Journal,

Seems almost like yesterday that I was a kid romping in the woods, swinging on vines, and riding young pine saplings over to make myself a horse. Now I am a grandfather and if the Lord tarries, will surely be a great-grandfather in just a few short years. So, where did all the time go?

Ok, the pictures to the right are Betty and me when we were a wee lass and lad. As younsters it never entered our minds that this beautiful little girl from Oklahoma, and this handsome little boy from Louisiana, would one day find their lives woven together in love. And that not by accident.

I’m really not one for accidents…

Sure, the argument is endless. One says, ‘I believe in predestination.’ The other says, ‘I believe in free will.’ Well I believe in both. I simply believe that God’s free will is greater than our free will. Now, try to measure that with your theology of happenstance. I don’t believe for one moment that Betty and I came together by pure chance. 

Oh well, enough on that for now. I really intended this journal entry to be a Bible study. Let’s do it. Here is the title…

‘He Was There All The Time’

First listen to the lyrics of this song: 

Time after time I was searching for peace in some void.
I was trying to blame all my ills on this world I was in.
Surface relationships used me ’til I was done in.
But all the time someone was waiting to free me from my sin.

Here’s the chorus…

He was there all the time.
He was there all the time.
Waiting patiently in line.
He was there all the time.

Would you care to take a moment to hear this song acappella. Here are some black lads from Jamaica practicing and their voices are simply beautiful…

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ySaOuzhK-gg&feature=related

In this study I want to deal with the mystic side of a believer’s experience in the Lord.

I use ‘mystic’ in the sense of something that inspires wonder. Jesus inspires wonder in all true believers.

We may find it strange to say that the Old Testament people of God had mystical experiences with Jesus Christ. Well, they did. They simply did not know Him by that name. They knew Him as ‘the Word of the Lord,’ as ‘the Messenger of Yahweh,’ as ‘the Redeemer,’ as ‘the Form of God,’ as ‘the Glory of God,’ and even as ‘Salvation,’ but especially as ‘the Ever Present One,’ that is to say, ‘the Great I Am.’

Remember what Jesus said to some of the Jews? “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.” It was when Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am,” that they wanted to stone Him. (Cf. John 8:56)
 
Anyway, one Old Testament sage even spoke of Him as the “Son.”

The sage said, “Surely I am more stupid than any man. Neither have I the understanding of a man. Neither have I learned wisdom. Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.” He went on to say, “Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His Son’s name? Surely you know.” (Cf. Pro30:2-4)

Let’s take just one term in particular, that is “the Form of God.” When God met with Moses above the mercy seat, Moses saw what was called the “form” or “similitude” of God. This is brought out when the Lord rebukes Miriam and Aaron over their presumptuousness in regard to Moses.

The Lord said, “My servant Moses, He is faithful in all his household; with him I speak mouth to mouth, even openly, and not in dark sayings, and he beholds the form of God…” (Num12:8)

The Hebrew word for “form” is ‘temuhah.’ There is no way to escape what this term means. Moses saw an appearance of the Lord God of Israel, called “the form of God.” Thus we hear Paul say, “Who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped.” (Phil 2:6)

The apostle clearly intended this to be understood that Jesus was the one Moses had direct relations with in the former testament.

This was the case with all the prophets of old and with many others who belonged to the Lord. Abraham had visitations with Jesus. David saw Him in the sanctuary. Jacob wrestled with Him. The mother and father of Samson saw Him. The list goes on and on. These ancient people of God had visitations with the very One who would become incarnate as the historical Jesus Christ.

What is the point in all this?

The point is that “He was there all the time.”

Is it any wonder that Jesus wept over Jerusalem. It says, “When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” He added, “Because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” (Cf. Luke 19:41-44)

Now for the mystic side of our union with Christ.

Yes, each of us has had our visitation from the Lord. Not just a visitation. Actually the visitations stretch over time. This is why believers cannot always speak of an exact moment upon which to base their salvation. As a believers mature in their walk with the Lord, they become more aware of the total of their life, including those days before coming to know Jesus Christ personally, and they will simply say, “He was there all the time.”

Why is this?

It is because Jesus is the Ever Present One.

His footsteps can be seen across the pages of history. He is from time without beginning or without end. He has always been in the bosom of the Father. He has always been present in the lives of those who belong to Him. This is why Jesus could say to the Jewish questioners, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” (John 8:58)

This is also why Jesus could give the disciples a final message before leaving the earth, saying, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt28:20)

And where it says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” this is a reflection off the “I Am” revelation of the God of the Bible.

It is important not to mistake what this means. This is not an issue of the Trinity versus the Oneness versus the Arianism doctrine of deity. All those doctrines have some managed elements in them. What the apostle tells us is that Christ is God’s mystery. What this means to believers is that Christ Jesus is our own wonderful mystery. He is the wonder of our faith.

This is why I like to refer to Jesus as “the Man called Wonderful.”

Actually “Wonderful” is another Old Testament name that can be applied to the Lord Jesus.

When David said, “Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory,” He was speaking of this One that we love so dearly, Jesus Himself. Paul said that Jesus is the Power of God. John said that Jesus is the Glory of God. David was beholding the Ever Present One, the One called Wonderful.

Isaiah speaks to this in saying, “For a child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (9:6)

And the parents of Samson wanted to know what the Messenger of Yahweh’s name was, He said to them, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is Wonderful.” (Judges 13:18)

Then David gives us this marvelous Psalm that speaks to the very heart of the wonder of our walk with Jesus.

In Psalm 139, David used the term “wonderful” more than once. Let’s listen to a few snippets of Psalm 139:

“Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.” (vv4-6)

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” (vv13,14)

“Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.” (vv16-18)

Was David speaking of the Ever Present One? Indeed. And when David writes, “When I awake, I am still with You,” it always triggers a memory on my part. As a wee lad my mom use to kneel beside me at my bed as I prayed the simple prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

As a little child I had consciousness of the Lord. Yet I knew nothing about Him. I only knew that I was calling someone, Lord. My heart was the heart of a tender child.

Did I believe in Him. Yes, with all my heart. Was the Lord there? O yes indeed. He was there all the time. He knew me from eternity. Yet it would be another twenty years before the Ever Present One would actually speak directly into my heart, letting me know that He had been with me always.

