Isaiah 4 (1-7)

Posted on August 17, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, “We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel; Only let us be called by your name, To take away our reproach.” (Rev David Guzik; KJV).

To better understand this 1^st verse in Isaiah 4, one can do him or herself good by reviewing the first three chapters in this infamous Old Testament book; the book that the early church depended upon to understand the facts of after the cross salvation. Women usually expect marriage. The problem within Israil, at “that Day”, the wars of others against Israel will have depleted the available men. There won’t be enough men to go around. They will have died from warfare, disease, or still in battle (see Isaiah 3:25).

In that day: This does not mean that the Messiah would appear when these judgments are taking place on the daughters of Zion. It means that the promise of the Messiah would be all the more beautiful and glorious to them in the midst of their suffering. People who claim to know the day of Christ’s return cannot be correct. The Bible in the Book of Matthew, (New King James Version). “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Such people who make such claims of knowing are, simply put, evil and without scriptural support.

The judgments of the LORD are detailed in Isaiah 3:16-26.

Isaiah 4:2 is the beginning of the renewal of Zion. Map of Old City, Jerusalem

Often Zion and Jerusalem are claimed to be one and the same. Beyond its physical location, Zion also represents a symbolic idea. Zion is often used as a *metonym for Jerusalem.

* Metonym: a word, name, or expression used as a substitute for something else with which it is closely associated but distinct.

Verse 2 needs clarification. “In that day the Branch of the Lord…” When one thinks of a branch, a tree limb usually comes to mind. However, The Hebrew for “Branch” is tseh’mach. This means a seedling, a sprout, a bud. The renewal of Zion is part of the “all new” promise. An understanding of this helps us better understand 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Verse 4:4 “When the daughters of Zion…” If not taken in context, one can very easily misunderstand this verse. The word “when” makes it a given. However, the Hebrew word that is translated “when” is ‘im [eem]. There are over 25 English translations for the Hebrew ‘im [eem]. We say this only to advise those who seriously study the Bible must use wisdom and caution in the word[s] translated to English.

Verse 4:5 alerts us to the fact that this is about Israel. Romans 11:26, for instance, speaks of “all Israel will be saved,” suggesting a future restoration or turning back to God. It (Bible) does not say that all people (gentiles) will get a second chance. This is a hot and debated topic. We have addressed this topic in previous posts to this site. Daniel 9:20-27 Bible Study Commentary - 70 Weeks of Daniel ...

Verse 5 “…then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion…” Mount Zion? Hmmm?

NOTE: Daniel 9:27 is interpreted as a prophecy about a future seven-year period (the final “week” of Daniel’s prophecy) during which a powerful leader (the “prince who is to come“) will confirm a covenant with many but will ultimately break the covenant and cause desolation. This period is often associated with the tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist. This covenant does not state all peoples, but it says “SOME”.

In verse 6 of chapter 4, the word rain means rain. It does NOT mean God will once again flood the world. People seek refuge in a rainstorm.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 8/2025

Isaiah 3

Posted on August 3, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

Studying Isaiah provides a deeper understanding of the gospel and God’s character. Remember that the early church did not yet have the New Testament. They relied mostly on what the prophet Isaiah wrote.

The main messages of Isaiah 3:

Judgement on their leadership in Judah and Jerusalem
Isaiah describes a people on the verge of collapse and a disregard for God’s law
[v16+] God says, “Zion women are stuck-up, prancing around in their high heels,
Making eyes at all the men in the street, swinging their hips, Tossing their hair, gaudy and garish in cheap jewelry.”
“Behold the Lord (‘adon: to be a ruler), the LORD of hosts (Yahuwah: (self-existing)) …” Two forms of the titles Lord and LORD.
God will remove from Judah/Jerusalem) men of war, police protection, judges and courts, pastors and teachers, captains and generals, doctors and nurses, even repairmen by trade, and those who are capable of ruling will refuse the role.

Verses 8-9: This is where today we get the statements “down for the count” and “they have made their bed now sleep in it”. Verse 9 is of particular interest. The appearance of their faces witnessed against them, And their sin, as Sodom, they declared, They have not hidden! Woe to their soul, For they have done to themselves evil (YLT; Young’s Literal Translation).

Verse 9: Have you or someone else ever said … “the look on your face tells us differently. Read verse 9a … The look on their continence (pânı̂ym; face) witnesses against them”

Verse 10-11: The righteous, will be rewarded, disaster to those who fall away or reject God’s will, doom to the wicked, what one has done to others will be done to them.

NOTE of CAUTION. This is why the Lord’s Prayer (as we call it) is for individuals, not a congregation… “forgive us our (my) trespasses JUST as we (I) forgive those who have trespassed against us (me).

Verse 12: We at ahabiblemoments did NOT write this verse. We are quoting the Bible.

“As for my people, children [analogues] are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead you cause you to err” (American Standard Version). This verse points out the surrendering of male leadership (Adam and Eve).

Verse 13,14: Have you ever hear it said that someone is acting as Judge and Jury? The Lord makes this claim in 3:13,14. “Jehovah stands up to contend and stands to judge the peoples.” He will be judge and Jury over all Israel [and mankind].

