DETERMINED TO PRAY
There is an interesting bit of information recorded in 2Sam 21:1-14. It is more than a gruesome story. There are some definite principles of God involved-- which King David ignored, or was ignorant of-- I don't know which.
First, there was the famine for three years running, and David asking God for a reason. Proverbs 26:2-- , so the curse causeless shall not come.
The Lord informed David that the famine was caused by Saul having broken the treaty between Israel and the Gibeonites, which Joshua had made with them after the crossing of Jordan into Canaan, many, many years before what Saul had done.
The fact that the Gibeonites had deceived Joshua did not seem to void the treaty that was made.
God expects His people to KEEP THEIR WORD.
Joshua had promised NOT TO HARM the Gibeonites. They were put to work furnishing wood for the brazen altar before the Tabernacle.
Saul broke the word of Israel by killing some of the Gibeonites. This was, as near as I can figure, about twenty years before the famine we are dealing with now.
Does time gloss over transgression? No No No!
The ONLY way to deal with a wrong is to make it right, to the best of our ability. That starts with REPENTANCE, and moves on to RESTITUTION. REPENTANCE comes first.
I'm afraid that our Nation and our Churches are in line for REPENTANCE.
When David called the Gibeonites together to apologize for Saul's sin against them, and to make restitution, they answered, II Samuel 21:5 --, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us [that] we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, [whom] the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give [them].
The Gibeonites hung seven of them. Two of them were sons of Rizpah, a former concubine of Saul.
The Law that Moses had given to Israel had forbidden them to let a carcase hang over night. Deuteronomy 21:22 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged [is] accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.
David ignored this injunction, and we are taught another lesson from the scriptures.
The works of repentance and restitution had been done, but there was still no rain. Why?
We learn that if we continue in disobedience to the Word of God, we walk WITHOUT THE BLESSINGS OF GOD.
David caused a lot of problems and discomfort for somebody else through his neglect of correct conduct.
Rizpah set up a watch to guard the bodies of her two sons. II Samuel 21:10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. II Samuel 21:11 And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.
I figured out one time that it was about three months that she sat on the rock guarding the bodies, but I may have been wrong. The rain schedule had been out of order for three years.
Fact is, it DID NOT RAIN UNTIL DAVID OBEYED THE WORD OF THE LORD.
II Samuel 21:12 And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, which had stolen them from the street of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa: And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged. And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was entreated for the land.
Rizpah shows us the way of determined intercession to God for the sinfulness of other people, EVEN ON A NATIONAL SCALE!
She fought off the vultures, she drove away the beasts of prey-- even when all sense of reason told her it was an exercise in futility. She refused to give up-- because she was in line with the Word of God. Her faith was in God-- to defend His Word.
SHE DID NOT send a delegation to Washington DC. SHE DID NOT demonstrate in front of business houses in our city, or elsewhere.
SHE DID NOT circulate a petition or a resolution that David be forced to do what was right.
SHE DID continue her prayerful watch over the bodies UNTIL something was done about the situation. She was doing what she did IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, and in His sight-- LOOKING TO HIM who is able to do all things.
Time after time, in the Bible, we are told of how Israel drifted away from obedience to the Word of God. In almost every instance, when trouble resulted from that disobedience, it is also recorded that they CRIED UNTO THE LORD. God sent deliverance in response to their cries TO HIM.
Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
TWELVE SENT
TWELVE SENT
Jesus was more than a Prophet. HE WAS GOD IN FLESH. His manner of prophecy was sometimes different from the ordinary, but they were prophesies, none the less. Here is one example of how they were different.
One day, according to Matt 10, He sent His twelve disciples out to act out a prophecy about the end of the age. It reads like this: Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. z These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city ortown ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it.
This was not a permanent arrangement, as we can see from other Scriptures that those same disciples were not able to do the job placed before them. The power,or Authority was given to them by Jesus, as proof that it could be done, and as a demonstration of what will be done by a few (comparatively) who are close enough to receive what will given to ardent followers on the Day of Atonement, and to reap the benefits from it.
I marvel that the truths of the Day of Atonement are not being taught more than they are. It seems to have "slipped through the cracks" of modern Theology.
But it is there, bright and clear, if we care to examine it.
The biggest problem will be letting go of some of the "standard" teachings before we can grasp this truth of future events in God's Calendar.
I will not bore you with facts you may not care about. BUT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE, drop me a line, and I will send you material on it.
"Freely ye have received (without limitations or restraint). Freely give (no limitations on what you will be able to accomplish)." NOTHING can resist this God-given authority, as guided by the Spirit Itself.
The Mission? Preach, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out devils, and have no worry about living expenses nor clothing. It was a prophecy of the days follow-
ing the Day of Atonement. I am hoping to see it, and participate in it, by the Grace of God.***
Jesus was more than a Prophet. HE WAS GOD IN FLESH. His manner of prophecy was sometimes different from the ordinary, but they were prophesies, none the less. Here is one example of how they were different.
One day, according to Matt 10, He sent His twelve disciples out to act out a prophecy about the end of the age. It reads like this: Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. z These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city ortown ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it.
This was not a permanent arrangement, as we can see from other Scriptures that those same disciples were not able to do the job placed before them. The power,or Authority was given to them by Jesus, as proof that it could be done, and as a demonstration of what will be done by a few (comparatively) who are close enough to receive what will given to ardent followers on the Day of Atonement, and to reap the benefits from it.
I marvel that the truths of the Day of Atonement are not being taught more than they are. It seems to have "slipped through the cracks" of modern Theology.
But it is there, bright and clear, if we care to examine it.
The biggest problem will be letting go of some of the "standard" teachings before we can grasp this truth of future events in God's Calendar.
I will not bore you with facts you may not care about. BUT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE, drop me a line, and I will send you material on it.
"Freely ye have received (without limitations or restraint). Freely give (no limitations on what you will be able to accomplish)." NOTHING can resist this God-given authority, as guided by the Spirit Itself.
The Mission? Preach, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out devils, and have no worry about living expenses nor clothing. It was a prophecy of the days follow-
ing the Day of Atonement. I am hoping to see it, and participate in it, by the Grace of God.***
REMISSION-- FORGIVENESS
REMISSION-FORGIVENESS
A couple of words have caused a lot of people quite a bit of confusion for many years-- myself included. When I am confronted with a situation I do not understand, I like to get all the scriptures dealing with the subject out on the table whene I can see them. Oftentimes, when I am looking at all of them together, a pattern emerges, and helps me to understand what the Word is meaning.
The two words are "forgiveness" and "remission". Is there a difference in them? Do they mean something different?
They both come into the English language by translation of the SAME Greek word. Six times it is translated "forgiveness" and nine times it is translated "remission". I'll transfer them to this message, so you can also see how they are used.
FORGIVENESS:
Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
REMISSION:
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Hebrews 10:18 Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin.
It is also translated one time each-- DELIVERANCE & LIBERTY in Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
A couple of words have caused a lot of people quite a bit of confusion for many years-- myself included. When I am confronted with a situation I do not understand, I like to get all the scriptures dealing with the subject out on the table whene I can see them. Oftentimes, when I am looking at all of them together, a pattern emerges, and helps me to understand what the Word is meaning.
The two words are "forgiveness" and "remission". Is there a difference in them? Do they mean something different?
They both come into the English language by translation of the SAME Greek word. Six times it is translated "forgiveness" and nine times it is translated "remission". I'll transfer them to this message, so you can also see how they are used.
FORGIVENESS:
Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
REMISSION:
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Hebrews 10:18 Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin.
It is also translated one time each-- DELIVERANCE & LIBERTY in Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
SINNERS IN ZION
SINNERS IN ZION
Someone once said that it is not the sins of the sinners, but the sins of the saints that burdens the heart of God. Maybe so. It is probably more dangerous to be a sinning saint, for our conscience should be waving red flags and sounding alarms within us.
To continue sinning is to sear the conscience and deafen the Spiritual ears. That leads to disaster.
The Word tells us that a reckoning day is coming for those have a profession without possession.
Isaiah 33:13 Hear, ye [that are] far off, what I have done; and, ye [that are] near, acknowledge my might.
Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites.
Notice the element of surprise here. The "day" of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. The Holy Ghost caused Isaiah to go on and ask a question.
Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
Have you ever considered "devouring fire?" And what could "everlasting burnings" mean? Who will have a life style that will withstand that kind of testing?
Isaiah 33:15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.
Our "talk" doesn't figure here at all. It is all dependent upon our "walk".
There are people who tend to discount scriptures from the Old Testament, saying that we are under the New Covenant now.
Be that such as it may. I am not in any mood to argue today. I have noticed, however, that the New Testament contains the same principles for life as the Old Testament does. The language is different, but the intent is the same.
The fact that Salvation is free, and we depend upon the Blood of Jesus for the well-being of our soul, does not change what God is wanting from us after we have accepted His Blood.
We should HATE SIN in every form, especially after we have received the SPIRIT OF HOLINESS into our lives.
We are told to "set your affections of things above." We "set" them - where we "want" them. Flesh "wants" them on earthly things. The Spirit "wants" them on heavenly things. We determine where they will be "set".
Where are they today? We are each heading one direction or the other. We are pleasing God, or we are not pleasing Him.
Someone once said that it is not the sins of the sinners, but the sins of the saints that burdens the heart of God. Maybe so. It is probably more dangerous to be a sinning saint, for our conscience should be waving red flags and sounding alarms within us.
To continue sinning is to sear the conscience and deafen the Spiritual ears. That leads to disaster.
The Word tells us that a reckoning day is coming for those have a profession without possession.
Isaiah 33:13 Hear, ye [that are] far off, what I have done; and, ye [that are] near, acknowledge my might.
Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites.
Notice the element of surprise here. The "day" of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. The Holy Ghost caused Isaiah to go on and ask a question.
Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
Have you ever considered "devouring fire?" And what could "everlasting burnings" mean? Who will have a life style that will withstand that kind of testing?
Isaiah 33:15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.
Our "talk" doesn't figure here at all. It is all dependent upon our "walk".
There are people who tend to discount scriptures from the Old Testament, saying that we are under the New Covenant now.
Be that such as it may. I am not in any mood to argue today. I have noticed, however, that the New Testament contains the same principles for life as the Old Testament does. The language is different, but the intent is the same.
The fact that Salvation is free, and we depend upon the Blood of Jesus for the well-being of our soul, does not change what God is wanting from us after we have accepted His Blood.
We should HATE SIN in every form, especially after we have received the SPIRIT OF HOLINESS into our lives.
We are told to "set your affections of things above." We "set" them - where we "want" them. Flesh "wants" them on earthly things. The Spirit "wants" them on heavenly things. We determine where they will be "set".
Where are they today? We are each heading one direction or the other. We are pleasing God, or we are not pleasing Him.
Friday, September 29, 2006
SOLD!
SOLD!
When I was a teen-ager I would go with my father to farm aution sales - usually in the last quarter of the year. There were often sad reasons for the sale - health, bad "luck", etc.
I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what the Autioneer was saying - I never did. But at the end of each of his unintelligible speels he would shout "SOLD".
One day Papa sent me alone to bid on a two-section harrow. He had a broken leg, and could not go. He told me he figured the harrow would be worth about $40.00. A farmer was bidding against me, and we were going up in increments of one dollar a nod. When we reached forty dollars, I had no way of knowing how high the other fellow would go. I stopped, and it "SOLD" for forty-one dollars. I still wonder just how much higher I would have had to go to get the harrow.
The face of the man who was having to sell his items would get longer each time the selling price was announced. Sometimes his wife would cry.
Those things had meant a lot to them. They had worked hard for them. They had, no doubt tried everything in the book to avoid having to sell out. This was the "last ditch" as far as they were concerned.
No one seemed to care - it was a bargain, as far as they were concerned.
Once in a while, the owner would jump in and bid against another man when he felt an item was going too low. He refused to sell at such a low price. That was his privilege to do. Until he heard "SOLD!", it was still his to do with as he pleased. If he waited until the autioneer yelled, he lost his claim to the item - forever....
Jesus mentioned "selling" a few times in His teachings to His Disciples, and it always meant that a person gives up his claim to whatever is on the "block".
Luke 18:22 --- Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Matthew 13:44 -- treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, --- goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, --- seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
In these discourses, Jesus was using natural things to illustrate Spiritual things. The term "SELL OUT" has a Spiritual signifigance to a Christian. It would seem that Jesus was saying that we will have to relinquish our "right to" and "control of" our own life, and all that pertains to it, if we expect our Christian life to be a success.
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said .., Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
On the surface, this doesn't sound so bad. But there is more than meets the eye at first glance.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disci ple.
To lose control of our lives is a painful, fearful thing that we avoid as long as possible. Nobody wants to do it.
Yet that is what God seems to asking us to do - deliberately "sell out" to His control - His desires - His decisions - His directions.
It is not a "one shot deal" either, but is more like the life of a Nazarite. Every morning he had the same restrictions on his life as he had yesterday.
There is no "vacation" time.
But it is STRICTLY VOLUNTARY ON OUR PART. No one is going to FORCE us to sell out to God. Neither will anyone FORCE a reward upon us.
LORD, I NEED SOME ASSISTANCE WITH THIS
When I was a teen-ager I would go with my father to farm aution sales - usually in the last quarter of the year. There were often sad reasons for the sale - health, bad "luck", etc.
I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what the Autioneer was saying - I never did. But at the end of each of his unintelligible speels he would shout "SOLD".
One day Papa sent me alone to bid on a two-section harrow. He had a broken leg, and could not go. He told me he figured the harrow would be worth about $40.00. A farmer was bidding against me, and we were going up in increments of one dollar a nod. When we reached forty dollars, I had no way of knowing how high the other fellow would go. I stopped, and it "SOLD" for forty-one dollars. I still wonder just how much higher I would have had to go to get the harrow.
The face of the man who was having to sell his items would get longer each time the selling price was announced. Sometimes his wife would cry.
Those things had meant a lot to them. They had worked hard for them. They had, no doubt tried everything in the book to avoid having to sell out. This was the "last ditch" as far as they were concerned.
No one seemed to care - it was a bargain, as far as they were concerned.
Once in a while, the owner would jump in and bid against another man when he felt an item was going too low. He refused to sell at such a low price. That was his privilege to do. Until he heard "SOLD!", it was still his to do with as he pleased. If he waited until the autioneer yelled, he lost his claim to the item - forever....
Jesus mentioned "selling" a few times in His teachings to His Disciples, and it always meant that a person gives up his claim to whatever is on the "block".
Luke 18:22 --- Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Matthew 13:44 -- treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, --- goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, --- seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
In these discourses, Jesus was using natural things to illustrate Spiritual things. The term "SELL OUT" has a Spiritual signifigance to a Christian. It would seem that Jesus was saying that we will have to relinquish our "right to" and "control of" our own life, and all that pertains to it, if we expect our Christian life to be a success.
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said .., Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
On the surface, this doesn't sound so bad. But there is more than meets the eye at first glance.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disci ple.
To lose control of our lives is a painful, fearful thing that we avoid as long as possible. Nobody wants to do it.
Yet that is what God seems to asking us to do - deliberately "sell out" to His control - His desires - His decisions - His directions.
It is not a "one shot deal" either, but is more like the life of a Nazarite. Every morning he had the same restrictions on his life as he had yesterday.
There is no "vacation" time.
But it is STRICTLY VOLUNTARY ON OUR PART. No one is going to FORCE us to sell out to God. Neither will anyone FORCE a reward upon us.
LORD, I NEED SOME ASSISTANCE WITH THIS
RUTH
RUTH
In the book of Ruth is a striking contrast of two ways we can relate
to the Lord.
We are all familiar with the two daughters-in-law who started out with
Naomi on her journey back to the land of Judah.
One, Orpah, was following her mother-in-law out of respect.
She is to be commended for her respect. We SHOULD have respect for our
in-laws. We should also have respect for The Lord and the House of
Worship. We should be reverent and respectful of His House. We should
have respect for His Ways-- the ways of good and righteousness.
But RESPECT might not be enough to see us through some of the tough
decisions that we are apt to be faced with.
When Orpah faced a critical decision, she opted to return to her own
people and her old way of life. The way of life in Moab was different
than what the Israelites held to. She had tasted the good life. She
had learned some of the history of Israel-- of God's deliverance from
Egypt-- of His Laws to them-- His provision for them.
RESPECT failed her in the crucial hour of decision. She gave Naomi
a kiss of love, and returned to her former life.
RUTH, on the other hand, was following Naomi out of love. Not only
love for Naomi, but, as shown by her testimony, a COMMITMENT TO THE
GOD OF ISRAEL. Listen-- Can't you hear her as she tells Naomi:
Ruth 1:16-17 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return
from following after thee: for whither THOU goest, I will go; and where
THOU lodgest, I will lodge: THY people [shall be] MY people, and THY
God MY God: Where THOU diest, will I die, and there will I be buried:
the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part THEE and ME.
LOVE LEADS TO A COMMITMENT which will anchor our souls in God for
Time and Eternity. Live or die, sink or swim, hail or high water,
better or worse.
WE NEED TO BE COMMITTED TO GOD BECAUSE OF LOVE.
In the book of Ruth is a striking contrast of two ways we can relate
to the Lord.
We are all familiar with the two daughters-in-law who started out with
Naomi on her journey back to the land of Judah.
One, Orpah, was following her mother-in-law out of respect.
She is to be commended for her respect. We SHOULD have respect for our
in-laws. We should also have respect for The Lord and the House of
Worship. We should be reverent and respectful of His House. We should
have respect for His Ways-- the ways of good and righteousness.
But RESPECT might not be enough to see us through some of the tough
decisions that we are apt to be faced with.
When Orpah faced a critical decision, she opted to return to her own
people and her old way of life. The way of life in Moab was different
than what the Israelites held to. She had tasted the good life. She
had learned some of the history of Israel-- of God's deliverance from
Egypt-- of His Laws to them-- His provision for them.
RESPECT failed her in the crucial hour of decision. She gave Naomi
a kiss of love, and returned to her former life.
RUTH, on the other hand, was following Naomi out of love. Not only
love for Naomi, but, as shown by her testimony, a COMMITMENT TO THE
GOD OF ISRAEL. Listen-- Can't you hear her as she tells Naomi:
Ruth 1:16-17 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return
from following after thee: for whither THOU goest, I will go; and where
THOU lodgest, I will lodge: THY people [shall be] MY people, and THY
God MY God: Where THOU diest, will I die, and there will I be buried:
the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part THEE and ME.
LOVE LEADS TO A COMMITMENT which will anchor our souls in God for
Time and Eternity. Live or die, sink or swim, hail or high water,
better or worse.
WE NEED TO BE COMMITTED TO GOD BECAUSE OF LOVE.
SHAKING THE NATIONS
SHAKING NATIONS
The Bible tells us what God is planning to do with the nations of the earth in the (near?) future. There is a limit to what He will tolerate of the insolence of the Man he created. Though He has had long patience, and has stretched out hands of Mercy for many generations, it will come to an end one day.
We read in Haggai 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. Also, in Isaiah 13:13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.
I will not presume to try to tell you just WHAT God is planning to do, nor HOW He will go about doing it. But rest assured, He has the "wherewith" to get the job done when He starts it.
Some scholars tend to believe that we will find this "shaking" in history, and I will admit that we can probably find some of it there.
However, we read in Hebrews 12:26-- Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Notice the word "removing". It means total destruction.
Everything that Man has built is going down. Every form of government not based on God's Principles will crash. All businesses will crumble. Money will become worthless. I could carry the thought further, but you can get an idea of how much God will "remove".
It scares many people to have us mention things of this sort, for some of these things represent their security.
Try to imagine what it would be like to not have some of the "assurances" which our government and our monetary system afford us today. We had better give it some thought, for their "removal" is a "sure thing."
The "Great City" of the world will be thrown down, and will be replaced by the "City of God."
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God [is] a consuming fire.
The Bible tells us what God is planning to do with the nations of the earth in the (near?) future. There is a limit to what He will tolerate of the insolence of the Man he created. Though He has had long patience, and has stretched out hands of Mercy for many generations, it will come to an end one day.
We read in Haggai 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. Also, in Isaiah 13:13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.
I will not presume to try to tell you just WHAT God is planning to do, nor HOW He will go about doing it. But rest assured, He has the "wherewith" to get the job done when He starts it.
Some scholars tend to believe that we will find this "shaking" in history, and I will admit that we can probably find some of it there.
However, we read in Hebrews 12:26-- Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Notice the word "removing". It means total destruction.
Everything that Man has built is going down. Every form of government not based on God's Principles will crash. All businesses will crumble. Money will become worthless. I could carry the thought further, but you can get an idea of how much God will "remove".
It scares many people to have us mention things of this sort, for some of these things represent their security.
Try to imagine what it would be like to not have some of the "assurances" which our government and our monetary system afford us today. We had better give it some thought, for their "removal" is a "sure thing."
The "Great City" of the world will be thrown down, and will be replaced by the "City of God."
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God [is] a consuming fire.
MANIFESTATION
THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD
Rom 8:19
This is merely an outline to help the reader in his study. It is not
complete. Be it known to all who read, that it shows only my knowledge
of the subject as of today (Nov 10, 1954--updated Jan 25, 1989) and is
subject to change without notice.---Marion Fretwell
Manifestation (Apokalupsis-Gr.) is translated APPEARING 1 time, COMING
one time, MANIFESTATION once, REVELATION 12 times, and BE REVEALED
twice. Literally, it means an UNCOVERING, an IDENTIFICATION, a GLORI
FICATION, (not a glorified body).
1-- consider the estate of Adam in the Garden. He had dominion over
animal, fish and foul. Subdue the Earth. Elements at his command. A
sin-free existance. Had eternal life, BUT NOT IMMORTALITY (there is a difference, you know. As soon as Adam sinned, God set in motion a plan
that would return man to his original state of dominion and bliss.
2--Adam's sin resulted in his soul being cut off from its supply of
God-life (Eternal Life). This is what is called Spiritual Death. Mt
8:22 Try to imagine the cataclysmic change that took place in man at
the time of his sin.
3--Not only was he changed in spirit, but his body immediately became
laden with sinful tendencies, formerly unknown to him, which in time
produced sickness of every sort. Death reigned from Adam to Moses (Rom
5:14) regardless of whether personal sins were imputed or not.
4--In Jesus, the God-Life is again available to fallen man, but not yet
in the measure that Adam had it. We can have the "earnest of our
inheritance UNTIL THE REDEMPTION of the purchased possesion". Eph 1:14
5--Thus, we see, we have only partial redemption from the fallen state.
Enoung, to be sure, that we are safe (Jude 1) from the consequences of
sin (hell), but not enough that we are able to weild authority over all
things. Sinful tendencies, though not eradicated, can be subdued by
means of the Spirit of God.
6-- You may ask why God with-holds from us the fulness of His Life
(Spirit) so that we must reamin so lacking in Power. The answer is one
word T-I-M-E. See Eph 1:10 Weymouth brings it out very clearly.
7-- God's time shall come (soon), and then certain events will take
place which will bring about a COMPLETE SALVATION (Redemption of the
Body) and a restoration to the dominion which belonged to man before he
fell. Those who can qualify will participate. See Rev. 17:14
9--I BELIEVE--that among otherlikely events, there is ONE which stands
out predominantly. Not much has been heard about it, but a careful
study will show it to be at least in the Scripture. I am referring to
THE APPEARING OF JESUS TO THOSE WHO LOOK FOR HIM. See Heb 9:27-28 I
can not offer much explanation about how, when, nor under what
circumstances it will happen, but here are a few scriptures to
consider. These are NOT speaking of the so-called rapture.
Mal. 3:1-3 The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His
Temple....Who shall stand when He apperaeth?
Compare also 1Cor 3:16 6:19 Rev 21:22
Heb 9:28..Unto them that LOOK FOR HIM shall He appear the second
time without sin (sin-offering) unto salvation. (Wey. to make their
salvation COMPLETE) Hos. 10:12
Isa. 62:11 Behold, thy salvation cometh...His reward is with Him.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye
also appear with Him in Glory.
1 Jn 2:28...that when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and
not be ashamed.....
1 Jn 3:1-3..and it doth not appear what we shall be...when He shall
appear, we shall be like Him....
Psa 102:16 When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in
His Glory
Other scriptures include: Isa 66:5 1 Pet 5:4 1:7 1 Tim 1:10 4:1 4:8 See
how many others you can find.
9--1 Pet 1:13, presumably speaking of the same event, mentions the
REVELATION of Jesus Christ. First Peter also mentions the SALVATION
that is yet to be revealed--1:5 4:13 5:1
Jesus spoke of a time of trouble at the time the Son of Man should be
revealed. Lk 17:30-37. Paul (2 Thes 1:10) speaks of Christ being glorified in His saints.
10--In Romans 8:15-23 Paul likens our present status to a child who has
been PROMISED adoption. That which we SHALL RECEIVE is portrayed by one
who has received FULL ADOPTION. See File "ADOPTION'
11--Call it what you may--Sonship,
brought about by an ACT OF GOD for a SPECIFIC PURPOSE. Read Joel 2
Isa 13:1-5 Jer ch 51
12--God has ordained that the WHOLE WORLD shall feel the impact of His
Power as demonstrated in the Body of Christ. To intimate that anything
being done today approximates the authority of a manifested son is
preposterous and absurd. They bring judgement on ungodly persons (Is
61:2,3), they evangelize the WORLD by the power of the Spirit. (No high-
pressure campaigns needed--no big offerings either)
13--Please note--these are NOT people with glorified bodies, but with
REDEEMED BODIES. They have received the fulness of the Spirit (God-
Life) Eph 3:19 A redeemed body is one which has been restored to the
state which Adam held before he sinned and was saturated with carnality.
Jesus, before his crucifixion, was the same as Adam before he sinned.
As was Adam, as was Jesus before Calvary, so shall be the man who
attains to the HIGH CALLING of God in Christ Jesus--the redemption of
the body. It is worth striving for. Phil 3:8-16
Rom 8:19
This is merely an outline to help the reader in his study. It is not
complete. Be it known to all who read, that it shows only my knowledge
of the subject as of today (Nov 10, 1954--updated Jan 25, 1989) and is
subject to change without notice.---Marion Fretwell
Manifestation (Apokalupsis-Gr.) is translated APPEARING 1 time, COMING
one time, MANIFESTATION once, REVELATION 12 times, and BE REVEALED
twice. Literally, it means an UNCOVERING, an IDENTIFICATION, a GLORI
FICATION, (not a glorified body).
1-- consider the estate of Adam in the Garden. He had dominion over
animal, fish and foul. Subdue the Earth. Elements at his command. A
sin-free existance. Had eternal life, BUT NOT IMMORTALITY (there is a difference, you know. As soon as Adam sinned, God set in motion a plan
that would return man to his original state of dominion and bliss.
2--Adam's sin resulted in his soul being cut off from its supply of
God-life (Eternal Life). This is what is called Spiritual Death. Mt
8:22 Try to imagine the cataclysmic change that took place in man at
the time of his sin.
3--Not only was he changed in spirit, but his body immediately became
laden with sinful tendencies, formerly unknown to him, which in time
produced sickness of every sort. Death reigned from Adam to Moses (Rom
5:14) regardless of whether personal sins were imputed or not.
4--In Jesus, the God-Life is again available to fallen man, but not yet
in the measure that Adam had it. We can have the "earnest of our
inheritance UNTIL THE REDEMPTION of the purchased possesion". Eph 1:14
5--Thus, we see, we have only partial redemption from the fallen state.
Enoung, to be sure, that we are safe (Jude 1) from the consequences of
sin (hell), but not enough that we are able to weild authority over all
things. Sinful tendencies, though not eradicated, can be subdued by
means of the Spirit of God.
6-- You may ask why God with-holds from us the fulness of His Life
(Spirit) so that we must reamin so lacking in Power. The answer is one
word T-I-M-E. See Eph 1:10 Weymouth brings it out very clearly.
7-- God's time shall come (soon), and then certain events will take
place which will bring about a COMPLETE SALVATION (Redemption of the
Body) and a restoration to the dominion which belonged to man before he
fell. Those who can qualify will participate. See Rev. 17:14
9--I BELIEVE--that among otherlikely events, there is ONE which stands
out predominantly. Not much has been heard about it, but a careful
study will show it to be at least in the Scripture. I am referring to
THE APPEARING OF JESUS TO THOSE WHO LOOK FOR HIM. See Heb 9:27-28 I
can not offer much explanation about how, when, nor under what
circumstances it will happen, but here are a few scriptures to
consider. These are NOT speaking of the so-called rapture.
Mal. 3:1-3 The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His
Temple....Who shall stand when He apperaeth?
Compare also 1Cor 3:16 6:19 Rev 21:22
Heb 9:28..Unto them that LOOK FOR HIM shall He appear the second
time without sin (sin-offering) unto salvation. (Wey. to make their
salvation COMPLETE) Hos. 10:12
Isa. 62:11 Behold, thy salvation cometh...His reward is with Him.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye
also appear with Him in Glory.
1 Jn 2:28...that when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and
not be ashamed.....
1 Jn 3:1-3..and it doth not appear what we shall be...when He shall
appear, we shall be like Him....
Psa 102:16 When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in
His Glory
Other scriptures include: Isa 66:5 1 Pet 5:4 1:7 1 Tim 1:10 4:1 4:8 See
how many others you can find.
9--1 Pet 1:13, presumably speaking of the same event, mentions the
REVELATION of Jesus Christ. First Peter also mentions the SALVATION
that is yet to be revealed--1:5 4:13 5:1
Jesus spoke of a time of trouble at the time the Son of Man should be
revealed. Lk 17:30-37. Paul (2 Thes 1:10) speaks of Christ being glorified in His saints.
10--In Romans 8:15-23 Paul likens our present status to a child who has
been PROMISED adoption. That which we SHALL RECEIVE is portrayed by one
who has received FULL ADOPTION. See File "ADOPTION'
11--Call it what you may--Sonship,
brought about by an ACT OF GOD for a SPECIFIC PURPOSE. Read Joel 2
Isa 13:1-5 Jer ch 51
12--God has ordained that the WHOLE WORLD shall feel the impact of His
Power as demonstrated in the Body of Christ. To intimate that anything
being done today approximates the authority of a manifested son is
preposterous and absurd. They bring judgement on ungodly persons (Is
61:2,3), they evangelize the WORLD by the power of the Spirit. (No high-
pressure campaigns needed--no big offerings either)
13--Please note--these are NOT people with glorified bodies, but with
REDEEMED BODIES. They have received the fulness of the Spirit (God-
Life) Eph 3:19 A redeemed body is one which has been restored to the
state which Adam held before he sinned and was saturated with carnality.
Jesus, before his crucifixion, was the same as Adam before he sinned.
As was Adam, as was Jesus before Calvary, so shall be the man who
attains to the HIGH CALLING of God in Christ Jesus--the redemption of
the body. It is worth striving for. Phil 3:8-16
GOD SPEAKING
GOD SPEAKING
II Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy MEN OF GOD SPAKE [as they were] MOVED (DRIVEN) BY THE HOLY GHOST.
Isn't it wonderful how precisely God guided the pens and mouths of the Prophets who gave us the writings which make up our Bible. Attempts have been made to prove the Inspiration by various human means-- mathematics, codes, etc.
We do not NEED human skills to prove the veracity of the Word of God. Hebrews 11:3 Through FAITH we UNDERSTAND that the worlds were framed by the word of God--. If we have the Spirit in us, it testifies to the Truth that is contained in the written Word of God.
It is also amazing to see how God has changed both the MESSAGE and the MESSENGER in this, the TIME OF THE END.
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners SPAKE IN TIME PAST UNTO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS, Hath in THESE LAST DAYS SPOKEN UNTO US BY [HIS] SON, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
The Prophets of old had a message-- a good message from God to the Fathers. They were guided (driven) by the Holy Ghost in delivering their message. But they were serving for a limited time only.
Matthew 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied UNTIL John.
Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets [were] UNTIL John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
WE NOW HEAR A DIFFERENT SPOKESMAN. JESUS STEPS TO THE HEAVENLY PODIUM.
Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; HEAR YE HIM.
JESUS DELIVERS A DIFFERENT MESSAGE TO MANKIND. The MESSAGE is DIFFERENT, because the TESTAMENT is DIFFERENT.
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
The OLD was GOOD. It was intended to prepare us for the NEW.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
THE NEW IS BETTER.
John 1:17 For the LAW was given by Moses, [but] GRACE AND TRUTH came by JESUS CHRIST.
GRACE has been defined as being that part of God which enables us to approach that which is unapproachable-- THE ESSENCE OF GOD.
GRACE is the MEDIATOR between God and man. JESUS is the MEDIATOR between God and man. JESUS is the GRACE OF GOD.
The worshipers of Old Testament times worshiped in types and symbols. The brazen altar was symbolic of the sacrifice of Jesus. The golden candlestick was a symbol of the Word of God shedding light on our path. The altar of incense was symbolic of prayer and intercession. The list goes on.
Jesus IS THE TRUTH (REALITY) OF GOD. The TRUTH (reality) of what those symbols pointed to is found in Jesus Christ.
When Jesus told the woman at the well that people would worship God in SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH, He was telling her that they would no longer need symbols and priests and ceremonies, but would be able to contact the Lord directly by means of the Spirit, and in reality (truth) as it is in Jesus Christ.
II Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy MEN OF GOD SPAKE [as they were] MOVED (DRIVEN) BY THE HOLY GHOST.
Isn't it wonderful how precisely God guided the pens and mouths of the Prophets who gave us the writings which make up our Bible. Attempts have been made to prove the Inspiration by various human means-- mathematics, codes, etc.
We do not NEED human skills to prove the veracity of the Word of God. Hebrews 11:3 Through FAITH we UNDERSTAND that the worlds were framed by the word of God--. If we have the Spirit in us, it testifies to the Truth that is contained in the written Word of God.
It is also amazing to see how God has changed both the MESSAGE and the MESSENGER in this, the TIME OF THE END.
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners SPAKE IN TIME PAST UNTO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS, Hath in THESE LAST DAYS SPOKEN UNTO US BY [HIS] SON, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
The Prophets of old had a message-- a good message from God to the Fathers. They were guided (driven) by the Holy Ghost in delivering their message. But they were serving for a limited time only.
Matthew 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied UNTIL John.
Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets [were] UNTIL John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
WE NOW HEAR A DIFFERENT SPOKESMAN. JESUS STEPS TO THE HEAVENLY PODIUM.
Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; HEAR YE HIM.
JESUS DELIVERS A DIFFERENT MESSAGE TO MANKIND. The MESSAGE is DIFFERENT, because the TESTAMENT is DIFFERENT.
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
The OLD was GOOD. It was intended to prepare us for the NEW.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
THE NEW IS BETTER.
John 1:17 For the LAW was given by Moses, [but] GRACE AND TRUTH came by JESUS CHRIST.
GRACE has been defined as being that part of God which enables us to approach that which is unapproachable-- THE ESSENCE OF GOD.
