Avalon Chronicles #57: "Who Was Pilate's Wife"
by Allen B.Clark allenbclark@aol.com,
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: 'Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.'"
Matthew 27:19 (NIV)
Poll one hundred non-Biblical scholars and ask,"What is the name of Pontius Pilate's wife?" Probably none will be able to answer. Pilate's wife is only mentioned in this one reference and without her name. She sent her husband the message as it is pictured in the movies with her standing behind a column watching Jesus before Pilate. Presumably Jesus appeared before Pilate in the Antonia Fortress (later the Praetorium) at the northwest corner of the Temple perhaps on Good Friday before he was nailed to the cross at Golgotha. The Romans placed great stock in dreams. They believed that they were sent from heaven as gifts and warnings that were not to be ignored.
Almost two decades ago, my wife Linda, was asked to read at her church on Palm Sunday the message in Matthew 27 about the trials of Jesus. She became curious as to the name of Pilate's wife and began her quest at a nearby Greek Orthodox church where the resident scholar admitted his faith celebrates on October 27 a feast day in celebration of Claudia Procula. The faith believes she became a Believer in Jesus and that her life passed in peace. Linda began a quest to learn more about this woman and what she learned is tremendously fascinating. She learned that Claudia and Pilate both are celebrated on July 25 by the Coptic Church of Ethiopia, which believes they both became Christians.
Claudia Procula was the granddaughter of the Great Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. She was technically a Roman princess and the daughter of Augustus' daughter Julia. Julia was reported to have had many lovers and it is probable that Claudia was an illegitimate child. She grew up in Norbonne, France about twelve miles from the Mediterranean Sea. This was a Roman outpost in what was then called Gaul. It is not known when she met and married Pilate, who was from an old Roman family and an equestrian in the Roman Cavalry. Possibly the connections of Claudia led Pilate to the governorship of the Roman province of Judea from 26-36 AD. Her influence with Augustus further allowed her to live in Judea with her husband. This was not allowed in other cases by Augustus.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Josephus, the eminent Jewish historian, wrote that Pilate had an encounter with some rebellious Samaritans and it ended with some deaths. Pilate was recalled to Rome to report on the issue to the Emperor Tiberius, who died enroute, and when Pilate arrived, Caligula was the new Emperor. It is reported that Pilate was dealt with very harshly and was exiled. In those days if a man was exiled, he faced disgrace and the loss of his wealth, leaving his family destitute. An alternative was to commit suicide, which allowed the family's reputation to be unaffected. This act was not interpreted as one of despair, but one of calculated courage by Pilate.
There are two mountains in Europe named for Pilate and it is speculated that he fell to his death from one of them: Mt. Pilate in France, south of Lyon and Mt. Pilatas, southwest of Lucerne in Switzerland.
Almost two decades ago Linda began her lay ministry by researching woman of the Bible and it has evolved to where today she performs dramatic presentations of the Bible in period costumes she has researched and sews herself. These are done at churches and women's groups. She considers her drama on Claudia to be her flagship performance. Her web site is at http;//voices.name.
This Holy Week we can recall no words more important than those reported in Matthew 27:54 (NIV): "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, 'Surely he was the Son of God.'"
Assuredly He was, we are convicted of that, and because of that belief, our lives have been changed forever!
Monday, March 21, 2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #56: "Careless Words"
Avalon Chronicles #56: "Careless Words"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words will be condemned." (Matthew 12: 36,37, NIV Zondervan). The footnote, "Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. What kind of words come from your mouth?... You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source." (1674).
This passage has been part of my daily prayer "ritual" for years. It has always typically only meant for me "bad" language. However, this day I read something written by a minister that opened up to Linda and me an entirely new and profoundly deeper meaning. If you are a reader of my Chronicles, who lends no credence to spiritual warfare, demonic influence in your life, or the strength of your words as to their potential effect in power to be brought to fruition, then read no further.
