Glad Tidings (May/June 2014) by Living Hope

Glad Tidings “The earth is the LORD’s [Yahweh’s], and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” Psalm 24:1

Volume 1 8, Issue 3

May/June 20 14

Glad Tidings May/June 2014 Something to Consider................... p.3 by Vince Finnegan

Christus Victor .............................. p.10 by Sean Finnegan

Seek Yahweh: The Hebrew New Testament .......... p.4

Congo Connection: The Example of the Church in Thessalonica â&#x20AC;Ś .... p.14

by John Cortright

by Armel Ngo

I Bow My Knees ............................... p.6 by Vince Finnegan

Meditation upon Yahweh Our God (Psalm 1:1-3; 119:15, 97-99) ..............p.16 by Vince Finnegan

Overflowing With Joy .................. .p.8 by Mary Ann Yaconis

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Glad Tidings is mailed free to anyone who requests it. Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER:

THE JUST JUDGE Dear Saints, Yahweh is the righteous Judge, and we can trust Him to do what is right, even if for now we must endure many injustices in the present evil world. When Abraham bargained with Yahweh to save Sodom, according to Genesis 18:25, he understood that the Judge of the whole earth always judges righteously. Moses repeatedly taught Israel about the righteousness and justice of Yahweh. Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD [Yahweh] your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. Deuteronomy 32:3-4 For I proclaim the name of the LORD [Yahweh]; 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. The psalmists frequently write about Yahweh as the Judge of the world and that He is always right, just, and equitable in all His dealings. Psalm 89:11-14 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all it contains, You have founded them. The north and the south, You have created them; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name. You have a strong arm; Your hand is mighty, Your right hand is exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. Psalm 98:9 Before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. Jesus believed that Yahweh is the Judge of the world and trusted that He would righteously judge everyone; therefore, on the cross he could surrender justice to God. 1Peter 2:21-23 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; Like Jesus, we too can leave justice to the only righteous Judge and not get caught up in revenge and all the other snares that exist in this corrupt, unrighteous world. We can let it go and trust that Yahweh will take care of justice. Romans 12:17-21 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Seek Yahweh: The Hebrew New Testament By John Cortright

are known to exist.2 Early on in the Christian church, a great schism came between

Historically, very little here are no interest has been shown in a original New Hebrew translation of the Testament New Testament. Finally, manuscripts in extant. in 1817, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;London The oldest copies of the Society for Promoting New Testament are Christianity amongst the Greek, dating from the Jewsâ&#x20AC;? published one of late second century. By the first Hebrew New this time in history, in all Testaments. Then in Greek manuscripts, both 1838, Franz Delitzch, a Old and New Testament, German Lutheran the Tetragrammaton, the theologian and Hebraist, four letter name of God, requested that a New does not appear. Rather, Hebrew translation be it had been replaced with made as the 1817 version the Greek word for Lord had numerous errors. (kurios) in an abbreviated Not until 1864 was the form known as Nomina work finally approved, and Delitzch began the Sacra (a shortened twoletter abbreviation in task of producing a Hebrew New Testament. Greek used for sacred Franz Delitzch - a German Lutheran theoThe main text from which names of God and Christ, logian and Hebraist. He is best known for his translation of the New Testament into this translation was made where the first and last Hebrew. letter are written with an was the Greek Textus Receptus. However, over line above the 1 during this time in letters). history, the Siniatic Codex Judaism and Christianity. had been discovered, and the Also, there are no early This division became greater final translation drew from Hebrew New Testaments. as Christianity merged with these older codices. Delitzch Even though several early the Roman government and continued to work on became the official religion of church fathers indicate that a revisions and criticisms until few of the New Testament the Roman Empire. Yet, the his death in 1890. His work majority of the New books may have been was then committed to an originally written in Hebrew, Testament was written by none of these manuscripts men of Jewish background. (Continued on page 5) 4

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associate of twenty years, Dr. Gustaf Dalman, who completed the final edition. In all of the early Greek writings from which this Hebrew New Testament was produced, no distinction was made between the name of God, Yahweh, the title of God as Adonay (Lord), or the title for human masters, adon (lord or master). Therefore, when translating the word kurios, these Hebraic scholars needed to use context in order to give the Hebrew understanding properly. Both Delizch and Dalman were interested in evangelizing the Jews. The underlying principle for translation was “that the text should be reproduced as if thought and written in Hebrew.”3 The Hebrew New Testament offers those searching for the name of God an insight into Hebraic thought. In this version, the name of God, Yahweh, occurs 207 times. Here is every use of Yahweh from the Hebrew New Testament of Franz Delitzch: Mt 1:20, 22, 24; 2:13, 15, 19; 3:3; 4:4; 4:7, 10; 5:33; 21:42; 22:37, 44; 23:39; 28:2; Mk 1:3; 5:19; 11:9, 10; 12:11, 29 (twice), 30, 36; 13:20; Lk 1:9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 25, 28, 32, 38,

