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THE ACHING HEART

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ByKenBlue

 

 

 

 

No one knows the pain of a broken heart,

Until they’ve felt the loss of a loved one who departs.

 

Words can’t explain the emptiness inside.

The best explanation is something inside has died.

 

Pain comes at the death of a loving spouse,

Or of a little child who brought laughter to our house.

 

Divorce shatters life’s dear relationships,

With its everlasting revenge, and sarcastic quips.

 

Some are laid aside by pain and disease,

We are left wondering what purpose remains for these?

 

There is One who said in anguish of breath,

“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, unto death.”

 

We can from Him draw comfort and relief.

He was a man of sorrow, acquainted with our grief.

 

There’s a Balm in Gilead without price,

All was paid on the cross by the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Come, dear aching heart, you will live again.

There’s a Great Physician who helps, broken hearts to mend.

LET STUDY REVELATION # 2

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Revelation

LET STUDY REVELATION # 2
By Ken Blue

 

 

 

 

 

In our last study of Revelation, we mentioned the importance of understanding looping parallelism. In this study we will give a few examples of that principle. I believe most of them will be clear to the reader.
The Rule of Looping Parallelism: Looping parallelism is demonstrated where the first account of an event gives the quick “scope” or overview of the subject matter. The first account will be very general and broad. The second account loops back to a particular beginning point; will cover the same time period and give additional details or information of the same event.
Examples of looping parallelism:
1. Genesis chapters 1 & 2:
Genesis 1 begins in the dateless past and moves forward through the six days of creation. Genesis 2:4 corresponds to the original creation in Genesis 1:1. Genesis 2:4 gives a second account, which is complete in itself to a great extent. Thus, Genesis 1:3-2:4 summarizes the six days of creation. Genesis 2:5-25 gives a more detailed account of the work done on day two, day three, day five, and day six. The first account is a general statement of all things created. The second enlarges on the work done on the afore mentioned days.
2. Book of Daniel:
In Daniel 2 we are given the five steps in the course of prophecy for Daniel’s people and of Gentile dominion. Those steps are in the book of Daniel beginning with:
1. The head of gold: Babylon-Daniel 2:37.
2. The breast and arms: Medo-Persia-Daniel 2:32, 35, 39.
3. The belly and thighs of brass: Greece-Daniel 2:32, 35, 39.
4. The legs of Iron: Old Roman Empire- Daniel 32, 35, 40.
5. The feet and toes of iron and clay: The revised Roman Empire- Daniel 2:33, 35, 44.
In chapter 7 Daniel gives those five steps again, but in more detail. In chapter 8 he gives those five steps once again, but in greater detail. In chapter 9 he gives the five steps again, still in greater detail. Chapters 10-12 give even greater detail (especially in the fifth step).
Matthew’s Gospel:
In Matthew 24 the Lord Jesus outlines the Day of the Lord. The three important questions are
in verse three. “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Matthew 24:3.
Verses 4-14 give a sweeping account of the Day of the Lord. However, in verses 15-28 He loops back to the mid-point of the first account with additional information. Then, He loops back again at verses 29-31 for a more detailed account of the end portion of the Day of the Lord.
Now with that understanding, let us consider the six parallel accounts in Revelation chapters 6 through 22:5, which are the historical account of the Lord’s Day:
1. Chapter 6:1-17. The Holy Spirit gives a quick scope of the entire “Day of the Lord.” (This is seen in the seven seals). The writer then loops back in 7:1-17 to the beginning and goes through it another time with added details. These two chapters take you through the Day of the Lord from its beginning to its end! “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:17. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17.
2. Chapters 8:1-10:7. This section loops back to the middle of the “Day of the Lord” or the 3-1/2 year mid-point. This is where the “Great Tribulation” begins. The scope of the Great Tribulation is given here. The seven trumpets take you through the hour of judgment. Chapters 10:8-11:19 loop back to the same mid-point as above and go through it again, giving greater details of the tribulation concerning the city of Jerusalem. “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:7. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:1.)
3. Chapters 12:1-14:5. This section loops back to the beginning of the satanic plan against Israel and her Seed. It takes you back to Genesis 3. After a quick overview, the writer brings you back to the mid-point of the tribulation and takes you through the Great Tribulation one more time with the satanic plan in view. This gives the Scope of the satanic plan and explains the mystery of iniquity and Israel’s continuous sufferings. Chapter 14:6-20 loops back and goes through it one more time with details of the satanic plan. This is the third looping parallelism. “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:5. “And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” Revelation 14:20.
4. Chapters 15:1-16:21. This section gives the fourth looping parallelism. Here, the writer returns to the beginning of the last quarter of the Great Tribulation. He gives an overview of the great and terrible “Day of the Lord.” There we see the seven vials judgments. Chapters 17:1-18:24 loop back, way beyond the Day of the Lord to the beginning of Babylon, in order to give the reader an understanding of what is about to happen. He resumes at the same quarter point mentioned above. He then gives the details of her destruction in chapters 17 and 18. “And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” Revelation 16:21. “And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” Revelation 18:24.
5. Chapter 19:1-21 loops back and gives the scope of the final and great day of God’s wrath. Chapter 20:1-3 loops back and go through it again, but with more details.
“And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” Revelation 19:21. “And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” Revelation 20:3.

