The Sovereignty of God #6

For those who are not on my email list, there's a new posting available every Saturday using the same link: https://johngps.blogspot.com 

God is not a bystander watching a play. Nor is He a puppet master pulling the strings for man’s actions. God is not the author of sin, which man freely commits by his own choice. Yet, God decrees the actions of man to accomplish His purpose; such as Judas betraying Jesus and Pontius Pilot having Jesus crucified. The evil came from within them of their own free will. 

Dan 4:17 "'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.’  (NIV)

This has been a very unusual and unprecedented week for the United States of America. Is the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump, just political discord or does it extend into the realm of spiritual warfare? I think the answer would be/is obvious to anyone who watched the trial. It is the very basis of this week’s blog posting. Some may see this week’s posting as too political. It may seem that way, but I see it as 100% spiritual, with the “spiritual forces of evil” extending their influence into the political activities of the U.S. Congress. 

While watching the impeachment trial, it became apparent to me that a level of moral corruption has crept into Congress. Deceit that was readily demonstrated by the House managers use of manipulated and deceitful material including edited-videos and deliberately misquoted tweets being offered as evidence against President Trump. So, is it just political discord or is it the powers of this dark world at work? (Eph. 6:12) 

The spiritual realm is unseen but nevertheless, very real. Since God is sovereign, why is He allowing this to happen? Will it lead to blessing or punishment for these United States? The future of America is in His hands—with punishment or with blessings. All of which led me to this week’s blog posting. Though unseen the spiritual realm is intertwined in the affairs of man, even in the manipulation of important trial evidence. It can’t be any clearer than what Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 in reference to ”the powers of this dark world”.

Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (NIV)

If this is spiritual warfare—and I believe it is—how do we respond to it? Two important defensive weapons for God’s people are prayer and God’s Word. In Ephesians 6 we are told to put on the full armor of God; in other words, we are not defenseless against Satan. 

Eph 6:13, 16 … 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand….16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  (NIV)

With everything that has taken place in 2020, and the presidential and senatorial elections being rife with alleged voter fraud, and now Congress’ second attempt to impeach a president who is no longer in office, I can’t help but see Satan’s hand on America. Has God removed His restraint from Satan like He removed the protective hedge from Job? (Job 1:10). What will America’s response be going forward? In both good times and bad, Job trusted God. Will America turn to God as it had in WWII, and 9/11 world towers? 

Job 1:9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.  (NIV)

There is both good and evil in the world. God allows both good and evil for a purpose. God’s blessings encompass good, though undeserved and unmerited. Evil is man following his own unrestrained sinful desires, in defiance of God. Some may see this week’s posting as too political. It may seem that way, but I see it as 100% spiritual darkness being manifested in the political realm. 

Looking at the current situation in American I can’t help but wonder, how did we get here? When my kids were young, on family car trips, their frequently asked question was: “Are we there yet?” I can’t help but reflect on the America I grew up in, which was still somewhat evident on January 1, 2020. Just one year later the America that emerged on January 1, 2021, is a very different America, which prompts that very same question: “Are we there yet?” ….. 

Nothing happening in our Nation is a surprise to God. Nevertheless, even the rise and potential fall of America have been decreed by God, even before it was founded as a nation. Are we seeing a prelude to the End times? God was aware of the End Times even from the Garden of Eden; He was sovereign in the Fall of Adam and Eve. There is no way created beings could have remained in a perfectly holy state forever of their own accord. Without the sovereignty of God, nothing would make sense and it would be a time of, not only uncertainty and concern, but of outright despair. So, Are we there yet? Are we in the biblical End Times? The entire history of man has been decreed by God, including the rise and fall of empires and nations. God will allow unabated sin to continue for just so long before His wrath is unleased. 

The Bible refers to it as “the last days”, the “time of the end,” or “end times,” depending on the translation. In Daniel chap 8 and again in chap. 9, Daniel had a vision from the angel Gabriel of the end times—i.e., the final events in history. 