45, 46, 58, 66, 68, 76; 2:9 (twice), 15, 22, 23 (twice), 24, 26, 29, 39; 3:4; 4:4, 8, 12, 18, 19; 5:17; 10:27; 13:35; 19:38; 20:37, 42; Jn 1:23; 12:13, 38 (twice); Ac 1:24; 2:20, 21, 25, 34, 39; 3:19, 22; 4:24, 26, 29; 5:9, 19; 7:30, 31, 37, 49, 60; 8:22, 24, 25, 26, 39; 10:33; 11:21; 12:7,11,23; 13:2, 10, 11, 44, 48, 49; 14:3; 15:17 (twice), 35, 36, 40; 16:14, 32; 19:20; 21:14; Ro 4:8; 9:29; 10:13, 16; 11:3, 34; 12:11, 19; 14:4, 6 (thrice), 8 (thrice), 11; 15:11; 1Co 1:31; 2:16; 3:20; 4:4, 19; 10:9, 26, 28; 11:32; 14:21; 16:7, 10; 2Co 5:11; 6:17, 18; 10:17, 18; Ep 2:21; 5:19; Col 3:22, 23, 24; 1Th 1:8; 4:6, 15; 5:2; 2Th 3:1; 2Ti 1:18; 2:19; 4:14; He 7:21; 8:2, 8, 9, 10, 11; 10:16, 30; 12:5, 6; 13:6; Ja 1:7; 3:9; 4:10, 15; 5:4, 10, 11 (twice), 14, 15; 1Pe 1:25; 3:12 (twice), 15; 2Pe 2:9, 11; 3:8, 9, 10; Ju 1:9, 14; Re 1:8; 4:8, 11; 11:17; 15:3, 4; 16:5, 7; 18:8; 19:1,6; 21:22; 22:5, 6. Although we have no original Hebrew New Testament, the work of Franz Delitzch to produce a New Testament in Hebrew is truly a remarkable feat. In closing remarks in his article about this work, author Gustaf Dalman wrote, “But would that this new offering of Salvation, in the Hebrew tongue by which Christ who was born from the seed of 5

David according to the flesh, for the second time appears among his people, might prove to be to them not a savor of death, but of life and salvation.”4

See Glad Tidings Article Seek Yahweh: Nomina Sacra –the Replacement of God’s Name, September/October Edition, Vol 16, issue 5, page 4 2

The Book of Matthew is mentioned as being written in Hebrew – Eusebius on Papius, Ecclesiastical History, 3.39; Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 3.1; Eusebius on Origen, Ecclesiastical History , 6.25; Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 3.24; Epiphanus, Panarion, 29.9.4; Jerome, On Famous Men, 3.5; The book Hebrews is mentioned as being written in Hebrew – Clement of Alexandria, Hypotyposes; referred by Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History , 6.14.2; Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 3:38.2-3. 3

Gustaf Dalman, The Hebrew New Testament of Franz Delitzch, The Old and New Testament Student, Vol 15. No. 3 / 4 (Sep-Oct, 1892), The University of Chicago Press, p 148. Downloaded from http://www.jstor.org/stable/3158076 on 11/10/2011. 4

Ibid., P. 152

I Bow MY Knees By Vince Finnegan

phesians 3 Prayer

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 The arrangement of the concepts within this prayer should skyrocket our faith. We are family praying to our Father, who happens to be Almighty God, about His eternal purpose. As much as Jesus and the heavenly host originate from God the Father, so do we. Our family connection and our identity springs from the One to whom we now

pray. The prayer itself is authored by Him. Should we not have confidence that He will answer? Jesus’ comparison between human fathers and God our Father comes to mind − "if you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life” Proverbs 4:23

…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory… As the Father and family concept strengthen faith for prayer, acknowledging God’s unfathomable resources with the phrase “the riches of His glory” also encourages the same. The extensiveness of His glory is incomprehensible to our finite human minds and imaginations. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). “The whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). Jesus, according to Hebrews 1:13, is the radiance of His glory. Ephesians and Colossians reveal that the mystery with the inclusion of the Gentiles and Christ in us is also a part of His glory and perhaps most relevant in the context of this prayer. All of this and more make up 6

the riches of the glory of God, the source from which our prayer will be answered. In view of all of this, to declare that we have grounds for confidence and faith as we pray would be a vast understatement. Upon this platform, we consider exactly what we are praying to receive. …to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man… Jesus foretold that the spirit would facilitate his dwelling within us and serve as our helper. Here we see that God can strengthen us with power by means of the spirit. The inner man is contrasted with the outer man in 2Corinthians 4:16; the outer is decaying but the inner is renewed day by day. We pray that God would strengthen us in our inner man so that Christ may dwell in our hearts, the seat or core of our mind and being. The heart is the control center of our lives. Proverbs 4:23 declares – “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” The heart determines everything about our lives, so the centrality of Christ is most vital. The daily fight for the devout Christian is Christ-mindedness, contrasted with worldly-mindedness. Paramount to our thought life is the focus of our eyes and ears. If we want Christ in our hearts, we must limit worldly influences and dwell on that which is contained in the Scriptures. Our limited human abilities (Continued on page 7)

