Saturday, April 29, 2017

The swords of Lord vs. the swords of man (1Chronicles 21:1-30,2 Samuel 24:1-25) By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce



Weekly Message: The swords of Lord vs. the swords of man (1Chronicles 21:1-30,
2 Samuel 24:1-25) By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce
Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical Precepts & Gospel Music                   

Introduction
           My friends, do you encounter your own strength and depend on your own understanding to live in Christians’ life? more we learn the historical events, and theological principles and pattern, it humbles us to fear of the Lord, and submit our desires of hearts to Him as King David. For our flesh can never conquer the Lord’s divine power. Today, we would like to discover the narrative unveiled in the 2 Samuel 24:1-25, the swords of Lord are greater than the swords of men (1Chronicales 21:1-30). 
King David 's order to take a census  of fighters  
            When the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited (or instigate, arose, provoke) David against them, saying, “go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” (2Samel24:1).  King David’s decision of a periodic governmental count of population, or count the number of fighters or army was surprised Joab,(his army commanders). For it didn’t make sense of being who he was, it seems lacked the faith and distrusted in the Lord. “Joab” reaffirmed his faith to the king, and said, “May the Lord your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such thing?” (v.3).
 King David’s sin was in putting his faith in numbers rather than in God[1]. In another words, He depended on the numbers of army, human fighters rather than rely on God. It took almost ten months passed before David realized his sin. [2]
The word of the Lord had come to Gad the prophet, the David’s seer: “I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you… Shall there come upon you three years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land?” (v.12-13).
           King David made choices, “Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great, but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” (v.14). So the Lord sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the ends of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. (v.15). But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord was grieved because of the calamity and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.”(v.16).
        When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, “I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall upon me and my family.” (v.17). Then, God demanded King David to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. “The threshing floor was on Mount Moriah, a hill in the region of Moriah, where Abraham offered Isaac and there Solomon later built the Temple.”(2Chron.3:11)[3]  King David, therefore, purchased the threshing floor from Araunah and build an altar to the Lord, that the plague on the people may be stopped. (v.21). He insisted on paying Araunah for it and will not sacrifice to the Lord burnt offerings that cost him nothing. (v.24). He spent fifty shekels of silver for the threshing floor, and the oxen. He fulfilled the important principle of sacrificial giving.[4]   David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered prayer in behalf o the Land, and the plague on Israel was stopped. (v.25).
 
Theological principle, Implication & application,
1). King David is a man heart of God’s own heart; he knew God is merciful and full of compassion. He will not hold the anger forever for his sins, he repented and petition for mercy. God modified the judgment and ceased the plague that was afflicting the people, because he was grieved for the 70, 000 people died in this calamity and affliction.  
2). In military sense, the sword of the Lord is greater than the sword of men. A great king needs a great army commander as Joab who had faith in the Lord, faithful, trustworthy, and loyalty. For some trust in the chariots, some in horses, but we shall fully trust in the name of the Lord our God. When God acts His judgment, he can just send a plague, calamity to wipe out the city, and doesn’t even need the human army.
3). In our Christian’s life journey, God will send the angel of Lord, His prophet as Gad  to speak the word of God, a great leader needs to be humble and listen carefully in order to live in a victorious life. Trust not your own strength, or understanding, all your way acknowledge the Lord, fully depends on the Lord, He will guard your own heart, and guide you into the path of peace, righteousness and a fruitful life.
4). the principle of sacrificial giving and build up the church is one of way to restore the blessing of nation. When King David built an altar, sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offering, God answered the prayers. He regained the blessing and ceased plague on his people.
Conclusion,
              My friends, in your Christian life journey, put God first, and fully rely on God’s divine power, wisdom, strength rather than the man’s. Encounter not your own understanding, nor your own judgment. Humble yourselves, let Word of God speak to your heart, and learn from the historical, theological events and heroes. You will gain the wisdom to lead and guide your nation into the path of peace and righteousness.


[1] Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986. 

[2]  Ibid., 447
[3]  Ibid.,448
[4] Ryrie, Charles C. Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986. 448.
           

Bibliography,

   Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.         

