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The
Hall of Faith
and the faithful
members of God's Inductees! - Part I
This is the first
in a series of studies that will investigate members of The Hall of
Faith. Hebrews 11 is an astounding chapter that gives us detailed
information on those saints who took God at His Word without seeing a clear
picture of what would lie ahead for them. Let me first say that under
this wonderful dispensing of God's grace, there is no expression of faith
required for us since Jesus Christ has accomplished everything we need!
Unlike the saints that we will read about, an expression or action indeed
was required of them in their response to God's commands.
And these all, having obtained a good report through
faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing
for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:39-40
Abel - By faith Abel offered unto God a more
excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was
righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
As we read in the account
of Genesis 4, Abel brought of the firstlings of the flock and the fat
thereof as God requested. At least several things should be noted here:
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Abel's sacrifice was an
animal
offering which demonstrated obeisance to God in that it was "more
excellent than Cain's'".
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God regarded his
sacrifice and it typified the coming Sacrificial Lamb that would one day
come to redeem man.
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Abel's expression
of faith was to provide the sacrifice exactly the way that God had
instructed him, no more, no less.
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Abel's faithfulness
led to his untimely death by the hand of his brother Cain who was
consumed with jealousy.
Let me first say that under this
wonderful dispensing of God's grace, there is no expression of faith
required for us since Jesus Christ has accomplished everything we need!
By God's grace in a
dispensation, He permitted man by faith to act upon His commands. At a
minimum, Abel had to have understood the need for a bloody
 sacrifice.
He brought this offering to God because he agreed that the shedding of blood
was a requirement to atone or cover (his sin) sin as in the of case of his mother and
father (who were covered in skins by God). Abel is a "hero of faith" because
he believed that God would one day send that deliverer. Abel's
testimony was that he believed God!
Enoch
- By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was
not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had
this testimony, that he pleased God.
During a time of wickedness and growing
sinfulness, one man took God at his word and did not take part in
identifying himself with that present evil world! We read in Genesis 5
that Enoch walked with God. Enoch was wise enough to treasure that time with
God in a cold, sinful world obsessed with depravity for we would read later
on in the very next chapter how God was grieved that he made man. God at
that point certainly knew that mankind had followed the way of Cain and
distanced themselves from their Creator. The bible records Enoch's
departure as "he was not found for God took him". In Genesis 5, we
simply read that "he was not for God took him". It is not until
Hebrews 11 that we read that "he (Enoch) was not found".
This certainly implies that someone was looking for him and knew that he was
no longer present! It was this special relationship (and testimony) that
Enoch had with God that was known by his contemporaries.
I often wonder why that happened friends.
Enoch was only the seventh from Adam, and only the fifth from Seth.
Somewhere, either the greatness of God was not communicated or the wonder of
the garden was not embraced by most of those who lived during that time
resulting in man's ultimate judgment. Paraphrasing from J. Vernon McGee,
Enoch walked with God and communed with him on a daily basis. He described
Enoch walking in the cool of the day having long conversations with God
until one day he realized he was very far from home! Concerned, he told God
that he was far and that he needed to get started back home when God
questioned him and asked; "Since you are this far, why not come home with
me?" I heard that description over 10 years ago and outside of scripture
itself, I have yet to hear a better explanation about that wonderful
translation! (Note:
For more on the details of Enoch, see the next column titled "The Enoch
Factor" - Rick)
But without faith
it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that
he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Noah
- By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with
fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned
the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
While Enoch seemed to
represent the beginning of the demise of man, faithful Noah was most
assuredly the representation of the end of man! Yet, God in his mercy
provided a way out to all that would simply take him at his word concerning
the looming judgment. As described in the events of Genesis 6, mankind had
"de-evolved" to gross sin and immorality to say the least. Mankind's actions
and conduct were so horrific that the Lord repented he made man on the
earth:
Genesis
5: 5,6 - And God saw
that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every
imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it
repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at
his heart.
However, Noah found grace in
the sight of God in that he gave him an opportunity to
 respond
by faith. Noah exercised his free will and chose to follow God. How
you may ask? Being warned by God of the coming judgment he moved with
fear by building an ark, and in the process saved himself and his house
hold!
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The Enoch Factor
And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years,
and begat sons and daughters: 20 And all the days of Jared were
nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died. 21 And Enoch lived sixty
and five years, and begat Methuselah: 22 And Enoch walked with God after
he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. –
Genesis 5: 19-24
Over the past several years I have had the opportunity to experience
something unique when dealing with first-time fathers. Sometime nearly
20 years ago, I was also another ignorant beneficiary of what I now call
“The Enoch Factor”. Please understand that we now live in a
special time of unmerited favor and grace under this glorious
dispensation that the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to the apostle Paul for
our behalf! However, where Paul tells us of our doctrine, (our latest
marching orders or day-today instruction for Christian living) there are
also wonderful biblical principles that guide us amidst this
backdrop of grace!