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coupled with the onslaught in the world can be disheartening, but the prayer is for our Father to draw from the resources of His glory to strengthen us with power so that Christ can dwell in our minds. We cannot do it on our own, but He can if we have faith and pray. By His grace, we can have Christ dwell in our hearts! ...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love… Christ-mindedness automatically generates love. If Christ is in our heart, love is in our life. Some deem Ephesians the epistle of love (the word “love” occurs 15 times). We were chosen to be holy and blameless before Him in love (1:4). God called us because of His great love with which He loved us (2:4). Each individual and the whole church grow together as we love (4:15 and 16). To be “rooted” is to be deep-seated in love, entrenched and completely attached like the roots of a mighty oak. “Grounded” is to have a solid foundation as the support and the base of all our doings. ...may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth… Since verse 17 ends with “grounded in love” and verse 19 begins with “and to know the love of Christ,” we are not remiss to conclude that the comprehension sought is for the manifold dimensions of love. Yet, the introduction of the prayer should stay in mind since it directs us back to the information written before the prayer. God also wants us to comprehend fully these other extraordinary supernatural concepts, such as we went from dead in trespasses and sins to alive with Christ, children of wrath to children of His inheritance, from the dead

to raised and exalted to sit together with Christ in heavenly places. We went from uncircumcised Gentiles (outsiders) without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world to access unto the Father, no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. We are now the habitation of God. We are fellow heirs, fellow members, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ. The manifold dimensions include the unsearchable riches of Christ, manifold wisdom of God, and God’s eternal purpose. In order for us to understand the magnitude of all this, God must help, so we pray. The prerequisites for comprehension of the many dimensions are PRAYER that 1) God strengthens us so that 2) Christ dwells within the heart, 3) we are rooted and grounded in love, and 4) we endeavor with all the saints. Understanding concerning love cannot be gained with one’s own academic pursuit. An intellectual pursuit is indeed needed, but so is God’s help gained by prayer and interaction with other saints. Many brilliant, ambitious, and determined biblical scholars have gone astray because they isolated themselves and did not endeavor to comprehend with all the saints. It is impossible to comprehend love without interaction with others. We must share love to know love. …and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. To know something that surpasses knowledge seems impossible. Love and knowledge are not mutually exclusive; rather, true knowledge is vital to love. Philippians 1:9 states, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real 7

knowledge and all discernment.” Knowledge and application are essential but not enough to know the love of Christ. God must reveal it to us, and thankfully, He is willing and able to do so. The Epistles’ prayers impressively make known our Father’s desire for His children to know Him and to have our lives be all about Him. If we are to achieve the noble goals God has for us, three crucial measures working in unison must be consistent − study of the Scripture, prayer, and love. If one of these is absent or lacking, we will veer from the truth. The history of Judaism and Christianity document this to be so. Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, Once again, we are provided with encouragement that bolsters our faith. That God would have the willingness and obvious ability to answer prayers more than we ask or think is staggering. For the words “exceeding abundantly beyond” to be used in the context of our prayer is almost incomprehensible. The prayer began by telling us that God would draw from the riches of His glory to help us and concludes with these astounding words. We must have faith that Yahweh will answer as we pray. Paul ends his prayer with praise for God, which should be our aim in all we do. …to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Overflowing With Joy By Mary Ann Yaconis

engage with loving eye contact. Behavioral research has reported that common theme in many people’s lives the cycle of joy is shared between is trying to figure two people by eye contact in six out how to “let things go.” Those being let go generally are such things as past re“Great is my confidence in you; great is jection, dysfunctional relamy boasting on your behalf, I am filled tionships, depressive with comfort; I am overflowing with thoughts, anger, fear, and joy in all our affliction.” un-forgiveness. It is very well understood that God does not want us holding 2 Corinthians 7:4 onto negativity. Instead of negativity we are to have good thoughts of Scripture and be full of joy. God has given us the perfect remedy that cycles per second. That means that gives us strength to let things go one person looks at another in the and to live successfully for Him. He eyes and is in effect saying, “I am made our minds to hold joy. It is a glad to be with you!” The other perbrilliant plan. son says the same thing back with his/her eyes, and this cycles back Romans 15:13 Now may the God and forth six times in one second. of hope fill you with all joy and That seems incredible. We fill each peace in believing, so that you will other with joy through our relaabound in hope by the power of tional contact. the Holy Spirit. This Scripture states that God will fill us with all joy. God designed our brains so that joy is the filter through which we are to view all of life. In order for us to be able to withstand the assaults of life and to develop fully into mature believers who live for the Kingdom, we have to develop a heart full of God’s joy. Where does joy come from? As infants and young children, we are the “sparkle” in our parents’ eyes. They brighten up, smile, and

