Tuesday, January 30, 2018

The Here and Now

Like most folks, I love a good discussion on Scriptural prophecy and I've offered a perspective or two regarding eschatology; but what I truly long for, is a discussion for the practical app of Scripture in our lives now!  As for Biblical history, definitely valuable; to a point . . . but Biblical history has become so mainstream, I fear we are on the verge of treating the Bible as a history book, rather than the Living Word of The Eternal Creator!

When studying cultural history in Scripture, I believe there are two very valuable points, and beyond that, we can become obsessive or make excuses and even become complacent.  The two points, valuable to me, are as follows.  First, we can see the absolute faith in which the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles walked . . . regardless of the cost.  Whether their surrounding culture was similar to ours or not, is irrelevant, when the real point in my understanding is, our lives are to align with the Word.  And more than likely, we'll stand well apart from mainstream culture, regardless of the century.  I want to repeat that history!  The second point, I try to understand in ancient cultures, including Israel, is what became acceptable in their cultures that brought about judgment, even destruction.  I'd rather not repeat those.  The old adage, "if we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it" applies to the historical accounts in Scripture, also, I believe.

On the other hand, the Word, including the promises of our Creator, stands forever!  HalleluYah!  I truly want His presence so fully in my life, that His power is all I need to get through this world.  There are some serious and threatening changes coming and we must be prepared.  It doesn't matter what the pagan customs of 3000 years ago were; if we can't recognize pagan customs and misplaced faith, now!  What I see developing is not a victim mentality, per se, but the latest greatest "gnostic" understanding of Scripture that removes personal accountability.  If all one is doing is studying and there is no manifestation of the presence of our Father's spirit in their life, what is the "bearing" witness?  When times truly become difficult, there won't be time to ooh and aww over how much knowledge one has of ancient customs and cultures . . . unless that includes processing a fatted calf from pasture to table . . . or healing the sick without a trip to the ER!

As a culture, we love our titles, degrees, and certification.  Father, on the other hand has made it clear, our identity is to be in Him; His covenant child, through His Son.  When times become more difficult, and they will . . . folks are going to have to bring more to the table than a fork and a stack of books!

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Y'hshuah.  Acts 4:13


Come judgment day, I won't have to give an account for the customs of any historic culture, right or wrong.  What I will give an account for, is where I stood regarding the Word, and if I trusted and acted upon the wisdom of man or The Word.

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to Elohim.  Romans 14:12