“Be strong in your work for I am with you”
February 8, 2012 | 
Author “Be strong in your work for I am with you”
By
Jose de Carvalho
It has been sometime since I last posted to this blog, but I can assure that it has not been through neglect.
What motivated me to do so now was a study on the book of Haggai. The book of Haggai addresses problems common to all people of all times and gives inspired solutions to those problems. The first problem he encountered was disinterest (1:1-15), the second problem was discouragement (2:1-9) and the last problem Haggai had to face was dissatisfaction (2:10-23).
The summary of the prophetic message of Haggai is that we should embrace the task assigned to us by God. We should not allow
difficulties, enemies, or selfish pursuits to derail us from our divinely given responsibilities. The noble nature of our calling and the promised presence of God and His Holy Spirit should encourage us to fulfil our commission.
The objective of this post is to enumerate practical truths from the book:
- God and His work must take first place in the life of His people. This is the only way through which God is honoured.
- Putting personal or selfish interests ahead of God is self-defeating.
- God showers His blessings on those who put His interests before their own.
- The significance of a man’s work is not to be valued by comparing it with the work of others, but by the measure of how it conforms to God’s will and purpose.
If any of this is interesting or enriches you, stay connected and travel with me as we migrate in this pilgrimage of life finding ‘what adds meaning to our lives’.
The ‘Nephilim’ Biblical Giants
The attached astonishing photos from an archaeological
discovery in Greece furnish the proof of the existence of the giants spoken of
in biblical times!!!
Although the site is a hoax it nevertheless serves as a good introduction to a discussion on biblical giants. The first biblical account
dates back to Genesis Chapter 6 verse 4.
There is controversy surrounding the origin of these giants or “Nephilim”. The origin of the controversy lies within Gen 6:2, “Sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose” (NKJV). This verse gave rise to the interpretive view that “sons of God” is referring to angels. This is fraught with interpretive difficulties, but according to some it seems the most likely. It serves to reinforce the pre-flood evil in the world, for God abhors interbreeding of unlike species (v.5).
It is my opinion that although intermarriage between angles and human beings, though commonly mentioned in ancient mythologies, are surely excluded by the very nature of the created order.
There is nothing in the text of Gen 6:2 that indicates that “sons of God” should be interpreted as angels – unlike Job1:6 where it fits
within the context of the chapter. The context of Gen 6:2 fits more likely within the context of Deut. 14:1 where the “sons of God” is referring to the “children of the Lord God”. Genesis 6:1-4 is more likely to refer to “sons of God”, meaning followers of God, as found in Gen 4:6 where “men began to call upon the name of the Lord”, marking the beginning of Seth’s line. The purpose of this narrative seems to trace the parallel development of the Godly line (“sons of God”) in contrast with Cain’s godless descendants, referred to as “daughters of men”, and the two lines intermarrying. My conclusion is therefore that the giants were not the offspring of intermarriage between angels and humans, but rather that Moses is referring to intermarriage between Godly sons and ungodly wives.
Posted in Science vs Theology | 
Tags: Biblical Giants, Nephilim, nephilim giants, nephilim giants in the bible | 
2 Comments »
The previleges of adoption
The privileges of adoption
By
Jose de carvalho
When we come to God for salvation through faith in Christ we are made spiritually alive, able to relate to God in prayer and worship and able to hear His Word and Voice with receptive hears. One of the major blessings of salvation is adoption; the act of God whereby He makes us members of His family, and His children related to one another in the body as family members. John mentions adoption at the beginning of his gospel, where he says “to all who received him, who believed in his name, He gave power to become children of God” (John 1:12). The New Testament’s epistles repeatedly bear testimony to the fact that we are now God’s children (Romans 8:14-17).
What are the privileges of adoption?
One of the greatest privileges of our adoption is being able to relate to Him as a benevolent loving father. We are to realise that we “are no longer slaves but sons” (Gal. 4:7) therefore we are not to relate to God as a master, but as a child relates to a father. This relationship to God as father is the foundation of many blessings in a Christian’s life. The most intimate role and the role that conveys the highest privileges of fellowship with God for eternity is His role as our heavenly father. This relationship illustrates clearly that He loves and understand us. He has compassion and cares for us, takes care of our needs and gives us gifts. He especially gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to comfort us and empower us for ministry and Christian living. Gifts not only in this life, but also in the afterlife. As sons and joint heirs with Christ, we have an inheritance in heaven. We are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Rom.8:17) thus have the rights to “an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).