If you are still with me, then allow me to quote from a book titled The Biblical Guidebook to Deliverance by Randy Clark, DMin, a minister we personally heard at a conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee several years ago. Clark, no relation, has ministered extensively in all parts of the world to tens of thousands. He wrote,
"A curse is an evil appeal for harm to come to someone. Many of us are unaware that words of criticism or condemnation spoken to or about another can actually curse that person. When we speak against someone, we open a door for the demonic to exercise their legal right to attach to that person's life. Something said in anger or frustration can set in motion forces in the supernatural that have the potential to do great harm. Most people are unaware of this dynamic until they come under teaching that brings it to light. This is one category of curses." (80).
Linda and I began to discuss and reflect on the implications of this throughout our past lives. We give great plausibility to this spiritual teaching. We began to consider all the times in our lives when we had spoken negatively of family members, children, friends, or just anyone with whom we had come in contact. It was quite sobering indeed to recognize the possible harm we had done to others much less the spiritual failure we had committed ourselves. If we belief scripture, and especially the words of Jesus, which are these in Matthew, and we do, it will indeed be a part of our future judgment. We do not know how we can undo ill effects of our past careless words, but we are cognizant from here forward of this truth. We requested forgiveness for those past words and requested God in the Name of Jesus to break any past or ongoing negative impacts in those lives.
Not to make light of all this, but we did have a laugh when jointly we said, "This spiritual truth has ruined our day." But, it will not again. Now we know better!
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words will be condemned." (Matthew 12: 36,37, NIV Zondervan). The footnote, "Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. What kind of words come from your mouth?... You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source." (1674).
This passage has been part of my daily prayer "ritual" for years. It has always typically only meant for me "bad" language. However, this day I read something written by a minister that opened up to Linda and me an entirely new and profoundly deeper meaning. If you are a reader of my Chronicles, who lends no credence to spiritual warfare, demonic influence in your life, or the strength of your words as to their potential effect in power to be brought to fruition, then read no further.
If you are still with me, then allow me to quote from a book titled The Biblical Guidebook to Deliverance by Randy Clark, DMin, a minister we personally heard at a conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee several years ago. Clark, no relation, has ministered extensively in all parts of the world to tens of thousands. He wrote,
"A curse is an evil appeal for harm to come to someone. Many of us are unaware that words of criticism or condemnation spoken to or about another can actually curse that person. When we speak against someone, we open a door for the demonic to exercise their legal right to attach to that person's life. Something said in anger or frustration can set in motion forces in the supernatural that have the potential to do great harm. Most people are unaware of this dynamic until they come under teaching that brings it to light. This is one category of curses." (80).
Linda and I began to discuss and reflect on the implications of this throughout our past lives. We give great plausibility to this spiritual teaching. We began to consider all the times in our lives when we had spoken negatively of family members, children, friends, or just anyone with whom we had come in contact. It was quite sobering indeed to recognize the possible harm we had done to others much less the spiritual failure we had committed ourselves. If we belief scripture, and especially the words of Jesus, which are these in Matthew, and we do, it will indeed be a part of our future judgment. We do not know how we can undo ill effects of our past careless words, but we are cognizant from here forward of this truth. We requested forgiveness for those past words and requested God in the Name of Jesus to break any past or ongoing negative impacts in those lives.
Not to make light of all this, but we did have a laugh when jointly we said, "This spiritual truth has ruined our day." But, it will not again. Now we know better!
Friday, February 12, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #55: "Taming the Lion"
Avalon Chronicles #55: "Taming the Lion"
Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
I Peter 5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (NIV).
John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV).
It is with some trepidation that I write this message and introduce a spiritual topic either mis- or un-understood by many. There are those that will think skeptically of me for introducing what I believe about spiritual warfare and demonology. If you think that, hold your judgment until you read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, the eminent Oxford University scholar and prolific author. I am 73 now and I do not know how much longer my good Lord will allow me to serve Him, so I am not going to be, as it is described, "politically correct," especially five years into my Chronicles writings.
In one of my daily Scripture readings I came across the concept of the relative safety of airline travel considering how many flights criss-cross our globe each day. This is because the industry, at least in the United States, is highly-controlled through regulation. With government oversight and industry supervision there are many checks, rules, and laws which minimize accidents.The theory spiritually is that the devil (Satan) has to work very hard to effect disasters because of the control of the aviation industry. The devil has a harder time in airline travel to kill and destroy through causing accidents.