GRACE is the MEDIATOR between God and man. JESUS is the MEDIATOR between God and man. JESUS is the GRACE OF GOD.
The worshipers of Old Testament times worshiped in types and symbols. The brazen altar was symbolic of the sacrifice of Jesus. The golden candlestick was a symbol of the Word of God shedding light on our path. The altar of incense was symbolic of prayer and intercession. The list goes on.
Jesus IS THE TRUTH (REALITY) OF GOD. The TRUTH (reality) of what those symbols pointed to is found in Jesus Christ.
When Jesus told the woman at the well that people would worship God in SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH, He was telling her that they would no longer need symbols and priests and ceremonies, but would be able to contact the Lord directly by means of the Spirit, and in reality (truth) as it is in Jesus Christ.
SOME 30, SOME 60, SOME 100
SOME 30 SOME 60 SOME 100
Jesus told a parable one day about a sower that went forth to sow. There were different kinds of ground, denoting different heart conditions of the hearers of the good news. They all HEARD the word. Three RECEIVED the word, and were SAVED. Only ONE of the THREE bore fruit.
Not ALL of the folks with honest and good hearts bore the SAME AMOUNT of fruit. I used to wonder WHY this was so.
Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
In 1939, the year Pearl and I were married, I was assisting Pastor C. Haskell Yadon in Emmanuel Assembly, we had some interesting discussions at Wednesday Bible Study, and occasionally the subject of fruitfulness would come up. Also the subject of the possibility of degrees of salvation experienced by believers.
Those were the days when the Pentecostal Church Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ were still separate-- one teaching the possibility of a "full salvation"-- the other teaching "Holy Ghost or Hell", as it was dubbed at the time by those opposed to it, and "The New Birth" by the proponents.
Invariably, the matter of "hundred, sixty, thirty" would be referred to as proof of one thing or the other.
I was 20 years old at the time, and not as thoroughly versed in scripture as some others, so I mainly listened to Harry Judd and Walter Durst and Pastor Yadon as they brought forth Truth as they perceived it. Ellis Scism was Pastor at a sister church 17 miles away, and that assembly was grappling with similar dilemmas.
Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made [them] other five talents.
I Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Some of the problem interpretations were simply too profound for me to solve at such an early age, so I (wisely) shoved them to the "back burner" until such a time as the Lord would choose to illuminate them to me.
I could see quite readily that the first apostles knew that the Lord had opened the door of repentance to the Gentiles when they "heard them speak with tongues" at the house of Cornelius. That truth was in the favor of the PA of JC brethren, I knew.
It was not until the year I was ordained (1943 in Bend, OR) that Bro. Howard Goss was able to shed light on the subject, as far as I was concerned. He mentioned to me that there was probably such a thing as a "full salvation", and that many people were selling themselves short of it by not having the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.
That explanation was sufficient for that stage of my development, but more, much more, was to follow in later years. I still get excited when I reminisce of how the Lord led me to a better, much better, understanding of how He feels about the situation.
It has taken me over fifty years to learn some of the lessons about the God we serve and love. The most difficult part about the learning process was neutralizing what I had been taught in earlier times, so there could be a fertile soil for the seed to grow in as the Lord shed light on my pathway.
As I accepted what was being shown to me, the pieces of the puzzle began coming into place, and Jesus and Calvary began to take on much larger proportions than I had dreamed they could.
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Jesus told a parable one day about a sower that went forth to sow. There were different kinds of ground, denoting different heart conditions of the hearers of the good news. They all HEARD the word. Three RECEIVED the word, and were SAVED. Only ONE of the THREE bore fruit.
Not ALL of the folks with honest and good hearts bore the SAME AMOUNT of fruit. I used to wonder WHY this was so.
Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
In 1939, the year Pearl and I were married, I was assisting Pastor C. Haskell Yadon in Emmanuel Assembly, we had some interesting discussions at Wednesday Bible Study, and occasionally the subject of fruitfulness would come up. Also the subject of the possibility of degrees of salvation experienced by believers.
Those were the days when the Pentecostal Church Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ were still separate-- one teaching the possibility of a "full salvation"-- the other teaching "Holy Ghost or Hell", as it was dubbed at the time by those opposed to it, and "The New Birth" by the proponents.
Invariably, the matter of "hundred, sixty, thirty" would be referred to as proof of one thing or the other.
I was 20 years old at the time, and not as thoroughly versed in scripture as some others, so I mainly listened to Harry Judd and Walter Durst and Pastor Yadon as they brought forth Truth as they perceived it. Ellis Scism was Pastor at a sister church 17 miles away, and that assembly was grappling with similar dilemmas.
Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made [them] other five talents.
I Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Some of the problem interpretations were simply too profound for me to solve at such an early age, so I (wisely) shoved them to the "back burner" until such a time as the Lord would choose to illuminate them to me.
I could see quite readily that the first apostles knew that the Lord had opened the door of repentance to the Gentiles when they "heard them speak with tongues" at the house of Cornelius. That truth was in the favor of the PA of JC brethren, I knew.
It was not until the year I was ordained (1943 in Bend, OR) that Bro. Howard Goss was able to shed light on the subject, as far as I was concerned. He mentioned to me that there was probably such a thing as a "full salvation", and that many people were selling themselves short of it by not having the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.
That explanation was sufficient for that stage of my development, but more, much more, was to follow in later years. I still get excited when I reminisce of how the Lord led me to a better, much better, understanding of how He feels about the situation.
It has taken me over fifty years to learn some of the lessons about the God we serve and love. The most difficult part about the learning process was neutralizing what I had been taught in earlier times, so there could be a fertile soil for the seed to grow in as the Lord shed light on my pathway.
As I accepted what was being shown to me, the pieces of the puzzle began coming into place, and Jesus and Calvary began to take on much larger proportions than I had dreamed they could.
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
PENTECOST
PENTECOST
Through our 65 years of association with ministers, both young and old, and reading some books written by men and women who were there when modern Pentecost got its start, we have gleaned a few little known facts about it.
An old friend of ours, Howard A. Goss by name, received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1902. It was just after the outpouring in Topeka, KS.. He told us of how he couldn't speak in English for several days. When he would go to the grocery store, he would have to point at things. He couldn't tell them what he wanted. (By the way, stores were different then than they are now. You told the clerk what you wanted. They went and got it-- weighed it out, or poured it off for you.)
Bro. Goss told Pearl and me about some of the meetings they had in those days. People would go out into towns, rent a hall, and start holding meetings. There was not much need to advertise-- the Holy Ghost did that. Folks came from far and near to see what was taking place. They were seldom disappointed-- the miracles of healing, and other manifestations of the Power of God were very convincing-- and CONVICTING.
As long as the young people were at a loss to know what to do, and when to do it, God took over and did things the Right way. He knew when to do what, and how to do it.
But little by little, men began to "LEARN HOW" to do things, and the Holy Ghost backed off and let them "do it."
Revival fires burned for several years, however, and in 1913 Bro. Goss and a few other men organized the Assemblies of God movement. There was a need, they thought, for a more orderly method of getting the Gospel out. There were some of the brethren who were doing things which were not correct in the sight of the most of the brethren. And there could be strength in numbers. More could be accomplished for the Lord.
There are folks today who doubt the wisdom of the move those men made back there. God alone REALLY knows.
In 1914, a man named Frank Ewart who lived in southern California received a revelation of the Oneness of the Godhead. Along with it came the realization that proper baptism should be in the NAME OF JESUS, according to ALL the accounts in the Bible where baptism took place.
A new Revival broke out when Bro. Ewart started teaching his findings. Great healings and other miracles started all over again. Azuza Street all over again.
Bro. Goss investigated this new thing, and was himself convinced of its correctness. He also began to teach and preach "Jesus Name" and "Oneness".
An emergency meeting of the Assemblies of God was held, and the majority of the brethren voted to stay with the "trustworthy Trinity" doctrine. After all, it had served for more than a thousand years. Why change now?
They did not know then that in the fourth century AD the text of the Bible had been changed by the State Church of Rome. It was changed in two places, allegedly, in order to incorporate the teachings of the followers of Mithra, a pagan god whom they had "evangelized" with the sword. They also "enforced" or "taught" the new doctrine with the sword-- a very effective way, by the way.
The Assemblies of God was split almost as soon as it was born. Bitterness was the result, which remains today. Those who were convinced of Oneness and baptism in the Name of Jesus were to be called "New Issue" and "Jesus Only" and "Of the Devil". They still are called that today, 80 years later.
Howard Goss later became the national Chairman of an organization which sprang up as a result of the split of the Assemblies of God in 1914. The new organization went through a few changes of name, etc., and finally was called the United Pentecostal Church.
It is a progressive organization, standing for holiness of life and pureness of doctrine.
In spite of the criticism and disdain sent their way, the United Pentecostal Church has made great strides for God, and is a force to be reckoned with.
Howard Goss has been dead for many years now, but his memory lives on with Pearl and me. He was a mighty man of God. We owe very much to him. He ordained me in 1943.
One thing which must really grieve the heart of God is the fact of the factions in the Pentecostal movement. It is a blight on the work in the USA. Third world countries are experiencing an overwhelming move of the Spirit in the absence of stife and division.
We are not getting by with the foolishness of fighting. It is costing us more than we can afford to pay. When will it stop?
When God "makes up His jewels" the fighters will be left out. They will not "hear" that "shout" nor "trumpet", having disqualified themselves by disputing quarreling.
Let's not do that any more.
Through our 65 years of association with ministers, both young and old, and reading some books written by men and women who were there when modern Pentecost got its start, we have gleaned a few little known facts about it.
An old friend of ours, Howard A. Goss by name, received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1902. It was just after the outpouring in Topeka, KS.. He told us of how he couldn't speak in English for several days. When he would go to the grocery store, he would have to point at things. He couldn't tell them what he wanted. (By the way, stores were different then than they are now. You told the clerk what you wanted. They went and got it-- weighed it out, or poured it off for you.)
Bro. Goss told Pearl and me about some of the meetings they had in those days. People would go out into towns, rent a hall, and start holding meetings. There was not much need to advertise-- the Holy Ghost did that. Folks came from far and near to see what was taking place. They were seldom disappointed-- the miracles of healing, and other manifestations of the Power of God were very convincing-- and CONVICTING.
As long as the young people were at a loss to know what to do, and when to do it, God took over and did things the Right way. He knew when to do what, and how to do it.
But little by little, men began to "LEARN HOW" to do things, and the Holy Ghost backed off and let them "do it."
Revival fires burned for several years, however, and in 1913 Bro. Goss and a few other men organized the Assemblies of God movement. There was a need, they thought, for a more orderly method of getting the Gospel out. There were some of the brethren who were doing things which were not correct in the sight of the most of the brethren. And there could be strength in numbers. More could be accomplished for the Lord.
There are folks today who doubt the wisdom of the move those men made back there. God alone REALLY knows.
In 1914, a man named Frank Ewart who lived in southern California received a revelation of the Oneness of the Godhead. Along with it came the realization that proper baptism should be in the NAME OF JESUS, according to ALL the accounts in the Bible where baptism took place.
A new Revival broke out when Bro. Ewart started teaching his findings. Great healings and other miracles started all over again. Azuza Street all over again.
Bro. Goss investigated this new thing, and was himself convinced of its correctness. He also began to teach and preach "Jesus Name" and "Oneness".
An emergency meeting of the Assemblies of God was held, and the majority of the brethren voted to stay with the "trustworthy Trinity" doctrine. After all, it had served for more than a thousand years. Why change now?
They did not know then that in the fourth century AD the text of the Bible had been changed by the State Church of Rome. It was changed in two places, allegedly, in order to incorporate the teachings of the followers of Mithra, a pagan god whom they had "evangelized" with the sword. They also "enforced" or "taught" the new doctrine with the sword-- a very effective way, by the way.
The Assemblies of God was split almost as soon as it was born. Bitterness was the result, which remains today. Those who were convinced of Oneness and baptism in the Name of Jesus were to be called "New Issue" and "Jesus Only" and "Of the Devil". They still are called that today, 80 years later.
Howard Goss later became the national Chairman of an organization which sprang up as a result of the split of the Assemblies of God in 1914. The new organization went through a few changes of name, etc., and finally was called the United Pentecostal Church.
It is a progressive organization, standing for holiness of life and pureness of doctrine.
In spite of the criticism and disdain sent their way, the United Pentecostal Church has made great strides for God, and is a force to be reckoned with.
Howard Goss has been dead for many years now, but his memory lives on with Pearl and me. He was a mighty man of God. We owe very much to him. He ordained me in 1943.
One thing which must really grieve the heart of God is the fact of the factions in the Pentecostal movement. It is a blight on the work in the USA. Third world countries are experiencing an overwhelming move of the Spirit in the absence of stife and division.
We are not getting by with the foolishness of fighting. It is costing us more than we can afford to pay. When will it stop?
When God "makes up His jewels" the fighters will be left out. They will not "hear" that "shout" nor "trumpet", having disqualified themselves by disputing quarreling.
Let's not do that any more.
LORD OR MASTER
LORD OR MASTER
A few days ago my attention was drawn to a word play in
the Bible which illustrates different ways in which we can
relate to Jesus.
According Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him,
answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou
hast said. The Greek word that Judas used is "Rabbi",
which means a teacher, or school master.
This term is contrasted with Matthew 26:22 And they were
exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto
him, Lord, is it I? The other disciples all used the word
"Kurios", which is properly translated "Lord".
The two words show how Judas, though numbered among the
dicsiples, was unable to call Jesus "Lord" because he was
not fully surrendered to Him. There were other things in
his affections which kept him from being in full surrender
to the Lordship of Jesus.
Judas was not the only person to be afflicted this way.
Multitudes upon multitudes of Christians today are in the
same condition as Judas was on that day.
They are saved. We can not question their salvation.
But they have not made Jesus the LORD OF THEIR LIFE.
They are not classed among the OVERCOMERS.
There is not much hope of a REWARD for them.
There will be no CROWN awaiting them on the other side.
On the other hand, the OVERCOMERS, who have done their
best to crucify the flesh with its desires, so they can do
what is pleasing to the Lord, have something glorious to
look forward to as this age draws to a close.
GOD'S WAYS ARE ALWAYS CONTRARY TO OUR
FLESHLY DESIRES. WE CAN NOT PLEASE BOTH.
Every day of our lives, Jesus is either our "Lord", or He
is a "Teacher" to us. There is a big difference between
the two.
A few days ago my attention was drawn to a word play in
the Bible which illustrates different ways in which we can
relate to Jesus.
According Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him,
answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou
hast said. The Greek word that Judas used is "Rabbi",
which means a teacher, or school master.
This term is contrasted with Matthew 26:22 And they were
exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto
him, Lord, is it I? The other disciples all used the word
"Kurios", which is properly translated "Lord".
The two words show how Judas, though numbered among the
dicsiples, was unable to call Jesus "Lord" because he was
not fully surrendered to Him. There were other things in
his affections which kept him from being in full surrender
to the Lordship of Jesus.
Judas was not the only person to be afflicted this way.
Multitudes upon multitudes of Christians today are in the
same condition as Judas was on that day.
They are saved. We can not question their salvation.
But they have not made Jesus the LORD OF THEIR LIFE.
They are not classed among the OVERCOMERS.
There is not much hope of a REWARD for them.
There will be no CROWN awaiting them on the other side.
On the other hand, the OVERCOMERS, who have done their
best to crucify the flesh with its desires, so they can do
what is pleasing to the Lord, have something glorious to
look forward to as this age draws to a close.
GOD'S WAYS ARE ALWAYS CONTRARY TO OUR
FLESHLY DESIRES. WE CAN NOT PLEASE BOTH.
Every day of our lives, Jesus is either our "Lord", or He
is a "Teacher" to us. There is a big difference between
the two.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
SONSHIP 25 THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD
THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD
Rom 8:19
This is merely an outline to help the reader in his study. It is not complete. Be it known to all who read, that it shows only my knowledge f the subject as of today (Nov 10, 1954--updated Jan 25, 1989) and is subject to change without notice.---Marion Fretwell
Manifestation (Apokalupsis-Gr.) is translated APPEARING 1 time, COMING one time, MANIFESTATION once, REVELATION 12 times, and BE REVEALED twice. Literally, it means an UNCOVERING, an IDENTIFICATION, a GLORIFICATION, (not a glorified body).
1-- Consider the estate of Adam in the Garden. He had dominion over animal, fish and foul. Subdue the Earth. Elements at his command. A Sin-free existance. Had eternal life, BUT NOT IMMORTALITY (there is a difference, you know. As soon as Adam sinned, God set in motion a plan that would return man to his original state of dominion and bliss.
2--Adam's sin resulted in his soul being cut off from its supply of God-life (Eternal Life). This is what is called Spiritual Death. Mt 8:22 Try to imagine the cataclysmic change that took place in man at the time of his sin.
3--Not only was he changed in spirit, but his body immediately became laden with sinful tendencies, formerly unknown to him, which in time produced sickness of every sort. Death reigned from Adam to Moses (Rom 5:14) regardless of whether personal sins were imputed or not.
4--In Jesus, the God-Life is again available to fallen man, but not yet in the measure that Adam had it. We can have the "earnest of our inheritance UNTIL THE REDEMPTION of the purchased possesion". Eph 1:14
5--Thus, we see, we have only partial redemption from the fallen state. Enough, to be sure, that we are safe (Jude 1) from the consequences of sin (hell), but not enough that we are able to weild authority over all things. Sinful tendencies, though not eradicated, can be subdued by means of the Spirit of God.
6-- You may ask why God with-holds from us the fulness of His Life (Spirit) so that we must remain so lacking in Power. The answer is one word T-I-M-E. See Eph 1:10 Weymouth brings it out very clearly.
7-- God's time shall come (soon), and then certain events will take place which will bring about a COMPLETE SALVATION (Redemption of the Body) and a restoration to the dominion which belonged to man before he fell. Those who can qualify will participate. See Rev. 17:14
Rom 8:19
This is merely an outline to help the reader in his study. It is not complete. Be it known to all who read, that it shows only my knowledge f the subject as of today (Nov 10, 1954--updated Jan 25, 1989) and is subject to change without notice.---Marion Fretwell
Manifestation (Apokalupsis-Gr.) is translated APPEARING 1 time, COMING one time, MANIFESTATION once, REVELATION 12 times, and BE REVEALED twice. Literally, it means an UNCOVERING, an IDENTIFICATION, a GLORIFICATION, (not a glorified body).
1-- Consider the estate of Adam in the Garden. He had dominion over animal, fish and foul. Subdue the Earth. Elements at his command. A Sin-free existance. Had eternal life, BUT NOT IMMORTALITY (there is a difference, you know. As soon as Adam sinned, God set in motion a plan that would return man to his original state of dominion and bliss.
2--Adam's sin resulted in his soul being cut off from its supply of God-life (Eternal Life). This is what is called Spiritual Death. Mt 8:22 Try to imagine the cataclysmic change that took place in man at the time of his sin.
3--Not only was he changed in spirit, but his body immediately became laden with sinful tendencies, formerly unknown to him, which in time produced sickness of every sort. Death reigned from Adam to Moses (Rom 5:14) regardless of whether personal sins were imputed or not.
4--In Jesus, the God-Life is again available to fallen man, but not yet in the measure that Adam had it. We can have the "earnest of our inheritance UNTIL THE REDEMPTION of the purchased possesion". Eph 1:14
5--Thus, we see, we have only partial redemption from the fallen state. Enough, to be sure, that we are safe (Jude 1) from the consequences of sin (hell), but not enough that we are able to weild authority over all things. Sinful tendencies, though not eradicated, can be subdued by means of the Spirit of God.
6-- You may ask why God with-holds from us the fulness of His Life (Spirit) so that we must remain so lacking in Power. The answer is one word T-I-M-E. See Eph 1:10 Weymouth brings it out very clearly.
7-- God's time shall come (soon), and then certain events will take place which will bring about a COMPLETE SALVATION (Redemption of the Body) and a restoration to the dominion which belonged to man before he fell. Those who can qualify will participate. See Rev. 17:14
SONSHIP 24 MY GREAT ARMY
MY GREAT ARMY
No study of the "End Time Ministry" would be complete without mentioning the vision given to the Prophet Joel about the people whom God chooses for His "Quick Work" at the consumation of the age in which we live.
A quick look at the second chapter of Joel will give us a fair idea of what God has in mind for the people whom He chooses for his ARMY OF OVERCOMERS, with whom He will accomplish the crushing of "Babylon"-- the Socio-Religious system which holds us captive at this point in time.
We are now living in the time of the "Little Horn"-- the extension of the fourth Gentile Kingdom-- Rome. It (the Socio-Religious system), exercises all the power of it's predecessor, but has another outstanding characteristic-- "a big, loud mouth". It has taken away the "daily (sacrifice)"-- the Civil Government of Medeival Europe, and all following governments, and has, in most cases, become a Religious "Head of State"-- world-wide.
It speaks with a great deal of authority. Kings of the earth (heads of governments) all pay heed when this "mouth" speaks. All super-powers of the earth have paid State Visits to the seat of the "Little Horn", and received less or more of a blessing. Most, if not all, of the very large corporations pay homage at the feet of this "little loud mouth". Part of the "stock in trade" is the "souls
of men".
This "system" WILL BE CRUSHED by the POWER OF GOD working through a "great people, and a strong" whom God calls "MY GREAT ARMY".
Joel 2:1 BLOW YE THE TRUMPET IN ZION, AND SOUND AN ALARM IN MY HOLY MOUNTAIN: (THESE ARE TRUMPET CALLS TO MUSTER OUT AN ARMY FOR BATTLE. SEE NUMBERS 10) let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;
Joel 2:2 -- A GREAT PEOPLE AND A STRONG; Joel 2:3 A FIRE DEVOURETH BEFORE THEM; AND BEHIND THEM A FLAME BURNETH: the land [is] as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, AND NOTHING SHALL ESCAPE THEM.
Joel 2:5 -- AS A STRONG PEOPLE SET IN BATTLE ARRAY.
Joel 2:7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and THEY SHALL NOT BREAK THEIR RANKS: Joel 2:8 NEITHER SHALL ONE THRUST ANOTHER; they shall walk every one in his path: and [when] they fall upon
the sword, they shall not be wounded.
Joel 2:10 THE EARTH SHALL QUAKE BEFORE THEM; THE HEAVENS SHALL TREMBLE: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: Joel 2:11 AND THE LORD SHALL UTTER HIS VOICE BEFORE HIS ARMY: FOR HIS CAMP [IS] VERY GREAT:
for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Joel 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer- worm, (by) MY GREAT ARMY WHICH I SENT AMONG YOU.
Joel 3:16 THE LORD ALSO SHALL ROAR OUT OF ZION, (HIS VOICE IS STRONGER THAN THAT OF THE LITTLE HORN) and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH SHALL SHAKE: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
I want to be in that "ARMY"
No study of the "End Time Ministry" would be complete without mentioning the vision given to the Prophet Joel about the people whom God chooses for His "Quick Work" at the consumation of the age in which we live.
A quick look at the second chapter of Joel will give us a fair idea of what God has in mind for the people whom He chooses for his ARMY OF OVERCOMERS, with whom He will accomplish the crushing of "Babylon"-- the Socio-Religious system which holds us captive at this point in time.
We are now living in the time of the "Little Horn"-- the extension of the fourth Gentile Kingdom-- Rome. It (the Socio-Religious system), exercises all the power of it's predecessor, but has another outstanding characteristic-- "a big, loud mouth". It has taken away the "daily (sacrifice)"-- the Civil Government of Medeival Europe, and all following governments, and has, in most cases, become a Religious "Head of State"-- world-wide.
It speaks with a great deal of authority. Kings of the earth (heads of governments) all pay heed when this "mouth" speaks. All super-powers of the earth have paid State Visits to the seat of the "Little Horn", and received less or more of a blessing. Most, if not all, of the very large corporations pay homage at the feet of this "little loud mouth". Part of the "stock in trade" is the "souls
of men".
This "system" WILL BE CRUSHED by the POWER OF GOD working through a "great people, and a strong" whom God calls "MY GREAT ARMY".
Joel 2:1 BLOW YE THE TRUMPET IN ZION, AND SOUND AN ALARM IN MY HOLY MOUNTAIN: (THESE ARE TRUMPET CALLS TO MUSTER OUT AN ARMY FOR BATTLE. SEE NUMBERS 10) let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;
Joel 2:2 -- A GREAT PEOPLE AND A STRONG; Joel 2:3 A FIRE DEVOURETH BEFORE THEM; AND BEHIND THEM A FLAME BURNETH: the land [is] as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, AND NOTHING SHALL ESCAPE THEM.
Joel 2:5 -- AS A STRONG PEOPLE SET IN BATTLE ARRAY.
Joel 2:7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and THEY SHALL NOT BREAK THEIR RANKS: Joel 2:8 NEITHER SHALL ONE THRUST ANOTHER; they shall walk every one in his path: and [when] they fall upon
the sword, they shall not be wounded.
Joel 2:10 THE EARTH SHALL QUAKE BEFORE THEM; THE HEAVENS SHALL TREMBLE: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: Joel 2:11 AND THE LORD SHALL UTTER HIS VOICE BEFORE HIS ARMY: FOR HIS CAMP [IS] VERY GREAT:
for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Joel 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer- worm, (by) MY GREAT ARMY WHICH I SENT AMONG YOU.
Joel 3:16 THE LORD ALSO SHALL ROAR OUT OF ZION, (HIS VOICE IS STRONGER THAN THAT OF THE LITTLE HORN) and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH SHALL SHAKE: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
I want to be in that "ARMY"
SONSHIP 23 SET ME AS A SEAL
SET ME AS A SEAL
Song of Solomon 8:6 "SET ME AS A SEAL UPON THINE HEART, AS A SEAL UPON THINE ARM: FOR LOVE [IS] STRONG AS DEATH--" ; jealousy [is] cruel as the grave: the coals thereof [are] coals of fire, [which hath a] most vehement flame.
Song of Solomon 8:7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if [a] man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
This is a story of a peasant girl who had been taken from her home and family for a very strange purpose. The record does not tell us if she suffered from homesickness. Neither does it tellus if she found her task repugnant.
Little did she know that she would become the theme of a most beautiful and inspiring Song-- the Song of Solomon.
Her strange task? It was before our modern ways of caring for the aged. I believe it was a bungled solution to the problem, but it seemed to be in the Mind of God, non-the-less. He OFTEN USES OUR BUNGLING ATTEMPTS for His purposes.
I Kings 1:1-4 Now king David was old [and] stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat. So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. And the damsel [was] very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.
After King David had died, one of his sons was desirous of her attentions, and asked King Solomon for her hand. It displeased Solomon very much, and he had the man killed.
I Kings 2:22,23 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he [is] mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
Legend has it that this fair damsel had been in love with a young man of Shunem before she was chosen for this strange mission to King David, and would have desired to return to her young lover there.
But, it was not to be, for God had other plans for her life, much like He does for each one of us, if we will be submissive to His Will for our lives.
To make a long story shorter, after much wooing on Solomon's part, her heart is finally won over to him. She FALLS DEEPLY IN LOVE with her Lover, who has tenderly and faithfully done what He could to win her affection.
The Shulamite serves very well as a type of those who whole-heartedly respond to the wooings of the Spirit of God. The King patiently waits for her to lose her desire for her former love, and to be drawn to Him. She would not have voluntarily been drawn to the King, but His attentions were overwhelming.
Neither would we have followed the Heavenly King voluntarily. But the "drawing" of the Lord was overwhelming.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.
Many of us have fallen in love with Jesus. BUT SOME HAVE FALLEN SO DEEPLY IN LOVE WITH HIM THAT THEY ARE CONSUMED WITH A DESIRE TO BE A PART OF HIM. But they have been hindered by their inability to completely sever themselves from their former love. (their life before they knew Jesus)
But they, like the Shulamite, are calling out to their Lover, and asking of Him that He-- "SET ME AS A SEAL UPON THINE HEART, AS A SEAL UPON THINE ARM: FOR LOVE [IS] STRONG AS DEATH--"
THAT IS THE HEART CRY OF EVERY POTENTIAL OVERCOMER.
Song of Solomon 8:6 "SET ME AS A SEAL UPON THINE HEART, AS A SEAL UPON THINE ARM: FOR LOVE [IS] STRONG AS DEATH--" ; jealousy [is] cruel as the grave: the coals thereof [are] coals of fire, [which hath a] most vehement flame.
Song of Solomon 8:7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if [a] man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
This is a story of a peasant girl who had been taken from her home and family for a very strange purpose. The record does not tell us if she suffered from homesickness. Neither does it tellus if she found her task repugnant.
Little did she know that she would become the theme of a most beautiful and inspiring Song-- the Song of Solomon.
Her strange task? It was before our modern ways of caring for the aged. I believe it was a bungled solution to the problem, but it seemed to be in the Mind of God, non-the-less. He OFTEN USES OUR BUNGLING ATTEMPTS for His purposes.
I Kings 1:1-4 Now king David was old [and] stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat. So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. And the damsel [was] very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.
After King David had died, one of his sons was desirous of her attentions, and asked King Solomon for her hand. It displeased Solomon very much, and he had the man killed.
I Kings 2:22,23 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he [is] mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
Legend has it that this fair damsel had been in love with a young man of Shunem before she was chosen for this strange mission to King David, and would have desired to return to her young lover there.
But, it was not to be, for God had other plans for her life, much like He does for each one of us, if we will be submissive to His Will for our lives.
To make a long story shorter, after much wooing on Solomon's part, her heart is finally won over to him. She FALLS DEEPLY IN LOVE with her Lover, who has tenderly and faithfully done what He could to win her affection.
The Shulamite serves very well as a type of those who whole-heartedly respond to the wooings of the Spirit of God. The King patiently waits for her to lose her desire for her former love, and to be drawn to Him. She would not have voluntarily been drawn to the King, but His attentions were overwhelming.
Neither would we have followed the Heavenly King voluntarily. But the "drawing" of the Lord was overwhelming.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.
Many of us have fallen in love with Jesus. BUT SOME HAVE FALLEN SO DEEPLY IN LOVE WITH HIM THAT THEY ARE CONSUMED WITH A DESIRE TO BE A PART OF HIM. But they have been hindered by their inability to completely sever themselves from their former love. (their life before they knew Jesus)
But they, like the Shulamite, are calling out to their Lover, and asking of Him that He-- "SET ME AS A SEAL UPON THINE HEART, AS A SEAL UPON THINE ARM: FOR LOVE [IS] STRONG AS DEATH--"
THAT IS THE HEART CRY OF EVERY POTENTIAL OVERCOMER.
SONSHIP 22 THE REAPERS
THE REAPERS
--adapted from DAY OF ATONEMENT--PROCLAIM LIBERTY
"And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat LIKE UNTO THE SON OF MAN, having on his head a golden crown, and in his
hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, 'Thrust in thy sickle, and reap; for THE TIME IS COME for thee to reap; for the HARVEST OF THE ARTH is ripe'. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped." Rev 14:14-16
HAVE you ever thought about the nature of the reaping? I have, many times. May I share with you here a few of my "thoughts"?
IN St. John 4 Jesus identified the work of the Reapers. It was to gather souls to Salvation through Him. He told His disciples that there was plenty of work to be done even at that time.
LATER, He told them that the "Harvest" was at the end of the world. Much, but not all, of what He told His followers was directed to that period of time He referred to as the "Harvest".
IF you will take the time to read the tenth chapter of Matthew, with this thought in mind, you may discover, as I did, that Jesus was ENACTING A PROPHESY of the Harvest Time when He gave His disciples power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. He told them to preach as they went, saying that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. As they preached, they were also to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils.
HE told them, "I have given this power (authority) to you without limitations (freely), now you go out and dispense it without regard for man or devils."
NOTHING could stand before them, because they had been given unlimited authority over all satanic activity.
HE promised to supply EVERY NEED THEY HAD: that they were not to bother themselves about ANYTHING pertaining to their physical or monetary
needs. Later, He asked them if they had suffered any lack when He had sent them out in this manner. They confessed that they had not. This arrangement only lasted long enough for it to be established for the record that Jesus WAS and IS ABLE TO DO THIS SORT OF THING for, and I and through human beings. It was never intended to be a permanent arrangement at that time, for it was NOT YET HARVEST TIME.
HE also cautioned them about the dangers of the Mission on which He was sending them. They were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
THERE will be no place in the Harvest for men and women who are self-seeking, and vindictive in their nature. They must be "Wise as serpents and HARMLESS AS DOVES." And they CAN BE when they have received the "Harvest-time Anointing" from Jesus on the Day of Atonement. Let me hasten to say, however, that this Anointing will never be given to anyone who has not engaged in a life-and-death type of struggle with their carnal tendencies. We want to get "even" with those who have done us wrong, or to play favorites in our dealings with other human beings. This Anointing is for those who have pressed their way as close to the Tabernacle Gate as they can get, without horning other people in the process.
WE SHUDDER when we behold some of the carnal maneuvering and manipulation employed by some Christians and Leaders today.
THE COMBINATION of preaching the "Everlasting Gospel", with the miracles of Deliverance, will be the essence of "Thrusting in the Sickle".
THE ACCOUNT in Rev 14 states that "The earth was reaped". No maybe so, no hope so, not possibly so, but THE EARTH WAS REAPED.
WHY should it be such a staggering effort to believe that God is capable of drawing almost one whole generation of humanity into the Kingdom? We have not staggered at believing that He is able to change humans from mortals to immortals in the twinkling of an eye, and to bring back from the graves all the believers from every generation, in one swoop. Our belief in the catching away has been drilled into us since childhood. However, we HAVE NOT BEEN TAUGHT to believe that God is planning to use mortal human beings to reap a Harvest for Him. Why?
I believe that part of the reason has been our childish desire for "Goodies from God", and a carnal, childish shrinking back from the personal refinement which God will require from the candidates for this "Choosing" of the Reapers.
We all love the promises which require little effort on our part to lay claim to them, so we gravitate that direction. Our teachers have helped us along in this line of thinking, in that they have had a desire to tell us something that would make us feel good.
Teachers and Leaders have been fully as human as the rest of us, and endowed with the same spirit of self-preservation and gain. If they tell us what we love to hear, and what makes us feel good, they have a following, and an income. Those who tell us what is not so pleasant to the ears and the emotions, usually stand more-or-less by themselves, and at their own expense.
WE have been just as much at fault as the leaders, in that we have wanted to hear the smooth things, instead of those things which would put a load on our shoulders.
AND let me interject right here, that my memories of the harvest fields of Southwestern Idaho in the 1930s still sort of make me itch and sweat. IT WAS ANYTHING BUT FUN.
JESUS said, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, BECAUSE HE HATH ANOINTED ME."
JESUS went about doing good--healing all that were oppressed in any way. It was His ANOINTING that made it possible for Him to do it. It was the ANOINTING that made Him WANT TO DO IT.
