Shavuot / Pentecost

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In the Old Testament, Israel had several annual festivals that were designed to remind the people of the goodness of GOD and the need to worship GOD and GOD alone. These festivals were for reflection, rest, holy assembly, and celebration. In Leviticus 23, there is a Biblical calendar for these festivals which begins with Passover. And right in the middle of these festivals is Shavuot. But, what is Shavuot? Shavuot means weeks, and this is also why it’s called the Festival/Feast of Weeks. So, let’s read what is written about this Feast of Weeks and let us harvest a blessing from this:

(Leviticus 23:15-22) -NLT
“15 “From the day after the Sabbath—the day you bring the bundle of grain to be lifted up as a special offering—count off seven full weeks. 16 Keep counting until the day after the seventh Sabbath, fifty days later. Then present an offering of new grain to the Lord. 17 From wherever you live, bring two loaves of bread to be lifted up before the Lord as a special offering. Make these loaves from four quarts of choice flour, and bake them with yeast. They will be an offering to the Lord from the first of your crops. 18 Along with the bread, present seven one-year-old male lambs with no defects, one young bull, and two rams as burnt offerings to the Lord. These burnt offerings, together with the grain offerings and liquid offerings, will be a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 19 Then you must offer one male goat as a sin offering and two one-year-old male lambs as a peace offering. 20 “The priest will lift up the two lambs as a special offering to the Lord, together with the loaves representing the first of your crops. These offerings, which are holy to the Lord, belong to the priests. 21 That same day will be proclaimed an official day for holy assembly, a day on which you do no ordinary work. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live. 22 “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.”

Prayer:
In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, I pray. GOD Almighty please guide us and align our thoughts with Your will. Holy Spirit, You are welcome here! Fill our hearts with conviction and our minds with divine revelation. Lord, please open our ears so that we may hear Your voice over all the noise of this world. Please open our eyes and give us spiritual sight so that we may see the depth beyond the surface, the Truth beyond all the lies. Lord, please touch the core of our inner being and move us into action according to Your written Word. Father, I pray, that after hearing this Word, that not one person will continue with the rest of this day without being changed within and challenged to live a life that outwardly reflects the change within. Right now, I surrender everything that is preventing me from seeking first Your Kingdom. I’m going to make a bold and courageous commitment right now to stop whatever it is that I’m doing so that I can completely focus on hearing Your Word and obeying Your Word so that I may be the person you have called me to be and reach my full potential. Holy Spirit, help people to hear this message today, understand how to apply it to their lives, and then embolden them to do what they know they should do. Amen.

Jewish tradition states this is when the Law (instructions) was given to them on Mt. Sinai. It was seven weeks after coming out of Egypt after the Passover. The Feast of Weeks is a harvest festival. Shavuot is the completion of what was started at Passover. 50 days later. 7 weeks. And then the day after is the 50th day. 

According to Jewish tradition, the Law was given in mixed languages so that everyone could understand (Exodus 20:18), spoken through the thunders (voices). But what we do know is that there were foreigners traveling with the Israelites (Numbers 11:4), and so there probably was a need for more than one language. We also know that the Holy Spirit was given to people on Shavuot, which is pentecost. And again at Pentecost, different languages were spoken so that everyone would understand (Acts 2). So, that parallel makes sense. 

There are many parallels for Shavuot and Pentecost. It took 50 days from Passover until the Israelites received the Law (instructions) at Mt. Sinai. And it was 50 days from Jesus’s resurrection to Pentecost when the disciples received guidance or instructions. But here’s something important to note: from the day the Israelites were given grace and set free from Egypt until the day they received the Law, their walk with GOD was difficult. Likewise, from the day when we were given grace and set free due to Christ’s death on Passover (by the blood of the Lamb) until the day the Holy Spirit filled the apostles 50 days later, their journey was difficult. Our journey is not easy. So, let’s not come to the foolish conclusion that many prosperity Gospel teachers have done by saying our journey is meant for joy and prosperity, etc. No— there will be pain and suffering. We will have to endure trials and tribulations. We’ve been warned of this in advance even by the Lord Himself. 

Anyway, there are many parallels for Shavuot and Pentecost. This shouldn’t be surprising since they are in fact the same day. Now think: what happened after the Law had been written for the Israelites? We read in Exodus 32:19-35 that the Law was immediately broken, 3,000 people died, and then Moses went to GOD to try to intercede for the people but GOD did not accept Moses’ intercession due to sin. Now, what happened after the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles on this same day many years later? We read in Acts 2 that the Holy Spirit helped them fulfill the Law, 3,000 people were saved, and it was because Jesus ascended to GOD to intercede for us on our behalf. So, in the former scenario, we see that the people of GOD died due to disobedience out from sin and there was no way to make ourselves right with GOD. In the latter scenario, we see that the people of GOD eventually died, but it was by persecution due to obedience. But the second half brought salvation rather than condemnation. But either way, the parallels show us that the struggle is real up until the very end. Christians will endure until they come into the true Promised Land, which is the new earth under the new heavens. 

(Exodus 24:7-8) -ESV
“7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” 8 And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

In Exodus 24:3, it is written that in response to GOD’s commands, all the people answered with one voice. This is important because unity is necessary for efficient and effective teamwork. Though we are many parts, we are one body and we must work together if we are to act according to the Design (1Corinthians 12). A kingdom/house divided cannot stand and will fall (Matthew 12:25; Mark 3:24-25; Luke 11:17). In fact, Paul pleaded with everyone that the church never be divided (1Corinthians 1:10-17). And then in Exodus 24:7, Moses took the Book of Covenant and read it aloud to the people. GOD’s Word should be spoken and heard. GOD’s Word. Our words can help others understand and guid them up, but it’s GOD’s Word that will change lives. Again, there are too many churches who preach false promises of prosperity in order to get money from people. There are even many churches who preach motivational or inspirational messages — which is fine — but yet they neglect GOD’s Word! There is only one reason to preach a message and it’s to share the Good News of GOD’s Word. (If you remember to do this, read Nehemiah 8 and contemplate your own commitment to the Word.) This chapter concludes with Moses splattering blood over the people and then going to meet with the Lord on behalf of the people. This act represents the fact that the sacrificial blood of Christ covers us and saves us from death just as the blood covered the people in the Passover (Exodus 12; Hebrews 9:9-10:28). 

