God's Clear Voice: visions and angelic vistiations

God’s Clear Voice by Anthony Mark Ortiz is a journey through the author’s life, his trials and tribulations from a childhood accident to being falsely imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. It was there when he first experienced visions and claims God spoke to him through dreams, visions, angelic visitations. A  vision he claims is similar to the revelation of John the Apostle on the island of Patmos which became the Book of Revelation. This book sets out to demonstrate how God still speaks to his called and chosen people as well as how to recognize God’s voice. Covering topics like spiritual warfare, faith, the rapture, and the end times, the book sets out to give readers a new perspective and learn to listen for God’s voice. The author discusses how to prepare for spiritual battles, using the full armor of God as discussed in Ephesians 6:10-18. 

God’s Clear Voice was not the book I was expecting. It was more a book on his personal experience and his claims how God gave him a vision and revelation to share with the world. I do not doubt that God still speaks through visions and dreams. Believers are to seek out his voice by reading his word and in prayer. However, I am skeptical when someone claims to have a new revelation from God, especially when it's a claim about the end times. To his credit, Mr. Ortiz does encourage readers to study the Bible on their own and not just take his word on the subject. He makes a bunch of claims and uses numerous scripture verses with no real conclusion or cohesive connection. The book also abruptly ends with no wrap up or conclusion. I do not doubt his sincerity but I do not see how his revelation brings any new information that hasn’t already been revealed to us in the Bible. Unfortunately, I do not recommend God’s Clear Voice. 

God’s Clear Voice is available in paperback and eBook. 

Titus, Philemon, Hebrews and James: responsibility, forgiveness, faith and perserverance

Today’s study is on four short, and often overlooked, books. In Titus, Paul writes to Titus, a young Christian who had become an important representative on the island of Crete. He writes about the responsibility of Christians as citizens of the world. In Philemon, Paul writes about the need to break down walls that once separated us and create unity among believers. Hebrews is written by an unknown author and presents the importance of faith. The book of James is written by one of Jesus’ brothers which discusses proper Christian living through trials, faith and actions.

In Titus, Paul writes to remind us that we are “to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men” (Titus 3:1-2). As Christians, our first allegiance is to Jesus as Lord and Savior. However, we are still citizens of a country and we are to obey the civil laws. It is our responsibility as Christians and citizens to participate in our government and society. This includes voting or even holding office. It includes participating in our community functions and volunteering. We are not to hide isolation away from the world. How are we to spread the gospel and be an example of Jesus’ love to the world if we are hidden from the world? We can’t. We are to be in the world, just not of the world (John 17:14-19). We are to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14). So, obey the traffic laws, pay your taxes, vote in the elections, and do good in your communities. There are many examples that can be done in your communities. It doesn’t matter how big or small. What matters is your participation.

Philemon is a very short book, no chapters just verses. Philemon is believed to be a wealthy individual who once owned a slave named Onesimus who had ran away after stealing from his master. He meets Paul in Rome and becomes a believer in Christ. Paul is now sending his letter to Philemon, as well as Onesimus. Paul pleads with Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ and forgive him (verses 8-16). Paul writes “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother (verses 15-16). Slavery was widespread in the Roman empire, but no one is lost to God or beyond his love. Slavery was a barrier between people, but Christians can break down that barrier with love and fellowship. We need to remember that in Christ, we are all family. Unfortunately, many Christians today separate themselves according to denominations. Someone will be looked down on by other Christians because they are Baptist or Catholic or even in churches designated as non-denominational. We allow man-made traditions and rituals, which may or may not be Biblically based or inspired, to separate us and forget the fact that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

My favorite chapter in the book of Hebrews is Chapter 11, commonly known as the Hall of Fame of Faith. The author gives us examples of faith throughout the Old Testament. The author defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (verse 1). He proceeds to list the amazing things men and women did by faith. From Abel to Abraham to Moses to the prophets, men and women displaying their faith despite the uncertainties, the ridicule and even in the face of their possible deaths. Noah built the ark despite never seeing a drop of rain before (Hebrews 11:7). By faith, Abraham became a stranger in a strange land to become the father of nations (Hebrews 11:9). God rewards those who live by faith and earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6); however not everyone received those rewards on earth. Many did not live to see what was promised (Hebrews 11:39). Abraham did not live to see his descendants be as numerous as the stars, but he believed God would do as he promised (Hebrews 11:12). Martin Luther King Jr once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the entire staircase” and that’s what these individuals did. They took the first step even though they didn’t see the whole picture. We can look to the examples listed in Hebrews 11 and remember that by faith, we can do great things for God. We may not live to see the results but by faith, we believe that it will happen.

The book of James is often referred to as the how to book on Christian living. Right off the bat, James tells us to consider our trials with joy as our faith is deepened through perseverance (James 1:2-3). He writes “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12). Many times, when we are going through hard times, we ask “why me?” We try to think of what we did or didn’t do to deserve the trial. Sometimes a trial is the result of sin or a decision we made that opened the door for the situation. Whatever the reason, the trial can hone our faith, deepen our reliance on God and gives us wisdom in the end. James also tells us to do what the word says, not just listen to it (James 1:22). Many Christians read the Bible but do not put it into practice. It is hearing “do unto others” and doing the opposite. Unfortunately, many Christians treat others, believers and non-believers alike, with malice and animosity.  It is one reason why many people distrust Christian and even turned away from God.