The hypothesis of control and regulation has its comparability in our own lives. Bad things happen to good people and obviously likewise to bad people. In my daily prayers I pray for protection of my family and others from benign neglect, malicious intent, and "stupids". When we are not controlled and alert in our daily actions and behaviors, we make mistakes with negative consequences. The malicious intent danger to us relates practically in our worlds to those who would do us harm and in the spiritual realm to the devil, that "roaring lion," who targets us in our weak areas to wreak havoc in our lives and to take away our lives.
We have a dear and close ministry friend, Everett Cox from Oklahoma City, who has a deliverance ministry (www.delmin.org). He has been a guest in our home and on a cable television program we produced years ago. My affinity for him partially is due to his being a fellow veteran. The benign neglect (and perhaps "stupids") we commit, as it relates especially to sins and withholding forgiveness, allows openings in some instances of "pathways of evil" that authorizes that "roaring lion" to assign a demon(s) in the legions of them he commands to enter our spirit and take us down and work us over.
Those "pathways of evil" to enter and control us must be closed through control and self-regulation just as for airplanes. At my website (http://www.combatfaith.com/QandA.html) I discuss the technique I have learned to close those "pathways" or "doorways" so that the one, who comes to steal and kill and destroy, cannot "devour' us. The closing process requires constant and disciplined confession of our sins, big and little, forgiveness of all others as well as ourselves, and a persistent reflection and examination of our negative attitudes, motives, and emotions. This process is worth considering and implementing. Try it. You'll like it and it will also bring you to a closer relationship with our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, who desires us to live a life of peace in harmony with Him and in victory over our enemy and antagonist.
Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
I Peter 5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (NIV).
John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV).
It is with some trepidation that I write this message and introduce a spiritual topic either mis- or un-understood by many. There are those that will think skeptically of me for introducing what I believe about spiritual warfare and demonology. If you think that, hold your judgment until you read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, the eminent Oxford University scholar and prolific author. I am 73 now and I do not know how much longer my good Lord will allow me to serve Him, so I am not going to be, as it is described, "politically correct," especially five years into my Chronicles writings.
In one of my daily Scripture readings I came across the concept of the relative safety of airline travel considering how many flights criss-cross our globe each day. This is because the industry, at least in the United States, is highly-controlled through regulation. With government oversight and industry supervision there are many checks, rules, and laws which minimize accidents.The theory spiritually is that the devil (Satan) has to work very hard to effect disasters because of the control of the aviation industry. The devil has a harder time in airline travel to kill and destroy through causing accidents.
The hypothesis of control and regulation has its comparability in our own lives. Bad things happen to good people and obviously likewise to bad people. In my daily prayers I pray for protection of my family and others from benign neglect, malicious intent, and "stupids". When we are not controlled and alert in our daily actions and behaviors, we make mistakes with negative consequences. The malicious intent danger to us relates practically in our worlds to those who would do us harm and in the spiritual realm to the devil, that "roaring lion," who targets us in our weak areas to wreak havoc in our lives and to take away our lives.
We have a dear and close ministry friend, Everett Cox from Oklahoma City, who has a deliverance ministry (www.delmin.org). He has been a guest in our home and on a cable television program we produced years ago. My affinity for him partially is due to his being a fellow veteran. The benign neglect (and perhaps "stupids") we commit, as it relates especially to sins and withholding forgiveness, allows openings in some instances of "pathways of evil" that authorizes that "roaring lion" to assign a demon(s) in the legions of them he commands to enter our spirit and take us down and work us over.
Those "pathways of evil" to enter and control us must be closed through control and self-regulation just as for airplanes. At my website (http://www.combatfaith.com/QandA.html) I discuss the technique I have learned to close those "pathways" or "doorways" so that the one, who comes to steal and kill and destroy, cannot "devour' us. The closing process requires constant and disciplined confession of our sins, big and little, forgiveness of all others as well as ourselves, and a persistent reflection and examination of our negative attitudes, motives, and emotions. This process is worth considering and implementing. Try it. You'll like it and it will also bring you to a closer relationship with our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, who desires us to live a life of peace in harmony with Him and in victory over our enemy and antagonist.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #54: "Raising Our Young"
Avalon Chronicles #54: "Raising our Young"
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com
www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Proverbs 22: 6 "Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Zondervan. New International Version. Life Application Study Bible. 1991.