My spiritual life was in disarray… 

It was 1964. I’m married but my spiritual life is in disarray. In fact I had no spiritual life to speak of. This thing called conviction has settled so strong on me that I’m in total misery. But it happened. I began reading the Bible. My mind is full of questions. Passing to John 14 a thing of mystery happens. My attention is arrested. These disciples are asking the Lord questions that are my own questions.

Finally Philip says, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Boy, did I key in on that. I wanted to know something about the issue of the Father. And it was at that moment that the Ever Present One spoke directly to me. He said, “Have I been so long with you Buddy, and you have not come to know Me? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show me the Father?’” (vv8,9)

I was transfixed. Tears trickled down my cheeks on to the pages of the Bible. I knew at that moment that the One to whom I had prayed, “Now I lay me down to sleep,” was this Jesus. What the disciples later said about Jesus, I could say that very moment; “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

Some time back a Jewish believer asked me what I thought was the most important message that I ever preached.

My response was simple. I only have one message. I preach Jesus Christ. I will preach Him a thousand ways, but it will always be the same Jesus. What else is there? Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev1:8)

But I did not say this to be coy with my brother. It is simply the truth. In my 43 years of ministry I have learned that the book is all about Jesus. There is no part of the book that is not about Him. He is the Ever Present One.

When God said, “Let there be Light,” the ancient Targums said that this was the Light of Messiah. Jesus is the light of the world. He is the glory of the Father revealed.

And as the Bible begins its closure, we once again hear, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Rev22:13)

What then is the last sentence to be read as we close our Bible? It says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” (v21)

So, do I believe that this little lad and this little lass would one day accidently meet…

Never in your life would I believe such a thing. I believe that the Lord is the great Weaver of life. The one qualifier I would put is that I do not believe the Lord is responsible for our sins or our mistakes in life. But I do believe that He is able to cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him.

 What do you believe about all this?

Just something to think about.

Much love coming your way,

Buddy

Posted: November 30th, 2007 under General.
Comments: none

Well, Journal,

Yeah, I know. Looks like I’m on an ‘old timey’ run again. Well, how’s bout if I was to jest tack a short Bible study of sorts at the end of this here journal entry? That would make things a bit more spiritual. Well, that is exactly what I’ll do. For the time being, jest hang in there so’s I can talk about ‘old timey things.’

Yep, the teenager standing up on the wagon of logs is my grandfather, John Allen Martin. The teen sitting beside him is his brother, Jessie. And, oh yes, the oxen master is Ben Odom. And indeed they are pulling logs with eight oxen. That was the way it was done way back them.

I remember Ben. He would offer to hire any of us boys to help round up his horses that ran wild in the woods. Said he would give us one if we’d help. I never took him up on the offer and don’t rightly remember if any of my kin did. Anyway, they say that old Ben lived to be 106 years old. Hmmmm.

This picture goes to show that we aren’t too far removed from pioneer times.

Well, my grandpa Martin would be my grandchildren’s great-great grandfather. Grandpa Martin was born in 1876, just 12 years after the Civil War. He died in 1950. I did get to know my grandpa for a short time. (About six months.) We lived with him and grandma in what we sometimes called the ‘old blue house.’ The house had a breezeway down the center with rooms on each side.

I remember grandpa would sit on the front porch with his guitar and a cup of coffee and sing gospel songs. (Why does that sound so familiar?) Also remember watching him playing his guitar and singing in the little country church that we attended. One of my uncles told me that when grandpa entered the church, he always made a sign of the cross. This came from his mother who had been raised Catholic.

Actually grandpa had a good dose of French, Spanish, and possibly Apalachee Indian in him, along with some English. (As near as I’ve been able to ascertain in my genealogy project.) His mother spoke very broken English. My mom remembered her well.

Another thing I remember is that grandpa had a country store. But the store was closed after grandpa departed for his home in the sky.

Well, that’s mostly it about grandpa, for now. But there is something I need to add — All we cousins had a special name for our grandma. We called her ‘Grannie Dumplins.’

After grandpa passed, Grannie was like a mama hen. She would make the rounds to check on her biddies. Course most all we younguns lived on land that came from grandpa, so grannie didn’t have to go far on her rounds. And she could make the most wonderful cathead biscuits that you’d ever want to put pure ribbon cane syrup on.

By the way grannie dumplings is on the right. That’s her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Martin Knight on grandma’s right. Notice how dark Elizabeth is. She and grandpa Martin were siblings. (That’s a fancy word for brother-sister kin.)

See if you can follow this — Grannie’s sister-in-law was her husband’s, that is, grandpa Martin’s sister, which, in turn was really my grannie’s second cousin. I know this sounds like the song that says, “I’m my own grandpa.” But matter of fact my grandpa and grandma were both Martins. That’s just the way we are. We likes to keep everything in the family. (Know what I mean Vern?)

Here’s another ‘by-the-way.’ — Just listen to this here song and you’ll get the picture.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nWW7pm7W7mE

Ok, all else to the side. I do need to put something spiritual into this writing. Here goes…

Remember friend as you pass by…

When my great grandfather died in 1905, my grandfather made a headstone for him. Encased behind a glass he placed a paper, which read …

- Remember friend, as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, you soon shall be.
Prepare my friend to follow me. -

The paper is now barely readable. I’m one of the few people who knows what it actually says. Yet it might be said of my great grandfather, ‘Though he is dead, he still speaks.’

It wasn’t simply my great grandfather. His father, and his father’s father were believers. They passed their faith in Jesus on to their children. My wife and I have passed our faith on to our children. They in turn to their children. That’s how it is with God’s people.

As the Bible records the lives of the righteous we often read, “And he died.” This applies only to the physical. The righteous belong to the Lord. They are very much alive. As for what God’s plans are for His people, the writer of Hebrews says, “Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Heb11:16

What else did God promise His people of old? He promised them a Redeemer. He promised that one day they would inherit a transformed earth. He promised them a holy and heavenly city. And now we ‘the people of the cross’ have become heirs of the same promises. We were in God’s plan from eternity.

This is why God’s people look at death through a different set of glasses.

