II. Right Assurance of Salvation

LORD's Supper II: Right Assurance of Salvation....

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the father, is this: To visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27

One plastic bottle
Amongst seas of thrown plastic
Does it matter? Yes!

Gregorio Roth
May 2008

C.H. Spurgeon (1834-92) wrote this about the LORD's supper:

What food luxurious loads the board,
when at his table sits the LORD!
The wine how rich, the bread how sweet,
when Jesus deigns the guests to meet!

If now with eyes defiled dim,
we see the signs, but see not him;
O may his love the scales displace,
and bid us see him face to face!

O glorious Bridegroom of our hearts,
your present smile a heav'n imparts!
O lift the veil, if veil there be,
let every saint your glory see.

Prayer: Deuteronomy 3:24 O LORD GOD you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours. Your cross continues to be revealed bit by bit, word by word, act by act, and even though I at times feel that I have dived deep, I have just begun to see your splendor. Thank you for your splendid grace! I ask that you continue to give me inspiration, insight into your word, and your ways. Amen.

49 AD: Dogs out Of Rome

An ode written about feelings about leaving Rome in 49 AD. all Jews and Christians had to leave Rome due to a decree by Claudius.

Sepulchers and tombs, old memorials.
Leave Rome
Undisturbed in pepetuity, we
Leave Rome.

We respecting our Holy God;
in triumph
No one disturbs Rome's Decree.
We Leave Rome

Some of the Language for the poems inspiration was an inscription found in Nazareth written before 44 AD.

Scripture Cited:
Matthew 28:12;
Acts 24:5; 18:2; 17:6

Timeline:
49 AD: Expulsion from Rome by Roman Authority
48-49 AD: Writing of Galatians
51 AD: writing of I Thessalonians
51-52 AD: writing of II Thessalonians
53-55 AD: At Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20)

1. Bruce F.F. New Testament History. Garden City, York: Anchor Books, 1972. (268-278)
2. Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1982. (41-52)
3. Campbell, Joseph Primitive Mythology: The Masks of God New York, N.Y.; 1959. (229-281)
3. Illustration: Marvel Comics

November 10, 41 AD: Protecting A Community- Two Views...

I wax desperate with my imagination!

Scene: Alexandria, Egypt.... after the death of Gaius and the issuing in of Claudius... A letter written by Claudius on the State of Alexandria has just been read.

After hearing the letter read to the group...

Judas of Alexandria:
Let's follow. 'Tis-it not fit to protect our Jewish settlement.. here in Alexandria?

Why should we not meet and practice our customs, for they are ordained by God.

Josephus:
Have after. To what issue will this come? Your already on my last nerve.

Judas of Alexandria::

Alas, something is rotten in the state of Alexandria.

Josephus:
Heaven will direct it. For we have always had equality civil rights with them. The empire under Augustus did not prevent the nomination of the ethnarchs, because they desired all their subjects should be able to remain faithful to their representative customs.

Judas of Alexandria::
Nay, let's protect our rights. For the hordes of gentiles come at noon.

Josephus:

Should we follow Rome?

I say yea, for they have always protected us from the hordes.

Judas of Alexandria:

I say Nea, for Gaius is mad.

Gauis is a madman. Gaius is mad. Claudius will be just as bad, or worse!!!

We must take the handle, before the knife is plunged in.

Josephus:

Something is a foul!

But we must be aware of provoking any trouble, least we get all of our rights wiped away.

Josephus is real, and some of the dialogue comes directly from a letter written by Claudiuos Caeser Augustus Germanicus, translated by Josephus. Judas is a representative of the anti governmental view held by some Jews at the time. Judas was a common name back then due to the love of the Jewish Hero, Judas Maccabee. I also used Hamlet Act 1, scene 4, 87–91 to help me in creating the dialogue. Also this is not a critique of Judaism or Jewish History, it is an attempt to look at all of us. We all feel that our rights will be threatened. We all point to another person, another group, to blame. This I feel is truly aweful for it is us that need to change not a "them".

