Musing – How Many Names Does Satan Have?

 Hebraic Musing – How Many Names Does Satan Have?

To understand the ongoing “Battle of the Ages”, God vs. Satan, we need to understand our adversary!?!?  How many names does Satan have?  How many ways does our Bible warn us of Satan’s ways?  Be aware!

Satan is the Tempter who tried to tempt Jesus at the end of His 40 days fast. “Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’” Matt.4:3 NKJV

Jesus knew we had an Enemy, so He empowered us. “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

Satan is our Adversary!  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1^st Peter 5:8

Gospel writers remembered that Jesus referred to Satan as the “Evil One” in the Lord’s Prayer!  “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one....” Matt.6:13      

Beware of the “Deceiver.”  “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Rev.12:9

Jesus admonished those who opposed Him by calling them believers in the Father of Lies and a Murderer! “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44

Satan is chief “Sinner.”  “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” 1 John 3:8

Satan is called the “Dragon” 13 times in book of Revelation.  A dragon can symbolize power, change, spirituality, self-love and empowerment.  And the last we hear of Satan in the Bible is in Rev.20:1-3 “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;  and he cast him into the bottomless pit, ...”

Jesus referred to Beelzebub as “the ruler of the demons” in Matthew 12 & Luke 11.  And his name means “Lord of the flies”; and flies love dirty stuff; and they sure know how to harass us!

Satan’s Demon(s) are mentioned 60 times in the Bible; and demon possession is real, Jesus saw it in Peter and said “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Matt.16:23   Demons can enter and possess any unbeliever, BUT they cannot enter into the body of those who belong to the Lord.  Why not?  A - “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,” Colossians 1:13 

While Spiritual Warfare is real and those of us who are saved will be attacked, bothered, influenced and even controlled; BUT we cannot be possessed.  BTW, there is no example in Scripture of a believer in Jesus Christ being demon-possessed!  “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

SUMMARY - Let us be aware of Satan’s devices.  He attacks us from so many directions and ways; therefore we need to always be aware so we can see him coming.  “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corrinthians.2:11 

Point to Ponder

How can we avoid being deceived by the “Deceiver”?

Why should I be worried if Satan doesn’t seem to be bothering me?

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                             April 25, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Note – Inspired by “Synonyms for Satan” message by Pastor Tom Hatley, 4/16/23  All Scripture is from NKJV

Musing – Do We Have To Do Everything We Are Told To Do?

 

Hebraic Musing – Do We Have To Do Everything We Are Told To Do?

We’ve all dealt with this question as children, AND we still face this in so many ways even now as adults.  How we respond depends on which authorities we respect, and why we respect them.  Simply put, we respect an authority based upon the reward/punishment we will receive if we do or don’t obey.  For Example:
 - Children obey their parents because there are rewards/punishments – Candy or missed meals, etc.
 - School kids obey teachers who have the power to give a good or bad grades, or trip to the principal’s office.
 - Employees obey the boss who has the power to adjust our wages (reward) or to fire us.
 - Drivers obey the traffic laws because police wave to you or can ticket you or worse. (Is “only 10 over” okay?)
 - Privates obey the sergeant to avoid having to do push-ups, or brig time.
 - Taxpayers obey the government's rules to avoid penalties.

Then we get “saved” and we have a new boss, the Lord.  And what does He tell us to do?  In Romans 13:1-3 He tells us to submit to the Government.  “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.” NKJV      We learned to listen to elders & authority at an early age – do what Daddy or Mommy says and you won’t get a whooping. 

If we bend the rule by cheating or lying, we have violated the world’s authority, but is our Lord okay with it?  Obviously not!  That’s sin.  The Bible clearly reminds us to obey the authorities that God has set over us.

BUT when you get saved, you made Jesus and His Word your Lord.  There may be times when the world’s authorities and instructions conflict with what His Word tells us to be doing?  Then what?!?!   What are we good Bible-abiding Christians to do when a World-View conflicts with the Biblical-View?  For example:
 - Abortion has been legal by our State or country, but does the convenient solution conflict with God’s view?
 - Increasing the deduction on the tax return will increase the refund.
 - Certain mind-altering Drugs are deemed legal by some States.
 - Gender confusion promotion and gender altering options are available.
 - Racial discrimination, Parental rights challenges, Pandemic rules, Biased Media reporting, etc.
Pursuit of Peace, Prosperity & Greed can take precedence in decisions; but might Almighty God be offended?

The Real Challenge – What to do when the World’s Authority is in conflict with Our Lord’s Word?  What to do if the Biblical-View conflicts with the World-View?  The Biblical principal is to render obedience to the law(s) of the land wherever we can unless our doing so conflicts with our obedience to God.*   A memorable example – Early Christians were willing to face the lions rather that declare Caesar as their Lord!

Is this the first time the world has faced corrupt and ungodly governing authorities?  Consider Pharoah, Assyrians, Caesars, Hitler and many others throughout history to greater or lesser degrees. 

Points to Ponder

Might we sometimes have to separate the Church and the State?  March 29^th headline for Example:
“Nancy Pelosi instructs Americans to vote on how politics will impact 'your life,' not 'your religion'.”

How are we to know the “Biblical View”?  (Dumb question!)

Which authority is supreme in your life, the World’s or the Lord’s?
Who provides the longest-lasting reward or punishment?  Who has the larger staff and rod?