“…and forgive us our sins” (Matt 6:9-12), this daily prayer for forgiveness is not a prayer of justification. Rather a prayer in which we express a wish to restore the open fellowship with our Father that has been disrupted by sin that displeases Him. It is a prayer of restoration not to a judge, but to a loving father.
The privilege of being “lead by the Spirit” is another benefit of adoption.” All whoare led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Rom 8:14).The Holy Spirit put in every believer the desire to obey God and enable us to live according to His will. As God’s children we are to imitate our Father in conduct. Paul says “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph.5:1).
Another privilege of adoption into God’s family, though not always recognized as a privilege, is the fact that God disciplines us as His children. “The Lord disciplines him whom He loves” (Heb. 12:5-6). God treats us as sons: “for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Heb. 12:7).
It is in the context of a father that we must relate to God and to the Church as members of one family. This concept of the Church as God’s family should give us a new perspective on the work of the Church: it is family work!!! The various members of the family should never compete with each other or hinder one another’s efforts, but should encourage one another and be thankful for whatever good or whatever progress comes to any member of the family, for all are contributing to the good of the family and honour of God our Father.
If any of this is interesting or enriches you, stay connected and travel with me as we migrate in this pilgrimage of life finding ‘what adds meaning to our lives’.
Bible verses, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the NKJV Holy Bible copyright 1983 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Posted in Salvation | Tags: Adoption into the family of God, Church family, The previleges of adoption | No Comments »
What is my calling?
- Baptism in the Holy Spirit as a means to Holiness
Sanctification
Paul indicates that throughout a Christian’s life….., “we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18). My exhortation is that we should commit to the process of becoming more like Christ. (Phil. 3:13) “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” (Phil. 3:14) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. In the spiritual race that goal is Christ; that is ethical-spiritual perfection in Him. With all his heart the apostle desired to be completely raised above sin.
Believers are so preoccupied trying to find the calling on their lives? They go on courses, programs, take questioners to find their ministry etc., totally ignoring what the primary call is for all believers: namely to became like Christ and to put on the “new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, conformed to the likeness of Christ” (Col 3:10).The author of Hebrews tells his readers in Heb. 12:14, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”. Do not let sin dominate your lives (Rom.6:14). James encourages his readers to “be doers of the Word and not hearers only” (James 1:22) and Peter tells his readers 1Pet 1:15, “as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” All the apostles in their exhortations command people to sanctification; thus showing that sanctification is required in the Christian life in deed, thoughts, attitudes as well as words and it is the primary call of the Christian life, “predestined to be conformed to the image of His son”(Rom.8:29). God is at work in you, so cooperate!!!! It is the goal of salvation.
The tragedy is that in so many Christian circles the ‘passive’ role in sanctification, the idea of yielding to God and trusting Him to work in us is sometimes so strongly emphasised that it is the only thing people focus on as the path of sanctification. Sometimes the popular phrase ’let go and let God’ is given as a summary of how to live the Christian life. But this is a tragic distortion of the doctrine of sanctification, for it only speaks of one half of the part we must play, and, by itself, will leave Christians to become lazy and to neglect the ‘active’ role that Scripture commands them to play in their own sanctification. To this end Paul acknowledges that it is “by the Spirit” that we are able to live this life (Rom 8). But he also says we must do it. Paul did not command the Holy Spirit to put to death the deeds of the flesh; he commanded Christians to do it. Rom 6:12, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.” Rom 6:13, “And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”
If any of this is interesting or enriches you, stay connected and travel with me as we migrate in this pilgrimage of life finding ‘what adds meaning to our lives’.
Bible verses, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible copyright 1983 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Posted in The Purpose of life | Tags: the purpose of life, The purpose of the Christian life | No Comments »
Redefining the concept of the seven deadly sins
- seven deadly sins
The New seven deadly Sins
By
Jose de Carvalho
Before the interesting part I am first compelled to offer some theological comments.
This post does not imply an endorsement of the Roman Catholic teaching that sins can be put into two categories: ‘venial’ and ‘mortal’.
In Roman Catholic teaching, a ‘venial’ sin can be forgiven but a mortal sin causes spiritual death and cannot be forgiven; it excludes people from the kingdom of God.
According to my interpertation of scripture all sins are ‘mortal’, even the smallest sin makes us legally guilty before God and worthy of eternal punishment. Yet even the most serious sins are forgiven when one comes to Christ for salvation, thus in this sense all sins are ‘venial’.
Redefining the concept of sin
The Vatican’s’ Apostolic Penitentiary, which decides on matters of conscience and grants absolutions, decided that the seven deadly sins need to be updated to reflect changes in society. The original sins were:
Envy, pride, lust, gluttony, anger, greed and sloth, as laid down by Pope Gregory in the 16th century, were now revised for the 21st-century. The seven new sins that were identified are:
Genetic modification, experiments on human beings, pollution, acts that cause social injustice, taking drugs, causing poverty and obscene wealth.
