When Israel's religious hardened their hearts and determined to crucify the Lord, they demanded Him give them a sign to prove He was their Messiah. Jesus pointed to the fact the Ninevites heard the preaching of Jonah and his deliverance from the great fish and repented while those demanding a sign refused to repent and believe at the preaching of Jesus, a greater than Jonah, because He was the Son of God! As Jonah was entombed in the monster for three days and three nights, so was Christ, Who was three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Many in the modern church world seeks a sign today as well except anchoring their faith in THE SIGN - the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.   Nineveh was given 40 days in which to repent; Jerusalem was give 40 years. Repentance in one case averted Judgment, unbelief in the other determined it! Unless America repents, we face a similar fate.

By Chris McDonald
 

TEXT: Luke 11:16
And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

Luke 11:29-32
And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. [30] For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. [31] The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [32] The men of Nineveh shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

        The nation of Israel had hardened it's heart beyond return at the time Jesus spoke the words recorded by the great physician, Luke. Luke was one of two evangelists who recorded this event - Matthew being the other - in the life of our Lord. Other than the sermon Jesus preached recorded in John chapter 6 where all who listened turned and walked away, this was one of His most sobering discourses on the results of unbelief both on Israel as a nation, and those individuals who would hear the gospel of His Kingdom and still reject and refuse. Most of the comments of the Pharisees and Sadducees were to ensnare Christ in His speech and actions. Their motives were most sinister and dark! Demons were cast out before their very eyes, as well as the greatest miracles in history, yet all they could do is demand a "sign," He was sent from God.

        This spirit still exists today! I have wondered many times had Christ came to Earth during our time - yes, even with the knowledge and revelation of the New Covenant - would He had been treated any differently or been accepted any quicker. I must sadly tell you He would not. Most of what the Pharisees and Sadducees did in Israel's day would be done again by most in the modern church. Signs were all around the Pharisees in Jesus healing the sick, casting out devils, and performing the greatest miracles ever known to man, even to the raising of the dead, but this was not recognized as 'signs.'

        As we wrote in the journal preceding this one, the sign Jesus proclaimed would be that of His resurrection! The cross of Christ is the ONLY thing standing between fallen man and eternal hell. It is also the only thing standing between the true church and the apostate church. Jesus said this "evil generation," sought a sign, meaning basically that because Israel did not hear the Word of God and keep it, and any generation, nation, group or individual who does not hear and "keep" the Word of God is EVIL! If we do not accept that which is OF God, then assuredly we will seek after that which is not!

        Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites who believed the preaching of this wayward prophet once he made his way to the land out of the whale's belly! Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale which was very troubling to the Ninevites whose "god" was actually in the shape of a large fish. When the whale appeared on the coast and vomited out Jonah, Nineveh was more than willing to hear what he had to say. The anointing of Jonah's words caused the king down to the lowest slave to repent, sit in sackcloth and ashes, and mourn their sinful condition. As a result, God's anger was turned away from Nineveh and it was spared His judgment. On a side note, Nineveh did backslide again and the Lord sent Nahum to declare a final decree of destruction.  When light is rejected, darkness will always invade and cause deception and delusion to reign.

        Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah; Israel would not repent at the preaching of Jesus. The religious hierarchy had so hardened their hearts they literally declared all that Christ did as it related to miracles and the such as the work of Satan. That is blaspheming the Holy Ghost, which is in effect an unpardonable sin, which we will discuss in a future journal.

        This journal is the continuation of what Christ said in response to Israel's demand for a sign, and in reality, the modern church world's demand and clamoring for a "sign" as well. The sign to Israel of Christ's death, burial and resurrection THEN is the same sign given to us today! It has been the sign to ALL generations that mankind's only hope was the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on a cross 2,000 years ago. Those generations who reject will stand in the judgment hearing the words of the men of Nineveh of how they repented at Jonah's preaching - yet the one millions will stand before lost and eternally damned - is the one GREATER THAN JONAH!

No Man Lights A Candle and Puts It In A Secret Place!

Luke 11:33
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

        Christ was the LIGHT of the World! He did not hide that Light; it shone fully on every man. Few have accepted it, for the majority are willfully blind and remain unilluminated. This is what Jesus said to those clamoring for a sign from heaven. Spence, a bible commentator paraphrases what the Lord says this way: "Don't think for a moment that the sign I speak about, and which was prefigured in the story of the Prophet Jonah, will be an obscure or secret thing. No man lights a lamp to hide: so will it be with that sign which will be given to you." He was speaking of the mighty sign of His Resurrection.

