F.I.S.H. is an acronym standing for "Fellowship for an International Scripture Heritage." It is one of several ministries of FellowHelpers To The Truth, Inc., a non-profit organization begun in 1982 under initial endorsement of Spring Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. F.I.S.H. Ministry utilizes on-site missionaries to receive and distribute Bibles and New Testaments on various mission fields, as free-will offerings make copies of the Word available.
Be a Fisher of Men! Helping to spread God's Word Internationally is a mission that needs all of us! How can you help?...... Prayer: We need your prayers, include us daily as you speak with God....... Support: Free Will offerings is the financial life blood of our operations. One time donations are wonderful and monthly donations are fantastic!..... Involvement: If you have a burning desire to share your talents, contact us and we will help fan that flame!
We are Baptist people seeking to be helpful to the Lord’s churches and works both at home and abroad. We identify with the ancient Waldenses, Paulicians, Donatists and others who have stood in the hedge and filled the gap as a succession of true churches from the time of Jesus and the apostles. The true churches of the Lord Jesus Christ are the “Pillar and ground of the truth.” The truth is the Word of God, the “faith once delivered to the saints.” It is incumbent upon us as God’s people to propagate His Word as foundational to individual lives and the continued growth of His churches. To this end we both pray, and labor in fields that are white already unto harvest. Furthermore, to this end we encourage others to get involved in prayers, financial support, evangelistic and teaching activities.
FellowHelpers To The Truth
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The FellowHelper
FellowHelper is the first part of our corporate name of FellowHelpers To The Truth, Inc. Shortly after the start of this ministry a hard copy newspaper named “The FellowHelper” was sent out four times a year to over 8,000 recipients. It contained information on all the works and ministry being done by the workers of the organization. In today’s era of technology “The FellowHelper” has evolved into this website that is available 24/7 not only providing information on works and ministry being done but a repository full of riches can be found in the Library section and hopefully insightful sermons and series discussion in the Video section. FellowHelpers To The Truth is an organization of God’s people going about the work of helping God’s churches in multiple areas. We have among our people so much talent just bursting to reach out and bless us. If you need our help contact us, If you want to share your talents join us, If you want to support us please contribute in the Donate section, If you believe it is God’s will, pray for us! -
Fish Ministry
F.I.S.H. is an acronym standing for “Fellowship for an International Scripture Heritage.”
It is one of several ministries of FellowHelpers To The Truth, Inc., a non-profit organization begun in 1982 under initial endorsement of Spring Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas.
F.I.S.H. Ministry utilizes on-site missionaries to receive and distribute Bibles and New Testaments on various mission fields, as free-will offerings make copies of the Word available.
Latest Apologetics
WINNING THROUGH LOSING![]()
![]()
“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear” Rev. 13:7-9![]()
![]()
In the letters to the seven churches of Asia, recorded in Revelation Chapters Two and Three, much is said to encourage God’s people of covenant to be overcomers of the sins that threaten their well-being. and that of the churches. However, as the world nears the end of the present age, it is prophesied that the beast will be given power to make war with the saints and to overcome them. This appears to be escalating at the present time.![]()
![]()
Modern Christians who long have lived in unparalleled luxuries of life are softened to the point of recoiling in horror at the thoughts of any adversity. Doctrinal compromise is not new. Their preference is to shun Revelation and the dreadful apocalypse envisioned as the age closes. But, we dare to ask just what does it mean that the beast will make war with the saints and overcome them?![]()
![]()
Certainly, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ has sailed through bloody seas, suffering horribly in the flesh in the dark ages, and the inquisitions of the sixteenth century. Is that what is referenced in Revelation 13? Perhaps there is understanding of these scriptures that escapes those whose occupation it is to make sensational books on religion for monetary gain. Think with me.![]()
Several Greek words are translated “war” in the New Testament. Some specifically denote armies of soldiers, while others lend themselves to more figurative scenarios. In Revelation 13:7, the word is “Polemos” from which the English language also gets” polarize, polemics”, etc. The dark ages proved that blood baths did not stop the testimony of churches. Moreover, our adversaries are truly not flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places, according to the apostle, Paul. Eph. 6:12![]()
![]()
It is a point of logic then that the war the beast will wage against the saints will be a war of influence, a war of polarizing the minds of godless beast worshippers against the witness of Christ Jesus, overcoming saints to a point of near complete marginalization. When we understand that “beast” in prophetical terms means government, then we look for governmental powers and personnel to implement words, ways, and means to negate the meaning of the faith, and the power of evangelism. The effectiveness of such governmental actions will engulf all whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. God’s people have no trouble identifying measures currently in place which are directly aimed at this goal. Others, more strenuous will follow. Indeed the saints will lose this war, but will have the final, great, eternal victory in Christ that will follow. Hence, in the war of the beast with the saints, we lose the battle, but we win the war in the power of Christ Jesus ... big time!!!
