9) Christ's post-resurrection ministry (Acts 1:3).
Each of these periods was a time of great stress and intense testing for one or more of God's people, except the last. Instead, the final forty-day period, encompassing Christ's ministry to His disciples after His resurrection, was a time of triumph and great blessing. He had come victoriously through the most intense time of stress and testing that anyone could ever experience, and now He could show Himself alive eternally to His disciples and promise them the same victory. Forty days of testing, then forty days of triumph! Even a lifetime of testing is more than balanced by an eternity of blessing. HMM
Nine Forty-Day Periods
May 27, 2010
"To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3)
It is interesting how often the Scriptures refer to a fortyday period. There are nine different forty-day periods noted in Scripture (the phrase itself occurs seventeen times), and it may be noteworthy that forty days is one-ninth of the original (and prophetic) lunar/solar year of 360 days (note Genesis 7:11; 8:3-4; Revelation 11:2-3). Thus the total of the nine forty-day periods equals the ideal year.
These nine forty-day periods are as follows: (1) The intense rainfall at the start of the Flood (Genesis 7:12, 17); (2) The first giving of the law (Exodus 24:18; Deuteronomy 9:9, 11); (3) The second giving of the law (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:18, 25); (4) The searching of Canaan by the fearful spies (Numbers 13:25; 14:34); (5) The defiance of Israel by Goliath (1 Samuel 17:16); (6) Elijah's journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:8); (7) Jonah's reluctant preaching in Nineveh (Jonah 3:4); (8) Christ's temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2); (9) Christ's post-resurrection ministry (Acts 1:3).
Each of these periods was a time of great stress and intense testing for one or more of God's people, except the last. Instead, the final forty-day period, encompassing Christ's ministry to His disciples after His resurrection, was a time of triumph and great blessing. He had come victoriously through the most intense time of stress and testing that anyone could ever experience, and now He could show Himself alive eternally to His disciples and promise them the same victory. Forty days of testing, then forty days of triumph! Even a lifetime of testing is more than balanced by an eternity of blessing. HMM
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Comments From Bill Salus
Dear Friends,
I recently read a Blog from Bill Salus (Author of "Israelistine" - A best selling book) Entitled, "Is The Coming Mideast War the Wrath of man or God?" Bill writes great articles and has great insight into the Prophecies of the Bible.
I'm posting an E-Mail I revieved, recently, from Author Bill Salus (Of "Isralestine" fame) We pretty much agree on most of the end-time events, with some different slants. Anyway, here's his comments to my E-Mail:
(His will be in BLUE, the rest are mine)
Dear Bill,
I always enjoy your blogs, and keep up to date on the Prophecy World. Please keep sending me your stuff. I teach & preach wherever & whenever I can on what the Bible says about the last days! I use your stuff constantly, and you have really made an addition to Bible prophecy with your insights.
I read in your last article something about how you believe that the first five seals are before the Tribulation! ("The seven seal judgments could also be Tribulation events, although I presently believe at least the first five seals will find fulfillment prior to the Tribulation period.")
Revelation 6 is clear the the first five seals are part of the wrath of the Lamb...
Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
This applies the opening of the 6th seal, not necessarily all six seals.
Rev. 6:12I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
The Book of Revelation is naturally outlined for us in 1:18...
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
1. The things which thou hast seen ... Chapter 1! (The Glorified Christ)
2. The things which are...chapter 2-3! (The Church Age) (The Church Age on earth - Rev. 4 & 5, the Church Raptured in heaven. Rev. 6-22 Post Rapture events. Rev. 6:1-11 could very well be Post Rapture - Pre-Trib events. I'll be writing a whole lot more on this subject over the next couple years. Be cautious on bundling all the seal judgments into the Trib. until you read my upcoming writings. I'll keep you posted.)
3. The things which shall be hereafter...chapter 4-22! (The 7 Year Trib. - 1,000 Year Mil. - Eternity) ***These chapters are all about the 7 Year Trib! Christians will not be here!
To suggest that they might be Trib. Events, simply throws the sequence out the door! (Not necessarily, I think you should change your ! to a ?. You have to have an Antichrist along with Death and Sheol/Hades on the scene in order to fulfill Daniel 9:26-27 and Isaiah 28:15-18. They show up in Rev. 6. Follow the possible order of events: Rapture, then comes Antichrist and his cohorts Death and Sheol, then comes false covenant, then Trib commences. Remember the Rapture does not trigger the Trib. and that after the Rapture the Harlot system checks in and in Rev. 17:6 she is responsible for alot of dead saints. These are not necessarily the same saints slain for refusing to take the mark of the Beast. I'll be writing more on the end time saints as well.) I agree that the wars, minus possibly (It is probably Pre-Trib and stage sets the emergence of the 10 kingdoms. I'll also be covering this topic) (Gog/Magog, are pre-tribulational. They could very well happen in between the Rapture & the signing of the Peace Covenant, like you suggest. But the theory that they happen Pre-Trib. is untenable. I could be wrong, but I believe you have opened up for some arguments coming your way. (Isralestine provoked many arguments. This is good and thought provoking. I do my homework before going public with my writing. I may not always be correct, but name an eschatologist who is.) Which is always good to test our doctrines & beliefs.