Dan 8:19 "I am here," he said, "to tell you what is going to happen in the last days of the coming time of terror-for what you have seen pertains to that final event in history.  (TLB)

After Jesus and His disciples left the temple, they went to the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple, where they asked Him about the signs of His Second Coming, which of course is in reference to what constitutes the End Times. Yes, that was more than 2,000 years ago, and we are still waiting. Will it be yet another 2,000 years, or 200 years, or perhaps 20 years, or even 2 years. God’s timing is perfect, nevertheless, the Church is to stay alert as if it was tomorrow. 

Jesus’ words in Matthew 24, tells us that there will be wars and rumors of wars—e.g., WWI & WW II, and the decades-long cold war with the former Soviet Union including the threat of nuclear war. Perhaps the final signs are yet to come, with famines and earthquakes as well as war(s). We also see reference to it in Dan. 8:19 (below) and 2 Timothy 3:1 (next slides). 

Dan 8:19 He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.  (NIV)

2 Timothy tells us that during the End Times sinful behavior will intensity to such a degree that it will be openly and undeniably evil. The evening news provides a daily glimpse of our society and its behavior. This behavior has always existed, but when it becomes the norm, it’s a warning that we are getting that much closer. So, what do we as the Church do about it? Paul explains in Ephesians 6

Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (NIV)

We can be certain that the End Times will come, maybe not today or tomorrow, but it will come. What does all of this mean for us today? Are we at the threshold of the End Times or not? Throughout history, Christians have pondered that same question, especially during times of war and major disasters. Some may be asking that same question even now, with the covid-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and dramatic shift in national politics and policies. All of which raises that question once again: “Are we there yet?” 

A word of caution. We need to be mindful that there have been many End Time predictions that never occurred. So, is that a valid reason to ignore today’s signs? I think not. The Church should always be on the alert. We are called to share the Gospel whenever the opportunity arises; not stick our heads in the sand. 

U.S. military troops, capitol police, secret service, and other federal agencies, were called to protect Congress and the presidential inauguration of Joseph R. Biden. The first presidential inauguration that denied public’s participation, other than a select and limited number of invited guest. 

“Land of the free and home of the brave.” Sound familiar? No more school trips to our National Capitol or Capitol tours for the foreseeable future. When in our history has the U.S. Capitol been closed to Americans? Not that I can remember. Barbwire fences and military troops are everywhere limiting access to the Capitol building and national monuments. Does God have a message for the Church or even individual Christians? 

National Guard troops are still in Washington DC during the Senate impeachment trial. Does Congress have a legitimate fear of the American people? Or will it serve as political theater for the 2024 election? 

As the Senate impeachment trial goes on, will the political vitriol, hatred and division be the end of America as we know it? Our hope as a Nation and as a people rest solely on the sovereignty of God. My hope is that the American people will be willing to take the time to understand the issues and what’s at stake when they go to the voting booth in 2022 and 2024; and may God help us, please. 

Ps 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)

The election of Donald J. Trump in 2016, as a political outsider, upset the Washington DC establishment. Everything possible has been done beginning on day one of his four years in office, focused on removing him from office; and continuing even now, to rescind his policies, tarnish his legacy, and destroy his personal life. Why is a sovereign God allowing it to happen? There is a spiritual battle raging in America. Without God’s restraint, sin will abound, which may be happening. What is the lesson for us? If Christians don’t take an interest and role in the establishment of national issues and policies, Satan has a whole cohort that will. 

1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true — even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.  (NIV)

When Christians do not take the time to know the issues, who’s running for office and what they stand for, this will inevitably be the end result. 

Ps 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.  (NIV)

Ps 34:1-3 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.  2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.  (NIV)

If Christians took an interest, One Nation Under God could look like this …

… And not like this. 

1 Samuel 12 was for Israel. In the same way it should be a plea to God, that He doesn’t reject America as a Nation, and that the American people turn to Him with prayer and repentance. 