The practical application for this verse was found by me in the American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster 1828. Introduction page 12. Available at www.face.net.
"...Noah Webster's system of education included rather than excluded the influence of the American home:
(Webster wrote:)
'All government originates in families, and if neglected there, it will hardly exist in society...The foundation of all free government and of all social order must be laid in families and in the discipline of youth...The Education of youth, an employment of more consequence than making laws and preaching the gospel, because it lays the foundation on which both law and gospel rest for success.'
Noah Webster's own childhood had been blessed with a Christian home. His Pilgrim heritage through Governor Bradford provided him with the ingredients of Christian self-government, responsibility and work habits which would serve him well throughout a long, active life. When the family farm was mortgaged to send him to Yale College he took his parental benediction with him.
'We wish to have you serve your generation and do good in the world and be useful and may so behave as to gain the esteem of all virtuous people that are acquainted with you and gain a comfortable subsistence, but especially that you may live as to obtain the favor of Almighty God and His grace in this world and a saving interest in the merits of Jesus Christ, without which no man can be happy.'"
Appropriating seriously the merits of Jesus Christ can bring peace and tranquility to all to bring us as much happiness as we can possibly know in our earthly existence.
Approximately two decades ago I procured a copy of this monumental original first edition of Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary. He had traveled to Europe, studied other languages and great literature as well as the Holy Bible to compose his dictionary. I keep it beside my study chair and refer often to it. One will not find slang or the inane terminology used by so many today in it, but one is uplifted and edified to learn the true and correct and beautiful meaning of our language. Noah Webster in my opinion can truly be considered one of the Founding Fathers of America!
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com
www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Proverbs 22: 6 "Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Zondervan. New International Version. Life Application Study Bible. 1991.
The practical application for this verse was found by me in the American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster 1828. Introduction page 12. Available at www.face.net.
"...Noah Webster's system of education included rather than excluded the influence of the American home:
(Webster wrote:)
'All government originates in families, and if neglected there, it will hardly exist in society...The foundation of all free government and of all social order must be laid in families and in the discipline of youth...The Education of youth, an employment of more consequence than making laws and preaching the gospel, because it lays the foundation on which both law and gospel rest for success.'
Noah Webster's own childhood had been blessed with a Christian home. His Pilgrim heritage through Governor Bradford provided him with the ingredients of Christian self-government, responsibility and work habits which would serve him well throughout a long, active life. When the family farm was mortgaged to send him to Yale College he took his parental benediction with him.
'We wish to have you serve your generation and do good in the world and be useful and may so behave as to gain the esteem of all virtuous people that are acquainted with you and gain a comfortable subsistence, but especially that you may live as to obtain the favor of Almighty God and His grace in this world and a saving interest in the merits of Jesus Christ, without which no man can be happy.'"
Appropriating seriously the merits of Jesus Christ can bring peace and tranquility to all to bring us as much happiness as we can possibly know in our earthly existence.
Approximately two decades ago I procured a copy of this monumental original first edition of Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary. He had traveled to Europe, studied other languages and great literature as well as the Holy Bible to compose his dictionary. I keep it beside my study chair and refer often to it. One will not find slang or the inane terminology used by so many today in it, but one is uplifted and edified to learn the true and correct and beautiful meaning of our language. Noah Webster in my opinion can truly be considered one of the Founding Fathers of America!
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #53: "Prizes for Secular and Spiritual Discipline"
Avalon Chronicles #53: "Prizes for Secular and Spiritual Discipline"
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com
www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Biblical Reference: I Peter (New International Version Life Application Bible by Tyndale House and Zondervan.
Linda and I have completed our move to her deceased son's home. Our early mornings are spent in what we call our sun room with windows on two sides, where the rising sun greets us with its morning presence and the south sun lingers through the afternoon. Also it is where we converse and pray together in our recliners facing each other. The wall across from me has a framed small flintlock pistol and powder horn and a striking original painting of my childhood hero and role model Robert E. Lee as a newly-minted lieutenant graduate of West Point. Across from Linda behind me is displayed a tapestry picturing Jesus and also a framed print of Jesus. These represent, of course, the two worlds in which we have lived, for me the military and, for us both, the spiritual as Christians.