THE REAPERS will experience the same type of anointing that Jesus did. They will feel the same type of compassion that Jesus felt. They will produce the same results that Jesus was able to produce, because of the similar anointing. Great multitudes followed, and listened to Jesus because of the mighty miracles which He performed. Their lives were touched as they had never been touched before. He spoke with an authority they had not seen before.
JESUS told His disciples to speak in the light what He told them in darkness, for nothing could remain covered, but would be revealed for everyone to see.
THE REAPERS will receive continual instructions from the Holy Spirit in the same manner that Jesus did in His earthly Ministry. Jesus could only be in one place at a time. That is why I would rather live today than when He was on earth. With my luck, I would have been somewhere that He was not, most of the time. Even so, He, being only one, set the world aflame with His Ministry.
THE BIBLE tells us that God plans to fill "Babylon" with men, as Grasshoppers, and that they will "Shout" against her.
TRY to imagine, if you will, what sort of an impact this world is going to feel when "men as grasshoppers" go forth among human beings with the same type of Ministry that Jesus had. Joel 2 tells us that NOTHING SHALL ESCAPE THEM. Their Ministry will be virtually irresistable.
WHEN the masses of humanity start turning to God, away from sin and shame, Babylon will begin to feel the pinch. Certain kinds of merchandise will not have any more buyers.
JESUS became very unpopular with the Religious Department of Babylon when His teachings and actions pulled the covers off of their errant ways. JESUS warned that the Reapers would encounter the same type of opposition from the same Department of Religion in the last days. They would also draw fire from the Economic and Military Departments. For, you see, the reaping of the world for Jesus is the ESSENCE OF THE OVERTHROWING OF BABYLON.
As with animal life, so with organizational life, the struggles of death are often quite violent.
BABYLON is in control of Military power, Economic power, Political power, and MOST OF ECCLESIASTIC power. As the hour of death approaches, she will not hesitate to use EVERY BIT OF THE POWER SHE POSSESSES against those humans who are CAUSING HER THE PAIN.
BUT GOD is more than a match for the "Merchants of Souls", and will protect His Reapers until the short Harvest is completed.
REAPING will not be a "joy ride" in any sense of the word. It will be wearying work. But the labourer is worth of his hire.
--adapted from DAY OF ATONEMENT--PROCLAIM LIBERTY
"And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat LIKE UNTO THE SON OF MAN, having on his head a golden crown, and in his
hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, 'Thrust in thy sickle, and reap; for THE TIME IS COME for thee to reap; for the HARVEST OF THE ARTH is ripe'. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped." Rev 14:14-16
HAVE you ever thought about the nature of the reaping? I have, many times. May I share with you here a few of my "thoughts"?
IN St. John 4 Jesus identified the work of the Reapers. It was to gather souls to Salvation through Him. He told His disciples that there was plenty of work to be done even at that time.
LATER, He told them that the "Harvest" was at the end of the world. Much, but not all, of what He told His followers was directed to that period of time He referred to as the "Harvest".
IF you will take the time to read the tenth chapter of Matthew, with this thought in mind, you may discover, as I did, that Jesus was ENACTING A PROPHESY of the Harvest Time when He gave His disciples power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. He told them to preach as they went, saying that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. As they preached, they were also to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils.
HE told them, "I have given this power (authority) to you without limitations (freely), now you go out and dispense it without regard for man or devils."
NOTHING could stand before them, because they had been given unlimited authority over all satanic activity.
HE promised to supply EVERY NEED THEY HAD: that they were not to bother themselves about ANYTHING pertaining to their physical or monetary
needs. Later, He asked them if they had suffered any lack when He had sent them out in this manner. They confessed that they had not. This arrangement only lasted long enough for it to be established for the record that Jesus WAS and IS ABLE TO DO THIS SORT OF THING for, and I and through human beings. It was never intended to be a permanent arrangement at that time, for it was NOT YET HARVEST TIME.
HE also cautioned them about the dangers of the Mission on which He was sending them. They were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
THERE will be no place in the Harvest for men and women who are self-seeking, and vindictive in their nature. They must be "Wise as serpents and HARMLESS AS DOVES." And they CAN BE when they have received the "Harvest-time Anointing" from Jesus on the Day of Atonement. Let me hasten to say, however, that this Anointing will never be given to anyone who has not engaged in a life-and-death type of struggle with their carnal tendencies. We want to get "even" with those who have done us wrong, or to play favorites in our dealings with other human beings. This Anointing is for those who have pressed their way as close to the Tabernacle Gate as they can get, without horning other people in the process.
WE SHUDDER when we behold some of the carnal maneuvering and manipulation employed by some Christians and Leaders today.
THE COMBINATION of preaching the "Everlasting Gospel", with the miracles of Deliverance, will be the essence of "Thrusting in the Sickle".
THE ACCOUNT in Rev 14 states that "The earth was reaped". No maybe so, no hope so, not possibly so, but THE EARTH WAS REAPED.
WHY should it be such a staggering effort to believe that God is capable of drawing almost one whole generation of humanity into the Kingdom? We have not staggered at believing that He is able to change humans from mortals to immortals in the twinkling of an eye, and to bring back from the graves all the believers from every generation, in one swoop. Our belief in the catching away has been drilled into us since childhood. However, we HAVE NOT BEEN TAUGHT to believe that God is planning to use mortal human beings to reap a Harvest for Him. Why?
I believe that part of the reason has been our childish desire for "Goodies from God", and a carnal, childish shrinking back from the personal refinement which God will require from the candidates for this "Choosing" of the Reapers.
We all love the promises which require little effort on our part to lay claim to them, so we gravitate that direction. Our teachers have helped us along in this line of thinking, in that they have had a desire to tell us something that would make us feel good.
Teachers and Leaders have been fully as human as the rest of us, and endowed with the same spirit of self-preservation and gain. If they tell us what we love to hear, and what makes us feel good, they have a following, and an income. Those who tell us what is not so pleasant to the ears and the emotions, usually stand more-or-less by themselves, and at their own expense.
WE have been just as much at fault as the leaders, in that we have wanted to hear the smooth things, instead of those things which would put a load on our shoulders.
AND let me interject right here, that my memories of the harvest fields of Southwestern Idaho in the 1930s still sort of make me itch and sweat. IT WAS ANYTHING BUT FUN.
JESUS said, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, BECAUSE HE HATH ANOINTED ME."
JESUS went about doing good--healing all that were oppressed in any way. It was His ANOINTING that made it possible for Him to do it. It was the ANOINTING that made Him WANT TO DO IT.
THE REAPERS will experience the same type of anointing that Jesus did. They will feel the same type of compassion that Jesus felt. They will produce the same results that Jesus was able to produce, because of the similar anointing. Great multitudes followed, and listened to Jesus because of the mighty miracles which He performed. Their lives were touched as they had never been touched before. He spoke with an authority they had not seen before.
JESUS told His disciples to speak in the light what He told them in darkness, for nothing could remain covered, but would be revealed for everyone to see.
THE REAPERS will receive continual instructions from the Holy Spirit in the same manner that Jesus did in His earthly Ministry. Jesus could only be in one place at a time. That is why I would rather live today than when He was on earth. With my luck, I would have been somewhere that He was not, most of the time. Even so, He, being only one, set the world aflame with His Ministry.
THE BIBLE tells us that God plans to fill "Babylon" with men, as Grasshoppers, and that they will "Shout" against her.
TRY to imagine, if you will, what sort of an impact this world is going to feel when "men as grasshoppers" go forth among human beings with the same type of Ministry that Jesus had. Joel 2 tells us that NOTHING SHALL ESCAPE THEM. Their Ministry will be virtually irresistable.
WHEN the masses of humanity start turning to God, away from sin and shame, Babylon will begin to feel the pinch. Certain kinds of merchandise will not have any more buyers.
JESUS became very unpopular with the Religious Department of Babylon when His teachings and actions pulled the covers off of their errant ways. JESUS warned that the Reapers would encounter the same type of opposition from the same Department of Religion in the last days. They would also draw fire from the Economic and Military Departments. For, you see, the reaping of the world for Jesus is the ESSENCE OF THE OVERTHROWING OF BABYLON.
As with animal life, so with organizational life, the struggles of death are often quite violent.
BABYLON is in control of Military power, Economic power, Political power, and MOST OF ECCLESIASTIC power. As the hour of death approaches, she will not hesitate to use EVERY BIT OF THE POWER SHE POSSESSES against those humans who are CAUSING HER THE PAIN.
BUT GOD is more than a match for the "Merchants of Souls", and will protect His Reapers until the short Harvest is completed.
REAPING will not be a "joy ride" in any sense of the word. It will be wearying work. But the labourer is worth of his hire.
SONSHIP 21 TO ANOINT THE MOST HOLY
TO ANOINT THE MOST HOLY
Daniel 9:24 SEVENTY WEEKS ARE DETERMINED upon THY PEOPLE AND UPON THY HOLY CITY, to:
(1)FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION, (the word "transgression" is a coloquial for "The Law of Moses" Jesus said, just before He died, "IT IS FINISHED" See Jn 19:30.) and
(2)to make an end of sins (AN EQUALLY CORRECT TRANSLATION HERE WOULD BE "SIN OFFERINGS. See Heb 10:4-22), and
(3)to MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY (hHebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE.), and
THOSE FIRST THREE THINGS--JESUS DID WHILE ON THE CROSS. THEY ARE HISTORY.
BUT, THE LAST THREE ARE STILL IN THE FUTURE.
(4)to bring in EVERLASTING (ETERNAL, THAT WHICH COMES FROM ETERNITY-- GOD'S DWELLING PLACE) RIGHTEOUSNESS (THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT), and
(5)to SEAL UP (SAME WORD AS "MAKE AN END" IN #2. See ch. 12;6-8) The vision and prophecy, and
(6)to ANOINT (THE SPIRIT SEEMED TO SAY "ACTIVATE") THE MOST HOLY.
The Tabernacle in the Wilderness had two sections in the tent. The first section was twice as long as it was wide (possibly to denote the passage of 2,000 years. It was called "The Holy Place". It contained furniture which typified the work which the Lord has been and is doing during this age which is called "The Church Age".
The second section was a perfect CUBE -- possibly to denote the 1,000 year reign of Jesus. (Please note, also, that the City Which Lieth Foursquare is also a perfect CUBE). It was named "THE MOST HOLY PLACE" or "THE HOLY OF HOLIES".)
The MOST HOLY PLACE contained the furniture which corresponds to the Millenial Kingdom.
1.) ABSOLUTE FREEDOM FROM SIN. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Exodus 28:36 And thou shalt make a plate [of] pure gold, and grave upon it, [like] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Joel 3:17 So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
Zechariah 8:3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
The NEW JERUSALEM is called "THY HOLY CITY" BECAUSE THE BIBLICAL MEANING OF A "CITY" DENOTES THAT PEOPOLE ARE LIVING UNDER A COMMON LAW-- HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
"THY HOLY CITY" is used to denote for whom it is prepared.
I SUBMIT TO YOU, BRETHREN, THAT GOD HAS AN "ISRAEL" WHICH IS SEPARATE AND APART FROM THE NATURAL SEED OF ABRAHAM. "The Israel of God." Gal 6:16
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise.
Galatians 3:6,7 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Galatians 3:13,14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and HIS SEED were the promises made. He SAITH NOT, And to SEEDS, as of many; but AS OF ONE, And to THY SEED, WHICH IS CHRIST.
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise.
Galatians 3:29 AND IF YE [BE] CHRIST'S, THEN ARE YE ABRAHAM'S SEED, AND HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE.
Daniel 9:24 SEVENTY WEEKS ARE DETERMINED upon THY PEOPLE AND UPON THY HOLY CITY, to:
(1)FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION, (the word "transgression" is a coloquial for "The Law of Moses" Jesus said, just before He died, "IT IS FINISHED" See Jn 19:30.) and
(2)to make an end of sins (AN EQUALLY CORRECT TRANSLATION HERE WOULD BE "SIN OFFERINGS. See Heb 10:4-22), and
(3)to MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY (hHebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE.), and
THOSE FIRST THREE THINGS--JESUS DID WHILE ON THE CROSS. THEY ARE HISTORY.
BUT, THE LAST THREE ARE STILL IN THE FUTURE.
(4)to bring in EVERLASTING (ETERNAL, THAT WHICH COMES FROM ETERNITY-- GOD'S DWELLING PLACE) RIGHTEOUSNESS (THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT), and
(5)to SEAL UP (SAME WORD AS "MAKE AN END" IN #2. See ch. 12;6-8) The vision and prophecy, and
(6)to ANOINT (THE SPIRIT SEEMED TO SAY "ACTIVATE") THE MOST HOLY.
The Tabernacle in the Wilderness had two sections in the tent. The first section was twice as long as it was wide (possibly to denote the passage of 2,000 years. It was called "The Holy Place". It contained furniture which typified the work which the Lord has been and is doing during this age which is called "The Church Age".
The second section was a perfect CUBE -- possibly to denote the 1,000 year reign of Jesus. (Please note, also, that the City Which Lieth Foursquare is also a perfect CUBE). It was named "THE MOST HOLY PLACE" or "THE HOLY OF HOLIES".)
The MOST HOLY PLACE contained the furniture which corresponds to the Millenial Kingdom.
1.) ABSOLUTE FREEDOM FROM SIN. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Exodus 28:36 And thou shalt make a plate [of] pure gold, and grave upon it, [like] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Joel 3:17 So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
Zechariah 8:3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
The NEW JERUSALEM is called "THY HOLY CITY" BECAUSE THE BIBLICAL MEANING OF A "CITY" DENOTES THAT PEOPOLE ARE LIVING UNDER A COMMON LAW-- HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
"THY HOLY CITY" is used to denote for whom it is prepared.
I SUBMIT TO YOU, BRETHREN, THAT GOD HAS AN "ISRAEL" WHICH IS SEPARATE AND APART FROM THE NATURAL SEED OF ABRAHAM. "The Israel of God." Gal 6:16
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise.
Galatians 3:6,7 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Galatians 3:13,14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and HIS SEED were the promises made. He SAITH NOT, And to SEEDS, as of many; but AS OF ONE, And to THY SEED, WHICH IS CHRIST.
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise.
Galatians 3:29 AND IF YE [BE] CHRIST'S, THEN ARE YE ABRAHAM'S SEED, AND HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE.
SONSHIP 20 THE DELIVERER OUT OF ZION
THE DELIVERER OUT OF ZION
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
This matter of The Deliverer out of Sion should be looked at very carefully.
Zion is the HIGHER of the two prominent mountains within Jerusalem.
MORIAH was the WORSHIP CENTER of the world in the Mosaic pattern.
ZION became the SEAT OF AUTHORITY after David conquered the hill by the unusual method of "climbing the gutter" (going through the city water system).
ZION and MORIAH were typical of the two classes of Christians within the CHURCH.
There are many scriptures which bear out the fact that one class of Christian attains to a higher degree of Spiritual Ascendancy than others do.
Some "names" which are given to the two companies are: ZION and JERUSALEM ( see Isa 2:3 and Micah 4:2) And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
In Psa 22:22 they are called MY BRETHREN, and THE CONGREGATION. Again in Psa 102:21 they are called ZION and JERUSALEM. In Psalms 103:7 He made known his WAYS unto Moses, his ACTS unto the children of Israel. God deals with each company differently.
Psalms 24:3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
THE DELIVERER OUT OF ZION will be those who have allowed the Spirit of God to refine them enough for them to be useful to Him in Spiritual matters.
There are several scriptures which give us a clue to the identity of this DELIVERER which is to come out of ZION, and "turn ungodliness from Jacob."
The first one we want to look at is two places in the book of Revelation. Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
Let's notice a few things about these people. First, they are Christians. (The manner of their "begetting" determines the name of the "tribe" to which they belong.) They are WITH the LAMB, and they have their Father's NAME in their foreheads (the seat of all emotions-- from which all action springs).
They knew, and sang, a NEW SONG (manner of life) which other people knew nothing about. The Holy Ghost had taught it to them.
They were not defiled (no divided allegience) with women (Church machinery)-- they are virgins. They strictly followed the Spirit and the Word. They were REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN. They are the FIRSTFRUITS unto God.
Their mouth was PURE, and their MOTIVES were pure.
We find them in the Old Testament. Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness.
Paul had caught the vision of this people, and yearned longingly to be among them. Listen to him in Phi 3. In verse 10 he wants to KNOW Him and the POWER of His RESURRECTION. In verse 11 he wants "BY ANY MEANS" to attain to the (SPECIAL, BETTER) resurrection. In verse 12 he "follows after". In verse 13, "this ONE THING I do."
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Brethren, there are Christians, and there are Christians. Not every one is paying their fair share of consecration to God. Too many of us are riding along on the Grace of God. Not that it is wrong to do that, but there is a BETTER WAY.
Strip for the race that is presented to us. Let us narrow our horizon to God, and His desires for our lives. God will be debtor to no man. There is too much to gain, to falter now.
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB:
WHO IS THIS DELIVERER?
It is a company of people known as the OVERCOMERS. They come from all parts of the Church-- (seven churches of Asia). They have received the SPECIAL THINGS promised to the OVERCOMERS. (Take a good, hard look at the promises in Revelation 2 & 3.)
The DELIVERER comes from the midst of the Church. It is presently a small body within, and concealed by a larger body. NO ONE BUT THE LORD knows who they are, but HE DOES KNOW. Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (consulted) one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that (reckoned) thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, (lit. look around) and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
JESUS pantomimed a prophecy of this when He rode into Jerusalem on the FOAL of an ASS. An ASS is a beast of burden-- the Church through the centuries. The male colt had not yet been controlled by man. In His TRIUMPHAL ENTRY, Jesus prophesied how the Gospel would be presented to Israel after the "blindness in part" is taken away.
The DELIVERER comes from having been SEALED in the forehead (the seat of emotions and actions) in the PRESENCE of the LAMB on Mount Zion (the highest point of the Church). It is a company of people who have been ushered (anointed by the Spirit) into a special place in the economy of God. It is a FIGURATIVE number-- not actually 144,000.
DELIVERANCE is accomplished by the binding and crushing of the captor who has held them captive.
Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
God has wonderful things in store for those who will abdicate themselves for Him.
In return for abject slavery to Him, He gives complete freedom in the Holy Ghost. This is REAL LIBERTY!
--from EMMANUEL MINISTRIES
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
This matter of The Deliverer out of Sion should be looked at very carefully.
Zion is the HIGHER of the two prominent mountains within Jerusalem.
MORIAH was the WORSHIP CENTER of the world in the Mosaic pattern.
ZION became the SEAT OF AUTHORITY after David conquered the hill by the unusual method of "climbing the gutter" (going through the city water system).
ZION and MORIAH were typical of the two classes of Christians within the CHURCH.
There are many scriptures which bear out the fact that one class of Christian attains to a higher degree of Spiritual Ascendancy than others do.
Some "names" which are given to the two companies are: ZION and JERUSALEM ( see Isa 2:3 and Micah 4:2) And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
In Psa 22:22 they are called MY BRETHREN, and THE CONGREGATION. Again in Psa 102:21 they are called ZION and JERUSALEM. In Psalms 103:7 He made known his WAYS unto Moses, his ACTS unto the children of Israel. God deals with each company differently.
Psalms 24:3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
THE DELIVERER OUT OF ZION will be those who have allowed the Spirit of God to refine them enough for them to be useful to Him in Spiritual matters.
There are several scriptures which give us a clue to the identity of this DELIVERER which is to come out of ZION, and "turn ungodliness from Jacob."
The first one we want to look at is two places in the book of Revelation. Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
Let's notice a few things about these people. First, they are Christians. (The manner of their "begetting" determines the name of the "tribe" to which they belong.) They are WITH the LAMB, and they have their Father's NAME in their foreheads (the seat of all emotions-- from which all action springs).
They knew, and sang, a NEW SONG (manner of life) which other people knew nothing about. The Holy Ghost had taught it to them.
They were not defiled (no divided allegience) with women (Church machinery)-- they are virgins. They strictly followed the Spirit and the Word. They were REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN. They are the FIRSTFRUITS unto God.
Their mouth was PURE, and their MOTIVES were pure.
We find them in the Old Testament. Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness.
Paul had caught the vision of this people, and yearned longingly to be among them. Listen to him in Phi 3. In verse 10 he wants to KNOW Him and the POWER of His RESURRECTION. In verse 11 he wants "BY ANY MEANS" to attain to the (SPECIAL, BETTER) resurrection. In verse 12 he "follows after". In verse 13, "this ONE THING I do."
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Brethren, there are Christians, and there are Christians. Not every one is paying their fair share of consecration to God. Too many of us are riding along on the Grace of God. Not that it is wrong to do that, but there is a BETTER WAY.
Strip for the race that is presented to us. Let us narrow our horizon to God, and His desires for our lives. God will be debtor to no man. There is too much to gain, to falter now.
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB:
WHO IS THIS DELIVERER?
It is a company of people known as the OVERCOMERS. They come from all parts of the Church-- (seven churches of Asia). They have received the SPECIAL THINGS promised to the OVERCOMERS. (Take a good, hard look at the promises in Revelation 2 & 3.)
The DELIVERER comes from the midst of the Church. It is presently a small body within, and concealed by a larger body. NO ONE BUT THE LORD knows who they are, but HE DOES KNOW. Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (consulted) one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that (reckoned) thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, (lit. look around) and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
JESUS pantomimed a prophecy of this when He rode into Jerusalem on the FOAL of an ASS. An ASS is a beast of burden-- the Church through the centuries. The male colt had not yet been controlled by man. In His TRIUMPHAL ENTRY, Jesus prophesied how the Gospel would be presented to Israel after the "blindness in part" is taken away.
The DELIVERER comes from having been SEALED in the forehead (the seat of emotions and actions) in the PRESENCE of the LAMB on Mount Zion (the highest point of the Church). It is a company of people who have been ushered (anointed by the Spirit) into a special place in the economy of God. It is a FIGURATIVE number-- not actually 144,000.
DELIVERANCE is accomplished by the binding and crushing of the captor who has held them captive.
Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
God has wonderful things in store for those who will abdicate themselves for Him.
In return for abject slavery to Him, He gives complete freedom in the Holy Ghost. This is REAL LIBERTY!
--from EMMANUEL MINISTRIES
SONSHIP 19 THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN
THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT
Have you ever noticed how the Holy Ghost often sandwiches precious truths right into the middle of a seemingly unrelated discourse? Such is the case in Hebrews, chapter 12.
He is giving Pastoral instructions-- urging folks to take heed to their lives, and to avoid sins. Then:
Hebrews 12:18-24 For ye are NOT come unto the mount that might be TOUCHED, (THE law of moses) and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they COULD NOT ENDURE that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And SO TERRIBLE was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) BUT ye ARE come unto MOUNT SION, (The City Foursquare, A PERFECT CUBE, THE "MOST HOLY PLACE") AND UNTO THE CITY OF THE LIVING GOD, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, (not TOUCHABLE, NOT BUILT WITH HANDS, WITH ITS FOUNDATION IN HEAVEN) 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 (MEN WHO HAVE "LOOKED FOR HIM" BY FOLLOWING HARD AFTER THE WORD AND SPIRIT), And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.
This scripture tells us WHERE WE ARE in the economy of God.
Not ONLY have we come to the NEW JERUSALEM and MOUNT SION, we have come to the time of THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT.
Almost every time I have mentioned this, I am confronted with retorts such as, "That is not what God is doing now."
I beg to differ. I choose to believe what the Holy Ghost said through the writer of Hebrews. "WE ARE COME".
But my critics reply, "Anyone can see that those conditions do not yet exist." And, I have to agree-- WE DON'T SEE THEM YET.
But, when I was teaching this at Emmanuel Assembly during the 50's and 60's, I used an homely illustration to explain what I knew to be true. I had been doing interior decorating prior to that time.
When our crew went into a home to "paper" a room, the FIRST thing we did was to throw a drop sheet on the floor and over the furniture. If someone were to have come along and asked us what we were doing, we would have said, "We are papering this room."
Obviously, we only had a drop sheet on the floor. Later, it would have also been obvious that we were only sanding down the seams of the previous coats of paper. Still later, it would have been obvious that we were only painting the woodwork.
These activities were each a PART of the WHOLE JOB, and must be done in their proper times for the job to be satisfactory and complete.
But, IN EACH SEGMENT OF THE WORK, WE WERE "PAPERING" THE ROOM.
GOD IS NOW SELECTING AND BUILDING A BODY OF "SONS" WHOM HE WILL SHOW, BOTH TO SPIRITS AND MORTALS.
I CAN NOT TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT STAGE OF THE WORK IS TAKING PLACE RIGHT NOW, BUT IT IS ALL A PART OF THE JOB.
These SONS OF GOD will have a work to do in the earth, which can not be accomplished in any other way, nor by any other people.
I am confident they are described in scripture as being the angel which has a chain, and "binds" satan. (They cut off his influence in the earth, and replace it with the influence of the Spirit that has "birthed" them from the midst of the church as we know it today.) (See Rev 12)
Satan operates in the realm that is called AIR in the scripture. He is called the "PRINCE of the POWER of the AIR." He will be "bound and cast out" of that realm. The OVERCOMERS will be "caught up" into that realm (AIR), and spread the INFLUENCE OF GOD (Holiness, peace, love, etc.) around the globe, IN THE SAME MANNER THAT EVIL (hatred, warfare, deceit, etc.) is being spread today.
Have you ever noticed how the Holy Ghost often sandwiches precious truths right into the middle of a seemingly unrelated discourse? Such is the case in Hebrews, chapter 12.
He is giving Pastoral instructions-- urging folks to take heed to their lives, and to avoid sins. Then:
Hebrews 12:18-24 For ye are NOT come unto the mount that might be TOUCHED, (THE law of moses) and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they COULD NOT ENDURE that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And SO TERRIBLE was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) BUT ye ARE come unto MOUNT SION, (The City Foursquare, A PERFECT CUBE, THE "MOST HOLY PLACE") AND UNTO THE CITY OF THE LIVING GOD, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, (not TOUCHABLE, NOT BUILT WITH HANDS, WITH ITS FOUNDATION IN HEAVEN) 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 (MEN WHO HAVE "LOOKED FOR HIM" BY FOLLOWING HARD AFTER THE WORD AND SPIRIT), And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.
This scripture tells us WHERE WE ARE in the economy of God.
Not ONLY have we come to the NEW JERUSALEM and MOUNT SION, we have come to the time of THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT.
Almost every time I have mentioned this, I am confronted with retorts such as, "That is not what God is doing now."
I beg to differ. I choose to believe what the Holy Ghost said through the writer of Hebrews. "WE ARE COME".
But my critics reply, "Anyone can see that those conditions do not yet exist." And, I have to agree-- WE DON'T SEE THEM YET.
But, when I was teaching this at Emmanuel Assembly during the 50's and 60's, I used an homely illustration to explain what I knew to be true. I had been doing interior decorating prior to that time.
When our crew went into a home to "paper" a room, the FIRST thing we did was to throw a drop sheet on the floor and over the furniture. If someone were to have come along and asked us what we were doing, we would have said, "We are papering this room."
Obviously, we only had a drop sheet on the floor. Later, it would have also been obvious that we were only sanding down the seams of the previous coats of paper. Still later, it would have been obvious that we were only painting the woodwork.
These activities were each a PART of the WHOLE JOB, and must be done in their proper times for the job to be satisfactory and complete.
But, IN EACH SEGMENT OF THE WORK, WE WERE "PAPERING" THE ROOM.
GOD IS NOW SELECTING AND BUILDING A BODY OF "SONS" WHOM HE WILL SHOW, BOTH TO SPIRITS AND MORTALS.
I CAN NOT TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT STAGE OF THE WORK IS TAKING PLACE RIGHT NOW, BUT IT IS ALL A PART OF THE JOB.
These SONS OF GOD will have a work to do in the earth, which can not be accomplished in any other way, nor by any other people.
I am confident they are described in scripture as being the angel which has a chain, and "binds" satan. (They cut off his influence in the earth, and replace it with the influence of the Spirit that has "birthed" them from the midst of the church as we know it today.) (See Rev 12)
Satan operates in the realm that is called AIR in the scripture. He is called the "PRINCE of the POWER of the AIR." He will be "bound and cast out" of that realm. The OVERCOMERS will be "caught up" into that realm (AIR), and spread the INFLUENCE OF GOD (Holiness, peace, love, etc.) around the globe, IN THE SAME MANNER THAT EVIL (hatred, warfare, deceit, etc.) is being spread today.
SONSHIP 18 THE GLORY --REVEALED
THE GLORY THAT SHALL BE REVEALED IN US
Romans 8:17,18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and JOINTHEIRS WITH CHRIST; IF SO BE THAT WE SUFFER WITH [HIM], that we may be also GLORIFIED TOGETHER. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the GLORY WHICH SHALL BE REVEALED IN US.
No person can possibly attain to the position of being a JOINT HEIR (in full partnership) with Christ without going the route of SUFFERING FOR HIS SAKE.
SUFFERING can take many forms, but one of the most common is that of having other Christians distance themselves from you-- as though you were a bit "ripe" or "balmy", as the vernacular used to be when I was younger. And, I did my share of using the terms in my youth, but it didn't feel so good when it was in reverse gear. "What GOES around, COMES around."
The Lord is shedding light on the true meaning of being GLORIFIED TOGETHER WITH HIM.
We have, for perhaps a century or more, taught and been taught that to be GLORIFIED was having an IMMORTAL BODY. But, as other truths are being revealed, it would seem that at least SOME of the references are meaning something which will happen to, and take place in the MORTAL condition.
II Corinthians 4:10 Always bearing about IN THE BODY the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest IN OUR BODY.
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], THE REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY.
Please note that it did not say "immortalization of our body." It said "REDEMPTION". There is a vast difference between the two.
When a possession is REDEEMED, it is RESTORED TO IT'S ORIGINAL CONDITION. Mankind has been MORTAL since Adam was created. NEVER WAS IMMORTAL.
To be REDEEMED, our bodies would still be mortal, but FREE FROM THE CURSE OF THE SINFUL NATURE. The NATURE OF SIN (the human nature) is our PROBLEM today.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be DELIVERED FROM THE BONDAGE OF CORRUPTION into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Those humans who attain to the level of becoming a CANDIDATE for the "OVERCOMING CLASS" will experience an encounter with the Spirit of God which will transform them in a moment of time. One moment they will have been a human being with a sinful nature. The next moment, they will be a human being WITHOUT a sinful nature. It will be GONE! IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE.
THEY WILL HAVE BEEN USHERED INTO SONSHIP!
THEY WILL HAVE BEEN "CAUGHT UP" INTO THE REALM OF THE SPIRIT WHICH THE BIBLE CALLS "AIR". THAT IS THE REALM FROM WHICH SATAN OPERATES TODAY.
THEY WILL BE MANIFEST TO THE WORLD FOR WHAT THEY THEN ARE. SONS OF GOD!
THEY WILL HAVE "APPREHENDED THAT FOR WHICH THEY HAD BEEN APPREHENDED OF GOD."
Struggles with PRIDE will be a thing of the past!
Thoughts of REVENGE and RETALIATION will be HISTORY.
PERISH THE THOUGHT OF PARTIALITY!
NOW, The Lord can entrust to them the POWER and SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY which was entrusted to Jesus Christ at the River Jordan. There is no danger of them using it in an unrighteous way.
THE HEAVENS CAN NOW BE OPENED TO THEM, as with Jesus when he came out of the waters of baptism. They can "SEE" as Jesus "SAW" what was happening in the Heavenly Realm, and can MAKE IT COME TO PASS in the earthly realm, as Jesus did.
THIS IS WHAT THE WORLD HAS BEEN WAITING AND GROANING FOR.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
II Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
Romans 8:17,18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and JOINTHEIRS WITH CHRIST; IF SO BE THAT WE SUFFER WITH [HIM], that we may be also GLORIFIED TOGETHER. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the GLORY WHICH SHALL BE REVEALED IN US.
No person can possibly attain to the position of being a JOINT HEIR (in full partnership) with Christ without going the route of SUFFERING FOR HIS SAKE.
SUFFERING can take many forms, but one of the most common is that of having other Christians distance themselves from you-- as though you were a bit "ripe" or "balmy", as the vernacular used to be when I was younger. And, I did my share of using the terms in my youth, but it didn't feel so good when it was in reverse gear. "What GOES around, COMES around."
The Lord is shedding light on the true meaning of being GLORIFIED TOGETHER WITH HIM.
We have, for perhaps a century or more, taught and been taught that to be GLORIFIED was having an IMMORTAL BODY. But, as other truths are being revealed, it would seem that at least SOME of the references are meaning something which will happen to, and take place in the MORTAL condition.
II Corinthians 4:10 Always bearing about IN THE BODY the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest IN OUR BODY.
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], THE REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY.
Please note that it did not say "immortalization of our body." It said "REDEMPTION". There is a vast difference between the two.
When a possession is REDEEMED, it is RESTORED TO IT'S ORIGINAL CONDITION. Mankind has been MORTAL since Adam was created. NEVER WAS IMMORTAL.
To be REDEEMED, our bodies would still be mortal, but FREE FROM THE CURSE OF THE SINFUL NATURE. The NATURE OF SIN (the human nature) is our PROBLEM today.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be DELIVERED FROM THE BONDAGE OF CORRUPTION into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Those humans who attain to the level of becoming a CANDIDATE for the "OVERCOMING CLASS" will experience an encounter with the Spirit of God which will transform them in a moment of time. One moment they will have been a human being with a sinful nature. The next moment, they will be a human being WITHOUT a sinful nature. It will be GONE! IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE.
THEY WILL HAVE BEEN USHERED INTO SONSHIP!
THEY WILL HAVE BEEN "CAUGHT UP" INTO THE REALM OF THE SPIRIT WHICH THE BIBLE CALLS "AIR". THAT IS THE REALM FROM WHICH SATAN OPERATES TODAY.
THEY WILL BE MANIFEST TO THE WORLD FOR WHAT THEY THEN ARE. SONS OF GOD!
THEY WILL HAVE "APPREHENDED THAT FOR WHICH THEY HAD BEEN APPREHENDED OF GOD."
Struggles with PRIDE will be a thing of the past!
Thoughts of REVENGE and RETALIATION will be HISTORY.
PERISH THE THOUGHT OF PARTIALITY!
NOW, The Lord can entrust to them the POWER and SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY which was entrusted to Jesus Christ at the River Jordan. There is no danger of them using it in an unrighteous way.
THE HEAVENS CAN NOW BE OPENED TO THEM, as with Jesus when he came out of the waters of baptism. They can "SEE" as Jesus "SAW" what was happening in the Heavenly Realm, and can MAKE IT COME TO PASS in the earthly realm, as Jesus did.
