One Day is as a Thousand Years

Recently, while my husband and I were on vacation, we stopped in our favorite coffee shop to gather our yummy drinks and a delicious treats. The next step was the perfect place… as we scanned the tables and chairs for a place to sit down.  “It must meet all our needs I thought…comfy chairs, plenty of outlets for all our devices, away from too much noise, a window would be nice”… as we continued to scout out the perfect area, our ears became tuned to a warning that reminded me of the words of Apostle Peter.  “One Day is as a Thousand Years.”

 

Deeds of Peter

This Apostle Peter, the very one who dared to step out of the boat to meet Jesus by walking on water, the very one who cut Malchus ear completely off when the Roman soldiers came to get Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the very one who accompanies Jesus along with James and John on the mount of transfiguration, and the very one who declares before his fellow disciples and speaks directly to Jesus, saying “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

 

This Peter is the same one that years later grew spiritually to be even a more profound teacher.  Devoted now to teaching, training and equipping others to grow in Christ, Peter appeals to his audience mentioning his first hand experience on the mount of transfiguration as evident of his authenticity.

 

Perfect Table and Ears echoing Warning

My ears and those of my husbands were made aware with a great visual of flashing light and thundering of a earth shaken, the immense clarity that even though one may be on vacation, many many miles from work, enjoying a great time, relaxed, not a care in the world, …it is of great need to beware…to be on guard…

 

As we found our perfect table…I looked up and it was quick to observe that just tables over there were two people telling another two people complete fallacy of the truth.  As we passed by, the words from the false teacher’s lips leaped out across the air waves pricking my heart, which provoked me to begin quick deep prayers for the two that were listening.

 

II Peter

In the New Testament, Apostle Peter wrote two letters.  In the second letter, Peter writes to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ, and even though this epistle was written around 65 AD, it applies to us, right now, this very day, to all who believe and those who begin to believe in Christ as Lord this day.

The core focus of Peter’s 2^nd letter was just that, to BEWARE…be on GUARD… for there are those (and will be those) who come and pervert the sound doctrine of Christ, twisting it and leading others astray and away from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Peter reminds those that hear and read his letter by “stirring up your pure minds by way of reminder.  To be mindful of the words spoken before from the Holy prophets (in the Old Testament) as well as the commandments of the apostles of the Lord and Savior.”   Peter challenges the readers not to forget that the Lord is coming again.  Jesus is not slack in His soon return…but with longsuffering, lingering, not willing that any should perish but instead that all should come to repentance, He is waiting for that appointed time that no one knows the day or the hour.

So because we do not know the day or the hour…the scripture text implies that our focus is not the time frame of when Jesus will come again but however the action of following with obedience to stay clear of those teaching falsely becomes the content of our fixed gaze.  Our job is to guard ourselves from false teachers and prophets and protect ourselves and others who would be led astray.

Beware of False Teachers

There are two main areas Apostle Peter centers on, which is the same that continues in the same theological thread that is found in every book of the New Testament and even in the Old Testament. The first one of Peter’s passion is the meshing of His heart with God’s heart and forever common goal and reconciling the people in the world back to God through salvation by faith in believing in Christ Jesus and Lord.

The second passion is to make sure that those who believe in Christ are not lead astray by false teachers, and prophets who are speaking contrary to the Bible.  Peter gives his audience the dangers of listening to false teachers because of the severe spiritual destruction that they cause.  Peter also gives descriptions of how they false teachers act and how we can discern them. As Peter quotes Moses in Old Testament, he reminds us that even though

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”  For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”  Psalm 90: 1-4

 

Peter continues to encourage the reader my fast forwarding them to the day of Jesus’ coming again.  During that time, THIS time frame, there will be mockery against Christ and Who He is and Who He represents.  Peter concludes this letter with the manifestation of the Day of the Lord being something that is coming and those who are mature in view of the day of the Lord is urged to prepare.  Prepare by having a manner of holy conduct and godliness…and to beware that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.

My prayer for you this 2015 New Year, is that you make yourselves disciplined…having  strong resolutions of highest priority of guarding yourself from false teachers and prophets that do not speak the truth of God’s word written in the Bible.

 

 

©Copyright 2014 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2014 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved

 

 

COME!

“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.  And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following Him, He said to them, ‘What do you seek?’  They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’ Jesus said to them, “COME AND SEE!” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day…”   John chapter One

 

Jesus noticing that others are following and seeking Him affirms them to COME!

And they went!

 

Isaiah the Old Testament prophet often proclaimed many many prophecies of Christ and His coming. The first and second advent of Christ was Isaiah’s plea and cry.

Encouraging and affirming those who are looking and seeking, that their hope is in His coming and pleading again and again for the people and readers to COME!

 

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?   

Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love.  For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” verses in Isaiah 55:1-13

 

Eyewitness Account

The angel spoke to Mary Magdalene, who had come with other women to adorn the dead body of Jesus with spices, and fragrant herbs.  After the great earthquake,  after the angel descended from heaven and after the angel rolled away the stone from the grave…the angel comforted the women in their sorrow and fear then immediately tells them to COME, to SEE as verification of the promises of Christ’s resurrection.  Don’t just take my word for it.  But COME! Not only were they to come and see, they were to go and tell others to come and see “But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.^”  Matthew 28:1-8

 

Future Hope

In Revelation, the last book of the Bible, the author John who walked with Christ, wrote his account in the gospels and was the last disciple to live, then die on earth, being resurrected and joining Christ in heaven…He concludes in Revelation, this glorious hope for each believer by encouraging them and anyone else within hearing and reading range to COME!