My secular military world was defined in no uncertain terms with obedience and discipline from age eight when I had tunnel vision to study and prepare myself for a cadet appointment at West Point. In my two all male secondary prep schools, I studied literally four to five hours per night. At West Point it is a life of all-consuming obedience and strict discipline to achieve the "prize" of graduation and commissioning as an officer, where the discipline was not as intensive, but yet overarching as I received the "prize" of the pride I felt in being able to serve my country.
In our secular arenas we constantly seek life's earthly "prizes," admission to and graduation from our first choice college, marriage to the spouse of our dreams, advancement in our career fields leading to the "prize" of financial security in our "golden" years. We discipline ourselves to save for the future. We discipline ourselves to eat healthily and exercise (in many instances less successfully than were our goals) to achieve a longer earthly existence. We are obedient and disciplined in our life's work and avocations.
Unfortunately, for our own greater peace and satisfaction, we typically do not exercise the requisite obedience and discipline in our spiritual dimension, where the "report cards" are not as evident. The ultimate "prize" of earthly spiritual existence is eternal life exemplified in (I Peter 1: 3-4), "...In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you,...." This ultimate "prize" of salvation is only achieved by those who, by faith, accept Jesus as Savior.
In my early thirties I moved to the next plateau of my spiritual life, that of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. My dear wife Linda achieved this spiritual level at a much earlier age. This is a state wherein we exert discipline and obedience reflected in lives well-lived as members of the family of God. We are summoned to holiness, "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy because I am holy.'" (I Peter 1:14-16).
We are told to live our lives in "reverent fear," (healthy respect of a believer for the all-powerful God). Footnote (I Peter 1:17). We are advised (and in military terminology "ordered"), "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." (I Peter 2:1). In other words, to live lives of integrity and loving hearts, to become like Christ. We are to, "Live such good lives among the pagans, that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (I Peter 2:12).We are to imitate, "Christ in all (our) social roles,...husbands and wives, church members and neighbors." (I Peter 2:18-3:17).
In I Peter 3:18-4:11 we are told by Peter that, "Christ should be our model for obedience to God...." Our greatest obstacle to a life of obedience and discipline is, as it is written, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,..." (I Peter 5:8-9).
A unique contrast is evident in that in the secular world our "prize" comes after exertion and dedication to obedience and discipline. In the spiritual world our "prize" of knowledge of eternal life comes as early as one commits in faith with the consequent expectation from our merciful and gracious Father that in obedience with discipline we will then reflect "good" and do "good works.'
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com
www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Biblical Reference: I Peter (New International Version Life Application Bible by Tyndale House and Zondervan.
Linda and I have completed our move to her deceased son's home. Our early mornings are spent in what we call our sun room with windows on two sides, where the rising sun greets us with its morning presence and the south sun lingers through the afternoon. Also it is where we converse and pray together in our recliners facing each other. The wall across from me has a framed small flintlock pistol and powder horn and a striking original painting of my childhood hero and role model Robert E. Lee as a newly-minted lieutenant graduate of West Point. Across from Linda behind me is displayed a tapestry picturing Jesus and also a framed print of Jesus. These represent, of course, the two worlds in which we have lived, for me the military and, for us both, the spiritual as Christians.
My secular military world was defined in no uncertain terms with obedience and discipline from age eight when I had tunnel vision to study and prepare myself for a cadet appointment at West Point. In my two all male secondary prep schools, I studied literally four to five hours per night. At West Point it is a life of all-consuming obedience and strict discipline to achieve the "prize" of graduation and commissioning as an officer, where the discipline was not as intensive, but yet overarching as I received the "prize" of the pride I felt in being able to serve my country.
In our secular arenas we constantly seek life's earthly "prizes," admission to and graduation from our first choice college, marriage to the spouse of our dreams, advancement in our career fields leading to the "prize" of financial security in our "golden" years. We discipline ourselves to save for the future. We discipline ourselves to eat healthily and exercise (in many instances less successfully than were our goals) to achieve a longer earthly existence. We are obedient and disciplined in our life's work and avocations.