The LORD told Joshua five times to “be strong and of good courage”.  Does He tell that to us also?

Might the confronting of sin in our World be a way of witnessing?

“Only be strong and of good courage.”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          April 18, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

*  Quotes & inspiration from - R.C. Sproul’s “LIFEVIEWS – Make a Christian impact on culture and society”; 1984

Musing – Are the Seven Churches in Revelation like Today’s Churches?

 

Hebraic Musing – Are the Seven Churches in Revelation like Today’s Churches?

In my 47 years experiencing many different denominations around the world I have recognized characteristics very similar to those in the seven Churches in the book of Revelation.  Have you observed these characteristics recently?  How do Christians and Churches today compare to each of those Revelation 2 & 3 Churches?

Church of Ephesus – To the Loveless Church  --   I know your – “works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.”    Things against - “that you have left your first love.”       Hope - “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, ... ... you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans” (who lead lives of unrestrained indulgence), “which I also hate.” 

Church in Smyrna - To the Persecuted Church  --  I know your – “works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); ... I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”  Things against -   (Nothing!)      Hope - “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  

Church in Pergamos - To the Compromising Church  --  I know you – “hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”      Things against - “because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, ... to commit sexual immorality.  Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” (who lead lives of unrestrained indulgence), “which thing I hate.”      Hope - “To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.”

Church in Thyatira - To the Corrupt Church   --  I know your – “your works, love, service, faith,  and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.”       Things against -  “because you allow that woman Jezebel” (one of the most evil characters of the Old Testament), “who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols....”     Hope – “to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.  But hold fast what you have till I come.”

Church in Sardis – To the Dead Church  --  I know your – “works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”   Things against - “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.  Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”    Hope - “You have a few ... who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.  He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life;”   

Church in Philadelphia – To the Faithful Church  --  I know your – “works.  See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.  Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.”    Things against -   (Nothing!)       Hope - “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

Church of the Laodiceans – To the Lukewarm Church  --  I know your – “works, that you are neither cold nor hot.”      Things against -  “I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,  I will vomit you out of My mouth.  Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked...”    Hope - “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.  Therefore be zealous and repent.”

Points to Ponder

Which of these churches in Revelation describes your church?   Which ones describe you?

What do you feel challenged to do?

What do YOU want to be known as?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                             April 11, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Note – All words in italicized red are the Words of Jesus, from the NKJV

Musing – When was Jesus Crucified?

 Hebraic Musing – When was Jesus Crucified?

Ever wondered how Jesus was crucified on Friday, resurrected on Sunday and yet the Bible says He was in the ground for 3 days?   “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matt.12:40 NKJV   Where did we get today’s timeline for Holy Week with a Friday crucifixion.  Which Gospel writer’s timeline should we be using?
 - Matthew was a professional tax collector – detail oriented.
 - Luke was a highly educated physician.
 - John was an insider with full knowledge of Scripture and the most time to document his testimony.
 - Mark was a impressionable boy who followed and learned from “foot in his mouth” Peter.  And yet today’s timeline using Friday as the day of crucifixion comes from Mark’s gospel!!!

If we use Wednesday as the day of crucifixion, does that make more sense?  In AD 31 when Jesus was crucified, Passover started Wednesday evening, continuing through daytime Thursday.  Remember that Jewish days (God’s days) start at sunset (3 stars in the sky) and end at sunset the next day; not Midnight to midnight as we are accustomed.

The Feast of Passover, a Sabbath, started on Wednesday evening, so we can understand why Joseph of Arimathea was anxious to bury Jesus before the Sabbath Passover which began at sunset Wednesday.  With that timetable, how many days would Jesus have been in the grave?
 - Day 1 – Wednesday night through Thursday day.
 - Day 2 – Thursday  night through Friday day
 - Day 3 – Friday night through Saturday day. 
So Jesus arose Saturday evening or night, for “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

So if Jesus was crucified Wednesday and gave up His spirit at 3 P. M., that also happens to be when the Passover sacrificial lambs at the Temple were taking their last breaths as well.

Matthew 16:2 tells us that the women came to the tomb very early in the morning, before it was daylight, and found the tomb empty.  Jesus had already risen during the night, hours before they arrived “before sunrise.” 

BTW - The Jewish (Saturday night) meeting on the first day of the week is called Havdalah and that’s when the Jews come together the day after Sabbath to exchange money and offerings which is work forbidden on the Sabbath.  See Acts 20:7 “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,” and 1 Corinth.16:2 “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”

And there are many more details and clues in Scripture.  To be fair, Tuesday and Thursday have been put forth days of crucifixion, but Wednesday seems most logical?  Interesting to ponder!

BTW – The Pharisees believed in Jesus’ resurrection, but the Sadducees did not.  Matt.22:23 “the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection...”  That is why the Sadducees are “sad you see.” (>:

Points to Ponder

Jesus was born, lived, died, arose, ascended and will come again.  What else matters?

Is the exact timing of Jesus’ death and resurrection a salvific issue?

♫  Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
       And He lives forever, With His saints to reign.  He arose! He arose!  Hallelujah! Christ arose!  ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      April 4, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Note – Originally published in May 15, 2009 as H.I.#19 -- “Three days in the grave”; added perspectives
            from Corey Corrick’s Sunday School message last week; and other notes are available on request.