Verse 15,16: The accusations made.

Verse 15-24: The punishment here on earth to those accused in verses 15 and 16. Look closely at verse 24… (KJV) “Instead of a rich robe (WELL DRESSED) a girding of sackcloth; branding instead of beauty.” Branding is kee in the Greek. A synonym for branding/kee is tattoos. Hmmm? Wearing tattoos instead of things of beauty.

The context of verse 25 & 26 continues in the next chapter (4:1). This will be in our next article.

Isaiah 3:25 Your men shall fall by the sword, and your warriors in battle.

Isaiah 3:26 And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she shall be banished; she shall sit upon the ground.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

Punishment for sin as preparation for glory – The Day of the Lord – (Isaiah 2:5 – 2:22)

Posted on July 27, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

Question: What will earth be like once Christ sets up his throne on earth?

This is the question many ask of themselves without finding and answer the excludes man’s thoughts and only includes God’s. This passage in Isaiah is specific to the Tribes of Israel. How do we know that?

Isaiah 2:5 “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord” (NKJV). This is Israel meaning all the Tribes even though the Tribe of Dan is not included in Revelation 7:4-8.

NOTE: We discussed this absence of Dan being named in Revelation in a previous article. The quick of it:

Israel (Tribe of Dan) failed to be that light to the world
God will change this heart attitude during the Millennial reign after the Tribulation
Dan outright rejected the walk and commandments of God.

Isaiah 2:6-8 The physical wealth of other nations has drawn Israel away from their worship and dependence of their God. Verse 8b says it well …”They (foreigners) worship the work of their own hands.” In short …they did it THEIR way.

Isaiah 2:9 “People bow down” to or seek to hold as eternal values things of this world. God is not one of these perceived fabulous things of value. As it states in verse 8, it is the things made, collected, or manufactured by their OWN HANDS.

Isaiah 2:10 Here we find defaulted instructions for people to seek refuge in rocks and dust (hole in the ground), hiding from the “terror of the Lord” and the “splendor of his majesty”. This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the day of the Lord, where pride will be humbled and God alone will be exalted.” It appears again in verse 2:19.

Hide themselves from the TERROR of the Lord. Will the Lord be some type of terrorist or bad guy the stalks those who try to hide from his appearing? Not so. It is a terror of the truth being unfolded with full disclosure. Man will attempt to hide to possibly be overlooked by God.

Isaiah 2:11 Anything man attempts to exalt himself will be revealed in the truth. God will reveal man’s self-centeredness exposing what was little more than man exalting himself. On that day ONLY GOD will be exalted. People will know the truth. This time the truth will not set all mankind free.

Isaiah 2:12 This verse tells us that there will be no exceptions. From the mightiest to the lowest, man will be exposed for what he is. This verse says it strait …”The Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” No man or for that matter, no creation will fail to recognize the creator is on earth.

Isaiah 2:13–17 The great cedar, the mighty oak, the high mountains, great hills, high towers, the great defensive walls built by man, the great ships of the seas, and the haughtiness of all mankind will be brought down. Only the appearance of the Lord will be acknowledged as worthy of recognition and celebration.

Isaiah 2:19 is a valuable verse. God will be known and entered even in the crevices on and within the earth. Nothing ever created will be able to hide, even in the heavens above earth i.e.: the moon or mars.

Isaiah 2:20 This verse has subtle insights. We think of the Millennial Reign as two things, perhaps three. First, it is considered by some as a time of “Christians Only”. “In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver and gold.” This sentence says man will have idols or possessions to cast away. It also means he had idols or treasured items going into “THAT DAY.” Man made them for himself. This verse may suggest that there will be mankind who have not been a believer prior to or in “THAT DAY.” Perhaps even after “THAT DAY.” But this verse is also part of verse 21…

Isaiah 21 These forbidden idols [possessions] will “go into the crags of the rugged rocks, (to hide them) for the terror of the Lord is great. During *“THAT DAY” It will resemble many church attenders of today. *People will be more rigorous in their attempt to hide their personal and desired items to look or appear Christian like but not Christ like. Yes, some will truly be converted becoming true to Christ. Remember that the Great White Throne judgement [Revelation 20:11-15] does not come until after the thousand-year reign.

2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad“.

Isaiah 2:22 How do we know that the above comment per verse 21 is fact? Read verse 22. We are told to sever/break our relationship with such people. Isaiah 2:22 instructs believers to stop trusting in humans and their limited lifespans, emphasizing that true strength and security come from God alone. This verse highlights the transience of human life, comparing it to breath in the nostrils, and urges reliance on God’s eternal and sovereign nature.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

Punishment for sin as preparation for glory

Posted on July 20, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

Isaiah 2:1 – 2:4

Isaiah speaks to many things as concerns his fellow Israelites. His focus in Chapter 2 says much about not only Israel’s future but the future in this world …and one might include “this world and universe.” As believers, we are to reflect Jesus just as the moon reflects the sun’s brilliance. The moon has no light of its own and neither do we. Israel was supposed to be that light on the hillside. A light to the world. (see Isaiah 49:3; Exodus 19:6)

Isaiah begins chapter 2 by prophesying about Judah and Jerusalem. Verse number 2 begins, “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days…” The latter days? Isaiah wrote in the 700’s B.C. yet he speaks of a very distant time yet to come [Isaiah 11:4-9]. A time of absolute justice. A time referred to as the Millennial Reign of Jesus. Micah 4:1 also refers to this time yet to come.