Unfortunately, for our own greater peace and satisfaction, we typically do not exercise the requisite obedience and discipline in our spiritual dimension, where the "report cards" are not as evident. The ultimate "prize" of earthly spiritual existence is eternal life exemplified in (I Peter 1: 3-4), "...In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you,...." This ultimate "prize" of salvation is only achieved by those who, by faith, accept Jesus as Savior.
In my early thirties I moved to the next plateau of my spiritual life, that of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. My dear wife Linda achieved this spiritual level at a much earlier age. This is a state wherein we exert discipline and obedience reflected in lives well-lived as members of the family of God. We are summoned to holiness, "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy because I am holy.'" (I Peter 1:14-16).
We are told to live our lives in "reverent fear," (healthy respect of a believer for the all-powerful God). Footnote (I Peter 1:17). We are advised (and in military terminology "ordered"), "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." (I Peter 2:1). In other words, to live lives of integrity and loving hearts, to become like Christ. We are to, "Live such good lives among the pagans, that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (I Peter 2:12).We are to imitate, "Christ in all (our) social roles,...husbands and wives, church members and neighbors." (I Peter 2:18-3:17).
In I Peter 3:18-4:11 we are told by Peter that, "Christ should be our model for obedience to God...." Our greatest obstacle to a life of obedience and discipline is, as it is written, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,..." (I Peter 5:8-9).
A unique contrast is evident in that in the secular world our "prize" comes after exertion and dedication to obedience and discipline. In the spiritual world our "prize" of knowledge of eternal life comes as early as one commits in faith with the consequent expectation from our merciful and gracious Father that in obedience with discipline we will then reflect "good" and do "good works.'
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #52: "Two Births"
Avalon Chronicles #52: "Two Births"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
The birth of all recorded history that is the one most important to the world is celebrated at the end of our calendar year. It is the birth of the Christ, Jesus, the Son of God, who came to earth to redeem us of our sins and to show us a way to eternal life. Christians focus at this time of year on the birth of a Child as the story is related, the Son of Mary, a virgin, and her husband Joseph.
One of Linda's and my favorite ministers is Derek Prince, who died in 2003 at age 88. His life and experiences are worth researching. We both have our own copy of his 1993 book titled The Spirit-Filled Believer's Handbook published by Creation House in Florida. Just this week I read what I might term his "Five Minute Fix." This is how he introduced to his daughter's piano teacher, ill in the hospital, in five minutes, how she could have the "Second Birth," termed "Born Again," by many. This story reflects a personal response by the woman to the essence of the gospel.
He visited the woman and inquired of her, since she was at the point of death, whether she was convicted that her sins were forgiven and was prepared to meet her Maker, God. She answered in the negative because her pastor in a well-known Protestant church in London typically preached only, "...about the Christian life and growing in grace."
In order for her to receive her own personal salvation assurance, he asked her to make her own specific personal response to the unfolding of a simple set of words.
She repeated after him these words:
"Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you died for my sins; that you were buried; that you rose again the third day.
I now repent of my sins and come to you for mercy and forgiveness.
By faith in your promise, I receive you personally as my Savior and confess You as my Lord.
Come into my heart, give me eternal life and make me a child of God. Amen."
Upon this, she proclaimed that she believed she was saved. She became healed, returned to piano teaching, told her pastor what she had experienced, and in his next sermon, "He preached that the most important thing is to know you are saved."
The attainment and experiencing of this "Second Birth,"is not complex, is easier that schooling or marriage or work or life, and just takes faith for the comprehension of its relevance and truth. It is much less painful than the first birth is for a mother and its consequences are the assurance of your soul outliving your body!
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
The birth of all recorded history that is the one most important to the world is celebrated at the end of our calendar year. It is the birth of the Christ, Jesus, the Son of God, who came to earth to redeem us of our sins and to show us a way to eternal life. Christians focus at this time of year on the birth of a Child as the story is related, the Son of Mary, a virgin, and her husband Joseph.