In chapter 22

 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”

 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

 

Jesus declares with much assurance that He is coming and is wanting others to come to Him!  Sunday Nov. 30 marks the first day of Advent season.  Advent means the coming of Christ   The first advent is when he came as a baby in a manager, grew up on this earth for the purpose of saving people from their sins. The second coming of Christ is at the incarnation as judge on the last day

 

Sounding the Calls to Come

Will you come and see? Jesus has personally invited you to investigate, know,

and learn of Him.  Lingering by remaining near Him.  He has not just called those mentioned in the gospel of John.  He has called YOU!  COME!

 

Will you believe in all the prophesies of Isaiah, following his voice of coming, partaking, drinking and feeding yourself on His word.  It is FREE, no payment required just a willingness to COME!

 

Will you listen to the voice of the angel who also spoke to Mary Magdalene, to COME, to SEE as verification of the promises of Christ’s resurrection. Then to go and tell others to come and see.

 

The simple word of “come” is so powerful.  The personal invitation is so honorable.

During this Advent season that we are approaching would you consider the words of these eye witnesses

Will you Come?  

Will you See?

Will you Go?

Will you Tell?

 

©Copyright 2014 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.                                                             

© Copyright 2014 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved

 

About the author:

Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of Pastor Dr. John Lake, Bible teacher and a passionate pray-er. Visit her: www.deeprootsin christ.com, www.simonelake.com, facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and audio: http://deeprootsinchrist.sermon.net/

The Grand Finale of Sola’s

It is no coincidence that we enter the month known for giving thanks, with our final Sola. A grand celebration... Solo Christo.  This sola is the holy truth teaching of Christ and Him being the ONLY mediator between God and man, and that there is salvation through no other but through Jesus Christ alone.

Thanksgiving and Praise is the ONLY response to a holy God for sending His Son, Jesus on the cross to die for the sins of mankind.  Thanksgiving and praise again when Jesus rose from the dead. His resurrection conquered the grave but set an example of how those who believe, Solo Christo, will follow and be raised up from the dead like Christ.  Thanksgiving and Praise for His ascension, not only did he conquer the grave and rose from the dead, He ascended to the throne of God the Father sitting on His right side.  And Thanksgiving and high praise to the Savior of the world whose current job task is to intercede and pray for us, sitting on the throne. He is Alive! The redemption has been completed.  It is finished!  Thank You Jesus!  Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!!! Glory to God in the Highest!!!

Validation of Scripture:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14

 

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32 

 

"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.  If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”  John 14: 6-7

 

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever

follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

 

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and

find pasture. John 10:9  

 

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 

 

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even

though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26 

 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father

except through me.” John 14:6

 
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

The Holy Scriptures alongside the truth of Christ sitting on the right hand side of God confirms how important it is to not only believe in Solo Christo but to cling to it with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.  Not only cling to it, but follow and live out the truths found in the Bible as evidence of your belief of a risen Savior. As one knowing that there is no other name than Jesus in which a man can be saved.

 

WRAP UP

Sola Scriptura is Latin for Scripture alone, birthed out of the hearts of God’s people for the purpose of drawing them to the holy scriptures of God and nothing else. Crucial after heresy and false teachings begin to sneak into the church, turning others from God’s holy truth.

 

Soli Deo Gloria which means “For the Glory of God Alone”  This IS the reasonable service for those who are the sinners turned servants and saints of the most high God. These do all things for His glory and for kingdom of God.

 

Sola Fide interpreted by faith alone…central doctrinal issue for Christians  Excluding the false teaching that good works is necessary for salvation, Sola Fide confirms that justification is received by faith ONLY without any need, deeds or acts of good works.  This is also known as the “doctrine by which the church stands or falls.”  May the church of this 20^th century present age stand in the faith of Christ and Christ alone!

 

Sola Gratia.  This Latin word means grace alone.  This describes us as sinners and clearly identifies God as the source of salvation of sinners by His grace and His grace alone.  A sinner is not accepted by God on account of the change that the believer has done by his own works instead, it is by God's grace, confirming that anyone is accepted into God’s loving arms without any regard for the merit of his works.  Of course this person must believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved…

Solo Christo

This sola is the holy truth teaching of Christ and Him being the ONLY mediator between God and man, and that there is salvation through no other but through Jesus Christ alone.

Our response? Thanksgiving and praise the ONLY response to a holy God for sending His Son, Jesus on the cross to die for the sins of mankind.  Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!!! Glory to God in the Highest!!!

Questions:

Who do you say that Christ is?  

 

Is He God in the flesh, Savior of the world offering salvation by grace alone by all who believes?

OR do you believe that Jesus is NOT God and instead you believe that you must do works for acceptance?

 

My pray is that you select the first.  There is no other name in which you can be saved and that name is Jesus.  Select Him because He selected you first as evident of a blood stained hill…upon a cross…where He died for your sins.  Choose life, Eternal life with Christ Jesus our Lord!

 

 

©Copyright 2014 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2014 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved

 

About the author:
Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of Pastor Dr. John Lake, Bible teacher and a passionate pray-er. Visit her: www.deeprootsin christ.com, www.simonelake.com, facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and audio: http://deeprootsinchrist.sermon.net/.