For whatsoever
things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. -
Romans 15:4
In
addition, we have the continual witness of the Holy Spirit in His
distinct "operation of faith" convicting the world that it has a need
for a savior. It is here where “The Enoch Factor” enters in....
Having children is a life changing event. It is a true privilege and
blessing to be able to be a parent friends. Psalms 127
says: Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that
build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in
vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the
bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
 Lo,
children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his
reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of
the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they
shall not be
ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Looking
back as a young man in my mid-twenties and a new son recently born, I
did not want him to make the same mistakes I made. At a minimum I knew
only God could provide answers to questions I had so it was at
this time I began to exercise my free will and submit to the continual
leading of the Holy Spirit. At this stage of my life, I knew it
was no longer just about me.
In
Genesis 5, we read that Enoch walked with God after he
begat (had) Methuselah. Up until that time, we read of no recorded
biblical history about Enoch until he fathered Methuselah.
Coincidentally, the bible also tells us that this was the time that
Enoch walked with God! The bible says in Jude verses 13 and 14
that Enoch was the seventh from Adam and that He spoke of the coming
judgment of the Lord. He was a follower of God amidst generations who
had forgotten their Creator. Friends, God hadn’t gone anywhere; man just
wasn’t interested in listening to Him any longer. I guess the same could
have been said for me. I was very religious and went to an orthodox
church regularly, but I had grieved the Holy Spirit concerning the
purpose that God had for my life. Enoch was no different as I would find
out later. At the time of Enoch’s life, God was dealing with man under
the dispensing of conscience. Man was becoming more and more
sinful in direct proportion to his estrangement from God which would
ultimately lead to the judgment of the flood. But Enoch was obviously
moved in some fashion as he began his walk with God after the birth of
his son. For some 300 years later, he begat sons and daughters and
walked with God all the while. Then, amazingly, the bible tells us that
God took Enoch home with Him! Enoch officially became a member of the
“Hall of Faith” for we read why God took him home in Hebrews
11:
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see
death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his
translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Scripture mentions that Enoch was not found which would imply that
people were indeed looking for him. Hebrews 11 also tells us that
his testimony pleased God, so much so that he went to be with Him on a
more permanent basis. Interestingly, if God should call out His Body,
believers today under this glorious dispensation of the grace of God can
also experience heaven without death! But this wonderful possibility is
not the main point of this writing but watching God work in the lives of
people is! I had the opportunity to witness “The Enoch Factor” take over
the life of a man who would turn out to be one of my closest friends.
Like Enoch, as he became aware of the renewed, unselfish,
importance of life with the pregnancy of his young wife, he also
realized that only God could provide the answers to the confusing
questions of life. The most rewarding thing for me was not only did I
make a new friend, but I had also been given a brother in Christ. When
my daughter asked me if I had saved this person, I told her that God
does the saving. I was just hoping that I hadn't grieved The Spirit of
God in any way.
In
summary,
“The Enoch Factor” is nothing more then a biblical
reference towards a person who opens his mind to the counsel of God and
begins to seek the things of God due to the fact that his or her child
is ready to be born. When I think of the greatness of God, I marvel at
the millions of opportunities that He gives us to respond to Him! It is
important to note that "The Enoch Factor" as described above is in no
way a reference to saving faith. That only happens when someone believes
in the all sufficient, completed, redemptive work of Jesus Christ for
their sin debt and imputed righteousness! In closing,
I had not only witnessed the benefits of “The Enoch Factor” myself, I
became a beneficiary again....praise Him for this unspeakable gift!
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Today's World News
A view of the world…..
Please note that I received this
from my mother in an e-mail and thought it would worthwhile to share
with our readers at The Lighthouse. If you are like me, you will realize
the biblical truths behind these statements from Mr. Carlin although I
do not know about his personal convictions……
Comedian George Carlin's wife recently passed away. The gross and mouthy
icon of the 70's and 80's has written something very eloquent...and so
very appropriate for these times.
A Message by George Carlin:
"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings
but
shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend
more,but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses
and
smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet
more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much,
smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read
too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have
multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too
much, love too
seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not
a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the
way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a
new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done
larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but
polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more,
but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to
rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information,
to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days
of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality,
one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from
cheer, to quiet, to kill... It is a time when there is much in the
showroom window and nothing in
the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and
a time when you
can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are
not
going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to your little children who look up to
you,
because they will soon grow up and leave your side. Remember, to
give a
warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you
can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to
say,
"I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all "mean
it". A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside
of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that
person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak,
and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath away.
If you don't send this to at least eight people...... who cares?" -
George Carlin
 The
Cross on the Side of the Road
If you are like me,
you many have noticed little crosses or tiny "remembrances" on the side
of the road to mark the loss of a loved one usually due to some type of
highway fatality. When I see these, I become sad. The name Kevin, Joe,
Susan or whomever, was a real person to a grieving family. Just seeing
the flowers or teddy bears is a grim testament of a life that once was.