TO WHAT (WHERE) WE ARE COME![]()
![]()
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn,![]()
which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” Heb 12:22-24.![]()
![]()
These few lines center on the contrast between the law and the church, as expressed by “church of the firstborn.” The Old Testament world of shadows and symbols and the New Testament world of realities match in a most thrilling way.![]()
![]()
It begins in the Hebrews’ exodus from Egypt. God purchased to Himself the firstborn by the blood of the Passover Lamb. This act emphatically proclaimed to the Hebrews that the first fruits of man, beast, the field, etc. belonged to Him, and such must be yielded to Him or redeemed with fair price. A census was taken, and the tribe of Levi almost perfectly matched in number the total of firstborn saved from death by the blood; whereupon, God traded the firstborn back to the Hebrews for the entire tribe of Levi, who would produce the priests and minister about holy things. It is important to connect the dots here. The Old Testament priests became representative of the firstborn ones whom God redeemed for Himself and symbolic of the New Testament church to which we have come.![]()
![]()
The Levitical priesthood was destined to cease; however, another high priest, after the order of Melchizedek would serve the covenant people of God without end. This priest, of course, is Jesus, Who is THE FIRST BORN from the dead among many brethren.![]()
![]()
When the new high priest fulfilled every jot and title of the Mosaic Law, He redeemed his people of covenant out from under the old and into the new, the expression of the New Covenant among men is the New Testament church, the pillar and ground of the truth,![]()
purchased with His own blood. Soon after Pentecost, gentiles were added. The church grew by leaps and bounds under its missionary efforts. People of this New Covenant are called the “Israel of God,” Gal. 6:16. Moreover, Peter calls them “a royal priesthood.” I Peter 2:9.![]()
![]()
Consequently, the emphasis is that we are no longer under the law. We have not come to Mt. Sinai, but to Mt. Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem . . . to the church of the firstborn . . . while we have this blessed status and enjoy the understanding and spiritual maturity it affords us, there is much greater personal responsibility regarding submission to the instructions of Christ Jesus, our eternal high priest. We must not turn away from Him who has spoken to us.![]()
We must learn to worship and serve God acceptably. While it is sweet to enjoy our relationship with Him as our Loving Heavenly Father, we must hear the other verses as well, and know that![]()
our God is indeed a consuming fire.![]()
![]()
The church of the firstborn! A lofty position, place, covenant, to which we have been elevated in Christ Jesus.![]()
![]()
FOR THOUGHT: What is the contrast under consideration in Hebrews 12:22-24? Who, and what, was under a death sentence in Egypt if the Passover blood was not applied? How does the ancient order of the Aaronic priesthood foreshadow us today? Who is our eternal high priest?
STRANGE FIRE, INSTANT DEATH, ![]()
AND A DRUNKEN WORLD![]()
![]()
From the pages of the Old Testament comes the divine record of the cost of attempting to serve God man’s way instead of strictly God’s way. The incident is referenced three different places to underscore its notice: Leviticus 10:1; Number 3:4 and 26:61. Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded. Immediately, God caused them both to die instantly. Now, let us examine this unusual incident a little closer.![]()
![]()
Were the priests to use fire in the service of the tabernacle? Yes, they were. They must use fire at the altar of sacrifice. They also used fire at the altar of incense. However, for specific didactic purposes, explicit instructions were given as to how this was to be done. Obedience to the instruction sanctified the Lord in the sight of all Israel, but disregard for the instructions did just the opposite. Nadab and Abihu were one up on God: they had a better idea than what they were told to do. It cost their life.![]()
![]()
But wait a minute! Modern man says. fire is fire, so what difference does it make? It seems the Old Testament God is harsh and cruel. Well, that is indeed the mindset of most modern religionists. Perverting God’s instructions to do things man’s way is called “iniquity” in the Bible. God will not have it. But, it seemed so nice and certainly more palatable to the general populace to make things nicer; put in a little incense. . . make a little more show. But, it is not what God commands, neither is it what God will accept.![]()
![]()
Well, that certainly would not happen today, thanks to the grace of God. Yes, the teaching period of the Law is done. The adult period of Grace is ours. But does not one’s actions as an adult have weightier consequences? If one spends any time at all with Jesus’ sermon on the mount, Matt. 5-7, he will know the answer is a definite yes.![]()
![]()
It is for this reason that the oft New Testament call to God’s people is to be vigilant, to be sober. The incident of Nadab and Abihu forever testifies that man must not, cannot, serve God man’s way, but strictly God’s way. Too much is made of a supposed liberty to interpret scriptures differently. After all, many claim a right to their opinion. But the truth is that no one has a right to an opinion on God’s Word. It is not of any private interpretation, and means what it says. It may seem nice to exclude the blood of Jesus, or the supposed radical burial in water for baptism by substituting sprinkling or a ritual outside the church, and then being added to a church roll. But as drunken as the world may be on man-made religion and the enticement of materialism, the God everyone must face is indeed the very God Who took the life of Nadab and Abihu who dared to defy explicit instructions of God in favor of doing what seemed “nicer” to them.