But, what are the last days? The wording here might be a bit confusing. It sounds or reads like the end. The end of days? This is a good time to rid our minds of what we know as days or time since both were created in Genesis 1:5. Too often our minds associate the last days with some type “end to all things.” This is partially true. Revelation 21:5 states, “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, God said to the Apostle John, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” The last days refer to the end of the old with the beginning of the new.

Isaiah 2:4 is where we find the statement “They shall beat their swords into plowshares.” During the reign of the Messiah, there will be no more war. There will still be conflicts between nations and individuals, but they will be justly and decisively resolved by the Messiah and those who reign with Him. He, “Jesus Christ”, shall judge between the nations, and shall rebuke many people. This probably conflicts with many peoples’ thoughts of the millennial reign and those who believe we are already in it. Yes, there will still be people, decision making, conflict, nations, and some form of rivalries. The difference? True justice will be served and conflict resolved. Both verses speak about Israel, but from different perspectives. Isaiah 49:3 focuses on Israel’s purpose as a servant of God and the display of God’s glory.

Exodus 19:6 emphasizes the covenant relationship and the special status of Israel as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. This was God’s intent when He made them His people through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

As our title for this paper states: Punishment for sin as [the] preparation for glory, is the constant theme in Isaiah. We as people will move from this world to His (God’s) new setting for life, land, universe, and atmosphere. We will gradually rise above, or better said, return to God’s original Adam and Eve setting but without the influence of evil, sin, and Satan. The punishment and preparation for glory, Heaven [Revelation 21].

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

Rebellion confronted with judgment and grace Isaiah 1:1-31

Posted on July 13, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

Isaiah served as a prophet for about 40 years, from approximately 740 to 701 BC, during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah. He lived and prophesied primarily in Jerusalem. Isaiah was married and had at least two sons, Shear-jashub and Maher-shalal-hash-baz, whose names were symbolic and related to his prophecies.

NOTE: Imagine trying to fill out a formal form of blank blocks with a name like Isaiah’s second son.

The Northern Kingdom of Israel existed for approximately 208 years, from about 931 BCE to 722 BCE, before being conquered by the brutal Neo-Assyrian Empire. Isaiah prophesied mostly to the southern Kingdom of Judah. The capital of the Northern Kingdom was initially Tirzah, but later shifted to Samaria under King Omri. King Omri is historically known as the northern kingdom’s greatest king. Was he honorable? Not in God’s eyes!

The setting is approximately between 740 B.C. and 680 B.C. The Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Isaiah prophesied in both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. After the fall and dispersing of the northern Kingdom by Assyria, Isaiah continued to prophecy in Judah. What many do not connect is that Micah and Hosea were contemporary to Isaiah. Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon were the super power nations during this time.

Reverand David Guzik writes: in his commentary on Isaiah that “The New Testament quotes Isaiah by name more than all the other writing prophets combined.” Isaiah was the primary book for the original New Testament Christian Churches. Dr Ross of Beeson Divinity School writes: “The first chapter of the book serves as a general introduction to all the writings in the collection, including it in most of the themes of the book. The chapter falls into four sections: the indictment of Israel’s sin, the rejection of their hypocritical attempt at reconciliation, the gracious invitation of Yahweh, and a lament over the state of the nation.”

The book begins as Isaiah accuses the city’s leaders …

Isaiah 1:2… Here we find the words “heavens” and “earth”. Then Isaiah mentions Israel in verse 3. This narrows it down to both the northern and southern kingdoms. It means God’s chosen people whether it was the breakaway tribes of the nation of Israel or the remaining people of Judah. God focus on His chosen but does not exclude to world He created.

Isaiah 1:4… God identifies the world as a sinful people; a nation. Isaiah uses the Hebrew word go’-ee (a foreign people). This means the messages of Isaiah extend well beyond the twelve Tribes of Israel. This suggests that one can take God’s blessings and judgements of His chosen People (Israelites) to be applicable to the Church which Christ is the head.

Isaiah 1:10… Isaiah calls the leaders of the people of Israel “rulers of [Sodom and] Gomorrah. This is a huge condemnation. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah during the time of Abraham’s rescue of his nephew Lot, it is often used as a cautionary consequence of sin and the importance of righteousness. Isaiah refers to around 2,300 B.C, in the history of His chosen people. This is during the time of Abraham.

Isaiah 1:11 is a fascinating verse. God tells His people through the voice of Isaiah that he is “fed up” with the meaningless burnt offering sacrifices. This parallels Gods attitude of the sacrifice of attending church that changes nothing in the attendee’s life. It is little more than appearance in many cases. It is not true discipleship (Bible study) or worship. It also underscores the New Testament church and why they used Isaiah as their initial primary text.