THIS IS WHAT THE WORLD HAS BEEN WAITING AND GROANING FOR.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
II Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
SONSHIP 17 DELIVERANCE AND LIBERTY
DELIVERANCE AND LIBERTY
Back in the very early 50's, I was driving down SR 22 to sing at a funeral in Prosser, WA. I was training myself to think on God, and commune with Him at any time I was doing something which didn't require me to concentrate on the task at hand. Driving my 1950 Ford was certainly not a task which required heavy concentration, so I was singing and praising the Lord-- letting my spirit reach out to Him.
Suddenly, a scripture flashed to my mind. Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! WHO SHALL DELIVER ME FROM THE BODY OF THIS DEATH?
Immediately following that, another scripture was impressed upon me. Romans 7:25 I thank God THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
That was, as best I recall, the BEGINNING of what was to become one of the most outstanding factors in my Spiritual life-- The better understanding of the Plan and Purposes of God in His dealings with humans who commit their lives and souls into HIS KEEPING. Since that time, I have marveled many times at the tolerance and patience of the Lord in dealing with the vast array of interpretations and teachings about what He is doing now, and planning to do in the future, with and for His People.
About the same time, a Minister from Dallas, TX. came into town and held a meeting in Stenberg's Tabernacle, where Bro. Barfoot was Pastor. People really "took" to the young Evangelist, and he began to get some "ideas" about what God wanted him to do. He later came back to town and opened up a Revival Center in a building which had at one time housed a Spiritual Church, but was now empty.
He majored in what he called "Deliverance". For a long time I thought the man had the same revelation I had been given, about The Lord being able and willing to set us free from our carnality and other shortcomings if we would strive to do what His Word told us to do.
MY TEACHINGS ABOUT BEING "GOD-CONSCIOUS" AS MUCH AS WE COULD BE, WERE PART OF THE PROCESS OF BEING SET AT LIBERTY TO LIVE THE TYPE OF LIFE GOD WANTED US TO LIVE. IF OUR MINDS WERE "STAYED ON HIM" WE WOULD BE FEEDING OUR SPIRIT NATURE, AND IT WOULD GROW STRONG-- STRONGER THAN OUR "HUMAN NATURE". THUS, WE WOULD HAVE MORE "LIBERTY" AND FREEDOM FROM THE HUMAN EMOTIONS AND DESIRES.
Imagine my shock, when I attended a few services and learned that, to him, "Deliverance" meant healing of the body, rather than purification of spirit and attitudes. IN MY MIND, THE SPIRIT OF MAN WAS WHAT WE NEEDED "DELIVERANCE" FROM. His message was quite popular, however, and he gained a large following, for there were not many who were really interested in refinement of their walk in the Spirit and Word of the Lord. Not then. Not now.
But, I kept hearing this "distant drummer"-- calling me to explore the matter of being delivered from the "body of this death", or, as another translation puts it, "this body of death." I found somewhere, a writing in a book which told how Paul came to use that expression. In some places, a form of punishment for a murderer was to fasten the body of the victim upon him, and make him carry the putrefying form everywhere he went-- UNTIL HE HIMSELF DIED FROM IT.
What an apt description of the condition of human beings today! Strapped with a body of death-- unable to get free from it, EXCEPT. Except, that is, as we are able to become submissive to, and obedient to, the Spirit of God. (I'm not talking about Salvation. I mean AFTER we are saved.) As we are able to "through (by) the Spirit mortify (put down) the deeds (impulses and desires) of the flesh" we can have a degree of "deliverance and liberty" from them.
We Christian humans, like all other creatures, are crying out for God to do something to set us free from the NATURE OF SIN (bondage of corruption) which holds us in its vise-like grip. It is the "mortgage of Adam", when he arrogantly believed he knew more than God knew, and went and "did his own thing." The dying cry of every creature of prey is a crying out to God for the "Manifestation of the Sons of God." But, that is another subject in itself.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
COMPLETE DELIVERANCE FROM THE IMPULSES OF THE FLESH (BODY) IS IN THE PLAN OF GOD FOR A PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE THEMSELVES CANDIDATES FOR THAT MIGHTY MOVING OF GOD IN THE EARTH.
BUT IT IS BY NO MEANS TO BE GIVEN TO ALL WHO HAVE SALVATION NOW. NEITHER IS IT PERTAINING TO WHAT HAS BECOME KNOWN AS THE "RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH."
I can't tell you all the "mechanics" of it, but of this much I am assured-- MOST PEOPLE WILL BE SURPRISED AT WHAT GOD IS PLANNING TO DO IN THE LIVES OF A PEOPLE WHO SUBMIT TO THE REFINING FIRES OF HIS SPIRIT.
--adapted from EMMANUEL MINISTRIES
Back in the very early 50's, I was driving down SR 22 to sing at a funeral in Prosser, WA. I was training myself to think on God, and commune with Him at any time I was doing something which didn't require me to concentrate on the task at hand. Driving my 1950 Ford was certainly not a task which required heavy concentration, so I was singing and praising the Lord-- letting my spirit reach out to Him.
Suddenly, a scripture flashed to my mind. Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! WHO SHALL DELIVER ME FROM THE BODY OF THIS DEATH?
Immediately following that, another scripture was impressed upon me. Romans 7:25 I thank God THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
That was, as best I recall, the BEGINNING of what was to become one of the most outstanding factors in my Spiritual life-- The better understanding of the Plan and Purposes of God in His dealings with humans who commit their lives and souls into HIS KEEPING. Since that time, I have marveled many times at the tolerance and patience of the Lord in dealing with the vast array of interpretations and teachings about what He is doing now, and planning to do in the future, with and for His People.
About the same time, a Minister from Dallas, TX. came into town and held a meeting in Stenberg's Tabernacle, where Bro. Barfoot was Pastor. People really "took" to the young Evangelist, and he began to get some "ideas" about what God wanted him to do. He later came back to town and opened up a Revival Center in a building which had at one time housed a Spiritual Church, but was now empty.
He majored in what he called "Deliverance". For a long time I thought the man had the same revelation I had been given, about The Lord being able and willing to set us free from our carnality and other shortcomings if we would strive to do what His Word told us to do.
MY TEACHINGS ABOUT BEING "GOD-CONSCIOUS" AS MUCH AS WE COULD BE, WERE PART OF THE PROCESS OF BEING SET AT LIBERTY TO LIVE THE TYPE OF LIFE GOD WANTED US TO LIVE. IF OUR MINDS WERE "STAYED ON HIM" WE WOULD BE FEEDING OUR SPIRIT NATURE, AND IT WOULD GROW STRONG-- STRONGER THAN OUR "HUMAN NATURE". THUS, WE WOULD HAVE MORE "LIBERTY" AND FREEDOM FROM THE HUMAN EMOTIONS AND DESIRES.
Imagine my shock, when I attended a few services and learned that, to him, "Deliverance" meant healing of the body, rather than purification of spirit and attitudes. IN MY MIND, THE SPIRIT OF MAN WAS WHAT WE NEEDED "DELIVERANCE" FROM. His message was quite popular, however, and he gained a large following, for there were not many who were really interested in refinement of their walk in the Spirit and Word of the Lord. Not then. Not now.
But, I kept hearing this "distant drummer"-- calling me to explore the matter of being delivered from the "body of this death", or, as another translation puts it, "this body of death." I found somewhere, a writing in a book which told how Paul came to use that expression. In some places, a form of punishment for a murderer was to fasten the body of the victim upon him, and make him carry the putrefying form everywhere he went-- UNTIL HE HIMSELF DIED FROM IT.
What an apt description of the condition of human beings today! Strapped with a body of death-- unable to get free from it, EXCEPT. Except, that is, as we are able to become submissive to, and obedient to, the Spirit of God. (I'm not talking about Salvation. I mean AFTER we are saved.) As we are able to "through (by) the Spirit mortify (put down) the deeds (impulses and desires) of the flesh" we can have a degree of "deliverance and liberty" from them.
We Christian humans, like all other creatures, are crying out for God to do something to set us free from the NATURE OF SIN (bondage of corruption) which holds us in its vise-like grip. It is the "mortgage of Adam", when he arrogantly believed he knew more than God knew, and went and "did his own thing." The dying cry of every creature of prey is a crying out to God for the "Manifestation of the Sons of God." But, that is another subject in itself.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
COMPLETE DELIVERANCE FROM THE IMPULSES OF THE FLESH (BODY) IS IN THE PLAN OF GOD FOR A PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE THEMSELVES CANDIDATES FOR THAT MIGHTY MOVING OF GOD IN THE EARTH.
BUT IT IS BY NO MEANS TO BE GIVEN TO ALL WHO HAVE SALVATION NOW. NEITHER IS IT PERTAINING TO WHAT HAS BECOME KNOWN AS THE "RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH."
I can't tell you all the "mechanics" of it, but of this much I am assured-- MOST PEOPLE WILL BE SURPRISED AT WHAT GOD IS PLANNING TO DO IN THE LIVES OF A PEOPLE WHO SUBMIT TO THE REFINING FIRES OF HIS SPIRIT.
--adapted from EMMANUEL MINISTRIES
SONSHIP 16 THE FIRSTFRUITS
THE FIRSTFRUITS
When the Lord anointed Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, He brought them to SINAI and MARRIED THEM. He spelled out the conditions 9THE MORAL LAW-- TEN COMMANDMENTS) of the union, and they sent word back by Moses, "We Will."
Jeremiah 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I AM MARRIED UNTO YOU: and I will take you ONE OF A CITY, and TWO OF A FAMILY and I will bring you to ZION: (the CLOSEST RELATIONSHIP TO HIM)
Moses then returned to the Mountain, and God gave him the LAW OF CEREMONIES (Statutes and judgments) for their relationship to Him.
Though I do not have an understanding of many of the ceremonies imposed upon them, I do feel that He has given me a bit of light on some of them.
One of them is "THE FIRSTFRUITS" statute. Also the FIRSTBORN. Much emphasis was placed on each of them.
Of course, the FIRSTBORN statute pointed to JESUS, who will be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN (OVERCOMERS FROM EVERY CHURCH GENERATION). Because of that, great emphasis was placed upon the FIRSTBORN SON of each family. He would be the PRIEST of the family, in the absence of the father, through death, or otherwise.
God claimed all of the firstborn on the Passover night in Egypt. They were HIS PROPERTY from that time.
Numbers 3:13 Because all the firstborn [are] mine; [for] on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I [am] the LORD.
At Sinai, God also laid claim to the FIRSTFRUITS of all crops grown by the children of Israel. They must be offered to Him as soon as they matured.
Exodus 22:29 Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
In most crops, especially fruits and berries, there is ONE BLOOM which appears FIRST. That bloom ALSO MATURES FIRST. It is modernly called the KING BLOOM, and subsequently the KING BERRY at harvest time. When we pick berries here in the Pacific Northwest, we "go for the King Berry" if possible. It is the biggest and best of the cluster.
Both the FIRSTBORN and the FIRSTFRUITS statutes teach us a truth about what God is doing in the world today.
Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
I BELIEVE-- that the law of the Firstfruits was given to instruct us about a part of the Plan of God for "BRINGING MANY SONS TO GLORY", and placeing Jesus Christ as the FIRSTBORN among them.
IN MY MIND-- the FIRSTFRUITS COMPANY is synonymous with OVERCOMERS.
They are "earmarked" as-- Revelation 1:6-- "kings and priests unto God"--. (Two other translations say "a kingdom of priests".) (FIRSTBORN-- FIRSTFRUITS) The same is true in Revelation 5:10 -- And hast made us unto our God "kings and priests": and we shall reign on the earth.
This is the same promise which was given to Israel-- provided they would "obey My Voice indeed"-- which they failed to do. See Ex 19:5,6
When the Lord anointed Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, He brought them to SINAI and MARRIED THEM. He spelled out the conditions 9THE MORAL LAW-- TEN COMMANDMENTS) of the union, and they sent word back by Moses, "We Will."
Jeremiah 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I AM MARRIED UNTO YOU: and I will take you ONE OF A CITY, and TWO OF A FAMILY and I will bring you to ZION: (the CLOSEST RELATIONSHIP TO HIM)
Moses then returned to the Mountain, and God gave him the LAW OF CEREMONIES (Statutes and judgments) for their relationship to Him.
Though I do not have an understanding of many of the ceremonies imposed upon them, I do feel that He has given me a bit of light on some of them.
One of them is "THE FIRSTFRUITS" statute. Also the FIRSTBORN. Much emphasis was placed on each of them.
Of course, the FIRSTBORN statute pointed to JESUS, who will be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN (OVERCOMERS FROM EVERY CHURCH GENERATION). Because of that, great emphasis was placed upon the FIRSTBORN SON of each family. He would be the PRIEST of the family, in the absence of the father, through death, or otherwise.
God claimed all of the firstborn on the Passover night in Egypt. They were HIS PROPERTY from that time.
Numbers 3:13 Because all the firstborn [are] mine; [for] on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I [am] the LORD.
At Sinai, God also laid claim to the FIRSTFRUITS of all crops grown by the children of Israel. They must be offered to Him as soon as they matured.
Exodus 22:29 Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
In most crops, especially fruits and berries, there is ONE BLOOM which appears FIRST. That bloom ALSO MATURES FIRST. It is modernly called the KING BLOOM, and subsequently the KING BERRY at harvest time. When we pick berries here in the Pacific Northwest, we "go for the King Berry" if possible. It is the biggest and best of the cluster.
Both the FIRSTBORN and the FIRSTFRUITS statutes teach us a truth about what God is doing in the world today.
Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
I BELIEVE-- that the law of the Firstfruits was given to instruct us about a part of the Plan of God for "BRINGING MANY SONS TO GLORY", and placeing Jesus Christ as the FIRSTBORN among them.
IN MY MIND-- the FIRSTFRUITS COMPANY is synonymous with OVERCOMERS.
They are "earmarked" as-- Revelation 1:6-- "kings and priests unto God"--. (Two other translations say "a kingdom of priests".) (FIRSTBORN-- FIRSTFRUITS) The same is true in Revelation 5:10 -- And hast made us unto our God "kings and priests": and we shall reign on the earth.
This is the same promise which was given to Israel-- provided they would "obey My Voice indeed"-- which they failed to do. See Ex 19:5,6
Friday, September 22, 2006
SONSHIP 15 THE ADOPTION
ADOPTION
The word "ADOPTION" is one that is not very well understood as it is used in the Bible. Its meaning in the time of the translation of the Bible was different than it is today--hence the confusion over what it is trying to say to us.
It comes from the Greek word Huiothesia, and it means to "PLACE AS A SON" rather than to go get a child and raise it as your own. IT WAS A PRACTICE IN BIBLE TIMES, TO ESTABLISH YOUR SON AS A FULL PARTNER IN YOUR BUSINESS OF CARPENTRY, FARMING, OR WHATEVER YOU WERE ENGAGED IN DOING FOR A LIVING. This was usually done at age 30, which was believed to be the age of maturity in that time.
It was at age 30 that Jesus would have had to be "adopted" (placed as a Son) into the trade of Joseph--HAD IT NOT BEEN THAT HIS TRUE FATHER, THE HOLY GHOST, HAD LAID CLAIM TO HIM AT THE RIVER JORDAN, AND, DESCENDING IN A VISIBLE FORM UPON HIM, SAID, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.
Jesus immediately launched into His earthly Ministry, known as the Messianic Ministry. He began to "do the work of His Father" on earth.
AFTER HIS MINISTRY OF 3 1/2 YEARS WAS FINISHED, JESUS SENT THE HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT OF ADOPTION--PLACING AS SONS) INTO THE EARTH TO DWELL IN THE HEARTS OF MEN WHO WILL OPEN THEIR LIVES TO HIM. What a difference it makes in our lives after we have experienced this Baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as He gives utterance (prompts). Rom 8:
Scripture tells us that this "Adoption" belongs to Israel, along with the Covenants and promises given to Abraham. The ONLY RECOGNIZED PART OF ISRAEL has, for the most part, completely rejected the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ, but their rejection does not, in any way nullify those covenants, promises, and benefits to the OTHER PORTIONS OF ISRAEL, and also the Gentiles who believe on Jesus.
A careful tracing of the promise given to Abraham will lead us through the patriarchs to David. From David it was passed to Jesus Christ. JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES THAT THEY WERE TO WAIT IN JERUSALEM FOR THE "PROMISE OF THE FATHER".
PAUL CLEARLY IDENTIFIES THIS "PROMISE" AS BEING THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST, EVIDENCED BY THE SPEAKING IN A LANGUAGE WE HAVE NOT KNOWN.
BUT WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION WHILE WE ENJOY THE WORKINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION. In fact, we groan within ourselves while we wait. THAT WHICH IS YET TO COME is so much greater than what we have that we hunger for the completeness of this "earnest" which we have received.
ADOPTION IS LIKENED TO THE "REDEMPTION OF OUR BODIES". Our bodies are still in the bondage of corruption--being sold under sin. THE NATURE OF SIN IS STILL RESIDENT WITHIN US EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF GOD INTO OUR HEARTS.
We would love to be able to do ALL THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO DO IF WE WERE NOT HINDERED BY THE SINFULNESS OF OUR BODIES. Try as we might, we cannot seem to get free from that hindrance. And, so, we must await God's timing in His plan of salvation.
WE MOST CERTAINLY DO HAVE A TIME ELEMENT TO CONTEND WITH, AND NO ONE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN TRYING TO CIRCUMVENT IT. WE ARE BOUND TO IT.
But God's day WILL come, soon, I hope, AND THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR IT, WILL HAVE AN EXPERIENCE IN GOD WHICH WILL SUPERCEDE ANYTHING EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE--THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY.
Redemption of our bodies will SET US FREE FROM THE FALLEN NATURE OF MAN, the nature that is contrary to Godly Principles as shown in Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
When we are free of that hindrance of the sinful nature, we will not have the "weight, and sin, that so easily besets us" to guard against, lest it taint our actions and motives.
We will then be FREE (Perfect Liberty) to do the "Works of our Father", as Jesus was able to do what He saw to be the Will of God.
We will, then, BE TRUSTWORTHY to use the mighty power of God without the dangers of showing partiality or taking revenge on those who show an unfriendly attitude toward us.
You see, this planet Earth is going to hear the pure Gospel of the Kingdom, and is going to see a demonstration of the real power of God through human beings. The earth is going to be reaped before the Grapes of Wrath are gathered and trodden in the great Winepress of God.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, whereby we cry, A bba, Father.
Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
Romans 9:4 WHO ARE ISRAELITES; TO WHOM [PERTAINETH] THE ADOPTION, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;
Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
Ephesians 1:5 Having PREDESTINATED US UNTO THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN BY JESUS CHRIST to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
The word "ADOPTION" is one that is not very well understood as it is used in the Bible. Its meaning in the time of the translation of the Bible was different than it is today--hence the confusion over what it is trying to say to us.
It comes from the Greek word Huiothesia, and it means to "PLACE AS A SON" rather than to go get a child and raise it as your own. IT WAS A PRACTICE IN BIBLE TIMES, TO ESTABLISH YOUR SON AS A FULL PARTNER IN YOUR BUSINESS OF CARPENTRY, FARMING, OR WHATEVER YOU WERE ENGAGED IN DOING FOR A LIVING. This was usually done at age 30, which was believed to be the age of maturity in that time.
It was at age 30 that Jesus would have had to be "adopted" (placed as a Son) into the trade of Joseph--HAD IT NOT BEEN THAT HIS TRUE FATHER, THE HOLY GHOST, HAD LAID CLAIM TO HIM AT THE RIVER JORDAN, AND, DESCENDING IN A VISIBLE FORM UPON HIM, SAID, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.
Jesus immediately launched into His earthly Ministry, known as the Messianic Ministry. He began to "do the work of His Father" on earth.
AFTER HIS MINISTRY OF 3 1/2 YEARS WAS FINISHED, JESUS SENT THE HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT OF ADOPTION--PLACING AS SONS) INTO THE EARTH TO DWELL IN THE HEARTS OF MEN WHO WILL OPEN THEIR LIVES TO HIM. What a difference it makes in our lives after we have experienced this Baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as He gives utterance (prompts). Rom 8:
Scripture tells us that this "Adoption" belongs to Israel, along with the Covenants and promises given to Abraham. The ONLY RECOGNIZED PART OF ISRAEL has, for the most part, completely rejected the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ, but their rejection does not, in any way nullify those covenants, promises, and benefits to the OTHER PORTIONS OF ISRAEL, and also the Gentiles who believe on Jesus.
A careful tracing of the promise given to Abraham will lead us through the patriarchs to David. From David it was passed to Jesus Christ. JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES THAT THEY WERE TO WAIT IN JERUSALEM FOR THE "PROMISE OF THE FATHER".
PAUL CLEARLY IDENTIFIES THIS "PROMISE" AS BEING THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST, EVIDENCED BY THE SPEAKING IN A LANGUAGE WE HAVE NOT KNOWN.
BUT WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION WHILE WE ENJOY THE WORKINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION. In fact, we groan within ourselves while we wait. THAT WHICH IS YET TO COME is so much greater than what we have that we hunger for the completeness of this "earnest" which we have received.
ADOPTION IS LIKENED TO THE "REDEMPTION OF OUR BODIES". Our bodies are still in the bondage of corruption--being sold under sin. THE NATURE OF SIN IS STILL RESIDENT WITHIN US EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF GOD INTO OUR HEARTS.
We would love to be able to do ALL THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO DO IF WE WERE NOT HINDERED BY THE SINFULNESS OF OUR BODIES. Try as we might, we cannot seem to get free from that hindrance. And, so, we must await God's timing in His plan of salvation.
WE MOST CERTAINLY DO HAVE A TIME ELEMENT TO CONTEND WITH, AND NO ONE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN TRYING TO CIRCUMVENT IT. WE ARE BOUND TO IT.
But God's day WILL come, soon, I hope, AND THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR IT, WILL HAVE AN EXPERIENCE IN GOD WHICH WILL SUPERCEDE ANYTHING EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE--THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY.
Redemption of our bodies will SET US FREE FROM THE FALLEN NATURE OF MAN, the nature that is contrary to Godly Principles as shown in Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
When we are free of that hindrance of the sinful nature, we will not have the "weight, and sin, that so easily besets us" to guard against, lest it taint our actions and motives.
We will then be FREE (Perfect Liberty) to do the "Works of our Father", as Jesus was able to do what He saw to be the Will of God.
We will, then, BE TRUSTWORTHY to use the mighty power of God without the dangers of showing partiality or taking revenge on those who show an unfriendly attitude toward us.
You see, this planet Earth is going to hear the pure Gospel of the Kingdom, and is going to see a demonstration of the real power of God through human beings. The earth is going to be reaped before the Grapes of Wrath are gathered and trodden in the great Winepress of God.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, whereby we cry, A bba, Father.
Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
Romans 9:4 WHO ARE ISRAELITES; TO WHOM [PERTAINETH] THE ADOPTION, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;
Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
Ephesians 1:5 Having PREDESTINATED US UNTO THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN BY JESUS CHRIST to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
SONSHIP 14 IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
You asked me to explain 1Cor 15:52-- especially "in the twinkling of an eye"
I Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
In my humble opinion, and I know I am off the beaten path of interpretation, THIS SCRIPTURE IS SPEAKING OF THE "MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD", RATHER THAN WHAT HAS BEEN ERRONEOUSLY CALLED "THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH".
Bible scholars HAVE MISTAKENLY DUMPED SEVERAL BIBLICAL EVENTS INTO ONE BOWL, AND MIXED THEM TOGETHER, CREATING A TEACHING WHICH HAS LED US OUT INTO A SWAMP OF ERROR.
But, this DOESN'T DISCOURAGE THE LORD. He will do it exactly like He planned to do it from the beginning. His actions will CATCH THE CHURCH WORLD OFF GUARD, FOR THE MOST PART, because they have believed a falsehood which they, themselves, have created.
It is MY OPINION that we have failed to correctly interpret I Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the CLOUDS, to meet the Lord in the AIR: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The word "CLOUDS" and "AIR" hold the key to a proper understanding of what is going to happen "IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE".
If you will get all the scriptures together which have the word "cloud/s" In them-- you will soon see a pattern emerge which will surprise you. You will soon discover that in many cases it is talking about a SPIRITUAL PHENOMENON, and has nothing to do with the white vapors in the sky.
Then, IF YOU WILL LET THE BIBLE SPEAK ITS OWN LANGUAGE, you will also find that the ONLY Scriptural definition of "AIR" is that it is the "SPIRITUAL REALM IN WHICH SATAN OPERATES". He is called Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
In my opinion, the "TWINKLING OF AN EYE" denotes the sudden change which is destined to take place in the beings of a people who are now meeting the requirements of God for their own individual lives, and are in what He calls the "OVERCOMERS". It is NOT FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN, as we have been taught. Neither is the CHANGE necessarily a PHYSICAL change, but one in our Spiritual being.
We are each laden with a horrible load of what I call the spirit of MAN.
This spirit of MAN is contrary to God, and keeps us from obeying the Spirit of God-- in the degree that it has not been subdued by our seeking God for His Spiritual guidance every day. But, there is a degree of Spiritual victory which will meet God's approval, and we can be CLASSED AS OVERCOMERS IN HIS SIGHT.
These OVERCOMERS are the ones who will experience this CHANGE, IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE. The CHANGE will be the IMPARTATION OF COMPLETE VICTORY OVER THE SPIRIT OF MAN, AND AN ABILITY TO KNOW, DISCERN, AND DO THE COMPLETE WILL OF GOD.
The CHANGE will impart an ANOINTING very nearly duplicating the ANOINTING which was given to JESUS at the River Jordan, when "THE HEAVENS WERE OPENED TO HIM." Jesus could then "SEE INTO THE HEAVENS", and could do the COMPLETE will of God on earth.
At Jordan, Jesus was 30 years old, and had to be "ADOPTED" as a SON of either Joseph the carpenter, or the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. The "adoption" process consisted of a young man being "PLACED AS A SON" in the household business. Must it be Joseph, or will it be the Lord?
The God of the Universe stepped forward, and audibly claimed Jesus as his "adopted son" (full partner in the business) as soon as John had baptized him. It was a "SUDDEN TRANSITION". Jesus did not experience any PHYSICAL CHANGE. IT WAS A SPIRITUAL TRANSITION.
Those Christians who are alive when the "TIME FOR ADOPTION" ARRIVES, and are in GOD'S GROUP OF OVERCOMERS will have a similar experience-- instantly-- of the Heavenly realms being opened to them, and a MIRACULOUS CHANGE taking place in their spirit being.
There is more on the subject, but this is getting too lengthy, so I will stop here. More, if you like, later.
--adapted from a previous E-mail
You asked me to explain 1Cor 15:52-- especially "in the twinkling of an eye"
I Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
In my humble opinion, and I know I am off the beaten path of interpretation, THIS SCRIPTURE IS SPEAKING OF THE "MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD", RATHER THAN WHAT HAS BEEN ERRONEOUSLY CALLED "THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH".
Bible scholars HAVE MISTAKENLY DUMPED SEVERAL BIBLICAL EVENTS INTO ONE BOWL, AND MIXED THEM TOGETHER, CREATING A TEACHING WHICH HAS LED US OUT INTO A SWAMP OF ERROR.
But, this DOESN'T DISCOURAGE THE LORD. He will do it exactly like He planned to do it from the beginning. His actions will CATCH THE CHURCH WORLD OFF GUARD, FOR THE MOST PART, because they have believed a falsehood which they, themselves, have created.
It is MY OPINION that we have failed to correctly interpret I Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the CLOUDS, to meet the Lord in the AIR: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The word "CLOUDS" and "AIR" hold the key to a proper understanding of what is going to happen "IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE".
If you will get all the scriptures together which have the word "cloud/s" In them-- you will soon see a pattern emerge which will surprise you. You will soon discover that in many cases it is talking about a SPIRITUAL PHENOMENON, and has nothing to do with the white vapors in the sky.
Then, IF YOU WILL LET THE BIBLE SPEAK ITS OWN LANGUAGE, you will also find that the ONLY Scriptural definition of "AIR" is that it is the "SPIRITUAL REALM IN WHICH SATAN OPERATES". He is called Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
In my opinion, the "TWINKLING OF AN EYE" denotes the sudden change which is destined to take place in the beings of a people who are now meeting the requirements of God for their own individual lives, and are in what He calls the "OVERCOMERS". It is NOT FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN, as we have been taught. Neither is the CHANGE necessarily a PHYSICAL change, but one in our Spiritual being.
We are each laden with a horrible load of what I call the spirit of MAN.
This spirit of MAN is contrary to God, and keeps us from obeying the Spirit of God-- in the degree that it has not been subdued by our seeking God for His Spiritual guidance every day. But, there is a degree of Spiritual victory which will meet God's approval, and we can be CLASSED AS OVERCOMERS IN HIS SIGHT.
These OVERCOMERS are the ones who will experience this CHANGE, IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE. The CHANGE will be the IMPARTATION OF COMPLETE VICTORY OVER THE SPIRIT OF MAN, AND AN ABILITY TO KNOW, DISCERN, AND DO THE COMPLETE WILL OF GOD.
The CHANGE will impart an ANOINTING very nearly duplicating the ANOINTING which was given to JESUS at the River Jordan, when "THE HEAVENS WERE OPENED TO HIM." Jesus could then "SEE INTO THE HEAVENS", and could do the COMPLETE will of God on earth.
At Jordan, Jesus was 30 years old, and had to be "ADOPTED" as a SON of either Joseph the carpenter, or the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. The "adoption" process consisted of a young man being "PLACED AS A SON" in the household business. Must it be Joseph, or will it be the Lord?
The God of the Universe stepped forward, and audibly claimed Jesus as his "adopted son" (full partner in the business) as soon as John had baptized him. It was a "SUDDEN TRANSITION". Jesus did not experience any PHYSICAL CHANGE. IT WAS A SPIRITUAL TRANSITION.
Those Christians who are alive when the "TIME FOR ADOPTION" ARRIVES, and are in GOD'S GROUP OF OVERCOMERS will have a similar experience-- instantly-- of the Heavenly realms being opened to them, and a MIRACULOUS CHANGE taking place in their spirit being.
There is more on the subject, but this is getting too lengthy, so I will stop here. More, if you like, later.
--adapted from a previous E-mail
SONSHIP 13 THE TWO JERUSALEMS
THE TWO JERUSALEMS
People sometimes get a little confused when they read or hear the term "Jerusalem".
If we fail to realize that there are TWO JERUSALEMS in the Bible, we are sure to become confused. Also, if we are unable to tell WHICH OF THE TWO is being referred to in each scripture, we will end up in a swamp of misunderstanding.
God has taken great pains to HIDE His Truths, so that the casual observer can not see them. Yet they are plainly revealed to those who are seeking truth. We NEVER STUMBLE OVER TRUTH. We are always LOOKING FOR IT when we find it.
The two Jerusalems are mentioned in Galatians 4:22-26 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to JERUSALEM WHICH NOW IS, and is in bondage (the Law of moses) with her children. But JERUSALEM WHICH IS ABOVE is free, (the Christian community) which is the mother of us all.
Galatians 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Paul told the Galations plainly that the "bondwoman" Jerusalem MUST BE REJECTED, for it would never fit into God's Eternal Plan. The birth of Ishmael was a PERFECTLY NATURAL birth. It was REJECTED. NOTHING OF THE NATURAL WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The BIRTH OF PROMISE is ordained of God to be the one recognized by Him.
Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the CHILDREN OF PROMISE.
The "City" which consists of the "Seed of Promise" is the only one recognized by God. THIS CITY IS THE NEW JERUSALEM, WHICH IS BEING BUILT BY GOD WITH THE LIVELY STONES OF MAN-- RIGHT NOW. IT IS THE CITY OF PROMISE-- THE CITY OF THE FREE WOMAN.
The NEW JERUSALEM HAS BEEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION SINCE PENTECOST. You and I are a part of it-- each in our own place and in our own order. We are none of us PERFECTLY FORMED YET, but we are "gettin' there."
Just as the Law of Ordinances HAS SERVED ITS PURPOSE, so has its "City", NATURAL JERUSALEM, served its purpose.
They did not produce any satisfactory results. GOD HAS NO MORE NEED OF THEM.
HIS ATTENTION IS NOW ON THAT WHICH IS TO BE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST, THE LAMB'S WIFE. THE CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, WHOSE BUILDER AND RULER IS GOD.
Psalms 122: I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:-- For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM: THEY SHALL PROSPER THAT LOVE THEE. Peace be within thy walls, [and] prosperity within thy palaces.
David was writing of the HEAVENLY JERUSALEM-- YOU AND ME!
We must move on to the "Better Things."
People sometimes get a little confused when they read or hear the term "Jerusalem".
If we fail to realize that there are TWO JERUSALEMS in the Bible, we are sure to become confused. Also, if we are unable to tell WHICH OF THE TWO is being referred to in each scripture, we will end up in a swamp of misunderstanding.
God has taken great pains to HIDE His Truths, so that the casual observer can not see them. Yet they are plainly revealed to those who are seeking truth. We NEVER STUMBLE OVER TRUTH. We are always LOOKING FOR IT when we find it.
The two Jerusalems are mentioned in Galatians 4:22-26 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to JERUSALEM WHICH NOW IS, and is in bondage (the Law of moses) with her children. But JERUSALEM WHICH IS ABOVE is free, (the Christian community) which is the mother of us all.
Galatians 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Paul told the Galations plainly that the "bondwoman" Jerusalem MUST BE REJECTED, for it would never fit into God's Eternal Plan. The birth of Ishmael was a PERFECTLY NATURAL birth. It was REJECTED. NOTHING OF THE NATURAL WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The BIRTH OF PROMISE is ordained of God to be the one recognized by Him.
Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the CHILDREN OF PROMISE.
The "City" which consists of the "Seed of Promise" is the only one recognized by God. THIS CITY IS THE NEW JERUSALEM, WHICH IS BEING BUILT BY GOD WITH THE LIVELY STONES OF MAN-- RIGHT NOW. IT IS THE CITY OF PROMISE-- THE CITY OF THE FREE WOMAN.
The NEW JERUSALEM HAS BEEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION SINCE PENTECOST. You and I are a part of it-- each in our own place and in our own order. We are none of us PERFECTLY FORMED YET, but we are "gettin' there."
Just as the Law of Ordinances HAS SERVED ITS PURPOSE, so has its "City", NATURAL JERUSALEM, served its purpose.
They did not produce any satisfactory results. GOD HAS NO MORE NEED OF THEM.
HIS ATTENTION IS NOW ON THAT WHICH IS TO BE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST, THE LAMB'S WIFE. THE CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, WHOSE BUILDER AND RULER IS GOD.
Psalms 122: I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:-- For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM: THEY SHALL PROSPER THAT LOVE THEE. Peace be within thy walls, [and] prosperity within thy palaces.
David was writing of the HEAVENLY JERUSALEM-- YOU AND ME!
We must move on to the "Better Things."