The total opposite of joy is a syndrome called “failure to thrive.” Children in orphanages (especially in refugee camps or deprived countries) who are not held nor have eye to eye contact fail to grow physically, cognitively, and emotionally. They lie in their cribs and whimper and won’t even reach for a toy or people. If these children don’t die from lack of growth before two years of age, they can be the actual size of a six-month old. This is an extreme absence of joy. This horrific lack leads to a slow, withering away 8

death. In cases where people lacked joy in not so severe a way, they tend to be depressed, unfaithful, self-focused, and at times, aggressive. Children search faces and eyes to connect with in order to share joy. When a child is brought up in a family where he is beloved, he receives this joy over and over again, building and expanding joy in the mind. Joy is very relational. Children learn that they receive and give joy with parents and then transfer that joy relationship to God. They learn that, just as my parents’ desire me, God desires me and is glad to be with me. The great news is that even if as children we did not get our joy filled by our parents and caregivers, we as adults can receive joy from God who designed our minds to hold joy. Neuroscientists have found a place in the frontal cortex of the brain that holds joy and happiness. This part of the brain has been shown, in part, to be the regulator or executive in charge of emotion, our immune system, and pain. It guides us to act like ourselves; releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin; and is the only part of the brain that overrides the main drive centers like food, sexual impulses, terror, and rage (Freisen, J., 2000). God designed our brains to have as the main emotion in (Continued on page 9)

our brains to do just that.

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Scientists have located the joy area in the prefrontal cortex of the fear brain. The brain is fully sadness matured by ages 18-20 with all the cells and anger pain brain fluids that are required. Science now explains that the brain has great plasticity to charge – JOY. There is a lot to the change (which is the opposite of study of how the brain works these what it used to promote). We do functions, but joy is the mechanism not get more brain cells or dopathat allows people to move away mine, but we can change the neufrom the overwhelming effects of rological flow of synapses as we trauma and return to sanity and change our thoughts and behavjoy. It allows us to put aside very iors. As our thoughts change and difficult situations until we are our behaviors follow, our brains ready to work through them. When heal and work as they were injoy is intact, we can move more tended to work. As you meditate quickly and effectively from trauma on godly things (Phil 4:8ff), pray, to resolve. have friends and family who support joy, and practice it in your own Freisen et al. (2000) uses the metarelationships, you will increase joy phor of a mountain to describe in your life. What a wonderful God how joy is in charge in the mind. to give us this ability to have the Joy is the highest mountain. No joy center grow, no matter at what other emotion mountain can get age we are! higher than our joy mountain. Joy regulates all the other emotions, 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my and as God designed it, other emoconfidence in you; great is my tions do not overtake joy. God’s joy boasting on your behalf, I am is in charge. The other emotions filled with comfort; I am over(sadness, fear, anger, etc.) are in flowing with joy in all our afflicsubjection to joy. tion.

JOY

God made our brains to receive and hold joy. It would not seem right for us to miss feeling God’s joy just because as children or as young adults we did not receive it from our environments. God wants for us to have joy all the time as our main refuge. God designed us to be filled with joy, and He made

Our hearts are our refuge, our place of strength. Our refuge is to be filled with joy. When filled with joy, we are strong in any affliction. As we are absolutely relentless in developing our joy relationship with God through Christ, we are filled with joy over and over. God is

so glad to be with us in prayer, in meditation, in service, and we are so very glad to be with Him all the time. Everything else palls in the joy of this relationship. Nothing negative can overtake God’s joy. People who are filled with joy are generally more resilient; they view problems as predictable and controllable because they know God will provide. They are also more tolerant and willing to work out difficult situations in a godly way and tend to focus on the solution and not the problem. Those filled with joy are very thankful to God on a more consistent basis. To live a Christ-like life, it is important for us to focus on having a heart of joy. The list that follows presents a few ways to develop our joy center with God and others. A. The foundation of joy is to build a closer relationship with God by reading and meditating on Scripture, praying, and fellowshipping with God’s joyfilled people B. Sweep the “house” clean. Keep away from sin patterns. C. Look at others in the eye and smile, having sincere affection and love for that person. Communicate with your body language, words, and tone of voice that you are GENUINELY glad to be with the other person. D. Affirm others. Figure out what