        The Gospel is meant to be given to others. It is not a light that should be hidden and if the Church does not give it to the world, it is the same as hiding the Light. The only cure for darkness is "Light," and by that we speak of the message of Christ and Him Crucified! Jesus said men put light "on a candlestick," which typified the fact His Resurrection would be the sign which they are asking would be visible to ALL! It means everyone must have the opportunity to "SEE" the Light! The sadness, is that millions have little or no opportunity at all, while others, especially those living in America and Canada have all sorts of opportunity and still don't believe!

        The greatest hindrance to the gospel of Jesus Christ is the apostate Church! I want to say that again. The greatest hindrance to the gospel of Jesus is not the sinners, the prostitutes, the drunkards and the such - it's the apostate church! Denominational hierarchies must control all preachers under them, and for those whom they cannot control, they seek to destroy! And they will use any means at their disposal. The term "apostate" rarely is labeled on this type religious spirit in the modern church. Nevertheless, by its actions it is easy to determine what it really is. The religious hierarchy of Israel could not control Christ, therefore they set out to destroy Him, which they did, or thought they did.

        As Israel's religious hierarchy did of old, the TRUTH of the gospel is greatly hindered by apostate religion. John saw this spirit personified in the book of Revelation by a great whore which persecuted the saints and drank the blood of martyrs! That is the spirit alive and well today as a world sinks deeper into darkness. Apostate religion has little concern for the lost! Helping lost souls to see the light is not a priority, if any at all. The modern church growth movement, birthed in the pit of hell itself, has become just that apostate. The truth of the gospel is rarely preached behind these pulpits, many of which have tied themselves arm in arm with the Rick Warren camps and wholeheartedly supported the "purpose driven life," theology of good works and purpose instead of repentance, humility, service and salvation! Joel Osteen, another of the New Age gurus of the modern church refuses to use the terms "hell," and "sin," as not to offend his crowds, and neighbor he has the crowds.

        The gospel is not something we can put under a bushel! It's not something that is done in secret! It's not a message that be contained and hindered by apostate Christianity. God help us in the church today. IF OUR GOSPEL BE HID, IT IS HID FROM THOSE WHO ARE LOST!

2 Cor. 4:3-6 -But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. [6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

The Light Of The Body

Luke 11:34
The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

        The phrase "the light of the body," refers to two things: the gospel and the moral condition of those who heard it.

Luke 11:34-36
The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. [35] Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. [36] If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
 

        What a lamp is to a room the eye is to the body. If the lamp be broken the room is full of darkness, and if the "eye" be diseased the body is full of darkness. The Light is the Gospel and the lamp is the eye, i.e. the heart! If it be morally healthy, it receives and diffuses the light so that the whole body is illuminated; but if the eye, i.e., the heart, be diseases, it cannot receive the light, the consequently the whole body is full of darkness. We will either be full of moral darkness or the LIGHT of the TRUTH. The Truth is not just a doctrine, it's a PERSON! When the TRUE LIGHT shines into a heart, there remains no darkness in it; when it does not shine, there is nothing but darkness.

        The Lord said that when the eye is "SINGLE," the whole body also is full of light. The Greek word is "haplous," and means "singleness of purpose which keeps us from the snare of having a double treasure and consequently a divided heart." It is used in a moral sense. However, the word, "moral," has wide range of coverage.   It means the opposite of immorality which covers ALL things such as lawlessness, adultery, fornicaiton, cheating, profanity, envy, pride, malice, jealousy, uncontrollable temper, lasciviousness and unlawful lusts. The only way the eye can be "single," is for it to be fixed on CHRIST! Any other effort is bound for failure! The "LIGHT" here speaks of the Word of God and once again speaks of JESUS! It is absolutely impossible to separate Jesus, the Living Word, with Jesus, the Written Word. They are indivisible.

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

        The "darkness," speaks of moral and spiritual darkness that all men reside in outside faith in Christ. To have a "single," eye does not mean mean that there will never be a problem, but does mean that it will ultimately come out right. As well, for the "eye to be evil," does not necessarily mean that the moral darkness is always observable. In fact, it may not be observable at all, but ultimately it will become noticeable.

Take Heed The Light In You Is Not Darkness!

