The Sunday Sermon - November 17, 2024

ALONE WITH GOD, PT. 5

by Dr. David J. Hoyte

THE HIGH PRIEST AND THE HOLY OF HOLIES

There is a distinct relation or similarity between the high Priest and the Holy of Holies. The High Priest was the oracle of God. Through him God revealed His holiness and His discipline and also His judgements. Now, we have already established that the Holy of Holies received no life from the other outward activities of the temple but rather received its life from within the Ark of the Covenant. It is possible to see the reality of this present also in the Life of the high priest. Anyone who has spent time with God will often appear to be led by something other than the surrounding circumstances. His life and activity is measured by the revelation of God within him, and he is often misunderstood as being a law unto himself simply because he is not swayed nor influenced by the opinions of man.

We must think for a moment about the several duties of the priests and the high Priest. The priests’ life depended upon whether there were animals to be sacrificed or not. Theirs was the task of preparing the altars and burning the animals. They were required to keep the golden candlestick always full of oil. This was the noise. They were required to eat the showbread and place fresh bread upon the table every seven days. They were required to attend to the tabernacle and keep it clean, etc. The priests participated in these physical and outward activities. But when we consider the duties of the High Priest, we encounter something entirely different. Although the High Priest had a part in all the activities of the Outer Court and the Holy Place, his responsibility was not limited to only these outward activities. It was the responsibility of the High Priest to consecrate the priests. It was his responsibility to make decisions concerning the work of the tabernacle. His was the important responsibility to discern and pass judgment in cases of leprosy and other forms of disease.

We may mention many more such duties but one thing is clear…the High Priest’s job did not depend on outward things…his leadership and guidance came forth from WITHIN…an inner anointing…just like the presence of the Ark of the Covenant within the Holy of Holies. The High Priest was the one who witnessed the outpouring of the Shekinah Glory of God in the Most Holy Place, the Holy of Holies. Even so the ministration of the temple, the life and work of the priests and the general spiritual leadership of the people was determined and controlled by the anointing which rested upon the High priest, a man who had spent time in the Presence of God in the Holy of Holies.

The Sunday Sermon - November 10, 2024

ALONE WITH GOD, PT. 4

by Dr. David J. Hoyte

THE HOLY OF HOLIES

The Holy of Holies was a little room in the temple four-square in shape, had no windows; its entrance was a heavy veil, and it basically remained in complete darkness and profound silence all year long. There was no human activity there at any time save when the High Priest would enter in only once a year to meet with God on behalf of the people of Israel (Heb. 9:6-7). The High Priest would enter in with great fear and trembling, not knowing whether he would walk back out alive. There was no artificial light in the room…no sunlight, no lamplight…its only light was when the shekinah Glory of God appeared as God talked with the High Priest. Such was the greatness and awesomeness of that little room.

But fact that there was no human activity in the Holy of Holies until the appointed time each year did not mean that there was no value to the room during the year! We must remember that the Ark of the Covenant was in the room…which Ark symbolized the Presence of God in a figuratively.

We can say that in order for the High Priest to enter into the Holy of Holies, the activities of the Outer Court and the Holy Place had to be meticulously carried out for a whole year. We need to understand clearly the activity of the Outer Court and the Holy Place. The High Priest and his sons, the priests, all shared the ministry of the outer court and the Holy Place (Lev. 9:8-18). They labored together in the sacrifices, the burnt offerings, the sacrifices for sin, and the peace offerings. The activity of the Outer Court was the offering of animal sacrifice at the brazen altar for the sins of the people. Then they would wash their hands and feet at the brazen laver before proceeding to enter into the Holy Place.

In the Holy Place they were commanded to ensure that there was always oil in the golden candlesticks so that the light never went out (Lev. 24:1-4). They also had charge of the table of showbread, to place fresh bread on the table every seven days. The priests themselves would eat the old supply of bread before replacing it with fresh bread (Lev. 24:5-9). The altar of incense was also used by Aaron to burn incense every morning and evening and it was the priests’ responsibility to ensure that there was always incense there.

We should never lose sight of the fact that even though one had first to pass through the Outer Court and the Holy Place in order to arrive at the Holy of Holies, the Holy of Holies itself was not in the least affected nor influenced by the activities of the other portions of the temple. The life of the Holy of Holies was within the Ark itself for it was the symbol of the very life of God Himself. But activities of the Holy Place and the Outer Court depended upon what went on in the Holy of Holies in the seeming “darkness”. It was a silent process and seemingly a ‘slow’ process. Whatever was taking place in the Holy of Holies was only ‘seen’ once every year…by the High Priest. Many people and priests witnessed the noise of the Outer Court and attended its activities on a daily basis; and many priests enjoyed the beauty of the Holy Place with its golden illumination, satisfying bread and sweet aroma of incense. And this too occurred with great frequency. But only ONE MAN ever went beyond all this to penetrate the unknown atmosphere of the Holy of Holies. Many on the outside probably thought this road to be utterly dull and perhaps boring. They may have preferred to remain where there was brightness and excitement, and where this “excitement” could be had all the days of the year. But the way of the High Priest was a lonely way. And while the other priests were busily engaged in the day to day activities of their ministry, the High Priest was preparing himself for that one day on which he would make his lonely venture into God. And it may seem almost unfair at times, but it is a spiritual reality…whereas some may obtain immediate results and daily excitement from some activity of the ministry, the true revelation of the deep Presence of God may require you to wait a long time and, even then, the realization of that divine visitation from God may be very brief. But such was the profound effect of that brief visitation with God, the High Priest was able to function in his office for an entire year.

The Sunday Sermon - November 3, 2024

ALONE WITH GOD, PT. 3

by Dr. David J. Hoyte

COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL

There is a need for the hearer to be in the spirit or else he will forever be trying to analyze what he is hearing, and he will try to make a spiritual lesson somehow fit into his carnal way of thinking. The spiritual man, however, is able to take the spiritual and cause it to make sense to his own spirit.

Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again in order to see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). Nicodemus had approached Jesus with the observation "No man can do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him" (John 3:2). Nicodemus was only able to see the miracles from a carnal and intellectual standpoint, but was unable to make the spiritual connection. Jesus gave us the understanding in Luke 11:20 when He said "But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you." So the purpose of every sign and wonder and miracle God performs in our day to day life is to show us once again that the kingdom of God has come upon us.

But it is only the person who has been born again that will be able to see the relation between the two. Then only the ones who have been born of the Spirit will be able to ENTER into the kingdom (John 3:5) or, in other words, dwell in the constant awareness of the Presence of God in their lives, throughout and in spite of everything that befalls them day by day.

So, the Lord will only reveal things to us according to our ability to receive and understand them. In 1 Corinthians 2:13, Paul explains to us that the we speak not with words of human wisdom, but rather with the words that the Holy Spirit teaches us COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL or, in other words, giving us only what we are able to receive in the spirit. As the Holy Spirit draws near, He observes the spiritual growth in us and makes a comparison to see whether there is sufficient room in our spirit for the spiritual truths he has for us. He will only give us what we are able to carry, what is able to 'fit' in our spirit. So we must be ever growing in the spirit, allowing the Lord to enlarge us spiritually so He can pour Himself into us without limit !

The Sunday Sermon - October 20, 2024

ALONE WITH GOD, PT. 2

by Dr. David J. Hoyte

ALONE WITH GOD

The Holy of Holies was a place in the tabernacle where everything was done in complete darkness. Whereas the outer court was visible and full of activity, and in the Holy Place the candlestick represented illumination and ideas and the priests accomplished their work according to a well-defined routine, in the Most Holy Place everything was accomplished in complete darkness and profound silence. And only the High Priest was permitted to enter there.

The High Priest entered into the Most Holy Place after a series of rituals and observances which had to be accomplished with great care. Everything had to be fulfilled according to the law, and it was a very strict law. And after the priests had offered innumerable sacrifices and burnt offerings day after day, and month after month (Heb. 9:6; 10:11), then ONCE A YEAR the High Priest entered into the Most Holy Place to intercede before God for the tribes of Israel, and in a figurative form, he carried all their sins (Heb. 9:6-7). And for this cause, he needed to proceed with great attention to his own spiritual condition when he entered into the veil, because God’s Fullness and Presence would be manifested in the presence of the ark of the covenant only (Ex. 25:22).

The High Priest proceeded with fear and trembling, opening the veil and letting it fall heavily behind him. Imagine for a moment as the High Priest enters into the Most Holy Place and the heavy folds of the veil fall into their place. He finds himself closed into a little room in complete darkness and not knowing if he would go back out alive. He could not run anywhere, and he could not hide. There was no human being on whom he could lean. And there, in that little room, once a year, the high Priest found himself ALONE WITH GOD (Ex. 25:22).

In our own lives too, we need to live out the reality of this process. God wants a people who have been separated unto Himself and who are not afraid nor hesitate to be “locked in” with Him. We must realize the need to separate ourselves completely from the outer elements, no matter how good, for every experience or revelation or blessing in the Outer Court or the holy Place is inferior to what the Lord would teach us in the Most Holy Place.

