Category: reproof

The Mischievous Minister of Music #4

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created” (Ezekiel 28:13 KJV).

Who is this musician, and how did he destroy his ministry?

Satan (Hebrew, “adversary”) was not always God’s opponent. Originally, he was “perfect in [his] ways;” iniquity, crookedness, was found in him later (verse 15).

JEHOVAH God speaks to Satan in Isaiah chapter 14: “[12] How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! [13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. [15] Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

Satan’s original name was Lucifer (Latin, “light-bearer”). Lucifer’s wings opened and stretched over God’s throne; his precious-stone-studded coat (today’s Scripture) was a prism that refracted/bent the light emanating from God’s presence below. Lucifer’s body played music. At the base of God’s throne is a sea of glass (Revelation 4:6)—a giant mirror that reflects God’s glory. Lucifer, beautiful and intelligent, noticed his own reflection below; he began to covet God’s throne. Lifted up by pride (1 Timothy 3:6; Ezekiel 28:17), Lucifer was condemned; he wanted creation to praise him.

Again, Satan was formerly a musician. As God’s “anointed cherub,” he was endowed with immense wisdom to use in devising ways to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. Lucifer was a musicologist: he studied music. However, one day, he determined that creation should worship him instead of God. Once Adam fell into sin, Satan seized that earthly crown and corrupted Earth’s world system. Music could be used to his advantage; it did not have to praise God as before….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Which belongs in Romans 8:16 and Romans 8:26 in the King James Bible—‘the Spirit itself’ or ‘the Spirit Himself?’”

The Mischievous Minister of Music #3

Monday, January 29, 2018

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created” (Ezekiel 28:13 KJV).

Who is this musician, and how did he destroy his ministry?

Verse 12 said he is “full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty;” he was also “in Eden the garden of God” (today’s Scripture). Only four beings were in Eden—God, Adam, Eve, and Satan (Genesis 3:1-8). Ezekiel’s utterances, as the context shows, doubtless refer to Satan.

Satan once had for his “covering,” or coat/robe, “every precious stone” (today’s Scripture). Ezekiel also says, “the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” Satan was created with a body, albeit spiritual (invisible), that had built-in musical instruments—“tabrets” (percussion instruments, like tambourines) and “pipes” (wind instruments, like pipe organs, flutes, whistles, et cetera). Satan was the “anointed cherub that covereth;” his unique spirit-creature body allowed him to be a canopy over God’s throne.

Again: “[15] Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. [16] By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. [17] Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. [18] Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.”

God’s “anointed cherub” was not content with his original role. Thus we see Satan’s origin….

The Mischievous Minister of Music #2

Sunday, January 28, 2018

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created” (Ezekiel 28:13 KJV).

Who is this musician, and how did he destroy his ministry?

Let us read today’s Scripture in context: “[12] Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. [13] Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. [14] Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. [15] Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”

“[16] By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. [17] Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. [18] Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.”

Whoever this musician is, God is very angry with him….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why did Abraham say what he did in Genesis 17:18?”

The Mischievous Minister of Music #1

Saturday, January 27, 2018

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created” (Ezekiel 28:13 KJV).

Who is this musician, and how did he destroy his ministry?

Recently, I attended an event at a “Christian” school. The background music, however, was anything but Christian. It motivated people to literally move around in most unbecoming manners. In particular, a religious woman stood before hundreds of people and provocatively shook her body from side to side! She laughed. Others tapped their feet, squirmed in their seats, and clapped their hands. A Christian lady who was with me was most embarrassed. She had given up such nonsense when she trusted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. Now, she had to fight the urge not to “move and groove” with them!

In case you have not noticed, what makes a church popular today is its entertainment. Let us face the facts, dear friends. People normally do not go to the church building today to learn the truth; they just go there for the fun, to have a good time. It is their social club: they go to fellowship, to meet friends and chitchat about sports, the weather, politics, and other trivial matters. The less the Scripture is mentioned, the better the conversation! They go for the food—but not the spiritual kind. Above all, they go for the foolishness!

Of course, the entertainment would not be complete without a musical aspect. As one brother said many decades (!) ago, “I went into the world and found the church; I went into the church and found the world!” You find some worldly music, broadcast it loudly on the church building’s grounds, and the world will come flocking in a split-second. (Oh, you better believe it!) Megachurch leaders figured that out, and there are millions of people gullible enough to fall into the trap.

At the heart of this entertaining music ministry is the minister of today’s Scripture….

Strong Participants Wanted

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 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 5:11-14 KJV).

The nation Israel should be matured in God’s Word—alas, they are not!

I attended my nephew’s recent basketball tournament. For the last few months, our team had diligently practiced and played regular games. At the tournament, we competed against several proficient teams and won… first place! One particular player did exceptionally well, scoring numerous points all by himself (some amazing distant shots). After our final victory, I asked his mother, “He practices a lot, huh?” She replied, “Oh, yes, all the time!” Indeed, it showed.

Watching all those young men playing basketball, I could see who was expert and who was novice. All were clumsy at times—tripping, falling, slipping, and/or throwing too high or too far. A select number were remarkably skilled. These particular individuals strategized: they were not aimlessly wandering the court. They knew how to block opponents, pass the ball to their teammates, outmaneuver rivals without dropping the ball, and so on. Knowledgeable coaches, careful training, focused teamwork, and good sportsmanship were all key to first place!

