Larry A. Smail's Blog

My last entry of September 10, 2015, served as an introduction to some entries of a spiritual interest.  This entry, part 2, will be the second one of an undetermined number of future blogs. I am certainly hoping most will not click off these sites without reading on, and considering the topics.

I have discovered for anyone studying the Bible they will first need to be willing to consider what the book does NOT say, as well as, what the Bible, actually, does say. This can not be easy unless there is a willingness to think. We all have been pre-programed into our thinking as to what the Bible states. This is a primary reason for the many traditions, denominations, and, even, cults. Much confusion has evolved over the Jewish law- keeping believers in contrast with the faith-based Christians, as per Paul’s message.

I discovered those who study need to separate the Jewish aspect of the Bible with the Gentile teachings. Once readers grasp the importance of separation of these two groups the Bible will OPEN UP WITH KNOWLEDGE! Remember to think…all through the Bible the Lord had a separation between the people to become the Jews, and the Gentile people. The two WILL NOT MIX scripturally, and they are not supposed to do so! Check out Acts 11:26. This is where the Holy Spirit inspired the FIRST use of the word, “CHRISTIAN” towards Gentiles that had believed Paul’s message. This didn’t occur in early Acts with Peter’s message. Peter was preaching to Jews. Those Jews who believed were still law-keeping Jews, but now they believed that Christ was indeed who he said he was!  THEIR PROPHESIED KING!

Biblically speaking, most of the Bible concentrates on the Jewish people. The Old Testament; Jesus’ ministry on earth; the immediate years after the cross; and ascension, and to the 70 A.D. destruction of Israel all dealt with the Jewish people. Did you know the people who were to become the Jews originally were to be a nation of priests to take God’s word to the Gentiles? See Exodus 19: 5-6, where the Jewish people were told if they obeyed God’s voice they were to be God’s possession among ALL PEOPLE, and become a nation of priests, and a holy nation. This would have occurred at the time of Christ on earth if the nation of Israel would have accepted who Jesus was, and BELIEVED!

Even those Jews who believed that Christ was their Messiah, and King, were still law-keepers of Judaism. So were Christ’s apostles!  You can see in various places where they were preaching Christ in the temple, or synagogue. This is all what was required at that time! Shocked? Some twenty years after the cross, the Apostles, met with Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles, at what became known as the JERUSALEM COUNCIL. This occurred somewhere around 49-52 A.D. The disciples were demanding Paul’s Gentiles practice the laws of Moses! The apostles of Christ were still law-keeping Jews, but they were believers. See the difference?The final decision at this council was that Peter, James, John… would continue ministering to the JEWS, and Paul would continue with the Gentiles. Paul preached of SALVATION BY FAITH ONLY THROUGH BELIEF IN THE DEATH , BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST! (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, and Romans 10:9-10.) THIS IS THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION! The Apostles were still preaching to the law-keeping Jews to BELIEVE THAT JESUS WAS THEIR MESSIAH, AND KING, AND THE LORD WOULD RETURN AND ESTABLISH THE KINGDOM! One can read of this Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, and Galatians 2. Galatians is Paul’s account of the meeting. BOTH PARTIES SHOOK ON THIS DECISION OF THE APOSTLES GOING TO THE JEWS, AND PAUL GOING TO THE GENTILES!!!! This is, yet, ANOTHER SEPARATION of the Jews, and Gentiles.

Those studying need to ask questions!  Ask yourself to whom any particular book of the Bible is addressed to. Paul’s writings often state that he was the APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES, and  followed with information of the individual, or community the letter was addressed to. James wrote to the 12 TRIBES OF THE DISPERSION. The twelve tribes are Jewish, yet law keeping, believers as to who Christ was!  The twelve tribes are the twelve tribes of Israel! These people had fled Israel after the stoning on Stephen. (Acts 8-9) A great persecution began by the Jews on the believing Jews at this time. In Acts 11:19, Luke stated those who were scattered because of the persecution over Stephen (Acts 8-9)..spoke the word to none, but JEWS! Another separation!

Peter’s two epistles state the same thing. He was writing to the Jewish believers in dispersion. (1 Peter 1: 1, and 2 Peter 3:1) The Jewish believers were still practicing temple worship; circumcision; sacrifices, etc., as per Jewish law!