When the Spirit of Jesus enters the heart of a believing one, heaven makes its home in the deepest of our being. In that very moment the Spirit goes to work casting out fear. Once God’s perfect love has completed its work, the only fear that remains is called ‘the fear of the Lord.’ This fear connects us to a holy God. It is filled with love, respect, and reverence for our heavenly Father.

For the child of God the fear of death actually loses its power. In the heart of the believer is an upward longing for those things that lie ahead. Paul said it best, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil3:13,14

For many years I’ve had a habit of visiting cemeteries where some of my fore-bearers have been laid to rest. When you do as many funerals as I do, cemeteries have much to say. Sometimes I get my children to accompany me. When I talk with them about their ancestors, I try to point out how they believed in Jesus.

It has been my deepest desire to instill in my children eternal and heavenly values. Some of my sweetest memories have been those of talking with my children about Jesus, about the heavenly Father, and all that belong to Him.

Some year ago when my daughter was very young, I was in my study, when I heard a small knock on my door. There she was. Shana looked up at me, and said, ‘Daddy, I don’t have anybody to hold me.’ Quickly I scooped her up and then sat her in my lap. I would have her look out our French doors at the birds flying around. There I talked with her about God’s creation, and of His love for us.

I did the same with my sons. We would be out raking the yard, when I would have all three of my children sit down with me under a tree for a quiet time. Our dog would lie there between. We would let the heavenly Father love us in His quietness. Then again I’d hear my youngest say, ‘Daddy, everybody needs a hug, huh? Even God.’ ‘Yes, baby, everybody needs a hug. Even God.’

Isn’t it amazing how a child can speak such wonderful things.

Does God need a hug?

I think so. I love to hug Him. Does God love to hold us? Yes, I believe He does. How much does God love us? We are unable to measure such a love. But He loves us enough to give His own Son as a sacrifice for our sins. As the writer said, “One sacrifice for sins for all time.” Heb10:12

God doesn’t want his children to be afraid. I think this is what my grandfather wanted to say when he wrote the inscription for my great grandfather’s head stone. It wasn’t written to cause fear, but to cause those who walked by to think a bit on the eternal.

Sure it is true — The apostolic writer said, “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to died once and after this comes judgment….” Isn’t it interesting that when folk quote that verse, they often forget to look at the rest of the sentence? The rest of the sentence says, “…so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” Heb9:27,28

Notice it says “without reference to sin.” The sin problem was settled long ago for those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In the meantime we walk in our testimony to the Lord.

Well, thank you granddaddy for writing those ‘remember friend’ words. They have done well for my preaching.

Think about it.

Brother Buddy

Posted: November 27th, 2007 under General.
Comments: 4

Journal,

Hard to believe that its been almost a year since I passed the mantle of Senior Pastor to Nathan. Looking back I really have much to rejoice over. Not only did the Lord grant me a healing of cancer, but He gave me a transitional time in order to become more involved in other aspects of ministry. (Some of those aspects remain to be seen.)

But I must confess — Though I continue as General Overseer of CCI, it has been strange for me not to be at the helm of the mother church. Its been sort of a mixed blessing. While I am throughly pleased that I am now free to pursue other ministry options, and yet after 30 years of continual ministry, with very little break, I’m not sure just how I feel at times. What makes this strange is that I have never questioned whether we are in the center of God’s will. I believe Christian Challenge is right on course with our forward direction. 

Well, something real neat happened yesterday. While listening to Nathan minister so competently, I could not help but feel the goodness of the Lord. Here I am listening to my own son handle God’s Word in an excellent manner, in fact, so much so that I’ve come to look forward to his Sunday teachings on ‘What the animals can teach us.’ (Or anything else he may be teaching.)

It was during Nathan’s teaching that the Lord open my heart to hear something He wanted to say to me. The Lord nearly always begins speaking to me from the Scriptures. This time He speaks to me through the apostle Paul –  

“According to the grace of God which was give me, like a wise master builder, I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Co3:10,11 nasb)

It was like the Lord was saying, ‘I gave you a stewardship to raise up Christian Challenge. You have done well in laying the foundation. Now you have a son who is building on the foundation. See how well he is doing. His foundation is sure.’

What I wish to say is that while I am the founder of a ministry, I am certainly not the foundation of that ministry. There can only be one foundation. The apostle said it well enough:

“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1Co2:2)

Have you been to your fig tree lately…

Did you know that when you come to understand Hebrew symbols and thought forms, the Bible will become even richer? For example, did you know that ‘the fig tree’ is a symbol of several things. In addition to being a symbol of various things, it was also an idiom that has to do with the study of God’s Word. Being under the fig tree meant to be before the Lord, with His Word, and in the place of peace and security. 

This Wednesday evening I’ll be sharing a bit on how the fig tree idiom has a place in our lives. My subject will be ‘The Rejected Cornerstone.’ If you would like to view our text Scriptures, go to Matthew 21:33-46.

The ministry will devote itself to these areas:

I - The Life of God
II - The Stone Rejected
III - Under the Fig Tree

Ok, we did it again — Back to our little Greek place…

Today Betty and I ventured back to our ‘Little Greek Restaurant.’ And once again, wowee. The people there make us feel right at home. But this time we brought a bundle of plates to go with their custom of breaking plates on the floor and saying ‘Oppaa!’

To catch up on this go to the right side of this site, under ‘Recent Posts’, click on ‘Yes, I know a little Greek — Opppaa!’ Check them out. You will not be sorry.

Or just click here: http://www.buddymartin.net/blog/2007/11/21/yes-i-know-a-little-greek-oppaa/

That’s it for today.

May the blessings of the Lord overtake you,

Buddy

Posted: November 26th, 2007 under General.
Comments: none

Well Journal.

I’ve gotten requests for an update on CJ, or as his official names goes, ‘General Claudius Josephus.’ Thought I’d shared some pictures of my good buddy, since pictures are said to be worth a thousand words. (At the ending of this journal entry I’ll share a spiritual insight concerning animals.)

In these pictures  you see CJ as a pup, and as he is now. The General was born in May, 2001, and we brought him home in June of that year. He was six weeks old. Actually CJ was a gift to me on Father’s Day, from my three children. For a certainty these gentle Giants  measure up to their name. And they grow up pretty fast.