One of Linda's and my favorite ministers is Derek Prince, who died in 2003 at age 88. His life and experiences are worth researching. We both have our own copy of his 1993 book titled The Spirit-Filled Believer's Handbook published by Creation House in Florida. Just this week I read what I might term his "Five Minute Fix." This is how he introduced to his daughter's piano teacher, ill in the hospital, in five minutes, how she could have the "Second Birth," termed "Born Again," by many. This story reflects a personal response by the woman to the essence of the gospel.
He visited the woman and inquired of her, since she was at the point of death, whether she was convicted that her sins were forgiven and was prepared to meet her Maker, God. She answered in the negative because her pastor in a well-known Protestant church in London typically preached only, "...about the Christian life and growing in grace."
In order for her to receive her own personal salvation assurance, he asked her to make her own specific personal response to the unfolding of a simple set of words.
She repeated after him these words:
"Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you died for my sins; that you were buried; that you rose again the third day.
I now repent of my sins and come to you for mercy and forgiveness.
By faith in your promise, I receive you personally as my Savior and confess You as my Lord.
Come into my heart, give me eternal life and make me a child of God. Amen."
Upon this, she proclaimed that she believed she was saved. She became healed, returned to piano teaching, told her pastor what she had experienced, and in his next sermon, "He preached that the most important thing is to know you are saved."
The attainment and experiencing of this "Second Birth,"is not complex, is easier that schooling or marriage or work or life, and just takes faith for the comprehension of its relevance and truth. It is much less painful than the first birth is for a mother and its consequences are the assurance of your soul outliving your body!
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #51: "Thanksgiving and Gratitude"
"Thanksgiving and Gratitude"
by Allen Clark www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."-----Psalm 118:24
Woke up this morning and went in to the kitchen of the home to which Linda and I had just moved this month. I told her I was thankful for two things this day. She said, "Just two?" I said, "Yes, my Lord and my Linda." A little background for you all. On August 10 this summer Linda and I had come to our new home, which then was resided in by her 52 year old son, Vincent, an only child and high school teacher. We found him deceased from a heart attack. The past few months have been busy indeed with all the estate and probate requirements and moving to his former home.
We have two recliners where we sit each morning to pray together, read our Bible, and converse. As I began my day seated two additional important elements came to mind, two "freedoms" for which I am also grateful. The faith entity under which our lay ministry operates is Combat Faith Ministry. In clearing our old storeroom I found a large poster printed years ago for my ministry presentations. It depicts the crest of my Vietnam Special Forces unit. The motto of the Green Berets is displayed on the poster, "De Oppresso Liber," translated meaning "Freedom From Oppression." When we truly believe in the Christian faith that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Lord, we comprehend that we are locked strategically and tactically (personally) in an earthly struggle between good and evil, and possess the opportunity to achieve spiritual freedom in overcoming the darkness and adversities of life. I am most thankful also for the exposure and opportunity to have learned much through my lifetime regarding spiritual warfare and how to overcome its oppressions.
On this Thanksgiving Day 2015 I reflect back on those harsh, foreboding and challenging times faced by the Pilgrims at Plymouth when they reached our shores, escaping the religious persecution of Europe. However, they gathered together and celebrated our land's first Thanksgiving. President Abraham Lincoln officially established it to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November each year. The freedoms of our land expressed in faith, government, and personal lives are unmatched ever in the annals of history.
Yesterday I walked through our nearby grocery store and again marveled at the bountiful and abundant product selections evident in all the aisles. We are indeed rich in material blessings in our land. However, this copious wealth of our land enjoyed by so many has been a product of the freedom we enjoy in this land of the free and home of the brave. Contrast what we have been blessed with in America to that in lands where there has been a lack of freedom due to other doctrines and ideologies. I am reading a book titled Putin's Oil by Marvin Sixsmith, a story about Mikhail Khodorkovsky, one of the Russian oligarchs, who came to financial prominence in the energy field after the fall of the Soviet Union. Khodorkovsky wrote later in his life about life under Communism;
"Today's young people do not remember what life was like for us in the Soviet Union before the start of Perestroika. I sometimes find it difficult to explain that rising prices for goods are not the most frightening thing in life. It is worse when you walk into a store and there is simply nothing there to buy. My first son [Pavel], who is now 18 years old and attending college, was born at that time. We had ration coupons---they were little cards ----and I had to get baby food for him with these coupons. Sometimes, the baby food wasn't delivered to the store. It was good when we had a bit stocked up at home, and it was a good thing that we lived in Moscow, where the food situation was easier. Nevertheless, every morning at 6 a.m. I had to go to the place where they were selling this baby food. And if they ran out, there was nowhere else to buy it. I don't wish any of you who have, or will have, children to go through something like this."