Isaiah 1:12 – 15 [click on] is a true indictment of the whole of Israelites, AND the world of nations. There are a few true followers, followers for the sole purpose of identity by association, rejectors of God (Jesus/Holy Spirit), and false worshippers (see verse 15a).

Isaiah 1:16-20 could fit into the New Testament without contest. (click here to read this passage

Isaiah 1:21-28 is a reference/inference to Israel, Judah, and End Times.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

ZECHARIAH

Posted on July 6, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

Purpose for writing Zechariah:

Power Point Study for Zechariah 14

Zechariah was written to comfort and encourage the returning Babylonian remnant to repent of their evil ways, to return to the Lord and to rebuild the temple. The people who had just returned from Babylonian exile felt like their efforts were insignificant and the future was uncertain. Not only were they just a remnant of the Jews, their kindred tribesman of Judah who still lived in Babylon, they weren’t even an independent nation – just a client state of a mighty Mede-Persian empire.

Zechariah’s message focuses on the future of Israel-Judah and proclaims that God would send the Messiah to establish His Kingdom through the submission, then destruction of the Gentile empires; i.e. the salvation of His people Israel.

JIV NOTE: I find it amusing and a bit proverbial that the New Testament Zechariah (a priest by the same name as O.T. Zechariah) was the father of John the Baptist whose sole purpose in his life was to proclaim that the first advent of the Messiah had come. Elisabeth was Mary’s cousin and gave birth to John the Baptist 3 or 4 months prior to our “Jesus is born in Bethlehem” history. O.T. Zechariah prophesied to the End Time; the second advent of Christ. Keep in mind that Zechariah means: “God/the Lord remembers”

Here is a list with locations of the 8 *visions in Zechariah:

*Vision 1	The man on a red horse in the Myrtle trees	Zechariah 1:7-17
*Vision 2	The 4 *horns and the 4 workmen	Zechariah 1:18-21
*Vision 3	The man who is measuring Jerusalem	Zechariah 2:1-5
*Vision 4	The chief priest	Zechariah 3:1-10
*Vision 5	The lampstand and the 2 olive trees	Zechariah 4:1-14
*Vision 6	The flying *scroll	Zechariah 5:1-4
*Vision 7	The woman in the basket	Zechariah 5:5-11
*Vision 8	The 4 *chariots	Zechariah 6:1-8

Most Bible students think that the *visions connect together somehow. Unfortunately, they do not all agree on how they connect.

Here is one idea:

*visions 1, 2 and 3 are about the return from *exile;

*visions 4 and 5 are about the leader;

*visions 6, 7 and 8 are about the removal of *sin.

Here is another idea:

*visions 1, 2 and 8 are about the relationship of Judah with other countries;

*visions 3-7 are about the future of Judah/Israel as a nation.

Probably both ideas are useful to Bible students.

Four *visions (1, 3, 4 and 5) also have messages from the *LORD. They are in:

*Vision 1 – Zechariah 1:13-17;

*Vision 3 – Zechariah 2:6-13;

*Vision 4 – Zechariah 3:6-10;

*Vision 5 – Zechariah 4:5-10

Reference	Prophecy of the Savior
Zechariah 2:4–5, 10–13	Christ will dwell with His people (see Revelation 22:1–5).
Zechariah 3; 6:10–15	Joshua is a type for the great High Priest (see Hebrews 3:1).
Zechariah 3:8–9; 6:12	Jesus is the Branch who will atone for us (see Jeremiah 23:5–6).
Zechariah 9:9	Jesus will enter Jerusalem triumphantly as King, riding a donkey (see Matthew 21:1–11).

Zechariah 11:12–13	The Savior will be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (see Matthew 26:14–16; 27:3–10).
Zechariah 13:6	The Jews will ask Jesus about the wounds in His hands (see D&C 45:51–53).
Zechariah 13:7	The shepherd will be smitten and the sheep scattered (see Matthew 26:31).

Minor Prophets: There is a coded Bible message within the Minor Prophets and the focus of their writings or meaning of their names. Read the following as if it is a statement. WHY? Because there is a message to “them who have ears to hear” (Revelation 2 & 3: to the 7 churches).

Hosea (Osee) Salvation;
Joel Day of the Lord; YHWY is God;
Amos Carried; he preached during a time of a very large earthquake
Obadiah (Abdias) Servant of YHWY; the divine judgment and restoration of Israel
Jonah (Jonas) Dove; (Holy Spirit, the comforter?)
Micah (Micheas) Who is like YHWY
Nahum Comforter;
Habakkuk (Habacuc) Embrace;
Zephaniah (Sophanias) YHWH has hidden;
Haggai (Aggeus) festive; festival; celebration
Zechariah (Zacharias) YHWY remembers
Malachi (Malachias) my messenger

Salvation, the Day of the Lord; YHWY is God; carried the servant of YHWY, the divine judgment and restoration of Israel [like a] Dove [of peace]. Who is like YHWY, the comforter? Embrace YHWY [for a] festival and celebration [is] hidden. YHWY remembers [his] messengers.

Yes, there are hidden bible codes; coded messages of reassurance to which we must pay attention but only those close or in tune with GOD/YHWY will ever understand.