AND THEY KNEW NOT. . .![]()
![]()
“ For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matt. 24:38, 39.![]()
![]()
The Divine description of life in the antediluvian world may cause one to ask, “Just what is wrong with what they were doing? It is not still just fine to eat, and to drink, and to marry and give in marriage?” It depends on what is understood by the statement. If those things were done in moderation, and in accord with the will of the Heavenly Father, then there was indeed no wrong done by those deeds. On the other hand if these were the driving forces of life, they speak of a sensual, epicurean society that did not eat to live, but lived to eat, drink, and gratify wanton lusts, the deciding clue comes from the rest of that description, “….And knew not until the flood came and took them all away…” This underscores the driving force of life then as sensual continuously. They had neither regard for God nor any sense of accountability to Him. ![]()
![]()
When people persist in debauchery, they exclude God from their thinking. Life then degenerates to the lowest level of “me only.” When that determination persists, God gives people over to a reprobate mind to do those things that and not convenient, but rotten, filthy, and without compassion. So, they continued on in a degenerate lifestyle which they must have thought would never end. And the flood came and took them all away, except the righteous man Noah and his family.![]()
![]()
Jesus’ description of that time was given as a warning sign that the world would degenerate into that same condition as the time of His coming approached. Let the reader pause and read again the first chapter of the book of Romans. Certainly, this is a description of the dark side of civilization in Paul’s day. But that was nearly 2000 years ago. The kind of folks he described were the same kind as those before the flood. Moreover, this type of humanity has multiplied exponentially during the last two millenniums. On the American scene, at least, this has become considered normal and acceptable. It is not that warnings have escaped the scope of their knowledge; rather it is that they refuse to believe them and so discount them altogether. ![]()
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What can be done? Keep sounding the alarm! This evil world system is going down, and all with it who love it. But there may be one here or there who will hear. Still, for the most part it shall be repeated, “And they knew not . . . “ So soon shall the Lord appear and the corrupters of men will cry for the rocks and mountains to fall upon them to hide them from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” Rev. 6:16
FAITH THAT CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF JESUS![]()
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“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Matthew 8:5-10![]()
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From the myriad of works Jesus did in His personal ministry on earth, there is this underscoring of faith preserved and presented to everyone throughout the ages. It deserves serious and extended consideration. Think about it!![]()
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How is it that a gentile, Roman Army Captain, not one of His Jewish brethren, should cause Christ Jesus to marvel at the display of obviously great faith? His was an understanding that is not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. He recognized Jesus as the Creator in human flesh, and he knew the power and authority He possessed. ![]()
The confession of the centurion should give us all pause to reconsider and rejoice in the greatness of our Savior. ![]()
![]()
The centurion was very well acquainted with authority, wielding it daily. He says to one “go” and he goes. He says to another “come,” and he comes. He did not need to see a ceremony or sign. He was speaking to the Creator, and he knew it. Did not the Creator bring into existence all that is by His authority through the spoken word? Consequently, the Roman knew so well that all Jesus had to do was speak a word and his servant would be healed. After all, even the elements respond obediently to the Creator’s will, as did the wind and waves on the boisterous sea.![]()
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Friends, this is our Savior to whom we have the privilege of daily communication. Do you have a problem? Is there a need? “Ask and ye shall receive” He tells us. “Ye have not because you ask not,” he also said. Let us then come boldly before the throne of Grace to find help in time of need. ![]()
If our petitions are within the scope of His will for our lives, He will freely grant our request. But He is looking for faith. This is emphasized in a rhetorical question Jesus posed regarding the time of his return: “. . . When the Son of Man cometh shall he find faith on the earth? Genuine faith always pleases God. On the other hand, Hebrews 11:6 declares that without faith it is impossible to please God. what is this faith? It is not a wish, but a deep-seated acceptation based on promise. Do you know Him as well as the Roman Centurion did?
