November 11
Ezek 23:1-49 | PS 109:1-31 | Prov 27:13 | Heb 10:18-39
We tend to focus on that which is less important, which often raises questions, begins debates, and in the process faith is weakened. Over and over again in Scripture we read the phrase, "The Lord says" in one way or another. Notice there is no ambiguity in these statements. So, when it comes to various topics, such as End Times, why do we spend so much time on when and how and who when we haven't been given clarity on these questions. In Matthew 24:36, " “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." If not even Jesus knows, why are we arguing as to the days when a specific event will occur. Though evil abounds, and there are no shortage for potential people to fill the role of Antichrist, since we won't know until that day occurs, when he lifts himself up, why spend time pointing fingers at various individuals. In the movie/documentary, "Before the Wrath" (first released March 2020), they direct the viewers concerning the future rapture of the church on the question of why, not when. They clearly state what Jesus, Himself, stated that no one knows the time, but by using the illustration of the first century Galilean wedding, the question of why the church must be raptured is answered. The Golden Rule of interpretation of Scripture is: "When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense, lest it result in nonsense." Nonsense often results when we read into and insert our own views, rather than read the actual word.
We read in Ezekiel 24:14, " “I, the Lord, have spoken! The time has come, and I won’t hold back. I will not change my mind, and I will have no pity on you. You will be judged on the basis of all your wicked actions, says the Sovereign Lord.” We also read in 24:27, "... Then they will know that I am the Lord.” As we go through Scripture, this is how God speaks. He isn't vague, He is exact. He speaks clearly in yes and no, black and white statements so that readers can not question what He says. But all too often, when He says, He will, we read it as He might; or when we read that we must, we read it as we might. Though He is specific, unfortunately we prefer vagueness. Where He leaves no room for ambiguity, we all too often seek loopholes. Those who choose to misinterpret, or add vagueness where none should be, are like those described in 22:28, " And your prophets cover up for them by announcing false visions and making lying predictions. They say, ‘My message is from the Sovereign Lord,’ when the Lord hasn’t spoken a single word to them."
Today many don't believe. Many who claim to believe challenge the authority of the Word of God. Puffed up in pride and spewing out messages derived from their own ego, they cause distress and disillusionment for the people of God. Surrounding us is the fulfillment of 2 Peter 3:3-4, "Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” Sadly, these mockers come from both outside the church as well as within those supposedly in the faith. God never demanded uniformity, especially in areas that are deemed nonessential, but we should be unified, speaking in one voice those things which God has clearly delineated in His perfect Word, the Bible. When we rest on the authority of His statements we can move forward in our unpredictable times without fear, knowing that we serve a God who is in absolute control.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: