The Sixth Sense

Posted on March 6, 2023 by drgause@agause.com

The service was my first exposure to the OT system of worshiping God through the five senses. As we entered the chapel auditorium, something was different. The only light came from candles. The fragrance of incense filled the room. We watched acts of worship performed on the stage, with music praising God the entire time. We touched our neighbor’s hand or laid our hand on their shoulder several times. The last act of worship came when we received a small piece of raisin bread. The taste was unique. The message explained that the Levitical system physically involved all five senses. Today, in the typical church service, we only utilize sight and sound.

When God created man, he gave us tools to perceive our environment. Everything humans know about their surroundings comes through physical, sensory organs, the five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. The Lord designed each of the senses for our pleasure and to point us toward His glory. The sense organs also transmit information to our brains in order for us to avoid danger, learn, study, and navigate the world around us. We tend to assume the five senses are just about me and my benefit; however, as we mature in faith, we begin realizing that God also gave them to us to point back to Himself and bring glory to His name.

But Satan saw our senses as an avenue to tempt humanity to sin against their Creator rather than bring Him glory. The devil began by challenging Eve and accusing God of lying. He told Eve that eating fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden would actually open her eyes; she would have greater awareness, and be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil. So when she saw that the tree looked like good eating and realized what she would get out of It — she’d know everything! — she took and ate the fruit and then gave some to her husband, and he ate.

John summed up temptation through our senses this way; For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1 Jn 2:16). The lust of the flesh includes tasting, touching, smelling, and hearing. The lust of the eyes is seeing. The pride of life is thinking you are special because of who you are, what you have, what you know, or what you look like. Eve saw that “the tree was good for food” – the lust of the flesh, “it was pleasant to the eyes”– the lust of the eyes, and “a tree to be desired to make one wise”– the pride of life.

Satan used the same tactic with Jesus after He had  fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry (Matt 4:2). The Devil took advantage of in the first test: “Since you are God’s Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread” (v3 MSG) – the lust of the flesh. Satan tempted Jesus through the lust of His eyes. He showed Him the kingdoms of the world and said he would give them to Him if He would worship him. Last, he took Him to the pinnacle of the Temple. “Since you are God’s Son, jump. He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you” (v6 MSG). Again, Jesus resisted, this time to the pride of life.

The Levitical system of worship, through the five physical senses, pointed to a spiritual meaning to be fulfilled by Christ. We live under His completed work and do not worship through our five senses. Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (Joh 4:24). Paul even warned those who have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world not to submit to decrees such as “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (Col 2:20, 21). We will always have our five senses and can use them for pleasant and brining glory to God, but with this caveat. Adam and Eve sinned, leaving humanity with a sin nature. Our sense organs transmit information to a carnal mind which Satan can use to tempt us to sin.

For us to walk in Christ’s victory, He gave us the Holy Spirit. Our relationship with Him brings a sixth sense. Our five physical senses aren’t enough; a spiritual sense is required to operate in the spiritual realm. One example is the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corin 12:1-11. A word of knowledge, a word of wisdom, the discernment of spirits, etc. don’t operate through our natural senses. These are spiritual gifts giving us a sense beyond our physical perception.

Our natural sense can be trained. As a hunter, my eyes are trained to see things in the woods others overlook. My son, as a musician, has trained his hearing to distinguish sounds that sound the same to me. Our spiritual senses can also be trained to discern good and evil (Heb 5:14). We must first realize God has given us spiritual abilities and allow the Holy Spirit to train them.

Sustaining Word for the Week: Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can still use your physical senses for pleasure and to bring glory to God. Train your spiritual senses to better discern good and evil.

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A Feast Not an M.R.E.

Posted on February 20, 2023 by drgause@agause.com

From the time I dedicated my life to Christ as a young adult until now, the 23rd Psalm has kept giving and giving comforting new insights. In a mere 57 Hebrew words and 15 lines of poetry, this Psalm, written by David after a lifetime of servicing the Lord, still reaches across thousands of years with enduring relevance to our situations. As I was concluding the last SW on Jesus, our sustainer in the midst of a chaotic world, verse five came to mind with new insight. You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies.

The shepherd had led his sheep through the valley of the shadow of death untouched by evil. However, their enemies were still present, despite that fact he had prepared a meal, in fact, a feast. In modern warfare, soldiers carry M.R.E.’s (Meals Ready to Eat—when in battle with their enemies). Not the case for God’s army. The word used for table or feast is a unique word and refers to a table where the king dined and indicated a special honor given to those who ate with him. The shepherd didn’t postpone the meal until all their enemies were destroyed. No, it took place in plain sight of all the enemies.

