Today's A to Z Letter is "E" and E is for Earth. "Our ‘Nervous’ Earth"

Our ‘Nervous’ Earth

(Twelve instances from the Bible illustrate God’s purpose of earthquakes.)

by. S. A. Austin

Picture Credit: planets.sciencedaily.com  

One of the primary physical causes of God’s great judgment in Noah’s Flood was the ‘breaking up’ of all the fountains of the great deep.

Earthquakes are among the most terrifying natural events we can experience.  Not only does the ground vibrate, but on rare occasions the earth can split, or land can actually be displaced over the earth’s surface.  All these effects of earthquakes were known to Bible writers.

The Hebrew and Greek language of the Bible has rich terminology that describes the effects of earthquakes.  The earth can shake (Hebrew ra ash and ragaz; Greek  seio), the earth can split open (Hebrew baqa) and be moved or slip (Hebrew mot; Greek kineo).   Even seismology, the  scientific study of earthquakes, has its roots in seismos, the common Greek word for earthquake.

Bible writers often saw these fearsome displays of God’s limitless power in the context of the Lord’s coming in judgment on the wicked, His redemption of the righteous or His speaking to His prophets.  Twelve instances from the Bible illustrate God’s purpose of earthquakes.

Day Three of Creation Week

On the third day of creation, the earth’s waters were collected into the oceanic basins as continents appeared (see Gen. 1:9,10).  Evidently, the continents were uplifted as the ocean floor was depressed during a great faulting process that “established” the foundations of the earth.  We are told that angels saw and praised the omnipotent God as this earth shaking process occurred (see Job 38: 4-7; Ps. 148: 1-6; possibly 104:5,6).

Noah’s Flood

One of the primary physical causes of God’s great judgment in Noah’s Flood was the “breaking up” (Hebrew baqa’)  of all the fountains of the great deep (see Gen. 7:11).  Enormous earth upheavals on the see floor occurred as springs were faulted open, unleashing a universal flood on our planet.  God’s purpose was to begin the human race again from the family of Noah.

Crossing the Red Sea

Although the historical record of Israel’s crossing the Read Sea (see Ex. 14) has no reference to earthquakes, the poetically heightened account in Psalm 77:18 speaks of God’s voice expressed as earthquakes accompanying this extraordinary deliverance.

Moses on Sinai

Before God spoke to Moses and gave the Ten Commandments, there was a great shaking of the mountain (see Ex. 19:18).  No doubt the earthquake prepared both Moses and Israel for the important things the Lord was going to communicate.

Korah’s Rebellion in the Wilderness

Korah and all his men were killed, and all of their possessions taken, as the land on which they were camped split apart and closed back upon them (see. Num. 16: 31-33).  The 250 men were devoured by God because they were in rebellion against the Lord.

The Fall of Jericho

Many Bible readers have supposed that an earthquake toppled the walls of Jericho, but the account of Israel’s conquering the city of Jericho (see Josh.6) contains no reference to earth quakes.  There is no doubt that the fall of the city’s great wall would have caused the earth to shake.  God delivered the city, by whatever means, into Israel’s hand.

Philistine Camp near Geba

Israel conquered the Philistines near Geba after an earthquake occurred in their camp (see I Sam. 14:15).  Jonathan and his armour bearer were separated from their army and might otherwise have been killed by the Philistines.

Elijah on Mount Horeb

God spoke to Elijah, as to Moses before, at Mount Sinai (Horeb) after an earthquake (see I Kings 19:11).  Elijah, who had been hiding in a cave, realized that the Lord does not need to use a mighty earthquake to speak but can, in His meekness, reveal Himself simply in a still, small voice.

Uzziah’s  Earthquake at Jerusalem

Uzziah, the longest reigning King of Judah, did right in the Lord’s sight early in his life.  Later, however, he became proud of his great buildings and the strength of his army (see II Chron. 26).  The Lord afflicted Uzziah’s kingdom and buildings with a great earthquake (see Amos 1:1; Zech. 14:5) as well as Uzziah personally with incurable leprosy.

The Crucifixion in Jerusalem

When our Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross, there was a great earthquake and many dead saints were resurrected from their tombs (see Matt.27: 51-54).  God used the earthquake to show that salvation had been accomplished on the cross.  Because of the earthquake, the centurion and those with him at the cross recognized that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.