This is not a critique of Judaism or Jewish History, it is an attempt to look at all of us. We all feel that our rights will be threatened. We all point to another person, another group, to blame. This I feel is truly aweful for it is us that need to change not a "them". I am proud of my Grandparents, Pearl and Alex who were both Jews. I wear my grandfather's ring with pride, and tradition. See: Testimonial.

Diversity Calender: Thanks to N.E.A.
All Saints Day: Also known as All Hallows or Hallowmas and observed by Roman Catholics and some western protestant Churches, this feast day honors all saints, known and unknown.

35-48 AD: A NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN AD AGAINST SAUL OF TAURUS

The Apostle Paul the Early Years
A NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN AD AGAINST SAUL OF TAURUS endorsed by the EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
"Borderline Psycho Path Rampaging Zealot..."
That's what friends of the Early Church are saying about Saul of Taurus. And some of our brothers want to speak to him?
Last weekend, Saul of Taurus, agreed to attack Christians, so that he could maintain the purity of the Jewish Faith. He has always stated, "The New should Go, so the Old can Stay."

The fact is: He was there... He was there the record shows that He was there when our brother Steven was stoned to death.
Something just does not add up?
Cat out of the bag Mr Saul of Taurus.
Why would we even make an attempt to talk to him after all his Zealous activities? Barnabas, Peter, Ananias, and James the Just must have fallen on their heads to suggest we continue to talk to Paul. We the brethren of the early christian Church just do not see why we are thinking about discussing our future with Mr. Saul of Taurus. We have worked tirelessly to protect our fellows in these fragile early days.
"Borderline psychopath..."

"Doesn't add up...."

"Cat out of the bag"

"He was there ... the record shows... "

Does Saul of Taurus sound like someone you want to discuss a future with?
We don't care that he has changed?
There must be a mighty wind to change a man Mr. Saul of Taurus ....
or is that Paul... same person different names.... what is he attempting to cover up....
what type of change?
Simple Truth of Antioch states, "Stoner, stoner, stoner, stoner, No Way, stoner, stoner, stoner."

Going Deeper:
Deuteronomy 27:26 21:23
Acts 22:3
I Cor. 15:9
Gal 1:14
Philipians 1:21 3:6 3:12
Romans 10:4

Resources:
Bruce F.F. New Testament History. Garden City, York: Anchor Books, 1972. (234-246)

37 AD ?: The Debate Rages and Stephen Gets Stoned

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.
Shakespeare- Henry V.

Stephen stood amongst the stones.

He then crumpled in a pile dead.

The hated stones were thrown in defense of darkness and chaotic thinking. The hated stones were thrown in the defense of tradition. The hated stones were thrown in the defense of idolatry of the day. He had stood strong amongst the pain of being hated to death. He stood strong for the truth. He stood strong as God would have him do in Love of Christ, the Spirit, and God himself.

Stephen represents what is the good message in the gospel. If we utter the truth of the Gospel today, we need to be watchfull. We need to reason out that it may be costly. But we must embrace the call:

1 Peter 3:15
but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. (ESV)

Titus 1:9
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instructions in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (ESV)

Titus 1:10-11
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers especially those of the circumcision party (Israelite Jews). They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. (ESV)

Rd More on Stephen in your bible in Acts 7

Prayer for the day using the ACTS model: Adore, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication

YHVH your decision to stay true to your word, you chose a small remnant despite our ugly need to embrace different forms of idolatry. I know I have chosen different idols that limited my thinking of you; these idols included money, education etc.... I have not embraced you enough for I still fear upsetting others with telling of the Gospel. I need to stand amongst the pain that may come with following your lead. Thank you LORD for chosing to die so that I can live. I am so thankful you looked beyond my current chicken hearted, selfish heart, and loved me anyway. I ask that you strengthen me as a witness in your kingdom.

Written while listening to the Podcast:
Renewing Your Mind by R.C. Sproul
Books Referenced:

Bruce F.F. New Testament History. Garden City, York: Anchor Books, 1972. (217-226)
Mac Arthur Mac Arthur New Testament Comementary Acts 1-12 Chicago, Illinois: The Moody Bible Insitute of Chicago, 1994

Pre 1 AD - 37 AD: The Hellenist

One problem in religion is a belief that you have an exclusive claim on God. Religious faithful often believe that outsiders do not share the access they share with God. People in religion tend to think that their is a zero sum game with God. These people fear that if God inherits others than there will be no room for us at the table. Often outsiders are pushed out beyond the entrance to the temple. This was a question that boiled between the Hellenist Jews and the Israelite in the growing pains of Early Christian Church.

Christianity would have taken a different shape had their not been the divine providence to disperse Jews through out the Mediterranean World. These Jews were different than the ones who stayed in Jerusalem. Hellenistic Jews were more likely to think Globally due to their dealings in North Africa, Greece, Rome, and parts of Asia. Hellenistic Jews were more inclusive then their brethren in Jerusalem.

Another issue that separated the Hellenistic Jews from the Israelite Jews was language. Hellenist were more likely to speak Greek. Israelites held firm to the sacredness of their language.

Saul of Taurus/Paul was influenced by this Hellenistic global reality. In Acts 21:27-22:2 Saul almost sat off a riot. The Israelites were angered due to their thinking that Saul was a turncoat who was walking with a known Greek thinker. The people feared that Saul would pollute the temple by bringing a non believer, a non Hebrew speaker, into the shrine. The Israelite were stonewalled in their views. They desired a holy pureness from any influence of OTHERS.

Acts 21:27-22:2 from the Message

Some Jews:
Help! You Israelite! This is the man who is going all over the world telling lies against us and our religion and this place. He's even brought Greeks in her and defiled the Holy Place."

Standing on the barracks steps, Paul turned and held his arms up. A hush fell over the crowd as Paul began to speak. He spoke in Hebrew.

"My dear brothers and fathers, listen carefully to what I have to say before you jump to conclusions about me. " When they heard him speaking Hebrew, they grew even quieter. No one wanted to miss a word of this.

Written while listening to the Podcast:
APM Sound Opinions
Books Referenced:
Bruce F.F. New Testament History. Garden City, York: Anchor Books, 1972.
Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1982.
Latourette, Kenneth Scott Christianity Through the Ages: New York: Harper and Row Publishers, 1965.
Peterson, Eugene H. The Message Colorado Springs Colorado: Navpress, 1993.

Prayer: YHVH you are most knowledgeable. Your knowledge goes beyond language, color, place and human culture. Your truth stands forever-lasting. Your Truth will be there even when we are not. I have plenty of prejudices which hinder me from being a light in the wilderness. Thank you LORD for loving me despite my ugly prejudices. Thank you for sending your spirit to guide me through the wilderness of mass information. I ask that you keep my arrogance from feeling superior to the Israelite, for we all have prejudices. I ask that you help me listen to others without the need to jump to conclusions. I ask that you help me slow down and truly listen to my brothers and sisters of all whom I am or am not found of. In your name we pray. Amen.

30 AD: Mission Given to the 12 by the Holy Spirit

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.
Shakespeare- Henry V.

I will be working on understanding God's mission for the rest of my life. But what God has shown me so far is this....

The mission is to realize that it is not about us, but about our Glorious God's relationship to all of us. Our neighbors interest before our own. That we are not to author the stories of our lives. That our own force has nothing to do with the mission of establishing God's Kingdom. When Greg Maddox the pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers said, when he feels the pressure, he gets "Softer."
Ezekiel 11:19;
And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, thaty they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them.
The map to our lives is written before we are even born. How is Christianity not a footnote in the annals of history? Because Christianity is authorized by God. God loves us so much to not be up and away, but in and amongst our messy lives.
As the Zohar reads in Chapter One:
By the secret and silent action of the divine will, from this primal luminous point radiated forth the vital life-giving spark which, pervading and operating in the great, enteric ocean of forms, became the soul of the universe, the fount and origin of all mundane life and motion and terrestrial existence, and in its nature and essence and secret operation remains ineffable, incomprehensible and indefinable.

We are to make disciples of all nations. All Nations. Not Just the United States, but all Nations. The lines on the map are man-made divisions. (This teaching is scary, yes scary). Baptizing all with the love of all. The spirit of being Christian is bigger than us. Because this lesson is so difficult to follow we are given the promise of a God who is stronger than any one of us.

Acts 2
When the day of Pentecost arrived they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house were they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them rested on each one of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.... we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean." .... "Brothers what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will recieve the Holy Spirit."

We are at war today, tomorrow, yesterday... for all time: a battle to either to accept human kind divisions, or to live differently and with Christ. We are involved in an eternal war.

Luke 21:13
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or combat.
IN time differences will become part of the whole of Jesus:
Jeremiah 31:31
Behold the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. (Uniting North and South Kingdoms together).

Inspired by the music of:
Blitzen Trapper, Gold for Bread

Books Referenced:

Bruce F.F. New Testament History. Garden City, York: Anchor Books, 1972.

Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1982.

Latourette, Kenneth Scott Christianity Through the Ages: New York: Harper and Row Publishers, 1965.

30 AD: Ieus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorun: King of the Jews

What does it mean to be a religion where our God has been humiliated?

What is the cross?

Why does it matter to us today?

Why does the Cross need to remain pure?

Why won't deodorant take away the odoriferous smell off the cross?

Cicero warned, "Let the very name of the cross be far, not only from the body of a Roman citizen, but even from his thoughts, his eyes, his ears."

This weekend someone stole our two Church signs. These were signs were very important to the community of Redeemer Presbyterian Lakeland. They represented the desire of our community to reach out to those who may need some fellowship. The signs were put up in Love by our church. Our group loves the 863; and we do not make any type of indictment on the 863.

We don't believe in forcing our message down the guts of non believers. We do not try to market God to unbelievers. We believe our role is to witness to the Glory of God. We see this as telling others what Christ has meant for us.

But the Cross does smell! Humanity us humans, are responsible in the death of our Messiah and our God in flesh.

So why would someone steal our signs? How do we explain the anger towards the concept of Church?

How do we combat the human evil the human church has been part of for ever?

How do we show love when Christianity is an Exclusive Truth in a time of Relative Truths?

These are questions our Church and other Churches are working to answer. In the mean time we desire to bring our yearnings of peace and love, and our desire to dialogue in truth with others.

Shelley Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language Waco, Texas: Word Book Publishers, 1982.

373 AD: Compromise: We don't Need No Stinkin Compromise Purity of the Cross

God is in the purity of the cross, the purity of the word.

1 Timothy 4:1 The spirit clearly says that in later times some would abondon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

373 Roman Empire: God never compromises to the will of man. He is the type of Coach that never punts for a better position on the field. He is a coach of miracles so he will always go for it on 4th down.

Athanasius knew that toleration of doctrine that looks similar but is not taints the purity of the Cross. Athanasius knew that the Arieans based their hope on Toleration. The state of Rome hoped to maintain peace through a compromise. They did not see what the big deal was; "Why can't y'all just get along." Constantius hoped to build a compromise between the Arians and the Athanasiusians.

Constantius compromise was to build a new vocabulary of toleration. He coined the term homoiousion(of similar substance) to replace homoousion (Same substance).