SONSHIP12 THE NEW JERUSALEM
THE NEW JERUSALEM
THE BRIDE
THE LAMB'S WIFE
We have done ourselves much harm, and waded out into a vast swamp of confusion by failing to recognize the difference in the meanings of words and names of places in the Bible.
One classic case in point is the word "Jerusalem". It is used over 800 times in the Bible, and MOST OF THE TIMES it is referring to a bunch of bricks, mortar, houses, etc. in a geographic location.
BUT NOT IN EVERY CASE. AND THESE EXCEPTIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT.
Example: The ancient city of Babylon was destroyed, but its splendor was such that it was known world-wide at that time. "Babylon" has been used as a type of other things and places in the Bible, where the name is used, to denote a WORLD WIDE SYSTEM OF BUSINESS (AND RELIGION). Babylon was the FIRST SEGMENT OF A FOUR-PART GENTILE WORLD KINGDOM. It was named by the Lord, "Thou art this head of gold." Dan 2:3
The WORSHIP OF GOLD had its roots in that ancient city. The use of gold as a standard medium of exchange has its roots in Babylon.
THE ANCIENT CITY OF JERUSALEM BECAME A SYMBOL OF THE WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY GOD. IN A SENSE, THE NAME REPRESENTED THE HEBREW PEOPLE.
Because of this symbolism, and because of our ignorance of what the Scriptures are trying to tell us, we have developed a teaching about the purposes of God which is very misleading, to say the least. We have, inadvertantly, destroyed the faith of millions, and directed the attention of millions more to what should be treated as "last-year's bird nest".
There are a few of the over 800 times "Jerusalem" is used in the Bible which would,(if we were not so steeped in the wrong teaching), direct us to the REAL PLAN AND PURPOSE OF GOD.
IN THESE FEW MENTIONS OF THE NAME "JERUSALEM" WE CAN FIND A TRUE READING OF THE SPIRITUAL COMPASS. We can get a proper "bearing" on the plan and purposes of God.
The REAL JERUSALEM for today is the ENTIRE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. (This includes whoever, and wherever, ALL WHO CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD.) God does not recognize our denominational system. It bothers Him, and He does not like it-- not even a little bit.
THE ENTIRE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IS WHAT WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS THE THE BRIDE, THE LAMB'S WIFE-- AFTER THE LORD DOES WHAT HE IS PLANNING TO DO IN HER MIDST. ( SHE IS PREGNANT, AND THE "DUE DATE" IS APPROACHING.) SHE IS (RIGHT NOW) THE "CITY OF GOD"-- THE CITY WHICH COMES DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN-- WILL BECOME THE "CITY FOURSQUARE."
A MUCH SMALLER COMPANY OF PEOPLE (OVERCOMERS) WILL COME OUT OF HER, TO RULE (FEED, NOURISH) ALL NATIONS WITH A ROD OF IRON.
GEOGRAPHIC JERUSALEM IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD. He has His own City "WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS" with which He is working now. "Not built with hands."
Here are a few scriptures to read, which deal with the subject.
Galatians 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Hebrews 12:22 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,
Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
THE BRIDE
THE LAMB'S WIFE
We have done ourselves much harm, and waded out into a vast swamp of confusion by failing to recognize the difference in the meanings of words and names of places in the Bible.
One classic case in point is the word "Jerusalem". It is used over 800 times in the Bible, and MOST OF THE TIMES it is referring to a bunch of bricks, mortar, houses, etc. in a geographic location.
BUT NOT IN EVERY CASE. AND THESE EXCEPTIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT.
Example: The ancient city of Babylon was destroyed, but its splendor was such that it was known world-wide at that time. "Babylon" has been used as a type of other things and places in the Bible, where the name is used, to denote a WORLD WIDE SYSTEM OF BUSINESS (AND RELIGION). Babylon was the FIRST SEGMENT OF A FOUR-PART GENTILE WORLD KINGDOM. It was named by the Lord, "Thou art this head of gold." Dan 2:3
The WORSHIP OF GOLD had its roots in that ancient city. The use of gold as a standard medium of exchange has its roots in Babylon.
THE ANCIENT CITY OF JERUSALEM BECAME A SYMBOL OF THE WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY GOD. IN A SENSE, THE NAME REPRESENTED THE HEBREW PEOPLE.
Because of this symbolism, and because of our ignorance of what the Scriptures are trying to tell us, we have developed a teaching about the purposes of God which is very misleading, to say the least. We have, inadvertantly, destroyed the faith of millions, and directed the attention of millions more to what should be treated as "last-year's bird nest".
There are a few of the over 800 times "Jerusalem" is used in the Bible which would,(if we were not so steeped in the wrong teaching), direct us to the REAL PLAN AND PURPOSE OF GOD.
IN THESE FEW MENTIONS OF THE NAME "JERUSALEM" WE CAN FIND A TRUE READING OF THE SPIRITUAL COMPASS. We can get a proper "bearing" on the plan and purposes of God.
The REAL JERUSALEM for today is the ENTIRE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. (This includes whoever, and wherever, ALL WHO CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD.) God does not recognize our denominational system. It bothers Him, and He does not like it-- not even a little bit.
THE ENTIRE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IS WHAT WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS THE THE BRIDE, THE LAMB'S WIFE-- AFTER THE LORD DOES WHAT HE IS PLANNING TO DO IN HER MIDST. ( SHE IS PREGNANT, AND THE "DUE DATE" IS APPROACHING.) SHE IS (RIGHT NOW) THE "CITY OF GOD"-- THE CITY WHICH COMES DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN-- WILL BECOME THE "CITY FOURSQUARE."
A MUCH SMALLER COMPANY OF PEOPLE (OVERCOMERS) WILL COME OUT OF HER, TO RULE (FEED, NOURISH) ALL NATIONS WITH A ROD OF IRON.
GEOGRAPHIC JERUSALEM IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD. He has His own City "WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS" with which He is working now. "Not built with hands."
Here are a few scriptures to read, which deal with the subject.
Galatians 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Hebrews 12:22 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,
Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
SONSHIP 11 ZION, CITY OF GOD
ZION, THE CITY OF GOD
THE MOUNTAIN OF HOLINESS
MY HOLY MOUNTAIN
THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY
There is a great number of scriptures which mention Zion, and it is very easy to pass over them without receiving the import of what is being said. It is only as we are SEEKING TRUTH that we will be able to see and understand what the Lord is trying to tell us by these seemingly casual mentionings of the term ZION.
The NATURAL ZION was, and is yet, the HIGHER of THE TWO MAIN HILLS in the city of Jerusalem.
David made Zion his city (city of David). He made it the SEAT OF GOVERNMENT for the whole kingdom. It is the highest you can get in the city of Jerusalem.
The LORD made Mt. Moriah the WORSHIP CENTER of the Kingdom when He had Abraham sacrifice Isaac there nearly a millenium before David made Zion the Government center.
These two hills in Jerusalem, Moriah and Zion, have served as TYPES of what WILL BE in, the economy of God, in the last days.
We are given to know, in no uncertain terms, that they are natural symbols of a Spiritual Reality today. The NATURAL has SERVED ITS PURPOSE. It is no longer significant.
Hebrews 12:18 For ye are NOT come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (FOR THEY COULD NOT ENDURE THAT WHICH WAS COMMANDED, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 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.
MORIAH AND ZION REPRESENTED TWO COMPANIES OF LAST-DAY PEOPLE.
MORIAH was used to represent the ENTIRE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
ZION WAS USED TO REPRESENT THE OVERCOMERS-- WHO HAVE BEEN DEEMED WORTHY TO BE CHOSEN AS THE BODY OF CHRIST. (We will have more on that later.)
Below are a few scriptures which, I believe, are applicable to the company known as MOUNT SION. BEAR IN MIND THAT THESE ARE PEOPLE (HUMAN BEINGS) WHO HAVE RECEIVED A SPECIAL ANOINTING FOR A SPECIAL PURPOSE. THEY ARE YET MORTALS.
Psalms 48:2 BEAUTIFUL FOR SITUATION, THE JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH, [IS] MOUNT ZION, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Psalms 50:2 Out of Zion, THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY, God hath shined.
Psalms 87:2 The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Obadiah 1:17 But UPON MOUNT ZION SHALL BE DELIVERANCE, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
Obadiah 1:21 And SAVIOURS SHALL COME UP ON MOUNT ZION to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.
Psalms 2:6 Yet have I SET MY KING UPON MY HOLY HILL OF ZION.
I Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I LAY IN SION A CHIEF CORNER STONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. THESE WERE REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN, [BEING] THE FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD AND TO THE LAMB.
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;
Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Joel 3:16 The LORD also shall ROAR out of Zion, and UTTER HIS VOICE from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Psalms 102:16 WHEN THE LORD SHALL BUILD UP ZION, HE SHALL APPEAR IN HIS GLORY.
Psalms 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
Psalms 128:5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Psalms 134:3 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION FOR A FOUNDATION A STONE, A TRIED STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER [STONE], A SURE FOUNDATION: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Isaiah 33:5 The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.
Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Psalms 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD, WHICH DWELLETH IN ZION: declare among the people his doings.
Psalms 14:7 Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.
Micah 4:11 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. BUT THEY KNOW NOT THE THOUGHTS OF THE LORD, NEITHER UNDERSTAND THEY HIS COUNSEL: FOR HE SHALL GATHER THEM AS THE SHEAVES INTO THE FLOOR.
THE MOUNTAIN OF HOLINESS
MY HOLY MOUNTAIN
THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY
There is a great number of scriptures which mention Zion, and it is very easy to pass over them without receiving the import of what is being said. It is only as we are SEEKING TRUTH that we will be able to see and understand what the Lord is trying to tell us by these seemingly casual mentionings of the term ZION.
The NATURAL ZION was, and is yet, the HIGHER of THE TWO MAIN HILLS in the city of Jerusalem.
David made Zion his city (city of David). He made it the SEAT OF GOVERNMENT for the whole kingdom. It is the highest you can get in the city of Jerusalem.
The LORD made Mt. Moriah the WORSHIP CENTER of the Kingdom when He had Abraham sacrifice Isaac there nearly a millenium before David made Zion the Government center.
These two hills in Jerusalem, Moriah and Zion, have served as TYPES of what WILL BE in, the economy of God, in the last days.
We are given to know, in no uncertain terms, that they are natural symbols of a Spiritual Reality today. The NATURAL has SERVED ITS PURPOSE. It is no longer significant.
Hebrews 12:18 For ye are NOT come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (FOR THEY COULD NOT ENDURE THAT WHICH WAS COMMANDED, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 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.
MORIAH AND ZION REPRESENTED TWO COMPANIES OF LAST-DAY PEOPLE.
MORIAH was used to represent the ENTIRE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
ZION WAS USED TO REPRESENT THE OVERCOMERS-- WHO HAVE BEEN DEEMED WORTHY TO BE CHOSEN AS THE BODY OF CHRIST. (We will have more on that later.)
Below are a few scriptures which, I believe, are applicable to the company known as MOUNT SION. BEAR IN MIND THAT THESE ARE PEOPLE (HUMAN BEINGS) WHO HAVE RECEIVED A SPECIAL ANOINTING FOR A SPECIAL PURPOSE. THEY ARE YET MORTALS.
Psalms 48:2 BEAUTIFUL FOR SITUATION, THE JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH, [IS] MOUNT ZION, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Psalms 50:2 Out of Zion, THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY, God hath shined.
Psalms 87:2 The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Obadiah 1:17 But UPON MOUNT ZION SHALL BE DELIVERANCE, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
Obadiah 1:21 And SAVIOURS SHALL COME UP ON MOUNT ZION to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.
Psalms 2:6 Yet have I SET MY KING UPON MY HOLY HILL OF ZION.
I Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I LAY IN SION A CHIEF CORNER STONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. THESE WERE REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN, [BEING] THE FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD AND TO THE LAMB.
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;
Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Joel 3:16 The LORD also shall ROAR out of Zion, and UTTER HIS VOICE from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Psalms 102:16 WHEN THE LORD SHALL BUILD UP ZION, HE SHALL APPEAR IN HIS GLORY.
Psalms 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
Psalms 128:5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Psalms 134:3 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION FOR A FOUNDATION A STONE, A TRIED STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER [STONE], A SURE FOUNDATION: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Isaiah 33:5 The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.
Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Psalms 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD, WHICH DWELLETH IN ZION: declare among the people his doings.
Psalms 14:7 Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.
Micah 4:11 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. BUT THEY KNOW NOT THE THOUGHTS OF THE LORD, NEITHER UNDERSTAND THEY HIS COUNSEL: FOR HE SHALL GATHER THEM AS THE SHEAVES INTO THE FLOOR.
SONSHIP 10 ONE OF A CITY
ONE OF A CITY
After the ten-tribed Israel had been taken into Assyrian captivity, the Southern kingdom of Judah fell into the same terribly sinful condition which had caused the captivity of the Northern kingdom.
In chiding with Judah, the Lord wrote to the Northern kingdom some statements which were prophetic-- spoken concerning the people who live today, and are followers of the Lord.
It was a clarion call at that time-- for Israel to repent of her sins and return to the ways of the Lord. It was also a clarion call to the Christians of today who have backslidden into the denominational system (with the resultant captivity) which we have today.
Malachi bemoaned the fact that integrity and morals had deteriorated to the place that evil was called good, and good was called evil. We find ourselves in the same condition today. Business men say they can not be honest and prosper. Church and denominational leaders today say they can not embrace the true principals of Christianity. To do so would wreck their system. The "system" has become a form of business-- and a cut-throat business at that. Little wonder the wrath of the Lord is building to explosive proportions.
When the "system" is crushed-- many of its leaders will also be crushed. God is not, however, primarily displeased with MEN who believe on Him. He is displeased with how men have become CAPTIVE to that which they have invented-- "to further the Gospel". It (the system) has become a "Frankenstein" of sorts, and is a very cruel taskmaster.
Yet, ironically, out of, and in spite of, the mess which the Christian community finds itself in today, God will perform His Will and Plan for his Blood-bought people world-wide.
You don't believe He can do it? Think again, friend. Look at the mess which the Hebrew people were in at the time of the birth, life, and crucifixion of Jesus. Did that deter the Lord from the timing and performance of His Plan? NO!!!
The message to ten-tribed Israel was: Jeremiah 3:12-14 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I WILL TAKE YOU ONE OF A CITY, AND TWO OF A FAMILY, AND I WILL BRING YOU TO ZION:
The prophet Ezekiel was given a vision which troubled him very much. He saw a terrible thing taking place among the leaders of Israel, and it was causing the people to commit a very great sin. The Lord sent a man with an ink horn among the people-- to put a mark upon those who "sighed and cried" over the abominations which were committed. Then, another was commissioned to go through the nation and slay everyone who did not have the mark on them. When so many were slain, and Ezekiel was spared, he cried out to the Lord, "Lord, will you kill EVERYONE?" See Ezek chs. 8 & 9
These two portions of scripture are prophetic, in that they give us an idea of what and how God is working within the Christian Community today-- selecting and marking a group of people who are meeting the demands of a Holy God for THEIR lives in this day. You and I have no way of knowing who they are, for we can judge by appearances only. GOD KNOWS THE HEART.
They are NOT PERFECT. No one is. But, their manner of life-- dictated by their heart condition, is such that God considers them to be CANDIDATES for the special ANOINTING AND IMPARTATION OF HIS SPIRIT which will empower them to do what He has DETERMINED shall be done in the TIME OF THE HARVEST.
MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN.
II Peter 1:10,11 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
YOU AND I CAN BECOME CANDIDATES!
After the ten-tribed Israel had been taken into Assyrian captivity, the Southern kingdom of Judah fell into the same terribly sinful condition which had caused the captivity of the Northern kingdom.
In chiding with Judah, the Lord wrote to the Northern kingdom some statements which were prophetic-- spoken concerning the people who live today, and are followers of the Lord.
It was a clarion call at that time-- for Israel to repent of her sins and return to the ways of the Lord. It was also a clarion call to the Christians of today who have backslidden into the denominational system (with the resultant captivity) which we have today.
Malachi bemoaned the fact that integrity and morals had deteriorated to the place that evil was called good, and good was called evil. We find ourselves in the same condition today. Business men say they can not be honest and prosper. Church and denominational leaders today say they can not embrace the true principals of Christianity. To do so would wreck their system. The "system" has become a form of business-- and a cut-throat business at that. Little wonder the wrath of the Lord is building to explosive proportions.
When the "system" is crushed-- many of its leaders will also be crushed. God is not, however, primarily displeased with MEN who believe on Him. He is displeased with how men have become CAPTIVE to that which they have invented-- "to further the Gospel". It (the system) has become a "Frankenstein" of sorts, and is a very cruel taskmaster.
Yet, ironically, out of, and in spite of, the mess which the Christian community finds itself in today, God will perform His Will and Plan for his Blood-bought people world-wide.
You don't believe He can do it? Think again, friend. Look at the mess which the Hebrew people were in at the time of the birth, life, and crucifixion of Jesus. Did that deter the Lord from the timing and performance of His Plan? NO!!!
The message to ten-tribed Israel was: Jeremiah 3:12-14 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I WILL TAKE YOU ONE OF A CITY, AND TWO OF A FAMILY, AND I WILL BRING YOU TO ZION:
The prophet Ezekiel was given a vision which troubled him very much. He saw a terrible thing taking place among the leaders of Israel, and it was causing the people to commit a very great sin. The Lord sent a man with an ink horn among the people-- to put a mark upon those who "sighed and cried" over the abominations which were committed. Then, another was commissioned to go through the nation and slay everyone who did not have the mark on them. When so many were slain, and Ezekiel was spared, he cried out to the Lord, "Lord, will you kill EVERYONE?" See Ezek chs. 8 & 9
These two portions of scripture are prophetic, in that they give us an idea of what and how God is working within the Christian Community today-- selecting and marking a group of people who are meeting the demands of a Holy God for THEIR lives in this day. You and I have no way of knowing who they are, for we can judge by appearances only. GOD KNOWS THE HEART.
They are NOT PERFECT. No one is. But, their manner of life-- dictated by their heart condition, is such that God considers them to be CANDIDATES for the special ANOINTING AND IMPARTATION OF HIS SPIRIT which will empower them to do what He has DETERMINED shall be done in the TIME OF THE HARVEST.
MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN.
II Peter 1:10,11 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
YOU AND I CAN BECOME CANDIDATES!
SONSHIP 9 WALKING IN REPENTANCE
WALKING IN REPENTANCE
Matthew 5:4 Blessed [are] they that mourn (repent): for they shall be comforted.
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn (repent) in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning(repentance), the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Once, long ago, I asked the Lord to explain to me the true meaning of Repentance. "What does it mean to repent?" Then, I forgot about it. Some time afterward, the Lord gave me an answer which shocked me. I'll share it with you.
I was doing a study on the word "iniquity" to see if any pattern would emerge which would give me a more clear understanding of what it meant. When I was finished with the study, I had come to the conclusion that "iniquity" is merely another word for the "Adamic Nature". It is something we POSSESS, rather than something we DO. In other words, INIQUITY IN OUR NATURE IS THE CAUSE OF SINFUL ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES.
THERE WAS MY ANSWER FOR THE MEANING OF, AND THE NEED FOR REPENTANCE.
That was the ATTITUDE OF HEART which made David such a beloved person in the sight of the Lord. If you want an eye-opener, check out the places in the Psalms where David pleaded for Mercy, and for Deliverance-- not only for WHAT HE HAD DONE, but for WHAT HE WAS in his flesh.
INIQUITY comes in many different shapes and sizes-- like PRIDE, ARROGANCE, etc. To act PROUDLY, OR ARROGANTLY is the essence of WORKING INIQUITY.
I asked the Lord to do something about what I had learned-- in my own life. Thank God, He is!
Now, I am NOT a person given to introspection, or to retrospection-- by nature. My general attitude has been, "What's done is done-- don't spend time crying about it. Get up and go on."
But, in direct answer to my having asked God for some action on His part, He gave me SPACE FOR REPENTANCE.
Many times I had repented of actions which had been wrong, and had harmed other people-- doing the best I could to rectify the mistakes I had made. I knew how to do that.
But, the PROBE OF THE SPIRIT was destined to go deeper than the surface of my life. He began to show me how wrong some of my MOTIVES had been-- what had prompted some of my NON-SINFUL ACTIONS. They didn't look so good-- under the searchlight of His Spirit.
How happy I have been that God, in His Mercy, began to SHOW MYSELF TO ME-- without benefit of cosmetic cover. "I try the reins, I search the heart."
He has now brought me to the place that I cry out, with David, "Oh Lord, have mercy on me, for I am weak.(Psa 6:2) DELIVER my soul-- (Psa 116:4) "SAVE ME FROM MYSELF."
The Lord caused the Prophet Isaiah to write, Isaiah 66:2 For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but TO THIS [MAN] WILL I LOOK, [EVEN] TO [HIM THAT IS] POOR AND OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT, AND TREMBLETH AT MY WORD.
He caused Joel to write: Joel 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Jesus preached: Matthew 5:3 Blessed [are] the POOR IN SPIRIT: (the spirit of MAN) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 6:21 Blessed [are ye] that hunger (FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS) for ye filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep (over your lack of inner righteousness) now: for ye shall laugh.
Luke 6:25 Woe unto you that are full (of the self-life)! for ye shall hunger (spiritually). Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
James wrote: James 4:9 Be AFFLICTED, and MOURN, and WEEP: (OVER THE INBRED INIQUITY IN OUR HEARTS) let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness.
GENUINE REPENTANCE IS A GIFT FROM GOD.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles GRANTED REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Oh Lord, LEAD US, BY YOUR GOODNESS, TO REPENTANCE.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed [are] they that mourn (repent): for they shall be comforted.
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn (repent) in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning(repentance), the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Once, long ago, I asked the Lord to explain to me the true meaning of Repentance. "What does it mean to repent?" Then, I forgot about it. Some time afterward, the Lord gave me an answer which shocked me. I'll share it with you.
I was doing a study on the word "iniquity" to see if any pattern would emerge which would give me a more clear understanding of what it meant. When I was finished with the study, I had come to the conclusion that "iniquity" is merely another word for the "Adamic Nature". It is something we POSSESS, rather than something we DO. In other words, INIQUITY IN OUR NATURE IS THE CAUSE OF SINFUL ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES.
THERE WAS MY ANSWER FOR THE MEANING OF, AND THE NEED FOR REPENTANCE.
That was the ATTITUDE OF HEART which made David such a beloved person in the sight of the Lord. If you want an eye-opener, check out the places in the Psalms where David pleaded for Mercy, and for Deliverance-- not only for WHAT HE HAD DONE, but for WHAT HE WAS in his flesh.
INIQUITY comes in many different shapes and sizes-- like PRIDE, ARROGANCE, etc. To act PROUDLY, OR ARROGANTLY is the essence of WORKING INIQUITY.
I asked the Lord to do something about what I had learned-- in my own life. Thank God, He is!
Now, I am NOT a person given to introspection, or to retrospection-- by nature. My general attitude has been, "What's done is done-- don't spend time crying about it. Get up and go on."
But, in direct answer to my having asked God for some action on His part, He gave me SPACE FOR REPENTANCE.
Many times I had repented of actions which had been wrong, and had harmed other people-- doing the best I could to rectify the mistakes I had made. I knew how to do that.
But, the PROBE OF THE SPIRIT was destined to go deeper than the surface of my life. He began to show me how wrong some of my MOTIVES had been-- what had prompted some of my NON-SINFUL ACTIONS. They didn't look so good-- under the searchlight of His Spirit.
How happy I have been that God, in His Mercy, began to SHOW MYSELF TO ME-- without benefit of cosmetic cover. "I try the reins, I search the heart."
He has now brought me to the place that I cry out, with David, "Oh Lord, have mercy on me, for I am weak.(Psa 6:2) DELIVER my soul-- (Psa 116:4) "SAVE ME FROM MYSELF."
The Lord caused the Prophet Isaiah to write, Isaiah 66:2 For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but TO THIS [MAN] WILL I LOOK, [EVEN] TO [HIM THAT IS] POOR AND OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT, AND TREMBLETH AT MY WORD.
He caused Joel to write: Joel 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Jesus preached: Matthew 5:3 Blessed [are] the POOR IN SPIRIT: (the spirit of MAN) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 6:21 Blessed [are ye] that hunger (FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS) for ye filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep (over your lack of inner righteousness) now: for ye shall laugh.
Luke 6:25 Woe unto you that are full (of the self-life)! for ye shall hunger (spiritually). Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
James wrote: James 4:9 Be AFFLICTED, and MOURN, and WEEP: (OVER THE INBRED INIQUITY IN OUR HEARTS) let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness.
GENUINE REPENTANCE IS A GIFT FROM GOD.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles GRANTED REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Oh Lord, LEAD US, BY YOUR GOODNESS, TO REPENTANCE.
SONSHIP 8 AM I QUALIFIED?
AM I QUALIFIED?
If there is to be a people who will be SPECIALLY EQUIPPED to do a SPECIAL WORK WITH THE LORD as we move into a different segment of the Plan of the Ages, AM I QUALIFIED for a position on the team? NO!
The sad fact is that we are completely HELPLESS in equipping OURSELVES for membership in this SPECIAL ARMY which God will raise up in a DAY, in a MOMENT, in the TWINKLING OF AN EYE. Who would nail that last pound of our flesh nature to our cross? No, the BEST we can do is to fail.
Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! WHO SHALL DELIVER ME from the body of this death? (Another rendering of this is: "Who shall deliver me from this body of death?")
The Holy Ghost was causing Paul to refer to a custom in some areas of punishing a murderer. The dead body of his victim would be fastened to his own body, and he could not get free from the putrifying, stinking dead body. He was forced to carry it, until it killed his own body. A very remarkable picture of the condition of each of us today. However we try, we can not get free from a body that is saturated with the results of the disobedience of Adam in the Garden of Eden.
Our body (the nature of man) is "Sold under sin" and can not be changed by human efforts. We can give it fancy names, such as "disadvantaged", "challenged", etc., but it still "stinks" just the same.
Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.
Well, since we can not qualify by our own efforts, WHY EVEN TRY? We have run into this question many times.
The answer is really very simple.
The CHOOSING of the members of this ARMY will be done BY GOD ALONE. We are totally helpless to change ourselves into a vessel which He can use.
But, we are given to understand that He WILL CHOOSE FROM AMONG THOSE WHO ARE STRIVING DILIGENTLY TO BECOME CANDIDATES FOR THAT CHOOSING. The best we can do is to become a CANDIDATE for the choosing.
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE OF OUR BODIES (NATURE AND WORKS) IS MOST CRITICAL HERE.
Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye THROUGH THE SPIRIT do mortify (control) the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
I Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and BRING [IT] INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I MYSELF SHOULD BE A CASTAWAY (Unfit for service).
Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that FEARED THE LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and A BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE WAS WRITTEN BEFORE HIM FOR THEM THAT FEARED THE LORD, AND THAT THOUGHT (GUIDED THEIR LIVES BY) UPON HIS NAME. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD OF HOSTS (THE LORD OF THE ARMY OF HEAVEN), in that day when I make up my jewels (MY CONQUERING ARMY, MY REAPERS); and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
When will this army be mustered? Only He knows.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:
If there is to be a people who will be SPECIALLY EQUIPPED to do a SPECIAL WORK WITH THE LORD as we move into a different segment of the Plan of the Ages, AM I QUALIFIED for a position on the team? NO!
The sad fact is that we are completely HELPLESS in equipping OURSELVES for membership in this SPECIAL ARMY which God will raise up in a DAY, in a MOMENT, in the TWINKLING OF AN EYE. Who would nail that last pound of our flesh nature to our cross? No, the BEST we can do is to fail.
Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! WHO SHALL DELIVER ME from the body of this death? (Another rendering of this is: "Who shall deliver me from this body of death?")
The Holy Ghost was causing Paul to refer to a custom in some areas of punishing a murderer. The dead body of his victim would be fastened to his own body, and he could not get free from the putrifying, stinking dead body. He was forced to carry it, until it killed his own body. A very remarkable picture of the condition of each of us today. However we try, we can not get free from a body that is saturated with the results of the disobedience of Adam in the Garden of Eden.
Our body (the nature of man) is "Sold under sin" and can not be changed by human efforts. We can give it fancy names, such as "disadvantaged", "challenged", etc., but it still "stinks" just the same.
Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.
Well, since we can not qualify by our own efforts, WHY EVEN TRY? We have run into this question many times.
The answer is really very simple.
The CHOOSING of the members of this ARMY will be done BY GOD ALONE. We are totally helpless to change ourselves into a vessel which He can use.
But, we are given to understand that He WILL CHOOSE FROM AMONG THOSE WHO ARE STRIVING DILIGENTLY TO BECOME CANDIDATES FOR THAT CHOOSING. The best we can do is to become a CANDIDATE for the choosing.
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE OF OUR BODIES (NATURE AND WORKS) IS MOST CRITICAL HERE.
Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye THROUGH THE SPIRIT do mortify (control) the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
I Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and BRING [IT] INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I MYSELF SHOULD BE A CASTAWAY (Unfit for service).
Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that FEARED THE LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and A BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE WAS WRITTEN BEFORE HIM FOR THEM THAT FEARED THE LORD, AND THAT THOUGHT (GUIDED THEIR LIVES BY) UPON HIS NAME. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD OF HOSTS (THE LORD OF THE ARMY OF HEAVEN), in that day when I make up my jewels (MY CONQUERING ARMY, MY REAPERS); and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
When will this army be mustered? Only He knows.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:
SONSHIP 7 WHO SHALL ASCEND?
WHO SHALL ASCEND?
Psalms 24:3-5 Who shall ASCEND into the HILL OF THE LORD? or who shall STAND in HIS HOLY PLACE? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD--
Psalms 15:1-5 LORD, who shall ABIDE in thy TABERNACLE? who shall DWELL in thy HOLY HILL? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.
Notice, please, that the Psalmist did NOT ask who could be saved from sin and make Heaven their home. Those are FREE for the asking, with no effort on our part except to ask for, and receive, God's provision for the welfare of our soul.
But, to ascend to the HILL OF THE LORD is quite another subject entirely, and seems to be very much dependent upon what we allow or disallow in our personal character and conduct.
The HILL OF THE LORD is identified in other places as being the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Psalms 48:1 Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Also, the HILL OF THE LORD is NOT A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. Rather-- it is A SPIRITUAL CONDITION WHICH WE ACHIEVE BY OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD-- COUPLED WITH HIS SPIRIT.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will TEACH US OF HIS WAYS, AND WE WILL WALK IN HIS PATHS: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
How many times? How easy it is for us to ignore the known Word of God, and do what our own desires dictate in any given situation. Too often for comfort, when faced with the reality of our choices. There is no one to FORCE us to act according to the Word and Spirit of God. Judging from God's apparent disregard for our actions, we seem to think that He doesn't care, or is taking no account of our disregard of His Word.
But, such is not the case, for it is all recorded, and will tip the balance one way or the other-- usually in a negative way.
And, please note, we can continue for an indefinite period of time in our own actions and reactions, and still be among those who will make Heaven our home in the next life.
But that is NOT WHAT SONSHIP IS ALL ABOUT. SONSHIP is about God MUSTERING AND TRAINING an "ARMY" through which He can tear down the Kingdoms of this world, and replace them with HIS KINGDOM ON EARTH.
Do we want to be in that "Army?"
YES! YES! YES!
SONSHIP is about SENDING REAPERS INTO THE WORLD TO REAP A HARVEST FOR THE LORD.
THE REAPERS MUST HAVE A SPECIAL ANOINTING FOR THE JOB. It can not be done by just anyone who decides they want to work. We have enough of that being done now-- with pitifully small results. BUT, THE REAPERS WILL REAP!
Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the TIME OF THE HARVEST I will say TO THE REAPERS, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
THE ENTIRE WORLD WILL BE CONFRONTED WITH THE REALITY OF JESUS CHRIST AS A RESULT OF THE ARMY OF THE LORD (OVERCOMERS) BEING SENT INTO THE HARVEST FIELD (WORLD)
Can we qualify for membership in this ARMY OF GOD?
YES, WE CAN, BUT IT WON'T BE EASY.
WHO SHALL ASCEND?
Psalms 24:3-5 Who shall ASCEND into the HILL OF THE LORD? or who shall STAND in HIS HOLY PLACE? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD--
Psalms 15:1-5 LORD, who shall ABIDE in thy TABERNACLE? who shall DWELL in thy HOLY HILL? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.
Notice, please, that the Psalmist did NOT ask who could be saved from sin and make Heaven their home. Those are FREE for the asking, with no effort on our part except to ask for, and receive, God's provision for the welfare of our soul.
But, to ascend to the HILL OF THE LORD is quite another subject entirely, and seems to be very much dependent upon what we allow or disallow in our personal character and conduct.
The HILL OF THE LORD is identified in other places as being the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Psalms 48:1 Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Also, the HILL OF THE LORD is NOT A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. Rather-- it is A SPIRITUAL CONDITION WHICH WE ACHIEVE BY OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD-- COUPLED WITH HIS SPIRIT.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will TEACH US OF HIS WAYS, AND WE WILL WALK IN HIS PATHS: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
How many times? How easy it is for us to ignore the known Word of God, and do what our own desires dictate in any given situation. Too often for comfort, when faced with the reality of our choices. There is no one to FORCE us to act according to the Word and Spirit of God. Judging from God's apparent disregard for our actions, we seem to think that He doesn't care, or is taking no account of our disregard of His Word.
But, such is not the case, for it is all recorded, and will tip the balance one way or the other-- usually in a negative way.
And, please note, we can continue for an indefinite period of time in our own actions and reactions, and still be among those who will make Heaven our home in the next life.
But that is NOT WHAT SONSHIP IS ALL ABOUT. SONSHIP is about God MUSTERING AND TRAINING an "ARMY" through which He can tear down the Kingdoms of this world, and replace them with HIS KINGDOM ON EARTH.
Do we want to be in that "Army?"
YES! YES! YES!
SONSHIP is about SENDING REAPERS INTO THE WORLD TO REAP A HARVEST FOR THE LORD.
THE REAPERS MUST HAVE A SPECIAL ANOINTING FOR THE JOB. It can not be done by just anyone who decides they want to work. We have enough of that being done now-- with pitifully small results. BUT, THE REAPERS WILL REAP!
Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the TIME OF THE HARVEST I will say TO THE REAPERS, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
THE ENTIRE WORLD WILL BE CONFRONTED WITH THE REALITY OF JESUS CHRIST AS A RESULT OF THE ARMY OF THE LORD (OVERCOMERS) BEING SENT INTO THE HARVEST FIELD (WORLD)
Can we qualify for membership in this ARMY OF GOD?
YES, WE CAN, BUT IT WON'T BE EASY.
