Jonathan Edwards

He wanted the nice fertile ground to supply food and add ambience to his estate. Nothing in itself wrong about that; Ahab's covetousness is what did him in. Naboth had to honor God's law and his ancestors. He was courageous in refusing King Ahab's offer. I wonder if King Ahab's court manager Obadiah tried to reason with King Ahab. The heartache that Obadiah went through in being a witness for God in King Ahab's palace. Naboth wanted to honor God's Law. Naboth wanted to preserve the family legacy. His testimony was a clarion testimony to King Ahab as to strict allegiance to God's law. Unlike King Ahab, Naboth didn't waver in his obedience to God's Law. Like the Rechabites in the Book of Jeremiah, Naboth maintained his steadfast faith in God.

Man's extremity is God's opportunity to do miracles. Yahweh wanted all idolatry to be eradicated totally. God's mercy was being manifested during these battles. Gently and slowly Yahweh was getting the attention of the wayward. God wanted the people to firmly acknowledge that DEUTERONOMY 6:4 is paramount not optional. Prophet Ezekiel preached the same message often as well. His visions, prophecies and sermons are very clear about the glorofication of the NAME OF GOD. Prophet Ezekiel always described the wonders of the Lord Hashem Adonai. The evangelical mission I have been entrusted with. NYC has become quite dangerous these days; I praise God for my evangelical associate who I yet to meet. Outdoor evangelistic ministry can be quite challenging in my city; prudent and carefull planning is necessary as well as deep prayer.

God desired that they would repent. Mercy overrides justice is very prevalent in the Bible. By God being so merciful, the hearts of these idol worshippers would repent and totally forsake idols. That they would acknowledge that the Sovereign Lord God of Israel alone is true. As I was studying the Book of Ezekiel the same message is repeated often. The Prophet Ezekiel mind and heart was imbued with the sovereignty of Yahweh. Idol worship was anathema to the Prophet Ezekiel; it was a terrible insult to God's everlasting mercy and long-suffering. Ahab is a nominal believer. Unlike Gideon, Ahab has a shaky faith. Deep in his character, he reveres the pagan idols. Ahab cannot conceive that God is being merciful to him during this immense aggressive move of Ben-Hadad. God was calling Ahab to have total allegiance to the ONE HOLY GOD OF ISRAEL (DEUTERONOMY 6:4). The Prophet Ezekiel had a sacred mission years later.. Throughout his visions, sermons and prophecies, the same message is proclaimed.

A small child doesn't see the whole picture. We too cannot see fully in this life the reasons for negative events. Elijah erroneously thought that God's power was in the spectacular events on Mt. Carmel. Elijah's thoughts had to be corrected. He was truly in the school of hard knocks. The assurance that God never works in vain (vs.18). The results may be hid from us, but are known to God. It is difficult due to that we see through a glass darkly in this life. I have been through this before. God's thoughts and ways are higher than my thoughts and ways. Only at my particular judgment after I am free of my human limitations, will I fully understand my hidden motives and my character. One the psalmist writes about being like a child in his mother's arms, just resting quietly, knowing that all is at rest. The psalmist doesn't busy himself with complicated matters but leaves all in God's care. A child usually benefits from loving but sharp rebukes. My parents did the best to correct my sister. They tried desperately to help her. So many heartaches! Indeed my parents were prophetic in warning my sister and trying to steer her away from bad company. If we are teachable, God's will prevail in our lives. Through the dark nites of the soul, we are brought to a zero level, whereby we cry out to the Living God. This can take time. Moses had to spend forty years in the Sinai to get the Egyptian mentality out of his character. An Enlarged vision would be so beneficial to me to embrace God's rebukes. To have an enlarged vision of the higher calling of God. Like Caleb, I say, "Give me my mountain". We need to ascend up to Mt Carmel....truly a renewal of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is needed during these days.