1 Sam 12:22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." (NIV)

Jonathan Cahn: A 13-minute Prophetic Message to Joe Biden!  A very appropriate message for our Nation, its political leaders, the Church, and the people. What does it mean for us? Definitely a call to prayer. 

https://youtu.be/hrCtoQUXnmc

(copy and paste into your web browser)

Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 40-minute sermon: Will God Impeach America? It couldn’t be more timely. Tough words, but true to where we are heading as a Nation and as a people. It hit a cord with me. Adrian dies in 2005, has it gotten better or worse? Does it help explain our current state of affairs? I think so.

https://youtu.be/XpETdHZ8AQc

(copy and paste into your web browser)

The only reason we pray is because we know God is sovereign over everything and can make it happen. 

Pray for our nation, our church and our pastor. Pray also that the Church will use this time for evangelism, sorely needed in today’s America and world.. 

End of the Sovereignty of God #6

The Sovereignty of God #5

For those who are not on my email list, there's a new posting available every Saturday using the same link: https://johngps.blogspot.com 

God is sovereign over the affairs of man, right up until the very end of history including when the Antichrist is thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20). God is not a bystander watching a play, nor is He a puppet master pulling the strings for man’s actions. Man is responsible for his thoughts and deeds. 

Ps 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.  (NIV)

No matter how perfect, both angels (Lucifer and fallen angels) and man (Adam and Eve) as created beings cannot achieve and maintain a permanent state of holiness needed to dwell eternally with a perfect and holy God. So, an imperfect world goes on of its own accord. But the Day of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:1-3) will come in accordance with His perfect plan and timing. 

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.  (NIV)

Knowing the frailty of man, and inability to maintain a holy state worthy of dwelling with God, He created a plan of salvation, or all of mankind would be lost forever. But His plan carried a very high price tag for God, which demonstrates His perfect justice and His perfect love for an imperfect people. 

When God created Adam and Eve, He knew they would fall, and the consequences that went with it. If He did nothing the entire human race would perish. He also knew what the cost of our salvation would be, to be paid in full by Him, because we are incapable of doing so ourselves. Jesus had to become man in order to officially be our representative by being one of us. 

Some would say, it was only a tiny sin, why did God ban them from the Garden? Why didn’t He just forgive them? A single drop of poison in a glass of pure, crystal clear water, contaminates all the water. There is no way of separating the poison from the water. The same with our relationship with a holy God. One sin was enough to ban them from fellowship and condemn them to spiritual and physical death, and eternal separation from God’s holiness.

Only God could be perfectly just and yet perfectly merciful. Only Jesus could pay the price for our sins achieving perfect mercy and paying the price for perfect justice. It cost God far more than anything we can imagine – He came Himself, in the person of Jesus, and paid the penalty of our sins. 

Most likely Judas didn’t intend betraying Jesus when he joined the apostles. Nor did God instill betrayal in Judas, nevertheless, Judas was selected by God for that very reason and at the specific time. Betrayal wasn’t instilled by God, but came from within Judas because Jesus didn’t conform to Judas’ vision of the Messiah. In other words, Jesus fell short of Judas’ version of a Messiah that would drive out the Romans, a common hope by many Jews at the time. Over time there would be a Jewish revolt against the Romans, leading to their own destruction. 

Jesus went through five trials, so we didn’t have to go through one before a righteous God. First, Annas the high priest, who sent Him to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (called a brood of vipers by John the Baptist), who then sent Him to Pilate, the only one with authority to crucify Him. 

Matt 3:7 But when he [John the Baptist] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  (NIV)

Those who had arrested Jesus first took him to the house of the high priest, Annas. The goal was to trick Jesus into saying something they could accuse Him of before the Roman curator (governor), which didn’t happen. They didn’t stop trying even though He didn’t break any Jewish or Roman laws. But, their hatred was so vile, they kept trying. We even see things like this in politics. Sound familiar? No comparison intended, of course, or possible. 

Who exactly was Annas that they brought Jesus to him first? Though he was unofficially the high priest, he had previously been removed from office by the Roman procurator (equivalent to governor), nevertheless, Annas retained his influence and sense of authority with the Sanhedrin.

V.22 was the first of many physical blows struck against Jesus. If Jesus had wanted, an angel could have easily struck that official dead. But He did not. After the questioning, they didn’t respond to Jesus (v.24), because they didn’t have a legitimate reason to restrain Him or hit Him. So, they immediately sent Him off to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. 