The General is now six and a half years old. Here are some pictures we took just today. In one, CJ joins in with Shana as she is plays the piano and sings ‘East to West’, a song by ‘Casting Crowns.’

By the way ‘East to West’ is a very moving song. Perhaps you would like to listen to it. If so click on this link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=s6zdihmwy1M

What can I say about the General? He loves everyone. When our door bell chimes, CJ picks up his favorite toy cow to greet whoever is at the door. It is his way of welcoming our visitors.

Great Danes look a bit scary because of their size, but they truly are gentle souls. If you look at the comic strip ‘Marmaduke’, that tells you exactly what these dogs are like. (The writer has to have a Dane.)

As for me and CJ, we are pretty much connected at the hip. Wherever I am, there you will find CJ. If we are outside, he never gets very far from me. All I have to do is clap my hands and he comes running.

So, if you come avisiting Betty and me, and a huge horse-like dog greets you at the door, don’t worry about him. Just watch for his tail. CJ can put a grown man on his knees when his tail hits at just the right height. (You can work on that one. Just ask Nathan.) 

Here is a final picture of CJ with Betty and me in front of our home. This is what you will see when you are leaving. We are from the old south. Our goodbye’s begin in the kitchen and conclude with the last wave as your car is pulling out.  

Well, if this journal entry does not seem to be very spiritual, that’s because you don’t really understand how an animal can be a true gift from heaven to a family. And perhaps there is a spiritual lesson here. Did not Jesus say…

“Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.” (Luke 12:6 nasb)

Does God love the animals…

Yes, it seems that God truly does love even the animal. Did you catch the last part of the afore Scripture. Not one sparrow is ever forgotten before God. So the next time one of your children asks you where the animals go when they die, just share this Scripture with them. He will help you fill in the blanks.

Yes, the General is very much a part of our family. 

He sends his regards. Y’all come, ya hear….

Much love coming your way,

Buddy

Posted: November 24th, 2007 under General.
Comments: 2

Journal,

Had around 20 folk for the Wednesday evening service. (Yesterday.) Folk are pretty much scattered elsewhere for Thanksgiving. But that’s alright — It doesn’t take a large group for a rewarding time of fellowship. 

David Stellwagon led the worship, with Shana on the piano, Nick on the guitar, Nora as our single backup singer, Warren on the sound board, and David McBride at the camera, and your’s truly with the message for the evening. Let’s see — That left us with about 14 in the congregation.

Reminded me a bit of our beginnings in Boyce when the Martins were pretty much the chief cooks and bottle washers. Our very first service had nine in attendance. Boy, have we ever grown.  :)

Which raises the question, ‘Where does a preacher get his message?’ … 

My ministry was entitled, ‘Micah’s Messiah.’ It is very interesting how the Lord brought this subject to me. At our church Thanksgiving supper, Nathan asked me to pray. Very often when I pray I’ll call attention to the Lord’s ‘kindness’ or to His ‘lovingkindness.’

At some point after the prayer, a dear sister asked me what the word ‘kindness’ meant in the Bible. I shared with her that the word ‘kindness’ or ‘loving kindness’ is one of the most important words in the Hebrew Old Testament. It is actually a covenant term. It speaks of God’s unchanging love, that is, His unconditional love.

With regard to the Lord, the Hebrew word ‘Hesed’, usually pronounced che-sed’, has to do with God’s character; that which is eternal in Him. This is what makes it a covenant expression, or what many refer to as ‘covenant love.’

God delights in unchanging love…

The sister’s question triggered something in me. I had been in the book of Micah for several days and couldn’t seem to get past the closing of the prophet’s book. Now most of us are familiar with something Micah said earlier in his book about the Messiah –

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” (Micah 5:2)

But this is not all that Micah has to say about the Messiah. Listen carefully to how Micah closes his prophecies concerning God’s Messiah –

“Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. You will give truth to Jacob and unchanging love to Abraham, which You swore to our forefathers From the days of old.” (Micah 7:18-20)

The prophet is projecting the work of the cross. Everything that Micah shares here can be found in the new covenant writings.

Now you know where I got my message. The Lord always instills in His servant’s heart what He wishes His people to hear. And so the true heart of our ‘thanksgiving’ will always center on the Lord’s ‘unchanging’ love for us.

And this is what the apostle Paul is talking about when he concludes his Roman’s eight chapter…

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38,39)

The cross was a sacrifice of love…Satan’s power was disannulled…

Well, I won’t try to repreach my message here. However, it is important to understand the deeper message of the cross, and how that the Lord saved us by the sacrifice of love. God loved us so much that He sent His Son to take our place in judgment. And out of the cross came the mystery of our eternal redemption.

It can be said that God simply took our life, wrapped it up in love, and placed it in Jesus for safe keeping. 

Time for the sitting down part…

Ok, I need to stop. We are getting close to our thanksgiving meal. Nathan and his family are in Houston. Andre is with Judy’s family today. That leaves Shana and grandkids to feast with grandma and grandpa.

Talk with you later.

Remember, love is coming your way.

Buddy
 

Posted: November 22nd, 2007 under General.
Comments: none

Journal,

Perhaps I should have entitled this, ‘Yes, I know a little Greek restaurant.’

Last evening Betty mentioned that we ought to add a bit of spice to our lives by becoming a bit more spontaneous with some activities. I took the bait. So this morning I suggested that we head over to Alexandria and find us a noon eating place that we had not visited before. Seemed I remembered something about a middle eastern restaurant out on Jackson Street.

Off we go on our spontaneous trek in my Sport Trak pickup. Looking right and left, I spied it. There with all its glory was a sign that said, ‘Little Greek Restaurant.’ And what a spontaneous experience it was.

Ok, about the Oppaa…

The menu was all Greek to us, even though it was in English. The waitress suggested we try the 1/2 Zorba Appetizer. Wow — What a delight. The one plate was enough for the both of us. Talk about razzing your taste buds, that term lacks punch. It was absolutely enthralling to the taste. Think we’ve found us our special rendevous place.