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Christus Victor By Sean Finnegan

hy did Jesus die? Although a skeptic might argue Jesus was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when he angered the wrong people, those of us who believe in Jesus’ resurrection cannot let ourselves off the hook so easily. If the resurrection proves that Jesus was God’s anointed one—the Messiah— then, of course, God could have intervened to prevent Jesus’ torturous and bloody demise, but He didn’t. Peter put it this way in the first public statement about Jesus’ death, “This man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men” (Acts 2:23). Thus, Jesus’ crucifixion was God’s plan all along. Why? God must have had some purpose—an immensely important one—to allow His Son to suffer so greatly at the hands of his enemies. One’s answer to this question is their theory of “atonement.” Throughout the ages, Christians have answered this question in three major ways: he died for our sins; he died to defeat evil; and he died as our example. In what follows, I want to focus on the second of these perspectives and explore how Jesus’ death and resurrection actually conquered the forces of darkness—a view called Christus Victor.1 Before I can do

this, however, I need first to convince you that spiritual powers exert authority over our world. To begin, consider Deuteronomy 32:8 where we read that when the Most High divided up the boundaries for the nations, “he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God” (Deut. 32:8 ESV). The book of Job also mentions a day when “...the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD...” (Job 1:6). In fact, Satan himself came with these sons of God to speak to Yahweh. A third example of these spiritual powers comes from Daniel when Gabriel, the angel, excused himself for taking so long to bring Daniel his answer because “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days” (Daniel 10:13). Normally, a prince refers to a human being—the son of a king—but this prince is so powerful that he delayed an angel for three weeks. Gabriel continues, “but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia.” Gabriel later identifies this Michael as “your prince” (10:21) and “the great prince who has charge of your people” (12:1). Putting this all together we see that God has assigned angelic beings in positions of authority over the nations. Michael has charge over Israel, but the other “sons of God” in some way administrate the other nations. 10

The New Testament (NT) is much more help in understanding the spiritual powers in control of our age. In fact, the situation is far worse than we may have expected. For throughout the NT, we find Satan described as having authority over all the kingdoms of the world (Luke 4:5-6). The whole world is under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19). He is the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the ruler of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). As a result, our world is “the present evil age” (Galaltians 4:4) and all of us naturally walk “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). This is not to say our world lacks good, beauty, or virtue, but it does mean that evil dominates more often than not. Reading through the bloody pages of history, we encounter vast empires which dominated huge territories using brutal force. We hear tales of dictators, monarchs, and megalomaniacs eager to conquer, oppress, and enslave. How many incidents of lust, betrayal, and abuse have occurred throughout the history of humanity? Now we may think, “Yeah, but that was a long time ago; we’ve grown and learned about human rights and tolerance since then.” Although advances in (Continued on page 11)

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demons, casting them out left and right from the people he met. Like a mighty warrior, Christ advanced against Satan’s realm and damaged his stranglehold over the people of the land. Furthermore, he healed people constantly. Peter summarized Jesus’ ministry as “...doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38). For example, Jesus once encountered a woman who

among the religious leaders. He confronted greed in the temple courts and taught his disciples how to lead through service rather than domination. Throughout his whole ministry, both in word and in deed, Jesus fought evil wherever it reared its ugly head. Thus, when we come to consider his passion, we can see his work on the cross, not as something new or different, but as a continuation and climax of everything he had done up to that moment.

democracy, communications, and technology abound, humans have not only continued to kill each other, but the situation has actually grown much worse. The twentieth century began with the Second Boer War, the Philippine Insurrection, and the War of a Thousand Days with a combined estimated death toll of over 150,000. It ended with the Congo Brazzaville Civil War, the Kosovo Crisis, and “far above all rule and authority and Jesus’ arrest, trial, and Ethiopia’s war with Eripower and dominion, and every name crucifixion really bother trea, totaling nearly me because of the ram120,000 dead. In bethat is named, not only in this age but pant and unrestrained tween these book ends, also in the one to come” unfairness and cruelty. we find not ten or fifty From the Judas’ betrayal or even a hundred Ephesians 1:21 kiss in the garden to the bloody conflicts, but kangaroo court at the well over two hundred chief priest’s house, my totaling more than 76 heart fills with agony. million battle deaths.2 That fateful night, the That’s 2.3 wars a year Jewish elders—men refor the entire twentieth spected for their dignity and leadcentury! Why is there so much suffered a debilitating problem ership—degenerated into madness killing? What is wrong with people that bent and deformed her back as they spat on my Jesus, blindthat they keep fighting? May I for eighteen long years so she folded him, and beat him. suggest that these unbelievably could not straighten herself up at “Prophesy,” they commanded. high war statistics confirm what all. After healing her Jesus asked, the Scriptures teach—that wicked “Who is the one who hit you?” “And this woman, a daughter of forces under satanic control fill our they said one after the other (Luke Abraham as she is, whom Satan world with evil. 22:64). Such gang violence outhas bound for eighteen long rages me. Why did they treat him years, should she not have been Now let us turn to Jesus and conthus? Were they drunk with the released from this bond on the sider how his death relates to all of poison of revenge for the times Sabbath day?” (Luke 13:16). Still, this carnage and dysfunction. But when Jesus outmaneuvered their Jesus did not stop there. Beyond before we look at atonement, we attempts to disgrace him publicly? casting out unclean spirits and should first think about Christ’s I find this behavior baffling and yet healing the sick, he also challenged ministry. As it turns out, Jesus believable. Next, the Romans systemic and cultural evil by eating fought evil relentlessly throughout whipped him mercilessly. Rather with sinners, tax collectors, and his entire ministry. He entered than eliciting compassion from prostitutes. He rebuked legalism, into hand-to-hand combat with (Continued on page 12) hard-heartedness, and hypocrisy 11