     



Sunday, April 23, 2017

The Ninth Phenomenon of Christology by Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce



THE PHENOMENON OF CHRISTOLOGY
 The ninth phenomenon of Christology is that the six significant elements as spiritual weapon to defeat the satanic attack and Darkness forces of evil. Christianities understand the spiritual warfare before the creation of man. In Gen.3 Satan was a serpent, Satan’s rebellion against God, and he was judged and sentenced to be case into sheol (Hades). Through the seventy disciples (Luke10:1), Christ on the cross (Heb.2:14;John12:31), the man-child and Michael before the great tribulation, when Satan will be case down to the earth (Rev.12:5,7-10,13), and through the angel before the millennium, when Satan will be cast into the abyss, the bottomless pit (Rev.20:1-3), Finally, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire to suffer the punishment of eternal fire after the millennium (Rev.20:10) for eternity. Christians who want to live in the victory life, they need six significant elements as spiritual weapon.  Full of Armor of God (Eph6:13); the breastplate of righteousness (Eph.6:14); Gospel of peace; Helmet of salvation; Shield of faith and the sword of spirit (Eph.6:17). These six spiritual elements empower Christianities to stand firm and fight good fight of faith in this Dark Age and live a victorious Christians’ life. This make Christology phenomenon.( By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce 2017)

Introduction

                 Living in this Dark Age, and face spiritual warfare, how to overcome a satanic attack and live in unity? What did Jesus urge His disciples? And what elements can result in victorious life? Christianities emphasize the six significant elements as spiritual weapon to defeat the satanic attack and evil forces in this Dark Age. First, full armor of God (Eph6:13); Second, the breastplate of righteousness (Eph.6:14); Third, Gospel of peace; Fourth, helmet of salvation; Fifth, shield of faith; Sixth, the sword of spirit (Eph.6:17). In the spiritual warfare against Satan and his evil kingdom, Christians can fight only in God’s strength, not in themselves, whenever they are in themselves, they are defeated. Church is seen as a warrior for the defeating of God’s enemy, the devil. And six spiritual elements empower Christianities to stand firm, fight good fight of faith in this Dark Age, and live a victorious Christian’s life. These victorious factors develop the ninth phenomenon of Christology.
Biblical precepts of a dragon, “δράκων”, “龍 ”( lueng’ shie’), a name for Satan
                  The followers of Christ and disciples are aware of Satan’s scheme, and Devil’s intention. Devil constantly creates the sense of fear, worry, depression, and anxiety in Christians’ life, it results Christians afraid to stand for the name of Jesus Christ, and fear to testify of Christ, because of afraid to be rejected or isolated. Satan will not stop to steal, destroy, and kill, until Christians give up their faith, hope and love in Christ. Christians’ struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
          According to the book of Revelation 12:3,4,7,9,13,16,17;13:2,4,11;16:13;20:2,10 describes dragon as follows,
             And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.(Rev.12:3).And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the   dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels (Rev.12:7). And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.(Rev.12:9). And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child (Rev.12:13).And the earth helped the woman, and the earth  opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (Rev.12:16). And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev.12:17). The devil who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of  burning sulfur where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev.20:10).