Life will always be filled with enemies led by Satan with the intent to steal and kill and destroy us. We can allow their presence to paralyze us with fear. Or we can focus on our shepherd and his promised care. Twice Jesus declared I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14). David grew up as a shepherd and knew he must care for his sheep’s every need: food, water, rest, safety, and direction. This Psalms provides a glimpse of what Jesus the good shepherd, would do for us—His sheep. Remember all the promises Jesus has given us. They are like a feast set before us.

Jesus, in the final discourse before His crucifixion, said, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27). In the midst of our chaotic world, we can feast on peace from Christ. Along with peace, the Bible says we can have joy. Paul proclaimed, in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds (2 Corin 7:4). I rejoice greatly in the Lord (Php 4:10). But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy and peace (Gal 5:22). It is important to know the difference between the happiness and joy. Happiness is a temporary emotion based on outward circumstances and earthly experiences. Joy is lasting, based on inward circumstances rooted in the character and promises of God. Joy endures hardship and trials.

These are only a few promises He left for His sheep. We don’t have to wait until we destroy all our enemies. We don’t have to eat M.R.E.’s in the midst of our chaotic surroundings. He has prepared a spiritual feast for us to enjoy. The key is we must not withdraw in fear or allow things of this world to draw us away from the feast He has made ready. Jesus told a parable, A man once gave a great banquet and invited many guests (Lk 14:16). He sent out his servants with invitations, but those they invited made excuses. They would not attend. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going out to examine them. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, and I cannot come’ (14:18-20 NET). I wonder what they eat instead of the food at the banquet.

Jesus could have just as easily added a fourth person who replied, “Don’t you see all these enemies around me? I’m sitting here in fear of the enemies that are turning my world into chaos. I’ll just snack on my M.R.E.’s for now.” I saw another insight as I began writing. Every Christian has enemies. I have enemies that may differ from your enemies, and vice versa. The feast is in plain sight of my enemies, not just God’s enemies; they are my enemies.

  I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me (Joh 10:14). The leader of our church had lost his sight. I didn’t think he was blind for a long time. He visited us in Africa for two weeks and attended a conference. Several years after that, I unexpectedly ran across him at a meeting. Neither of us knew the other was there. I saw him in the hall and walked over, not identifying myself. “How are you, Bishop?” He immediately stuck out his hand and said, “How are you, Arnold?” Most people don’t remember who knows me by sight. Here was someone who, after years, knew me by my voice. That was exciting for me to be remembered, especially only by my voice. Jesus said the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (v3). He knows me by my name. He knows you by name.

Sustaining Word for the Week: Are you cowering in fear or more interested in world affairs eating an M.R.E.? Or are you feasting at Jesus’ banqueting table in plain sight of your enemies?

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Jesus the Sustainer

Posted on January 30, 2023 by drgause@agause.com

The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught (Isa 50:4). Almost 30 years ago, the Holy Spirit illuminated this verse in my heart, showing me that sustaining the weary was my purpose in life. Over a decade ago, I began writing Sustaining Word for our church bulletin with 500 articles. That developed into an extensive database, Facebook, and a webpage. The response has been beyond anything I could have imagined. Over 100,000 people have viewed https://sustainingword.org/; only God knows the results. My diminishing health has reduced my ability to produce an SW every week. But I pray the ones I write will sustain someone weary somewhere in the world. It has been and will always be through God’s grace and for His glory.

Over the years, the Holy Spirit has broadened my understanding of what it means for the Lord to sustain us. The word means to keep alive, but it’s more than that; it’s also giving physical, emotional, and spiritual support so we will not just live but also thrive. We live in a world of war, plagues, economic instability, diseases, dangerous times, wicked people, etc. Only God can sustain us.

When I think about our world’s condition today, one picture comes to mind. Years ago, I was pumping gas for my car. Another customer had gone inside, leaving his hose still pumping, apparently assuming the auto cut-off would shut off the flow when the tank was full. You probably have already guessed—it didn’t. Before anyone could react, a massive puddle of gasoline was all over the ground around the car and pump. I immediately thought, “I hope no one strikes a match!” I wouldn’t be writing this today if anything had produced just one spark.

With that in mind, think about the various volatile situations around the world—North Korea, Russia/Ukraine, Israel/Iran, to name three—it would take only a spark. Why hasn’t that already happened? Because He [Jesus]was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment (Col 1:17 MSG). The Son [Jesus] is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains [upholds NASB] all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high [Hebrews 1:3 HCSB]. Jesus holds together and sustains the universe, as sure as the moon and earth and sun and planets and galaxies keep their orbits, He holds His people together.

