To the Praise of His Glory

Question: I am reading in Eph 1 this morning and found verse 12 which says, " to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory." I am struggling with "praise of His glory". Are we to be praised by His glory? Or are we to praise His glory? I struggle even understanding what "His glory" is. What does this mean for us? Are we to do something with this verse as in do some action or just understand something?

Answer:

Part of the answer is found in the words "to the end", which is connected with the previous verses, beginning in verse 7. These verses talk about our redemption and its purpose, "to the end" that we (the Redeemed) are to be "to the praise of His glory". Perhaps a better translation would be that we are "to be unto praise of the glory of God."

This verse sets out the "doxalogical" purpose of the believer. "Doxa" is the Greek word for glory and splendor. The believer, as a response to grace, is to give himself to praise the glory and splendor of God.

The role of praising the Glory of God is displayed strongly in verse 14 where we are told of the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is a pledge of our inheritance. Why did God give the Spirit as a pledge? Paul says it was "to the praise of His glory." The scripture consistently speaks of the role of the Spirit in pointing others to Jesus and praising the Father. This same role of the indwelling Spirit of God is given to believers.

God's glory is God's "splendor." As believers, we are to "brag on" the splendor, majesty, power, and righteousness of God. This is why we are saved.

God does nothing that does not come from the motivation of His own glory. He will share anything but His glory, as our "holy history" has displayed time and time again. When we mess with God's glory, we are in very dangerous territory. When we speak, sing, preach, pray, and live "to the praise of His glory", then we are fulfilling the purpose of our lives. So, everything we do should be "to the praise of His glory," that is, "to brag about His splendor!"

So I close by reminding us how great God is! He is great, powerful, glorious, splendid, and majestic. Everything on heaven and earth is His. He is the King, Supreme Ruler over all! (1 Chronicles 29:11).

 

Our Anti-Jewish Pro-Muslim Government

The growing love-affair with the Muslim world, at the expense of the Jewish world, causes me great discomfort. I am convinced that this turn of loyalties will bring a spiritual curse upon America.

First, let me say that I do not feel that the United States Government is prohibited from noting the positive aspects of any culture or religion. That said, however, I notice a growing trend to slobber praise upon Islam and ignore, ridicule, or condemn Jews and Christians.

I've just spent a good bit of time looking at the websites for the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem and the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. (On a side note, the Embassy should be in the internationally recognized capital of Israel, which is Jerusalem, and the consulate in Tel Aviv or another Israeli or West Bank city). As I looked through these websites I was quickly struck by one stark factor: the sites were pro-Muslim. In a nation built upon one faith—Judaism—our embassy is fixated with another faith. Can you imagine if the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See (the Vatican) were to have greetings to those celebrating Reformation Day?

At the consulates website, President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and Consul General Rubinstein all have Ramadan related greetings. Seems no one wanted to be left out of the love-fest. Here is just a sampling of their words—

From the Consul General—

I would like to offer my warm personal greetings to the Palestinian people as you join Muslims all around the world to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan by celebrating Eid al-Fitr…[My family and I] have been fortunate to share Ramadan traditions and experience the values of personal reflection, humility and charity that are integral to the observation of Ramadan. Sharing in the spirit of Ramadan, the U.S. Consulate General has partnered with Palestinian organizations in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem to host Ramadan cultural activities throughout the month. We have hosted Iftars, musical performances, quiz nights, theater performances and community service activities for families and young people. We were able to donate books to schools in East Jerusalem and Bethlehem and a community center in the Old City. The friendship we share as Americans and Palestinians is special and very important. All of us here at the U.S. Consulate General are dedicated to working with Palestinians in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and achieving our common goal of an Independent Palestinian state. 

From the Secretary of State--

For Muslims all over the world, Eid ul Fitr marks the end of a holy month of fasting and prayer. This time of self-reflection reminds us that the values of Islam-- charity, community, cooperation, compassion—are values which we hold dear as Americans…As President Obama said in Cairo, the United States seeks a new beginning with Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and respect…let us hold on to the spirit of Ramadan to achieve our common goals of peace, prosperity, and stability.