Drj.
July, 2015

But there is one thing you lack….(Mark 10:21; NIV)

Posted on June 29, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

BLOG – August 26, 2015

But there is one thing you lack….(Mark 10:21; NIV)

Here is a passage that has a very broad application to major single item issues in our lives. The bible records that a rich young ruler approached Jesus and asked “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

The Rich Young Man (Mark 10:17-27; ESV)

¹⁷And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. ¹⁹You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” ²¹And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²²Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

²³And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁶And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” ²⁷Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

This is not a passage that condemns wealth. Job, Abraham, Jacob, and others in scripture were very wealthy individuals; many camels, sheep, servants… It is about the possessions or in this situation the one possession that keeps us from living a full life with God. I recall a similar situation when preaching at a church many years ago. The preacher was ticking off a list of sins and an elderly lady sitting in the front row was vocally agreeing with each sin he identified. It goes something like this:

There are some here today who need to get certain sins out of their life. There are those here who have wondering eyes (amen mumbled the lady in the front row); those who seek wealth more than God (again she mumbled amen but a bit louder). There are those who cheat (Yes! Amen says the lady now audible to others). There are those who have tempers (Amen; now loud enough for those a few rows back). Some here have not supported the church as they should (now with a bit of a shout… Amen). There are those who have secret sins (Amen). Someone here is a compulsive liar (AMEN ). Someone here is an over-the-fence gossiper. With that the lady in the front row shouts out…”Now you are getting too personal!”

It was the one sin for which she felt was excusable and okay since it was her practice in life and unwilling to give it up… a gossiper; “there is one thing…“ To keep this story parallel to our passage in Mark, she agreed with hearty amen’s to the other listed wrongs and wasn’t guilty of those other sins (in her opinion that is). But there was one sin she felt was too much to give up and in her opinion was justifiable.

The rich young man in Mark 10 (also found in Luke 18:18-23 & Matthew 19:16-22) asked Jesus what must he do to inherit eternal life. There is nothing in any of the passages found in Matthew, Mark or Luke to indicate he was not sincere. He knew Jesus was the Messiah, good teacher, and sent from God. He wanted to be a follower of Christ like the other disciples.

Jesus then listed (v19) a few laws of Judaism (10 Commandments); the young man replies…”all these I have kept since I was a boy (v20; NIV)” Then comes the zinger; the point we all need to consider in our personal lives, worship, and faithfulness to our salvation. In verse 21 Jesus looks (emblepō; to fix one’s eye upon) him in the eyes and says… “One thing you lack,” (v21a; NIV) “go and sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then, come and follow me.”

Note that Jesus didn’t tell him that he would never again have treasures or that he would no longer possess wealth. Jesus told him… “you will have treasures in heaven.” The word ‘treasures’ in the Greek is thēsauros; a coffer, box, or storehouse in which valuable things are deposited/stored. By deduction this suggests that his exchange of wealth on earth is but a deposit box for the wealth he would have in the storehouse of God in heaven.

Like the amen-lady in the story told on page one of this article, he was unwilling to “give up that one thing” that was too close to his heart; she: gossiping; him: wealth. It isn’t like he sacrificed much to live within the laws of Judaism. We are not told about this other than he has upheld these laws since a bay. This obedience to the laws made him a recognized, respected and good man in Jewish society and culture. This goodness is a given in his life since childhood. He sincerely wanted to follow Jesus, but on his own terms; willing to follow but wanted to keep one hand on his earthly security of treasures or desires. He was not willing to empty his earthly coffer of one particular thing in order to follow Jesus Christ; “One thing you lack.”

It isn’t a matter of giving up wealth or any one-thing, but it is a position or attitude of the heart. We can be more sincere than the pastor or leadership of a great or small church yet still covet one thing in life that seems too much to give up so Christ can completely fill and fulfill our life on earth. Maybe that one thing is telling an exaggerated story, a lustful eye, watching questionable movies, that drink that takes us to the red-eye of the wine, unwillingness to share in and nurture the growth of a child (Greek: pahee-dee’-on; a child or immature Christian), bear false stories, gossip, adultery, not giving due honor to those who deserve it whether it is earned or not, speeding, etc.

We should make a ‘study-note’ that in this situation it is but an example of other one-things we are not willing to surrender in order to follow God. Buying into political correctness does not assure it is correct with God just as is looking past evils, speeding, filing almost correct taxes, the white lie, not using our spiritual gift in church, and the like. Not leaving a tip worthy of being called a tip at a restaurant is NOT a sin but is politically incorrect, anti-culture and it is being judgmental or perhaps selfish. I have seldom met a wealthy waiter or waitress; often: the poor.

Before we are tempted to use this opportunity to begin staring in the face of incorrect political correctness go back to v21; ”Jesus looked at him and loved him.” This is agapaō love. It means Jesus loved him. I found this definition of two types of love:

There are generally two types of love spoken about in our New Covenant. The first is the Greek word phileō; it means a brotherly love, to be a friend, to have affection for. This is the most common type of love that we experience in this world and it’s an emotional love that occurs in almost every person to some degree. Whether they’re saved or unsaved, the average person today readily has this phileō, this emotional type of love within them.