Now, it is the book of Covenant. The covenant is the betrothal, the marriage contract agreement to be faithful until the consummation of the marriage. It’s a promise. In Exodus 19:11-19, GOD told the people to wash themselves and consecrate themselves and be ready for the arrival of the Lord. Likewise, we are instructed to wash ourselves with the Word and to be holy in preparation for Christ’s second coming. Jeremiah 2:2 tells us that Israel was betrothed to the Lord but then by their own free will, they chose to be unfaithful and ended up separating themselves from GOD in exile. But the entire book of Hosea reveals to us that all of Israel were whores and did not ever remain faithful. All throughout Scripture, the church is the Bride of Christ. Hosea is GOD, we are the prostitute the Lord redeemed and continued to love despite our unfaithfulness. The Lord redeemed us by paying the price for us to set us free from sin once and for all. 

However, Jesus will return a second time. And when it is time for the second coming of Christ, will the Lord find His bride ready and faithful or will the Lord show up unexpected and discover a whore? On Shavuot, people typically read the book of Ruth because it’s the love story which contrasts the book of Hosea. In fact, in Leviticus 23:22, we see Ruth just as she was in Ruth 2. But just as we were the whore in the tragic story of Hosea, we are also Ruth and GOD takes us in even though we don’t really deserve it. Ponder: 3,000 died because Moses returned to unfaithfulness. It’s symbolic for Christ’s return and the fact is that He will find unfaithfulness when He returns. It’s going to happen. But are you going to be one of the unfaithful? In fact, at Harvest time, the weeds are going to be separated and thrown into the fire. Shavuot is also known as the day of Matan. This is when the Bridegroom sends a gift to the Bride who is currently separated from him as a comfort that they will soon be together. The gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (which is Shavuot) was the gift from the Bridegroom (Christ) to the Bride (church) to comfort us until we are together. In fact, Jesus told us this:

(John 14:1-6) -NLT
“ ‘Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.’ 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

There is a great Harvest happening, but where are the workers? Examine another parallel:

(Numbers 11:24-29) -NLT
“So Moses went out and reported the Lord’s words to the people. He gathered the seventy elders and stationed them around the Tabernacle. 25 And the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Then he gave the seventy elders the same Spirit that was upon Moses. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But this never happened again. 26 Two men, Eldad and Medad, had stayed behind in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but they had not gone out to the Tabernacle. Yet the Spirit rested upon them as well, so they prophesied there in the camp. 27 A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!” 28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ assistant since his youth, protested, “Moses, my master, make them stop!” 29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!”

(Luke 10:1-3) -NLT
“The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. 3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves.”

The Holy Spirit was there in the Old Covenant and also the New Covenant. There were 72 elders who received the Holy Spirit and Jesus empowered and sent out 72 disciples. Shavuot is about the first fruits of this particular harvest. Now if you were to do what the Hebrews did for Shavuot, you would wave wheat. If you look at the entire gathering of people doing this, it would look like a field ripe for harvest. And that is how we, as Christians, should see everyone: every single person is someone GOD wants to be saved. Prophetically, this is where we are. Moses desired that everyone would have the Holy Spirit rest on them. And since Pentecost, all believers should have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. What is to come is the trumpet and end of days where there will be a final atonement. There will be a final Harvest at the end of days. But for now, the harvest is plentiful and we must pray for the laborers for the field — the mission field. Moses and the 72 elders foreshadowed Jesus and the 72 disciples. The disciples going out into the world foreshadowed the Pentecost, which is Shavuot. And the disciples at Pentecost are the first fruits dedicated to the Lord, and so may the Harvest be plentiful because it is declared Holy unto GOD. And that’s why they spoke in multiple languages. They represent all people being saved from all nations, just as GOD desires (1Timothy 2:4; 2Peter 3:9). And all nations and all people being Harvested is seen in Revelation 5:9-11; 7:9. The Harvest is discussed in Revelation 14:14-20. We are in the last days and there will soon be a final Harvest. We know we’re in the last days because Peter proclaimed they were in the last days (Acts 2:14-21). Now, if they were in the last days, then we are in the last of the last days. The best way to understand the Harvest is to read what is written in Scripture regarding the event (Isaiah 24:13; Micah 7:1-7; Matthew 3:12; 10:32-33; 13:29-30,37-43,47-50; 24:31; 25:41-46; Luke 3:17). 

Here’s something else that’s interesting. Shavuot is 7 Sabbaths after Passover and on the 50th day. It is written in Leviticus 25:1-7 that every seven years, the land is to have a Sabbath and have complete rest. And after 7 land Sabbaths, the 50th year is Jubilee, which is complete restoration, the cancelling of all debts and freeing of all slaves. It’s a mini model of what is and what is to come. And the Jubilee is a picture of when we finally come into our full forgiveness of debt and dwell with the Lord on the new earth under the new heavens with complete restoration. Shavuot is also called the day of proclamation. Passover completed the redemption work for us, but it’s not complete until we proclaim what has been done. And we should be proclaiming the Good News! Why? Because it’s Good News! Which is exactly what Peter did at Pentecost and what we are called to do still to this day via the great commission. 

(John 14:26) -ESV
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

(Acts 2:1-4) -ESV
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

When the Law (instructions) was first given, it was written on stone. But at Pentecost, the Law was written on stony hearts, making them hearts of flesh, to be wise and understanding. Thus fulfilling prophecy: 

(Jeremiah 31:33) -ESV
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

(Ezekiel 36:26-27) -ESV
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”

So, we should be guided by the Spirit. But let’s talk about the sinful nature and living without the Spirit. 

(1Corinthians 15:56-57) -NLT
“For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Romans 2:13) NLT
“For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.”

But we are incapable of perfectly living out the law in our sinful nature. Everything GOD set up in the Old Testament with all the Laws, rules, regulations, sacrificial systems, etc. All of it existed just to show us that we cannot do it on our own. 

(Romans 3:19-20) -NLT
“Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. 20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.”

(Romans 4:15) -NLT
“For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)”

(Romans 5:20-21) -NLT
“God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

And then Romans 6 is all about sin. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may abound? NO! We must consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? NO! If we practice sin, we are a slave to sin. Thus, we practice righteousness by allowing ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. But of course, we don’t do this perfectly. 

(Romans 7:4 – 8:18) -NLT
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. 5 When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. 6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. 7 Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” 8 But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me! If there were no law, sin would not have that power. 9 At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, 10 and I died. So I discovered that the law’s commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. 11 Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. 12 But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good. 13 But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my death? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation to death. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God’s good commands for its own evil purposes. 14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

We have the Holy Spirit living within us! That’s what this day is about! Shavuot and Pentecost are the same day. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us! And thus, it is written:

(1John 4:4) -ESV
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

GOD didn’t want to have the Law (or instructions) written on stone outside us; rather, GOD always desired to have His Law (instructions) written within us on our hearts. GOD didn’t want to dwell in a place outside us; rather, GOD always desired to dwell within us and us in Him. Yet we, the unfaithful, had another love in our hearts and we said we had no room for the Lord. Does that sound familiar? It should. In Luke 2:7 we see that the inn had no room for Jesus while He was in Mary’s womb and so He was cast outside in a manger. For all of our lives that is what we have done to the Lord. If only they would have known who He was, they would have made room for Him; they would have invited Him in. Interestingly enough, just as it is all throughout the Bible, there will be a great reversal. Revelation 3:20 tells us that Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If you open the door, He will enter and you will share a meal with Him. But if you refuse and have no room for the Lord and cast Him out, in a great reversal, you will choose to cast yourself out of the Kingdom. 

You must understand the powerful significance of Shavuot. It’s Pentecost. Pentecost gets its name from the number 50— the 50th day. It’s the Day of Proclamation. The completion of Passover. GOD was literally dying to be with you. But many people had died because they were unable to be with the Holy GOD. But that’s how much the Lord loves us. Jesus absorbed everything and willingly died a sacrificial death so that the Holiness of GOD could dwell within you and you will be able to dwell with GOD. The Israelites were told they would die by simply touching the mountain where GOD happened to be. Because GOD is that Holy that sin cannot be where He is. GOD warned Moses and the people that anyone who touched the mountain would be put to death (Exodus 19:12, 21-22). This wasn’t a threat — it was a promise. Essentially, GOD is so holy we cannot approach Him in our sin. We can only get so close, but not any closer. It would be like a warning to someone not to touch an electric fence. The electric fence isn’t trying to be evil or do harm, it is simply electric. A person who touched the electric fence after being warned not to would suffer the consequence of doing so. We simply cannot approach GOD in our own power (Matthew 19:25-26; Mark 10:26-27). However, in the great reversal, we can now approach GOD at any time because of Jesus being our Mediator! Rather than us trying to get to GOD on the 3rd day, Jesus came to us on the 3rd day (Hebrews 12:18-24). And Christ will be coming again in the same way He ascended (Acts 1:10-11). 

Darkness cannot be where light is. But that same Holy GOD now dwells in us via the Holy Spirit. And this is why it is written in 1Corinthians 6:19-20: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

And Deuteronomy 5:29 reveals this was GOD’s plan all along: “Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!” 

Are we to take this for granted? All that we have within us is just overwhelming: we were given life, free will, and yet the holiest of Holy — the Holy Spirit — dwelling within us to help guide us. The Holy GOD paid the price Himself to redeem us just so He could be with us and us with Him. I know that I have done nothing to deserve that unmeasurable love. This revelation should humble us and fill our hearts with gratitude and love for the Lord. Both Joel 2:13 and 1Samuel 16:7 tell us that GOD is concerned about our hearts. 

(Proverbs 4:23) -NLT
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” 

(John 7:38-39) -NLT
“Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)”

So, how is your heart right now? If it’s hardened, you need the Holy Spirit to dwell within you and change your heart of stone into a heart of flesh. With the amount of evil I’ve done with body, I should be like that ancient Hebrew who would die by merely touching the mountain GOD rested upon. But now, thousands of years have passed. Countless of faithful and obedient people have suffered, endured, and died doing all the hard work for us. We are harvesting what we did not sow. It couldn’t be easier. So many people have died just so that we would be able to merely hold GOD’s Word in our hands. And Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself because He knew that we were incapable of saving ourselves. Literally, all the hard work has been done. All you have to do is live by faith, doing three simple things: Matthew 22:36-40 tells us that we are to love GOD with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind and to love others as we would love ourselves. And finally, Matthew 28:19-20 tells us that we are to do the great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that the Lord commanded us. Love GOD, love others, and share the Good News. It couldn’t be easier. 

Shavuot. The field is ripe for harvest. But we need more workers. So, it’s time to put your faith into action. After all, it is written in James 2:14-26 that faith without works is dead and useless. Our faith should launch us into action. 

Are you thankful for GOD’s Law? It shows us what is good and what is right. Are you grateful for Christ’s sacrificial death? Now we’re no longer bound by the Law but we’re under grace. Are you thankful for the Holy Spirit dwelling within you and guiding you? Now you don’t have to place your focus on what not to do all the time; rather, you are led by the Spirit and focused on what you are compelled to do. If you love GOD and love others, then you need to go out and share the Gospel. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Go. And remember: the Lord will be with you until the end of age. 

Closing prayer:
Lord, I’m ready to completely submit my life to You and Your will. I repent for taking the Holy Spirit for granted. I recognize that my body is the temple for the Holy Spirit and I proclaim that I am not going to defile this temple and I am going to use my body to accomplish righteousness while sharing the Good News. Christ Jesus, I confess that You are Lord and Savior. You willingly sacrificed Yourself on the cross, saved me from myself, redeemed me from my sins, rose again on the third day, conquered death forever, and gave me a clean slate. I am a new creation in Christ now that the blood of my Savior has cleansed me from my sins. You died for me. I will live for You! Right now, I invite You — Holy Spirit — to live within me and fill me with spiritual gifts and to guide me and direct me. From now on, I will seek first the Kingdom of GOD, and I will take up my cross and follow You! Amen!

May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord see you, smile, and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you peace. You’re loved. You matter. You exist for a reason and for a specific purpose. May you seek first the Kingdom of GOD in all you do.

And again, I am Pastor Trenton Gill from Pointless Thorns Ministry. If you need to listen to this message again or want to share this message with anyone, it’s going to be uploaded to my YouTube channel. Simply search the username: PointlessThorns. 