Another question to ask yourself is what were the conditions, and situations of the time that a particular letter was sent. For instance, James, and Peter’s letters were written prior to the 70 A.D. destruction of Israel, and the Jewish people. The closer the time to this Roman attack the more extreme the persecution was being witnessed by these Jewish believers. The apostles  were trying to comfort the believers with their words. Peter, etc. believed they were seeing the prophesied Time of Jacob’s trouble just ahead, and I am sure the situation seemed accurate! Paul thought he would see the end of the age, as prophesied in scripture, and Christ.

Part 3 will address some word translations that can cause confusion. A number of interesting verses will begin to be printed . I bet most readers of the Bible glanced over these verses without understanding exactly what was going on. It will be fun!

Read Full Post »

The usual readings that appear within my entries are related to my outdoor exploits. Most often the reader will see brief stories of hunting; hiking; fishing; photography; wildlife, and the like. Other times one may see writings on my art, or the music I play. Occasionally, one might see an entry on historical interests, too. Today, however, I wish to enter words of a spiritual nature. Please, don’t quit reading! I urge you to continue on.

I have been seeking Biblical wisdom most of my life. Sure, I had lulls in my search, but I would always drift back into a search for knowledge. I have listened  to many theories; false TV ministers, and I have read much looking for truth. Most of the time I would eventually find any sources  either lacking, or outright false.

Many years ago, I first read the Bible, and over time I have read much of the Bible over, and over in study. I would write down any questions, or points of interests. In my youth, and teen, years I would question heard preachings to myself. I would think I wasn’t smart enough to understand, and wondered why. Later, I searched out my questions. I wouldn’t approach anyone to ask the question in most cases. This is the biggest mistake to so many, otherwise believers.

There is a difference between reading the Bible, and studying the words. The first key of success was to throw aside pre-conceived, or previously taught messages. This is important! Scripture. soon, began to come together, and WOW!

So often, what one reads in scripture, and what one has always heard may find contradictions. Let’s face it, a short sermon on Sunday mornings can not go far with Biblical understandings.  One needs to read the transition of the Bible for oneself.

I believe, most church goers tend to think everything within those pages is directed towards those who profess to be part of Christianity. NOT TRUE!

Jesus’ words in the first four books of the New Testament were directed to the Jewish people only. Yeah, I know you, probably, have never heard this before. Paul wrote in Romans 15:8, that Jesus’ purpose was to be a minister, or servant to the circumcised as directed through the prophecies of old. The “circumcised” in scripture are the law-keeping JEWS! Anywhere, you read of the “uncircumcised” you will be reading of the Gentiles, and not the Jews! This is so important! Jesus was born into the Jewish, law-keeping, religion. Jesus practiced Jewish law; feast and Jewish holy days; circumcision; Friday evening-Saturday Sabbath; temple worship, and much more.

Jesus came to the world to offer himself as the Messiah, or King to the Jews to fulfill Old Testament prophecy. The Roman leader, Pilate actually placed the sign on the cross stating Jesus was the, “KING OF THE JEWS.” Jesus, also, offered the Jews their prophesied kingdom. Just go through scripture, and underline every time you see words of the kingdom. You’ll be amazed! Also, Jesus’ disciples were to rule in the kingdom over the TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL! You can read this in Matthew 19: 28. Notice the Jewish language!

Do you need more proof?  In Matthew 10: 5-7, Jesus told the disciples to do what? He said to NOT go to the Samaritans, or Gentiles, but only to the LOST SHEEP OF HOUSE OF ISRAEL! (Jews) Samaritans were Jews who had intermarried with Gentiles. He continued to preach that the kingdom was at hand. If the Nation of Israel would have believed, and accepted who Jesus was they would have had their King, and kingdom. This is the gospel of the kingdom to believe who Jesus was. Israel rejected this truth, during Christ’s ministry on earth, and for approximately forty years after the cross. This failure to the nation of Israel to believe would lead to the 70 A.D. destruction of the nation by the Romans.

Do you want another truth? Check out Matthew 15: 21-28. Here a Canaanite (Gentile) woman approached Christ begging for her daughter to be healed. Jesus ignored her. She continued after him. Christ finally answered her stating  that,  HE WAS SENT ONLY TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL!!!  He added that it wasn’t FAIR  TO TAKE THE CHILDREN’S (ISRAEL) BREAD, AND THROW IT TO THE DOGS!!! (The Jews often called the Gentiles dogs, or heathens, at this time.) The woman said that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall off of the master’s table!!!  Jesus healed the daughter because of the woman’s faith. Examples of Christ dealing with Gentiles are very, very  few.

Due to Israel’s failure to BELIEVE who Jesus was, the risen Christ revealed a different gospel to the man who was to be called Paul, the Apostle to the what?  THE GENTILES! The other disciples were the Apostles to the Jews. Are you seeing the difference?  The new message to the Gentiles is the GOSPEL OF GRACE!

This is where we are today in the overall plan of redemption of mankind. The Gospel of the Kingdom will, soon be presented to the Jews. (Israel became a nation in 1948. How many countries, and peoples once destroyed come back into existence again? I know of none, but Israel! In 1967, the Jews gained control of Jerusalem again! WOW!)

Part two will be entered in the future. I will discuss how to understand the Bible messages! Understanding isn’t hard at all!

Read Full Post »

Many years ago, in the land of Israel, a baby was born in a lowly sort of stable. He was placed in a hay-filled manger. This baby, destined to be the King of the Jews and, later, the Savior of mankind, would sleep next to farmland animals. The odor of stable smells permeated the air. Dirty conditions would be surrounding this little bundle of happiness. The place was a humble site, not in any way, resembling the luxury found for the birth of any worldly king. This first advent would be the result of many years of prophecies. However, few would believe and accept the things to come.

The babe, born in the City of David, known as Bethlehem, was nothing out of ordinary. He looked just as any other Jewish baby would have looked like at the time.

Christmas Glow photo by Larry A. Smail 

 

Nearby in fields, via angels the shepherds witnessed the singing and explanation of a savior being born. They went to Bethlehem in search of this savior. They couldn’t remain silent of what they had seen and spread the joyous news!

Wise men from the east (Probably the present-day area of Iran or Iraq.) were well-taught in the field of the stars. These men witnessed a sign of a new light in the eastern night sky. They researched and headed west to seek out this prophesied birth. In time they discovered the baby, now in a house, and worshipped him. They gave him gifts for his life’s journeys.

This event has been talked about, preached about and sang about for many years. The baby would grow and at thirty years of age, in compliance with Jewish law concerning the priesthood, would begin his ministry preaching of the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Only if Israel would have accepted his message.

He would be rejected  by his own people of Israel and die on the cruel Roman cross. (Gentiles) He would rise again after three days and three nights and ascend to glory forty days later with the promise to return.

When this current era of the Gentiles reaches the fullness of time the baby’s second advent will be reality. However, this time he will come as the most powerful King. His rule will bring an end to the evil and chaos of the world. The kingdom will be present! Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven!

For those who truly believe this fact of resurrection with complete faith will receive the Holy Spirit baptism and merciful grace. They who believe will, also, see eternal glory.

This is the BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT ANYONE COULD RECEIVE!

(If you wish to learn more ask!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Read Full Post »

At this time of the year the words, He Is risen, may be heard here and there. One may hear these words only at an Easter Sunrise Service or casually among believers. I find myself wondering how many individuals hearing or saying these words truly understand the importance of HE IS RISEN!

The belief of a risen Christ is paramount to eternal salvation with Christianity. You may hear of other requirements, but the only way is from 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 or in Romans 10. That is to believe in the gospel as presented through the Apostle Paul. Those verses, as well as others, simply state: one has to believe in the death; burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ! There are no works attached to this fact! This is simple enough that a young person can read and understand.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 states: Now I remind you brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received , in which you stand, by which you are SAVED, if you hold it fast unless you believed in vain. For I (Paul) delivered to  you as of first importance what I also received, that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCRIPTURES, THAT HE WAS BURIED, THAT HE WAS RAISED ON THE THIRD DAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCRIPTURES.

Romans 10:9.. IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR LIPS THAT JESUS IS LORD AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED!

Again, to be saved spiritually is to: BELIEVE TOTALLY IN THE DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST!!!!!

Note in Galatians 1:6-9; Paul  realizing some of his converts were turning to a false doctrine wrote: BUT EVEN IF WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN SHOULD PREACH TO YOU A GOSPEL CONTRARY TO THAT WHICH WE PREACHED TO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED!  Paul goes on repeating that statement to emphasize the importance!

So yes, if you have truly believed that Christ was buried and was raised you will be saved!

HE IS RISEN!

Read Full Post »