The other Greek word for love is agape (ah-gah-pay) and sometimes agapaō. This is a much rarer type of love that only comes from our Father in Heaven through His Son Jesus Christ. Agape / agapaō love is the love of Jesus shining forth from his and our heart. It’s that divine love that’s related to being obedient to God’s Word. (John 14:23) Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves (agape) me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love (agape) him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

The wealthy young ruler desired to follow Christ and Jesus loved (agape/agopao) him; not for his willingness but for his being a person for whom Jesus Christ was soon to die on Calvary and pay the debt of sin. “For God so loved the (entire ) world that he gave his only begotten son.”(emphasis mine). Here in the life of the rich young man seeking to follow Jesus on earth, we have a very familiar phrase that is often used by God the Father and his son Jesus Christ when making a promise or covenant. It goes like this; If you_________, then I (God-head) will ______________. In the case of this young man, it was a matter of giving up, not an easily identified sin, but something that he held more personal and of value than a fulfilled walk with Jesus. It was not the wealth, but his unwillingness to give up the “ONE THING” that kept him from Christ fulfilling His plan for his life… ours too.

Does the reader of this blog have just one inner secret of issue in life that keeps him or her from a closer walk with Christ? If there is, it is _(confidential)______ _____________________ ?

Christianity: One’s Reality or Actuality

Posted on June 22, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

This is a tough article (blog) to write. It isn’t that I don’t know the answer to my own question, but that theory itself has been so entrenched with partial truth that “the truth, WHOLE TRUTH and nothing other than the truth” has been diluted to one’s reality and politically correct actuality. I fear many will someday stand before a judge and claim to have lived a politically correct social life, but by whose definition are they calling politically correct?

The hot topic today, but not the purpose of this blog is the bible and homosexuality. A reader recently wrote to me: “I threw out my bible.” I asked why? He stated, “It is full of lies and it doesn’t fit [my] reality.” Wow! Does he even have a clue? Reality is one’s perception; not necessarily actuality. There was a time when then modern science claimed the world was flat. That was their reality until some guy proved actuality… it is round. Let’s leave this paragraph with Adam and Eve (actuality); not Adam and Steve (perceived and preferred reality). You go figure.

The question is, “what is Christianity?” This is such a loosely used word it defies definition and is seen as religions that have multiple versions or guises of being Christian. Giving a single definition to or trying to lump one’s perception of what Christianity is into a finite statement is impossible; that is, as far as the world goes.

Let’s go back to some very basic precepts. In Islam there are two primary documents that define Islam and a Muslim’s way of life; the Koran (Quran) and the Hadith. The first is their written word of rules for life. The second is, as define by Wikipedia, “the collections of the reports purporting to quote what the Islamic prophet Muhammad said [and did in life] verbatim on any matter.” (emphasis mine)

Islam Explained in Layman’s Term

Here is a perspective by Dr. Peter Hammond, a former Muslim. Dr Hammond’s doctorate is in Theology. He was born in Cape Town in 1960, grew up in Rhodesia and converted to Christianity in 1977. Adapted from Dr. Peter Hammond’s book: Slavery, Terrorism and Islam: The Historical Roots and Contemporary Threat: Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a complete, total, 100% system of life. Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other components.

The synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Holy Word of God (bible) are somewhat similar to what a Muslim calls the Hadith. The Gospels show and record what Jesus did while on earth and what he said. The difference is that the Gospels were written over 600 years before Mohammad was even born. This makes the bible actuality and Islam someone’s new reality; just a perception of what is the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth. True Christianity, per living a life patterned after Jesus in the Gospels is the same thing… a way of life; not a religion or a cult. Anything less than a way of life is one’s preferred definition of a religion s/he wants to call Christianity.

This is why and where some confusion and modern day deception of end time comes in. The first Seal [beginning of End Time or end of time as we now understand it, described in Revelation is “a great deception” of mankind. If the world is allowed to (re) define what Christianity is or for all that matters, what so-called Christian religion is supposed to be is to ignore what Christ said and did as recorded in the Gospels. To ignore what Christ DID in life and what He taught is not an alternative option to actuality, but a position against Christ’s teachings. We are to live a life patterned after that of Christ. Islam claims that Muslims are to do the same thing but pattern it after Mohammed. That being true, he was as much a military man as a preacher of death to infidels (i.e. America in modern day terminology; anyone who is not a Muslim).

Many religions that identify, as often the world tries to re-identify as so-called Christian, (a very generic term in modern days) are anything but. True Christianity is a way of life, not a religion of on-again and off-again practice usually reserved for and limited to any given Sunday and being politically correct according to the rules of man. TV shows, as is in the news reports today are on the increase trying to point out the evils or misguided practices of “Christian churches and ministers; the extremist or inferred lunatic.” To the casual observer, this puts a brand on the Christian that is not actuality; it is their reality though. I taught a marketing principle in my college marketing classes that one’s perception is their reality even when that is not the facts of actuality. Therefore in the mind of someone with limited information, s/he takes it as actuality.” How wrong but s/he will then make a broad judgment based upon partial truth.