And again, I’m a new pastor. I graduated Bible College & Seminary, but I don’t even have a church building yet. I work a full time job and then try to do full time ministry on my part time hours after I work a full time job. I run my ministry out from home as of now. So, if you feel led to sowing a seed of financial blessing to me in order to help me launch my church, you would be sowing into a great work for the Kingdom of GOD. And one way you can do that is to buy my book that just got published and is available on Amazon. It’s called “Superhero University: The Ultimate Superhero Training Manual”. Basically, my book is often illustrated like a comic book but it’s written like a college textbook. There’s 610 pages, 110 full page colored illustrations. There are 43 lessons, 43 mini-quizzes, and one final test at the end. And a diploma at the end of the book — you can earn a degree in Superheroism. Superficially, this book trains people how to be real life superheroes. But the depth beyond the surface is that it is a training manual on how to be a dedicated disciple and a Christian completely committed to the great commission! If you want to reach your full potential, this book is for you! For more information about my book and to order it, go to my website: www.SuperheroUniversity.net. 

Superhero: Armor of GOD: Sword of the Spirit

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If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below…

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This is Part 20 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t! In Part 15, we saw that superheroes are always ready to fight evil with the belt of Truth. In Part 16, we saw that superheroes are always ready to resist evil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. In Part 17, we saw that superheroes are always ready to walk with purpose. In Part 18, we saw that superheroes are always ready to deflect the enemy’s attacks by holding up the shield of faith. In Part 19, we saw that by wearing the helmet of salvation, superheroes always protect themselves from evil penetrating their minds with parasitic seeds of thought that contaminate, corrupt, and control.

In this message (Part 20), we will see that by using the Sword of the Spirit, superheroes can not only block the enemy’s attacks, but also drive the enemy away.

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Continuing the examination of the whole armor of GOD, we are now instructed to take the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). Roman soldiers had different types of swords at their disposal, but the word for “sword” here is taken from the Greek word machaira. This sword was approximately 19 inches long and both sides of the blade were sharp; it was a double-edged sword. 

Consider the following comic book characters: Katana (DC), Deadpool, The Swordsman, and Black Knight (Marvel) – they all use swords as their weapon of choice to fight their opponents. Though the sword is not a popular weapon of choice for superheroes, those who choose to use it find the sword to be extremely useful. And like the aforementioned superheroes, ancient Roman soldiers also considered the sword to be extremely useful. Because the sword is capable of cutting through things or even taking life away from people, it is a symbol of power. The mere sight of the sword being drawn out from its sheath could strike fear into a person’s heart. The Roman Empire equipped all soldiers with this symbol of power and fear as a reminder of their dominance and control. And just as apostle Paul used the soldier’s armor to call attention to ways of defending ourselves, Paul also calls attention to the sword as an offensive weapon. Why? Because defense without offense is unsustainable stamina.

Just as bread/manna is actually the Word of GOD (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 6:35,41,48,51), Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the sword is also the Word of GOD. The term “word” is taken from the Greek word rhema, which describes something that is spoken clearly; spoken vividly; spoken in undeniable language; or spoken in unmistakable, unquestionable, certain, and definite terms. Thus, this word is a special word of clarity that supernaturally comes into a believer’s mind. Some excellent examples of this can be seen in Matthew 10:19-20, John 14:26, and Acts 4:8-13. But we must understand that the rhema comes out from the logos. In other words, the Holy Spirit uses the written Word (that’s already within us) to extract and highlight a special Word of clarity for a specific time and for a specific purpose. If you don’t consume the written Word, then the Holy Spirit cannot highlight which specific Word to use at a specific time. Logos is prerequisite for rhema. 

When Jesus told us that all who live by the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52), Jesus was telling us that if we use violent, forceful, or underhanded methods against other people, we can expect those same methods to be used against us. Violence begets violence. Those who practice violence will come to violent ends. Essentially, the measure and method you use toward others will be the measure and method by which you also will be judged (Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:23-25).

If those who live by the sword also die by the sword, why did Paul call the Word of GOD the Sword? Are we supposed to strike people down like the Crusaders did? Are we supposed to beat people over the head with our Bibles and subdue them into submission until they claim to be Christians? No! Conquest and forced conversion only has the power to change minds, but never hearts. And even the change of mind will most likely be superficial and temporary. If threatened, someone might proclaim to be converted; however, that same person will most likely revert to earlier beliefs once the threat of dying is no longer a possible outcome.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
(Hebrews 4:12) -ESV

As is evident from Revelation 1:16; 2:12, the double-edged sword comes from the mouth of the Lord — it is the spoken Word! The phrase “two-edged” or “double-edged” is taken from the Greek word distomos, which is a compound of the word di, meaning two, and the word stomos, which is the Greek word for one’s mouth. Thus, this double-edged sword is a two-mouthed sword. How so? GOD’s Word cuts in two ways. As explained in Hebrews 4:12, GOD’s Word cuts through sin, pride, and disobedience when it enters us humans. However, because GOD’s Word boomerangs and never returns void (Isaiah 55:10-11), the Word moves through us and out of our mouths, which then becomes the other side of the blade. So, GOD’s Word goes out from His ‘mouth,’ cuts into us, and then boomerangs back and out from our mouths, which not only strikes down the enemy, but also supernaturally splices into other humans. However, it is important to understand that GOD’s Word is not a sword that cuts people down; rather, it is the Sword used to cut people free from their enslavement of sin. GOD’s Word cuts through calloused and hardened hearts, exposing lies, revealing Truth, causing conviction, and leads to repentance and alignment with the absolute moral standard of GOD’s will. While striking the enemy down, the Word also sets people free (John 8:32)!

Words Are Powerful:

How powerful are words? Let’s begin by realizing that GOD spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24) – that’s how powerful words can be! When GOD created everything, He did it by starting with a formless void and then shaping it with His Word. Likewise, our lives are a formless void until GOD’s Word comes in to bring life and peace, beauty and order. The opposite is true as well: when GOD’s Word departs from our lives, they descend back into chaos.

But let’s also recognize the fact that words possess power even if they come from finite and fallible human beings. Words possess the power to affect emotions and even alter the direction in which a person will travel. Harmful words are like swords that cut people down (Psalm 55:21; 64:3; Proverbs 12:18). How many negative memories do you still have in your mind of hurtful words? Perhaps they came from strangers, friends, family, or even someone you loved most. I still carry with me a memory from my childhood when someone told me I should have been a girl because I had been crying. I also have a memory from my early adulthood when a relative of mine commented on how much time I ‘wasted’ on playing guitar and writing songs: “That will never amount to anything; dreams don’t pay bills.” But I also have memories of hearing the pretty girl I liked talk about what a perfect male looked like and me realizing I looked nothing like the male she described. I also have memories of hearing people tell me that either I wasn’t good enough or the work I presented wasn’t good enough. The old saying that “sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me” is a lie. As the old joke goes, those who don’t think that words hurt has never been hit in the head with a dictionary. Words can hurt; they do hurt. The power of the spoken word is so great that many people have ended up committing suicide due to their inability to block the hurtful words from penetrating their hearts and minds. In fact, at the age of 17, I even wrote out my own suicide letter because I had not been able to handle the heavy load of hurtful words I collected throughout the years.