The Resurrection in Jerusalem

No human agency rolled away the stone blocking the opening of our Lord’s tomb.  It was the angel who did so after an earthquake (see Matt. 28:2).

The Prison at Philippi

An earthquake not only released Paul and Silas from prison (see Acts 16:26), but it authenticated their testimony.  The jailer who witnessed the even recognized the Lord’s hand, believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and received salvation.

Earthquakes have been used of God at special times, with special people, for special purposes.  Biblical earthquakes were employed infrequently when no other human or physical agency would do to accomplish judgment, deliverance or communication.  Earthquakes of the future mentioned in the Bible prophecy will have similar purposes.  Those of who have not experienced  earthquakes in these extraordinary ways should have our faith strengthened.  We have these historic reports illustrating our Lord’s holiness, grace and sovereignty.  “God is our refuge and strength,” Even if mountains shake and are cast into the sea (Ps. 46:1-3).

Source:

Confident Living Magazine,

Secunderabad, India.

D Is for Duplicate- A to Z Blog Challenge

D Is for Duplicate- A to Z Blog Challenge

A to Z Blog Challenge Alphabet "D" Does God Heal The Body?

Source
Confident Living Magazine
Secunderabad, A P,
India.

D Is For Doubt: When In Doubt. By Roy E K

When in Doubt

Many Christians occasionally and secretly entertain some doubt about various facets of their faith.  Haven’t you ever questioned,  “Is the Bible really the Word of God?”; I\”Is Christianity the only true religion?”; or “If the rapture occurred, would I be taken or would I be left behind?  Don’t let these questions discourage you, for the Bible has good news for doubters.  In fact, doubters are in good company!

John the Baptist once sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus.  “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matt. 11:3).  He was questioning the messiahship of Christ!  This is a remarkable account for two reasons, both of which have special meaning for believers today.

First, this happening is noteworthy because of the person who is doing the questioning.  This is not “doubting Thomas” or “Wavering Peter”; rather, this is the man described by Jesus as the greatest “among those born of women” (11:11).  We might also more readily understand John’s questioning and doubts if this occurred at the beginning of his ministry.  But this happened almost a year and a half after John had baptized Jesus and had heard the audible voice of God say, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (3:17).  On that occasion, John had publicly testified, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.  I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me: ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God” (John 1:32-34).

This is the same fellow who said six months later, “The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice.  That joy is mine, and it is now complete” (3:29).  
Now John is questioning, “Are you the one?”

What happened? Why the doubts now?

Already Jesus’ fame had spread through Israel.  He had preached His famous Sermon on the Mount, healed many, raised the widow’'s son, and exorcised the demons from the wild man of Gadara.  Yet, in spite of all this activity and publicity, John is dubious, Isn't that amazing?

Have you ever thought, If only I had lived in Bible times and had seen with my own eyes these things, I would never doubt?

Believing certainly would be easier then—or would it?  Somehow, it wasn't for John.

Timing of Doubts

Second, this is a significant event because of the timing of this experience in John’s life.  The Bible reveals that john began his questioning while he was in prison.  Herod’s wife was furious because this bold prophet had personally denounced her marriage to the king and, in order to appease her, Herod ‘had him bound and put in prison” (Mark 6:17).  Now sitting in jail and awaiting his impending execution, John begins to doubt.  Perhaps he felt despondent and rejected.  Once hundreds had flocked to hear his message, and now no one seemed to care.  The announced kingdom had not materialized.  And his two remaining disciples also apparently entertained the same questions.  It was a dark moment in john’s Life.

Have you also noticed that most doubts come our way when the ways seems darkest?  You've lost your job, or experienced some physical or financial reversal.  Perhaps you've been betrayed or rejected by friends.  Those are the times when doubts most often arise.  What does that tell you?

Someone once said, “Never doubt in the darkness what God has told you in the light.”  That is what John failed to do, and so many times we are just like John! We think our labor is in vain, we're wasting our time; or we've somehow missed the calling of God.  So we say, “Move over John”; “Make room for me”; “I know just how you feel, brother.” If we are honest we must confess that this is true on occasion.  Perhaps you feel that way just now.  Keep reading—this is a message on solving those problems of doubt!