Gentle silence is the method that God speaks to the conscience. Elijah was a man of deeds or signs. The renting of the mountains,splitting of rocks, fire and earthquake didn't move the Prophet. Judgment is God's strange work. Here we are presented with the Judgment of God but it is the sweetness of His mercy that touches Prophet Elijah's heart. Yahweh delights in mercy. Yahweh knew that the balm of Gilead had to be utilized; Prophet Elijah had to be renewed in quietness. God is omnipotent. Fierce wind and cataclysmic events are not the only ways that God uses as instruments. God's touch gave Prophet Elijah to get back on the evangelical road. His "get up and go" was restored. What we read here gives us a glimpse of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. In our dispensation, the Holy Spirit convinces people of righteousness. It is the love of Christ that constrains man. Many don't make silent worship a daily event. Too much emphasis in churches today is on loud music, Lazer lights, hype and other distractions. I treasure my quiet times that I have each day. George Fox, founder of the Quaker movement, was a proponent of the value of silence in private prayer and public worship.

"Self occupied" is an apt phrase. Instead of being focused on God and thinking clearly; we get off on the wrong track. I am grateful for the times I did Christain counseling. Being self absorbed is a cul de sac: we need to think clearly and rationally. Self pity slowly works at ruining our assurance of our love of God and the saps our energy for evangelical endeavors. St.Thomas had to focus on Christ after his period of doubt and conferring with the other Apostles. Pride is connected to self pity and entitlement. People forget that Russian proverb, "Man proposes but God disposes". Only Christ is the Messiah and Saviour; we are not omnipotent. Pride is a factor why many pastors end up leaving the ministry; they thought that they could do everything on their own. Pride was the motivating factor in giving up the pastorates, and in many cases--backsliding. Pride is in their characters as to entitlement. This mindset of self pity and entitlement is contrary to the Gospel call as a disciple of Christ. Being lazy and disobedient to God's commands, including not serving God's church, thrawts the inner working of the Holy Spirit in our characters. Christ is not being formed in such people. Their focus is on themselves and agendas. Their selves are their centers, not the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is like the story of my life! I heard that this is common amongst pastors and those in the ministry. We do the best we can do, year in and year out, problems and more problems, and as faithfull ministers, we get discouraged. The word HALT characterizes our lives. H is for hunger, A is for anger, L >s for loneliness, T is for tiredness. Prophet Elijah can be partially be blamed. He like many zealous ministers was not taking care of himself. He was not resting, eating and just taking good care of himself. So when we encountered Jezebel's wrath, he was at a vulnerable point of his life. Fear got a hold of him. Yes indeed! Perhaps Prophet Elijah could have sought counsel from a few of the faithfull men of God that escaped from Jezebel. They would have advised him perhaps to rest and take a sabbatical of some kind. Being exhausted, Prophet Elijah felt he was in a cul de sac and make a quick escape. No time to ruminate and no time to waste to get some practical guidance. God did not chide him for lack of faith. Elijah needed much needed rest and proper food. God knew that he had feet of clay. Very difficult indeed. Professional assistance in many cases may be needed. A professional counselor or social worker would have the expertise in some rather challenging situations; a pastor or Church worker would be wise to refer such congregants to a Christian counselor who has had academic training on depression and self isolation. God uses such agents to assist those who are having hard times.

God's Word is no dead letter. With the zeal of the Prophet Elijah, we are called by God to cut off those occasions of sins, the stumbling blocks that the Prophet Ezekiel preached about. We cannot have half-way covenants with God; compromise will only lead to full fledged backsliding. The value of clear break with sin is wonderfull. All through out the Pauline Epistles, we read about this. Prophet Elijah is a type of Christ. Christ Jesus is our Mediator and High Priest in the order of Melchizedek; we have been brought into the Holies of Holies. No more alienated from God; and in holiness all the days of our lives. Conversion is not the end but the beginning. Whatever grace and favor God has shown him; the believer is not discharged from duty, he must keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). Obedience is integral to conversion (Luke 6:46; John 14:21). Danger of not breaking with the old will lead people into a state of inertia. Many German Jews during pre-war Germany saw what was going on during the Nazi discrimination against Jewish people; some Jews saw the light and got out of Germany; however, many continued to remain in Germany. Today many Christians are straddling amongst various opinions; just like the Galatians, they are are caught up in novel ideas, they are like butterflies, opinion after another opinion.