At no time must we rely on our own strategy or intelligence to accomplish what we need. And there must never be any hidden motives (Heb. 4:12). In order to enter the Most Holy Place the High Priest had to abandon everything he had accomplished in the external rituals of the Outer Court and the Holy Place. Here in the Most Holy Place, there were no rituals, no strategies, no formulas. And based on what the Lord revealed to the high Priest during this visit to the Most Holy Place, all the activities of the Holy Place and the Outer Court would be directed and ordered for the coming year. We begin to see just how important was this meeting with God in the “dark” and the “silence” of the Most Holy Place.

We need to become more aware now of the magnitude of the leadings of God in our lives and we must be careful not to be distracted or turned aside by what others say. It is almost like a person cannot give in to pressure while “feeling after God” because that will lead to confusion and doubting the Spirit. A person must seek God in quiet and then stick to what is revealed even when external pressures are brought to bear upon him. Remember that the veil in the tabernacle had a two-fold purpose. Not only was it there so the High priest would be shut in as he entered the Holy of Holies, but also that all influences and ideas and suggestions from the Holy Place and the Outer Court would be shut out as long as the high Priest remained in the Most Holy Place. If we do not get this concept deeply rooted in our spirit, we will never be truly exposed to the deep revelations of God. For God will not reveal Himself to a person uncertain of His dealings, for such a person is double-minded, unstable in all his ways, easily moved by every wind of doctrine, and troubled by the opinions of men (James 1:8).

When the Word of God is true, a spirit (from the Lord) goes forth with the Word and does something to the listener. The actual words have no power except they are accompanied by the Spirit of the Lord. In John 6:63, Jesus said “the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are Life.” But this is not to say that the listener has no part to play, for even Jesus spoke and people did not understand. So, even though the Word is accompanied by Spirit, yet the listener must also be in the spirit in order to “hear” or understand the Word. And as we hear the words of the Lord, we are spiritually transformed and made capable of entering into His Fullness.

The Sunday Sermon - October 13, 2024

ALONE WITH GOD, PT. 1

by Dr. David J. Hoyte

THE DEALINGS OF THE LORD

At times we go through periods of immense suffering and tribulation. But we overcome. I find that we need to devote more time to prayer and the Word. As se spend time in prayer, our whole attitude changes. Our feeling changes. Then we begin to understand that we have been receiving the dealings of the Lord. Through these dealings of the Lord we come to know God (Acts 14:22). There is such a difference between knowing the Bible and knowing God. The true experts in the knowledge of God are those who have submitted themselves to the dealings of God, without complaining. When we complain we eliminate the possibility of growth because our spirit ceases to be receptive to the lessons the Lord would show us. Since our spirit has been covered up for so long by the controlling force of our soul and our flesh, it is now necessary that these first be broken so that the spirit can be touched. To accomplish this, God in His supreme wisdom provides situations which may appear crushing and full of pressure so that our soul is broken and our own ideas are crushed (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Sometimes it is difficult to heed the spirit when there is an emotional outburst of fear and complaining. The Life in the Spirit is almost a life of “feeling in the dark”, being intensely sensitive to the leading of the Spirit…so that ANY distraction or disagreement or obstruction tends to grieve the Spirit away (Acts 17:27).

I had the opportunity to observe one morning a little insect sitting on a leaf of a plant. It appeared that the insect was never going to move. All was quiet and the leaf was motionless. But all of a sudden there came a breeze, ever so slight, and the leaf shook and the insect immediately flew away. So it is with the Holy Spirit. We often grieve Him away by our own shaking and activity, whereas He would be pleased to sit there, directing our lives for as long as our soul and our flesh are completely still before Him (1 Thess. 5:19).

The Sunday Sermon - September 29, 2024

THE MYSTERY OF GOD'S ANSWERS

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S ANSWERS

Read Matthew 6:25-33

25 Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 And which of you by worrying can add a cubit to his stature? 28 Why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil or spin. 29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? ’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek; but your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

When we feel that everything we do is in vain, and that our labors and offerings have fallen on poor ground, it is possible to believe that God has a negative opinion of us as well. In reality, God does not think like man, nor does He judge like the flesh. God’s purposes and God’s standards are much higher than ours. When you feel faint and that everything has fallen on top of you, at that moment God is taking care of you and the Lord is covering you. It is not necessary to understand God's ways or the times when He will arrive, because the times are God's and the distances are part of His plan. In His time He will arrive and help you.

The Lord is looking for people whose hearts are perfect towards Him. Whenever we open our minds to try to analyze or explain God's methods, we expose ourselves to great failure. What we need to do in those moments is simply to surrender our will to God and receive His dealings with us with a humble and available heart. Before we cry out to Him, He will answer, and while we are still speaking, He will have heard (Isaiah 65:24).

Let me mention a simple case: a baby is in the arms of its father. At that moment the baby does not realize that it is at least five feet above the floor. If, at that moment, some mistake or misstep were to occur on the part of the father, that baby could fall to the floor from that height. However, the baby does not worry about anything because it knows that it is safe in the arms of its father.

Dear reader, is it possible to have that attitude toward God, our heavenly Father? How many times have you moaned and been upset when something didn't seem right to you, or when you didn't understand something? And the baby is not interested in knowing where his father will bring him a morsel of bread. He only knows that when the time is right, the bread will appear. Jesus said that the birds of the sky do not sow, nor do they reap, nor do they gather into barns; but our heavenly Father feeds them (Matthew 6:26). The faith of a child! The child does not understand economics, nor how money works, nor who is the one who manages the budget. But in Matthew 18:3-4, Jesus admonishes us to be humble like a child. A child is simple. A child just believes. He has no knowledge of how the postal service works, nor does he think that his father can borrow from someone else. The child does not think of those possibilities! He just believes.

When God wanted to feed Elijah, He just told him to stay by the stream and that the ravens would bring him his food. What connection did Elijah have with the ravens? None! He only knew that at mealtime, the ravens would appear. When missionary Lester Sumrall in China needed to return to the United States, he prayed for God's provision. Several days later, he received a package at the home where he was staying. The package arrived from the United States, badly battered, and had become wet so that the return address could no longer be made out. When he opened it, it was a box of new shoes, his correct size, and inside one of the shoes was enough money to fully pay the cost of his boat ticket back to the United States. While he was praying in China, God was giving orders to someone in America. There was no need for mail, telephone, or telegram. There was spiritual communication in the air. Can we have that kind of faith and trust?

So we must learn to live very close to God. He is our heavenly Father and knows what we need. If you work for Him, He will reward you. Your reward may not come from close by, or from someone who has observed your work. Consider that just as the money came to the missionary without having asked for it, and without knowing the donor, in the same way God sees our work and He will reward in His time.

Dear reader, the next time you feel like being saddened by lack of love and indifference, remember that the Lord does not need to prove His thoughts according to our criteria (Isaiah 55:8). His blessing and His recognition can come from far away. Circumstances can change in an unexpected way. Provision can come miraculously. No man has to thank us; no person has to applaud us. GOD takes us into account, and that is enough! Let us arise, then, and work for the Lord, for surely the reward will come, and it will not delay.

The Sunday Sermon - September 22, 2024

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S ANSWERS

- Dr. David J. Hoyte -

Read Matthew 6:25-33

The Sunday Sermon - September 15, 2024

THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW GOD, Pt. 5

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD Pt. 5

MAN’S LIFE AND ACTIVITY KNOWN BY GOD

At the beginning of David's thoughts in this psalm, he declares that God has searched him and known him. Then, David proceeds to describe to us the ways in which God has known him. “Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether” (Ps. 139:2-4).

It is clear, through these words, that God knows our every activity very well. He knows when we get up and when we sit down, when we walk, and when we rest. The psalmist declares that God HAS COMPASSED his path and his lying down. Do you realize that all your actions are known to God? Why is God interested in our activities? It is that He wants to know our path. We get the impression that God carefully compasses our path in order to determine whether we will walk in HIS path. I assure you, faithful servant of the Living God, that if the Lord finds in you faithfulness and obedience to HIS path, He will then entrust to you many greater things for He will have known that you desire to keep His commandments (Dt. 8:2). As the Lord Jesus said: “Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things…” (Mt. 25:23).

The psalmist David also learned that God understood his thoughts from afar. God understands our thoughts from afar off. This is the way in which God knows man. He understands our thoughts. God knows the intent and the motive for all our activity. There are things we do “for the honor and glory of God” which indeed we are doing merely to glorify our own flesh. We must realize that not only are our actions important, but also the thoughts behind the actions. Even the words that we think of saying are already known to God, even before we say them (Ps. 139:4). And God has said “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9). What a wonder it is to know that even while God understands our thoughts from afar off, God has thoughts too. AND HIS THOUGHTS ARE HEAVENLY. How beautiful it would be to know the thoughts of God. How wonderful it would be to see our way of thinking lifted and transformed. Our thoughts will indeed become more and more like the thoughts of God as we truly come to know Him more and more.