              In Greek the “δράκων drakōn means, “a dragon, a great serpent, a name for Satan”. In Chinese literally says, “ ” ( lueng’ shie’). It signifies Satan in Gen.3. Satan was a serpent, a smaller creature, a subtle one. He has become a dragon, much larger than a serpent and cruel. Therefore, he is called “a great red dragon” (Rev.12:3). Red here signifies the shedding of blood caused by Satan’s murders (Jh.8:44). The seven heads and ten horns are those of the beast, antichrist (13:1). This indicates that the dragon and the beast are one and antichrist is the embodiment of Satan. The dragon stood before the woman signifies that Satan is always against the people of God, opposing them. From the time of Gen.3:15 to this day, Satan, the ancient serpent, has been fighting continually against the woman with the intention of devouring her child. In the Bible, woman signifies the weaker one and man the stronger one. The man-child signifies the stronger part of God’s people. That the man-child is to shepherd all the nations with an iron, the man-child consists of the overcomers. The dragon is angry because he has been cast down and limited to the earth, thereby losing his territory in the heavens and in the air. Satan, the angry dragon, will concentrate his hatred upon God’s people. In Rev.12:17 indicate that dragon went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which signifies the people of God other than the man-child; those people constitute the weaker part of the woman. Among them, some are the Jews, who keep the commandments of God, and some are the believers, who have the testimony of Jesus. Both will pass through the great tribulation and suffer the dragon’s persecution and attack.
How to overcome the dragon (Satan- the ancient serpent) in this era? 
  •       1)            By believing the Lord gave authority to the disciples to subdue the Satan and Demons. As Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke10:18). Satan’s rebellion against God, before the creation of man, he was judged and sentenced to be case into sheol (Hades), to the recesses (the deepest part) of the pit (Isa.14:15; Ezek.28:17). Then God began to execute the sentence He had imposed on him. He has executed, and will execute, his sentence on different occasions and to different degrees, such as through the seventy disciples (Luke10:1), Christ on the cross (Heb.2:14;John12:31), the man-child and Michael before the great tribulation, when Satan will be case down to the earth (Rev.12:5,7-10,13), and through the angel before the millennium, when Satan will be cast into the abyss, the bottomless pit (Rev.20:1-3), Finally, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire to suffer the punishment of eternal fire after the millennium (Rev.20:10) for eternity.
  •       2)            By testifying and declare with the uttered word the Lord’s victory over him.
Jesus urged His disciples, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world. (Jh.16: 33).  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John14:27).  In this era, all saints need to testify that the devil has been judged by the Lord. Whenever we sense the devil’s accusation, we should verbally testify how the Lord has already dealt with him. We must declare with the uttered word the Lord’s victory over him.  
  •       3)            By the powerful name –Jesus as Jesus' prayer in John 17 indicates the significant element to protect believers and disciples from evil one. That is his powerful name “Jesus”. He prayed, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from evil one. Holy Father, Protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me so that they may be one as we are one (v.11). We who follow Jesus Christ have an enemy, and his name is Satan (Mark1:13). A created being, Satan is loose in the world but limited in what he can carry out against us. Satan's schemes and intends to draw us away from God through both direct and subtle means. Satan intends to thwart God's purpose in our lives by getting us out of our Father's will. Or deny God His rightful glory and honor, which results from our choosing to live obedient lives. But Jesus said, "Take heart! I have overcome". Christians believe “Jesus Christ is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John4:4)
Today, there are many dividing walls between people. Human nature is no different in the modern age than it was in the first century: Power, pride, and privilege still dominate in the kingdom of darkness. Unfortunately, many dividing walls also exist in the Christian community. Yet, the gospel of Jesus Christ is just as powerful today in "Making the two into one new man, thus establishing peace".(Eph.2:15) It doesn't matter what the barriers are -we can overcome them by recognizing that we all have our access to the Father through the same Spirit. (Eph.2:18). As Apostle Paul spoke to the church in Ephesus, "Now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” (Eph.2:13-14). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of peacemakers (Matt.5:9) some people do have a way about them that brings peace wherever they go. All of us, however, can become peacemakers because, as 1 Corinthians7:15 says, "God has called us to peace." and " if possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." (Rom.12:18). Jesus made it clear that unity within the church is a top priority. It doesn't really matter whether we have offended others or they have offended us in either case, we should take the initiative to be reconciled with our brothers. Even if a brother will not listen, we can still pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another (Rom.14:19). Accept one’s faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Christians shall pursue what they consider good not to be spoken of as evil.       
  •       4)            By take up the six elements as spiritual weapon in Book of Ephesians 6:10-18  
    How to overcome a satanic attack? Christians need to know there are six elements in Ephesians six in order to stand firm in this Dark Age and live a victorious Christians’ life. The  six elements as follows,
       Ø  First, we need to take up the “full of Armor of God”(Eph6:13). In the spiritual warfare against Satan and his evil kingdom, we can fight only in the Lord’s strength, not in our selves, whenever we are in ourselves, we are defeated. Church is seen as a warrior for the defeating of God’s enemy, the devil. To defeat God’s enemy, we need to put on the whole armor of God. To fight the spiritual warfare, we need not only the power of the Lord but also the armor of God. Our weapons do not avail, but God’s armor, even the whole armor of God, does avail. The whole armor of God is for the entire Body of Christ, not for any individual member of the Body. The church is a corporate warrior, and the believers are parts of this unique warrior. Only the corporate warrior, not any individual believer, can wear the whole armor of God. We must fight the spiritual warfare in the Body, not as individuals.