Today, we can take comfort by the company of doubters.  John was a great man of God, and yet he questioned.  Frankly, I’m encouraged by that fact and reminded that “no temptation has seized you except what is common to man” (1 Cor. 10:13).  Doubts are, therefore, normal experiences—even for great Christians!

We can also receive encouragement by noting when doubts arise.  As in John’s case, they usually appear in moments of stress, in times of personal setbacks and disappointment.  A wise teacher ones said to me.  “Never try to make any major decisions when you are ill, tired or feeling despondent.”  Good advice!  Things always seem worse in moments of weariness, sickness or discouragement.  That is what happened to John.

However, John is a man to be admired.  He did something about his doubts, and what he did is what we need to do.  First, he admitted that he had some serious questions about spiritual things.  He even shared these doubts with his closest friends.  This is the first step to recovery, for doubts suppressed are never conquered.

Second, John checked to see if what he had believed was really so.  He wanted reassurance that the features of Christ’s ministry were precisely those that the prophets had said they would be.  So Jesus said.  “Go back and report to john what you hear and see:  the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor” (Matt 11:4,5),  Isaiah 35:5,6 and other Old Testament prophecies were being literally fulfilled and this was proof enough for John.  He never sent another pair of disciples to question Jesus again.  Our Lord said to John, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me” (Matt. 11:6).  Kenneth Taylor has correctly paraphrased this to read: “Blessed are those who don't doubt me.”

The same tongue that bore testimony to John in jail can bear witness to you today.  He will say to you, as He did to another doubter who solved his problem:  “Because you [Thomas] have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20: 29).

Source of Doubt

In solving the problem of doubt, it is always wise to consider the source of doubts.  This is something that John apparently failed to do, or he wouldn't have sent his disciples in the first place.  Doubts, obviously do not come from God, for the Bible says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me’ “(James 1:13).  Every doubt arises from one of two sources:  First, there is the “flesh” or the old nature, which is the basic cause of most doubting.  We look at our self or our circumstances, and we begin to question.  Doubts spring from our depraved minds.  We must recognize this source and “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (II Cor. 10:5).

Satan is also the planter of doubts.  Ephesians 6:16 speaks of those “flaming arrows of the evil one” that are directed towards the Christian.  The Devil has been specializing in raising questions regarding spiritual things ever since he asked Eve, “Did God really say….? (Gen. 3:1), Peter reminds us that “your enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat.  Resist him standing firm in the faith” (I Pet. 5: 8, 9).

Interpreting Doubts

Once we have determined the actual source of all doubts, we are prepared to properly interpret them in order to bring a new understanding to this common problem.  NOW, instead of viewing your doubts as enemies, why not view them as friends? Why do I say this?  Because after you have scripturally determined their origin, you can begin to see them as encouragements instead of detriments.  Let I explain.

Let’s suppose that you have just recently trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.  This transaction of faith does not end all fears and doubts—as every Christian can testify.  Doubts and questions will arise, sometimes very soon, and you will wonder. Was I really born again?  Did Christ actually come into my heart? What then?  Remember the source and realize that satan sends those “darts of doubt” your way precisely because you are a Christian and not because you aren't a true believer”!  Genuine Christians are the one who entertain these doubts, not unbelievers.  Yes, doubts can be your friends, and when properly understood, provide a tremendous encouragement to the questioning believer.

The final part of the solution to the problem of doubt is to do exactly what John did and what Ephesians 6:16 commands:  “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”  Faith and doubts are mutually exclusive.  They cannot coexist.   One will cancel out the other every time!  When John heard that the Word of God was being fulfills, his doubts vanished, That settled it for him.  “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17).

Paul, like John the Baptist, was also ones in prison and facing an uncertain future.  But instead of asking, “Are you the one, or should we look for another”?   he said, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (II Tim. 1:12).  In saying that, he revealed his solution to the problem of doubt:  “I know whom I have believed”—and you can say that too!                                
By Roy E K                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                       

Source.

Confident Living Magazine

Secunderabad

C is For Computers

 TO READ IT IN ORIGINAL TEXT  PLEASE CLICK ON THE BELOW TEXT

"B For Bible Study: Friend Of Jesus

Bible Study  Friend of Jesus

Pic. Credit SXC.HU

Scripture: Romans 12:14, Acts 6-7, Luke 4:28-30, John 15:19, Matthew 12:14, John 8:57-59, Matthew 5:44, Ephesians 3:16, John 15:15-16

Have you ever had someone dislike you because of something you've said or done? Most of us have experienced that. Have you ever had someone dislike you because of one of your friends? If you're a Christian, that has happened--or will happen someday. Why? Jesus explains.