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Christus Victor continued ...

them, the bloodied and battered man served as the plaything of an entire battalion of soldiers. They found a purple cloak and dressed his body in it; they twisted together some nasty thorns into the shape of a crown and put it on his head. Mocking and laughing, they each took turns kneeling before my Jesus and saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews” (John 19:3). Their insatiable cruelty still unsatisfied, they whacked him in the head with a reed, driving that thorny crown deeper and deeper into his scalp. Even once Jesus finally reached the place of the skull, he was not given any respite from their spiteful viciousness. Once crucified and hanging on the cross, his life ebbing, his blood dripping, his body dying, he was not left alone by the onlookers. The passersby, rather than feeling compassion for this poor man, wagged their heads and said, “...Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” (Mark 15:29-30). The chief priests, their spiteful rancor still unabated, shouted out, “...He saved others; he cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!..” (Mark 15:31-32). Even the man crucified next to him hurled abuse at him and mockingly

asked, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). Throughout the scene, we observe unmitigated hatred mixed with malicious brutality far beyond what makes sense from a natural perspective. What we have here is not something explicable on the basis of human psychology but the result of ruthless demonic forces

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach.

torturers but died with forgiveness in his heart (1 Peter 2:23; Luke 23:34). He did not crack; he did not give in; he did not falter. With the torrent and flood of malice and cruelty aimed at him, like a sponge he absorbed it all. Never did he lose control of his mind, his emotions, his pride. He did not check out or disassociate himself from the situation but remained present, observing every crooked gesture, feeling every painful blow, hearing every mocking insult. In the end, his death did something; it changed everything.

Although it may have seemed to everyone present at his crucifixion that Jesus was on display as a spectacle, in fact, Colossians 1:211:21-22 his suffering disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public display of them (Colossians pulling the strings not only to kill 2:15). What appeared to be a but also to gloat over Jesus’ slow great defeat for God and His agonizing defeat. anointed one was in fact just the opposite—a great victory. Like a Again, I ask why did Jesus have to judo throw, God used Satan’s own endure such a nightmare? Thankmomentum and forcefulness fully, Scripture does not leave us in against him. Christ unmasked Sathe dark on this question. We tan’s viciousness and showed the read in Hebrews that through world that such “power” is merely death Jesus rendered powerless weakness in disguise. As a result him who had the power of death of Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, (Hebrews 2:14). Satan’s wild and and ascension, God seated him at uncontrolled rage against Christ His right hand “far above all rule blinded him from grasping God’s and authority and power and doredemptive plan (1 Corinthians 2:7). Jesus voluntarily submitted minion, and every name that is to God’s will and drank that cup of named, not only in this age but suffering to the dregs (Matthew also in the one to come” 26:39). He did not tip his hand but (Ephesians 1:21). God put all quietly trusted God’s wisdom. In things in subjection under Christ’s the end, he neither reviled the feet, including angels and authori(Continued on page 13) mockers nor threatened the 12

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ties and powers (Ephesians 1:22; 1 Peter 3:22). Through the blood of the cross, it was the Father’s good pleasure to reconcile all things to Himself whether on earth or in heaven (Colossians 1:19-20). More than merely defeating demons of darkness, Christ’s death liberated and empowered those whom the old regime ensnared and subjugated. We are the beneficiaries of Christ’s cosmic conquest. And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach. (Colossians 1:21-22) We are no longer bound in the domain of darkness, but God has (Continued from page 9)

Overflowing With Joy continued ...

blesses the other to help bring joy to that person. Maybe it is just a kind note, a short phone call, or a visit. E. Receive bids for joy from others. Work at being mindful that you need to learn how to receive good things like joy. Don’t shy away from a smile, ignore eye contact, shrink from a kind touch, or reject kind words. (This is adapted from: Friesen, J. G., 2000.) In diligently pursuing joy in our re-

“...transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14). No longer do we need to dance to the drumbeat of the devil, as we did formerly. Christ has liberated us not only from death itself but even the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14). By suffering the effects of the serpent’s venom, he defanged the devil and rendered him powerless to bite his followers. He came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8), which means his people are freed not only from direct demonic influence but also from sin, meaninglessness, depression, cruelty, bitterness, lust, pride, apathy, and selfishness of every other kind. He has destroyed the works of the devil! People can now truly live for God, reach their true potential, serve others without reservation, enjoy wholeness, and love others as Christ did. We now take on the same mission that Jesus lationship with God, we are able to “let things go.” Everything else is not as important as it once seemed. The slights, the neglect, the evils done – they will not overtake the joy mountain and take no place of prominence in the mind anymore. God’s brilliant plan of JOY wins.