Bottom line: Is Christianity one’s perception of reality or one’s actuality in living? One’s answer to this is also the answer to his or her life in Christ and the promised eternity with God and Jesus Christ.

PS; Muslims practice their beliefs 7-days a week. This is precisely why they cannot and never will assimilate to any other way of living even at the cost of his or her life. It is their reality AND their actuality. The world and most religions simply don’t understand this. It is a way of, not an exception to one’s way of life. This is not negotiable. Neither is God’s actuality.

The Kingdom in Your Midst

Posted on June 15, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

The Kingdom in Your Midst – Luke 17:20-25 (This is in response of research to answer an email question I received from “Angela.”)

Much of what I write below is borrowed from Dr. Ralph F. Wilson. He is an active member of a denomination, [but] he believes in the essential unity of all believers in Jesus the Lord and is non-sectarian in his approach. I am nondenominational in thought, study, belief and ordination.

Angela: I am in a bit of a quandary of how to address Mr. Whitelaw’s suppositions. The best I can do without going into a very long dissertation and losing you with explanation after explanation… well, my experience has been when asked a deep, substantial and substantive question like yours regarding my thoughts per anyone or theological question is to answer your question without great detail as to why, but only after I have done a bit of pre-study and research myself.

Therefore I am choosing ONE of his positions in his book; he has over 20 published books and pamphlets. Point # 7 at the webpage http://www.docstoc.com/docs/38288150/The-Gospel-Millenium:

Mr. Whitelow appears to be a-millennial; i.e. no millennium; that is, no 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth. His position fits well with the doctrinal plank of some mainstream denominations’ belief in predestination meaning only those who are pre-elect will have a place in heaven including being a-millennial. Both positions are weak. I go into greater detail about these two positions in one of my articles in ahabiblemoments.com. Suffice it to say, predestined simply means that ONCE one becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, s/he is predestined to be saved at the 2^nd advent; i.e. rapture, not Left Behind (16 book series by Jenkins and Lahaye)

The Jews believed that the promised Messiah of the Old Testament would come with great outward show and establish an earthly kingdom from which the world would be ruled AT THAT TIME. Jesus, the promised Messiah, told the Pharisees in this passage that He did not come to establish an earthly, physical kingdom as they thought; one that people could observe with the eye at that time in history. To the contrary, He came to build the Christian church and body of believers (Matthew 16:16-19). I was to be a spiritual kingdom; The passage Luke 17:20 THROUGH V37 really must be considered together. When we separate the pieces it runs the risk of missing the point and “not seeing the forest for the trees.” This passage has too many details to include in answering your question per Mr. Whitelaw, Angela. be studied in one lesson.

One other comment: Evangelical Christians have a way of fighting over their various cherished views of the End Times. We need to agree to learn from one another but not be dogmatic in the way we present our views unless scripture is absolute. We’re here to understand what our Lord Jesus teaches. Let’s not try to make everything fit some systematic eschatology at this point; later maybe. For now let’s catch what Jesus is saying to us; when we opt to follow Christ, then 1 Corinthians 6:19 comes into play, long before the Millennial Kingdom that is primarily focused upon Israeli’s; not just Jews, but all Tribes of Israel minus the Tribe of Dan. The church rapture will happen before (pre), during (mid) or (post) following the Great Tribulation; i.e. the church being the body of Believers in Jesus Christ.

Exposition (i.e.: clarifications)

Mr. Whitelow’s Baptist, Reform, Nazarene, Church of God denominational plank of no millennial reign, in my opinion, is strong in spiritualization of scripture and weak in direct (literal) interpretation of scripture. In this Luke 17 passage, Jesus’ teaching turns to the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees ask “when” the kingdom will come (17:20). Jesus explains to his disciples “how” it will come (17:22-35). And finally Jesus teaches “where” it will come. Jesus’ teaching isn’t full and detailed here. The Pharisees anticipate(d) a kingdom on earth during their time since this Christ guy claimed to be the Son of God. Otherwise this made Jesus Christ a false prophet in their opinion. They were looking to shake off Roman paganism and rule putting the Pharisees in charge and back in power. They failed to see the inward kingdom (bodies being the Temple of the Holy Spirit) first. There is a topic in scripture called the “Time of the Gentiles.” It fits here but is too much for one e-note you and for anyone to be expected to grasp in one gulp.

I know there are many eschatological views. (“Eschatology” means a study of the end times. We are strongly tempted to look at Jesus’ words and try to wedge them into our eschatological chronology. (How’s that for big words?) That is, an explanation that fits one’s preferred end time but that wasn’t what Jesus expected his disciples to do. He wanted to teach them about the NATURE of his coming, not the TIMING.

Jesus wanted to teach them about the NATURE of his coming, not the TIMING.

When Will the Kingdom Come? (17:20a)

Jesus begins his teaching with a question from the Pharisees.

“Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come….” (17:20a)

Why would the Pharisees ask this? What did they believe about the Kingdom? We have no documents from Jesus’ day that tell us what the Pharisees believed about the end times. We know, however, that a Pharisee named Sadoq (Shadow: Colossians 2:17) was involved in founding of the Zealot party, apparently from an older wing of the Pharisees. Judas the Galilean, a leader of the Zealots was considered by some the messianic heir-apparent. The Pharisees seem to be involved in the ferment or uproar of messianic expectancy that made First Century a volatile place for Roman rulers to keep under control. The Pharisees are quizzing Jesus, trying to find out his own expectation, perhaps prodding him to see if he’ll claim to be the messiah. They ask “when” the Kingdom of God will come. This could in and of itself [my opinion], be very self-serving.

Like many of Jesus’ responses to the Pharisees’ trick questions he says that they are asking the wrong question because they don’t understand the nature of the Kingdom.

“Jesus replied, The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is“….’ ” (17:20-21a). In short, when Jesus returns to establish his “…Kingdom [to] come…” (Lord’s prayer); [Rom 14:11] For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will praise God.” Rom 14:12 So each one of us will give an account concerning himself.

Angela: I am now doing what I promised both you and me, to not do; get into such detail it becomes difficult to understand, follow and sounds like a Sunday School lesson.

Your question per Mr. Whitelow and my current understanding of him and his writings… I suggest that there are better resources even though he is quit scholarly and knowledgeable. He sticks very closely to a denominational line (Baptist? Reform? Nazarene? Church of God?) that being one of the reasons I opted many years ago to do my theological study outside of any one particular denomination reading many authors and theologians concluding what my heart and prayer tells me is truth.

Why I believe that there will be a full restoration of Israel (not just the Jews which means “from the Tribe of Judah” ignoring the other 11 Tribes of Israel); i.e. during the Millennial reign of Jesus from Jerusalem:

(Gen. 15:18, Isa. 10:21-22, 19:25, 43:1,65:8-9, Jer. 30:22, 32:38, Eze. 36:1-48:35, 43:24, 30-31, Mic. 7:19-20, Zech. 13:9, Mal. 3:16-1; only to mention a few)

The Apple Falls Close to Tree!

Posted on June 8, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

The Rest of the Bible Story:

In Genesis 20 we find the story of Abraham and Abimelech, a Philistine ruler. Abilelech was a some what common sir-name for several Philistine rulers. It means “father/leader of a king; my father/leader; a king.”

As the story reads, Abraham encounters Abimelech over Sarah, Abraham’s wife. She was beautiful and something to be desired even at 90 years of age. Abraham, supposedly fearing for his life since he lived in the land of Abimelech and knew of Abimelech’s designs on Sarah, told everyone that Sarah was his sister amd instructed her to say the he was her brother. This was not a total lie as Sarah was Abraham’s half-sister. The sin was in the “kavanah” of Abraham’s heart when he made this statement. He intended to deceive Abilelech.

Abilelech took Sarah fully intending on making her his wife. In a dream God revealed to Abilelech that Sarah was also Abraham’s wife. [note that a half-truth is reviled by God just as is a total lie]. God intervened in a dream to Abimelech. As Abilelech put it to Abraham, “What have you done to us? What was your reason for doing this?” [NIV]. In essence God had told Abilelech “You are as good as dead for this deed” [Genesis 20:3b].

AHA MOMENT

Aha #1: Find in verse 20:7 (Genesis) that God identified Abraham as “a prophet.”

Now turn to Genesis 26:1-33. Enter stage left; Abraham and Sarah’s son Isaac. Due to a famine, Isaac moves to the same area as did his father [Abraham] many years earlier (above history note). Isaac states that Rebekah, his wife, is really his sister, as he is worried that the Philistines will otherwise kill him in order to marry Rebekah. After a while, Abimelech spots Isaac sporting with Rebekah and concludes she must be Isaac’s wife, not his sister.

AHA MOMENT

Aha #2: As done between Abraham and Abilelech, , Abilelech seeks a nonaggression treaty between him and Isaac. The difference between these two similar incidents is Abraham feared for his life due to the fact he was in a strange land of mighty people. With Isaac, Abimelech feared Isaac for Isaac had become very wealthy and powerful. Abimelech “clearly saw that the Lord was with him.” Of course we do have the common denominator of both Abraham and Isaac lied about their wives. Another difference is that Isaac’s lie was not a half-truth. It was a lie!

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

Future Aha Moments article: Note in Genesis 26:32-33 that Isaac named the well his servants had dug “Shibah”; Beersheba.. Beer means well and Sheba [shibah] means water; Beersheba. Over 500 years later, 42,000 soldiers of a Tribe of (Isaac) Israel were slaughtered because they couldn’t say the letters “sh” [shibboleth].

AHA MOMENT

Aha #3: The treaties made between Abimelech and Abraham/Isaac were made between Philistines and future Israelites. Might you recall the problems Israel had with the Philistines hundreds of years later when Israel became a great nation? Did the Philistines of these latter years no longer “clearly see that the Lord was with them?” [J.I.V.] We can’t ask America to wake up, but we can challenge Christians to wake up. Does America see that “the Lord is clearly with us as Christians?”

AHA MOMENT

Aha #4: Verses 34 and 35 is the only place in the Bible where a major “family in-law” issue between Esau and his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, is specifically identified; almost out of context per the 26th chapter of Genesis. What might be your introspective view [Y.I.V.]?

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