 

From the President—

"As Muslims in the United States and around the world complete the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, Michelle and I would like to extend our personal greetings on this joyous occasion. Eid is a time to celebrate the completion of 30 days and nights of devotion. But even on this festive occasion, Muslims remember those less fortunate, including those impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease. Throughout the month, Muslim communities collect and distribute zakat-ul-fitr so that all Muslims are able to participate in this day of celebration. As I said in Cairo, my Administration is working to ensure that Muslims are able to fulfill their charitable obligations not just during Ramadan, but throughout the year. On behalf of the American people, we congratulate Muslims in the United States and around the world on this blessed day. Eid Mubarak." 

It is important to realize that September is not just the month of Ramadan, but also has the most holy days of the Jewish year—Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Neither the U.S. Embassy website nor that of the consulate General had any noticeable recognition that these days took place. Through the Embassy website I was able to use the search box to find a link to a White House website which was to have a Rosh Hashanah message from the President. Arriving at the White House site, however, I had to use the search function once again to find the message. After the search, I found almost no praise for Judaism ("Jews have overcome extraordinary adversity, holding fast to the hope of tomorrow"). Rather than praise, the greeting was a subtle scolding. The president said that this was a time "to heal old divisions, seek new understandings, and come together to build a better world." Jews were instructed to "reject the impulse to harden ourselves to others' suffering, and instead make a habit of empathy… [to]resist prejudice, intolerance, and indifference."

Strangely, no such scolding was given to the Muslim community, which is overflowing with prejudice, intolerance, and indifference, and is—of all the communities of the world—most needing to "seek new understandings, and come together to build a better world."

For further evidence of our nation's anti-jew world-view, check out the Middle East Region section of America.Gov and look for anything other than pro-muslim propaganda. You will find, easily accesable, a downloadable 60 page book, produced by the State Department, that celebrates Muslim influence in America. (I'm still looking for the Jewish version).

To top it off, President Obama spoke to the United Nations General Assembly and said to the world, "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements". What is a settlement? It is a Jewish town with Jewish families, businesses, schools, and synagogues. Where are these settlements? Many are in the suburbs of Jerusalem. Some are in Samaria (capital city of ancient Israel), others in Judea (home of the patriarchs). These "settlements" are Jewish cities in which Jews have lived since the 1940s (and previously lived for thousands of years). These are cities in which Jews purchased homes and properties, often from their Arab-Israeli neighbors. They are properties legitimately purchased with clear title. Obama's policy is clear—No Jews.

This policy sounds frighteningly Hitleresque. As you know, Hitler began to choose towns and locations in Germany that were to be "Jew Free" (look up the word "Judenfrei"). This is Obama's stated and clear policy, and it is to be carried out in lands that are undeniably of Jewish heritage.

The Palestinian-Israeli problem must be worked out. There are better solutions than Obama's indisputable desire for "Jew Free Zones".

So, we have a clearly anti-Semitic administration. Speaking of the future nation that would come from Abraham, God's Word says, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you" (Genesis 12:3).

Prepare.

In His Grace,

Dr. Randy White

Who was Joseph’s Dad?

Question: Matthew 1 says that Joseph's father was Jacob, Luke 3 says that Joseph's father was Eli.
Why the contradiction?

Answer: This has been troublesome to many, and one of the most common answers seems to miss the point!

Luke 3:23 does say that Joseph is "the son of Eli" (or Heli, in some translations). If you type "Eli died childless" into any search engine, you will come up with hundreds of explanations for this seeming contradiction, each presuming the early demise of Joseph's real father, Eli, and the subsequent remarriage of Joseph's mother to Jacob, who adopted Joseph. While this would fulfill Levitical law, there is nothing but conjecture that can support this oft-given answer.

I think a better answer can be found!