John 16:22 Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. A God-given gift, joy is ours now and in the Kingdom. Fill yourself with being glad to be in God’s 13

had of opening people’s eyes so that they can turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God (Acts 26:18). Satan is defeated! Christ is victorious! We are free!

For much of this article, I am indebted to Gregory Boyd’s fine piece “The ‘Christus Victor’ View of the Atonement,” available at reknew.org/2008/01/the-christus-victorview-of-the-atonement.

For stats, see warmemorial.net/wars_all.asp?q=3

presence and receiving His joy of being with you.

Fieisen, J. G., Wilder, E. J., Bierling, A. M., Koepeke, R., Poole, M. (2010). The life

model: Living from the heart Jesus gave you. Pasadena, CA: Shepherd's House.

The Example of the Church in Thessalonica By Armel Ngo

(Note: This article was translated from Armel’s native language of French and was edited and abridged for clarity.)

sake. You also became imitators n my previous article, we of us and of the Lord, having examined some Scriptures The Apostle Paul was in Thessaloreceived the word in much which show that when nica to get people to give up idols. tribulation with the joy of the someone has made a genuine He preached repentance and Holy Spirit, so that you became commitment to follow Christ and conversion to God and instructed an example to all the believers in to make him Lord, then his life will them to practice works worthy of Macedonia and in Achaia. For the exhibit the qualities of true repenrepentance. word of the Lord has sounded tance. Now we will study the forth from you, not only in example of the believers in ThessaPaul's letter addressed to the Macedonia and Achaia, but also lonica because they illustrate well believers in Thessalonica shows us in every place your faith toward the transformation that comes how they made the decision to God has gone forth, so that we when repentance is genuine. give up their old way of life, and have no need to say anything. their works reflected this great For they themselves report about The Apostle Paul visited Thessalochange in their lives to the point us what kind of a reception nica preaching Christ, and many responded. we had with you, and how you turned to God from “For this reason we also constantly Acts 17: 11-4 idols to serve a living and thank God that when you received the “Now when they had true God, and to wait for word of God which you heard from us, traveled through AmHis Son from heaven, phipolis and Apollonia, you accepted it not as the word of whom He raised from the they came to Thessalomen, but for what it really is, the word dead, that is Jesus, who nica, where there was a rescues us from the wrath of God, which also performs its work synagogue of the Jews. to come.” in you who believe.” And according to 1Thessalonians 2:13 Paul’s custom, he went The believers of this church to them, and for three experienced a real change Sabbaths reasoned with in their lives. They abandoned their idols and began them from the Scriptures, where they became models for to serve the living and true God. explaining and giving evidence believers in other churches. This change did not go unnoticed – that the Christ had to suffer and it was observed by others. That is why rise again from the dead, and 1Thessalonians 1:51:5-10 verse 9 says, “For they themselves saying, “This Jesus whom I am “for our gospel did not come to report. how you turned to God from proclaiming to you is the Christ.” you in word only, but also in idols...." People talked about this And some of them were power and in the Holy Spirit and change because they saw visible persuaded and joined Paul and with full conviction; just as you evidence in this church which Silas, along with a large number know what kind of men we attested to a genuine repentance. of the God-fearing Greeks and a proved to be among you for your number of the leading women.“

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Similarly, if we truly repent of our misconduct, people around us will witness it. Today, people are faced with hidden idols in their hearts as noted in Ezekiel 14:3. “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts and have put right before their faces the stumbling block of their iniquity.” The idols of the heart can include beliefs, traditions, customs, lifestyles, systems of thought, and passions that people are more committed to than they are to obeying and serving the living God. Here are some examples of how the Thessalonian believers exhibited their transformation: 2Thessalonians 1:3 “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;” The love that they had for each other grew increasingly. Likewise, we should show compassion and mercy toward others in our lives every day – not simply to love with words but with actions, obeying the truth. 1Thessalonians 2:13 “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the

word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” This verse shows us how these believers have received the Word of God with great sincerity. The power of the Word of God was at work in their lives and in the church because they were obedient to it. Genuine faith always involves obedience. 2Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;” This Scripture tells us that the Word of the Lord was glorified and the good news spread quickly in this church. This happened because they shared it with others they took the action of preaching. A heart that is not touched by the Word of God cannot touch others. One reason that puts the brakes on the expansion of the Word of God in our communities is the lack of a transformed life. In the Congo, we have a saying, “Where there is honey, there will always be bees.” If we have honey in our lives and in our actions, people will naturally be drawn to us. they will notice the shining splendor of the gospel of the glory of Christ. Paul was confident that the Thessalonian believers would heed his exhortation to walk in purity and sincerity before God. 1Thessalonians 4:34:3-7 “For this is the will of God, your 15

sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” Conclusion: When the believers in Thessalonica were converted, their passion was to preach the good news of God's Kingdom. They exhibited a fervent love for each other, and their faith grew accordingly which was reflected by their good works. Without genuine repentance in our hearts, there will be no real and effective preaching. We cannot claim to have a changed life without also exhibiting the actions that show who we really are as Christ’s followers. We must continue to seek the supreme interests of God and His Kingdom. We are the fruit of our thoughts. Those things that we have learned, seen, and heard through the Word of God can become real, visible actions in our day-today lives, and they will certify that our repentance is real and authentic. God bless you!