According to 1 Kings 18:39, the people saw the fire fall from heaven, they fell on their faces and exclaimed that the Lord is God; the Lord, He is God. Pagan idol Baal was a nonexistent imposter. This belief in the Lord God of Israel resonates through out the visions, prophecies and sermons of the Prophet Ezekiel in minute detail. Syncretism has no role. Truly the Prophet Elijah's role was very similar to Prophet Ezekiel's; DEUTERONOMY 6:4 is of upmost importance. During the 3 1/2 years (7 year Tribulation) Elijah and Enoch will be prophets of judgment. They will be invincible: power to destroy their enemies,cause fire to come out of their mouths, power to stop rain and turn water into blood and smite the earth with plagues. John the Baptist was the clarion voice during this time preaching the Kingdom of Heaven and reiterating the central tenets of Judaism as stated in DEUTERONOMY 6:4. The present Kingdom of Heaven is the earthly sphere of the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist is the Forerunner of Christ the King. John the Baptist had lineage to the Aaronic priesthood, and wanted to get people focused on Christ the Lamb of God. This is extremely important! As a young man back in the Autumn of 1971, I was praying for the "double portion of the Holy Spirit". This was a few months after my beloved grandmother died. I felt the call to become an evangelist at the age of 16. The message of proclaiming repentence--being "born again" is absolutely crucial. Today in many church sectors, this is missing! Now we have a generation of pastors and evangelists that are doctrinally confused and living questionable lifestyles.

Rebuilding of the altar of Yahweh with the twelve stones, according to the twelve tribes of Israel, was a testimony of Elijah's quiet and steadfast faith. Elijah was willing to testify for his God; God would vindicate Himself and His prophet at this altar. Elijah was being prepared to rebuild the altar; prior to Mt Carmel, was a period of prayer and silence, so we to follow suit before we go forth to evangelize or preach. Abiding in Christ! I am doing well as far as I can see. I could get out my old hymnal and sing during my worship times at home. Praying for the Renewal of the Holy Spirit in my life would be a plus as well. When I was in high school, Autumn 1971, I was seeking the "double portion of the Holy Spirit". Planning to make more evangelistic trips! Frivolous perusing of the internet has been responsible for my altar to Crack. Already my kitchen radio has been disconnected, more peace and quiet indeed! Getting back to my seminary schedule ! The seminary had a strict regula of chapel services each day. No deviations allowed. I can institute a modified schedule at my house easily. Already I have a disciplined spiritual lifestyle; there is room for improvements.

Syncretism for the Christain is wrong because it denies that God is All in All. This includes not acknowledging that Jesus Christ is Lord. How can a Christian abide in Christ with a syncretitic heart. It goes against JOHN 17: 1-3 and John 15. We see this syncretitic spirit amongst Christian churches. A deep tragedy indeed. This goes against the spirit of strict allegiance to Yahweh as set forth through the Old Testament. Christ Jesus was adamant about such syncretitic belief; Christ upheld DEUTERONOMY 6: 1-6 very minutely. Very recently, I have been moved tremendously just last Sunday when meditating on Obadiah, the court manager of King Ahab. He abided in his calling in a great way despite working for such a wicked king and queen. It was not a perfect environment for him; however, like Daniel and Ezekiel, he was salt and light. Deeping my love of God these days as I study these Elijah chapters. As a young man back in the Autumn of 1971, I was seeking the double portion of the Holy Spirit. My heart's desire is being renewed these days. So it is back on the evangelistic road...more trips ahead to year's end. Competition of other things is not a big problem for me. I am a serious Bible student and pray often. I need to schedule my time better so I can be on top of evangelistic projects