If you look closely, you will find that in Luke 3:23 you either have an explanatory foot note at the words "son of", or those words appear in italics. This is because "son of" is only assumed, but not actually in the Greek text. I believe it is better to assume that Joseph is "of Eli" as his son-in-law, not his son. Thus, Luke's genealogy is of Mary, not of Joseph. To support this are Luke's words that Jesus was "being, as was supposed the son of Joseph" [emphasis mine]. The word "son" does occur in this context. But Luke goes on to give the genealogy of Mary, who was indeed the natural line of heritage (Jesus being born of a virgin). In other words, Luke says "many think that Jesus is the natural son of Joseph, but in reality He is through the line of Mary, who is of Eli, of Matthat, etc."

Thus, Luke 3 carries the natural genealogy of Jesus while Matthew 1 traces the legal genealogy. Why is this important? Matthew is writing to Jews, who would want to know that Jesus is a legal heir to David's throne. Luke is writing to Gentiles who would want to know that Jesus is both a Son of David but also fulfills the Genesis 3:15 promise of the Seed of a woman (thus Luke's genealogy goes back to Adam).

So, Eli is not the only inconsistency. In fact, every name from Eli back to David is different from Matthew's version. However, every name from David back to Abraham is consistent with Matthew's version! This shows us that, both naturally and legally, Jesus was the descendent of David. Mary came from David's son Nathan, while Joseph came from David's son Solomon. The consistency of the two genealogies from Abraham to David is evidence that both of these genealogies can be trusted.

Through whichever family tree you follow, Jesus is the son of David!

Obama’s Address to our Children

Question: How Should I respond to President Obama's speech to schoolchildren? I am uncomfortable with many of his stated agendas and am not sure I want my child subjected to his propaganda.

Answer:

The question of civil obedience, disobedience, and protest has challenged mankind at least since the days of Jesus when He was asked about paying taxes to Caesar. One of the greatest full treatments of this subject is Francis Schaefer's "The Christian Manifesto," a work that has up-to-the-minute relevancy.

There are institutions of authority that God has established that we should respect. 1 Peter 2:13 says that we are to submit (literally "put yourself under") to "every human institution" including kings and governors. We are to do this "for the Lord's sake."

However, the Bible is also clear that "every human institution" has God-given limitations. The role of the government in the New Testament is severely limited (far more so than its expression in the modern world, or, for that matter, in the ancient world). Biblical governance did not deal with health care, energy issues (like the type of light bulb you use!), religion, education of children, and much more. In the 1 Peter passage, the King and the Governor were an institution "for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right" (v. 14). Both Old and New Testament governments, when in God's will, were minimalist institutions.

While Peter says that "such [submission to the King] is the will of God" (v. 15), he continues with the instruction to "act as free men" (v. 16). We are not to abuse our freedom, but we are not to give it up either.

On the surface, nothing is wrong with the President speaking to children. It is an honorable thing for the President to "praise those who do right" (v. 14). The President would be honorable to give tribute to the hard work of students and teachers, and to inspire them to excel in learning. I know of no one who would have a problem with a simple "pep talk" on education. An encouragement to our children to do well in school is always well received.

With a suspicious mind, however, almost everything is wrong with this speech. Does the President plan a pep rally for good grades or a pep rally for political agendas? Seeing that socialist governments have never failed to indoctrinate the youth of the country, and with the socialist tendencies of the Obama administration, perhaps we do have reason for concern.

The big problem with the speech is that I do not know what is in it. The big problem with the already released lesson plans is that I do know what is in them! These lesson plans are very much about the man Obama and the Obama plan. If they accurately are built upon the speech (which I presume has been written and was used in their development), then clearly the President has specific action in mind as the response to the speech.

Consider the following from the lesson plans—

• "What is the President asking me to do?"
  
• "What new ideas and actions is the president challenging me to think about?"
  
• "What specific job is he asking me to do?"
  
• "Is he asking anything of anyone else…teachers, Principals? Parents? The American People?"
  
• "Teachers could ask students to share the ideas they recorded…such as their personal responsibility and civic duty."
  