Ø  Second, the breastplate of righteousness is to cover our conscience, signified by the breast. Satan is the one who accuses us. In fighting against him we need a conscience void of offense. Regardless of how clear we feel our conscience is, it needs to be covered with the breastplate of righteousness, to be righteous is to be right with bother God and man. If we are just a litter wrong with either God or man, Satan will accuse us and there will be holes in our conscience through which all our faith and boldness will leak out. Therefore, we need the covering of righteousness to protect us from the enemy’s accusation. Such righteousness is Christ. (1Cor.1:10).
Ø  Third, “Gospel of peace” means the Christ made peace for us, with both God and man, on the cross, and this peace has become our gospel. This gospel of peace has been established as a firm foundation as a readiness with which our feet may be shod. Being thus shod, we will have a firm footing what we may stand to fight the spiritual warfare. The peace for such a firm foundation also is Christ.
Ø  Fourth, Helmet of salvation” is for covering our mind, our mentality against the negative thoughts shot in by the evil one. Such a helmet, such a covering is God’s salvation. Satan injects threats, worries, anxieties, and other weakening thoughts into our mind. God’s salvation is the covering that we take up against all these. Such a salvation is the saving Christ whom we experience in our daily life. 
Ø  Fifth, Shield of faith”. In Eph.6:16 indicate that believers need to take up “the shield of faith”, with which they will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. “The flaming darts” are Satan’s temptations, proposals, doubts, questions, lies, and attacks. Flaming darts were used by fighters in the apostle’s time. The apostle used this term to illustrate Satan’s attacks on us. Therefore, believers need Shield of faith to protect ourselves against the attacks of the enemy. And to have our loins girded with truth, our conscience covered with righteousness, our feet shod with peace, and our entire being protected with the shield of faith. If we live by God as reality (truth), we have righteousness. And righteousness issues in peace. Having all these, we can easily have faith as a shield against the evil one’s flaming darts. Christ is the Author and Perfecter of such faith. For us to stand firmly in the battle, we need to be equipped with all these four time of God’s armor.
Ø  Sixth, sword of the spirit” (Eph.6:17). It indicates not sword, but “Spirit” which is “Word of God”. Both the Spirit and the Word are Christ (2cor.3:17; Rev.19:13). Christ as the Spirit and the word furnishes us with a sword as an offensive weapon to defeat and slay the enemy. “The spirit is the word of God” meant the instant word spoken at the moment by the Spirit in any situation. The sword, the spirit, and the word are one. When the constant word in the Bible becomes the instant word, that word is the Spirit as the sword that defeats the enemy. Therefore, to memorize Word of God is important to all the disciples and believers.
            Through it all, God's intention to His people are good not evil. So that Christ may make His home in all the believers' hearts through faith. And being rooted and grounded in love. And be full of strength to apprehend with all the saints what the breadth and length and height and depth are. And to know the knowledge-surpassing love of Christ, that all the saints may be filled unto all the fullness of God. For to Him who is able to do super abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power which operates in us. (Eph.6:17-20). For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, of whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit into the inner man. That Christ may make His home in your hearts through faith.(Eph.3:14-17).
Conclusion
              The ninth phenomenon of Christology unveils the powerful name of Jesus, and six elements of victory of Christian’s life. They need to believe Jesus’ powerful name and authority that He gave to them can triumph the serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. Christians can fight only in the Lord’s strength, not in themselves, whenever they are in themselves, they are defeated. Church is as a warrior for the defeating of God’s enemy, the devil. The followers of Christ need to stand firm for the word of God and not be shaken. For the Satan’s rebellion against God, before the creation of man, he was judged and sentenced to be case into sheol (Hades), to the recesses (the deepest part) of the pit (Isa.14:15; Ezek.28:17). through the seventy disciples (Luke10:1), Christ on the cross (Heb.2:14;John12:31), the man-child and Michael before the great tribulation, when Satan will be case down to the earth (Rev.12:5,7-10,13), and through the angel before the millennium, when Satan will be cast into the abyss, the bottomless pit (Rev.20:1-3), Finally, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire to suffer the punishment of eternal fire after the millennium (Rev.20:10) for eternity. All the disciples, followers of Christ must be aware that the whole armor of God is for the entire Body of Christ, not for any individual member of the Body. The church is a corporate warrior, and the believers are parts of this unique warrior. Only the corporate warrior, not any individual believer, can wear the whole armor of God. We must fight the spiritual warfare in the Body, not as individuals. Christians need the covering of righteousness to protect them from the enemy’s accusation, such righteousness is Christ. (1Cor.1:10). And Helmet of salvation” is for covering our mind, our mentality against the negative thoughts shot in by the evil one. Believers need to take up “the shield of faith”, with which they will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take up “sword of the spirit”, it indicates not sword, but “Spirit” which is “Word of God”. Both the Spirit and the Word are Christ (2cor.3:17; Rev.19:13). When the constant word in the Bible becomes the instant word, that word is the Spirit as the sword that defeats the enemy. These six elements are significant spiritual weapon, it enables Christianities stand firm for their faith in this Dark Age. Hence, these victorious factors develop the ninth phenomenon of Christology.

Bibliography,
            
             Bruce, Katherine L. Weekly message: how to overcome the satanic attack and live in victory. Orlando, FL: Christian arts Ministries 2016. https://youtu.be/DcsjbHfex8U

 Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd Chicago: The University of Chicago press,2000.
Brown, Robert, Philip W. Comfort and J.D. Douglas, ed. The New Greek English Interlinear New Testament. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.1990.
Friberg, Timothy, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F. Miller et al., eds. Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament.1st ed. Victoria BC: Trafford Publishing, 2005.

Lee, Witness. The New Testament (R.V.) Anaheim, CA: Living Stream Ministry, 1985.

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.  
 Strong, James. Strong’s: the expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010.