In conclusion, the book of Titus reminds us that we are not to ignore our responsibilities as citizens of our country. We are called to be an example of Jesus in the world in order to show the people his love and we must among the people of the world to do so. The book of Philemon is an example of reconciliation through forgiveness. In the book of Hebrews, we are given examples of faith which can remind us that sometimes we must step forward by faith in order to see the whole picture later. Lastly, the book of James tells us that faith in honed through perseverance and we must act on the Word, not just learn it.

Good Friday: traditions and the trials of Jesus

Today is Good Friday the day Christians commemorate Jesus’s crucifixion and death on the cross. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. The origin of the word “good” in Good Friday is unclear. There are traditions to commemorate the events of Good Friday. The trials Jesus had to endure leading up to his crucifixion and his final words as he dies on the cross are worthy of remembrance.

Some people may ask why the day is referred to as Good Friday when it’s the day in which Jesus is killed. There are some conflict as to the origin of the word “good” in Good Friday. Some claim “good” refers to pious or holy, while others claim it’s a corruption of “God Friday.” The Oxford English Dictionary supports the former claim with a definition as “a day or season observed as holy by the church.” It is interesting that in German speaking countries, Good Friday is generally known as Karfreitag. Kar is from the Old High German word, kara meaning “grieve” or “mourn” and Freitag is “Friday.” Essentially meaning Mourning Friday which fits the events of the day better as mourning is appropriate when someone dies. Those individuals who were there on that day didn’t know what was coming so “Mourning Friday” would fit what they were feeling.

There are a few Good Friday traditions that are followed around the world. A popular tradition is hot cross buns. Hot cross buns are spiced sweet buns made with currants or raisins marked with a cross on the top. The ban mark the end of Lent. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus and the spices used to embalm Jesus at his burial. When I was in the fourth grade, I learned the nursery rhyme to hot cross buns on the recorder. The lyrics go: “Hot cross buns!/Hot cross buns!/One a penny two a penny/Hot cross buns!/If you have no daughters/give them to you sons/One a penny two a penny/Hot cross buns! The earliest recording is in the Christmas Box London 1798) and earlier references as a London street cry recorded in Poor Robin’s Almanac in 1733. Another tradition is many churches recreated the path that Jesus took with the cross. Generally, following a person carrying a cross, the congregation stops at certain points to read Bible passages or sing a hymn before heading to church for a service.

Over the course of six trials, Jesus is questioned, tortured and beaten. The first three were before the religious leaders and the next three were before the Roman authorities. First, a preliminary hearing before Annas, the high priest (John 18:12-24). Second, a hearing before Caiaphas Annas’ son-in-law (Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65) Third, a trial before the Sanhedrin, 70 member Jewish council (Matthew 27:1-2, Mark 15:1, Luke 22:66-71). Here the religious leaders who charged him with blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God and approve the previous trials before sending Jesus to the Roman authorities. The religious leaders had condemned Jesus to death on religious grounds but only the Roman authorities could grant the death penalty. Jesus’ first appearance before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14, Mark 15:2-5, Luke 23:1-5, John 18:28-37), the Roman governor was for the charge of treason and rebellion crimes. Pilate saw that Jesus was innocent but was afraid to set him free for a possible uproar caused by the religious leaders. So Pilate sends Jesus to stand trial before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12). Herod Antipas was the ruler of Galilee and was in Jerusalem for the Passover. He asked Jesus questions and demanded to see miracles but Jesus refused to answer. Herod then sent him back to Pilate. The sixth and final trial was before Pilate (Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:13-25, John 18:39-19:16). He knows Jesus is innocent and he knows that a religious uprising would cost him his position as governor, so he tries to compromise and have Jesus beaten to satisfy the leaders. When that didn’t appease them, he finally gave in and hands Jesus over to be executed.

Jesus is led away to be crucified to the place called Golgotha (The Skull) where he is nailed to the cross and hangs there as his body is essentially crushed under its own weight and breathing is extremely difficult. The gospels record his final words. Both Matthew and Mark record him saying “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). Luke records him saying “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46) and John records “It is finished” (John 19:30). He was laid in a borrowed tomb. The tomb is sealed and Roman guards stood watch as to deter any followers from stealing Jesus’ body. Little did they know that the seal and the guards wouldn’t stop what would happen next.

In conclusion, on Good Friday, Jesus completed the second part of his mission. He died on the cross for our sins when he was completely innocent. He took our sins upon himself so that God his father had forsaken him. While there is mourning on Good Friday, there is also rejoicing. For us, as believers, our sins have been paid with Jesus’s death on the cross. We have created many traditions to honor the day with hot cross buns or recreation of Jesus’s path to Golgotha. No matter what you do, remembering the price which he paid for us is the important part.