• "Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us?"
  

From the advance materials given to teachers, it appears that the President has a "do something" message. In his speech to the NAACP on July 12, 2008, the President said, "the fight for social justice and economic justice begins in the classroom." In a June 14, 2006 speech at a "Take Back America" rally, Obama said that government has basic moral responsibility to "look out for you…and you have the responsibility for me…I am your keeper and you are mine." He presented this in contrast to conservatives who "don't believe that government has a role in solving national problems because they think government is the problem…They think that we're better off if…we make sure that everybody's responsible for buying your own health care and your own retirement security and your own child care and your own schools."

So, if you are a conservative, you are given the role to "honor the King" when his policies dishonor your biblical beliefs. What should a parent in these circumstances do?

First, it is up to the parent to decide. The Pastor, your Christian friends, and other trusted sources can help, but only a parent can decide. Decide based upon the teacher that will lead the session, the school district in which you reside, the principal at the school, the critical thinking skills of your own child.

Second, you should help your children know, in advance, that you disagree with some of the fundamental concepts that the President has of government, namely that his idea that government is the answer to our problems.

Third, if you choose to withhold your children from the speech, you should instruct them not to dishonor the President or his office. The protest is over the intrusion that the office is making into a jurisdiction that is not legally nor morally his.

Fourth, if you choose to let your children participate, read the transcript or watch the speech in advance with your child in order to give them some thoughts and ideas in advance.

Finally, spend time with your children praying for the President and the nation.

Successful education is done under the watchful and careful eye of the parent. It is best operated, when done publicly, by parents and other community members who have joined together on a local level to create and operate public schools that honor the values of those parents. Sadly, this local band of parents and leaders has lost control of their local school districts that are now under state and federal mandates that are well-intentioned but ill-advised. President Obama's speech has potential to be yet another intrusion of the Federal Government into the life of the community and family. On the local level we will not mess up often, and we will not do it for long. On the national level we mess up consistently and keep our mistakes indefinitely. This is the reason our founders gave what appeared (for the first 150 years of our nation) to be clear and restrictive parameters for the federal government, reserving all other issues to the states and local communities, or to "the people" themselves. We have left this fundamental concept, and in doing so are losing the strength of the nation.

Post Script (added after the speech was released): See comments section for talking points I'll be giving to my children.

And...if you think conservatives went way overboard on this issue, check out what the liberals did when the first President Bush gave an educational speech! http://bit.ly/3lGHnp

Is Obama the Antichrist?

Question: I have seen a video that reports that Jesus may have said the name of Barak Obama in the context of speaking the name of the Antichrist. Is this true?

Answer:

Maybe!

It is true that the Hebrew pronouncement for lightening is "baraq", and that Luke 10:18 records Jesus as saying, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning." So, when Jesus spoke of lightening (and if He spoke it in Hebrew), he would have pronounced "Baraq". The common language of the day was Aramaic, which is closely linked to the Hebrew language, and "lightening" in Aramaic is also pronounced something closely comparable to "barak".

Incidentally, Jesus used the word "lightning" or "barak" another time (as recorded in Matthew 24:27 and Luke 17:24) and its reference is to His second return. He says "Just as barak comes from the east to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be." Some claim that this is another reference point to tell us that Barak (from a childhood in Indonesia to the White House in Washington—east to west) is a sign that Jesus is soon to return.

Need more interesting facts? Well, again in Luke 10:18 Jesus says he saw Satan fall "from heaven" like lightning. This Greek word for "heaven" is translated "air" nine times in the New Testament and "sky" 22 times. Satan is "the prince of the power of the air", so, in context, the "sky" would probably be a good understanding. The Hebrew (and similar Aramaic) word for "sky" is "shamayim". But in Isaiah 14 we learn that Lucifer (the star of the morning) has fallen to earth because he said, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14). The Hebrew word for "heights" could be similar to the understanding of "sky" (though never directly translated as such). This Hebrew word is, in its root form, "Bamah".