Obadiah was like a Joseph or a Daniel. Obadiah was a God fearing man in the pagan beauracracy. Despite all odds, he quietly served the Lord. Indeed he had to walk on egg shells during this tumultuous period. Obadiah protected the men of God from certain death. Reminds me of a God fearing German-Mr Schlinder-who went to great lengths to protect many Jewish people working at his factory. Obadiah's courage was noteworthy. To maintain his faith and not get involved in Baal or Arstate worship, were remarkable feats. To hide the Prophets of God was an undertaking that spoke of his deep love of God. He knew that the Prophey Elijah could be suddenly be spiritually transported. Obadiah knew he had to give strict account with King Ahab; this was a time when Obadiah had to have the chutzpah of Joshua or a Phineas. Yes, his fears were note worthy. He was concerned that Prophet Elijah would be transported suddenly by the hand of God. It would be quite embarrassing for him when he would confront King Ahab. Yes, I have been there. When I started my career with a major telecommunications firm in NYC, I commenced street preaching in front of a nearby church. I and other brethern had street meetings on our lunch breaks and prayed together. We were Obadiahs! I was in FULL GOSPEL BUSINESSMEN FELLOWSHIP for years. Men that are working in the everyday world yet witnessing the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Elijah was being schooled in the Holy Spirit. Man's extremity is God's opportunity for a miracle. What a lesson that he and this poor widow learned. Truly a time of blessing. I am sure Elijah was fortified in his faith and calling. The unbelievers in the widow's town must have been amazed and converted to the true faith and renounced pagan worship. Elijah and the widow learned more about Abandoment to the Providence of God through dark times. By supporting St Jude's hospital for children with cancer and a church ministry, I support those in need. I was in a long distance care giver situation that was very challenging. I had to use common sense and wisdom to make decisions especially when I was working in another state and on nite shift.

Common sense on the natural level is developed over the years. My mother remarked that one can have high education but lack common sense. Tragic what terrible decisions that people make. An old proverb here in NYC, "if everyone was jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you do it?". People are unwary and unsuspecting and due to lack of knowledge and experience, act unwisely and rashly. Common sense doesn't contradict God's ability to work miracles. I remember my high school days when I had big problems with high school Math. I prepared for my state exams diligently and had to have tutoring. I prayed as well and read the book of Proverbs out loud in my room. I used my Common sense and asked the Holy Spirit to assist me with preparation for these difficult state exams. Prophet Elijah utilized wisdom indeed. He headed east to the ravine Cherith! Good move. There was a refuge for this precious man of God. It wasn't a tourist site but a place of refuge for this prophet to prepare himself for a challenging ministry. St Paul had to go into the desert for a time to prepare for the ministry as well. Like the Prophet Ezekiel, he needed time in solitude and quiet. Moses had to get the Egyptian ways out of his system in the Sinai before he could go back to Egypt and rescue his people and confront the Pharaoh and the idols of Egypt.

God will be with his people during times of trouble. Christ the Word of God was with Elijah during his solitude in the wilds of Gilead. The WORD OF THE LORD came to Elijah to guide him to safety. God is Almighty. For the instincts of animals are in the hands of God. God can spread a table in the wilderness. Elijah was humble enough to have firm faith even though the means of sustaining him weren't the normal way in accordance with kosher laws. Elijah had to suffer in silence during his time at the ravine. He had to face unexpected difficulties. He was an accursed outcast; this huge problem of no rain, terrible idolatry and Ahab is displeased. Elijah knew that he had to be dependent on God alone and be contented. Daily strength for daily duties. We should expect God's deliverance when we are on the path of duty. God will assist us in His own way. Cultivate a serenity of mind, a contentment, and a heart that is quiet from the fear of evil.

Elijah was a man of God that developed his spiritual stamina in the mountains of Gilead. He was deeply moved as he sought the Lord; very much like the Prophet Ezekiel at the beginning of his ministry. Elijah didn't act from a presumptuous spirit. He knew that if failed he would face ridicule and confusion. Confronting Ahab was no light matter. ELIJAH knew how deeply idolatry was ingrained the hearts of the people. Book of Proverbs is replete with admonitions in regards to fools and those that have no desire to change. Elijah had a deep fear of not conforming to God's purpose in eradicating idol worship.

The Israel of God is made up by those true Jews nd Gentile who accept Apostle Paul's rule (Romans 2 29; 9:6). We are the fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel; we are the New Israel raised from the Valley of dead bones. Ezekiel preached about the Millenial Temple which was In some ways quite different from Mosaic and Solomon's Temple. Truly a new dispensation of grace. As Gentiles we cry out HOLY HOLY HOLY in profound humility as we order our lives in accordance with the HOLY SPIRIT.