The church stated that the ‘new’ sins identified were the application of Catholic moral principles in a changing world and did not change the original sins as not sins.
Posted in Sin | Tags: new concept of sin, Roman Catholic Church, the concept of sin, the seven deadly sins, venial and mortal sins | No Comments »
Salvation
Salvation is Christ’s work
By
Jose de Carvalho
This is the last post in the series of comments on the Pope’s speech. It deals with the insinuation of the association between the ‘church’ and salvation. There needs to be a clear warning that a mere association with a ‘church’ and outward conformity to the accepted Christian patterns of church practice does not guarantee salvation; particularly in societies and cultures where it is easy and expected for people to profess to be Christian. There is a real possibility that some people are associated with the ‘church’ through infant baptism and are not genuine believers. The consequence is that these will be lured into complacency by assurances that they will still have justification and adoption into God’s family through their association with the ‘church’.
A consistent pattern of disobedience to Christ’s Commandments, coupled with the lack of the evidence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), as well as the absence of a Christ-like character is a warning signal that a person is probably not a true Christian inwardly and that there has never been a genuine heart-faith decision for Christ. Consequently there are thus no signs of any regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. The words of John the Baptist (1 John 2:4) come to mind. He tells us “he who says I know Him but does not obey His Commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him”.
The objective of the post is to promote introspection. A long term pattern of increasing disobedience to Christ should be taken as evidence to doubt that one is really a Christian at all. Examine yourself!!!
Posted in Salvation | Tags: am i a christian?, salvation, salvation in Christ, salvation throught the church | No Comments »
The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ Part 3
The Rapture part 3
by
Jose de Carvalho
The New Testament does not justify an idea of two separate returns of Christ (rapture) as no such view is explicitly thought in any passage, it is an inference drawn from differences in between passages that describe Christ return from different perspectives.
This post must be read subsequent to perusing my previous two posts on the ‘rapture’ http://whataddsmeaningtolife.co.za/?p=264 and http://whataddsmeaningtolife.co.za/?p=276
I Corinthians chapter 15
Some assert that these verses confirm a rapture concept of eschatology. However, this text is not a discussion on the end time events but the resurrection. Death was defeated at the empty tomb (v. 20) thus validation that believers are reassured of their own resurrection in Christ (v. 22). We must be careful of our theological agendas driving the interpretation of a context.
A secret event?
The rapture is quite clearly linked with the Lords return and not a secret event, the loud trumpet of God in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and the trumpet at which our bodies are changed into immortality in Corinthians 15:51-52 all seem to be the same trumpet, the last trumpet before the end (Matt 24:31) “at the last trumpet” this was an Old Testament way of announcing the end-time events by means of the shophar. The second coming will be heard and visible to all.
Regarding the contention that at the rapture, believers “meet the Lord in the air “(1 Thessalonians 4:17), but at the second coming, believers return with the Lord to the earth as proof that the events are distinct I offer the following:
The Second Coming is referred to repeatedly in 1 Thessalonians (1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11), notice that neither in this book nor 2 Thess. does Paul mention (see also 1 Cor. 15:25) an earthly reign but an eternal reign. Paul’s terminology implies the eternal kingdom begins when Jesus returns. This is exactly what he is asserts in all his epistles without any further elaboration. Paul does not even imply that Jesus returns completely to the earth (neither does the Lord), therefore the fact that believers “meet the Lord” in the air (1 Thess. 4:17) does not prove that the events Paul is referring to are distinct from the second coming.
Finally, from the commentary in all the posts in this series it is not difficult to see that all the passages refer to a single event, the second return of Christ. I am thus compelled not to go beyond Christ’s and the apostles teaching on the matter.
Posted in Rapture | Tags: 1 Thessalonian4:13-18, end times, judgement day, Matthew 24:40-42, Rapture, second coming | 1 Comment »
The rapture and the Second coming of Christ Part 2
The rapture or the second coming
The Rapture part 2
By
Jose de Carvalho
The rapture and the second coming of Christ are often confused. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether a scripture verse is referring to the rapture or the second coming.This post must be read subsequent to perusing my previous post on the ‘rapture’ http://whataddsmeaningtolife.co.za/?p=264 .