The Sunday Sermon - September 8, 2024

THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW GOD, Pt. 4

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD Pt. 4

DAVID RECOGNIZES GOD’S METHODS

In Psalms 139, the psalmist David recognizes that God has searched him and known him. David was a man chosen by God to lead His people. He had learned faith and wisdom through some very serious trials and tribulations. In his years, he had to fight with a bear, a lion, and a giant (1 Sam. 17:34-50). He also had to endure the persecution of the jealous King, Saul, when God preferred David instead of Saul (1 Sam. 19:22-23). He lost his best friend, Jonathan, whose love, said David, surpassed the love of women (2 Sam. 1:26). Further, this man of God had to endure the impertinence of treason by his own son, Absalom, the curse of Shimei, and the hateful criticism of his own wife (2 Sam. 15; 16:7, 6:16). He committed the great sins of adultery and murder and was gravely punished by God in that the child born by adultery was smitten with sickness and died (2 Sam.11-12).

Surely David was a man of many calamities. But through all that he suffered, he learned that there was nothing at all in his life that was hidden from God. Even when he committed that deplorable sin of adultery and murder and thought that he had carefully hidden the fact from the eyes of men, God sent his prophet Nathan to tell him that the thing that he had done displeased God. David learned that there was no secret unknown to God. There were some regrettable moments in David's experiences in which he had to admit his pride and his selfishness. He had to recognize his hatred and his arrogance. He had to confess his sins and his faults. He had to learn forgiveness and righteousness. Through his tribulations, David learned patience and perseverance. He learned faith and faithfulness. He learned how to overcome sin, and he learned how to trust in God. He came to realize that God knew him perfectly and there was no way in which he could fool God. He declared that God knoweth the secrets of the hearts and the thoughts of man (Ps. 44:21; 94:11).

And David found out something here which is of great importance for us today. He realized that during all those trials and afflictions, what was really happening was the Lord God, omnipotent and omniscient, was searching him and knowing Him (Ps. 44:21; 94:11). Why does God search us? What is it that He desires to know about us? In the time of Moses, God had said to the children of Israel: “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commitments, or no” (Dt. 8:2). Can you believe or accept that, dear reader? God leads us through the wilderness and commits us to serious trial and affliction in order to know us; in order to know if our heart is inclined towards Him or no. Oh, how often we must have failed God when He was seeking to find the people who would be faithful to Him in the hardest trial!

Never be angry again when you have to pass through the fire and through suffering. Every circumstance and every situation that comes in your life comes for a purpose. It is that God desires to know you. God searches us in order to know whether we would keep HIS commandments, or no. There is purpose in the testings of God. The test not only serves to reveal to God that which is in the heart of man, but also to reveal to man himself that which is in his own heart and to give him an opportunity to repent. Through tests and trials, God reveals the weakness and depravity of man, and through tests and trials, God gives man an opportunity to become conformed and molded to His Image and Likeness. Precious friend, what do you want God to know about you? Do you wish for Him always to find nothing but disobedience and rebellion in your heart? I assure you this day, that just as surely as God knows you, He will also bring upon you His burning Fire to deal with everything which is revealed in you that does not please Him.

The sufferings of David transformed him into a mature man, serious, and full of wisdom. On account of God’s dealings with him, he had come to know the greatness of God. From the moment that David realized that God knew him completely, he also began in a small way to know the nature of God. He learned that God is gracious and full of compassion (Ps. 111:4). Also, as he experienced the forgiveness and the mercy of God toward him, his relationship with other people was also affected. He had received the dealings of God with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

The Sunday Sermon - September 1, 2024

THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW GOD, Pt. 3

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD Pt. 3

THE CASE OF SAMUEL

In 1 Samuel 3:1-10, we read a story which is both interesting and sad. From childhood, Samuel had dwelt in the temple with Eli, the high priest. Now Samuel had become a youth and ministered unto the Lord before Eli at a time when the Word of the Lord was precious (scarce) in Israel and the very priests were dishonoring God. Eli was already old. He had spent many years in the service of the Lord. He had all knowledge of the law of God. He was well-versed in the ministries of the temple and the religion of Israel. Eli was a type of symbol of a present-day pastor or priest. Figuratively, he stands for religion or church life in our day.

Now when God wanted to talk to Samuel, he did not recognize the voice of the Lord and went running to Eli to ask what he wanted. Verse 7 declares that “Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the Word of the Lord yet revealed unto him”. Remember now that this youth, Samuel, had spent YEARS in Eli’s company, and yet he did not know God. In verse 3 we read that Samuel was laid down in the temple of the Lord, where the Ark of God was (New International Version). This means that Samuel’s place was in the Holy of Holies, the place which symbolized the actual Presence of God. Samuel was so close to the things of the Jewish religion, even spending so much time in the Holiest Place and still he did not know God. With sorrow, we realize that neither the high priest nor the temple and its sacred activity were in any way able to communicate a knowledge of God to young Samuel.

It is so like the church of our day. It is useless to have faith and confidence in the majority of “ministers” we know. They do not know God themselves, nor can they reveal God to anyone else. The system of doctrines and beliefs and observances and traditions and rules and regulations and organizations and movements and every invention of man has only misled everyone who has taken any part in it. It may seem very difficult to understand this, but if you are also involved in the systems of man you will not see the seriousness of the situation because your own eyes have been blinded, even as Eli’s eyes were (1 Sam. 3:2). Precious reader, allow the Spirit of the Lord to open your eyes today so that you would see that the only way to peace and salvation is the knowledge of GOD (John 17:3). All the good works are of no use whatsoever if you do not know God. And remember, you can know God in the same way in which He knows you (John 10:15). Do you by any means know God in this way, right now? If not, go back to your prayer room and there, in the silence of the moment, permit the Blessed Spirit of the Lord bit by bit to take away the veil of flesh that has been blinding you. The Lord will reveal Himself to you when you seek Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit. This knowing God does not happen in a hurry, in a moment, in a day or two. Even as it takes years to truly get to know your best friend, or husband, or wife, in the same way you need to spend TIME with your Lord in order to come to know Him. Leave all haste aside.

Put aside all the substitutes that religious men have invented to attract your attention. Learn to listen to that still small voice of God when He speaks to you. Come to Him. Come quietly, and gently, and with patience wait in His Presence day and night. As you come, come with an attitude of humility and submission, not with a proud and selfish spirit. Believe that your Lord loves you and delights to reveal Himself to you. Recognize that all that you already know is nothing compared to what He still has yet to show you. Our Lord and God wishes to reveal Himself to His people today, but will only do so in the case of the person who sincerely seeks Him in spirit and in truth.

The Sunday Sermon - August 18, 2024

THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW GOD, Pt. 2.

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD PT. 2

THE CASE OF SAUL (PAUL)

In Acts 9:1-6, we read of the conversion of Saul (later called Paul). We learn from these verses that Saul had much authority and recognition among the priests of his day. His intention was to destroy all those who belonged to the Way of Christ. Saul himself was a very religious man. He was a Jew, a Pharisee, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in Jerusalem, instructed at the feet of Gamaliel (a Pharisee and doctor of the law), taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers (Acts 22.3).

But we see a very striking thing in this passage of Acts 9. When the Lord threw him to the ground that day, and he heard the Voice which said “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Saul said, “WHO ART THOU, LORD?” Beloved brother or sister in Christ, this man who was so religious, so well versed in the law of the Lord, did not even know who the Lord was. He was so well educated in the law of God and yet did not know God. He had learned all the complicated details of ministry in the temple of God, but he did not know God in spirit and in truth. There is a difference between mentally knowing about God, and truly KNOWING God personally in spirit and in truth.

It is so comforting to hear the words of this very same man just before the close of his earthly ministry. This beloved apostle writes the following words in Philippians 3:3-10…

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.

Do you realize, beloved reader, that Paul had learned something? No longer did he have confidence in the flesh, now he was willing to count everything as loss – his circumcision, his heritage, his tribe, his religious background, his position and “ministry” of Pharisee, his success in persecuting the Church of Christ, and his own righteousness. All the things that had been gain to him, he counted them loss FOR THE EXCELLENCY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST… that he may KNOW Him. How wonderful it is to know that Paul learned in time that all that was necessary was to know the Lord. And, faithful beloved, this declaration of Paul’s came almost at the end of his earthly ministry. This shows me that knowing the Lord IS NOT SOME SMALL THING that can be quickly acquired through a few nights of “revival”, or by a few courses at seminary or Bible School. At the beginning of his walk with Christ, Paul asked the question “Who art thou, Lord?” and at the end of his life, he still practiced the laying aside of all things THAT HE MAY KNOW CHRIST. This knowledge of God is something very great and precious.

This knowledge is not limited to the weakness of our carnal comprehension. The apostle Paul declares to us in 1 Corinthians 2:14 that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them, because THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED”.

Dear reader, the time has come that you too must ask the question “Who art Thou, Lord?” They tell me many things about you, but “Who art Thou, Lord?” They promise me fame and wealth in the movements of men, but “Who art Thou, Lord?” I have learned much about doctrine and theology, but “Who art Thou, Lord?” I have been a pastor for many years and have become quite an expert in things related to church and religion, but “Who art Thou, Lord?” I have been a church-member for a good many years, and have often been elected to positions of much authority and influence in my church, but “Who art Thou, Lord?” For years I have aggressively endeavored to rise in my job and business, but “Who art Thou, Lord?” All my life I have worried about saving up money and having a good life, but “Who art Thou, Lord?” I’ve been living a double life, for God, and for the world, but “Who art Thou, Lord?” I have fought and I have wrestled with my flesh and with sin all my life, but now I desire to know “Who art Thou, Lord?”