Psalms 24:3-5 Who shall ASCEND into the HILL OF THE LORD? or who shall STAND in HIS HOLY PLACE? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD--
Psalms 15:1-5 LORD, who shall ABIDE in thy TABERNACLE? who shall DWELL in thy HOLY HILL? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.
Notice, please, that the Psalmist did NOT ask who could be saved from sin and make Heaven their home. Those are FREE for the asking, with no effort on our part except to ask for, and receive, God's provision for the welfare of our soul.
But, to ascend to the HILL OF THE LORD is quite another subject entirely, and seems to be very much dependent upon what we allow or disallow in our personal character and conduct.
The HILL OF THE LORD is identified in other places as being the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Psalms 48:1 Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Also, the HILL OF THE LORD is NOT A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. Rather-- it is A SPIRITUAL CONDITION WHICH WE ACHIEVE BY OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD-- COUPLED WITH HIS SPIRIT.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will TEACH US OF HIS WAYS, AND WE WILL WALK IN HIS PATHS: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
How many times? How easy it is for us to ignore the known Word of God, and do what our own desires dictate in any given situation. Too often for comfort, when faced with the reality of our choices. There is no one to FORCE us to act according to the Word and Spirit of God. Judging from God's apparent disregard for our actions, we seem to think that He doesn't care, or is taking no account of our disregard of His Word.
But, such is not the case, for it is all recorded, and will tip the balance one way or the other-- usually in a negative way.
And, please note, we can continue for an indefinite period of time in our own actions and reactions, and still be among those who will make Heaven our home in the next life.
But that is NOT WHAT SONSHIP IS ALL ABOUT. SONSHIP is about God MUSTERING AND TRAINING an "ARMY" through which He can tear down the Kingdoms of this world, and replace them with HIS KINGDOM ON EARTH.
Do we want to be in that "Army?"
YES! YES! YES!
SONSHIP is about SENDING REAPERS INTO THE WORLD TO REAP A HARVEST FOR THE LORD.
THE REAPERS MUST HAVE A SPECIAL ANOINTING FOR THE JOB. It can not be done by just anyone who decides they want to work. We have enough of that being done now-- with pitifully small results. BUT, THE REAPERS WILL REAP!
Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the TIME OF THE HARVEST I will say TO THE REAPERS, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
THE ENTIRE WORLD WILL BE CONFRONTED WITH THE REALITY OF JESUS CHRIST AS A RESULT OF THE ARMY OF THE LORD (OVERCOMERS) BEING SENT INTO THE HARVEST FIELD (WORLD)
Can we qualify for membership in this ARMY OF GOD?
YES, WE CAN, BUT IT WON'T BE EASY.
WHO SHALL ASCEND?
Psalms 24:3-5 Who shall ASCEND into the HILL OF THE LORD? or who shall STAND in HIS HOLY PLACE? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD--
Psalms 15:1-5 LORD, who shall ABIDE in thy TABERNACLE? who shall DWELL in thy HOLY HILL? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.
Notice, please, that the Psalmist did NOT ask who could be saved from sin and make Heaven their home. Those are FREE for the asking, with no effort on our part except to ask for, and receive, God's provision for the welfare of our soul.
But, to ascend to the HILL OF THE LORD is quite another subject entirely, and seems to be very much dependent upon what we allow or disallow in our personal character and conduct.
The HILL OF THE LORD is identified in other places as being the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Psalms 48:1 Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Also, the HILL OF THE LORD is NOT A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. Rather-- it is A SPIRITUAL CONDITION WHICH WE ACHIEVE BY OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD-- COUPLED WITH HIS SPIRIT.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will TEACH US OF HIS WAYS, AND WE WILL WALK IN HIS PATHS: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
How many times? How easy it is for us to ignore the known Word of God, and do what our own desires dictate in any given situation. Too often for comfort, when faced with the reality of our choices. There is no one to FORCE us to act according to the Word and Spirit of God. Judging from God's apparent disregard for our actions, we seem to think that He doesn't care, or is taking no account of our disregard of His Word.
But, such is not the case, for it is all recorded, and will tip the balance one way or the other-- usually in a negative way.
And, please note, we can continue for an indefinite period of time in our own actions and reactions, and still be among those who will make Heaven our home in the next life.
But that is NOT WHAT SONSHIP IS ALL ABOUT. SONSHIP is about God MUSTERING AND TRAINING an "ARMY" through which He can tear down the Kingdoms of this world, and replace them with HIS KINGDOM ON EARTH.
Do we want to be in that "Army?"
YES! YES! YES!
SONSHIP is about SENDING REAPERS INTO THE WORLD TO REAP A HARVEST FOR THE LORD.
THE REAPERS MUST HAVE A SPECIAL ANOINTING FOR THE JOB. It can not be done by just anyone who decides they want to work. We have enough of that being done now-- with pitifully small results. BUT, THE REAPERS WILL REAP!
Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the TIME OF THE HARVEST I will say TO THE REAPERS, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
THE ENTIRE WORLD WILL BE CONFRONTED WITH THE REALITY OF JESUS CHRIST AS A RESULT OF THE ARMY OF THE LORD (OVERCOMERS) BEING SENT INTO THE HARVEST FIELD (WORLD)
Can we qualify for membership in this ARMY OF GOD?
YES, WE CAN, BUT IT WON'T BE EASY.
SONSHIP 6 THE OUT RESURRECTION
THE (OUT) RESURRECTION
Philippians 3:11 If BY ANY MEANS I might ATTAIN UNTO the RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.
The word "resurrection" which the Holy Ghost dictated here to Paul is only used once in the entire Bible. It denotes a resurrection that is over and above what anyone else can expect. And, it is to be a reward for personal diligence in matters pertaining to God, and His demands or expectations for our lives.
Literally, it means "A standing out from among the dead."
In other scriptures it is referred to as being the "first resurrection."
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such THE SECOND DEATH hath no power, but they shall be PRIESTS OF GOD and of Christ, and shall REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS.
In past years, Bible Scholars have told us that ALL CHRISTIANS would be in that first resurrection. But, the Scriptures do not bear this out at all.
Martyrs of all ages have endured hardships and persecutions for one purpose, mainly.
Hebrews 11:35 -- and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; THAT THEY MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER RESURRECTION.
Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that OVERCOMETH SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH.
Notice, please, that the promise of the First Resurrection, and being securely preserved from the possibility of the Second Death is ONLY given to the OVERCOMER.
Those in the Second Resurrection (General Resurrection) include ALL the non-overcoming Christians as well as the ungodly. They ALL have to stand in the judgment.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire.
The difference between the OVERCOMERS and those who do NOT overcome equals ANOTHER THOUSAND YEARS IN THE GRAVE. That, PLUS having to stand before the Judgment Throne of God after it is too late to do anything about it.
I Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
It means, simply, that WE MUST JUDGE OUR OWN WORKS in the light of the Word of God, and bring our works into line, if we hope to be listed among the OVERCOMERS.
It is the OVERCOMERS from this life who are destined to RULE AND REIGN with Jesus for a thousand years. The non-overcomers will still be in the graves.
The OVERCOMERS will be PRIESTS OF GOD.
No wonder Paul wrote, "This ONE THING I do."
It will be worth whatever price we are called upon to pay.
Philippians 3:11 If BY ANY MEANS I might ATTAIN UNTO the RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.
The word "resurrection" which the Holy Ghost dictated here to Paul is only used once in the entire Bible. It denotes a resurrection that is over and above what anyone else can expect. And, it is to be a reward for personal diligence in matters pertaining to God, and His demands or expectations for our lives.
Literally, it means "A standing out from among the dead."
In other scriptures it is referred to as being the "first resurrection."
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such THE SECOND DEATH hath no power, but they shall be PRIESTS OF GOD and of Christ, and shall REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS.
In past years, Bible Scholars have told us that ALL CHRISTIANS would be in that first resurrection. But, the Scriptures do not bear this out at all.
Martyrs of all ages have endured hardships and persecutions for one purpose, mainly.
Hebrews 11:35 -- and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; THAT THEY MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER RESURRECTION.
Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that OVERCOMETH SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH.
Notice, please, that the promise of the First Resurrection, and being securely preserved from the possibility of the Second Death is ONLY given to the OVERCOMER.
Those in the Second Resurrection (General Resurrection) include ALL the non-overcoming Christians as well as the ungodly. They ALL have to stand in the judgment.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire.
The difference between the OVERCOMERS and those who do NOT overcome equals ANOTHER THOUSAND YEARS IN THE GRAVE. That, PLUS having to stand before the Judgment Throne of God after it is too late to do anything about it.
I Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
It means, simply, that WE MUST JUDGE OUR OWN WORKS in the light of the Word of God, and bring our works into line, if we hope to be listed among the OVERCOMERS.
It is the OVERCOMERS from this life who are destined to RULE AND REIGN with Jesus for a thousand years. The non-overcomers will still be in the graves.
The OVERCOMERS will be PRIESTS OF GOD.
No wonder Paul wrote, "This ONE THING I do."
It will be worth whatever price we are called upon to pay.
SONSHIP 5 THE HIGH CALLING
THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD
Philippians 3:13,14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] ONE THING [I do], FORGETTING those things which are behind, and REACHING FORTH unto those things which are before, I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD in Christ Jesus.
We MUST IMPRESS upon you at this point that the Lord did NOT have SALVATION in mind when He caused these words to be penned by the Apostle Paul. The HIGH CALLING OF GOD is not bestowed upon us at the time we accept Jesus into our lives. Nor is it given when we receive the Holy Ghost Baptism. Those are BOTH GIVEN FREELY TO US AS WE COME TO JESUS.
To attain to the PRIZE of the HIGH CALLING requires MUCH EFFORT on our part. Yet, none of us can attain to it entirely by our own efforts. The best we can do is to MAKE OURSELVES A CANDIDATE for it. The CHOOSING is done by the Lord, WHO KNOWS THE HEART COMPLETELY.
Malachi 3:16,17 Then they that FEARED the LORD spake (lit. consulted) often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought (lit. reckoned) upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day WHEN I MAKE UP MY JEWELS;-- (mg. special treasure)
God has a pre-determined reward reserved for those whom He chooses for this honor.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [TO BE] CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, THAT HE MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
I Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
I Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
In a natural race or competitive event, there can only be ONE winner. But, with God, EVERYBODY has the opportunity to win. Do not give up in this race just because you don't "show as well" as another one does. God is dealing in "heart condition" rather than "surface appearance." You CAN be a WINNER.
I Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (fail to be an overcomer) II Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
II Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (The SPIRIT OF GOD MUST BE OUR TRAINER AND COACH.)
I BELIEVE that the criterion will be the degree to which we have overcome the spirit of Man in our lives, and how much we have cultivated the SPIRIT OF GOD (the NATURE OF GOD) INTO OUR LIVES.
Apparently, Paul achieved success in his struggle, for his last testimony was:
II Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
Philippians 3:13,14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] ONE THING [I do], FORGETTING those things which are behind, and REACHING FORTH unto those things which are before, I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD in Christ Jesus.
We MUST IMPRESS upon you at this point that the Lord did NOT have SALVATION in mind when He caused these words to be penned by the Apostle Paul. The HIGH CALLING OF GOD is not bestowed upon us at the time we accept Jesus into our lives. Nor is it given when we receive the Holy Ghost Baptism. Those are BOTH GIVEN FREELY TO US AS WE COME TO JESUS.
To attain to the PRIZE of the HIGH CALLING requires MUCH EFFORT on our part. Yet, none of us can attain to it entirely by our own efforts. The best we can do is to MAKE OURSELVES A CANDIDATE for it. The CHOOSING is done by the Lord, WHO KNOWS THE HEART COMPLETELY.
Malachi 3:16,17 Then they that FEARED the LORD spake (lit. consulted) often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought (lit. reckoned) upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day WHEN I MAKE UP MY JEWELS;-- (mg. special treasure)
God has a pre-determined reward reserved for those whom He chooses for this honor.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [TO BE] CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, THAT HE MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
I Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
I Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
In a natural race or competitive event, there can only be ONE winner. But, with God, EVERYBODY has the opportunity to win. Do not give up in this race just because you don't "show as well" as another one does. God is dealing in "heart condition" rather than "surface appearance." You CAN be a WINNER.
I Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (fail to be an overcomer) II Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
II Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (The SPIRIT OF GOD MUST BE OUR TRAINER AND COACH.)
I BELIEVE that the criterion will be the degree to which we have overcome the spirit of Man in our lives, and how much we have cultivated the SPIRIT OF GOD (the NATURE OF GOD) INTO OUR LIVES.
Apparently, Paul achieved success in his struggle, for his last testimony was:
II Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
SONSHIP 4 MY BRETHREN-- THE CONGREGATION
MY BRETHREN-- THE CONGREGATION
One more way in which there is shown a difference between the OVERCOMER and the "run-of-the-mill" Christian is in the usage of the terms "My Brethren" and "Congregation". It is not apparent in the casual observation of the Scriptures, but is there, non-the-less. Here are some outstanding examples, plus some other scriptures which bear out the same thought-- that our status in God is greatly dependent upon what use we make of the Word of God in its application to our own lives AFTER WE ARE INITIALLY SAVED.
WE ARE EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENT OF THE BELIEVER. WE, OURSELVES, DETERMINE OUR OWN DESTINY IN OUR PROGRESS IN SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENT.
Psalms 22:22 I will DECLARE THY NAME UNTO MY BRETHREN: in the MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION WILL I PRAISE THEE.
Psalms 102:21 To DECLARE THE NAME OF THE LORD IN ZION, and his PRAISE IN JERUSALEM;
Hebrews 2:11,12 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I WILL DECLARE THY NAME UNTO MY BRETHREN, in the MIDST OF THE CHURCH WILL I SING PRAISE UNTO THEE.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that he might be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
The NAME OF THE LORD embodies HIS NATURE, as Moses heard it in the Mount.
Exodus 34:6-7 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].
Psalms 103:7 He made known HIS WAYS UNTO MOSES, his ACTS UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
Deuteronomy 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, WHOM THE LORD KNEW FACE TO FACE,
PRAISE, AS WONDERFUL AS IT IS, IS SECONDARY TO "HEARING" THE NAME OF THE LORD.
The Lord will accept PRAISE from anyone-- regardless of their degree of Spiritual Maturity. But, to HEAR THE NAME OF THE LORD requires a large degree of personal refinement by the Word and Spirit of God.
ONLY GOD knows the heart of each individual. Therefore, only He can be the judge of who gets what.
Psalms 22:25 My praise [shall be] of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Psalms 35:18 I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
Psalms 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.
WHATEVER THE COST TO OURSELVES MAY BE, the PRIZE of the HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS will be worth all the price.
One more way in which there is shown a difference between the OVERCOMER and the "run-of-the-mill" Christian is in the usage of the terms "My Brethren" and "Congregation". It is not apparent in the casual observation of the Scriptures, but is there, non-the-less. Here are some outstanding examples, plus some other scriptures which bear out the same thought-- that our status in God is greatly dependent upon what use we make of the Word of God in its application to our own lives AFTER WE ARE INITIALLY SAVED.
WE ARE EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENT OF THE BELIEVER. WE, OURSELVES, DETERMINE OUR OWN DESTINY IN OUR PROGRESS IN SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENT.
Psalms 22:22 I will DECLARE THY NAME UNTO MY BRETHREN: in the MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION WILL I PRAISE THEE.
Psalms 102:21 To DECLARE THE NAME OF THE LORD IN ZION, and his PRAISE IN JERUSALEM;
Hebrews 2:11,12 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I WILL DECLARE THY NAME UNTO MY BRETHREN, in the MIDST OF THE CHURCH WILL I SING PRAISE UNTO THEE.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that he might be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
The NAME OF THE LORD embodies HIS NATURE, as Moses heard it in the Mount.
Exodus 34:6-7 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].
Psalms 103:7 He made known HIS WAYS UNTO MOSES, his ACTS UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
Deuteronomy 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, WHOM THE LORD KNEW FACE TO FACE,
PRAISE, AS WONDERFUL AS IT IS, IS SECONDARY TO "HEARING" THE NAME OF THE LORD.
The Lord will accept PRAISE from anyone-- regardless of their degree of Spiritual Maturity. But, to HEAR THE NAME OF THE LORD requires a large degree of personal refinement by the Word and Spirit of God.
ONLY GOD knows the heart of each individual. Therefore, only He can be the judge of who gets what.
Psalms 22:25 My praise [shall be] of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Psalms 35:18 I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
Psalms 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.
WHATEVER THE COST TO OURSELVES MAY BE, the PRIZE of the HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS will be worth all the price.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
SONSHIP 2 THE DIFFERENCE
THE DIFFERENCE
The DIFFERENCE between the "run-of-the-mill" Christians and the SONS OF GOD is described in many ways in the Bible.
The MOST OUTSTANDING DIFFERENCE is described in the letters to the SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA.
Each Church was given an INCENTIVE PROMISE "to him that OVERCOMETH".
We are NOT AUTOMATICALLY OVERCOMERS as a result of having been saved by the Blood of Jesus.
Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to BUY OF ME (NOT A GIFT) gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be RICH; (toward God) and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed (with acquired righteousness), and [that] the shame of thy nakedness (the lack of it) do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, THAT THOU MAYEST SEE.
II Peter 1:5-10 And beside this, GIVING ALL DILIGENCE, add (NOT A GIFT) to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. FOR IF THESE THINGS (ALL INTERNAL-- NOT EXTERNALS) BE IN YOU, AND ABOUND, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] BARREN NOR UNFRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. BUT HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS IS BLIND, AND CANNOT SEE AFAR OFF, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, GIVE DILIGENCE to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Abraham, along with the other heroes of faith, could "see afar off" because of the OBEDIENCE OF FAITH.
Hebrews 11:8-13 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, whose builder and maker [is] God. (Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.) Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the STARS OF THE SKY IN MULTITUDE (The SPIRITUAL SEED), and as the sand which is by the sea shore (THE NATURAL SEED) innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but HAVING SEEN THEM AFAR OFF, (3,000 YEARS AGO) AND WERE PERSUADED OF [THEM], (KNEW THEY WERE A REALITY) AND EMBRACED [THEM], (A LOVING RELATIONSHIP) AND CONFESSED THAT THEY WERE STRANGERS (NOT CITIZENS) AND PILGRIMS (TRANSIENT) ON THE EARTH.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: FOR HE HATH PREPARED FOR THEM A CITY.
The PROPHETIC MEANING of a CITY is that a GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN ACCORDANCE TO ONE LAW, OR GOVERNMENT. It does not indicate a geographical location, nor houses and streets as we know them today.
THAT IS ALSO WHAT IS MEANT BY THE DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a BRIDE adorned for her husband.
The DIFFERENCE between the "run-of-the-mill" Christians and the SONS OF GOD is described in many ways in the Bible.
The MOST OUTSTANDING DIFFERENCE is described in the letters to the SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA.
Each Church was given an INCENTIVE PROMISE "to him that OVERCOMETH".
We are NOT AUTOMATICALLY OVERCOMERS as a result of having been saved by the Blood of Jesus.
Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to BUY OF ME (NOT A GIFT) gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be RICH; (toward God) and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed (with acquired righteousness), and [that] the shame of thy nakedness (the lack of it) do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, THAT THOU MAYEST SEE.
II Peter 1:5-10 And beside this, GIVING ALL DILIGENCE, add (NOT A GIFT) to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. FOR IF THESE THINGS (ALL INTERNAL-- NOT EXTERNALS) BE IN YOU, AND ABOUND, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] BARREN NOR UNFRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. BUT HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS IS BLIND, AND CANNOT SEE AFAR OFF, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, GIVE DILIGENCE to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Abraham, along with the other heroes of faith, could "see afar off" because of the OBEDIENCE OF FAITH.
Hebrews 11:8-13 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, whose builder and maker [is] God. (Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.) Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the STARS OF THE SKY IN MULTITUDE (The SPIRITUAL SEED), and as the sand which is by the sea shore (THE NATURAL SEED) innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but HAVING SEEN THEM AFAR OFF, (3,000 YEARS AGO) AND WERE PERSUADED OF [THEM], (KNEW THEY WERE A REALITY) AND EMBRACED [THEM], (A LOVING RELATIONSHIP) AND CONFESSED THAT THEY WERE STRANGERS (NOT CITIZENS) AND PILGRIMS (TRANSIENT) ON THE EARTH.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: FOR HE HATH PREPARED FOR THEM A CITY.
The PROPHETIC MEANING of a CITY is that a GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN ACCORDANCE TO ONE LAW, OR GOVERNMENT. It does not indicate a geographical location, nor houses and streets as we know them today.
THAT IS ALSO WHAT IS MEANT BY THE DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a BRIDE adorned for her husband.
SONSHIP 1 THE SONS OF GODTHE SONS OF GOD
THE SONS OF GOD
Most Christians today believe that ALL CHRISTIANS are the SONS OF GOD. THIS IS NOT SO.
ALL CHRISTIANS have been offered the OPPORTUNITY to BECOME A SON OF GOD, but comparatively few of them will take advantage of that opportunity.
First, we have to KNOW that there is a DIFFERENCE between "run-of-the-mill" Christians and those who are "striving for the masteries" in their relationship to Jesus Christ.
This DIFFERENCE is described in many ways in the Bible.
John 1:12 But as many as RECEIVED HIM, (became a Christian) to them gave he POWER (privilege, opportunity) to become (by Spiritual Development) the (Matured) sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:
Luke 8:11-15 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, HAVING HEARD THE WORD, KEEP [IT], AND BRING FORTH FRUIT WITH PATIENCE.
Matthew, in his writing about the parable, uses language which is more easily understood when describing the difference which is seen in the way people relate to the Word of God after they become Christians.
Psalms 119:130 The ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS giveth LIGHT; it giveth UNDERSTANDING unto the simple.
Matthew 13:18-23 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the WORD OF THE KINGDOM, AND UNDERSTANDETH [IT] NOT, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that HEARETH THE WORD, AND ANON WITH JOY RECEIVETH IT; Yet hath he NOT ROOT IN HIMSELF, BUT DURETH FOR A WHILE: FOR WHEN TRIBULATION OR PERSECUTION ARISETH BECAUSE OF THE WORD, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that HEARETH THE WORD; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, CHOKE THE WORD, AND HE BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that HEARETH THE WORD, AND UNDERSTANDETH [IT]; WHICH ALSO BEARETH FRUIT, AND BRINGETH FORTH, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
II Corinthians 4:6 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.
Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; FOR OUR LAMPS (not enough light for the task at hand) ARE GONE OUT. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM THAT SELL, AND BUY FOR YOURSELVES. (The "light" given by the Word of God is NOT A GIFT, but something we acquire by APPLYING THE WORD TO OUR LIVES.)
UNDERSTANDING IS THE FRUIT (result) OF OBEDIENCE.
THE SONS OF GOD
Most Christians today believe that ALL CHRISTIANS are the SONS OF GOD. THIS IS NOT SO.
ALL CHRISTIANS have been offered the OPPORTUNITY to BECOME A SON OF GOD, but comparatively few of them will take advantage of that opportunity.
First, we have to KNOW that there is a DIFFERENCE between "run-of-the-mill" Christians and those who are "striving for the masteries" in their relationship to Jesus Christ.
This DIFFERENCE is described in many ways in the Bible.
John 1:12 But as many as RECEIVED HIM, (became a Christian) to them gave he POWER (privilege, opportunity) to become (by Spiritual Development) the (Matured) sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:
Luke 8:11-15 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, HAVING HEARD THE WORD, KEEP [IT], AND BRING FORTH FRUIT WITH PATIENCE.
Matthew, in his writing about the parable, uses language which is more easily understood when describing the difference which is seen in the way people relate to the Word of God after they become Christians.
Psalms 119:130 The ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS giveth LIGHT; it giveth UNDERSTANDING unto the simple.
Matthew 13:18-23 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the WORD OF THE KINGDOM, AND UNDERSTANDETH [IT] NOT, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that HEARETH THE WORD, AND ANON WITH JOY RECEIVETH IT; Yet hath he NOT ROOT IN HIMSELF, BUT DURETH FOR A WHILE: FOR WHEN TRIBULATION OR PERSECUTION ARISETH BECAUSE OF THE WORD, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that HEARETH THE WORD; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, CHOKE THE WORD, AND HE BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that HEARETH THE WORD, AND UNDERSTANDETH [IT]; WHICH ALSO BEARETH FRUIT, AND BRINGETH FORTH, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
II Corinthians 4:6 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.
Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; FOR OUR LAMPS (not enough light for the task at hand) ARE GONE OUT. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM THAT SELL, AND BUY FOR YOURSELVES. (The "light" given by the Word of God is NOT A GIFT, but something we acquire by APPLYING THE WORD TO OUR LIVES.)
UNDERSTANDING IS THE FRUIT (result) OF OBEDIENCE.
Most Christians today believe that ALL CHRISTIANS are the SONS OF GOD. THIS IS NOT SO.
ALL CHRISTIANS have been offered the OPPORTUNITY to BECOME A SON OF GOD, but comparatively few of them will take advantage of that opportunity.
First, we have to KNOW that there is a DIFFERENCE between "run-of-the-mill" Christians and those who are "striving for the masteries" in their relationship to Jesus Christ.
This DIFFERENCE is described in many ways in the Bible.
John 1:12 But as many as RECEIVED HIM, (became a Christian) to them gave he POWER (privilege, opportunity) to become (by Spiritual Development) the (Matured) sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:
Luke 8:11-15 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, HAVING HEARD THE WORD, KEEP [IT], AND BRING FORTH FRUIT WITH PATIENCE.
Matthew, in his writing about the parable, uses language which is more easily understood when describing the difference which is seen in the way people relate to the Word of God after they become Christians.
Psalms 119:130 The ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS giveth LIGHT; it giveth UNDERSTANDING unto the simple.
Matthew 13:18-23 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the WORD OF THE KINGDOM, AND UNDERSTANDETH [IT] NOT, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that HEARETH THE WORD, AND ANON WITH JOY RECEIVETH IT; Yet hath he NOT ROOT IN HIMSELF, BUT DURETH FOR A WHILE: FOR WHEN TRIBULATION OR PERSECUTION ARISETH BECAUSE OF THE WORD, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that HEARETH THE WORD; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, CHOKE THE WORD, AND HE BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that HEARETH THE WORD, AND UNDERSTANDETH [IT]; WHICH ALSO BEARETH FRUIT, AND BRINGETH FORTH, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
II Corinthians 4:6 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.
Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; FOR OUR LAMPS (not enough light for the task at hand) ARE GONE OUT. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM THAT SELL, AND BUY FOR YOURSELVES. (The "light" given by the Word of God is NOT A GIFT, but something we acquire by APPLYING THE WORD TO OUR LIVES.)
UNDERSTANDING IS THE FRUIT (result) OF OBEDIENCE.
THE SONS OF GOD
Most Christians today believe that ALL CHRISTIANS are the SONS OF GOD. THIS IS NOT SO.
ALL CHRISTIANS have been offered the OPPORTUNITY to BECOME A SON OF GOD, but comparatively few of them will take advantage of that opportunity.
First, we have to KNOW that there is a DIFFERENCE between "run-of-the-mill" Christians and those who are "striving for the masteries" in their relationship to Jesus Christ.
This DIFFERENCE is described in many ways in the Bible.
John 1:12 But as many as RECEIVED HIM, (became a Christian) to them gave he POWER (privilege, opportunity) to become (by Spiritual Development) the (Matured) sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:
Luke 8:11-15 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, HAVING HEARD THE WORD, KEEP [IT], AND BRING FORTH FRUIT WITH PATIENCE.
Matthew, in his writing about the parable, uses language which is more easily understood when describing the difference which is seen in the way people relate to the Word of God after they become Christians.
Psalms 119:130 The ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS giveth LIGHT; it giveth UNDERSTANDING unto the simple.
Matthew 13:18-23 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the WORD OF THE KINGDOM, AND UNDERSTANDETH [IT] NOT, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that HEARETH THE WORD, AND ANON WITH JOY RECEIVETH IT; Yet hath he NOT ROOT IN HIMSELF, BUT DURETH FOR A WHILE: FOR WHEN TRIBULATION OR PERSECUTION ARISETH BECAUSE OF THE WORD, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that HEARETH THE WORD; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, CHOKE THE WORD, AND HE BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that HEARETH THE WORD, AND UNDERSTANDETH [IT]; WHICH ALSO BEARETH FRUIT, AND BRINGETH FORTH, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
II Corinthians 4:6 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.
Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; FOR OUR LAMPS (not enough light for the task at hand) ARE GONE OUT. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM THAT SELL, AND BUY FOR YOURSELVES. (The "light" given by the Word of God is NOT A GIFT, but something we acquire by APPLYING THE WORD TO OUR LIVES.)
UNDERSTANDING IS THE FRUIT (result) OF OBEDIENCE.
SONSHIP 3 ZION--JERUSALEM
ZION-- JERUSALEM
There are other ways in which the difference between the "Overcomers" and the "run-of-the-mill" Christians is made clear to us-- if we are in tune with the Word of God.
Take the matter of ZION and JERUSALEM, as the terms are frequently used together in the Word.
Also the terms "BRETHREN" and "CONGREGATION". A close study will reveal a definite, distinct difference between the two.
I Kings 8:1 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in JERUSALEM, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the CITY OF DAVID, which [is] ZION.
THIS SCRIPTURE IS REPEATED IN II Chronicles 5:2
You will recall that ZION was formerly called JEBUS, and was a naturally fortified HIGHEST POINT in the city of Jerusalem. It was a "city within a city". It was within Jerusalem, yet separate and distinct from Jerusalem. It belonged to the King-- having been conquered by King David, and it became his headquarters. Sort of like Washington D.C. -- within the US, yet separate and distinct in itself.
II Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David.
Consider, now, a few ways in which the distinction is made between the two parts of the city-- which represent the two classes of Christians within the church as we know it today.
Psalms 102:21 To DECLARE THE NAME OF THE LORD in Zion, and HIS PRAISE in Jerusalem;
Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; PUT ON THY STRENGTH, O Zion; put ON THY BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
Notice the difference-- STRENGTH, and BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: FOR OUT OF ZION SHALL GO FORTH THE LAW, and the WORD OF THE LORD FROM JERUSALEM.
Here, the difference is between the LAW OF THE LORD, and THE WORD OF THE LORD. This is a critical difference. The term "LAW" is speaking about the very NATURE of the Lord-- not a lot of do's and don'ts.
The term "WORD OF THE LORD" is meaning the "NEWS OF THE LORD". It is "information" "Behold your God."
God is now "grooming" a people whom He can use in "The Day Of The Lord" to send forth HIS VERY NATURE into the world of humanity-- "If I be lifted up (crucified), I will "draw" all men unto me." But, not everyone will respond-- not everyone will be saved. Most of an entire generation will respond, however, and be snatched from the grasp of the arch-deceiver--satan. The gates of hell shall not prevail.
This scripture is repeated in Micah 4:2
The present darkness of deception will be broken, however, through a segment of God's people-- those who did not qualify to be in the Zion company at the time of separation of the two. The glory of God will be seen so clearly upon them that the whole world will be able to see it. THE "NEWS" OF THE LORD WILL GO FORTH FROM JERUSALEM. (Not a literal city as we know it today).
Next, a difference is shown between "The Congregation" and "My Brethren"
There are other ways in which the difference between the "Overcomers" and the "run-of-the-mill" Christians is made clear to us-- if we are in tune with the Word of God.
Take the matter of ZION and JERUSALEM, as the terms are frequently used together in the Word.
Also the terms "BRETHREN" and "CONGREGATION". A close study will reveal a definite, distinct difference between the two.
I Kings 8:1 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in JERUSALEM, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the CITY OF DAVID, which [is] ZION.
THIS SCRIPTURE IS REPEATED IN II Chronicles 5:2
You will recall that ZION was formerly called JEBUS, and was a naturally fortified HIGHEST POINT in the city of Jerusalem. It was a "city within a city". It was within Jerusalem, yet separate and distinct from Jerusalem. It belonged to the King-- having been conquered by King David, and it became his headquarters. Sort of like Washington D.C. -- within the US, yet separate and distinct in itself.
II Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David.
Consider, now, a few ways in which the distinction is made between the two parts of the city-- which represent the two classes of Christians within the church as we know it today.
Psalms 102:21 To DECLARE THE NAME OF THE LORD in Zion, and HIS PRAISE in Jerusalem;
Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; PUT ON THY STRENGTH, O Zion; put ON THY BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
Notice the difference-- STRENGTH, and BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: FOR OUT OF ZION SHALL GO FORTH THE LAW, and the WORD OF THE LORD FROM JERUSALEM.
Here, the difference is between the LAW OF THE LORD, and THE WORD OF THE LORD. This is a critical difference. The term "LAW" is speaking about the very NATURE of the Lord-- not a lot of do's and don'ts.
The term "WORD OF THE LORD" is meaning the "NEWS OF THE LORD". It is "information" "Behold your God."
God is now "grooming" a people whom He can use in "The Day Of The Lord" to send forth HIS VERY NATURE into the world of humanity-- "If I be lifted up (crucified), I will "draw" all men unto me." But, not everyone will respond-- not everyone will be saved. Most of an entire generation will respond, however, and be snatched from the grasp of the arch-deceiver--satan. The gates of hell shall not prevail.
This scripture is repeated in Micah 4:2
The present darkness of deception will be broken, however, through a segment of God's people-- those who did not qualify to be in the Zion company at the time of separation of the two. The glory of God will be seen so clearly upon them that the whole world will be able to see it. THE "NEWS" OF THE LORD WILL GO FORTH FROM JERUSALEM. (Not a literal city as we know it today).
Next, a difference is shown between "The Congregation" and "My Brethren"
SONSHIP SERIES-- INTRODUCTION
THE SONSHIP SERIES
ORIENTATION TO THE SONSHIP SERIES
On April 1, 1938, in a little Church in Parma, Idaho I received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in the Unknown tongue.
I was 19 years old at the time, and just "getting out on my own", as the vernacular was then.
In just a few days, I found work on a farm near Notus, Idaho-- out on the edge of the sage brush. My wage was $40.00 per month plus board and room. My "room" was a tent house out in the barn lot, alongside of the farm equipment.
Almost immediately after my encounter with the Holy Spirit of God, I discovered that I was terribly thirsty for more of that Spirit, and exceedingly hungry for the Word of God.
Almost ALL of my off-duty hours were spent in that "room" with my Bible, and in prayer to the God I had come to love so very much. I would go to sleep, propped up on one elbow, with my Bible on the bunk beside me.
I could seldom get to Church-- I didn't have a car-- and the family I was with had ceased to attend regularly. A Basque family in the area would take me to Caldwell when they could, but most of my Sundays were spent with my Bible and "The Spirit".
Together, the Word and the Spirit, taught me many unforgetable things. Gradually, a system of study developed, though I had only the center references to guide me in my searching threads through the Bible. Later I got a Crudens complete concordance, and eventually a Robert Young's Analytical Concordance. Before it was completely worn out, my children gave me a second hand computer and a Godspeed program with Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in it. I still go back to the Young's at times, as I have found it to be very trustworthy.