Also, this theory throws out the natural tie-in with the Olivet Discourse in Matt. 24! Without question Jesus separated the first half of the Trib. & the 2nd. half of the Trib. In Matthew they are birth pangs, up to verse 15, and then the Great Trib. kicks in. In Rev. 6 the first four horses tie directly into Jesus predictions. If anything the "Red Horse" is the "possible" Gog/Magog War! But there's no way that Revelation Six, is not a part of the 7 Year Tribulation Period. (I'm familiar with some of the futurist teaching on the Olivet Discourse from Dr. Ice and Dr. Jeremiah. Reagan, Fruchtenbaum, myself and others aren't futurist's. In a nutshell, I put the events up to Matthew 24:8 as Pre-Trib events. Nation has already come against nation and kingdoms are coming against kingdoms and Isaiah 19, which is what Christ appears to have been quoting from, is about to find fulfillment. Also the earthquakes are occuring.)
Bill, maybe I misunderstood what you have said; please correct me if I have! I have a high regard for your insights into Scripture, but believe that you might be starting down the wrong path on this one. (I'll be explaining in future works how I arrive at my conclusions. In addition I'll be writing about the true content of the false covenant. The preponderance of the Church believes it's a peace pact between Israel and the Palestinians/Arabs. This is because it failed to put Ps. 83 into the equation. That peace comes militarily and not through a peace pact. Thus what is the true content of the false covenant. Feel free to share your thoughts. There are several things the Church yet needs to put into the equation.)
Here's what I read from your article:
The fifth seal saints of Revelation 6:9-11 will probably be post Rapture Christians, who are martyred for their Christian faith before the Tribulation period commences. These are possibly among those alluded to in Revelation 17:6 killed by the coming Harlot world religious system. These fifth seal saints are probably not to be confused with their "brethren" who die in the Tribulation as per Revelation 7:9-17.
In Revelation 6:10 these fifth seal saints ask God “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” This is an interesting question suggesting they don't know their exact whereabouts on the end time's line. If they died for their faith within the seven year Tribulation period they should know exactly "how long" until their blood would be avenged. I will be writing more on the fate of these and the other end time saints in the future.
Here's what I understand from your article: (Correct summary)
1. The Rapture happens!
2. Man's wrath is poured out on the Earth, and millions of Christians killed (Post-Rapture/Pre-Trib. Saints)!
*The 1st. Five Seals of Revelation 6 take place!
3. Then A "Peace Covenant" is made with Israel!
*This begins the 7 Year Trib. (last two Seals, plus the 7 Trumpets, and 7 Vials)!
The argument falls apart when you compare the only difference with the Martyred Saints of chapter 6 & 7 are: *The latter come out of "Great Trib.", (last 3 1/2 Years) *So the obvious, (show me where this is specified. I believe I can show you otherwise.) is that the ones in chapt. 6 must come out of the first three & a half years. Note in 6:11 they were told to wait for their fellow servants & brethren. No distinction (I respectfully disagree, disect v11. I see three potential groups representing three potential differing window periods. Reread it and see if you can see what I see. I'll be writing on this more in due time.) is made, other than that! The key to understanding this is found in the phrase "should be killed as they were,". (All saints in the post Rapture "patience of the saints" period are martyred for their faith. However, some are martyred by the Harlot for failing to buy into her program, and others for failing to take the mark. These are seperate events occuring at differing intervals.) They are killed in the same way, under the same conditions. The saints in chapter 6 were told to wait 'under the Altar" until the other "martyred Trib. saints would be ariving soon! (6:9-11) Beings the "Church Saints" are already on thrones with Christ! (Rev.4&5) This belief would almost force us to create a new dispensation for Rev. 6 martyrs. I don't think so! (Dispensation period or short window period, call it what you like)
The Battles of Psalm 83; Isa. 17; and, "maybe even", Gog/Magog could all happen in the intervening time between the Rapture & the Signing of the Peace Covenant! Or, just the Psalm 83 War and the Isaiah 17 War will probably happen prior to the Rapture, or in between. As I've said, Isa 17 & Psalm 83 could very well coincide, because Syria has already said they would get involved if Israel starts a war with Hezbollah.
My personal belief is that the Gog/Magog war is the "Red Horse" in Rev.6! But there are problems with that theory too! (You could be right. I'm researching that second seal pre-trib possibility as well. Remember it's not just a red horse, rather a fiery red. Research fiery in the Hebrew and see where it takes you.)