Ask this question, dear reader, whatever your condition may be in the eyes of the Lord. I assure you that if you earnestly and truthfully incline yourself to know who the Lord is he will reveal Himself to you.

The Sunday Sermon - August 4, 2024

THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW GOD, Pt. 1.

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

I often ask myself just how well we know God. It is sad, but true, that the majority of Christian people, though very religious truly do not know God. We have been trained to think and to believe that knowing God consists of being a good church member, participating in the programs and activities of some church, taking part in deeds of charity – helping the poor and needy – and living well with one’s neighbors and relatives. It would be quite true to state that the emphasis has not been placed upon God Himself, but rather upon all the thousands of things that we do in our effort to reach God.

Although all these things are really good things, it is a pity that we have been made to think that these things were all that was necessary. Is it not true that there exists a concept that the mark of a good pastor is that he will have extended the church building two or three times during his term as pastor? Is it not true that almost all evangelists on the radio and television try to make us think that our sincerity and obedience to God consists of giving them all the money we can? Have we not been told that the true Christian is one who unceasingly goes from house to house visiting, one who distributes hundreds of tracts each week, or shares his testimony with his co-workers? Hasn’t spirituality been measured by all these “religious” things? Is it not true that many pastors and missionaries live under continual pressure to produce an impressive monthly report for the headquarters of their particular denomination? Is it not the case that we are now being told that one’s spirituality can be measured by the level of “prosperity” and wealth that a Christian possesses? The idea is that if a believer is really right with God, God will give him all kinds of material blessings and prosperity! In many cases, the church is run more like a business than as the Body of Christ which it is. More emphasis is placed on the financial intake and the number of new members than upon the spiritual growth of each Christian. The leaders of many churches today are more interested in doing social work projects in the community than they are in fulfilling the spiritual work of teaching people how to know God.

If someone were looking for a good church nowadays, he probably would not inquire about how well the people of that church were learning to know God. Most of the time, such a person would put more attention on that church’s community outreach, whether or not that church had an aggressive youth program, and whether there was a viable social work ministry in which he or she could become involved. If someone wishes to find a good pastor, he would most likely seek one who carried himself well with all the people, preferably well educated in the most modern strains of theology, one who has started a number of churches and ‘won’ a lot of souls and has always managed to be successful in his budget, building, and membership drives. The preference is almost always for an aggressive pastor, who is both energetic and ambitious and who has long-range plans and goals for his church or parish. Rarely do we come across a person who gives the benefit to the pastor who is himself seeking to know God, and in many cases, these programs and activities, dear reader, are good works and worthy of acknowledgment and support. But what I am trying to say is that all of this is really secondary to the knowledge of God. In other words, it is like putting the cart before the horse. True spirituality always produces good works. Good works never produce spirituality. If you desire to be spiritual, endeavor to KNOW God for He is Spirit; and then, when you know God, the good works you do will be done in the power of the Spirit of God and will be for the glory of God. When good works are done in this way they will not enhance the fame and popularity of any church or evangelist. Good works done in the power of God, by people who know God, will enhance the KNOWLEDGE of God in all the earth (Isaiah 11:9).

GOD KNOWS MAN

A striking thing which we ought to understand right from the start is that even though man does not truly know God, God already knows man and has known man since the beginning. There is nothing in man that is hidden from God. In the book of Psalms, the psalmist David gives a detailed rendering of his understanding of how well God knows man. David was a man of many testings and trials. He was also a man who had experienced the mercy and forgiveness of God. Through his many failings and mistakes, David had come to understand that God knew and understood very well the nature and character of man. David could not hide himself from God. His actions were known to God. His words were known by God. Even his most intimate thoughts and imaginations were known by God. God knew all of David’s movements and the works of his heart. Let us learn a lesson from the hundred and thirty-ninth psalm of David. Let us learn a lesson concerning the type of knowledge which really counts:

139 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Dear follower of Christ, in the words of this psalm we receive a small idea of the manner in which we are known by God. But the most precious and delightful wonder for the spiritually-minded person today is that this is nothing but an EXAMPLE of the manner in which WE will know God. Our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, declared in John 10:15 “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father”. Can we by any chance say that even as the Father knows us, we know the Father? But we are His sons. We ought to know Him. Instead, to our great sorrow we see that a most pitiful thing has transpired: since religious man has not known the Father in truth HE HAS SUBSTITUTED many other things in the hope of filling the empty void in his heart.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not know God, and the religious leaders of our day do not know God either. And because they themselves do not know Him they cannot teach anyone else how to know Him. Because they do not know the Father, they are unable to reveal Him to others. Jesus said once, “no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him” (Mt. 11:27). Christ was ONE with the Father and hence He knew the Father. If we are indeed sons of God today we too will be one with Him, and we will be able to know Him even as He knows us (John 10:15). As we enter into this UNION with the Father as His sons, then will it be possible to reveal the Father to others who may be seeking Him.

It is no wonder that Church has been reduced to a mere system of rites, and rituals, and rules, and ceremonies, and observances, and programs, and activities, and promotions, and contests, and festivities… they have substituted all of these things because they don’t know how to teach the real knowledge of God: THEY CANNOT REVEAL THE FATHER because they do not know Him themselves. But the words of Christ Jesus show us a divine secret which is of much importance. “and this is LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). To such as have a broken heart and contrite spirit in this day the words of this verse offer a very liberating truth: SALVATION CONSISTS OF KNOWING GOD – nothing else.

It is no wonder that there is so much weakness and carnality among Christian people today. It is because the people of God DO NOT KNOW God. And if they do not know God it is impossible to BE like him. When we begin to know God, we will know His ways, his nature, His majesty, His character. We will be able to reflect His image on earth because we will know Him. But since there is not now this real knowing of God, Christian people try to reflect the image and the ways of sensational evangelists and religious leaders, thinking them to be the very pattern and personification of spirituality. But my heart has become tired of substitutes. I want the real thing. I want to know God. This is my ambition. This is my earnest desire. All else is only vanity. What this world needs today is to know God – the ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent (John 17:3).

Dear faithful one, endeavor to know God. Try to know Him with all your heart, and with all your being. He loves you, and has revealed Himself through Jesus Christ so that YOU could see Him. Do not draw away from Him, friend, nor allow your attention to be distracted by the countless other things that are offered today in place of the true knowledge of God. God is so great and so unmeasurable. Whatever you have known about God up to this moment does not even begin to describe the depths of God Almighty. Be not satisfied with the little that you know. SEEK MORE!

The Sunday Sermon - July 14, 2024

GOD WORKS OUT OF OUR NEED

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

Matthew 14:16-17 – “But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they said to Him, we have here only five loaves, and two fishes.”

The Word
At the beginning of this story, we are told that Jesus had retired to a desert place to be alone with His disciples, but when the people heard of it, they went to Him on foot out of all the cities. It is so amazing to see how the people desired to be close to Jesus, they all loved the word that he preached. His preaching was with authority, and not as the scribes (Mt. 7:29; Mk 1:22). Jesus’ word went forth first, not food or clothing. He did not cater to their physical necessities before first providing the spiritual bread of life. The modern church does it backward; first, they do many social things, sharing clothing, food, supplies, etc. These are all important and necessary items, but in the case of Jesus, He first ministered the word, for hours… The present-day church tends to do the social part first, and then try to share the Gospel afterward. On many occasions, there is not even the opportunity to share the word rather, the expectation is that the people will come and ask questions if they so desire. But, there is a definite lack of power in the word preached by the present-day church. According to the word of God, the power of God will accompany the preaching of His word and signs and wonders will follow, and souls will be saved, healed, and delivered (Mark 16:15, 17, 20). God said that his word would not return unto him void (Isa. 55:11). The disciples overcame the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony (Rev. 12:11). By the word of the disciples, the authorities in the early days of the church knew that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). This power is sadly lacking in the majority of the churches of this age.

The Food
After Jesus had been preaching and teaching, possibly for hours, the disciples implored him to send the people away so they might buy food, because many had come on foot from very far away. But Jesus’ response was a bit unexpected. He saw no need to send the people away, but rather, he said to his disciples: “Give ye them to eat!” We might wonder if this was some strategy on the Lord’s part, or was it just pure love? We are told by the apostle James that we should not simply wish the needy person to be warmed and fed while restraining our hand from personally helping in their need (James 2:17). Even though Jesus suggested that subsequent crowds had come just because of the food and not because of the signs (John 6:26), he did not say it was wrong to have food (perhaps as some means of attending to the physical needs of the people, or even drawing the crowd).