“The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves.”
(Proverbs 12:6) –MSG

“What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.”
(Proverbs 18:21) –GNT

“I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say. By your words you will be declared innocent, or by your words you will be declared guilty.”
(Matthew 12:36-37) –GW

How powerful are words? Words penetrate both mind and heart. Words can cut people down, but words can also build people up. So, what words will we speak? If we are all to be judged by our words, then it would be wise to speak life by speaking GOD’s Word. In fact, Paul tells us that GOD’s Word is our Sword and offensive weapon in our spiritual battle against evil. Like a fencing match or real sword fight, GOD’s Word is the Sword that blocks the enemy’s sword from connecting with our hearts and minds and also helps us to drive the enemy away.

Jesus provided the example for us when He spent 40 days in the wilderness to be tempted. The devil knows Scripture. When the devil spit out sword thrusts of destructive words, Jesus responded by using the Sword in a counter attack to not only block the attack, but to also drive the enemy away. Just as Jesus said, “it is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10) as His offensive attack against the enemy, that must also be our response. With the shield of faith in one hand and GOD’s Word as your Sword in your other hand, you can block the enemy’s attacks and launch your own attack to drive the enemy away. Ultimately, GOD’s Word enables us to fight the lies of the great Liar and be more than conquerors in Christ (Matthew 4:10; Romans 8:37; James 4:7).

In the 1999 movie, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the scene where Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan battle against Darth Maul can provide a visual depiction of what our spiritual battle looks like against evil. Darth Maul kills Qui-Gon and then immediately turns his attention toward Obi-Wan. Imagine Darth Maul as a demon, Qui-Gon as an unprepared human who allowed evil to overtake him, and Obi-Wan as yourself. Obi-Wan screamed in horror at the sight of Qui-Gon falling. Likewise, we should all be screaming in horror at the knowledge that millions of people are succumbing to the devil and his demonic deeds. But we are not exempt (1Corinthians 10:11-13). The demons are going to turn their attention toward us. Obi-Wan was prepared to battle against evil and prevailed over Darth Maul. Are you prepared to effectively battle against the devil and his demons? If the adversary knows how to use the Sword, how much more should you know how to use it? Have you been trained up in the ways of the Lord? Do you know how to handle the Sword?

The Sword Is A Weapon:

Without GOD’s Word, we have no offensive weapon to drive the enemy away. In the 2010 movie, The Book Of Eli, the evil villain, Carnegie, spoke the truth when he reprimanded his henchmen, informing them that capturing the Bible was of utmost importance because, “It’s a weapon!” And because GOD’s Word is the best weapon against evil, Satan has done everything possible in this life to ban it, burn it, discredit it, and disregard it. But of course, we already know that GOD’s Word lasts forever (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) and Satan knows this as well. And because the enemy knows that GOD’s Word is forever, he often uses the tactic of twisting the text in order to manipulate the masses. There are many buildings proclaiming to be Christian churches, but upon closer investigation, the pastors are devils in disguise. There are many wolves in sheep clothing. We shouldn’t be surprised by this – Jesus and His disciples told us it would be this way (Matthew 7:15; 10:16; Acts 20:28-31; Romans 16:17-18; 2Corinthians 11:13-15; 1Timothy 4:1-2; 6:3-5; 2Timothy 3:1-9; 4:2-5; 2Peter 2:1-3; 1John 4:1,5-6). GOD’s Word warns us about false teachers in the world. And this is why it is important for us to have the Sword. However, an available weapon won’t be of any use to a person who doesn’t know how to use it. In order to use GOD’s Word, you must know GOD’s Word. Do you know the Word of GOD? Is it in you?

The Word Saves:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
(2Timothy 3:16-17) -ESV

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
(Romans 10:17) -ESV

“Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.’ Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation!’ Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.”
(Acts 2:37-41) -NLT

GOD’s Word is the Sword that cuts people free from the Counterfeiter’s cage of captivity. Those who have been released from the the devil’s dungeon (like myself) find themselves shouting praises of gratitude for the gift of GOD’s grace. Like Paul, I was once blind to the Truth, but now I see! Think about it! How did 3,000 people get saved in one day? Because Peter was so amazing? No. Peter finally allowed the Holy Spirit to guide him and he used the Sword of the Spirit. Thousands of people were saved due to Peter and the apostles slicing through Satan’s snares with the Sword of the Spirit – GOD’s Word! In fact, in Acts 4:4, it is written that 5,000 men had been saved due to the preaching of the Gospel – and that number didn’t even include women or children! Thousands of people can be saved if we would only allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we share the Gospel with them! Do you know GOD’s Word? Are you sharing the Gospel like Jesus commanded us to do?

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20) -NLT

“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
(2Timothy 4:2-5) -NLT

Are you able to defend the faith like the apostles had been able to do (2Corinthians 10:5; 1Peter 3:15)? If you don’t know GOD’s Word, then you are not trained to use the Sword. If you’re not able to use the Sword, the devil and his demons will use the Sword against you. How do you know if someone is preaching the true Word of GOD? What if someone uses GOD’s Word by twisting the text like Satan did? Without GOD’s Word, we cannot know Truth. If we do not know Truth, we will inevitably believe lies. If you have the Bible in your possession, then you have the Sword in your possession. If you do not know GOD’s Word, you do not know how to use the Sword. If, however, you do know GOD’s Word, then you know how to use the Sword. Understand this: Satan has targeted you and is coming after you. Are you prepared to not only block the enemy’s attacks but to also drive him away? If you don’t know how to use the Sword, you better start training before it’s too late. If you do know how to use the Sword, you need to start training others how to use it. It’s time to take up the Sword! It’s time to cut people free from bondage and to release them from the darkness of the devil’s dungeon! How do we do that? We reflect the Light and shine bright!