Anyway, I'm convinced that the Bible clearly teaches that the Trib. has started as of the First Seal! (A False Peace Treaty) Therefore, the following Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls are all in the framework of the Seven year Tribulation Period!~(You could be correct, this is the traditional teaching. It's safe for now, not necessarily correct however.)
best reading regards
Bill
Thanks for listening Bill, and keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Rob Madden
http://www.libertybiblefellowship.com/
http://www.parsonrob.blogspot.com/
www.youtube.com/user/parsonrobert
PS. For them not knowing the time line and asking the question of Rev. 6:10; Why would they need too? Because ultimately none of us know the exact date or hour! (Only the times and seasons) He gives them an indication that is was a short time in verse 11! "little season"
Also, is it possible that this was more of an expression, of their longing for justice and God's judgment upon a sinful earth? I feel this way, and sometimes even say it, or pray it!
PSS. Bill has ask, and given me permission to post this all on my Blog. He'll be writing his own blog on my comments & questions. Thanks Bill!
I recently read a Blog from Bill Salus (Author of "Israelistine" - A best selling book) Entitled, "Is The Coming Mideast War the Wrath of man or God?" Bill writes great articles and has great insight into the Prophecies of the Bible.
I'm posting an E-Mail I revieved, recently, from Author Bill Salus (Of "Isralestine" fame) We pretty much agree on most of the end-time events, with some different slants. Anyway, here's his comments to my E-Mail:
(His will be in BLUE, the rest are mine)
Dear Bill,
I always enjoy your blogs, and keep up to date on the Prophecy World. Please keep sending me your stuff. I teach & preach wherever & whenever I can on what the Bible says about the last days! I use your stuff constantly, and you have really made an addition to Bible prophecy with your insights.
I read in your last article something about how you believe that the first five seals are before the Tribulation! ("The seven seal judgments could also be Tribulation events, although I presently believe at least the first five seals will find fulfillment prior to the Tribulation period.")
Revelation 6 is clear the the first five seals are part of the wrath of the Lamb...
Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
This applies the opening of the 6th seal, not necessarily all six seals.
Rev. 6:12I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
The Book of Revelation is naturally outlined for us in 1:18...
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
1. The things which thou hast seen ... Chapter 1! (The Glorified Christ)
2. The things which are...chapter 2-3! (The Church Age) (The Church Age on earth - Rev. 4 & 5, the Church Raptured in heaven. Rev. 6-22 Post Rapture events. Rev. 6:1-11 could very well be Post Rapture - Pre-Trib events. I'll be writing a whole lot more on this subject over the next couple years. Be cautious on bundling all the seal judgments into the Trib. until you read my upcoming writings. I'll keep you posted.)
3. The things which shall be hereafter...chapter 4-22! (The 7 Year Trib. - 1,000 Year Mil. - Eternity) ***These chapters are all about the 7 Year Trib! Christians will not be here!
To suggest that they might be Trib. Events, simply throws the sequence out the door! (Not necessarily, I think you should change your ! to a ?. You have to have an Antichrist along with Death and Sheol/Hades on the scene in order to fulfill Daniel 9:26-27 and Isaiah 28:15-18. They show up in Rev. 6. Follow the possible order of events: Rapture, then comes Antichrist and his cohorts Death and Sheol, then comes false covenant, then Trib commences. Remember the Rapture does not trigger the Trib. and that after the Rapture the Harlot system checks in and in Rev. 17:6 she is responsible for alot of dead saints. These are not necessarily the same saints slain for refusing to take the mark of the Beast. I'll be writing more on the end time saints as well.) I agree that the wars, minus possibly (It is probably Pre-Trib and stage sets the emergence of the 10 kingdoms. I'll also be covering this topic) (Gog/Magog, are pre-tribulational. They could very well happen in between the Rapture & the signing of the Peace Covenant, like you suggest. But the theory that they happen Pre-Trib. is untenable. I could be wrong, but I believe you have opened up for some arguments coming your way. (Isralestine provoked many arguments. This is good and thought provoking. I do my homework before going public with my writing. I may not always be correct, but name an eschatologist who is.) Which is always good to test our doctrines & beliefs.
Also, this theory throws out the natural tie-in with the Olivet Discourse in Matt. 24! Without question Jesus separated the first half of the Trib. & the 2nd. half of the Trib. In Matthew they are birth pangs, up to verse 15, and then the Great Trib. kicks in. In Rev. 6 the first four horses tie directly into Jesus predictions. If anything the "Red Horse" is the "possible" Gog/Magog War! But there's no way that Revelation Six, is not a part of the 7 Year Tribulation Period. (I'm familiar with some of the futurist teaching on the Olivet Discourse from Dr. Ice and Dr. Jeremiah. Reagan, Fruchtenbaum, myself and others aren't futurist's. In a nutshell, I put the events up to Matthew 24:8 as Pre-Trib events. Nation has already come against nation and kingdoms are coming against kingdoms and Isaiah 19, which is what Christ appears to have been quoting from, is about to find fulfillment. Also the earthquakes are occuring.)