DEAR READER![]()
![]()
You pose interesting questions of widely-held curiosity. I would offer the follow information as strong possibilities worthy of consideration.![]()
![]()
WHERE IS HEAVEN? “Heaven” comes from the Hebrew word “Shamayim” It is always a plural term meaning “that which is uplifted” according to most reputable lexicons. As it applies to the physical universe, it identifies those areas where birds and clouds fly, another where cosmic bodies of material as planets and stars are, but there is another sphere that Paul mentioned as the third heaven. While it is commonly thought of as being a pointed place in the universe, the greater possibility is that it is not geographical or rather cosmic-graphical at all, but dimensional. The moorings of such thoughts come from so many different contextual appearances of heavenly beings. Consider the following:![]()
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God talked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in the evening of the day. Did He make a billions of miles trip each day(possible) for that or did He step into the dimension of time and space? Oh, I know He is everywhere, but that seems to lend credence to the dimensional idea. Then throughout the Old Testament God and angels made numerous appearances to commune with men. It is suggested that they stepped into the time/space dimension.![]()
![]()
Consider that the prophet Elijah was swept up in a whirlwind as a chariot of fire separated he and Elisha, 2 Kings 2:11. Where did that chariot come from and where did it go……heaven, but was that a billions of miles trip (possible) or was it a dimensional thing.![]()
![]()
Consider the armies of heaven poised to fight for Samaria. Elisha could see this, but his helper could not until the prophet asked God to open his eyes, 2 Kings 6:17. He was looking into another dimension.![]()
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Consider the sudden appearance and disappearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus on the Mt. of Transfiguration, Matt 17:2……a very long trip. . . or a simple change of dimension?![]()
![]()
Consider the raising of Samuel by the witch of Endor, Is Sam. 28, Obviously, a change of dimension.![]()
![]()
Now consider that the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. That is the guardian angel concept. They are on the job. They are here, but not seen by us, but doubtless they have the ability to see through and act through the barrier of dimensions.![]()
![]()
Finally, consider that both Paul and John were caught up into that dimension. Paul, for the qualification of apostleship, 2 Cor. 12, and John, to see and write Revelation. Rev. 1. It seems logical that their spirits left their bodies during this time to allow transport into another dimension. The Hebrew term means “That which is uplifted” but uplifted does not necessarily mean distance. It may mean status. Still, conventional reference points are used in the scriptures for the benefit of mankind even as the sun rising and setting when it really is the earth revolving one complete turn every 24 hours.![]()
![]()
I do not fuss with anyone who insists that heaven is a physical cosmic point in the universe, but biblical evidence to me points to its being dimensional.
Fish Ministry News
ANNOUNCING A PERU PROJECT FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION. ![]()
![]()
Missionary Doug Clements is starting a work in a needful area in Peru. He has asked FISH Ministry if we could supply 50 additional solar-powered audio Bibles in Spanish for advancing this work. I told him we would be thrilled to help. If you or your church would like to get in on this opportunity, we will receive offerings for the Peru Project until the 15th of June to allow time for procurement of the units and shipping. ![]()
![]()
Clements will be in Peru in July to personally place the units in the most effective areas. We are excited to help get this one done. Designated offerings will be the main source of funding the project, and Undesignated offerings to FISH Ministry will be used to help underwrite the project. Funds should be sent to FISH Ministry, P. O. Box 1023, Bryant, AR 72089 no later than June 10th. Funds may also be received on our website,
www.fishministry.net
FellowHelper is the first part of our corporate name of FellowHelpers To The Truth, Inc. Shortly after the start of this ministry a hard copy newspaper named “The FellowHelper” was sent out four t...