What Does God Say?

"'I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name'" (John 15:15-16, NLT).

Jesus reminds us that as Christ-followers we are not just His servants, but we are His friends. Being a friend of Jesus is one of the privileges of being a Christian. But Jesus makes a prediction for His friends.

"The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you" (John 15:19, NLT).

What kind of prediction did Jesus make for His friends?

According to these verses, why will the world hate you?

Read the following verses and answer the questions.

Matthew 12:14

Why did the Pharisees call a meeting in Matthew 12?

Luke 4:28-30

Who was furious with Jesus in Luke 4:28-30?

What did they do to Jesus?

What did they intend to do?

How did Jesus get away?

John 8:57-59

Who was upset with Jesus in these verses?

What did they use to express their anger?

How did Jesus get away?

After reading the above verses, what do you learn about the relationships Jesus had with others (especially the religious leaders) during the last three years of His life?

My Thoughts

Do you understand why as a Christ-follower you will be disliked or hated even though you have done nothing to deserve it?

Dr. Woodrow Kroll, Bible Teacher, clarifies: "When you live a life that pleases the Lord, you are a problem to people who don't please the Lord. So, is it any wonder, then, that the world hates you? When I say to you, 'Have a good and godly day,' I am saying to you, 'You do that, and you're going to be hated because of it.' Why? Because the world doesn't know God."

Randomly scribble any words that express how you feel when you consider that you will be hated and perhaps even persecuted someday because of your faith.

If "fear" or a similar emotion is on your list, take your list before God and tell Him how you feel. Then think about this.

How does Jesus expect you to respond to hostility and perhaps even persecution? (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14).

Who will give you the strength to respond appropriately? (Ephesians 3:16).

My Part

Are you a friend of Jesus? If so, you can expect some people to have a very negative reaction to you.

Ask the Lord to strengthen you by the power of the Holy Spirit and to give you the character of Christ, in particular His courage and compassion. See Acts 6 and 7 for Stephen's example. 


By Dr. Woodrow Kroll

ATHALIAH (Grandmas and Grandkids)

A for Athaliah- First post in a series of articles....@ A to Z

Source Confident Living

Solomon said, “Children’s children are the crown of old men” (Proverb 17:6).  My wife and I  have twelve grandchildren whom we love dearly.  Someone said that a woman begins to show her age at about the same time she begins to show pictures of her grandchildren.  I have watched my wife force perfect strangers to look at pictures of our grandchildren.

NAME: “The Time of Jehovah”

DATE: 9TH Century BC

IDENTIFICATION: Judah’s only queen, daughter of Ahab and Jezubel

STORY LINE: Athaliah killed her grandsons, but God saved Joash

READ IN THE BIBLE: 2 Kings 11:1-16

Not all grandmothers are a proud of their grandchildren as my wife is of ours.  Take Athaliah, for example.  She was married to King Jehoram (Joram), the son of Jehoshaphat, but her values were forged in her early years as the daughter of King Ahab of Israel and his notoriously wicked wife, Jezebel.

Like her mother, Athaliah worshiped the Canaanite god Baal and browbeat her husband to do the same.  After Jehoram died, their son Ahaziah become king, and Athaliah exerted the same evil influence over him.

Ahaziah was killed after only one year, and Athaliah saw an opportunity to seize Judah’s throne for herself.  That required, however, destroying all the males in the royal family.  Grandma Athaliah never flinched as she killed her own grandchildren to become Judah’s only queen.

But Jehoshaphat, Jehoram’s daughter rescued one of her infant nephews, Joash, and hid him away for seven years.  Finally, in a secret ceremony in the temple, Joash was crowned king, and when his surprised grandmother showed up she was executed.

Dr. Kroll

There are two particularly memorable grandmothers in the Bible.  Athaliah is remembered for her ruthlessness toward her grandchildren. Lois is remembered for having taught her grandson God’s Word from childhood.  One grandmother was a miserable failure, the other an undeniable success.  What will you be remembered for.

                                            by Woodrow Kroll

Source:
Confident Living Magazine
Secunderabad