Although the Thessalonian correspondence is not a letter about eschatology, in addressing a new question in that community, Paul’s response plays a strategic part in shaping the outlook of the converts who heard it. Some believers in Thessalonica have died – “those who have fallen asleep” (v.13). The surviving believers, having heard Paul’s enthusiastic proclamation of the return of Christ, may have expected Christ’s return to be in a short while. This is not surprising as Paul appears to expect to be among the “we” (v.15, 17) that will be alive at the time of Jesus’ return. Thus the community was taken aback when death came to the lives of some before Christ returned. This advent left the community wondering whether or not the brothers and sisters had been cut off from the hope of participating in Christ’s return. Paul assured the believers that those who have died ‘in Christ’ will also be triumphant over death, just like Christ (v.14). He is able to fulfil God’s promises to those who have trusted in God and have “fallen asleep” (v.14). The living believers will be reunited with their dead brothers and sisters at the second coming of Jesus and will experience the final triumph of God together (v.14-16). Paul ends by recapitulating Matthew 24:30 ‘the final redemption at the second coming’ (v.16) and the translation (rapture) of those that are alive ‘in Christ’ and will not experience death (Matt 24:31).
This commentary without recontextualisation clearly indicates that Paul is comforting (v.18) believers of their Christian hope in ‘day of the Lord’.
Many try to relate these verses (1 Thess. 4:13-18) as well as Matthew 24:40-42 to a rapture before the second coming, as with the previous post analyses the evidence does not demand this view.
So I reiterate: it is my conviction that both the Lord and Paul teach that the eternal kingdom begins when Jesus returns without mentioning any other end-time events. There is only one resurrection and one return of Christ. Any other conclusions are a by-product of lifting scripture out of its context, or drawing more from a passage in defence of a particular view.
Next post I will exegete 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 regarding the rapture and the contention that the rapture will be secret and instant (1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-18), and the second coming will be visible to all (Matthew 24:29-30)?
In future I will deal with the contention that at the rapture, believers meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). At the second coming, believers return with the Lord to the earth as proof that the events are distinct.
Posted in Rapture | Tags: 1 Thessalonian4:13-18, end times, judgement day, Matthew 24:40-42, Rapture, second coming | 1 Comment »
The Rapture and the second coming of Christ Part 1
The Rapture part 1
By
Jose de Carvalho
The world renowned evangelist Harold Camping predicted that the Rapture and Judgement Day will take place on May 21 2011. Since nothing happened, it is obviously clear that he was wrong!
It may appear that it is a little late to post on this issue. Not so though, because historically there have been many predictions on this issue that have clearly been incorrect, including Harold Camping’s previous prediction in 1990. I am certain that there will be future ones likely forthcoming from Mr camping, not to forget the ones from Nostradamus, Mayan and gnostic texts.
Firstly the Bible clearly warns us against making exact predictions or claiming to know precisely when Christ will return. Just before He ascended into heaven, Jesus told His disciples,”…it is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set…”. It surprises me beyond belief that although it is common knowledge in the Christian community that believers will not know the time of Jesus’ return, there are still some sectarian groups falling for this pseudo-religious prophecy. The audacity of Camping to get it wrong the first time then come up with a new date confounds me. Still people believe him. I have to ask what sort of person continuously believes such nonsense? Camping should be the last person that one should trust. At the risk of sounding judgemental, Mr Camping should remain in his area of expertise as an engineer and leave biblical prophecy to God where it belongs. Having analysed the formula by which he arrived at the due date, I think he’s gone senile – not surprising considering he is 89 years old!
In the aftermath of the Camping’s advent, the issues surrounding the rapture featured more prominently in people’s minds than Judgement Day. With this in mind I would like to add the following:
Due to the different views on the “millennium” the church is impregnated with a certain traditional predisposition for understanding the rapture as an event that takes place in a period between the current age and the end times. As a disciple of Christ and taking heed to His teachings there is no evidence of a future millennium or earthly reign – just that the second coming will mark the end of the present age and the beginning of the eternal state at which point there will be a resurrection of believers and unbelievers. Firstly the believers that are alive in Christ will be caught up to be with Christ (rapture), and then the bodies of dead believers will rise to be reunited with their spirits and enter into full enjoyment of heaven forever. Unbelievers will be raised to face the final judgement and eternal condemnation. Believers will also stand before the judgement seat of Christ only to determine the degree of their heavenly reward. At this time the new Heavens and new Earth will begin. All of the above is sequential but immediate.
Many have disagreed about the sequence of the end-time events. Some expect a secret rapture of believers (Matt. 24:40-42) before a thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth (Rev. 20).Often a seven-year tribulation period (Dan. 7:25; 9:27) is linked to this. Some theologians have the rapture before, in the middle, or after this seven year period. The order and nature of these end-time events seem ambiguous at best.