My studies soon led me to the knowledge that our present Bible Curriculum is badly flawed with error, and greatly lacking in neglected or undetected Truth.
Eventually, someone put a "Name" to what I had been learning from the Spirit, and I found that there were others who had been hearing the same "distant drummer" that I had been hearing for so many years. What they had "heard" was, essentially, the same as that which I had been listening to.
But, it was an unpopular message, for the most part. It is so much harder to UNLEARN error than it is to learn Truth, and we bog down at the thought of uncertainty. There is an EMOTIONAL strength in NUMBERS, if no other strength to be derived from shying away from something different.
I was, for many years, reluctant to introduce my beliefs among my peers, for it had already cost me precious fellowship among the Ministry I had "grown up" with.
But, now that I am 81 years of age, and have been asked to explain my beliefs a bit, I "throw caution to the wind" and present to you this different approach to the Gospel and the understanding of what we can expect from God in the future. I probably will not live to see it come to pass, but I am quite confident that some of you are young enough that you will see them unfold before your wondering eyes.
I can not do the subject justice, for I am only a man. The SPIRIT alone can give a full understanding. And I still do not have a full understanding, but gladly share with you what I am able to put into print.
God Bless!
Marion Fretwell November 10, 1999
ORIENTATION TO THE SONSHIP SERIES
On April 1, 1938, in a little Church in Parma, Idaho I received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in the Unknown tongue.
I was 19 years old at the time, and just "getting out on my own", as the vernacular was then.
In just a few days, I found work on a farm near Notus, Idaho-- out on the edge of the sage brush. My wage was $40.00 per month plus board and room. My "room" was a tent house out in the barn lot, alongside of the farm equipment.
Almost immediately after my encounter with the Holy Spirit of God, I discovered that I was terribly thirsty for more of that Spirit, and exceedingly hungry for the Word of God.
Almost ALL of my off-duty hours were spent in that "room" with my Bible, and in prayer to the God I had come to love so very much. I would go to sleep, propped up on one elbow, with my Bible on the bunk beside me.
I could seldom get to Church-- I didn't have a car-- and the family I was with had ceased to attend regularly. A Basque family in the area would take me to Caldwell when they could, but most of my Sundays were spent with my Bible and "The Spirit".
Together, the Word and the Spirit, taught me many unforgetable things. Gradually, a system of study developed, though I had only the center references to guide me in my searching threads through the Bible. Later I got a Crudens complete concordance, and eventually a Robert Young's Analytical Concordance. Before it was completely worn out, my children gave me a second hand computer and a Godspeed program with Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in it. I still go back to the Young's at times, as I have found it to be very trustworthy.
My studies soon led me to the knowledge that our present Bible Curriculum is badly flawed with error, and greatly lacking in neglected or undetected Truth.
Eventually, someone put a "Name" to what I had been learning from the Spirit, and I found that there were others who had been hearing the same "distant drummer" that I had been hearing for so many years. What they had "heard" was, essentially, the same as that which I had been listening to.
But, it was an unpopular message, for the most part. It is so much harder to UNLEARN error than it is to learn Truth, and we bog down at the thought of uncertainty. There is an EMOTIONAL strength in NUMBERS, if no other strength to be derived from shying away from something different.
I was, for many years, reluctant to introduce my beliefs among my peers, for it had already cost me precious fellowship among the Ministry I had "grown up" with.
But, now that I am 81 years of age, and have been asked to explain my beliefs a bit, I "throw caution to the wind" and present to you this different approach to the Gospel and the understanding of what we can expect from God in the future. I probably will not live to see it come to pass, but I am quite confident that some of you are young enough that you will see them unfold before your wondering eyes.
I can not do the subject justice, for I am only a man. The SPIRIT alone can give a full understanding. And I still do not have a full understanding, but gladly share with you what I am able to put into print.
God Bless!
Marion Fretwell November 10, 1999
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
THE SONS OF LEVI
THE SONS OF LEVI
There are some wonderful words of hope and encouragement in the book of Malachi. He was a Prophet of the last days, and what he wrote pertains to us who are living today.
Let's look at a portion of his message, with some added emphasis on my part, for I believe God is trying to tell us something here.
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
We sometimes get the impression that when he writes about the sons of Levi, he is meaning the Levitical priesthood. But such is not necessarily the case.
Look at Isaiah 66:21 And I will also take of them for priests [and] for Levites, saith the LORD.
Isaiah was speaking of a group of people, who "tremble at My Word" (vs 2), and were not mentioned as being of the tribe of Levi.
What does it mean to tremble at the Word of the Lord? Whatever it means, there will be a people who qualify for the category.
It is doubtful if their qualifications are based as much on the sovereignty of God as on their response to the Word of God. Our response is very crucial.
I wonder sometimes, if we should not be more diligent in seeking the face of God for an inward purification, rather than going after material prosperity. One endures-- the other will perish.
What does it mean to "offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness?"
There are some wonderful words of hope and encouragement in the book of Malachi. He was a Prophet of the last days, and what he wrote pertains to us who are living today.
Let's look at a portion of his message, with some added emphasis on my part, for I believe God is trying to tell us something here.
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
We sometimes get the impression that when he writes about the sons of Levi, he is meaning the Levitical priesthood. But such is not necessarily the case.
Look at Isaiah 66:21 And I will also take of them for priests [and] for Levites, saith the LORD.
Isaiah was speaking of a group of people, who "tremble at My Word" (vs 2), and were not mentioned as being of the tribe of Levi.
What does it mean to tremble at the Word of the Lord? Whatever it means, there will be a people who qualify for the category.
It is doubtful if their qualifications are based as much on the sovereignty of God as on their response to the Word of God. Our response is very crucial.
I wonder sometimes, if we should not be more diligent in seeking the face of God for an inward purification, rather than going after material prosperity. One endures-- the other will perish.
What does it mean to "offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness?"
A PURE LANGUAGE
A PURE LANGUAGE
Zephaniah 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
Several years ago, I was giving some Bible talks to a group of believers, and telling them some of the wonderful things which God is planning to do in the not too distant future. It concerned the wonderful work which God is going to do in the earth through His Sanctified ones. I was telling them of His plan to tear down the earthly kingdoms of business, finance, religion, etc., through His people. They were loving it.
But even before I was finished teaching, I sensed that the people were trying to "mix oil and water", as it were. They were trying to fit what I was telling them into the standard curriculum of the Church. It is not possible to do that. We either believe one theory, or we believe the other. We must forsake one of them.
When I was a teen-ager, I watched a survey crew lay out a new highway going past our house. On a concrete culvert, they had painted a very small dot, and right beside it the initials "R P". I asked them what that stood for. It was for "reference point", I learned--a spot which would not move, by which they could check all future calculations in that area. They would often use a tree, or a huge rock as a reference point, but it had to be something they could trust.
I shuddered as I thought of the possibility of one of those reference points being moved in the survey process. The road could have gone off "toward Joneses" if that had happened.
Our Spiritual leaders today are using reference points in Theology which are not trustworthy. Our Charismatic leaders are trying frantically to mix "oil and water" in their teachings. It is creating chaos.
Fifty sixyears ago, before Pearl and I were married, I was serving as Assistant to Haskell Yadon, who was Pastoring a Church here. There was a large group of Ministers, known as the Emmanuel Coast Conference. I remember some of the names: Ern Baxter, Bill Patterson, Opsand, Nordby, Bill Christenson, Yadon, Curry, Megrew, Larson, and others I can't recall the names of.
In the first conference we attended, (our Honeymoon, July,1939) there was a strong move to seek for the truths which had been lost or distorted through the history of the Church.
They all agreed that the doctrine of the Trinity had been added by the Catholic Church in order to make Christianity more acceptable to the heathen who had three gods. It aided their "sword evangelization." It was a deliberate distortion of Truth.
In that first Conference I attended, the big questions they were considering were: "Is the present teaching of ANTICHRIST and REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE to be relied on or not?"
Pearl and I were fresh out of Bible School, but these were "uncharted territory" to us. I was a bit bewildered, but determined that I would search them out for myself. This has been my policy ever since.
What I have found makes me very fearful of what is taking place in the Churches today.
OUR LEADERS ARE USING FAULTY REFERENCE POINTS.
We are being taught the products of human reasoning, (and a little manipulation) as Truth. It will not stand the test of the Scriptures.
Dear Friends, please heed my warning! Go to the Word. Learn what it is telling us! Investigate the origins of some of our teachings today. Who started teaching a future, personal antichrist, and why did they do it? When, and by whom, was the "rapture" theory started?
Zephaniah 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
Several years ago, I was giving some Bible talks to a group of believers, and telling them some of the wonderful things which God is planning to do in the not too distant future. It concerned the wonderful work which God is going to do in the earth through His Sanctified ones. I was telling them of His plan to tear down the earthly kingdoms of business, finance, religion, etc., through His people. They were loving it.
But even before I was finished teaching, I sensed that the people were trying to "mix oil and water", as it were. They were trying to fit what I was telling them into the standard curriculum of the Church. It is not possible to do that. We either believe one theory, or we believe the other. We must forsake one of them.
When I was a teen-ager, I watched a survey crew lay out a new highway going past our house. On a concrete culvert, they had painted a very small dot, and right beside it the initials "R P". I asked them what that stood for. It was for "reference point", I learned--a spot which would not move, by which they could check all future calculations in that area. They would often use a tree, or a huge rock as a reference point, but it had to be something they could trust.
I shuddered as I thought of the possibility of one of those reference points being moved in the survey process. The road could have gone off "toward Joneses" if that had happened.
Our Spiritual leaders today are using reference points in Theology which are not trustworthy. Our Charismatic leaders are trying frantically to mix "oil and water" in their teachings. It is creating chaos.
Fifty sixyears ago, before Pearl and I were married, I was serving as Assistant to Haskell Yadon, who was Pastoring a Church here. There was a large group of Ministers, known as the Emmanuel Coast Conference. I remember some of the names: Ern Baxter, Bill Patterson, Opsand, Nordby, Bill Christenson, Yadon, Curry, Megrew, Larson, and others I can't recall the names of.
In the first conference we attended, (our Honeymoon, July,1939) there was a strong move to seek for the truths which had been lost or distorted through the history of the Church.
They all agreed that the doctrine of the Trinity had been added by the Catholic Church in order to make Christianity more acceptable to the heathen who had three gods. It aided their "sword evangelization." It was a deliberate distortion of Truth.
In that first Conference I attended, the big questions they were considering were: "Is the present teaching of ANTICHRIST and REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE to be relied on or not?"
Pearl and I were fresh out of Bible School, but these were "uncharted territory" to us. I was a bit bewildered, but determined that I would search them out for myself. This has been my policy ever since.
What I have found makes me very fearful of what is taking place in the Churches today.
OUR LEADERS ARE USING FAULTY REFERENCE POINTS.
We are being taught the products of human reasoning, (and a little manipulation) as Truth. It will not stand the test of the Scriptures.
Dear Friends, please heed my warning! Go to the Word. Learn what it is telling us! Investigate the origins of some of our teachings today. Who started teaching a future, personal antichrist, and why did they do it? When, and by whom, was the "rapture" theory started?
SEND ME A MAN
SEND ME A MAN
Many years ago I knew a man who lived about five miles south east of Weiser, Idaho. Down on Buttermilk Slough, to be exact.
This man and his wife had knelt in their living room, along with his brother and his wife, and given their hearts to the Lord when both couples lived in Midvale, about 25 miles to the north of Weiser. Dr. Charles E. Fuller was giving his altar call over the radio, and both couples responded.
Both couples were grieving over baby boys they had each lost to infant disease.
The men had been noted for their "wild west" demeanor in the past, and a very real change had taken place in their lives.
They had joined a church in their little hamlet, but they were not taught water baptism.
As Floyd was studying his Bible, he became convicted that he should be baptized. But not just any baptism would do. He felt that he should be baptized in the same manner that all of the people of the New Testament time were recorded to have been baptized.
He could not find a man in the area of Weiser who would do the job like he thought it should be done.
So he talked to the Lord about it. Surely there was someone somewhere who would be willing to baptize him that way.
He said to the Lord, "If this is as important to You as it is to me, Send me a man."
In a few days, a man from Naches, Washington, about 350 miles away, knocked on Floyd's door.
The house sat at the end of a long driveway, off a side road from the highway. Highway 30, that is.
The man's name was Bill A. I knew him also. He related to Floyd that the Lord had told him there was a man wanting to be baptized, and had directed him to that house. Was it true that he was ready to go to the water?
It was true, and the water was close by. "So, what doth hinder-- ?"
"If ye be willing, and obedient--."
Many years ago I knew a man who lived about five miles south east of Weiser, Idaho. Down on Buttermilk Slough, to be exact.
This man and his wife had knelt in their living room, along with his brother and his wife, and given their hearts to the Lord when both couples lived in Midvale, about 25 miles to the north of Weiser. Dr. Charles E. Fuller was giving his altar call over the radio, and both couples responded.
Both couples were grieving over baby boys they had each lost to infant disease.
The men had been noted for their "wild west" demeanor in the past, and a very real change had taken place in their lives.
They had joined a church in their little hamlet, but they were not taught water baptism.
As Floyd was studying his Bible, he became convicted that he should be baptized. But not just any baptism would do. He felt that he should be baptized in the same manner that all of the people of the New Testament time were recorded to have been baptized.
He could not find a man in the area of Weiser who would do the job like he thought it should be done.
So he talked to the Lord about it. Surely there was someone somewhere who would be willing to baptize him that way.
He said to the Lord, "If this is as important to You as it is to me, Send me a man."
In a few days, a man from Naches, Washington, about 350 miles away, knocked on Floyd's door.
The house sat at the end of a long driveway, off a side road from the highway. Highway 30, that is.
The man's name was Bill A. I knew him also. He related to Floyd that the Lord had told him there was a man wanting to be baptized, and had directed him to that house. Was it true that he was ready to go to the water?
It was true, and the water was close by. "So, what doth hinder-- ?"
"If ye be willing, and obedient--."
A SMOKING FLAX
A SMOKING FLAX
The Prophet Isaiah gave us a very good description of the nature and work of Jesus in His Ministry.
Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Matthew, in his writing, quoted from the above, and said that Jesus was fulfilling it. Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
I am glad those words were penned about Him, for they will give comfort to anyone who is struggling to keep their head "above water" in their Christian walk.
Pearl and I were attending the grave side service of a young lad who had, apparently, strayed from the "way", and had been killed. One of the Ministers took the opportunity to "lay it on" about rebelling against God and the Gospel. The second one soundly "put him in his place", or so I thought. What the second one said was a new thought to me, and it cleared up a lot of uncertainty about some scriptures in my mind. Quoting as nearly as I can: "There is a difference between open "rebellion toward God", and "struggles in the Faith", though they both look the same on the surface.
As the words were being spoken, I did a quick "retake" of some of my past ministry, and realized I might have made exactly the same mistake that the first Minister had made there by the grave. After much soul searching, I began to repent before God for some of my former attitudes toward people who were not measuring up to my expectations for them. With God's help, I am doing better now, though I still have difficulty once in a while.
When reading about "a bruised reed" I am carried back in memory to boyhood, driving the cows to pasture in the summer mornings. We passed a grove of "tules", as we called them. "Cat tails" is another name for them. We got so we could cause them to break down by throwing rocks at the stem. The tops would fall down, and we supposed they would die. But such was not the case. They kept on living, bruised as they were. The QUALITY of their life changed, but they lived on.
I am now convinced there are many of God's children who are in that same condition. They have been through some experiences that have created a real struggle in their lives, and their heads hang low as a result of it. Many times we tend to be harsh in our judgment of them. That is because we do not have the capacity to know the heart condition which underlies what we see on the surface. WE TELL 'EM TO SMILE! THEY CAN'T!
"A smoking flax" describes a situation where a fire, which at one time blazed high, has, for some reason, died down to embers. The cause is probably beyond the scope of our knowledge. And though Jesus knows the cause, His main concern is getting the "fire" going again. It should be ours also. I can visualize Him "blowing" on the "smoking" embers, fanning them to life. THE BREATH OF THE LORD!
I have "felt" the "blowing of Jesus" on my own life a few times. He blows gently, lovingly, persistently until new courage springs forth. Oh! GLORY TO JESUS!
This is the Jesus we love! This is the Jesus who loves us!
Take courage, struggling one. The "blowing" of the Lord shall come upon you. I feel I am prophesying into someone's life right now. God bless!
The Prophet Isaiah gave us a very good description of the nature and work of Jesus in His Ministry.
Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Matthew, in his writing, quoted from the above, and said that Jesus was fulfilling it. Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
I am glad those words were penned about Him, for they will give comfort to anyone who is struggling to keep their head "above water" in their Christian walk.
Pearl and I were attending the grave side service of a young lad who had, apparently, strayed from the "way", and had been killed. One of the Ministers took the opportunity to "lay it on" about rebelling against God and the Gospel. The second one soundly "put him in his place", or so I thought. What the second one said was a new thought to me, and it cleared up a lot of uncertainty about some scriptures in my mind. Quoting as nearly as I can: "There is a difference between open "rebellion toward God", and "struggles in the Faith", though they both look the same on the surface.
As the words were being spoken, I did a quick "retake" of some of my past ministry, and realized I might have made exactly the same mistake that the first Minister had made there by the grave. After much soul searching, I began to repent before God for some of my former attitudes toward people who were not measuring up to my expectations for them. With God's help, I am doing better now, though I still have difficulty once in a while.
When reading about "a bruised reed" I am carried back in memory to boyhood, driving the cows to pasture in the summer mornings. We passed a grove of "tules", as we called them. "Cat tails" is another name for them. We got so we could cause them to break down by throwing rocks at the stem. The tops would fall down, and we supposed they would die. But such was not the case. They kept on living, bruised as they were. The QUALITY of their life changed, but they lived on.
I am now convinced there are many of God's children who are in that same condition. They have been through some experiences that have created a real struggle in their lives, and their heads hang low as a result of it. Many times we tend to be harsh in our judgment of them. That is because we do not have the capacity to know the heart condition which underlies what we see on the surface. WE TELL 'EM TO SMILE! THEY CAN'T!
"A smoking flax" describes a situation where a fire, which at one time blazed high, has, for some reason, died down to embers. The cause is probably beyond the scope of our knowledge. And though Jesus knows the cause, His main concern is getting the "fire" going again. It should be ours also. I can visualize Him "blowing" on the "smoking" embers, fanning them to life. THE BREATH OF THE LORD!
I have "felt" the "blowing of Jesus" on my own life a few times. He blows gently, lovingly, persistently until new courage springs forth. Oh! GLORY TO JESUS!
This is the Jesus we love! This is the Jesus who loves us!
Take courage, struggling one. The "blowing" of the Lord shall come upon you. I feel I am prophesying into someone's life right now. God bless!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
THE ADOPTION
ADOPTION
The word "adoption" is one that is not very well understood as it is used in the Bible. Its meaning in the time of the translation of the Bible was different than it is today--hence the confusion over what it is trying to say to us.
It comes from the Greek word Huiothesia, and it means to "place as a Son" rather than to go get a child and raise it as your own. It was a practice in Bible times, to establish your son as a full partner in your business of carpentry, farming, or whatever you were engaged in doing for a living. This was usually done at age 30, which was believed to be the age of maturity in that time.
It was at age 30 that Jesus would have had to be "adopted" (placed as a Son) into the trade of Joseph--had it not been that His true Father, the Holy Ghost, had laid claim to him at the river Jordan, and, descending in a visible form upon Him, said, "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.
Jesus immediately launched into His earthly Ministry, known as the Messianic Ministry. He began to "do the work of His Father" on earth.
After His Ministry of 3 1/2 years was finished, Jesus sent the Holy Ghost (Spirit of Adoption--Placing as sons) into the earth to dwell in the hearts of men who will open their lives to Him. What a difference it makes in our lives after we have experienced this Baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as He gives utterance (prompts). Rom 8:
Scripture tells us that this "Adoption" belongs to Israel, along with the Covenants and promises given to Abraham. The only recognized part of Israel has, for the most part, completely rejected the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ, but their rejection does not, in any way nullify those covenants, promises, and benefits to the other portions of Israel, and also the Gentiles who believe on Jesus.
A careful tracing of the promise given to Abraham will lead us through the patriarchs to David. From David it was passed to Jesus Christ. Jesus told His disciples that they were to wait in Jerusalem for the "Promise of the Father".
Paul clearly identifies this "Promise" as being the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by the speaking in a language we have not known.
But we are still waiting for the Adoption while we enjoy the workings of the Spirit of Adoption. In fact, we groan within ourselves while we wait. What is yet to come is so much greater than what we have that we hunger for the completeness of this "earnest" which we have received.
Adoption is likened to the "Redemption of our bodies". Our bodies are still in the bondage of corruption--being sold under sin. The nature of sin is still resident within us even though we have received the Spirit of God into our hearts.
We would love to be able to do all that we would be able to do if we were not hindered by the sinfulness of our bodies. Try as we might, we cannot seem to get free from that hindrance. And, so, we must await God's timing in His plan of salvation.
We most certainly do have a time element to contend with, and no one has been successful in trying to circumvent it. We are bound to it.
But God's day WILL come, soon, I hope, and those who are looking for it, will have an experience in God which will supercede anything ever experienced before--the Redemption of the Body.
Redemption of our bodies will set us free from the fallen nature of man, the nature that is contrary to Godly Principles as shown in Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
When we are free of that hindrance of the sinful nature, we will not have the "weight, and sin, that so easily besets us" to guard against, lest it taint our actions and motives.
We will then be free to do the "Works of our Father", as Jesus was able to do what He saw to be the Will of God.
We will, then, be trustworthy to use the mighty power of God without the dangers of showing partiality or taking revenge on those who show an unfriendly attitude toward us.
You see, this planet Earth is going to hear the pure Gospel of the Kingdom, and is going to see a demonstration of the real power of God through human beings. The earth is going to be reaped before the Grapes of Wrath are gathered and trodden in the great Winepress of God.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
Romans 9:4 WHO ARE ISRAELITES; TO WHOM [PERTAINETH] THE ADOPTION, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;
Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
Ephesians 1:5 Having PREDESTINATED US UNTO THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN BY JESUS CHRIST to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
The word "adoption" is one that is not very well understood as it is used in the Bible. Its meaning in the time of the translation of the Bible was different than it is today--hence the confusion over what it is trying to say to us.
It comes from the Greek word Huiothesia, and it means to "place as a Son" rather than to go get a child and raise it as your own. It was a practice in Bible times, to establish your son as a full partner in your business of carpentry, farming, or whatever you were engaged in doing for a living. This was usually done at age 30, which was believed to be the age of maturity in that time.
It was at age 30 that Jesus would have had to be "adopted" (placed as a Son) into the trade of Joseph--had it not been that His true Father, the Holy Ghost, had laid claim to him at the river Jordan, and, descending in a visible form upon Him, said, "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.
Jesus immediately launched into His earthly Ministry, known as the Messianic Ministry. He began to "do the work of His Father" on earth.
After His Ministry of 3 1/2 years was finished, Jesus sent the Holy Ghost (Spirit of Adoption--Placing as sons) into the earth to dwell in the hearts of men who will open their lives to Him. What a difference it makes in our lives after we have experienced this Baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as He gives utterance (prompts). Rom 8:
Scripture tells us that this "Adoption" belongs to Israel, along with the Covenants and promises given to Abraham. The only recognized part of Israel has, for the most part, completely rejected the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ, but their rejection does not, in any way nullify those covenants, promises, and benefits to the other portions of Israel, and also the Gentiles who believe on Jesus.
A careful tracing of the promise given to Abraham will lead us through the patriarchs to David. From David it was passed to Jesus Christ. Jesus told His disciples that they were to wait in Jerusalem for the "Promise of the Father".
Paul clearly identifies this "Promise" as being the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by the speaking in a language we have not known.
But we are still waiting for the Adoption while we enjoy the workings of the Spirit of Adoption. In fact, we groan within ourselves while we wait. What is yet to come is so much greater than what we have that we hunger for the completeness of this "earnest" which we have received.
Adoption is likened to the "Redemption of our bodies". Our bodies are still in the bondage of corruption--being sold under sin. The nature of sin is still resident within us even though we have received the Spirit of God into our hearts.
We would love to be able to do all that we would be able to do if we were not hindered by the sinfulness of our bodies. Try as we might, we cannot seem to get free from that hindrance. And, so, we must await God's timing in His plan of salvation.
We most certainly do have a time element to contend with, and no one has been successful in trying to circumvent it. We are bound to it.
But God's day WILL come, soon, I hope, and those who are looking for it, will have an experience in God which will supercede anything ever experienced before--the Redemption of the Body.
Redemption of our bodies will set us free from the fallen nature of man, the nature that is contrary to Godly Principles as shown in Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
When we are free of that hindrance of the sinful nature, we will not have the "weight, and sin, that so easily besets us" to guard against, lest it taint our actions and motives.
We will then be free to do the "Works of our Father", as Jesus was able to do what He saw to be the Will of God.
We will, then, be trustworthy to use the mighty power of God without the dangers of showing partiality or taking revenge on those who show an unfriendly attitude toward us.
You see, this planet Earth is going to hear the pure Gospel of the Kingdom, and is going to see a demonstration of the real power of God through human beings. The earth is going to be reaped before the Grapes of Wrath are gathered and trodden in the great Winepress of God.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
Romans 9:4 WHO ARE ISRAELITES; TO WHOM [PERTAINETH] THE ADOPTION, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;
Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
Ephesians 1:5 Having PREDESTINATED US UNTO THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN BY JESUS CHRIST to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
THE SPIRIT OF GOD
THE SPIRIT
It is amazing to learn how much has been accomplished by the Spirit of God coming upon individuals and empowering them to do certain things which could not be done by human effort.
Of course, our attention turns to Samson, and his feats of strength when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him.
And there is the account of the young man, Saul, when he met the Prophet Samuel. I Samuel 10:6 And the spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
Then there is David when he was called in from the sheep to stand before Samuel. I Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Listen to David, later. Psalms 78:70-72 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Ironically, the next verse says: I Samuel 16:14 But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
Disobedient people have also felt the results of God's Spirit in a negative way. Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
God is capable of forcing obedience upon His messengers when He wants to. Numbers 24:2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding [in his tents] according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: It cost him dearly to say what he was forced to say there that day.
Gideon also felt the touch of the Spirit. Judges 6:34 But the spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
Bezaleel and Aholiab had a "mind altering" experience when the Spirit of the Lord touched them. Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, [even] of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
Things can happen when hands are laid on a person. Deuteronomy 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.
We find an interesting note in Haggai 1:14 And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, How often God "works on both ends" to get a job done. It is recorded that He stirred up the spirit of 1) Zerubbabel the governor, 2) Joshua the high priest, and 3) the remnant of the people.
We read of a mighty "prayer meeting", with repentance, which is to be accomplished by the Spirit of God, in Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.
Never under estimate what the Spirit of God can do through you, or any one else, when He finds a channel available.
It was children He used, to cry "Hosanna" in the Temple the day He rode into Jerusalem. He was riding on the donkey He had put His Spirit upon to let Him ride. No one had ridden that animal yet. It was people, influenced by His Spirit, who laid garments and palm branches for His entry.
Matthew 21:10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, (earthquake of humanity) saying, Who is this?
Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
It is amazing to learn how much has been accomplished by the Spirit of God coming upon individuals and empowering them to do certain things which could not be done by human effort.
Of course, our attention turns to Samson, and his feats of strength when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him.
And there is the account of the young man, Saul, when he met the Prophet Samuel. I Samuel 10:6 And the spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
Then there is David when he was called in from the sheep to stand before Samuel. I Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Listen to David, later. Psalms 78:70-72 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Ironically, the next verse says: I Samuel 16:14 But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
Disobedient people have also felt the results of God's Spirit in a negative way. Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
God is capable of forcing obedience upon His messengers when He wants to. Numbers 24:2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding [in his tents] according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: It cost him dearly to say what he was forced to say there that day.
Gideon also felt the touch of the Spirit. Judges 6:34 But the spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
Bezaleel and Aholiab had a "mind altering" experience when the Spirit of the Lord touched them. Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, [even] of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
Things can happen when hands are laid on a person. Deuteronomy 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.
We find an interesting note in Haggai 1:14 And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, How often God "works on both ends" to get a job done. It is recorded that He stirred up the spirit of 1) Zerubbabel the governor, 2) Joshua the high priest, and 3) the remnant of the people.
We read of a mighty "prayer meeting", with repentance, which is to be accomplished by the Spirit of God, in Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.
Never under estimate what the Spirit of God can do through you, or any one else, when He finds a channel available.
It was children He used, to cry "Hosanna" in the Temple the day He rode into Jerusalem. He was riding on the donkey He had put His Spirit upon to let Him ride. No one had ridden that animal yet. It was people, influenced by His Spirit, who laid garments and palm branches for His entry.
Matthew 21:10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, (earthquake of humanity) saying, Who is this?
Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
STRANGE WINDS
STRANGE WINDS
When I was a boy on the farm I used to get a thrill as I would watch the wind blow across a ripening wheat field. The currents of air could be seen vividly as they crossed the field. A few times I wanted to "ride the wind" as I watched how the wheat responded to it.
But now I am saddened by the way the Christian community, especially the Charismatics, respond to the various "winds" of teaching and practice which sweep across the horizon. These winds travel, almost at breath taking speed, from Florida to Alaska, with almost universal acceptance.
Often, no one takes the time to check them against the Bible. This is sad, for some of them are bad, and destructive in the end. The fact that some "big name" man has preached it does not make it valid. The men "on the cutting edge" are fully as capable of being wrong as you are, or I am.
We have seen some very strange "winds" of doctrine blow through the camp. Some of them were "severe gusts" that cost us a lot of fellowship to withstand.
I mean things like "Apostolic Authority", "Chain of Life", "Discipling", "Plural Ministries", "Eldership", "Joy of the Lord", "Resurrection Life", "Tabernacle of David", and a lot of others.
We could tell you things which would almost "curdle your blood", as the saying goes. Things we could not tolerate, in the light of Scripture as we knew it.
We felt it was our God-given duty to completely renounce some of the teachings and practices which came our way. Others, we felt content to merely point out particular errors in them.
It was not that we believed ourselves to have been infallible, but we were responsible to a group of believers, over whom the Holy Ghost had placed us. We would protect them at any cost to ourselves. Sometimes the costs were very high.
And we did, also, have a responsibility to the brethren.
Some of the brethren who failed to heed when we warned them of their error, later came back, asking forgiveness, and saying they wished they had listened to our warning.
Others went deeper into error, finally bashing their hulls against the rocks.
History seems to want to repeat itself.
Lately, some of those old fallacies are returning, dressed up with a new name and different garb. People are "falling for them", just like their forebears did before.
And some tired old warriors are again calling out a warning to unsuspecting believers who are in danger of getting hurt by them. Maybe we should do what they wish we would do.
Shut up.
When I was a boy on the farm I used to get a thrill as I would watch the wind blow across a ripening wheat field. The currents of air could be seen vividly as they crossed the field. A few times I wanted to "ride the wind" as I watched how the wheat responded to it.
But now I am saddened by the way the Christian community, especially the Charismatics, respond to the various "winds" of teaching and practice which sweep across the horizon. These winds travel, almost at breath taking speed, from Florida to Alaska, with almost universal acceptance.
Often, no one takes the time to check them against the Bible. This is sad, for some of them are bad, and destructive in the end. The fact that some "big name" man has preached it does not make it valid. The men "on the cutting edge" are fully as capable of being wrong as you are, or I am.
We have seen some very strange "winds" of doctrine blow through the camp. Some of them were "severe gusts" that cost us a lot of fellowship to withstand.
I mean things like "Apostolic Authority", "Chain of Life", "Discipling", "Plural Ministries", "Eldership", "Joy of the Lord", "Resurrection Life", "Tabernacle of David", and a lot of others.
We could tell you things which would almost "curdle your blood", as the saying goes. Things we could not tolerate, in the light of Scripture as we knew it.
We felt it was our God-given duty to completely renounce some of the teachings and practices which came our way. Others, we felt content to merely point out particular errors in them.
It was not that we believed ourselves to have been infallible, but we were responsible to a group of believers, over whom the Holy Ghost had placed us. We would protect them at any cost to ourselves. Sometimes the costs were very high.
And we did, also, have a responsibility to the brethren.
Some of the brethren who failed to heed when we warned them of their error, later came back, asking forgiveness, and saying they wished they had listened to our warning.
Others went deeper into error, finally bashing their hulls against the rocks.
History seems to want to repeat itself.
Lately, some of those old fallacies are returning, dressed up with a new name and different garb. People are "falling for them", just like their forebears did before.
And some tired old warriors are again calling out a warning to unsuspecting believers who are in danger of getting hurt by them. Maybe we should do what they wish we would do.
Shut up.
THE SOUTH WIND BLEW SOFTLY
THE SOUTH WIND BLEW SOFTLY
When Paul was about to be taken to Rome because he had appealed to Caesar, he had warned the captain of the ship that he should winter in the port where they were, because it was near the middle of November and not very safe for a sailing ship to be on the sea. He had heard from God. He was a seasoned veteran of the Christian faith, and had learned to know the voice of God when he "heard" it.
But the captain of the ship had other ideas. The port was not a very fancy one, (his desires) and the weather was not too bad yet (Human reasoning). And who was this prisoner who presumed to tell him what he should do with his ship? He didn't need navigating advice from a man in chains. (Pride, Arrogance)
The final decision was made one day when things looked quite favorable for him to sail on. Acts 27:11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, [and there] to winter; [which is] an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained [their] purpose, loosing [thence], they sailed close by Crete.
In 1948 I was riding the ferry down the Inside Passage from Sitka, Alaska to Seattle. We came by a place where the navigators were instructed to be very careful because of the narrow passage, and a curve in the channel. Especially if it was night time or foggy, extreme caution was mandatory, and they had to rely on the accuracy of the compass, the time of the tide, and a time clock. After passing a certain point, they were to proceed at a certain reading of the compass for a certain length of time. Then they were to change course abruptly to another compass reading in order to safely negotiate the curve in the channel.
We were told of a ship which had failed to negotiate the channel one foggy night. They had failed to properly evaluate the existing conditions. They did all the other things correctly, but because of faulty calculations or navigating equipment, they hit the rocks at high tide. The rusting hull was still on those rocks that evening in 1948 when I came by-- a stark warning to others who might pass that way afterward. It was visible from both directions-- mute evidence that someone had thought they were right when they were wrong-- fatefully wrong.
Navigators on the Inside Passage were, at that time, very careful to have a recently boxed compass on board, for a wrong reading of even one degree might mean the difference between life and death in the narrow channel. Of course, this was before the days of Radar, (it was just beginning to be used at that time) and certainly before the days of GPS (Global positioning sensors), which can guide a ship with unerring accuracy through the dangerous spots.