The contrast between our freedoms and blessings and the lack thereof in other systems is self-evident. In gratitude we must reflect this day for much to include we are not being persecuted as are many of our Christian brothers and sisters under other regimes by much more severe methods than were experienced by the Pilgrims four centuries ago. Sometimes few things change. Praise God for the freedoms and protection we enjoy in our homeland!
by Allen Clark www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."-----Psalm 118:24
Woke up this morning and went in to the kitchen of the home to which Linda and I had just moved this month. I told her I was thankful for two things this day. She said, "Just two?" I said, "Yes, my Lord and my Linda." A little background for you all. On August 10 this summer Linda and I had come to our new home, which then was resided in by her 52 year old son, Vincent, an only child and high school teacher. We found him deceased from a heart attack. The past few months have been busy indeed with all the estate and probate requirements and moving to his former home.
We have two recliners where we sit each morning to pray together, read our Bible, and converse. As I began my day seated two additional important elements came to mind, two "freedoms" for which I am also grateful. The faith entity under which our lay ministry operates is Combat Faith Ministry. In clearing our old storeroom I found a large poster printed years ago for my ministry presentations. It depicts the crest of my Vietnam Special Forces unit. The motto of the Green Berets is displayed on the poster, "De Oppresso Liber," translated meaning "Freedom From Oppression." When we truly believe in the Christian faith that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Lord, we comprehend that we are locked strategically and tactically (personally) in an earthly struggle between good and evil, and possess the opportunity to achieve spiritual freedom in overcoming the darkness and adversities of life. I am most thankful also for the exposure and opportunity to have learned much through my lifetime regarding spiritual warfare and how to overcome its oppressions.
On this Thanksgiving Day 2015 I reflect back on those harsh, foreboding and challenging times faced by the Pilgrims at Plymouth when they reached our shores, escaping the religious persecution of Europe. However, they gathered together and celebrated our land's first Thanksgiving. President Abraham Lincoln officially established it to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November each year. The freedoms of our land expressed in faith, government, and personal lives are unmatched ever in the annals of history.
Yesterday I walked through our nearby grocery store and again marveled at the bountiful and abundant product selections evident in all the aisles. We are indeed rich in material blessings in our land. However, this copious wealth of our land enjoyed by so many has been a product of the freedom we enjoy in this land of the free and home of the brave. Contrast what we have been blessed with in America to that in lands where there has been a lack of freedom due to other doctrines and ideologies. I am reading a book titled Putin's Oil by Marvin Sixsmith, a story about Mikhail Khodorkovsky, one of the Russian oligarchs, who came to financial prominence in the energy field after the fall of the Soviet Union. Khodorkovsky wrote later in his life about life under Communism;
"Today's young people do not remember what life was like for us in the Soviet Union before the start of Perestroika. I sometimes find it difficult to explain that rising prices for goods are not the most frightening thing in life. It is worse when you walk into a store and there is simply nothing there to buy. My first son [Pavel], who is now 18 years old and attending college, was born at that time. We had ration coupons---they were little cards ----and I had to get baby food for him with these coupons. Sometimes, the baby food wasn't delivered to the store. It was good when we had a bit stocked up at home, and it was a good thing that we lived in Moscow, where the food situation was easier. Nevertheless, every morning at 6 a.m. I had to go to the place where they were selling this baby food. And if they ran out, there was nowhere else to buy it. I don't wish any of you who have, or will have, children to go through something like this."
The contrast between our freedoms and blessings and the lack thereof in other systems is self-evident. In gratitude we must reflect this day for much to include we are not being persecuted as are many of our Christian brothers and sisters under other regimes by much more severe methods than were experienced by the Pilgrims four centuries ago. Sometimes few things change. Praise God for the freedoms and protection we enjoy in our homeland!
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