If only the members of the Church the Body of Christ cooperated as players of a sports team do. Instead, we see it as a competition against other believers in Jesus Christ: the flesh envies, complains, pouts, and attacks. If only we could be as skilled in handling the Word of God rightly divided as undefeated sports players. There is always room for improvement but, sadly, more room has been given to ignorance, immaturity, slothfulness, and carelessness. Israel of old was rebuked in today’s Scripture. Let us learn the lesson she never did! 🙂

The Wise Masterbuilder #15

Friday, January 19, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

The solution to Christendom’s schisms—sectarianism/denominationalism—is “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Paul is our Apostle, God’s spokesman to us Gentiles in the Dispensation of Grace (Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:1,2): we do not exalt Paul but we “magnify” his God-given “office”/apostleship (Romans 11:13). He is the “wise masterbuilder” who laid the foundation—Jesus Christ “according to the revelation of the mystery” (Romans 16:25,26; cf. today’s Scripture).

We study all the Bible: we do not discard the non-Pauline Bible Books. Nevertheless, we understand that, in Paul’s epistles alone, we find our doctrine, duty, walk, destiny, and hope as members of the Church Body of Christ. Paul is not “just another world religious leader.” He has been God’s messenger to the nations these last 2,000 years—the entire Dispensation of the Grace of God. If we ignore Paul, we discount Jesus Christ who sent him to us. When we emphasize Christ’s earthly ministry (Matthew through John), we overlook His subsequent heavenly ministry (Romans through Philemon).

Whenever someone says that doctrine does not matter, remember today’s Scripture. God the Holy Spirit believed that the Corinthians should follow the Apostle Paul as he followed Jesus Christ. In the Dispensation of Grace, Paul is the “pattern”—for salvation unto eternal life and salvation from false teaching (cf. 1 Timothy 1:12-17). Do we agree with Him?

Colossians chapter 1: “[25] Whereof I [Paul] am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory!”

-FINIS!-

The Wise Masterbuilder #14

Thursday, January 18, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

We study all of the Bible—Genesis to Revelation—as God inspired it all. However, we are not the only saints in God’s Word. The nation Israel needs Scripture written to and about her: these are the non-Pauline Books. When we “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), we are simply recognizing distinctions that God has already made in His Book.

Nonetheless, most rebel and voice their excuses and objections. “I follow Jesus; I do not follow some man such as Paul!” “You throw away everything before Paul!” “You Paul-worshipper!” The Holy Spirit anticipated these protestations and mischaracterizations, as 1 Corinthians chapter 14 shows: “[37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. [38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Pay close attention to verse 38!!

Do you remember our comments when we started? God values free will. If we want to stay biblically-confused (so as to support our denomination), if we prefer spiritual darkness (so as to keep our preconceived ideas), God will give us our way! To wit, “If you want to be without knowledge of Paul’s special ministry and message, be without knowledge!” (Unfortunately, many church members—and even most genuine Christians—have actually chosen this route. Notice, God gave them their desire!!)

However, for us who are interested in “godly edifying” (1 Timothy 1:4), we remember Paul’s words in 2 Timothy chapter 1: “[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”

Let us conclude this devotionals arc….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How was Jesus Christ crucified among the Galatians?”

The Wise Masterbuilder #13

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

Today’s Scripture with its successive verses: “[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; [13] Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. [14] If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

The Corinthians were not building proper doctrine in their inner man. Such loss of reward will be apparent at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:9,10; Colossians 3:23-25). If there is to be grace edification in our lives, we must follow the “wise masterbuilder”—Paul (today’s Scripture). Notice the admonitions throughout the first Corinthian epistle: “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” (4:15,16). “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (11:1). “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (14:37).

To achieve spiritual maturity in the Dispensation of Grace, we follow the Apostle Paul as he follows the Lord Jesus Christ….

The Wise Masterbuilder #12

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

Earlier, 1 Corinthians chapter 2 said: “[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Had Satan really known Father God would use Jesus Christ’s crucifixion to form the Church the Body of Christ, Satan would have done everything he could to keep Jesus off the cross. (Paul could not teach these immature Corinthian believers such wisdom.)

By letting Satan work through sinful Israel and sinful Rome, God let him bring about his own defeat. Colossians chapter 2: “[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Today, through Christ’s crosswork, God is forming the Body of Christ, an entity He is training to accomplish His will in the heavenly places in the ages to come (Ephesians 1:9-23; Ephesians 2:6,7; et cetera). The doctrine that will spiritually mature that Body is the grace principles outlined in the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon. Saints at Corinth were largely ignoring Paul’s ministry; hence, he told them to “take heed” (beware) in today’s Scripture. They were not building on the proper foundation—“the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery” (Romans 16:25,26). Rather than using gold, silver, and precious stones—sound Bible doctrine, the Scriptures rightly divided—they were using wood, hay, and stubble. Israeli kingdom doctrine would not develop them; Peter and Christ’s earthly ministry were not to the nations.

Therefore, throughout 1 Corinthians, we read, “follow Paul….”

The Wise Masterbuilder #11

Monday, January 15, 2018

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10,11 KJV).

Who is the “wise masterbuilder?” In what way is he “wise?” What is he building? Where do we fit in?

First Corinthians 3:9 said: “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Father God wants to form Jesus Christ in those who place their faith in Him as personal Saviour (Galatians 4:19). Christ expresses His presence and lifestyle through the Church the Body of Christ by the Person of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 mentions this “building” of God: “[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

God gave Paul—the “wise masterbuilder”—the blueprints to see that above spiritual structure be formed by and in believing Jews and Gentiles (read Ephesians 2:11–3:9). God had some hidden wisdom, a wise plan to outsmart Satan: He waited until after Calvary to reveal it. First Corinthians 2:6-8: “[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

If only the Corinthians had paid attention to Paul’s doctrine. They would have been spiritually mature to comprehend God’s hidden wisdom. Alas, like so many today in Christendom, they could not handle it. They had refused to follow Paul’s ministry….