The Giving of Thanks
Jesus then blessed the five little loaves and the two little fish of the little boy, broke them and shared them out. It is very interesting here to see that Jesus gave thanks and blessed something that was not enough! (Mt. 14:18). That is to say, it was not enough in our eyes! What we have underestimated and depreciated, Jesus can use. He will NOT use something that appears to be adequate, preferred, prosperous, well-thought-out, well-planned, etc. Do you consider yourself to be inadequate, or ill-prepared for God’s service? Do you think you are not good enough? Do you feel that you do not have what it takes? Are you wondering if you have enough resources at your disposal? Do you think you lack the money, the materials, the machinery, the vehicles, the manpower? Be prepared for it. God starts with what in our opinion is not enough, weak, failing, inadequate, so that HE ALONE would get the glory.

The Training to Minister
Jesus used his disciples to distribute the food. It is to be done by us, not by some angel. Have you ever considered why it is that God commissions man to do His work rather than send a legion of angels to accomplish His purposes? As the Lord would call you this day, and equip you for service, learn from His example. Follow on to know the Lord. Copy what you see Him do. Spend time in His presence learning of Him (Mt. 11:28-29). The disciples were learning firsthand how to do God’s work. They simply had to follow the instructions of the Master. As they obeyed, the miracle took place. As they went, the bread multiplied. Some people have desired for years to hear a Word from God, but have heard nothing. And yet others have indeed heard a Word from God, but have never been able to obey!

The Courage to Obey
Take courage today, my precious brother and sister, the Lord is calling you into new dimensions of His grace and glory. For, after the crowd had finished eating, they still were able to pick up twelve baskets of leftovers! What was left over was more than what they had at the beginning. We should never underestimate God, never believe that He is unable or unwilling. We must have courage to believe, to obey, and to be bold.

May God richly bless you!

The Sunday Sermon - July 7, 2024

THE TESTING OF A LEADER

by Dr., David J. Hoyte, RCU President

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Psalm 63:1).

Have you ever felt that all your searching for God’s blessings was in vain? Have you thought that it did not matter how much you cried or prayed, you still did not receive what you wanted and did not obtain what you needed? The psalmist David went through a similar situation. His life had been filled with trials and tribulations, especially at the hands of King Saul, a jealous king who was determined to kill David whenever he obtained the opportunity (1 Samuel 20:33). Later, David suffered at the hands of his own men when they became disillusioned and frustrated with their circumstances and were threatening to stone him (2 Samuel 30:6).

The way of a great leader is often full of perils, threats, misunderstandings, and disappointments. But there can be no progress forward without these necessary ingredients. These seemingly negative situations are exactly what it takes to fulfill the deep and strategic training that all great leaders need to do their jobs successfully.

According to the Scripture cited above, there were two things that David realized: 1) the land was dry and thirsty, and 2) there was no water. In other words, not only was the land dry and thirsty at the present moment, but the fact that there was no water signified that there was no likelihood that the dryness in the land would be resolved any time soon. Not only was there a real problem but there was also no present way of solving the problem. Have you ever felt like that? Have your efforts at success ever seemed to show no signs of accomplishing your goal? Have you felt that not only were you unable to progress, but that there was seemingly no one willing to help you?

The normal reactions when faced with similar circumstances often reveal the helplessness and desperation that is felt. People may also think that there is something wrong with them as persons, or that they must be guilty of having done something exceedingly wrong to merit this great punishment that they are experiencing. At times, you may tend to take it out on someone else or try to blame others for the predicament you have fallen into. There is no end to the negative thoughts which will assail you at these moments, and the enemy will even bring suggestions to your mind that at any other time would have appeared to be very unthinkable and repugnant. Now,

there are several steps that one can take in these circumstances that will lead to a new perspective on life in general, and a renewed conviction that God is in control. Let us examine some of David’s reactions in the face of daunting situations in his life:

The Giant Goliath

David saw Goliath’s attack as being against God not personally against him. He realized that God was perfectly capable of protecting Himself against the cursing giant. So, David utilized his chief weapon…praise and glory to God. He also testified about past deliverances when God preserved him from a bear and a lion as he watched his father’s sheep. Notice that these were the armaments that David brought to bear when he faced that great adversity in his life. He never stopped to feel sorry for himself, nor did he consider this a personal attack against himself. He simply declared that the battle was the Lord’s and that He would deliver the enemy into his hands.

King Saul

On the several occasions in which Saul tried to kill David (1 Samuel 20:33), never was David tempted to demonstrate how easily he could wipe out the old, jealous king. Saul was jealous because he knew God had abandoned him in favor of his young rival, David. But, as long as David had life and breath, he continued to consider Saul God’s anointed, and thus worthy of all respect. David remembered that it was God who lifted up and put down kings and he did not have to fight to protect himself from Saul, nor did he need to kill Saul to establish his own calling.

David’s Men

David and his men had returned to Ziklag to their encampment, and they found that the Amalekites had invaded and burned the city and taken captive their wives and children. David was severely distressed, and he and his men lifted up their voice and wept until they had no more strength to weep. It was truly an unfortunate situation, and we may say that they had every right to feel desperate. The anguish was so overwhelming that the men began to talk about stoning David (1 Samuel 30:6). But the Scripture says that David encouraged himself in his God. What an amazing response! Most leaders would have been consorting with their bodyguards to double down on their security detail. Others might have been considering fleeing. Yet others might have been contemplating committing suicide. But David’s reaction is so unusual, so unexpected… He encouraged himself in his God. What do you do when faced by adversity, by calamity, by embarrassing situations, or by unexpected attacks against your character? Do you think of revenge, escape, or self-defense? David’s response was to turn to God for the answer.

The Death of a Son

After David committed that horrendous act of murder against Uriah in order to claim his wife for himself and thus cover up the sin of adultery he had committed with her, God had ordered His prophet Nathan to go and tell him that the son that would be born would die. When the son was born and became sick, David prayed and fasted for several days hoping that God would repent of the judgment He had pronounced against him. But when the little baby did eventually die David “arose from the earth, washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped” (2 Samuel 12:20). Far from cursing God or being resentful, David realized that God was still in control, and that God was the one who ordered all things. David’s companions were astounded at his amazing attitude…wanting to worship God in the midst of his adversity! How do you normally react when faced with this type of trial? Are you able to remember that God is still on His throne and that He is actually interested in seeing you grow in spite of the difficult situation?

The Dry and Thirsty Land

Finally, let us look at the passage with which we started today’s discussion. This is the psalm where David prayed and said: “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Psalm 63:1). This psalm comes at a time where it sums up David’s reactions in all of the other examples we have used in this message. Whether it was the giant, the king, the mutinous men, or his little son’s death, the whole idea here is that when in need, when in desperation, when in calamity, when under fire, or when there was only dryness and thirst all around, David would seek the Lord, he sought Him early, he sought Him earnestly.

Here are some keys to successfully experiencing God:

1) Realize that He is your God – come to the Father with confidence and assurance (Hebrews 11:6)

2) Seek Him early – Follow Jesus’ example and come to the Father before you get busy with your normal activities (Mark 1:35)

3) Seek Him with all your soul – give your all to the Father. Soul speaks of emotions, or whatever is meaningful to you. Your search for God must exceed all other interests (Luke 10:27).

4) Let your physical life be directed toward God – it is not enough to seek God only in the spiritual area, but even our flesh must reflect the holiness of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

5) Be convinced that the condition of the land does not limit God’s power – your surrounding conditions do not influence God’s power, your attitude must be to seek HIM, knowing that you have whatever you ask of Him (Mark 11:24).

Conclusion

Allow the Lord to demonstrate in your life the depths of His power. Do not be limited or alarmed by the surrounding circumstances or the negative conditions. Your attitude must be to seek Him in every trial and tribulation. After all, that is the purpose of the trials…to bring us into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

May God richly bless you!

The Sunday Sermon - June 30, 2024

THE BIRTHRIGHT OF JACOB

By Dr. David J. Hoyte

President, Regional Christian University

Genesis 25:21-34

The birthright may be looked upon in at least two ways. On the one hand, the birthright was a special right, privilege, or possession to which the firstborn or eldest child was entitled. But on the other hand, it could also be seen as something attributed to any person at birth, regardless of order of birth (Miriam Webster Dictionary). As Christians, we realize that God has given each of us a calling or purpose which we are expected to fulfill with the help of the Holy Spirit. That calling or purpose and the necessary equipping and anointing for service is our birthright. We should ask ourselves the following questions:

a. Who am I in God?

b. Why was I born?

c. What is my purpose in life?

d. Have I fulfilled or am I fulfilling that purpose?

Along with the awareness of who we are in God and our purpose for living, we must also have the fear of God. The fear of God will lead us to a life of holiness. Anything outside of a life of holiness will weaken and undermine the fulfillment of our God-given purpose.

When we think of Jacob and Esau, we often describe Jacob as a cunning, contriving, deceiving supplanter who stole Esau’s birthright when he found his brother in a moment of weakness and need. The truth of the matter will, however, surprise us greatly if we take a moment to examine the facts correctly.

Before the birth of Esau and Jacob, their mother Rebecca sensed an uncomfortable turmoil going on within her womb (Gen. 25:20-34). The Word of God states that her children struggled together within her. And, devastated, she went to enquire of the Lord (v. 22). The Lord said to her:

“Two nations are in thy womb and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels, and the one people shall be stronger than the other people, and the elder shall serve the younger” (v.23).