Jesus stood trial before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)—the highest Jewish tribunal consisting of 71 members. It was made up of both Pharisees and Sadducees. It was basically the Supreme Court and legislative body of ancient Israel. 

Principle difference in beliefs between Pharisees and Sadducees are as noted. They both served on the high court located in the temple complex (next 3 slides). If you don’t believe in an afterlife, you don’t fear consequences for your actions or thoughts.

The Jerusalem temple, besides being a place of worship and animal sacrifice, the Great Sanhedrin met there in a building called the Hall of Hewn Stones, located as noted, where Jesus stood trial by the Sanhedrin. The Great Sanhedrin convened every day except the sabbath day and Jewish festivals. 

What the inner hall area would have looked like when Jesus stood trial, showing where He would have stood before the High Priest. Its location in the temple is pointed to in the lower right-hand corner (and previous slide). To prevent eye strain, description of Sanhedrin is on next slide. If you can’t win the argument by logic you destroy the individual any way you can….and that’s exactly what the Sanhedrin did with Jesus, including ignoring His miracles of healing, and even raising the dead.  None of it mattered to them. Since large crowds of people followed Jesus, He posed a threat to their prestige, authority and power over the people. 

As stated, the Jewish leaders needed the Romans to execute Christ. They could have stoned Him as they did with Stephen (Acts 7:51-59), but it may have violated Roman law, also they wanted everyone to disavow Jesus, and the way to do that was with a public trial and execution, proclaiming His guilt (whatever that may have been). 

Why did Pilate have Jesus crucified when he wasn’t guilty of violating Roman law? Pilate feared the Sanhedrin potentially complaining to Caesar, accusing him of allowing insurrection—which Rome would not tolerate. Maintaining his position was more important than justice for one man. So, he asked the Jewish people, and their response was… (next slide) Does any of this sound familiar in our own Congress? Christians need to be aware of injustice no matter when or where. 

In 70 AD, probably within most of their lifetime, certainly their children’s lifetime, those same Jews crying out for Jesus’ blood (death) got what they asked for (v.25). Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the Jewish nation, slaughtering many Jews, and selling many into slavery, also scattering many across the known world. 

Pilate accepted the Jews at their word and washed his hands of the whole affair—thinking, "So let His blood be on them." 

God’s wrath fell on the Jews via Rome, destroying the City of Jerusalem and the temple, including the very chamber where Jesus’ trial was held. This occurred 38 years after the crucifixion. Little did those Jews realize that they were calling God’s “wrath” upon themselves when they called for Jesus’ crucifixion. 

Just a few years after the crucifixion, Pilate’s fate didn’t fare much better than the Jews. Why? Prior to the destruction of Jerusalem, and after the crucifixion, Pilate incurred the enmity of the Jews in Roman-occupied Palestine by insulting their religious sensibilities, when he hung worship images of the emperor throughout Jerusalem and had coins bearing pagan religious symbols minted (Matt. 22:19). One responsibility of Roman curators was to preserve the peace. The Jews obviously accused him of bringing disorder to Judah; something that Rome was especially sensitive to.

The state of the world hasn’t improved over the centuries. Jesus Christ had to bear the full measure of God’s wrath and make full restitution to atone for all of our sins across all of history. Yet many reject Him, just as they did when the Jews said “let His blood be on us and our children”. The world always had its share of sin. Is it getting worse? What exactly does it mean to be a born-again Christian in this fallen world? How should we respond? Jesus’ crucifixion and death showed that He is a God of personal love and mercy.

Adrian Rogers' 40-minute sermon on “Standing Firm in a Pagan World”. If you know people that need to hear about Jesus as Savior, why not copy this sermon-link and send it to them via email or even post it on your Facebook page. A good way to share your faith. 

https://youtu.be/F9IKFsiG0-Y 

(copy and post link in your web browser)

Pray that America turns back to God. Pray for our church, our pastor and his family. 

End of the Sovereignty of God #5