While talking to a dear friend of mine about the eternal plight of those
unable to understand their rebellion against God such as babies,
children or young teens, we were comforted in the fact that Christ's
atoning, sufficient cross-work would save to the uttermost on those
incapable of believing who may have died pre-maturely. Special needs
patients who never could rationalize on their own we felt would also be
covered by His accomplishment's at Calvary! After all, would God be just
in condemning someone who did not have the capacity to respond to the
message of grace and the salvation that lies therein? The scriptural
backing is present for this rationale. In the kingdom gospel, in
Matthew 19:14, Jesus told his disciples "suffer the little
children and forbid them not to come unto me". On another
occasion in Matthew 18:3, Jesus told His followers that they must
be as little children in order to follow Him. Lastly, when
David's illegitimate child died in 2 Samuel 12:23, David
confidently knew that although the baby would not return to him, he
indeed would return to the baby! These passages would surely indicate
that God's mercy on those incapable of believing would be covered by His
Son as Christ's redemption saves to the uttermost.
In those instances
where people were old enough to make a decision but chose another path
or in uncaring ignorance and apathy chose nothing, I grieve. It
always amazed me that after death, the cross comes in full view
to these people. God has so much for us while we are alive but
unfortunately most think of Him as it relates only to death. They lived
all of their lives without the thought of God, yet cling to hope of the
resurrection when actual death occurs. It is my prayer that people
would find out about the riches of God's grace prior to death and
devastation; that the cross on the side of the road is but a figurative
gateway for someone who had indeed embraced Jesus Christ's death,
burial , resurrection and assumed righteousness (justification) for
their salvation.
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COFFEE CORNER
The real meaning of the impending
perilous times
and last days of 2 Timothy! - Part IV
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their
own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God; Having a form of godliness,
but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses,
and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers
lusts, Ever learning, and never
able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the
truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no
further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also
was. But thou hast fully known
my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity,
patience, Persecutions,
afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what
persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and
worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been
assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy
scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.-
2 Timothy 3:1-17
In part four of this study, we will
continue to explore each word that Paul tells young Timothy about
concerning what to look for during the last days!
In our last edition, we began to touch ground in verse
6,
where Paul said that
it is these types of people that "creep into houses, and lead captive
silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning,
and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth".
You may ask; Which people Paul? These
"types of people" could be anyone who would be in a position to
influence others' core beliefs and values. Unfortunately, this has
implicated pastors or church leaders. Friends, if you think I am being
too critical just read the paper or surf the net and you can see for
yourself about the sordid stories of abuse and perversion of all
types which happen to transcend across all denominations! In
addition, rather than equip and edify saints with the glorious message
of the grace of God, these leaders abuse their God-given
responsibility while taking advantage of women in particular. The bible
says that they "creep" into the houses of what Paul calls "captive,
silly women". The word "creep" in the Greek is enduno. This
word means that "they" hide in, envelope in or insinuate entrance into
the household or affairs women. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, they
persuade those weak and uncertain women of their position in Christ.
Worse, they take full advantage of this weakness and convert it to
sensual gains or monetary benefits under the guise of God. This is
one of many signs of the perilous times that signal the end times.
Whether that is 1 day or 100 more years, we are that much closer to
being with Him!
The message of the grace of God as Christ
committed it to Paul is unfortunately still a mystery to most.
The softness and emotional gifts that God gave to women are clearly
being exposed by men. Look around at the increase in sensuality,
illegitimate babies and rise in abortion. These women are in a state of
"ever learning" but are unable to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The fact of the matter is this; if we are led by our emotions and not
our intellect we will be easily deceived. We will fluctuate in
proportion to our emotions no different than an unlearned child! This
was why Paul told the church at Corinth that they were still babes and
were led by their sensual desires.
The fact of the matter is this, if we are led by
our emotions and not our intellect we will be easily deceived. We will
fluctuate in proportion to our emotions no different than an unlearned
child!
Paul uses the Greek word "epiginosis"
in verse 7. This fact should not go unnoticed in that the
knowledge he speaks of is "correct and perfect knowledge". It is
important to understand that this knowledge comes only from his letters
as he received the instruction from Jesus Christ according to the
revelation of the mystery of which we are currently operating under.
Paul switches gears on us and uses a
distinct example of deception to those who knew the truth and power of
God: Jannes and Jambres. No, they are not genies from Pee Wee's
Playhouse (I really dated myself here...) but were instead the magicians
that Pharaoh used back in Exodus 7:11 to combat Moses. Through the power
of God, Moses cast down his rod which turned into a serpent. When Jannes
and Jambres did the same, their serpent-rods were swallowed up by the
serpent-rods of God! Whether their rods were the power of Satan or their
own trickery, one thing was for certain; besides Moses and Aaron they
knew the truth and did not stand approved before God! In like fashion,
Paul accuses these men (see verse 6 above) of being unapproved before
God.
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