It is written in Psalm 119:130 that GOD’s Word gives light. Why? Because GOD is able to bring unbelievers out of the darkness and into the light. Jesus is the Light
(2Samuel 22:29; Job 12:22; Psalms 18:28; Isaiah 42:16; John 1:5; 8:12; 12:46; Acts 26:16-18; Ephesians 5:8; 1Peter 2:9-10; 1John 1:5-10). And Jesus commanded us to be the light in the darkness of this world (Matthew 5:14). So, we are the light? But John 9:5 states that Jesus is the Light. So, which is it? Both. The first half of John 9:5 is the key to understanding this. Jesus “passed the torch” to His followers. Jesus is the primary Light; we are the secondary light, a reflection of the Light. We are light-bearers. As the light of the sun is to the moon, so the light of the Son is to us. Jesus shines the Light, the light enters us, casts out darkness, and then we reflect that light to everyone around us.

However, examine Matthew 5:14 in context. Jesus spoke about salt and light. But right before He spoke about salt and light, He gave the Sermon on the Mount and spoke about the “Beatitudes,” which is a list of blessings. In this, there are nine individual promises that come together to form one: we will be blessed if we are in alignment with GOD’s will. Within the entirety of the Beatitudes, there is only one command: rejoice and be glad. It happens to be in the midst of the warnings about persecution. The command is immediately followed by a promise that we will have a great reward in Heaven. This means we need to begin with the end in mind and make decisions based on our eternal destination, not our temporal circumstances (Psalm 30:5). Like Paul, we need to keep our eyes on the prize if we are to obtain the Beatitudes’ promise of being blessed (1Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:14).

Jesus then goes on to say that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We already discussed the light, but what about the salt? Salt is a necessity of life and has been used as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, and even used on icy conditions. Think: Are we preserving all the good qualities of life? Are we enhancing the ‘flavor’ of life? Are we a disinfectant, helping to eliminate the ‘germs’ of false doctrines? Are we being used for icy conditions? Are we thawing ice-cold hearts with our love? Are we helping people gain traction on slippery slopes? Our salty ‘flavor’ should cause people to salivate for salvation. Are we shining the Light and sharing the Gospel or are we hiding under a basket, thereby making it a casket? Hiding the Light under a basket is remaining silent when we should be speaking the Word. Superheroes don’t hide under baskets! Couch potato Christians are consumers in comfort-coffins. 

Comfort Is The Coffin Of Christianity:

When Jesus told us not to hide our light under a basket (Matthew 5:14-16), He meant that we should not go into hiding and remain sheltered. In fact, Jesus commanded us to go out into the world, sharing the Gospel (Matthew 28:28-20). Do not be content with the knowledge of your own salvation!

“None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others.”
(1Corinthians 10:24) –GNT

“Keep being compassionate to those who still have doubts, and snatch others out of the fire to save them. Be merciful over and over to them, but always couple your mercy with the fear of God. Be extremely careful to keep yourselves free from the pollutions of the flesh.”
(Jude 1:22-23) -TPT

If you are content with your own comfort and decide to build protective walls around yourself and refuse to leave that safety-box, it is more than likely that you will shelter yourself into non-existence. How can superheroes save anyone if they are hiding in a box? Evil wants you to build walls of comfort around yourself and for you to stay in your safety-box – the longer you stay inside your sheltered life, the more that shelter becomes your coffin. And if you stay inside your sheltered life, how could you have relationships with others and lead people to Christ? If you cut yourself off from the rest of the world, you cut yourself off from GOD’s plan for your life. If you cut yourself off from GOD’s will, you will be the substance without its source and you will slowly wither and die. Don’t shelter yourself; however, don’t live as the rest of this world lives. Rise above with love and speak out and reach out while inviting others in. 

The safety-box of a sheltered life is a comfort-coffin. People try to justify their sheltered lives in many different ways, but here is the truth: those who are content with their own salvations and live sheltered lives don’t obey GOD’s laws nor live by His decrees. GOD has called us to love others – it’s not possible to reach out (with love) to those in the darkness if we are hiding in our safety-box (hiding our light). 

Everyone’s coffin is different, yet they are all the same: the coffin is crafted to contour to your comfort. What does your coffin look like? It’s important to know what your coffin looks like – knowing what it looks like will help you stay out of it! A coffin can look like the car that someone loves to work on and invest in, it can look like the sports team someone spends all his/her time studying, it could look like the beer can someone can’t let go of long enough to use his/her hands for a better purpose, or it could even look like someone’s television set or his/her own apartment/house. Understand this: a coffin can even look like protection against evil. Although the coffin appears to be protection that keeps evil away from you, is the opposite – you need to realize that it is a trap, designed to keep you out of the world. Evil doesn’t want Christians out in the world. A comfort-coffin can even look like a church building. 

I urge you – do not seek shelter! I urge you to step outside of your sheltered life; I urge you to get out of your comfort-coffin. Batman does not stay in the Batcave! If he did, he would never save anyone. Too many men are hiding in their man-caves. Do your hobbies consume all of your free time leaving you unable to help others? Examine your decisions and the motives behind your decisions. With the time you do have, do you use it to advance the Kingdom of GOD? Are you willing to leave your comfort-coffin in order to save others? Are you willing to go places you might not want to go and help people regardless of your opinion of them? Do your video games, beer pong, sports, etc. stand in the way of leading people to Christ? We are called to love others and to lead people to Christ. Let us go out and do exactly that! How? By knowing GOD’s Word and sharing the Good News! But how can you do that if you don’t know GOD’s Word? Is it in you?

The Word Is The Link To Your Sword:

Because rhema (a special word of clarity from the Holy Spirit) only comes from logos (the written Word of GOD), we must first know the Word of GOD in order to receive the Sword. Some people sit idly by in the darkness of their comfort-coffins, hoping to receive a Sword from GOD. But we will only receive the Sword by living in the light and reading our Bibles.

Consider the classic 1986 video game, Legend of Zelda. The main character, Link, can find and collect helpful items that enable him to live a victorious life. In the game, you are able to uncover hidden areas and discover game-changing items such as a map, compass, food, potion, shield, candle, bomb, key, boomerang, or even an upgraded sword. 