We can clearly see here that the Lord was revealing a call or special placement for one of the sons as opposed to the other. And He was saying that in His divine plan and purpose, the younger son would become the leader and the stronger of the two. At times, we tend to believe only what is “normal” and “usual” according to tradition or general practice, but God is not limited to doing things the way we see fit, either traditionally or culturally. God does not have an obligation to use the firstborn simply because the culture attributes great respect to the eldest. A divine strategy was being planned by the Lord that would end up in the production of the twelve patriarchs (called the children of Israel) through whom eventually the Messiah would come.

Some interesting details are recorded here. In Genesis 25:26, it says that when the time came for the birth, Esau came out first but Jacob was clutching Esau’s heel. It seems that somehow Jacob was still fighting his brother. It seems that Jacob was already aware of his calling even before birth. This is biblical because God told Jeremiah that He had known him and called him BEFORE he was even born, and while he was still in his mother’s womb He was appointing him as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:4-5). So, even while yet in the womb, Jacob had initiated a war with his brother which would eventually end up in his possessing the birthright. As we mentioned before, the birthright is not limited to something an eldest brother automatically receives, rather it is a special dotation or recognition or authority received at birth, no matter what order of birth may have existed.

We may apply this concept to each and every one of our lives personally. We are born of God, and chosen by Him before birth to fulfill something special in life that will lead to His glory and the expansion of His kingdom. There is a birthright for each one of us. God’s birthright is not limited to just the eldest. God does not have ‘eldest’ sons, He just has sons and daughters. Some of us are like Esau and despise their birthright, while there are others who wrestle and fight against every obstacle in order to take hold of what God intended for them. Let us examine a few points of importance here:

· Even though you might be aware of your God-given calling, you still have to fight to obtain or possess it.

· Sometimes you will need to wrestle even against your closest friends or family.

· People will give you what you want if you faithfully use what you have

· When you are determined to pursue God’s calling, the Lord will cause other people to open doors for you.

· Even after gaining the birthright, the battle to keep it continues.

Even though you might be aware of your God-given calling, you still have to fight to obtain or possess it

Let no one deceive you, God does not give away His anointings to undeserving and feeble-minded people. What God has ordained for you becomes a notable target for the enemy’s attacks, and you will find yourself engaged in a continuous battle with innumerable spiritual forces of distress and opposition until you finally break forth victoriously. This is normal. It happened to Moses, Joshua, David, Jesus, Peter, Paul, and countless others down through the ages. No one is exempt. If you are of any spiritual worth, you will be tried. Be prepared for this. Do not pray to be spared or delivered from the trials. They are part of the ingredients for success. Peter admonishes us not to be alarmed concerning the fiery trial which is to try us (1 Peter 4:12). Paul stated that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Even though God had given the Israelites the promised land, they were still instructed to move in and possess it (Deuteronomy 1:8, 21; 2:31; 3:20), and that possession was normally done through war (Deuteronomy 2:24; 3:18).

Sometimes you will need to wrestle even against your closest friends or family

Many think of Jacob as a deceiver, supplanter, thief, and so on. But, Jacob simply knew his destiny and was not prepared to let anyone stop him, not even his older brother (v. 31). Jacob was not out to take advantage of his brother, he only had one thing in mind: the fulfillment of God’s plan. At times, we tend to become weak when it comes to family and friends. We hesitate to hurt another’s feelings, so we go against what we are convinced is God’s instruction to us. We allow our love for family to distort the vision we have received from God. Jesus admonishes us not to love Father or Mother more than we love Him (Matthew 10:37), and to forsake family and possessions to follow Him (Matthew 19:29). This does not mean to literally reject our family but rather we place God in first place over the family. The Word of God promises us that we would be saved “and our house” (Acts 16:31). Joshua pledged to serve the Lord “he and his family” (Joshua 24:15). The problem is one of priorities. God expects us to have a united family, but when the family threatens our unity with God then we have to choose God above the family. Just as Jacob had to wrestle with his brother Esau in order to obtain the birthright, you will often have to wrestle with your family in order to become established in what God had already decided for you. We may see it this way: the birthright actually belonged to Jacob, just that Esau was holding on to it. And while the birthright remained within Esau’s power, he did not even care for it or appreciate its value. Many times our family will hold back on the approval or recognition we need in order to move on with God, and they refuse to let us go. At such times, we need to wrestle and battle in prayer until the release comes. We don’t give up, we don’t give in, and we don’t give out.

People will give you what you want if you faithfully use what you have

Jacob used a simple cooking talent to win the birthright from his brother. He never thought that his talent was insignificant. The scripture says that Jacob was a homebody, while Esau was a hunter (Genesis 25:27-28). Jacob liked to cook and do things around the house and help his mother. On this occasion, he had cooked a pot of soup and Esau came home hungry and worn out, and he begged Jacob for some soup. Jacob saw his opportunity and challenged his older brother to give him the birthright in exchange for the soup. Esau made an oath that he was handing over the birthright, ate the soup, and went to his house. Jacob did not steal the birthright, nor did he deceive or trick his brother into giving it up. He was fulfilling what God had spoken to his mother before birth (v. 23). The Word says “So Esau despised his birthright” (v. 34). Esau willingly handed over the birthright because HE DID NOT SEE ITS PURPOSE. What is that talent that you might have? Is it cooking, cleaning, sewing, knitting, painting, gardening, teaching, singing, carpentry? Use it faithfully for the Lord, and you will be recompensed. If Jacob had not been faithful in his cooking skills, he would not have had the opportunity nor the courage to obtain the birthright from his brother.

When you are determined to pursue God’s calling, the Lord will cause other people to open doors for you

When Jacob’s father later requested his eldest son Esau to bring him a savory dish of venison (deer) so he could eat and give him the paternal blessing before dying (Genesis 27:7), Jacob’s mother quickly devised a different plan. She called to Jacob to hurry and bring a little goat for her to prepare so that he could take it to his father and receive the blessing he intended for his brother Esau. We may again look at this as some kind of trickery, but God had spoken a word to Rebecca (Jacob’s mother) before he was born. As a result of this, Jacob obtained the blessing intended for the one with the birthright, thus completing the manifestation of the promise given concerning him before his birth. Through this strategic plan on the part of Jacob’s mother, the door was opened for him to enter into a new dimension of blessing that he would otherwise have missed. Jacob did not ask for this. He was not seeking ways to beguile or commit trickery. It was his mother who was aware of what the father was devising for his older son, and she took the opportunity to open the way for Jacob instead to obtain the ageing father’s paternal blessing normally reserved for the firstborn. In this same manner, God will cause people to open doors for you that you did not even imagine, opportunities that normally would go to people in places far superior to your level.

Even after gaining the birthright, the battle to keep it continues

Jacob’s life did not become easier once he had obtained his birthright. It continued to be a constant struggle. He fought his brother for the birthright even in the womb (Gen. 25:22) . He fought his father for the paternal blessing (Gen. 27:18-29). He fought Laban for his bride (Gen. 29:21-30). He also fought Laban for the business success (Gen. 30:25-43). He fought the angel for the spiritual blessing (Gen. 32:24-29). At the end, he fought to win his brother’s forgiveness and restoration of peace with him (Gen. 33:1-20). The birthright is not a static, inheritable item, it is an anointing for service, a divine appointment, something sacred which is recognized by God and by Satan. God bestows it on the willing heart, and Satan tries his best to destroy and thwart it. There is a need to protect and preserve the birthright during your entire life. You never let down the guard. The bestowal of the birthright upon Jacob was a divine preparation for the creation of the twelve tribes of Israel and the subsequent coming of the Messiah. The birthright was not a man-given thing, it was God-bestowed.

What is the God-bestowed birthright that God has given to you? And do you know its purpose? Have you striven to protect and preserve the birthright on a daily basis? Though the struggle may be difficult at times, we are called upon to persevere until the end. Do not give up. Stay faithful to the Lord, and He will see you through every trial, every disappointment. He will keep you firm in the face of every distraction and temptation. There is a need for the birthright, my beloved brother and sister. God is calling us. God is calling you. Be faithful to Him. He will anoint you with the divine birthright. Nothing will be able to stand against you. Persevere, go forward, and be steadfast.

May God richly bless you.

The Sunday Sermon - June 23, 2024

THE CHURCHES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - Part 3

By Dr. Otto Arango

THE CHURCHES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - Part 3

THE CHURCH OF THESSALONIKI AND BEREA

Characteristics of the Church in Thessalonica, I Thess. and II Thes.