WINNING THROUGH LOSING![]()
![]()
“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear” Rev. 13:7-9![]()
![]()
In the letters to the seven churches of Asia, recorded in Revelation Chapters Two and Three, much is said to encourage God’s people of covenant to be overcomers of the sins that threaten their well-being. and that of the churches. However, as the world nears the end of the present age, it is prophesied that the beast will be given power to make war with the saints and to overcome them. This appears to be escalating at the present time.![]()
![]()
Modern Christians who long have lived in unparalleled luxuries of life are softened to the point of recoiling in horror at the thoughts of any adversity. Doctrinal compromise is not new. Their preference is to shun Revelation and the dreadful apocalypse envisioned as the age closes. But, we dare to ask just what does it mean that the beast will make war with the saints and overcome them?![]()
![]()
Certainly, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ has sailed through bloody seas, suffering horribly in the flesh in the dark ages, and the inquisitions of the sixteenth century. Is that what is referenced in Revelation 13? Perhaps there is understanding of these scriptures that escapes those whose occupation it is to make sensational books on religion for monetary gain. Think with me.![]()
Several Greek words are translated “war” in the New Testament. Some specifically denote armies of soldiers, while others lend themselves to more figurative scenarios. In Revelation 13:7, the word is “Polemos” from which the English language also gets” polarize, polemics”, etc. The dark ages proved that blood baths did not stop the testimony of churches. Moreover, our adversaries are truly not flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places, according to the apostle, Paul. Eph. 6:12![]()
![]()
It is a point of logic then that the war the beast will wage against the saints will be a war of influence, a war of polarizing the minds of godless beast worshippers against the witness of Christ Jesus, overcoming saints to a point of near complete marginalization. When we understand that “beast” in prophetical terms means government, then we look for governmental powers and personnel to implement words, ways, and means to negate the meaning of the faith, and the power of evangelism. The effectiveness of such governmental actions will engulf all whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. God’s people have no trouble identifying measures currently in place which are directly aimed at this goal. Others, more strenuous will follow. Indeed the saints will lose this war, but will have the final, great, eternal victory in Christ that will follow. Hence, in the war of the beast with the saints, we lose the battle, but we win the war in the power of Christ Jesus ... big time!!!
TO WHAT (WHERE) WE ARE COME![]()
![]()
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn,![]()
which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” Heb 12:22-24.![]()
![]()
These few lines center on the contrast between the law and the church, as expressed by “church of the firstborn.” The Old Testament world of shadows and symbols and the New Testament world of realities match in a most thrilling way.![]()
![]()
It begins in the Hebrews’ exodus from Egypt. God purchased to Himself the firstborn by the blood of the Passover Lamb. This act emphatically proclaimed to the Hebrews that the first fruits of man, beast, the field, etc. belonged to Him, and such must be yielded to Him or redeemed with fair price. A census was taken, and the tribe of Levi almost perfectly matched in number the total of firstborn saved from death by the blood; whereupon, God traded the firstborn back to the Hebrews for the entire tribe of Levi, who would produce the priests and minister about holy things. It is important to connect the dots here. The Old Testament priests became representative of the firstborn ones whom God redeemed for Himself and symbolic of the New Testament church to which we have come.![]()
![]()
The Levitical priesthood was destined to cease; however, another high priest, after the order of Melchizedek would serve the covenant people of God without end. This priest, of course, is Jesus, Who is THE FIRST BORN from the dead among many brethren.![]()
![]()
When the new high priest fulfilled every jot and title of the Mosaic Law, He redeemed his people of covenant out from under the old and into the new, the expression of the New Covenant among men is the New Testament church, the pillar and ground of the truth,![]()
purchased with His own blood. Soon after Pentecost, gentiles were added. The church grew by leaps and bounds under its missionary efforts. People of this New Covenant are called the “Israel of God,” Gal. 6:16. Moreover, Peter calls them “a royal priesthood.” I Peter 2:9.![]()
![]()
Consequently, the emphasis is that we are no longer under the law. We have not come to Mt. Sinai, but to Mt. Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem . . . to the church of the firstborn . . . while we have this blessed status and enjoy the understanding and spiritual maturity it affords us, there is much greater personal responsibility regarding submission to the instructions of Christ Jesus, our eternal high priest. We must not turn away from Him who has spoken to us.![]()
We must learn to worship and serve God acceptably. While it is sweet to enjoy our relationship with Him as our Loving Heavenly Father, we must hear the other verses as well, and know that![]()
our God is indeed a consuming fire.![]()
![]()
The church of the firstborn! A lofty position, place, covenant, to which we have been elevated in Christ Jesus.![]()
![]()
FOR THOUGHT: What is the contrast under consideration in Hebrews 12:22-24? Who, and what, was under a death sentence in Egypt if the Passover blood was not applied? How does the ancient order of the Aaronic priesthood foreshadow us today? Who is our eternal high priest?