To be a superhero in the name of the Savior, we must go on a quest much like Link does in the Legend of Zelda. Think about it. The only way Link will ever find and attain any game-changing items and reach the end of the game is by advancing forward, examining everything, and using his gifts while battling evil. To Link, game-changing items help him to be victorious and reach the end; likewise, superheroes end up as conquerors for Christ due to the life-changing Word. Link has a map and compass to help him find his way; likewise, we have GOD’s Word and moral compass to guide us in life. Link is sustained by food he finds; GOD’s Word is our food. Link has potion to give him life; GOD’s Word comes from the Lord, the Lord is Life and gives life. Link has a shield to protect him from evil’s attacks; we have the whole armor of GOD. Link has a candle to give him light to use in the darkness; the Lord is the Light and we are the light of the world. Link has a bomb he can use to blast his way through walls; we destroy strongholds with Truth-bombs. Link has a key to unlock new areas; by reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help us understand ‘secret passages’ and this will unlock new areas of life for us. Link has a boomerang that returns to him; we have GOD’s Word, which also acts as a boomerang because it never returns void. Link can get an upgraded sword; we receive a Sword as an upgrade after knowing the Word. According to zeldauniverse.net, Link can attain an upgraded Magical Sword by following these steps:

“Requirement: Min. 12 Heart Containers

From the starting screen, head right one screen, up five screens, left two screens, down one screen, left one screen up one screen, left two screens, down one screen, left two screens, and up one screen to find yourself in part of the graveyard.

Push the middle grave in the third column from the left to reveal a stairwell leading to the sword.”

Likewise, in order for superheroes (Christians) to receive a rhema (Sword), we must be willing to take the required action of the necessary steps. What are these necessary steps? Just as there was a minimum requirement of 12 heart containers for Link to receive the Magical Sword, there is a minimum requirement for us to receive the Sword: we must read the Bible. Just as there are directions to follow in order for Link to receive the Magical Sword, there are directions we must follow to receive the Sword: read the Bible, study the Bible, meditate on what is written, and trust the Holy Spirit to present you with the Sword at the right time. Link received the Magical Sword only after the secret passage was revealed. Likewise, the special Sword we receive from the Holy Spirit is like a secret passage being revealed. But if we have not read GOD’s Word, then the Holy Spirit cannot help us bring it to mind at the right time for a specific purpose. Link had to put forth effort in order to attain game-changing items. Likewise, we must also put forth effort in order for the life-changing Sword. All we need to do is know the Word. Have you consumed the Word? By consuming the Word you can receive the Sword. Is it in you?

Church History – Part 1 (AD 30-177)

[ If you missed the introduction to this series, you can read it here: “Church History – Introduction” ]

Christian church history did not begin at the birth of Jesus [like many assume]; rather, it started “in the beginning” (Genesis 1:1). Christianity is the continuity and completion of Judaism. To see how this is so, read my other article, “Is Judaism and Christianity Complementary or Contradictory?”

In AD 30, Jesus was crucified, He resurrected, and then ascended into Heaven after revealing Himself to multiple people. Also in that same year was the Holy Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost. In 33, Stephen was the first Christian martyr. Saul of Tarsus had been one of the people responsible for the death of Stephen. In that same year of 33, Saul encountered Jesus, became a Christian, and was from that point on known as Paul. Around 43, Antioch became the center of Christian activity. In 45, Barnabas brought Paul to Antioch. In 47-48, Paul and Barnabas visited Galatia during their first missionary journey. In 49, the Jerusalem Council recognized that the Gospel is also for Gentiles. In that same year, Roman emperor, Claudius, forced the Jews out of Rome; Priscilla and Aquila left Rome and ended up in Corinth where they meet Paul. Around 49-52, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia and visited there for the first time during his second missionary journey; Timothy traveled with Paul and Silas. In 50, Paul, Silas, and other missionaries landed at Philippi and the church was established there. In that same year, Paul also went to Thessalonica and established a church there. Around 50-52, Paul visited Corinth for the first time on his second missionary journey. Around 51, Luke joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy during Paul’s second missionary journey. In 52-54, Paul taught in Ephesus. In 52, Emperor Claudius installed Felix as procurator of Judea. From 52-62, Paul defended his faith before Roman procurators Felix (52-60) and Festus (60-62). From 54-68, Emperor Nero ruled the Roman Empire. Around 57-59, Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea. In 60, Paul had been shipwrecked on the island of Malta en route to Rome. Around 60-63, Luke wrote his Gospel and the book of Acts.

In AD 64, there was a great fire in Rome that destroyed 70% of the capital city. Emperor Nero (AD 54-68) blamed the fire on Christians. Prior to the Jewish revolts and the great fire, Christians had been largely ignored by those in power, with of course some martyrs sprinkled throughout the timeline. According to the Jewish-Roman historian Josephus, the Sanhedrin ordered James (linking James as the brother of Jesus) to be stoned to death around AD 62. But because of the great fire two years later (AD 64), persecution came down hard on Christians because Nero blamed the fire on the Christians. According to early church tradition, Peter died in Rome during Nero’s persecution, crucified upside down. It is said that Paul also died during the intense persecution between AD 64-65. And because of the Jews’ open revolts against the empire’s overstepping of boundaries, Nero eventually gave General Vespasian 60,000 soldiers to regain Galilee and Judea. And because Vespasian conquered Galilee, we have the writings from Josephus. It is said that Josephus surrendered to Vespasian. Before attacking Jerusalem, Nero had apparently committed suicide and Vespasian returned to Rome to claim the imperial throne. Josephus went with him and ended up writing his major treatises there. An important mention in the historian’s writings (Antiquities of the Jews) is the reference to Jesus as a historical figure who was reputed to be a prophet and miracle worker who had been crucified under Pontius Pilate.

After becoming emperor, Vespasian sent his son, Titus, and an army back to Jerusalem to besiege the city. However, before besieging the city, the Jews were allowed to enter into the city for the Passover celebration, thereby collecting more Jews in one area than might have been possible otherwise. But just like in the lyrics of Hotel California by the Eagles, they could come in, but they were not to leave. The Temple was eventually destroyed in AD 70, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus (see Matthew 24:2). Only one wall of the temple mount (known today as the “Wailing Wall”) remained. And because of all this, many Jews who desired to avoid further tragedies, excluded all fringe groups, including Christians, from their synagogues. But where had the Christians been during the siege of the city? Eusebius tells us that the Christians, acting on a revelation, to flee to a certain town called Perea, which they called Pella. After the disastrous Jewish War of AD 66-73, large numbers of Jews moved away from their traditional homes (Dispersions). And then up until AD 81, Christians were largely ignored again. But then Vespasian’s son, Domitian, became emperor (AD 81-96) and demanded divinity status (divus) and to be declared as Dominos et Deus Noster (‘Our Lord and God’). But persecution continued even after a new emperor, Trajan, took the throne.