According to Colossian 3 10 we are renewed in Christ the New Adam. We have the true and full knowledge of God; we have sound minds and true knowledge. We are not at the whims of Judaizers and other false teachers who don't preach the Cross of Christ. We treasure the Cross, we proclaim the necessity of repenting and trusting in Christ as Saviour and sole Mediator. Old creation is basically self effort. Depending on good works to merit salvation and adherence to complicated rules to get right with God. The Kanon as established by Paul is that Redemption is through Jesus apart from circumcision, Sabbath keeping, and all the Law of Moses. Christ has sent the Holy Spirit to help us to live sanctified lives. Being born again is essential. I will never forget what a Baptist pastor told me that warm day back in September 1969 when I mentioned the plethora of Christain denominations: YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN. This is practically forgotten in all these ecumenical discussions and apologetic podcasts. So many caught up in spurious doctrines like the Galatians, they miss the Kerygma of the Acts of the Apostles. Many in the church world though sincere are full of strife (eritheia)....jangling about heterdox doctrines and heresies. .

We get weary at times when we go through times of physical pain, family problems and dissapointments. Just like in the epistle to the Hebrews, we are exhorted to look unto Christ as the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek; He is truly better than Moses,Aaron and better than the Law of Moses. We continue to look for opportunities to do good. Not to give into apathy, but with God's grace, we March on --we continually move on with prudence and fortitude. The Galatians that fell under the spell of the Judaizers-needed the loving and consistent care of the true Bible believers. Those who fell from grace needed to be restored back to the true faith and to acknowledge that faith in Cbrist Jesus, was their only remedy.

This sowing means that one is acting to choose courses of conduct that will gratify their cravings of their totally depraved natures. The Judaizers aND those that followed them - adjusted to the fallen nature of man and continuing in sin. No demand for the necessity of regeneration nor for faith in one final sacrifice of atonement. Salvation by works religion which glorifies man not God; a religion that allows sin while seeking to buy favor of God by good works. Paul saw that corruption would result. This is very similar to the Manichean heresies of the 12th century. Very tragic that even in the Roman Catholic Church, we see this happening. Modern RCC seminaries are infiltrated with spurious theologians that have propagated such harmful doctrines. Like their Protestant counterparts in liberal churches, the same thing: just fine to sow to the flesh as long one keeps a semblance of Christainity. No mentioning of being converted nor mortification of the sarx, and no mentioning of renouncing the world the flesh and the devil. "Walk" "led" "live". It is imperative to submitted to the Holy Spirit. If we invent our own way, we are doomed to failure. In many churches, so many negative results have occurred. All sorts of sinfull behaviors have been allowed to spread even within "conservative" churches. Just like King Solomon, who fell into serious idolatry later In life, very serious sins have been incurred by so called "clergy". Their parishes have been affected as well. Ungodly practices have been condoned under fancy theological jargon. Whereas churches who truly sow in the Spirit will have godly pastors and godly parishioners. They heed to the Holy Bible. Their churches are truly Evangelical, soul winning churches that are enthusiastic about preaching the Gospel and discipline people according to the Holy Bible.

This means that there were Galatians who were living defeated lives full of sin. They were adopting the teaching of the Judaizers; their focus wasn't on the Lord Jesus Christ as the Author and Finisher of their faith. They were in Romans chapter 7, defeated in their walk with God. They were in a mode of self effort to abide by the legal enactments of the Mosaic Law. They were quite surprised when the presence of sin despite their good intentions. They would renounce self effort and reliance on maintaining the Mosaic Law and the myriads of the Talmudic laws. They would get back to realize that Christ alone is their High Priest. He is able to be a faithfull High Priest who knows our infirmities. The true believer who adheres to Apostle Paul's teachings would be the right Shepherd to restore such erring souls. Apostle Paul went through the school of suffering, he experienced the love of God when he wasn't a believer in Christ. So we must mirror the Good Shepherd in the ministry. Kindness and empathy goes a long way to win over those in error or those who are struggling in their walk with God. The Judaizers at Galatians were wanting to wholeheartedly to do right but weren't availing themselves of the God appointed method of living the Christain life. The mature Galatians of Orthodox Bible faith had to repair the damage caused by the Judaizers. The true believers were cautioned not to forsake liberty in Christ. Divine love in the heart of the true believer takes place over the restraints of the Mosaic Law. The mature believer is to lovingly assist the erring to go to the Lord Jesus Christ in confession of sin.