The History channel aired a documentary (17th June 2011) called ‘decoding the past’ where historians examined the myths of the ‘end times’. J. Rosenberg, the author of the ‘Last Jihad’ commented on the ‘rapture’ quoting from Matthew 24:40 regarding believers departing the earth and the narrator commented “leaving behind obvious chaos”.
My contention is that the text in context does not demand this interpretation. Matt. 24:40-41 “there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left”
24:42 “be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming”.
Many try to relate this to a secret rapture. However, the context implies blessing on some and judgment on others in the day the Lord returns. The emphasis of these verses is on being ready and the uncertainty of the time (Matt 24:39,47,49,50), as two recurrent themes in the chapter. The uncertainty of the time provides motivation for the continued readiness of each generation of believers.
Why do I hold my position: it is my conviction that both the Lord and Paul teach that the eternal kingdom begins when Jesus returns without mentioning any of the other end-time events. Any other conclusions are a by-product of lifting scripture out of its context, or drawing more from a passage in defence of a particular view without drawing an integrative interpretation – a point that I feel comfortable to defend. To this end I will offer further commentary in future posts, specifically from the book of Thessalonians where the ‘Rapture’ features prominently.
My advice is that the focal point should be on what we know: God someday will intervene and bring to an end this present world; the most important question should be whether we ready for Christ’s return?
Posted in Rapture | Tags: 1 Thessalonian4:13-18, end times, judgement day, Matthew 24:40-42, Rapture, second coming | No Comments »
Voting as a Christian Duty
Voting as a Christian duty
By
Jose de Carvalho
As Election Day is approaching there is considerable tension in my mind regarding to whom I should be voting for or whether I should vote at all. I am reminded that it is my democratic right not to vote. When I was in Portugal last year during election time I was surprised by the number of ‘no confidence votes’ that were cast – meaning voters go to the poles cast a ballot without a selection. In some constituencies they were so high that it surpassed most of the small parties and independents.
My tension originates out of a conscious to vote for political parties with manifestos that contains serious disregard for Scriptural authority. I further have to admit that previously my voting strategy was to oppose the ruling party, but after careful consideration I believe that this strategy also does not stand the scrutiny of the word of God as I am just voting motivated by my fears rather my hope. Many talk about the ‘civil duty’ to vote, does this mean believers should relax their Christian duty in order to exercise their civil duty?
Believers are misled in their interpretation of Paul’s instruction on submission to the state (Romans 13:1-7). Is it possible that Paul is instructing the Christian body to submit even in situations where policies are marred by gross injustice? When authority opposes God’s order, punishes the good while rewarding evil? Inflicts misery on the innocent for the benefit of the privileged? Threatens its citizens? Is corrupt to the core? Fails to meet its civil duties and dispense criminal justice? Encourages people to participate in idolatry and ungodliness? Most certainly not! I think Paul would be asking “why are you sinning against the Lord your God”.
Paul’s words concerning the role of the Christian attitude to authorities cannot be heard apart from its context. Paul wrote these instructions during the first five years of Nero’s reign (Aprox.A.D.54) – well before his administration moved to the excesses for which it is remembered. Would Paul utter the same words after Nero’s excesses, brutalities and terror to its citizens? Most certainly not!
A sound philosophy for Christian response to human authority must take into account the full council of God’s Word and witness to the subject including the book of Revelation’s strong criticism to a regime that upholds values contrary to the justice of God. Governments have no quasi-divine status: they have authority only as God’s servants, and they are legitimated by God only to the extent that they reinforce God’s justice and advance God’s purposes for human society.
The believer should then be distanced from national and political ideologies that are contradictory to the final authority of the Word of God and consider the governing authorities from the viewpoint of how they serve God’s purposes. Submission to government does not rule out criticism and prophetic direction, rather criticism non-violent protest and non-participation would be a more appropriate Christian response and duty.
I know most are going to dismiss entirely my reasoning on the basis of misguided ‘ethical civil duty’ so I will provide a real example to emphasize my point:
Again during my stay in Portugal I listened to a lengthy interview on television from a professed devout Catholic on the merits of voting for the Communist party to address social injustice and the misery of the poor!!!!!! At the risk of being inappropriate does all this apply to the ruling party? For me it does.
How about the Democratic Alliance that does not have a policy on moral consciousness issues and won’t comment even though I have addressed it with the Public Liaison Officer. So what am I voting for? What will they do? Judging by the number of votes that they receive from the segment of the population that is ‘church going’ obviously it does not really matter.
Jose
Posted in Elections | Tags: Christian duty, elections, submission to goverment, Voting | No Comments »