Polycarp was one of the martyrs — he had been burned alive because he refused to deny Christ. According to Irenaeus, Polycarp was his spiritual mentor and Polycarp was a disciple of apostle John. In the second century century AD, apologists began defending their faith and their innocence, desiring to prove that Christians weren’t criminals. The most famous of the apologists was a man named Justin. Justin studied the philosophies of Aristotle, Plato, Pythagoras, and the Stoics. Around AD 132, he eventually came to the conclusion that Christianity was the “one sure worthy philosophy.” In AD 165, he was beheaded and soon became known as “Justin Martyr.” Christianity was unpopular in the first and second centuries for a few reasons: Christianity went against the social order and opposed the pluralistic, polytheistic, and relativistic ways of life that catered to the pursuit of pleasure. And if we substitute polytheistic for atheistic, we find the reasons for Christianity being unpopular remain the same today of the Western world in 2017. And much like today, GOD used human factors to produce spiritual results. The allowance of the Roman empire produced the dissatisfaction of the empire; consequently, many found refuge in the grace of Christ. Those in power produced persecution, which caused the stirring of faith and the scattering of believers; consequently, seeds of salvation grew in areas that needed the Gospel. Think about it: in the depth of the darkness, surrounded by soil, the future of the buried seed always looks hopeless. But that’s where growth takes place; that growth will eventually be known when it shoots up, breaking through the soil to proclaim life.

[ To read Part 2, CLICK HERE! ]

Church History (Introduction)

What does church history look like? When reading and studying the entire history of the church, we must keep our focus on the bigger picture and compare what GOD’s Word actually teaches to what GOD’s people actually did or did not do. There has always been and will always be deviation from Truth and lights that get extinguished from the church, leaving only darkness in some areas and at some times. This all is from the Fall. From Cain murdering his brother, Abel, to the Day of Christ’s return and the battle of Armageddon, GOD’s people and the church will always be forced to shine light through the darkness of this world. Sadly, when evil infiltrates and contaminates GOD’s people, the world is left with doubt about GOD and His Word. And when they look at the stained glass in the church window, they are uncertain if the color red should represent the claim of Christ’s sacrificial blood or the notorious fame of a blood-thirsty mass of supercilious saints who masquerade about with malicious motives and pious performances. GOD’s people must live out a delicate balance of love and Truth. Even the slightest ‘one-degree’ deviation demonstrates demonic deeds that make the world believe blood-saturated saints to be devils in disguise and Christ a mere guise.

This is what church history looks like — it is one long war with many battles of GOD’s people trying to keep the faith, defend Truth, yet all the while correct the mistakes that have tarnished the perfect name of GOD. As representatives of GOD, Christians, with wrong actions, are capable of driving people away from right belief. I recently encountered the trending hashtag on Twitter, “ChurchToo”, which essentially was used for people to share their horrible stories of how church members or church leaders abused their position and power in order to sexually assault people, or mentally or physically abuse people. Are all the accusations true? Probably not. This hashtag popped up only after sexual allegations against celebrities became popular news headlines and Hollywood started devouring itself like a king snake swallowing another snake. Many unbelievers probably took advantage of the situation in order to throw mud on the church. However, many of the “ChurchToo” accusations are undoubtedly true, coming from victims who had once been afraid to speak up but now emboldened to do so because of what’s happening in Hollywood. It is all a sobering reminder of the real problem of sin in this world and humanity’s inability to save themselves. While reading and studying church history, it is important to keep in mind the bigger picture of the Creator’s original design and intent, the Fall, and the purpose of Christ to reunite the creation with Creator. Keep these following points in mind while reading and studying church history:

• Humanity’s inability and often refusal to abide by the absolute moral standard does not prove GOD’s standard to be wrong, it only reveals that the Law is good and necessary (read Romans 7).
• Purity is good & commendable, which is highlighted by the uproar against immorality. The Law is good and necessary, which is highlighted by the uproar against injustice.
• The church is not a country club for saints but a hospital for sinners (read Matthew 9:11-13). The church is not a place for perfect people, but for finite and fallible fallen people who need a perfect GOD.
• Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone needs Jesus, all the time, even those in the church — especially those in the church.
• The church is not above correction; in fact, all Christians should be held to a higher standard because they should know better (read James 3:1; 4:17).
• We should not confuse the problem of sin with the only solution of Jesus and the absolute moral standard as being the problem. The mistakes of humanity are not accurate reflections of the character quality of the perfect GOD.
• To purge the church of sin is to restore the church to righteousness; restored churches will help victims heal from pseudo-saints.
• Sin is the problem, not the church, unless sin is in the church, then the church becomes a problem, but not the problem.

It all leads back to the beginning and we must keep our focus on the bigger picture and compare what GOD’s Word actually teaches to what GOD’s people actually did or did not do. For it is GOD’s Word and only GOD’s Word that should define how the church is to be both operated and viewed. And with that said, may GOD’s light of Truth shine as you read and study even the darkest periods of the church and remember that the church is the purified Bride of Christ at the end of days. View the church as a total makeover transformation, much like we have seen on reality television shows. The church is to be viewed as a whole and seen as Christ will see her at the end of days — she’s beautiful! Just as individual humans have had bad pasts before becoming good later in life, the church is the same. Just as individual humans have seemed ugly prior to receiving a total makeover transformation and then looking marvelous, the church is the same. Don’t judge the church by her past, judge the church by who she strives to become and who Jesus tells us she will be. Church history reveals the growth of the church. Just as Abraham’s descendants are beyond counting (Genesis 15:5), the church started out with a dozen disciples and it will end with a countless number (Revelation 7:9). Don’t judge a sequoia tree by the sprout or seed — only in its final stage will you know what its glorious state will be.

If you are already a Christian, then church history is your family history. Studying church history is like opening a photo album with commentary and exploring family heritage. If you are a Christian and do not know church history, it is imperative that you take the journey to learn the past. Our past history will help mature us for the future by rooting us in reality, replacing ignorance with Truth, and opening us up to understanding of what actually happened rather than us assuming what might have happened or what we wished would have happened. The beauty of church history is that it enables us to learn from past mistakes, which will help us to grow in righteousness and help us to stay in alignment. Church history provides us with perspective and helps us plan for our purpose. As you learn church history, may you be in awe of GOD’s faithfulness despite humanity’s unfaithfulness. Though church history is the study of the works of men and women, it is ultimately the study of the work of GOD.

[ Read: Church History – Part 1 ]