Thus, as the video proclaims, Jesus would have said "barak" and "bamah" in the same sentence, and the sentence was in reference to Satan.

Interesting, but that is about all it's worth.

First, the Hebrew word for "blessing" is "baraq", so one could just as easily contrive a completely different scenario of "blessing from above." Always investigate what your principles of interpretation will allow, and in this case they allow too much!

Second, while "bamah" is the root word, in the context of "heights" it is always used in its plural, which would be pronounced "bamath". Some of the luster of the argument begins to fade.

Could Jesus have been giving us a warning that Barak Obama is somehow related to Satan or the Antichrist? I suppose so. More than likely, however, we have a contrived presentation that is interesting table-talk but not of much theological value.

Now, let me make a couple of conclusions. First, be cautious with principles of interpretation. Your best approach is to base doctrine and conviction on scriptural texts and interpretations in which words are used in their grammatical framework. The world is full of Pastors, Sunday School teachers, and armchair theologians who spiritualize texts rather than take them at their face value.

Second, we have a profusion of plain evidence that the days of grace are soon coming to a close. The re-gathering of Israel is the greatest indication of the past 2,000 years that "the end is near." With the abundance of clear teaching about end-times, one need not base their teaching on hazy whims.

Third, while I believe there is only the slightest of possibilities that Obama could be the Antichrist, his positions on abortion, health care, the economy, and personal liberties and responsibilities are enough for me to be concerned…regardless of what his name might mean in Hebrew!

___

Here is the video referenced:

Jewish Acceptance of the Antichrist

I believe, and teach in my forthcoming book "The Antichrist", that the Jewish people will accept the Antichrist as their messiah.

The Jewish understanding of Messiah makes them open to this possibility.

Watch the video below and notice how easily this generation of Jews could accept the wrong man as their "messiah."

While you're watching, notice too the fervent desire to see the Temple rebuilt--yet another sign that we are getting close to the last days. Be ready!

(Please remember this is a Jewish video, not a Christian video).

Developing News in Israel

Two significant events were reported in the Israeli news media today. Both remind us that the prophetic word of God is coming to fruition.

First, a military exercise in the Caspian Sea is taking place between Russia and Iran. The Caspian Sea is the water-connection between Russia and Iran. In Ezekiel 38 we are told of an end-times war in which Gog and it's prince, Magog (historically connected to Russia) would be in alliance with Persia (modern Iran), along with other parties, and would be drawn into war against Israel. The Russian/Persian alliance will be decimated in this coming war.

Today's exercise in the Caspian is under the guise of a bogus environmental project. The heart of the matter is the anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiment that the two nations bring into their military exercises. Keep an eye on the joint activities of Russia and Iran.

A second piece of news is the beginning of construction for the Altar of Sacrifice for the coming Temple in Jerusalem. Having already prepared the utensils, Menorah, and other supplies for the rebuilding of the Temple, Jews are now constructing the actual altars that will be placed at the new temple for the re-establishment of the sacrificial system. Using a strict set of guidelines as found in scripture, the craftsmen are creating an altar which can withstand the heat of constant fires and yet allow the ground around the altar to be cool enough for the ceremonially barefooted priests to walk around it.

The Bible is clear that the Temple will be rebuilt and its sacrificial system reinstituted. Today we see yet another confirmation that the Bible is being fulfilled right before our eyes!

Construction of the altar is beginning today, July 29, which on the Jewish calendar is the 9^th of Av. This date is the beginning of a fast of mourning. Tradition (with some historical validity) says that it was on this day that Israel received the bad report of the spies, thus was sentenced to 40 years in the wilderness. Also on this day both the first and second temples were destroyed (586BC and 70AD). This day, therefore, is the supreme day of mourning for the Jewish people. Zechariah 9:18, however, gives the good news that God will turn this feast of mourning into a "pleasant feast" for the House of Israel.

To read more about these events:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/132634

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/132630

An update about the Altar is here:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/132664