Athanasius stood against this idea of "similar substance". He did not see that this replacement helped the Christian Cause. He also did not like being told by the state government what Church should or should not accept. And if the Son is the "Word" and "Wisdom" of God, how was there a time when He was not? It is the same as if they should say that God was once without Word and Without Wisdom?"

If we tolerate what is not written in the bible, what is not the WORD of GOD, than we transgress the kingdom. Witness's do not add anything to the event but truthfully tell what they saw.

Latourette, Kenneth Scott Christianity Through the Ages Harper Chapel Books, New York: 1965.

325 Answers to Heresy from the Early Catholic Church

The Early Catholic Church worked to safeguard the pure story of the cross.

First: The apostles kept the story alive, by being careful about succession of the gospel truth.

Second: Iraneous, Linus and other men codified the New Testament.They finally agreed on the twenty-seven books in the New Testament by 367.

Third: . The Apostles Creed was a big shield in preserving the Gospel Truth:

1. Answer to the Marcionites belief that a wicked God called Demiurge created the heaven and earth:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;

2. Answer to the Marcionites belief that Jesus was a seperate God, who remained hidden until out of pure Love He revealed himself in Christ:

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,
and born of the Virgin Mary

3. Answersto the Mysteries and their belief that there is no historical signifigance to Christ.
He suffered under Pontious Pilate;
was crucified, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead.

4. Answers to Montanism who believed there were future prophets who would be able to judge our world. The Montanisms stand in the way of the Biblical Fact that Jesus alone judges the quick:
He ascended into heaven,

and is seated on the the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

5. Answers to Novation belief that sins/relapses could not be repented of once baptized:
I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy Catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

6. Answers to the Gnostic and Marcionites separation of soul and body. They believed that the body was evil and bound the soul in a prison. The biblical truth is that our bodies are not evil in of themselves... they mean enough to be resurrected...
the resurrection of the body,


and the life everlasting. Amen.

The heresies were a threat because they could drive away the believer from the core truth of the gospel. They were much like Oprah in there attempt to take "God out of the Box".
Marc Driscol beautifully critiques this gospel.

These are my observations on how the Apostles creed answers the Heretic Threats. If anyone wants to shine some more light on this issue please reply to my post. I am just trying to learn here!!!! And know I do not have the education needed to be an expert on this in the least....

100 AD Philly Fanatic Scares St. Andrew

Today we are a nation of cry babies fearing a threat to our bratty ways, our favorite sons status, our slavish hearts. We call ourselves Christians but do not actively campaign against the powers that may be a threat to our religion and our liberty. We spend spend spend even if it jeopardizes our current status. We have become a soft nation.

Lets look at Church History, around 100 AD -500 AD: A disorganized horde came together in unity and order through their love of Jesus Christ. Roman power stood against these Christians. Romans in power feared that the Caesar would no longer be considered God. They feared that their place of empire would not continue. (Republican/Democratic Parties?) They feared that the senate would be no longer be needed. (Capitol Hill may not have the answers?) Strong believers of the faith including St. Andrew the apostle fought the battle against this real threat to their faith. (We are to take the example). Andrew did not waiver and did not fear death onto the cross.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs records Andrew as saying:

"O cross, most welcome and long looked for! with a willing mind joyfully and desirously I come to thee: because I have always been thy lover and have coveted to embrace."

The first believers were enraptured with the beauty of our LORD Jesus Christ. They were willing to witness to the Gospel, even if this meant certain death. Today we look for an excuse to be quite, to not offend, to run away. Today we are a nation of hypocrites who fear everything. We even fear the adorable Philly Fanatic. I ask us to roll our sleeves up and walk the line and work with dignity towards being responsible adults.

587 AD: Augstine Converts to Christianity

587 Augustine Converts to Christianity:

Augustine had a nagging mother (are you sure she was not Jewish?) who wanted her son to be Christian. Finally in 587, Augustine consented to her nagging and converted to Christianity. He then realized he was an intoxicated pig: "Intoxication of the invisible wind of a perverse and downward-tending will that stoops to the most degrading of things." So he stopped walking the streets of Babylon, sat under a peach tree, and wrote his confessions. (the first autobiography known of in the Western World.)