Now for the ‘oppaa.’ Found that the Greeks have a lovely tradition. After the meal, Betty was handed a plate to be tossed and broken on the floor. Can you imagine? When she tossed it we were to say oppaa, which is a Greek word for hooray.

Asked what the tradition meant, the owner said it had two meanings. First, you make a wish, break the plate, saying oppaa, and the wish has to come true. The second meaning is that saying oppaa breaks the spell of the evil eye. Well, we pretty much took care of the evil eye thingee.

What a lovely restaurant. Ok, I’ll share where to find my ‘little Greek’ restaurant but just keep in mind that this is the Buddy/Betty secret rendevous place. Heres the web site:

http://www.littlegreekrestaurant.com/

Micah’s Messiah…

In about an hour and a half I’ll be sharing a study at Christian Challenge, entitled ‘Micah’s Messiah.’ (6:30 p.m. Central Time.)

Folks at Christian Challenge are scattering here and yon with Thanksgiving travels, so our attendance for this evening will likely be small. However, ‘Micah’s Messiah’ will give the real reason for what believers are most thankful for. (Hopefully we’ll have someone there who can operate the camera.)

Anyway service begins at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. If you would like to view a live service this evening, go to our web site at

http://www.christianchallenge.org/

On the left side click on ‘Video - Live and Archived.’ Then click on the tv screen in the center of the page. This will put you into a live service.

That’s it for now. Need to get ready for services this evening.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you,

Buddy

Posted: November 21st, 2007 under General.
Comments: none

Well Journal.

I finally figured out how to upload pictures onto my blog. Thought to myself, ‘What better place to begin than to give a brief picture-narrative of the Martins through the years.

This first picture is of the Martin family in our earlier Christian Challenge days. What a handsome group. Of course good looks runs naturally in our family. We like to call this ‘the curse of the Martins’. Now if you are blinded by all our beauty, this picture includes Betty, Nathan, Andre, Shana, and yours truly, Buddy, Don’t know why we didn’t get a curse concerning money.

But reaching back a bit further in time, this is a picture of the young Pentecostal preacher, with his lovely bride, and their firstborn son. Yep, it really is Betty, Nathan, and yours truly. Aren’t we just the cutest?

Ok, enough already. Where is picture of the now-and now?

You asked for it. Here is a picture of Buddy and Betty in the now-and-now. Wouldn’t you know it — We are just as handsome and as beautiful as ever. And I have it from an unimpeachable source that we are struck with rare beauty.

In fact this picture was taken at Christian Challenge just yesterday by our own beloved Mike and Debbie Campbell. I ask Debbie for a copy and sure enough, she sent me a copy via email, with this note, ‘You guys are beautiful!’

Yeah, I know it. One sister said to me not long ago, “Brother Buddy, you are full of it.”

Ok, nuff on the pictures and the rare beauty. I’m still a bit bumfuzzled over how to move the pictures around on the page. Guess when you are 67 years young, its alright for the brain not to be as spry as it once was.

Thank you Lord…

We had a grand weekend. Saturday evening was our annual Christian Challenge Thanksgiving supper. As usual the food was a plenty and the fellowship was ‘on top of the world.’ In fact we’ve pretty much maxed out the sanctuary with tables. We’ve long since outgrown the fellowship hall. Got to get into the planning mode for additional facilities.

Well, the part that really warmed everyone’s heart was when people began sharing what they were thankful for. (Concerning 2007) We had two mikes moving back and forth through the sanctuary. It was a time for easy tears. Some spoke of their trials and their victories. Yes, Christians do have troublesome times in their lives.

But as disciples we are reminded of a promise that remains. Jesus spoke to His heartbroken disciples saying, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (Jn16:33 nasb.)

Got to mention the ‘locusts’ …

Nathan has had us in a series of teachings for the month of November based on Proverbs 30:24-28, which says in part, “Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise; … ants … shephanim … locusts … lizard…”

The theme for the month is ‘Animal Planet - What animal planet can teach you about life.’

Yesterday’s ministry was on the locust. These teachings are some of the most practical, inspiring, and insightful teachings that I have heard in a long time. In fact I can’t wait for next Sunday when Nathan will minister on the ‘lizard.’

Well, you will just have to listen to these teachings via the Christian Challenge archives.

That’s about it for now. Thought about tacking a study on the end of this, but perhaps that would be a bit too much.

Oh wait — About the pictures …

There is something I wanted to get across with the Martin pictures. It has to do with the testimony of David, when he said, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, or his descendants begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25)

The Lord has been so good to me and my family. I was twenty-three when we married and Betty was twenty. Here it is 44 years later, four children later, and ten grandchildren later. The pictures tell the tale and this old song says it all …

“When I think of the goodness of Jesus,
And all He has done for me.
My soul cries out, ‘Hallelujah’.
Thank God for saving me.”

Happy thanksgiving to all of you.

May the Lord bless you,

Buddy

Posted: November 19th, 2007 under General.
Comments: 8

Journal,

October 17, 2007, I shared a journal entry entitled ‘A whole lot of appreciation going on.’ It was in that entry that I drew attention to where the term ‘Christmas’ most likely came from.

Since we are again approaching the Christmastide season I would like to add some additional dimensions to the subject of Christmas, but perhaps in a way that can bring comfort to my readers. There is no question that this time of the year can be very stressful, and yet it can also be a time of  great joy.

Think about it - ‘Great joy’ was the message that the angel brought to the shepherds, when he said, “Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (cf. Luke 2:10,11 nasb)

Where does the word ‘Christmas’ come from…

First, let’s talk a bit more about the word ‘Christmas.’ Some have the idea that when we say ‘Christmas’ we are using a Roman Catholic term. However, it is questionable as to whether this word even has a Latin base. We know that Christ comes from the Greek, Christos (khris-tos’). Christos speaks of the Anointed One, or God’s Messiah.

But where then does the ‘mas’ come from? It is often assumed that it comes from the Latin ‘mass’, which means dismissal, that is, the final words in the Catholic service. But that may not be the case at all.

The English word Christmas comes to us by way of way of Old English. It was originally spelled ’Cristes-messe’, which is thought to have meant the festival of Christ. ‘Maesse’ was the Old English word for feast, or, festival, or celebration. (First found in 1038.) So for the English of that time, Christes-messe was the festival of the birth of Christ.