 Luke 11:35
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

        The word, "darkness," here is "phos," and in this instance means, "something that is artificial," and "is not what it seems to be." It can be translated accordingly, "take heed therefore that the light that is in you be not artificial light, and therefore darkness." As we have stated, millions fall under this deception. They think they have the Gospel, when in reality, they don't! Many think they are born again, when in reality they are lost! Many think they are walking in light while in reality are steeped in demonic bondage and darkness!

        Paul mentioned "another Jesus," and "another Spirit," and "another Gospel," that looked bright and actually was, because it was given by "an angel of light," and therefore was a false light.

2 Cor. 11:1-4
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. [2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. [3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

        Multiple millions call themselves Christians actually thinking they are saved but in reality are not born again and therefore have a false salvation. it is actually "darkness." At the time of Christ, Israel was affected and corrupted accordingly with this darkness. Hear what I say to you. They talked about God constantly, and in fact, were the people to whom God had given the law and the Prophets. In reality, they were the only people on the face of the earth who had the "LIGHT" of the Gospel. However, they twisted and subverted that Light until it was no longer Light, but rather "darkness." much of the modern church world, especially the modern church growth movement, sadly fall into this same category.

        Millions attend Churches which basically deny the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Others claim their believe in the Holy Spirit, but conveniently ignore Him. in other words, what is done, and irrespective of the name on the door, is done by man and not by GOD! ALL IS DARKNESS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF God-birthed and Holy Spirit developed.

Luke 11:36
If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

        As well, one of the greatest dangers of all is that which is part true Light, and part darkness. The true Light legitimizes the darkness, and therefore deceives the person! You cannot have "part" dark or "part" light. The business of the Holy Spirit is to get out ALL darkness replacing it with ALL light! If He is allowed His Way, this He shall do! We as the body of Christ must have a whole body FULL OF LIGHT!

        The Pharisees had no "candle," and consequently the light they claimed to have with them was actually darkness. That is the major problem of modern day preaching. Preachers are not preaching the Word of God. Some give book reports, with many, if not almost all, slanting their sermons toward "the psychological" way. There is NO LIGHT from that source! Others preach a social Jesus which does not require repentance, but is strictly pleased with good works. THERE IS NO LIGHT FROM THAT SOURCE! Others preach a message of salvation void of power because the message they preach does not require death to the old man. THERE IS NO LIGHT TO THAT SOURCE!

        The pulpit must SHINE FORTH THE LIGHT OF THE SHINING CANDLE - THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! As such, it will bring Light to the entirety of the room and to the hearts of those listening. Those who are thus illuminated become lamps whose brilliance shines upon others to give them Light. True light always dispels darkness and sets captives free. Praise God Praise God.
 

        The condition that plagues humanity is far worse than anything man-made organizations and plans can address. Mankind sits in darkness that needs the LIGHT of JESUS to shine and break the powers of the devil off of them. There is not other way to freedom!

2 Cor. 4:1-6
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; [2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. [6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
 

        And the source of that Light? The one who declared He was greater than the prophet Jonah! Jonah's message brought change to Nineveh because it contained LIGHT. And our message today will change hearts if it contains LIGHT! The LIGHT we proclaim is LIGHT that points us to a greater than Jonah!

        As I close I want to make a comparison between Jonah and a man named Lot. Jonah was backslidden, running from God but his message brought deliverance to Nineveh. Lot was called a righteous man but his message evidently was lacking light and the men of Sodom perished. God needs JONAHS today. Yes, Jonah's disobedience cost him a three-day stay in the belly of the whale. God will do what He has to do, what can I say! But once out, Jonah had the word that would change a city. Lot spent years in Sodom and never allowed the light of the covenant he had be seen by the Sodomites. As a result, sin reigned and two cities were burnt to the ground.

        America, America, God shed His grace on thee! As I close today, I say the next statement with tears. We as preachers of the gospel have been given LIGHT to dispel to a nation steeped in heathen idolatry and darkness. If we refuse to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, America's fate will be that of Sodom. If we will preach the Truth of the gospel of Christ, then we have hope repentance will come to the land as it did in Nineveh. A greater than Jonah is here! He lives today in the hearts of every born again, child of God, washed in the blood of the Lamb! Let your light shine today! Preachers, preach the Word! Preach the Word, preach the word; preach the word! It's getting late and it's harvest time!

Luke 11:36-38 - If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark,

the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.