The Bible believer each day makes his free action of his will in counting himself separated from the power of the evil nature with the NO to.sin and doesn't yield himself to sin. The new divine life permeates us; the sarx doesn't control us due the new life principle operating In us. The Holy Spirit has a twofold mission in our lives. Victory over sin and the bearing of fruit. We have the Holy Spirit residing in us to enable us to live the highest type of Christain life. We step out on faith and live that life. A true Christian needs to crucify the flesh. It is not an option! Just too many people who think they are Christians but are living in serious sins. Prophet Ezekiel preached about this often. God has given over to stumbling blocks in their deceived minds and hearts. Sadly they are not true Christians. False presumptions have clouded their minds. Lack of proper preaching of the full counsel of God's Word and faulty seminary training of new ministers have a great deal in this current quagmire of lukewarmness in many denominations. A type of Gnosticism as affected many traditional denominations. They mix pseudo theology with Christainity. Mortification and self denial are foreign to these "professors" in many churches. .

By abiding in the Vine, the Holy Spirit is patiently assisting us to be other "Christ's in this world. This is what is called sanctification. As we study the Bible diligently, pray earnestly and are testifying about Christ; we go from glory to glory. We are always being Reformed. The love of God as described eloquently in the Song of Solomon is changing us; inward grace working outwards. The Christain who lacks or has none of these fruits must have had either stunted Christain discipleship formation or neglected his or her prayer life. It could be that the spirit of bitterness or unforgiveness has ruined the garden of the fruits of the Spirit. Sadly life events can take a toll on some people; not a lack of doing but just events that defy human understanding. Such believers need gentle care and compassion; the healing power of the Balm of Gilead is available.. Those who are lacking in the fruits are in need of serious Christain formation. I would consider such as saved; they are not schismatics nor heretics. Like the Ninevites, these people don't know their left hand from their right hand. Could be due to ignorance; however, their condition could be attributed to serious backsliding---a false security or a presumptuous assurance. The Gnostics had some strange ideas about the necessity of good works and living Holy lives while maintaining a semblance of Christainity. James isn't harsh. He is stressing the importance of fruit that that the justified man must produce. We are not justified by good works. A presumptuous faith or false assurance is dangerous. The believer needs to walk circumspect each day; examine oneself for secret sins that prevent the Holy Spirit from making us more like Christ.

St Paul learned greatly about long-suffering during his ministry. He had to be patient during very difficult times. This way he kept his poise of mind, and didn't allow bitterness to corrode his mind and heart. To be anointed by the Holy Spirit, a quiet heart is essential for the spiritual life. Paul knew that abiding in peace was the oil to the machinery. Forbearance, patience and gentleness are essential in the Christain ministry and formation of genuine Christian character. Paul had to deal with head stronged people who were caught up in rather serious doctrinal errors. He knew that he could get more flies with honey than with vinegar. By being patient, kind and having forbearance; he was able to convince these erring Galatians that his Gospel was the true Gospel. Yet he too had his limits; Paul was quite upset with the Judaizers. He couldn't waste time trying to convince the Judaizers who were persisting in their errors.

Paul was stressing the importance of a well rounded Christsin character that is complete. The love of God is produced in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit; this agape love is the chief ingredient in the atonement for sin (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22). Those believers who have this love from on high cannot help but have joy and peace. This is true assurance! We have here the work of sanctifying grace. This is borne out in Apostle John's Gospel and letters. We have tranquility of mind based on consciousness of a right relation to God. We can come into the Holies of Holiest because Christ Jesus is our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.