Then we can add something else to the pot with regard to the term ‘mas.’ There is a Greek word that is pronounced very nearly as the word Christmas. It is the Greek word ‘Chrisma’ (pronounced khris’-mah.) This word speaks of the ‘anointing’. It is my thinking that the word Christmas probably had its origin in the Greek term Chrisma.

And so God’s people celebrate the festival of God’s anointed One, since we also share in His anointing by our birth into His kingdom.

Ok, enough already.

This is where I need to make a confession…

For a number of years, Christmas was a time of stress for me. Much of this came from my own idealism. (Idealism: Impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are.) I had spent so much time studying books like ‘Babylon Mystery Religion,’ and, ‘Hyslops Two Babylons’, that I was losing out on the ‘great joy’ that a Savior had become one with us by virtue of His birth in Bethlehem.

All this study was making me a sour man. That is, until one day the Lord planted this thought in my mind, ‘Christmas is what you make it to be.’ Over time I began to realize that it is perfectly alright to celebrate the birth of Christ, but simply do it in a way that the Lord is glorified, and where the spirit of the world isn’t given a place to work. 

Actually we never stopped celebrating Christmas as a family. It has always been an important family time for us. We always give presents on Christmas morning. However, there are certain lines that we’ve learned to draw. The lines are those things that need to be left to each family.

What we try to do is take advantage of the season to spread both the good news and the love of Jesus Christ to those around us. There is likely no better time of the year for the love of Christ to be shared with the many. Nor is there a better time to talk about how God’s Son was born into our world to be the Savior of all mankind.

What makes this even more interesting is that Christmas is being celebrated in most of the world around us, even among those who are not fully acquainted with the story of the Christ, not to mention that even a great many secular Jews in Israel celebrate Christmas, much to the discouragement of the Orthodox Rabbis. 

Of course this means that we have to learn to work around those things that are dishonorable to the true meaning of Christmas. But the Lord gives us wisdom in how to do just that.

So, why not take advantage of the season?

Is it true that Jews in Israel are celebrating Jesus Christ…

I have to add this final bit of information. You’ve often heard me say that it began in Jerusalem and it will end in Jerusalem. One of the great signs that we are nearing the wrap up of the age has to do with Jews in Israel who are turning to Jesus. They called themselves Messianic Jews. Here is a clip that is quite informative in that regard. (It is in Hebrew with subtitles in English):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sEBAldf4L0&feature=related

Always in Christ,

Buddy

Posted: November 17th, 2007 under Devotions & Studies, General.
Comments: 1

Journal,

Want to let everyone know that the Christian Challenge services can now be viewed via the Microsoft Windows Media Player. Had our first viewing last evening. From one of the comments we’ve received, the Media Player is 7000 times better than our old system. (Sounds a bit like hyperbole to me.)  –Extravagant exaggeration –   

Nonetheless, it seems that everyone who checked in with last evening’s service thoroughly enjoyed the video and sound improvement. So, in the future if you would like to sit in on a Christian Challenge service, that is, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, or at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, go to our web site  — http://www.christianchallenge.org/

– On the left side click on — ‘Video - Live & Archived.’

By the way, Nathan ministers on Sundays, David Stellwagon ministers the first Wednesday of each month, and your’s truly ministers on the other Wednesdays.

So whats this about ‘the Man on the mountain’…

That dear friend, was the ministry title for last evening. I took my reading from Matthew 7:24-29, where Jesus concludes what is commonly called ‘the sermon on the mount.’ In this the Lord speaks of two houses, one built on the rock, the other built on the sand. The two houses represent Israel divided into the house of redemption and the house of rejection.

It is the final words of the text that I wanted to draw attention to, which reads:

“When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”

I begin the teaching by sharing that Jesus was not crucified simply because He took to Himself as being the Messiah. Israel has always had Messiah pretenders. He was crucified because He identified Himself with God, that is, He used God language.

The Rock language is a classic example. When Jesus used ‘the Rock’, this would have triggered a memory for his Jewish audience. They well knew that ‘the Rock’ was a term to symbolize deity.

For example their minds would have given thought to the song of Moses:

“For I proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!
The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.” (Deu32:3,4)

There were other ancient Jewish symbols that I shared to clue folk in on what the Jews would have heard Jesus actually saying. And of course He startled them merely with His words alone. After all, Jesus is the Word of God. 

There were three platforms that I wanted to bring across, in this order:

I - The House of Redemption
II - The Footprint of Heaven
III - Words to Live By

In any event this teaching will shortly be in our archives. I would encourage any of my readers to take note of it. You may be surprised to learn that both Caiaphas and possibly even Pilate spoke words of prophecy concerning the One to be crucified. Did you know that God can use a sinner to prophesy, and they not even know it?

Ok, nuff on that.

What’s all this about animals…

Now that I’ve caught your attention with ‘the Man on the Mountain’, let me clue you in on some awesome teachings taking place on Sundays. Nathan has a series going through November, entitied, ‘What animal planet can teach you about life.’

Don’t let the title fool you. Nathan is drawing from Proverbs 30:24-28, which reads:

“Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer; the shephanim are not a mighty people, yet they make their houses in the rocks; the locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks; the lizard you may grasp with the hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.”

The first Sunday it was the ants. Last week was the shephanim. This Sunday will be the lucust, and the final teaching will have the lizard in the background.

While the title may not sound spiritual, these teachings are filled with life and wisdom, along with Nathan’s funny antics that will keep you laughing. I realize it sounds like I am bragging, and maybe I am just a but, but Nathan is an absolutely awesome practical and spiritual teacher when it comes to discovering treasures in the Word of God.

Ok - Here’s a short study for you Bible students.

Did you know that the prostitutes enter the kingdom of God first…

Does this shock you? Well, let’s see if there is any validity to this idea of the prostitute entering the kingdom first.

Here is the study — It goes along with the house divided, that is, the house of redemption and the house that rejected Jesus.