STRANGE FIRE, INSTANT DEATH, ![]()
AND A DRUNKEN WORLD![]()
![]()
From the pages of the Old Testament comes the divine record of the cost of attempting to serve God man’s way instead of strictly God’s way. The incident is referenced three different places to underscore its notice: Leviticus 10:1; Number 3:4 and 26:61. Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded. Immediately, God caused them both to die instantly. Now, let us examine this unusual incident a little closer.![]()
![]()
Were the priests to use fire in the service of the tabernacle? Yes, they were. They must use fire at the altar of sacrifice. They also used fire at the altar of incense. However, for specific didactic purposes, explicit instructions were given as to how this was to be done. Obedience to the instruction sanctified the Lord in the sight of all Israel, but disregard for the instructions did just the opposite. Nadab and Abihu were one up on God: they had a better idea than what they were told to do. It cost their life.![]()
![]()
But wait a minute! Modern man says. fire is fire, so what difference does it make? It seems the Old Testament God is harsh and cruel. Well, that is indeed the mindset of most modern religionists. Perverting God’s instructions to do things man’s way is called “iniquity” in the Bible. God will not have it. But, it seemed so nice and certainly more palatable to the general populace to make things nicer; put in a little incense. . . make a little more show. But, it is not what God commands, neither is it what God will accept.![]()
![]()
Well, that certainly would not happen today, thanks to the grace of God. Yes, the teaching period of the Law is done. The adult period of Grace is ours. But does not one’s actions as an adult have weightier consequences? If one spends any time at all with Jesus’ sermon on the mount, Matt. 5-7, he will know the answer is a definite yes.![]()
![]()
It is for this reason that the oft New Testament call to God’s people is to be vigilant, to be sober. The incident of Nadab and Abihu forever testifies that man must not, cannot, serve God man’s way, but strictly God’s way. Too much is made of a supposed liberty to interpret scriptures differently. After all, many claim a right to their opinion. But the truth is that no one has a right to an opinion on God’s Word. It is not of any private interpretation, and means what it says. It may seem nice to exclude the blood of Jesus, or the supposed radical burial in water for baptism by substituting sprinkling or a ritual outside the church, and then being added to a church roll. But as drunken as the world may be on man-made religion and the enticement of materialism, the God everyone must face is indeed the very God Who took the life of Nadab and Abihu who dared to defy explicit instructions of God in favor of doing what seemed “nicer” to them.
AND THEY KNEW NOT. . .![]()
![]()
“ For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matt. 24:38, 39.![]()
![]()
The Divine description of life in the antediluvian world may cause one to ask, “Just what is wrong with what they were doing? It is not still just fine to eat, and to drink, and to marry and give in marriage?” It depends on what is understood by the statement. If those things were done in moderation, and in accord with the will of the Heavenly Father, then there was indeed no wrong done by those deeds. On the other hand if these were the driving forces of life, they speak of a sensual, epicurean society that did not eat to live, but lived to eat, drink, and gratify wanton lusts, the deciding clue comes from the rest of that description, “….And knew not until the flood came and took them all away…” This underscores the driving force of life then as sensual continuously. They had neither regard for God nor any sense of accountability to Him. ![]()
![]()
When people persist in debauchery, they exclude God from their thinking. Life then degenerates to the lowest level of “me only.” When that determination persists, God gives people over to a reprobate mind to do those things that and not convenient, but rotten, filthy, and without compassion. So, they continued on in a degenerate lifestyle which they must have thought would never end. And the flood came and took them all away, except the righteous man Noah and his family.![]()
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Jesus’ description of that time was given as a warning sign that the world would degenerate into that same condition as the time of His coming approached. Let the reader pause and read again the first chapter of the book of Romans. Certainly, this is a description of the dark side of civilization in Paul’s day. But that was nearly 2000 years ago. The kind of folks he described were the same kind as those before the flood. Moreover, this type of humanity has multiplied exponentially during the last two millenniums. On the American scene, at least, this has become considered normal and acceptable. It is not that warnings have escaped the scope of their knowledge; rather it is that they refuse to believe them and so discount them altogether. ![]()
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What can be done? Keep sounding the alarm! This evil world system is going down, and all with it who love it. But there may be one here or there who will hear. Still, for the most part it shall be repeated, “And they knew not . . . “ ![]()
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So soon shall the Lord appear and the corrupters of men will cry for the rocks and mountains to fall upon them to hide them from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” Rev. 6:16