1. “Occupation-activity” works of faith. 1:3,

2. Work “labor” of love, implies fatigue. 1:3

3. Constant in hope, 1:3,

4. Imitators “mimic” the apostles and the Lord, 1:6

5. Example and model for other regions, Achaia, Macedonia, 1:7-8

6. They converted from idolatry, 1:9

7. They had expectations of the second coming, 1:10

8. Timothy was their pastor, I Thes. 3:2

9. They maintained patience and faith amid tribulations, II Thes. 1:4

Characteristics of the Church in Berea, Acts. 17:11-12

1. They were nobles “with a more socially advanced mind," perhaps more educated.

2. They received the word with request “promptness, zeal, speed”

3. They scrutinized “anacrine” = they examined, verified, investigated, and critically judged the scriptures every day.

4. Women of prominent social class congregated in this church.

THE CHURCH OF ROME

Characteristics

1. They disseminated the faith “kataggeletai” a word composed of “katá=in accordance with” and “aggello= announce” they proclaimed, and they declared it openly. Ro. 1:8;

2. They gathered together at home, 16:5;

3. Women were hardworking and active, 16:3, 6, 12;

4. Obedience among them was a good testimony, 16:19;

5. In the church there were several relatives of the apostle Paul, 16:7, 11,21;

6. They practiced hospitality, 16:23

7. Several collaborated with the apostle in the ministry, 16:3, 9

THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH

Characteristics

1. Of all the churches started by the apostle Paul, it was the most difficult, controversial, and the one that caused the apostle the most pain and sadness.

2. It began in the house of Justo, Acts. 18:7, and Crispus principal “head” of the synagogue, Acts. 18:11;

3. Paul pastored the church, spending a year and a half teaching. Acts. 18:11,

4. They caused constant divisions, I Cor. 1:13; 3:4; II Cor. 12:20.

5. They were characterized by jealousy, strife, dissension; I Cor. 3:3

6. Ruled by the flesh; I Cor. 3:3,

7. They gloried in human wisdom, I Co. Cap. 1-2;

8. They judged people, I Cor. 4;

9. Involved in fornication, Chap. 5

10. They caused disputes among the unbelievers, Chap. 6

11. With many problems within the marriage, Chap. 7

12. They ate meat sacrificed to idols, Ch. 8

13. They judged the freedom and rights of Paul's apostolate, Chap. 9

14. They were frequently admonished to avoid idolatry, Chap. 10

15. They participated unworthily in the Lord's Supper, Chap. 11

16. They used and exercised spiritual gifts incorrectly, Chaps. 12-14

17. Some doubted the resurrection of Christ, Chap. 15

18. They were inconsistent in giving and financially supporting the ministry,

Chap. 16

19. They accused the apostle of stealing and lying, II Cor. 10-11

THE CHURCHES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - Part 2

By Dr. Otto ArangoThe Sunday Sermon - June 23, 2024

Acts. 2:1-8:3 covers the activities and development of the Church in Jerusalem.

We observe:

1. That the church was directed by the leadership of the apostles, 5:12; 6:2.

2. Under the leadership of the apostles the church remained in Jerusalem for a period of 6-7 years.

3. Evangelistic activities took place near the temple; 2:46; 3:1, 2, 3, 8, 10; 4:1; 5:20, 21, 24, 25, 42.; However, starting in chapter 6, the activities take place in the synagogues; From 6:9-26:11 the emphasis falls on the synagogues.

4. We find recorded in the book of Acts 10 sermons; Three from the apostle Peter between chapters 2-4; One of Esteban in chap. 7, and seven of the apostle Paul. (6:9; 9:2,20; 13:5, 14, 42, 43; 22:19; 26:11). In the book of Acts we observe Peter's leadership, chapters 1-12; and from Paul, chapters 13-28.

5. The church in Jerusalem was constantly increasing in number (2:41; 4:4, 32; 5:14; 6:1, 7). However, it remained limited to Jerusalem until they experienced spread and extension following the persecution. (Acts 8:1). The historian Flavius Josephus mentions that at this time the population in Jerusalem was approximately one million inhabitants, and Tacitus speaks of six hundred thousand.

6. The organization and delegation of ministries of the local church in Jerusalem began as a result of a dispute and complaints among its members, and by apostolic decision. Chapter 6. It should be noted that the various styles or forms of ecclesiastical government did not take place until fourteen years later, (Presbyterian government, Acts 14:23; Congregational Episcopal, Acts 20:28).

7. The main growth occurred with the transition of leadership, from apostles to laymen, chapters 6-8.

CHURCH OF JUDEA, GALILEE, SAMARIA AND ANTIOCH

Acts. 9:31-13:3

The Churches of Judea, Galilee and Samaria were the result of two things: (1) the persecution experienced by the Jerusalem church... “But those who were scattered went everywhere proclaiming the gospel.” Acts. 8:4-5. RV60. (2) It was lay activity that brought the gospel to these regions; The proclamation of Stephen, chapters, 6-7, and the evangelizing action of Philip, chapter. 8.

Let us observe the transition of the singular Church Acts. 8:1-3, to churches, plural, Acts. 9:31. The evangelizing action was exclusive towards the Jews, Acts. 11:19, did not include Gentiles, until the action of the men of Cyprus and Cyrene. Acts. 11:20.

THE CHURCH OF ANTIOCH

HCH. 11:20-30; 13:1-3.

Characteristics of this Church:

1. They evangelized inclusively regardless of nationality, Acts. 11:20;

2. They included and accepted the apostle Paul in the congregation, Acts. 11:25.

3. They practiced discipleship, Acts. 11:26.

4. It was in this church that the Lord's disciples were first given the name “Christians” by the community. Acts. 11:26.

5. A church with diversity of gifts and abilities, “prophets and teachers.” Acts. 13:1.

6. It was the church that served as a platform for the missionary enterprise, Acts. 13:2-14:28. (Seleucia, Cyprus, Salamis, Paphos, Perge, Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Lycaonia, Pamphylia, Atalia). Acts. Chaps. 13-14.

7. Generous Church and the first to support the missionary enterprise towards the Gentiles, Acts. 11:29;

8. It was the base church of the apostle Paul and Barnabas, Acts. 11:25-26; 13:1-2.

9. The apostle Paul congregated one year in this church, Acts. 11:26.

The Sunday Sermon - June 16, 2024

THE CHURCHES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - Part 1

By Dr. Otto Arango

The word “ekklesia” simply means “to call out.” The term was applied

to designate any meeting or assembly of people where they had

public discussions. Church is a word with a pagan and secular background, the

difference between pagan and Christian churches was that for believers to distinguish it

from secular assemblies they added “of Christ” or “of God.”

Historically, the Christian church began on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem as recorded in the book of Acts, 2:1-4 in 29 BC.

Let us take a bird's eye view of the sixteen churches that are identified by name in the New Testament:

THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM

Acts chapters 2-8

Chapters 2-8 of the book of Acts provide us with the details of the Church in

Jerusalem with its main characteristics. Prior to the events of the Day of

Pentecost, we observed that a group of 120 people were gathered in

the upper room Acts 1:15, 20:8, (large room located at the top of the

house), Acts 9:37, 39.

We observe that the 11 apostles were in the group, Acts 1:13. What were they doing? They persevered (constant attention) unanimously (with the same feeling and thought) in prayer. With the arrival of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1- 4, to those

gathered there appeared cloven tongues like as fire “as” is a simile, 2:3. From the context we understand that the tongues were languages, let us observe the nationalities present, vv 9-11. On account of this powerful event of the Holy Spirit, “then Peter stood up” 2:14. ONE MOMENT; What about Peter? That brother He should be in discipline, no He should not speak or be in the group, first he must be disciplined and put to the test. That would be said following the rules and customs of the committees and statutes of discipline of current congregations and denominations. Why allow Peter to speak? That brother with a terrible testimony, that he denied the Lord just a few days ago, Mt. 26:69-74; Mark 14:66-72; He “began to curse, and to swear; No, I know this man you speak of. Luc. 22:54-62; Jn. 18:25-27. Possibly today within the current Church disciplinary committee,

someone with a Sanhedrin and righteous complex would prohibit Peter from attending the meeting in the upper room, much less that he spoke, preached and exhorted because first he had to be disciplined. Well then; This is how the Early Church of Jerusalem begins.

What distinctive do we observe concerning the life of the Church? Acts. 2:40-47.

1. They proclaimed the gospel of salvation, 2:40;

2. They baptized believers, 2:41; MOMENT AGAIN! Did they have the

baptistry prepared to baptize 3,000 people that same day?;

Why baptize them without having gone through 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, previous lessons to be prepared for baptism?

3. They persevered in doctrine; What doctrines? Baptists? Presbyterians?

Wesleyan Methodists? Pentecostals? etc. Acts. 2:42 “doctrine-Didache”

the teachings or instructions of the apostles.

4. They practiced “koinonia” and “Diakonia” 2:44-46;

5. He had the acceptance and approval of the community “they enjoyed the favor of the community. 2:47;

6. They praised God, 2:47;

7. They grew, and increased in number every day; 2:47, in other words; they did not stagnate, they progressed.

To be continued.

THE CHURCHES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - Part 1

By Dr. Otto Arango

The word “ekklesia” simply means “to call out.” The term was applied

to designate any meeting or assembly of people where they had

public discussions. Church is a word with a pagan and secular background, the

difference between pagan and Christian churches was that for believers to distinguish it

from secular assemblies they added “of Christ” or “of God.”

Historically, the Christian church began on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem as recorded in the book of Acts, 2:1-4 in 29 BC.

Let us take a bird's eye view of the sixteen churches that are identified by name in the New Testament:

THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM

Acts chapters 2-8

Chapters 2-8 of the book of Acts provide us with the details of the Church in

Jerusalem with its main characteristics. Prior to the events of the Day of

Pentecost, we observed that a group of 120 people were gathered in

the upper room Acts 1:15, 20:8, (large room located at the top of the

house), Acts 9:37, 39.