Jesus gave a parable to the hardened religious leaders. He spoke of two sons who were told to work in the vineyard. One said he would not go, but he did. The other said he would go, but he did not. “Which did the will of the father,” Jesus asked. They said, “The first.” The Lord then responded, “The tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.” Cf. Matthew 21:28-31

The Lord was speaking to the chief priests and elders. He was standing in the temple, and talking to the recognized leaders of world Judaism. Where these men would ultimately reject Jesus Christ, those who received Him would include tax collectors and prostitutes.

In view of this, I have always found it interesting how much compassion Jesus felt for women in the Bible. And did you know that in the genealogy of Jesus Christ attention is brought to bear on four women. All four are Gentile in origin. Two of the women had prostitution written in their lives. Another was an adulteress. Yet all four of these women help preserve the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Here is a brief rundown. Tamar dressed herself as a temple prostitute in order to deceive Judah. Through her the lineage of Judah was preserved. Through Judah would come King David, and eventually the Messiah.

Next you have Rahab. As much as folk like to whitewash Rahab’s role, she was simply not an inn keeper. The Bible says she was a ‘harlot.’ [Hebrew is 'ishah zanah' which means to be a harlot or to act wanton.] 

Yet it was Rahab who saw something with her heart. Because of her, when Israel overflowed the land, her household was spared, and she also became part of the lineage of the Messiah.

And Ruth’s story is one of the most beautiful in all the Bible. She was a Moabitess. Actually the Jewish people use Ruth as a beautiful example of a Gentile coming to faith in the God of Israel. In fact the book of Ruth is read during the time of Pentecost. But once again we have non-Israelite woman preserving the seed of Messiah.

Finally we have Bathsheba. You know her story well. From this woman also came the lineage of Messiah.

It is not an issue of condoning illicit sexual mores. Jesus never did this. He knew full well that sin always has its own consequences. But if we knew the times well enough, we would know how much the women were at the mercy of the times. This was even the more true in the case of religion.  

A woman was born under complete control of the father. This then went to the husband. And as a rule, she received no inheritance from her dead husband, because it passed to the sons. The sons were to care for the mother. If she did not have sons, her situation was not good. The sons were the social security system of the time. 

My point is to draw attention to how many times the Lord Jesus dealt with women from a heart of compassion. He knew that their role in society often placed her at the mercy of those around her. If you’ll notice carefully this never changes in the case of repressive religions today, Christian sects or otherwise.  

Sometimes it is religion that becomes the greatest destroyer of personal faith.

When the religious minded men wished to stone a certain woman, what did Jesus do? He diverted the attention of the men to their own sins. He spoke nothing but kindness to the frightened woman. But he did tell her to free herself from the sinning business.

Then we have the woman at the well. Did Jesus slice and dice her over her multiple marriages? No. He began by helping her process her life. He spoke to her heart. He awakened something in her. What she was searching for in men could only be found in a true relationship with the God of glory.

Yet notice that the woman had one final argument. It was over religion. She said, “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”

There it is? All she knew was religion. It was like a pain in her heart, that she couldn’t do anything about.

What Jesus did with this woman is what we must learn also to do. He  took her case out of the hands of religion, when He said, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.”

He goes one to say, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (The Greek term for ‘truth’ speaks of reality or realness.)

Jesus was saying was that there aren’t going to be any more special mountains you need to go to. There are no special anointed places you need to seek out. There are no great religious figures you need to bless you. True worship will be of the heart.

Paul later expounded on this, in saying, “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil3:2,3)

This brings us full circle back to the high priests, the elders, the prostitutes, and the tax collectors. What does all this mean?

It means the door to heaven has been flung open. The curtain has been ripped. No one can ever again stand between you and the Lord God.

There is no prophet in the land that you need to go to to hear from the Lord. Just listen with your heart. Jesus said, “I have other sheep also, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one Shepherd.”

Does this do away with the Church? By no means. It establishes the Church that Jesus had built. We are the Church. The Church has never been a building. Christ flocks His people as He wills. We just need to find out where we need to be.

Let me simply add that I have been a pastor for a long time. My greatest joy remains to this day to thank the Lord for those who have been entrusted to our care.

“Thank you Lord. Thank you for all these beautiful people. They were once sickened in sin, but you have glorified Yourself in them. Thank you Lord Jesus.”

Just something to think about.

Much love coming your way,

Buddy

Posted: November 16th, 2007 under General.
Comments: 4

Journal,

Been traveling back through memory lane to my Navy days. (Long years ago.) As soon as I graduated from high school, Navy it was. (1959) Had a couple of uncles that inspired me. Both had served in the Pacific fleet during WWII; Uncle Holiday and Uncle Grover Carver.  Uncle Holiday is now with the Lord.

Uncle Grover was one of the only 317 survivors of the original 1200 man crew of the USS Indianapolis (CA35). There have been a number books, movies, and documentaries made concerning this tragedy. Here is an excerpt from one of the books:

“ONLY 317 SURVIVED” authored by The Survivors of USS Indianapolis.  Read of the tragedy of USS Indianapolis as written by the survivors themselves. 102 survivors and 40 deceased survivor families share the experience of delivering the atomic bomb components on 26 July, 1945 and subsequently being sunk by Japanese torpedoes on 30 July, 1945. They were found accidentally 5 days later, 883 men dead and 317 barely alive. Nothing left out… nothing added. Finally a book that recognizes and honors all 317 survivors.”

For more information go to: http://members.tripod.com/IndyMaru/IndyMaru.html

When Uncle Holiday found that I was going to the Philippines, he gave me a white tropical suit that belonged to him. I wore that suit til it got past wearing.

Really can’t say enough about my two uncles. They have always been inspirations in my life. And they both were the accelerators for me joining the Navy at age 18.

Back to my sea leg saga…

Joined up June, 1959 and served four years active service. The first nine months consisted of three months boot camp and then six months in Class ‘A’ Radioman School in San Diego.

Radioman school was plenty special for me. I took to international Morse code code like it was going out of style. Did so well that the last couple of weeks I worked with other students to help them make it through. Most of them cared little for morse code. But I spent the rest of my Navy days working with Morse code. Became one of their speed key operators. May be a bit rusty but I can read Morse code to this day.

Then it was off to the Philippines where I was stationed for a year and a half. Have lots of memories there.

But back to the sea legs.