6. Chapter 20:4-15 loops back and gives the scope of God’s purpose for Israel by giving them the kingdom. Chapters 21:1-22:5 loop back to the beginning of the kingdom. There is no end to it.
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15.
“And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:5.

DO YOU HAVE WEAPONS FOR THE BATTLE?

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ByKenBlue

One way to make people beholden to you, and keep them coming back for answers, is to frighten them of impending war, disease or natural disasters.  Keep telling people that the sky is falling, and to stay tuned to you for an update. The news media are experts in this art.

Christians should be aware of this tactic and not allow it to create fear or get their mind off winning souls, getting the saved into the membership of the church, and teaching them how to serve the Lord.

Anyone attempting to live for Christwill discover that we are in a war. However, we must know the enemy and the weapons at our disposal. “ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

The first thing we discover is that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with spiritual powers. We must know the teachings that are contrary to the doctrines of God and bring them in line with the knowledge of Christand God. Our weapons are identified for us. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:13-18.

The believer must not be paranoid or live in fear. If we are not careful, we will be fighting the wrong enemy. We know who he is, and we have all the weapons God intended for us. With these, you can win!

 

 

 

LET’S STUDY REVELATION-# 1

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Revelation

Our plan is to study the book of Revelation by adding a lesson each week, as the Lord permits. I hope you are helped and blessed. Feel free to add any comments or questions.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION-# 1

The Book of Revelation is the introduction to the “Day of the Lord,” wherein Jesus Christ returns to this earth to defeat Satan and his host and reclaim that which He created and redeemed. In that day it will be revealed that He is the rightful and only Lord God Almighty. Paul charged Timothy in the sight of the mighty Christ to: “…keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (1 Timothy 6:14-15). Revelation 1:1-19:11 is the account of events which precede the appearing or unveiling of King Jesus.

There are several errors some commentators make when considering the Book of Revelation. The first, being the assumption that Revelation 1:19 gives the key outline of the book. This is the traditional approach, and it has blinded readers to any other consideration. The second error is the assumption that Revelation is written in chronological order. It is not. Finally, there is the wrong interpretation of symbols, such as making that which is literal, symbolic; and that which is symbolic, literal. Until the reader understands these matters and applies them properly, he will always be confused as to the true purpose and meaning of Revelation.

In chapter 1, we deal at length with the first problem. We believe the key to the book is not verse 19, but rather verse 10; and that it gives a clear understanding of the “Day of the Lord.”

The Book of Revelation is not chronological, but rather it is several accounts of the same events. This principle can be clearly understood from the four gospels. Although they are different, each is an account of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ with added details. Below, we give extensive examples of this principle for the reader’s consideration, in the hope it will aid in the understanding of the Revelation.

The Rule of Looping Parallelism:

Looping parallelism is demonstrated where the first account of an event gives the quick “scope” or overview of the subject matter. The first account will be very general and broad. The second account loops back to a particular beginning point; will cover the same time period and give additional details or information of the same event.

 

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMER TIME

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As many of you know, Open Door Baptist Church, led by Pastor Jason Murphy, had a total of 700 in attendance on the 4th of July weekend. There were 127 first time visitors who filled out visitor cards. In order that you might understand their work was more than a “flash in the pan,” the following was sent to me byPastorMurphy.

 

“Sunday, Aug. 7 at 4pm we held our third set of “Foundation classes” for this year. These classes help with guiding our new adults in spiritual growth and educating them as new believers and teaching them what it means to be a member of Open Door Baptist church.  In our “Membership” class we had 26 new people join the church.  And a total of 70 people went thru the discipleship classes on Aug 7th Praise the Lord!”

“Our people still take their family vacations, but the ministry moves on and people are getting saved and growing inChrist, I’m very excited for this fall we are having a Sunday school challenge – I’m challenging all our adults to try one of our 10 classes for four weeks. Sunday school was important in my spiritual growth and so I know it’s a vital thing if you want to “grow” spiritually and build relationships with other Christians.”

I challenge all the young pastors to contact Pastor Murphyand glean from his experience. Your great sermons will not increase the attendance at your church. There are key things you must also do. You can reach Pastor Murphyat: http://www.opendoorbaptist.com/.  It can be done, even in the good old summer time!