Bill, maybe I misunderstood what you have said; please correct me if I have! I have a high regard for your insights into Scripture, but believe that you might be starting down the wrong path on this one. (I'll be explaining in future works how I arrive at my conclusions. In addition I'll be writing about the true content of the false covenant. The preponderance of the Church believes it's a peace pact between Israel and the Palestinians/Arabs. This is because it failed to put Ps. 83 into the equation. That peace comes militarily and not through a peace pact. Thus what is the true content of the false covenant. Feel free to share your thoughts. There are several things the Church yet needs to put into the equation.)
Here's what I read from your article:
The fifth seal saints of Revelation 6:9-11 will probably be post Rapture Christians, who are martyred for their Christian faith before the Tribulation period commences. These are possibly among those alluded to in Revelation 17:6 killed by the coming Harlot world religious system. These fifth seal saints are probably not to be confused with their "brethren" who die in the Tribulation as per Revelation 7:9-17.
In Revelation 6:10 these fifth seal saints ask God “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” This is an interesting question suggesting they don't know their exact whereabouts on the end time's line. If they died for their faith within the seven year Tribulation period they should know exactly "how long" until their blood would be avenged. I will be writing more on the fate of these and the other end time saints in the future.
Here's what I understand from your article: (Correct summary)
1. The Rapture happens!
2. Man's wrath is poured out on the Earth, and millions of Christians killed (Post-Rapture/Pre-Trib. Saints)!
*The 1st. Five Seals of Revelation 6 take place!
3. Then A "Peace Covenant" is made with Israel!
*This begins the 7 Year Trib. (last two Seals, plus the 7 Trumpets, and 7 Vials)!
The argument falls apart when you compare the only difference with the Martyred Saints of chapter 6 & 7 are: *The latter come out of "Great Trib.", (last 3 1/2 Years) *So the obvious, (show me where this is specified. I believe I can show you otherwise.) is that the ones in chapt. 6 must come out of the first three & a half years. Note in 6:11 they were told to wait for their fellow servants & brethren. No distinction (I respectfully disagree, disect v11. I see three potential groups representing three potential differing window periods. Reread it and see if you can see what I see. I'll be writing on this more in due time.) is made, other than that! The key to understanding this is found in the phrase "should be killed as they were,". (All saints in the post Rapture "patience of the saints" period are martyred for their faith. However, some are martyred by the Harlot for failing to buy into her program, and others for failing to take the mark. These are seperate events occuring at differing intervals.) They are killed in the same way, under the same conditions. The saints in chapter 6 were told to wait 'under the Altar" until the other "martyred Trib. saints would be ariving soon! (6:9-11) Beings the "Church Saints" are already on thrones with Christ! (Rev.4&5) This belief would almost force us to create a new dispensation for Rev. 6 martyrs. I don't think so! (Dispensation period or short window period, call it what you like)
The Battles of Psalm 83; Isa. 17; and, "maybe even", Gog/Magog could all happen in the intervening time between the Rapture & the Signing of the Peace Covenant! Or, just the Psalm 83 War and the Isaiah 17 War will probably happen prior to the Rapture, or in between. As I've said, Isa 17 & Psalm 83 could very well coincide, because Syria has already said they would get involved if Israel starts a war with Hezbollah.
My personal belief is that the Gog/Magog war is the "Red Horse" in Rev.6! But there are problems with that theory too! (You could be right. I'm researching that second seal pre-trib possibility as well. Remember it's not just a red horse, rather a fiery red. Research fiery in the Hebrew and see where it takes you.)
Anyway, I'm convinced that the Bible clearly teaches that the Trib. has started as of the First Seal! (A False Peace Treaty) Therefore, the following Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls are all in the framework of the Seven year Tribulation Period!~(You could be correct, this is the traditional teaching. It's safe for now, not necessarily correct however.)
best reading regards
Bill
Thanks for listening Bill, and keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Rob Madden
http://www.libertybiblefellowship.com/
http://www.parsonrob.blogspot.com/
www.youtube.com/user/parsonrobert
PS. For them not knowing the time line and asking the question of Rev. 6:10; Why would they need too? Because ultimately none of us know the exact date or hour! (Only the times and seasons) He gives them an indication that is was a short time in verse 11! "little season"
Also, is it possible that this was more of an expression, of their longing for justice and God's judgment upon a sinful earth? I feel this way, and sometimes even say it, or pray it!
PSS. Bill has ask, and given me permission to post this all on my Blog. He'll be writing his own blog on my comments & questions. Thanks Bill!
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