From the Philippines I joined up with the USS Calvert (APA 32). Served a year and a half aboard ship. The Calvert was part of the 7th Fleet. As an amphibious ship we moved  marines and soldiers to various parts of the Orient. The Calvert was an Attack Troop Transport that carried amphibious landing craft.

Woe for the wobbling legs…

Ok - Back to the story. The USS Calvert was in dry dock at Bremerton Naval Base in Washington, when I boarded her. (1962) This was also where I had to have a hernia operation that resulted from my workouts when on the boxing team in the Philippines.  

(Can you believe it? Didn’t get to make my first match. Was my opponent ever lucky. I would have bled all over him.)

In a short time we put out to sea. This is when it happened. Making our way down the coast of Washington and Oregon, headed for San Diego, we encountered a fierce gale. Now for a newbie at sea, this was an experience par excellence.

And wouldn’t you know it — As the newer radioman I had to deliver messages to the captain and other officers. Here I am with the message board in the officers mess hall (Mess halls are eating places.) The storm is going full measure and I’m falling all over myself. Fell over on an officer. Course being the gentlemen they were, everyone just laughed. (Ha ha ha. Don’t believe it.)

That was my introduction to seaboard life. It was very interesting. From the radio shack you could watch the bow of the ship go completely under water. It would rise up above the waves, then drop with a crash. The entire ship shuddered.

By the way my bunk was near the chain locker at the bow of the ship. You can imagine the noise when we dropped anchor.

Now for the land legs…

Well, I did get my sea legs. Sea legs means that you’ve learn to rock and roll with the motion of the ship. Sort of second nature. However, the problem always came when we entered port. Once you left the ship for dry land, you were still rocking and rolling. You had to be remeasured for ‘land legs.’  

There is one thing I am rightly proud of. In my four years in the Navy, not one time did I ever get sea sick. But to this day don’t get me on a merry-go-round. It absolutely makes me woozy. Where that came from I don’t know.

Still a pollywog…

Forgot to mention that the Navy has a tradition that you are either a ’shellback’ or a ‘pollywog.’ (Just tradition - Not official. Think I mentioned this before.) A shellback is the Navy guy who has crossed the equator. In the Navy this is a ‘high water’ mark that sets you apart from all the other sailors.

When crossing the equator the ship stops and the ceremony begins with King Neptune. There is a special initiation for all the pollywogs to become shellbacks. Well, we were on our way towards Australia, nearing the equator when the Calvert was ordered back. (During Vietnam war.) So I came ‘that close’ to becoming a shellback. (If you could see my fingers, I’m measuring a inch.)

Think I’ll change gears and share a short Bible study - (This is for you folk who tire of reading about my personal adventures in life.)

The Covenant of Christ…

A most beautiful picture of our covenant life in Christ is set forth in the analogy of the Vine and the branches. The Vine had long been a symbol of Israel’s covenant relationship with the Lord. Isaiah drew attention to the vine, in saying, “Let me sing now for my well-beloved a song of my beloved concerning His vineyard.” Isa5:1

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” The Greek word ‘meno’ means to stay in place, or to remain within a sphere. We have a picture of this when God said to Abraham, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you.” Gen17:1,2 

The word covenant in Hebrew is ‘BERITH.’ In Greek it is ‘DIATHEKE.’ Both words speak of a declaration of the will of God concerning His own commitment, promises, and conditions by which. He enters into relationship with man. God is the initiator and completer of the covenant.

This is why the vine is a vivid picture of our new covenant relationship in Christ. The believer is to look to the Lord Jesus for everything in life.

Paul discovered this truth the same way that many of us do. His eagerness for the Lord was to be admired, but this eagerness also became a danger point in Paul’s life. Paul found that prayer alone could not take care of the problem. He had to learn the vine secret.

When Jesus said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness,” the apostle realized that he was trying to do too much on his own. What did Jesus tell the disciples about their vine life? He said, “Without Me you can do nothing.”

 Our perfect example for the vine life is Jesus Himself. Not one time in His earth walk do we ever see Jesus defensive or frustrated. His secret is in something Jesus said; “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 5:30 (Cf. John 8:28; 8:42; 12:49; 14:10.)

It really isn’t hard for a child of God to learn the flow of God’s will. There are two things we need to know. First, we need to understand that God has a perfect will for all of His children. Secondly, we need to know that God is the only One who can work His will in our life.

It is in our trusting that we come to know more about this wonderful thing called God’s providence. We learn the providence of God by seeing His care for our lives. There is no part of a believer’s life that the Lord is not vitally concerned with. The prophet of old said, “The Lord’s lovingkindness indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lam3:22,23

The Lord never ceases to love and care for His people.

Back to the Vine and its branches. The centerpiece of the analogy of the Vine and branches is found in John 15:7,8, where Jesus says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

 As we learn to walk in loving submission to the Word of Christ, we are given a promise of fruitfulness. The privileges and experiences of a new covenant child of God are awesome indeed. Where the Old Testament saint relied greatly on a prophet and priest mediator, the new covenant child of God has direct, open, and immediate access to the Lord, at any moment, and under any circumstance.

There are three essential keys to the covenant walk. The 1st key is simply learning to abide in Christ. Abiding needs to be reemphasized. We must learn to let our faith settle in Him absolutely. If we stop trusting Him to work in us, our lives begin to shrivel. Jesus said that no branch could bear fruit on its own.

The 2nd key is in the second half of verse 7, where Jesus says, “…and My words abide in you.” The Greek language has two words for word. Logos means thoughts and conceptions, or arrangements. It is in our meditations and study that God’s Logos flows, that is, where God arranges our heart.

This is not the word Jesus uses here. Rhema speaks of that which is uttered by a living voice. It often speaks of a command. This is Christ speaking or ministering His Word to the heart of a believer. There are many voices in world, but there is only one voice we are to seek for and listen to.

The 3rd key is the love key. Jesus said, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.” To abide in His love is to keep always before us His love for us. We are to settle down in His love for us.

Finally, it needs to be stressed that a covenant walk is a walk under the direction of God Himself. Hebrews 13:20,21, explains the aspect of the covenant in Christ:

 “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Just something to think about.

May the blessings of the Lord visit your home today.

Buddy

Posted: November 13th, 2007 under General.
Comments: none