950-1350 AD: Our Lady's Juggler

Our Lady's Juggler: Anatole France

The story, Our Lady's Juggler, tells the story of a juggler turned monk who has no gift to offer a statue of the Virgin Mary except for his ability to juggle well. Anatole France chronicled this old medieval legend in 1892. The story shows that one honors God by performing our true calling well.
I am a Deli Clerk. I love the challenge of meeting customers needs. God blesses me in serving others. Like Barnaby (in the story) I struggle to make a living. Like Barnaby I attempt to live an upright life full of hope. The story is true to the protestant work ethic in that one does not need to be called to a "high" position to please God. God is pleased when we are strong and cheerful with our work. Read it for yourself: Our Lady's Juggler .

Tradition, Tradition: From the Sermons of Meister Eckhart

"The past can be a resource for the present."

Alister Mc Grath

Meister Eckhart in 1300 fell into disfavor with Rome because of his preaching. The following is a part of a sermon. The sermon shows the Protestant thinking about the holy scripture, the believer and the church. Enjoy-

I have a capacity in my soul for taking in God entirely. I am as sure as I live that nothing is so near to me as God. God is nearer to me than I am to myself; my existence depends on the nearness and presence of God.

In whichever soul God's Kingdom appeareth, and which knoweth God's Kingdom, that soul needeth no human preaching or instruction; it is taught from within and assured of eternal life.

As for outward works they are ordained for this purpose that the outward man may be directed to God. But the inner work, the work of God in the soul is the chief matter; when a man finds this within himself, he can let go externals. No law is give to the righteous, becuase he fulfills the law inwardly.

Stepping Lightly on the Path

James 1
(My interpretation) We walked away from our protection. We decided to rebel. We caused a great strain. God was sad. He desired to have us walk gently on the tundra. He did not want us to waver on the walk. He wanted what was best for us. 'For the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:6 He did not deceive us. But we were deceived by the cunning alluring ways of the beautiful witch holding the apple. A good witch is never ugly. In fact witches are beautiful, because our perception of beauty creates an easy trap. We (us guys) loved the boobies and the booty. But did not see the strain pictures have on our relationships. As the prophet Nahum wrote, "And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms who betrays nations with her whorings, and people with her charms." Nahum 3:4 So are we bound by the moral decay? No! We do not need to add more to the lines on our face. We do not need to walk hard. Because, Jesus walked into it for us. He helped us uproot our weeds. He burned the clippings in a great pile, a smell pleasing to the LORD. "Draw water for the siege; strengthen your forts; go into the clay tread the mortar; take hold of the brick mold." Nahum 3:15 As Matthew Henry said, "He is a strong hold for every believer in times of trouble, that cannot be stormed or taken; and he knoweth those that trust in Him."
Or as the Dashboard Confessional wrote:

"You throw yourself
Into their arms
Mistresses have all the fun
But no one's ever there to take you home

Box up your gloves and your
Down coats
Bound for the sun and the
West coast
Where upper crust tragedies abound

A tip for the girl at the
Coat check
The guy at the door and the
Bar back
They know your face
Oh so well

But movies never made you famous
All your dreams got lost or traded
And all you ever cared about got lost

But you were surely still an actress
Older men would find attractive
And all you ever dreamed of was the cost

Where there's gold, there's a gold digger

We are KOBE BEEF Awaiting the Slaughter House

Amos 4:1

We are the Kobe Cows of Bashen. We sit grazing on fine grains. We eat our ice cream. We are delighted. We build fine houses thinking they will always be there. We build up debts on our credit cards. Our houses become foreclosed. We become oppressed and poor because we do not turn the true source of our wealth. So run to him! Run to our LORD! Run to our LORD now.