What distinctive do we observe concerning the life of the Church? Acts. 2:40-47.

1. They proclaimed the gospel of salvation, 2:40;

2. They baptized believers, 2:41; MOMENT AGAIN! Did they have the

baptistry prepared to baptize 3,000 people that same day?;

Why baptize them without having gone through 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, previous lessons to be prepared for baptism?

3. They persevered in doctrine; What doctrines? Baptists? Presbyterians?

Wesleyan Methodists? Pentecostals? etc. Acts. 2:42 “doctrine-Didache”

the teachings or instructions of the apostles.

4. They practiced “koinonia” and “Diakonia” 2:44-46;

5. He had the acceptance and approval of the community “they enjoyed the favor of the community. 2:47;

6. They praised God, 2:47;

7. They grew, and increased in number every day; 2:47, in other words; they did not stagnate, they progressed.

To be continued.

The Sunday Sermon - June 2, 2024

TRUE WORSHIP John 4:7-2

by Dr. Otto Arango

Do we really understand what it means to worship God? John 4:7-26 records Jesus' dialogue with a Samaritan woman. The conversation took place around Jacob's well which historically was common between Jews and Samaritans, vv 6,11,12. At the end of the dialogue, the woman is surprised that Jesus, being a Jew, would start a conversation with her, in addition to asking her for water to drink. The Samaritans were despised by the Jews v-9, (that enmity between Jews and Samaritans existed, among other reasons, because the Jews had destroyed their temple in 128 BC).Let us return to our central question dealing with worship.

SOME OBSERVATIONS

1. These verses refer to worship 11 times, vv 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

2. Worship, adoration, comes from a word that implies bowing down and kissing the hand of someone who was recognized as having authority.

3. We observe the reaction of the Samaritan woman to Jesus' request “give me a drink.” (v 7): the Samaritan woman reacts by saying: How come you, being a Jew, ask me for a drink? In contemporary language it is equivalent to saying, “how daring”. The how, the you, and the me of the reaction should be emphasized.

4. Some similarity between the reactions of the dialogue with Nicodemus and with the Samaritan woman, example: Nicodemus's reaction: John 3:9, “How?”, “you don't even know” 3:8, “we know” 3:11.
The Samaritan: “How is it that you? 4:7, “what you do not know” 4:22, “we know” 4:22.

SOME APPLICATIONS

1. Worshiping God has nothing to do with geographical location, 4:20-21

2. Worshiping God has nothing to do with schedules, it must be spontaneous, not forced or programmed. 4:23

3. Worshiping God must be offered in the spirit of truth, not falsehood or pretense, not for the sake of experiencing and feeling excited in a moment 4:23, it must be “true=genuine”

4. Understanding who we worship, 4:22, because the Samaritans worshiped without knowing who they worshiped.

5. Worship of God is done in “spirit and truth” perhaps refers to a total surrender of all that we are without reservation, 4:23.

6. Do not confuse worship with praise, singing, applause, shouting, music. Let us observe that when it is done in spirit and truth the Father of such worshipers is pleased, 4:23.

7. Worship is something deeper than singing, praising with songs, and hymns because those are external experiences, worship is internal, individual, intimate, private.

8. It is something that is constantly done in the present.

9. It does not seek to make us feel good, on the contrary, it seeks to please God, not us.

CONCLUSION

Let's ask ourselves, do we really worship and understand what it means to worship God?

The Sunday Sermon - May 19, 2024

CONCERNING PARALYSIS

by Dr. Otto Arango

The Paralytic of Bethesda

“A case to analyze”

JOHN. 5:1-18

Physical paralysis is defined as the loss of the ability to move the entire body or part of it. In this Gospel passage we read of Jesus' visit and encounter with a crowd of sick people (blind, lame and paralyzed) v-3, at the end of the second year and during the celebration of a Jewish festival in Jerusalem v-1. Which festival? We do not know, however, some scholars think that it could well be the feast of Pentecost. Those who interpret this way maintain that the order of chapters 5 and 6 is altered, saying that chapter 5 should be in the place of chapter 6, and chapter 6 should be in the place of 5. Why? To follow the chronological fluidity of the three main annual Jewish festivals (Passover chapter 5, Pentecost chapter 6, and Tabernacles chapter 7) Now; Whatever the festival, the truth is that Jesus, during his visit to Jerusalem on this occasion of the festival, crossed the pond called “Bethesda = house of mercy” near the sheep gate, which had five porches. -2. From that door we find Jesus observing a crowd of disabled people (sick, blind, lame and paralyzed) v-3, obviously people deprived of physical health.

THE CONTEXT observing the passage, vv 1-4.

The final part of v-3 “they were waiting for the movement of the water.” and v-4 “For an angel descended from time to time into the pool, and stirred up the water; and whoever first descended into the pond after the movement of the water was healed of any illness he had” does not appear in the best manuscripts. So; Why does it appear in some of our Bibles? Because this part of vv 3-4 was a superstitious comment that circulated in those days. But it is not part of the original text, and in no way affects the manifestation of the sign that Jesus would do.

V-5: There was a man there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. That is to say; Within the crowd of affected sick people, Jesus focused on this man.

The allegorical interpretation

Allegorical interpreters (opposed to the literal-grammatical and historical method) interpret by saying that this man who was sick for thirty-eight years symbolized and represented the nation of Israel and its many years in the desert, that the five porches symbolized the five books of the Pentateuch, and that the diseased condition was the result of Israel's rebellion. Now let's imagine for a few moments that we are dealing with this paralytic, tired and frustrated of waiting for a solution to his physical problem; and to console him we say to him, “Your illness and paralysis is a symbol, it is a means to illustrate the rebellion of the nation of Israel in the desert; tell him and also advise him to approach the five porches next to the sheep gate that symbolize the Pentateuch, and to obey the law." Let's imagine the reaction of the paralyzed person, possibly he would tell us, "I am paralyzed, but you are crazy." "To top it all off, you are a mental case."

The “grammatical-historical” Literal Interpretation

The truth is that the paralyzed man was a tired individual, frustrated with making attempts to find a solution to his physical illness of thirty-eight years.

THE CURE, vv 6-9, How did Jesus deal with the situation of this man's paralysis to provide a solution and remedy for his frustration?

1. Jesus saw him, v-6. Jesus' actions in this situation began with a compassionate look.

2. Jesus knew that he had been in that condition for a long time, v-6.

3. Jesus asks; Do you want to be healed? V-6, Why ask a thirty-eight year old patient dealing with paralysis if he wants to be healed? The question is correct, why? Because Jesus does not intervene or impose himself by force to act in a person's private affairs without first asking permission to act, Jesus is not a meddler in lives. There are people stuck in their problem who may not want to get out of the problem.

4. The frustrated response of the paralytic, “I have no one to help me” v-7

I imagine Jesus thinking; That's not what I asked you.

I asked you, do you want? The original verb of the question Jesus used “theleis” can be translated as will, desire, willingness, in other words, Are you willing to give up your will?

5. Jesus' command, “get up, take up your bed, and walk” v-8

In other words, make the decision of wanting, of will.

6. The remedy or healing, “instantly” v-9

Let's see how the “indifferent” religious leaders treated the paralyzed man. v- 10.

1. So, v-10. Religious opposition to healing performed on the Sabbath day. According to the Mishnah (second Jewish law and traditions), a sick person was not allowed to carry his bed on the Sabbath. “It is not lawful for you” it is not lawful for you to be healed and walking. v-10

2. Who was it that said to you: Take up your bed and walk? v-12. Religious blindness, instead of rejoicing that the paralytic had finally been healed, now questions him, Who?, How?, Why?, Where? Etc., Would those questions solve the problem of the paralytic? What the Jews were suggesting to the paralytic is that he become paralyzed again.

SOME THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1. Do we feel hindered or paralyzed by any cause in our life?

2. Do we want to go out and destroy the paralysis that does not allow us to move forward?

3. Do we desire, but we do not want to surrender our will?

4. Do we desire, but we do not want to recognize the cause of the paralysis that makes us powerless to move forward?

THE CAUSE OF PARALYSIS v-14

1. In the case of this paralytic, what caused his physical paralysis was possibly a bad decision he made in his youth that resulted in the paralysis (see v.14).

2. Is there some unresolved issue in life that is causing the paralysis we suffer to kepe stopping us? Then we must answer the Lord's question: Do we want to be healed? v-6

3. Faced with any paralysis that stops us or prevents us from moving forward, Jesus orders: “Let us get up, let us walk” vv 8-12, let us observe that the remedy is found in the sphere of God's Mercy and Grace. Jesus is always ready to meet us in the place of Grace and Mercy, “Bethesda”. We are not trying to help God, just believing what he tells us.

CONCLUSION

Jesus has the answer to paralysis whatever it may be, not us, not the religious, not our abilities, not our efforts, he asks us: Do we want to get up? do we want to? Do we want to start again?

After emerging from the crisis, let's not be surprised that there will be those who will be angry and upset about our progress.