Paul, writing about the last days, wrote, For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way (2Th 2:7 AMP). The Trinity, three persons in one Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each have certain functions they carry out. Jesus is the Sustainer and holds everything together. The Holy Spirit, in one of His current functions, is restraining the hidden power of lawlessness that is the AntiChrist waiting to be revealed. But the Holy Spirit in His office as Restrainer will be taken out of the way. He will no longer restrain, but He will still function as our guide and teacher; He will continue to convict, intercede, and give gifts.  

When the Holy Spirit is no longer restraining, the AntiChrist will be revealed and unrestrained in his evil work. The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders, and with every kind of evil deception (vv 9, 10). Jesus warned of this time, Watch out that no-one deceives you (Matt 24:4). For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive (24:24). The time is soon coming that nothing will stop someone from striking a match over a gasoline puddle. Nothing will restrain leaders from pushing the red nuclear button.

Jesus the Sustainer told us, See that you are not frightened (24:6). Look at promises through the Bible about Him sustaining us. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psa 55:22). When they are tired, you sustain them (Psa 68:9). You sustain the needy with your goodness (Psa 68:10). Sustain me as You promised (Psa 119:116). Your words are what sustain me (Jer 15:16). Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you (Isaiah 46:4).

 Elijah lived in horrible times when the rulers were trying to kill him. He thought he was alone and the only believer on earth. God sent him to a drying brook during a famine; He also commanded some crows to sustain you there (1 Kgs 17:4). Then the Lord sent him to Zarephath where, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain you (v9). God will also sustain us through our difficult times.

Sustaining Word for the Week: The world to us may appear in total chaos. But He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment (Col 1:17 MSG). Jesus has it under control, fulfilling everything as He planned. He is the Sustainer.

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The Gospel of Who?

Posted on December 25, 2022 by drgause@agause.com

A group of Greco-Romans issued a proclamation commemorating the birth of the savior as a matter of good tidings and good news. An inscription placed on a government building in 6 BC declared Caesar Augustus to be divine, savior, and the beginning of the good news [the gospel] for all people on Earth. Romans celebrated Augustus’ birthday as the beginning of the gospel for the whole world.

Sound familiar! We also celebrate a birth that happened in the same year, 6 BC, as this proclamation about Caesar. This is the most probable date for the birth of Jesus. Mark declares in his account of Jesus’ life, The beginning of the gospel [good news] of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1). The Gospel of Jesus Christ was a direct challenge to the gospel of Caesar Augustus.

When the angel of the Lord suddenly stood before the Shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:9, 11). The word for good news or gospel (the same Greek word) wasn’t a new word the Jews had never heard. In the Roman empire, the word for good news was used for official announcements. It carried military overtones and meant a Military Victory. The town criers who conveyed the news would begin their announcements, “And now the Good News of the First Legion.” From the time of Alexander the Great, good news was used to refer to history-making, world-shaping reports of political, military, or societal victories.

It is no coincidence the Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the four Gospels to use this same Greek word. When an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias, he told him that he and his wife would have a son. The angel said, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news (Luke 1:19). Their son John the Baptist later preached the good news and gospel to the people (3:8).

When we understand the term gospel or good news, and how it was used in the ancient Greco-Roman world, we can begin to understand that the Gospels were written in such a way to present Jesus as the true divine King, the Savior who came to bring true salvation to the whole world. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote a direct challenge to the so-called ‘gospel’ of Caesar,which did not provide any salvation. As Christians celebrate Christmas, we should remember it was the beginning of a long conflict between Caesar and Christ.

After His victory over temptation for forty days in the wilderness, Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14). He entered the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath. An official handed Him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He stood and read 61:1, 2. God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s year to act!” (Luke 4:18, 19 MSG). He sat down and declared His good news, “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” The Apostles proclaimed the same message in Acts. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching [announcing the good news] Jesus as the Christ (5:42). 

When Paul preached the Gospel in Thessalonica, that Jesus was the Christ the risen Savior and coming King, some of them were persuaded. They joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. The Jews became jealous and took along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. They attacked the believers dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities. The charge was they were directly challenging the gospel of Caesar. “These men who have upset the world have come here also; and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus” (Act 17:1-9). 

Caesar Augustus went by the name Prince of Peace, but his peace in Rome was enforced through brutality. The ‘gospel’ of Rome is still proclaimed, but where is the peace in our world today? Jesus warned that many would come in His name, false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead (Matt 24:24). We are surrounded by the gospels of Caesar and Rome who claim to have good news and promise peace. Yet, they never deliver. Only Jesus has good news and only the true Prince of Peace can give us peace.  

Sustaining Word for the Week:  Embrace His good news—God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s year to act!”

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