Meditation upon Yahweh Our God (Psalm 1:11:1-3; 119:15, 9797-99) By Vince Finnegan

n the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

You alone are the LORD [Yahweh]. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You. Nehemiah 9:6 Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created. Revelation 4:11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all it contains, You have founded them. Psalm 89:11 The earth is the LORD's [Yahwehâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s], and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. Psalm 24:1 O LORD [Yahweh] of hosts, the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Isaiah 37:16 The LORD [Yahweh] has established His throne in the heavens; and His sovereignty rules over all. Psalm 103:19 Thus says the LORD [Yahweh], "heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where then is a house you could build for me? and where is a place that I may rest? For my hand made all these things, thus all these

things came into being," declares the LORD [Yahweh]. Isaiah 66:1 and 2a Blessed are You, O LORD [Yahweh] God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD [Yahweh], is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD [Yahweh], and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name. 1Chronicles 29:10-13 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1Timothy 1:17 *** Who is like You among the gods, O LORD [Yahweh]? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders? Exodus 15:11 Exalt the LORD [Yahweh] our God And worship at His holy hill, For holy is the LORD [Yahweh] our God. Psalm 99:9 â&#x20AC;Ś.And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD [Yahweh] of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord [Yahweh] God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come." Revelation 4:8 16

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. Revelation 15:4 *** Am I a God who is near," declares the LORD [Yahweh], "And not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the LORD [Yahweh]. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD [Yahweh]. Jeremiah 23:23-24 The eyes of the LORD [Yahweh] are in every place, watching the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13 The LORD [Yahweh] looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works. Psalm 33:13-15 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. (Continued on page 17)

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If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. Psalm 139:7-12 *** Ah Lord GOD [Yahweh]! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, Jeremiah 32:17 Behold, I am the LORD [Yahweh], the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me? Jeremiah 32:27 I have made the earth, the men and the beasts which are on the face of the earth by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and I will give it to the one who is pleasing in My sight. Jeremiah 27:5 For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 Lift up your eyes on high And see Who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power Not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26 It is He who sits above the vault of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. Isaiah 40:22 *** The LORD [Yahweh], the LORD [Yahweh] God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thou-

sands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." Exodus 34:6-7 But the lovingkindness of the LORD [Yahweh] is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them. Psalm 103:17-18 The LORD [Yahweh] is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations. Numbers 14:18 The LORD'S [Yahweh’s] lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 Therefore, the LORD [Yahweh] longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD [Yahweh] is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. Isaiah 30:18 *** Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. Isaiah 40:28 It is He who made the earth by his power, Who established the world by His wisdom; and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens. 17

Jeremiah 10:12 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Romans 11:33 *** You have a strong arm; Your hand is mighty, Your right hand is exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. Psalm 89:13-14 The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. Deuteronomy 32:4 For the LORD [Yahweh] your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. Deuteronomy 10:17 But the LORD [Yahweh] abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment, And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity. Psalm 9:7-8 "I, the LORD [Yahweh], search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds. Jeremiah 17:10 ….Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord [Yahweh] God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Revelation 15:3 *** Declaring the end from the beginning And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; Isaiah 46:10

Family Camp 2014 Register online today at LHIM.org Registration deadline is June 8th

Ephesians: Saints, Saved to Serve Family Camp at Silver Bay, June 29 - July 5, 2014 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 Camp is called “Family Camp” because it is designed for the family of God. It is not just for families, however. Everyone is invited - children, teens, young adults, single adults, married couples, families, and senior citizens. The activities are constructed in a way that is sensitive to the needs of all. The original inspiration for Family Camp comes from the three week-long feasts Yahweh organized for Israel. “Three times in a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in

the place which He chooses, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and at the Feast of Weeks and at the Feast of Booths, and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.” (Deuteronomy 16:16-17) God called them “feasts” because they were to be something that gives unusual or abundant enjoyment. The feasts afforded the Israelites the opportunity to celebrate Yahweh’s goodness and to give back to Him as well as a time to get away from their normal routine of life, leaving home, and go to a holy place. Family Camp should 18 be our week-long feast. If you are interested in Family Camp, we would love to see you this summer! Register online today at LHIM.org.

Women’s Conference 2014 in Africa Women’s Conference 2014 in Latham, New York

Nonprofit Org. US Postage Paid Latham, New York Permit No. 128

458 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, NY 12110