I have "seen" that rusting hull many times in my mind's eye since that evening in 1948. It becomes especially vivid at times when I am having to make important decisions in life. I have to ask myself if I have all of the pertinent facts, and are they actually facts or are they someone else's interpretation of the facts. Is my "compass" giving me a true, unbiased reading, or is it being affected by the foreign magnetism of my personal likes, dislikes, or desires? Do I really have the true meaning of the Word of God on the matter? Do I REALLY want the Will of God, or are my emotions and desires getting into the equation? These are factors of utmost importance.
Can we depend on our feelings for finding the Will of God in our lives? No. Can we depend on present circumstances to discern the Mind of God? No. Can we depend on opening the Bible and putting a finger on a verse of scripture? No.
But we CAN depend on diligent prayer, and consecrating ourselves to do whatever the Lord might direct us to do, by "culling" out our own desires and wishes, in order to more accurately discern the voice of the Lord.
When Paul was about to be taken to Rome because he had appealed to Caesar, he had warned the captain of the ship that he should winter in the port where they were, because it was near the middle of November and not very safe for a sailing ship to be on the sea. He had heard from God. He was a seasoned veteran of the Christian faith, and had learned to know the voice of God when he "heard" it.
But the captain of the ship had other ideas. The port was not a very fancy one, (his desires) and the weather was not too bad yet (Human reasoning). And who was this prisoner who presumed to tell him what he should do with his ship? He didn't need navigating advice from a man in chains. (Pride, Arrogance)
The final decision was made one day when things looked quite favorable for him to sail on. Acts 27:11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, [and there] to winter; [which is] an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained [their] purpose, loosing [thence], they sailed close by Crete.
In 1948 I was riding the ferry down the Inside Passage from Sitka, Alaska to Seattle. We came by a place where the navigators were instructed to be very careful because of the narrow passage, and a curve in the channel. Especially if it was night time or foggy, extreme caution was mandatory, and they had to rely on the accuracy of the compass, the time of the tide, and a time clock. After passing a certain point, they were to proceed at a certain reading of the compass for a certain length of time. Then they were to change course abruptly to another compass reading in order to safely negotiate the curve in the channel.
We were told of a ship which had failed to negotiate the channel one foggy night. They had failed to properly evaluate the existing conditions. They did all the other things correctly, but because of faulty calculations or navigating equipment, they hit the rocks at high tide. The rusting hull was still on those rocks that evening in 1948 when I came by-- a stark warning to others who might pass that way afterward. It was visible from both directions-- mute evidence that someone had thought they were right when they were wrong-- fatefully wrong.
Navigators on the Inside Passage were, at that time, very careful to have a recently boxed compass on board, for a wrong reading of even one degree might mean the difference between life and death in the narrow channel. Of course, this was before the days of Radar, (it was just beginning to be used at that time) and certainly before the days of GPS (Global positioning sensors), which can guide a ship with unerring accuracy through the dangerous spots.
I have "seen" that rusting hull many times in my mind's eye since that evening in 1948. It becomes especially vivid at times when I am having to make important decisions in life. I have to ask myself if I have all of the pertinent facts, and are they actually facts or are they someone else's interpretation of the facts. Is my "compass" giving me a true, unbiased reading, or is it being affected by the foreign magnetism of my personal likes, dislikes, or desires? Do I really have the true meaning of the Word of God on the matter? Do I REALLY want the Will of God, or are my emotions and desires getting into the equation? These are factors of utmost importance.
Can we depend on our feelings for finding the Will of God in our lives? No. Can we depend on present circumstances to discern the Mind of God? No. Can we depend on opening the Bible and putting a finger on a verse of scripture? No.
But we CAN depend on diligent prayer, and consecrating ourselves to do whatever the Lord might direct us to do, by "culling" out our own desires and wishes, in order to more accurately discern the voice of the Lord.
SIN vs.SINS
SIN vs SINS
Many folks are laboring under a wrong understanding of what sin is, and is not. I know, for I was doing the same thing for many years-- until the Lord took pity on me and showed me more about what He is dealing with in our lives.
Needless to say, it changed my life, in that it brought a liberty to me that I didn't think was possible. It also put a responsibility on me that I had not known about up to that time. Let me explain.
There is a word, with its various declensions, in the New Testament Greek, which is used in somewhat different ways but apparently is dealing with the same thing. That word is "Hamartia", which means literally, to MISS THE MARK. Jack Holmes, a friend of mine who knows the Greek language, told me that the real meaning (and a prominent usage) of the word was centered around a practice in ancient times. A soldier or a marksman would take a young boy out into the field with him when he wanted to do target practice with his bow and arrows. He would place the boy near the target, and after each shot, the boy would run up to the target to see if the soldier's shot was good or not. If it was not an accurate shot, the boy would call out "Hamartia", meaning that he had missed the mark (bull's eye).
"Hamartia" was translated into the English language with such words as "SIN" (77 TIMES), OFFENCE (1 TIME), SINFUL (1 TIME), AND SINS (75 TIMES).
In the Old Testament, the ceremonies of the Law dealt almost exclusively with the ACTS of SIN, (missing the mark) and had no provision for dealing with the root principle of sin. The ceremonies of the Law only COVERED the lack of doing the Will of God from our hearts.
In other words, a person could hate his neighbor, but as long as he did not harm nor kill, his faithful attendance on the ceremonies covered him. Likewise, a person could be full of adulterous thoughts and desires, but as long as he kept his evil eye under a guise (colored glasses) he was OK.
But, when the TRUTH came along (in Jesus), (John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Jesus told us that He was no longer going to provide a COVERING for sin (atonement) but intended to deal with it in a different way-- an EFFECTIVE way.
Jesus said that Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: (deal with sin at it's fountain head, rather than try to stop the water after it is running down the ditch) therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Thank God, we can now do something about the sin (nature of sin) in our hearts which causes all of the ACTS of sin in our lives. This is what Jesus came to do in our lives. This is what He meant when He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
The book of Romans explains the workings of SIN (the root-principle of sin) in our lives, and the troubles it produces for us.
Many folks are laboring under a wrong understanding of what sin is, and is not. I know, for I was doing the same thing for many years-- until the Lord took pity on me and showed me more about what He is dealing with in our lives.
Needless to say, it changed my life, in that it brought a liberty to me that I didn't think was possible. It also put a responsibility on me that I had not known about up to that time. Let me explain.
There is a word, with its various declensions, in the New Testament Greek, which is used in somewhat different ways but apparently is dealing with the same thing. That word is "Hamartia", which means literally, to MISS THE MARK. Jack Holmes, a friend of mine who knows the Greek language, told me that the real meaning (and a prominent usage) of the word was centered around a practice in ancient times. A soldier or a marksman would take a young boy out into the field with him when he wanted to do target practice with his bow and arrows. He would place the boy near the target, and after each shot, the boy would run up to the target to see if the soldier's shot was good or not. If it was not an accurate shot, the boy would call out "Hamartia", meaning that he had missed the mark (bull's eye).
"Hamartia" was translated into the English language with such words as "SIN" (77 TIMES), OFFENCE (1 TIME), SINFUL (1 TIME), AND SINS (75 TIMES).
In the Old Testament, the ceremonies of the Law dealt almost exclusively with the ACTS of SIN, (missing the mark) and had no provision for dealing with the root principle of sin. The ceremonies of the Law only COVERED the lack of doing the Will of God from our hearts.
In other words, a person could hate his neighbor, but as long as he did not harm nor kill, his faithful attendance on the ceremonies covered him. Likewise, a person could be full of adulterous thoughts and desires, but as long as he kept his evil eye under a guise (colored glasses) he was OK.
But, when the TRUTH came along (in Jesus), (John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Jesus told us that He was no longer going to provide a COVERING for sin (atonement) but intended to deal with it in a different way-- an EFFECTIVE way.
Jesus said that Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: (deal with sin at it's fountain head, rather than try to stop the water after it is running down the ditch) therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Thank God, we can now do something about the sin (nature of sin) in our hearts which causes all of the ACTS of sin in our lives. This is what Jesus came to do in our lives. This is what He meant when He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
The book of Romans explains the workings of SIN (the root-principle of sin) in our lives, and the troubles it produces for us.
Friday, September 15, 2006
THE MORALS OF A NATION
THE MORALS OF A NATION
We were at a small gathering a couple of nights ago, where we were free to discuss topics which were on our hearts-- for the mutual good of all present.
One person related how the Holy Spirit was working in their life. At one time they had feared the Commandments of God, as being a deterring factor-- to keep them from doing what they WANTED to do. The party continued, relating an experience with the Lord which had taken place a few months earlier. It had been a life-altering experience-- just them and the Lord. That incident marked the beginning of a "turn-around" in their life.
Now, a few months away from the experience, the change in behavior and desire is so pronounced as to be very apparent, not only to them, but also to others.
Whereas they had at one time dreaded the LAW OF GOD, they now find there is a "WANT TO" being built into them. The LAW OF GOD is becoming a DESIRE, rather than a drudgery. They were referring to the MORAL LAW, not the CEREMONIAL LAW, of course.
Those remarks "lit off" another member of the group, and they referred to Deut 4:5-8 where Moses is coaching the children of Israel, as they were about to enter the Promised Land. He said, Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people. For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]? And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen,--.
In my mind, there came a scripture which Paul wrote to Timothy, telling him that his teachings would-- I Timothy 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Another one, almost like it is-- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
As long as Israel followed the Moral Law of God, they prospered, and God fought their battles for them. But this changed as they drifted away from their social responsibilities, and into doing "what came natural" to them. So it has been with EVERY NATION. Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.
England contributed to the decimation of China a century or so ago by furnishing them with plenty of Opium. Fortunately, China is recovering herself.
My sister, Louise French, told me about a Native Village in Alaska that had suffered terrible things because of the "white lightning" brought in by the white men. The villagers enjoyed the effects of the liquor so much that they neglected their summer dities-- fishing, drying fish, berrying, weaving, etc.. When winter came, they began to be in want of food, clothing and shelter. Many of them died. The survivors realized what had caused the problem, and decreed that the "white lightning" would NEVER be allowed in the village again. WISDOM.
Another party read to us from James 3:13-- James 3:13 Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
I came away edified-- feeling that it had been worthwhile to gather and discuss the Scriptures, and worship in an unstructured manner, trying to allow the Spirit to guide us. It was benificial.
We were at a small gathering a couple of nights ago, where we were free to discuss topics which were on our hearts-- for the mutual good of all present.
One person related how the Holy Spirit was working in their life. At one time they had feared the Commandments of God, as being a deterring factor-- to keep them from doing what they WANTED to do. The party continued, relating an experience with the Lord which had taken place a few months earlier. It had been a life-altering experience-- just them and the Lord. That incident marked the beginning of a "turn-around" in their life.
Now, a few months away from the experience, the change in behavior and desire is so pronounced as to be very apparent, not only to them, but also to others.
Whereas they had at one time dreaded the LAW OF GOD, they now find there is a "WANT TO" being built into them. The LAW OF GOD is becoming a DESIRE, rather than a drudgery. They were referring to the MORAL LAW, not the CEREMONIAL LAW, of course.
Those remarks "lit off" another member of the group, and they referred to Deut 4:5-8 where Moses is coaching the children of Israel, as they were about to enter the Promised Land. He said, Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people. For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]? And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen,--.
In my mind, there came a scripture which Paul wrote to Timothy, telling him that his teachings would-- I Timothy 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Another one, almost like it is-- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
As long as Israel followed the Moral Law of God, they prospered, and God fought their battles for them. But this changed as they drifted away from their social responsibilities, and into doing "what came natural" to them. So it has been with EVERY NATION. Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.
England contributed to the decimation of China a century or so ago by furnishing them with plenty of Opium. Fortunately, China is recovering herself.
My sister, Louise French, told me about a Native Village in Alaska that had suffered terrible things because of the "white lightning" brought in by the white men. The villagers enjoyed the effects of the liquor so much that they neglected their summer dities-- fishing, drying fish, berrying, weaving, etc.. When winter came, they began to be in want of food, clothing and shelter. Many of them died. The survivors realized what had caused the problem, and decreed that the "white lightning" would NEVER be allowed in the village again. WISDOM.
Another party read to us from James 3:13-- James 3:13 Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
I came away edified-- feeling that it had been worthwhile to gather and discuss the Scriptures, and worship in an unstructured manner, trying to allow the Spirit to guide us. It was benificial.
MY CHAIN
MY CHAIN
II Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Paul wrote these words from Rome, where he was in prison. He was grateful for the help which was given to him by his friends. But the outstanding feature of the statement is his appreciation for Onesiphorus not being ashamed of his chain. At this point, Paul's friends were few and far between. Prisoners were not a popular breed in those days.
II Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Though Paul was a prisoner of Rome, he discounted that aspect of his bonds. His bondage to God was of much greater importance to him. He considered himself a prisoner of the Lord.
Ephesians 3:1 -- I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ-
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,-
Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ,--
Philemon 1:9 -- and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Paul had been a "prisoner of the Lord" for a long time before he landed in any prison. His life had been surrendered to Jesus on the Damascus road. It is doubtful if many of us realize the depth of his committment there that day. He knew he had met his Master, and he addressed Him as "Lord".
I wonder sometimes if we fully understand the walk of a Christian. We are programmed with "Prosperity", "Health", etc., to the point that we consider any type of suffering or difficulty an intrusion of Satan into our lives. This is not always the case. In fact, it is rarely the fault of Satan, when we are walking with God. He "scourgeth every son whom He receives." "Flogs" is the word that could have been used instead of "scourge". Heb 12
We seem to have lost sight of II Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Acts 14:22 -- and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
I Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
It seems to be part of our natures to shrink away from all uncomfortable situations - both because of unpleasantness, and for fear of what others may think of us. A friend of mine, when having to go through a very painful experience, said, "When we are called upon to go through a fiery trial, the hottest part of the flame is the attitude of other Christians toward us in our trial.
In view of James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you, I believe I am safe to say that if the devil is "on the attack" in our lives, we would do well to take personal inventory. He is afraid of the Spirit of God.
I am convinced that most of what we call the attack of Satan is but another "link" in the "chain" of the Lord in our lives.
Frankly, I am weary of hearing so much about the activities of the devil, and not enough about the what God is accomplishing in the lives of the believers.
Can it be possible that some of us are in the wrong "prison"? Who, exactly, is our "jailer"?
II Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Paul wrote these words from Rome, where he was in prison. He was grateful for the help which was given to him by his friends. But the outstanding feature of the statement is his appreciation for Onesiphorus not being ashamed of his chain. At this point, Paul's friends were few and far between. Prisoners were not a popular breed in those days.
II Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Though Paul was a prisoner of Rome, he discounted that aspect of his bonds. His bondage to God was of much greater importance to him. He considered himself a prisoner of the Lord.
Ephesians 3:1 -- I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ-
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,-
Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ,--
Philemon 1:9 -- and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Paul had been a "prisoner of the Lord" for a long time before he landed in any prison. His life had been surrendered to Jesus on the Damascus road. It is doubtful if many of us realize the depth of his committment there that day. He knew he had met his Master, and he addressed Him as "Lord".
I wonder sometimes if we fully understand the walk of a Christian. We are programmed with "Prosperity", "Health", etc., to the point that we consider any type of suffering or difficulty an intrusion of Satan into our lives. This is not always the case. In fact, it is rarely the fault of Satan, when we are walking with God. He "scourgeth every son whom He receives." "Flogs" is the word that could have been used instead of "scourge". Heb 12
We seem to have lost sight of II Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Acts 14:22 -- and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
I Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
It seems to be part of our natures to shrink away from all uncomfortable situations - both because of unpleasantness, and for fear of what others may think of us. A friend of mine, when having to go through a very painful experience, said, "When we are called upon to go through a fiery trial, the hottest part of the flame is the attitude of other Christians toward us in our trial.
In view of James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you, I believe I am safe to say that if the devil is "on the attack" in our lives, we would do well to take personal inventory. He is afraid of the Spirit of God.
I am convinced that most of what we call the attack of Satan is but another "link" in the "chain" of the Lord in our lives.
Frankly, I am weary of hearing so much about the activities of the devil, and not enough about the what God is accomplishing in the lives of the believers.
Can it be possible that some of us are in the wrong "prison"? Who, exactly, is our "jailer"?
STUMBLING
STUMBLING
John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
John 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
This is the answer Jesus gave to His disciples when they said He should probably not go to the house of Martha and Mary after the death of Lazarus, because the Jews had tried to kill him there a short time before.
In short, He was telling them that if a person moves in the timing of God they would be safe from calamity. This is true, for when we move at the stirring of the Holy Ghost we are moving in the "twelve hours" of the day, and it will be hard for an accident to overtake us. The difference is in having the prompting of the Holy Ghost.
Jesus, who said He only did what He saw the Father do, would be safe going into enemy territory, because He knew that Lazarus was to be raised from the dead by Him. Jesus had constant access to the Will of God, for He had the Spirit without measure. He could "see" the "unseeable" things.
I am sure that we all have had experiences where we knew we had been directed by the Lord to do a thing, and it worked out to the glory of God. It made us feel very happy to know we had been used of God in that way. This is what Jesus meant when He spoke of the "twelve hours of the day".
On the contrary, most of us have also known the results of having moved out without the leading of the Spirit. Usually, we tell ourselves that we won't do that again. But we do. This what Jesus meant by walking in the night, and stumbling. Many of us go from blunder to blunder.
There may be many causes for this condition.
I Peter 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
But there are also some remedies for it.
I John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Is it possible that we can be more sure of His direction in our lives if we are obedient to what we already know to do?
I believe so. There are many other scriptures which seem to bear this out.
John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
John 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
This is the answer Jesus gave to His disciples when they said He should probably not go to the house of Martha and Mary after the death of Lazarus, because the Jews had tried to kill him there a short time before.
In short, He was telling them that if a person moves in the timing of God they would be safe from calamity. This is true, for when we move at the stirring of the Holy Ghost we are moving in the "twelve hours" of the day, and it will be hard for an accident to overtake us. The difference is in having the prompting of the Holy Ghost.
Jesus, who said He only did what He saw the Father do, would be safe going into enemy territory, because He knew that Lazarus was to be raised from the dead by Him. Jesus had constant access to the Will of God, for He had the Spirit without measure. He could "see" the "unseeable" things.
I am sure that we all have had experiences where we knew we had been directed by the Lord to do a thing, and it worked out to the glory of God. It made us feel very happy to know we had been used of God in that way. This is what Jesus meant when He spoke of the "twelve hours of the day".
On the contrary, most of us have also known the results of having moved out without the leading of the Spirit. Usually, we tell ourselves that we won't do that again. But we do. This what Jesus meant by walking in the night, and stumbling. Many of us go from blunder to blunder.
There may be many causes for this condition.
I Peter 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
But there are also some remedies for it.
I John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Is it possible that we can be more sure of His direction in our lives if we are obedient to what we already know to do?
I believe so. There are many other scriptures which seem to bear this out.
THE MOVINGS OF GOD
THE MOVINGS OF GOD
Since before the time of the Reformation, God has shown His Hand in the lives of His followers.
Each time He has raised up a man or group of men, and put His Anointing upon them to enable them to accomplish what He wanted done at that particular time.
Without that special Anointing from God, nothing could have been accomplished, no matter how talented and sincere the men might have been.
Spiritual progress has never been brought about by human ingenuity and cleverness. Apart from the Anointing, nothing of any real value is brought about.
A look at Church history tells of the times God has raised up leaders to promote a Spiritual awakening among the believers.
Each of them was given the ability to lead the people a small space farther than they had been before, yet each of them died without having fully accomplished the complete task.
I do not know all of them, but a few come to mind today-- men and movements which were used of God, and then seemed to fade away and be forgotten.
But none of them were without significance in God's plan to restore the Church to its former glory and power. It is right on schedule today, though many years and many movements have come and gone.
I am not the least bit discouraged with what we are seeing take place today. In fact, I am more encouraged than ever before.
When we think of John Huss, the man who was a forerunner of Martin Luther and the others who were used of God to bring about a freedom of religion in Europe-- it would seem that some of them failed. But they did not fail. The Anointing they had from God would only take them a certain portion of the way-- then they were powerless to go further.
John, the Baptist is a very good example of what I am talking about. His Anointing lasted perhaps a year-- maybe only six months. His work was to point the way to the Lamb of God. He did it, and passed on out of the picture.
There have been several movings of the Holy Ghost through the centuries which have followed Pentecost. Each of them has been the Hand of God visiting His people. Each has been different from those which have gone before.
Next time you feel like "Ho Hum, nothin' ever happens," stop and consider for a few minutes with me.
In the mid forties God raised up a Baptist game warden in the Midwest and put a ministry of healing and miracles upon him.
God, through William Branham succeeded in getting the attention of the Pentecostal people, primarily, but almost all people to a greater or lesser degree. His Ministry became a pattern which others were able to work by, and a great deal of good was accomplished as a result of his obedience.
Oh, yes, I will agree with some of you that ALL that followed was not good. No argument there. BUT you will have to agree with me that the good far outstripped the bad. God's people were benefited by his ministry. The Lord had their attention, and many moved into a new dimension in their experience.
A few months (or years) later, the Holy Ghost moved again in a small Bible School in Saskatchewan, Canada. This was a definite outgrowth of the Ministry of William Branham. The teachers and students reasoned thus: If God can use one person, He can use another person, if they are available to be used.
They set out, by fasting and prayers, to make themselves available to the Lord. God did honor their efforts, and what happened was the beginning of what was later to be known as The Latter Rain Revival. It was what I call a Spiritual Earthquake, in that it shook the entire Christian world. Few, if any of the Christian people were left untouched. Each one had to choose whether to walk into what God was doing, or to continue in the status quo.
Spiritual destinies were determined in those few months. One time of saying, "No" to the Spirit of God will stop the process of growing in God-- until we repent, and respond to His Movings in the earth.
In the Pacific Northwest, we were greatly influenced by Wings Of Healing, with the Missionary thrust. But it was short-lived. Money and control soon became the main issue, and the flame went out.
From Vancouver, BC. came the message of Praise to God, both private and corporate. It was to influence us for a much longer period of time, and to produce the greatest effects on the individual lives. I will, ever, be grateful to Bro. Layzell for his contribution to the Work of God.
Heartfelt praise from God's people opens the door for Him to do His Will in other areas, both in our own lives, and in the world in general. I'm glad we were taught how to praise the Lord lavishly and wholeheartedly. The dividends were tremendous!
But Latter Rain was not the end result God had in mind. It was a means to an end-- not the end itself. After it had circled the globe in just a few months, and drawn the attention of the Christian people toward a non denominational approach to the Gospel, it began to branch out into a variety of movements.
It was, in about 5 or 6 years, superseded by a movement born in an Iowa corn field.
Half dozen or so Full Gospel business men were hunting pheasants, and the idea of a movement outside the confines of any denominational fences was formulated. It was called the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, and it swept the country like a flood, bringing a new awareness of God to hundreds and thousands of Churches. God honored their efforts.
The move itself was outside of the churches-- Pastors could not join the ranks, except as an associate member. God was moving in the hearts of His people outside the confines of a structured Church.
I personally did not like the idea even a little bit. But God had not asked my advice. Neither had he informed me of what and how He was doing things. I see much more clearly now.
The Lord was going to move again outside the Church realm. This time He would completely astound the religious powers that be. He moved into the camps of the Hippies, and the resulting "Jesus" movement was to sweep thousands upon thousands of younger people into the Kingdom of God. We did not take a great deal of note of the movement-- it was not heralded from our pulpits, but it was a mighty move of God.
Indeed, many of our present day Pentecostal Ministers are folks who got their start in the "Jesus" movement. They are solid people-- attesting to the validity of what God did for them.
And then, the one we Pastors and Church leaders had all been waiting for, made its appearance on the horizon "like a man's hand" as it were. It also, was started outside the denominational system, and, like our February floods here in Yakima, is going wherever it wants to-- nothing can stop it at this time.
PROMISE KEEPERS is getting our men folks out of their chairs and into their proper places in the family, the community, and the Churches. It recognizes no boundaries known to any Church group, and is accomplishing what none other could accomplish. It is, also, one of God's ways of throttling homosexuality in the ranks of Christian men. The two elements do not mix, as we all know. The Word calls it an Abomination.
"Ho Hum, nothin' ever happens."
Wake up, and recognize the Hand of God sweeping the earth in wave after wave of Spiritual activity, right under our noses.
Your guess would be as good as mine what will happen next, but, rest assured, the end is not yet. As for me, I want to remain open and alert to what is taking place in the agenda of God. I wish I were 20 to 30 years younger than my present 77.
HE WILL MOVE AGAIN, IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
Since before the time of the Reformation, God has shown His Hand in the lives of His followers.
Each time He has raised up a man or group of men, and put His Anointing upon them to enable them to accomplish what He wanted done at that particular time.
Without that special Anointing from God, nothing could have been accomplished, no matter how talented and sincere the men might have been.
Spiritual progress has never been brought about by human ingenuity and cleverness. Apart from the Anointing, nothing of any real value is brought about.
A look at Church history tells of the times God has raised up leaders to promote a Spiritual awakening among the believers.
Each of them was given the ability to lead the people a small space farther than they had been before, yet each of them died without having fully accomplished the complete task.
I do not know all of them, but a few come to mind today-- men and movements which were used of God, and then seemed to fade away and be forgotten.
But none of them were without significance in God's plan to restore the Church to its former glory and power. It is right on schedule today, though many years and many movements have come and gone.
I am not the least bit discouraged with what we are seeing take place today. In fact, I am more encouraged than ever before.
When we think of John Huss, the man who was a forerunner of Martin Luther and the others who were used of God to bring about a freedom of religion in Europe-- it would seem that some of them failed. But they did not fail. The Anointing they had from God would only take them a certain portion of the way-- then they were powerless to go further.
John, the Baptist is a very good example of what I am talking about. His Anointing lasted perhaps a year-- maybe only six months. His work was to point the way to the Lamb of God. He did it, and passed on out of the picture.
There have been several movings of the Holy Ghost through the centuries which have followed Pentecost. Each of them has been the Hand of God visiting His people. Each has been different from those which have gone before.
Next time you feel like "Ho Hum, nothin' ever happens," stop and consider for a few minutes with me.
In the mid forties God raised up a Baptist game warden in the Midwest and put a ministry of healing and miracles upon him.
God, through William Branham succeeded in getting the attention of the Pentecostal people, primarily, but almost all people to a greater or lesser degree. His Ministry became a pattern which others were able to work by, and a great deal of good was accomplished as a result of his obedience.
Oh, yes, I will agree with some of you that ALL that followed was not good. No argument there. BUT you will have to agree with me that the good far outstripped the bad. God's people were benefited by his ministry. The Lord had their attention, and many moved into a new dimension in their experience.
A few months (or years) later, the Holy Ghost moved again in a small Bible School in Saskatchewan, Canada. This was a definite outgrowth of the Ministry of William Branham. The teachers and students reasoned thus: If God can use one person, He can use another person, if they are available to be used.
They set out, by fasting and prayers, to make themselves available to the Lord. God did honor their efforts, and what happened was the beginning of what was later to be known as The Latter Rain Revival. It was what I call a Spiritual Earthquake, in that it shook the entire Christian world. Few, if any of the Christian people were left untouched. Each one had to choose whether to walk into what God was doing, or to continue in the status quo.
Spiritual destinies were determined in those few months. One time of saying, "No" to the Spirit of God will stop the process of growing in God-- until we repent, and respond to His Movings in the earth.
In the Pacific Northwest, we were greatly influenced by Wings Of Healing, with the Missionary thrust. But it was short-lived. Money and control soon became the main issue, and the flame went out.
From Vancouver, BC. came the message of Praise to God, both private and corporate. It was to influence us for a much longer period of time, and to produce the greatest effects on the individual lives. I will, ever, be grateful to Bro. Layzell for his contribution to the Work of God.
Heartfelt praise from God's people opens the door for Him to do His Will in other areas, both in our own lives, and in the world in general. I'm glad we were taught how to praise the Lord lavishly and wholeheartedly. The dividends were tremendous!
But Latter Rain was not the end result God had in mind. It was a means to an end-- not the end itself. After it had circled the globe in just a few months, and drawn the attention of the Christian people toward a non denominational approach to the Gospel, it began to branch out into a variety of movements.
It was, in about 5 or 6 years, superseded by a movement born in an Iowa corn field.
Half dozen or so Full Gospel business men were hunting pheasants, and the idea of a movement outside the confines of any denominational fences was formulated. It was called the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, and it swept the country like a flood, bringing a new awareness of God to hundreds and thousands of Churches. God honored their efforts.
The move itself was outside of the churches-- Pastors could not join the ranks, except as an associate member. God was moving in the hearts of His people outside the confines of a structured Church.
I personally did not like the idea even a little bit. But God had not asked my advice. Neither had he informed me of what and how He was doing things. I see much more clearly now.
The Lord was going to move again outside the Church realm. This time He would completely astound the religious powers that be. He moved into the camps of the Hippies, and the resulting "Jesus" movement was to sweep thousands upon thousands of younger people into the Kingdom of God. We did not take a great deal of note of the movement-- it was not heralded from our pulpits, but it was a mighty move of God.
Indeed, many of our present day Pentecostal Ministers are folks who got their start in the "Jesus" movement. They are solid people-- attesting to the validity of what God did for them.
And then, the one we Pastors and Church leaders had all been waiting for, made its appearance on the horizon "like a man's hand" as it were. It also, was started outside the denominational system, and, like our February floods here in Yakima, is going wherever it wants to-- nothing can stop it at this time.
PROMISE KEEPERS is getting our men folks out of their chairs and into their proper places in the family, the community, and the Churches. It recognizes no boundaries known to any Church group, and is accomplishing what none other could accomplish. It is, also, one of God's ways of throttling homosexuality in the ranks of Christian men. The two elements do not mix, as we all know. The Word calls it an Abomination.
"Ho Hum, nothin' ever happens."
Wake up, and recognize the Hand of God sweeping the earth in wave after wave of Spiritual activity, right under our noses.
Your guess would be as good as mine what will happen next, but, rest assured, the end is not yet. As for me, I want to remain open and alert to what is taking place in the agenda of God. I wish I were 20 to 30 years younger than my present 77.
HE WILL MOVE AGAIN, IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
THE NEW SONG
THE NEW SONG
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the MOUNT SION, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: AND THEY SUNG AS IT WERE A NEW SONG BEFORE THE THRONE, AND BEFORE THE FOUR BEASTS, AND THE ELDERS: AND NO MAN COULD LEARN THAT SONG BUT THE HUNDRED [AND] FORTY [AND] FOUR THOUSAND, WHICH WERE REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH. These are they which were not defiled with WOMEN; for they are VIRGINS. These are they which FOLLOW THE LAMB WHITHERSOEVER HE GOETH. These were REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN, [being] the FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Many years ago, an elderly man in the Church we were serving, called our attention to this thought of the NEW SONG. He explained it as being symbolic language for a MANNER OF LIFE. He said that we all know that to be among the FIRSTFRUITS COMPANY is a prize which we all should be striving for. If we are successful in our efforts, we will be bountifully rewarded by the Lord. We will receive the ABILITY to LEARN and LIVE the LIFESTYLE that COMPLETELY PLEASES GOD.
THAT IS THE NEW SONG which no one else can learn except those who have successfully pleased God (met His requirements for our lives in the time which we live). This does not require perfection, per se, but must correspond to what God knows we are capable of doing, and the times in which we live. Requirements for people living today are probably much more stringent than for people living in the dark ages. But, if there were those who pleased God in those difficult times (and there were many who did), we would certainly be guilty of slothful living if we were to fail today. We have more opportunities to purify our lives today than any people in history. We would be inexcusable if we failed. Yet, multitudes of people who pass as Christians today are failing miserably.
For those of us who are "Striving for the Masteries", there are some guidelines in the scriptures to help us know the direction we should go. We are not left entirely in the dark without a compass and chart to guide us. Psalms 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.
I found an excellent recipe for better living in Deut chapter 4 several years ago. Moses was giving final instructions to the Children of Israel before he was commanded to go and die. Let's go read them. Deuteronomy 4:1-10 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God [are] alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people. For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]? And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; [Specially] the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and [that] they may teach their children.
While this scripture was dealing with the people of Israel under the Old Covenant, the ROOT PRINCIPLE of what Moses said is still applicable today. Moses referred to Baal-peor and the catastrophe which followed, but maybe you don't know about that. You can read about it in Num 25, but briefly-- there was a festival in Moab, suggested by the errant prophet Balaam, which was widely publicized among the people of Israel, in which Moabitish women made themselves readily available to Israelite men. It was the style in Moab, (like the world today) but not in Israel, though many of those men broke away and joined in the adulterous revelry. It was against the commandments of the Lord then, as much as it is today. But they dared to do it. It also cost 24,000 of them their lives, for God's judgments were much more swift then than they are today. But no more sure.
Moses told the people that the statutes and judgments of the Lord were WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING which had set them apart from the other nations round about. It had also made the nation of Israel the envy of other nations. It had also made them GREAT in the eyes of their neighbors.
Striving to follow the PRINCIPLES OF GOD will have the same effect on ANY INDIVIDUAL today who sets out on such a course of endeavor. WE WILL ALWAYS FALL SHORT, for we are but human beings, and God knows that. BUT WE WILL MAKE ZERO PROGRESS IF WE DO NOT TRY.
If our efforts meet God's requirements for OUR LIVES, we will be counted worthy to be among those who STAND WITH THE "LAMB" ON Mt. Sion, and SING THE NEW SONG. For any one to be elevated to that position will be an ACT OF GOD. All we can do is try to become a candidate for that choosing.
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the MOUNT SION, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: AND THEY SUNG AS IT WERE A NEW SONG BEFORE THE THRONE, AND BEFORE THE FOUR BEASTS, AND THE ELDERS: AND NO MAN COULD LEARN THAT SONG BUT THE HUNDRED [AND] FORTY [AND] FOUR THOUSAND, WHICH WERE REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH. These are they which were not defiled with WOMEN; for they are VIRGINS. These are they which FOLLOW THE LAMB WHITHERSOEVER HE GOETH. These were REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN, [being] the FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Many years ago, an elderly man in the Church we were serving, called our attention to this thought of the NEW SONG. He explained it as being symbolic language for a MANNER OF LIFE. He said that we all know that to be among the FIRSTFRUITS COMPANY is a prize which we all should be striving for. If we are successful in our efforts, we will be bountifully rewarded by the Lord. We will receive the ABILITY to LEARN and LIVE the LIFESTYLE that COMPLETELY PLEASES GOD.
THAT IS THE NEW SONG which no one else can learn except those who have successfully pleased God (met His requirements for our lives in the time which we live). This does not require perfection, per se, but must correspond to what God knows we are capable of doing, and the times in which we live. Requirements for people living today are probably much more stringent than for people living in the dark ages. But, if there were those who pleased God in those difficult times (and there were many who did), we would certainly be guilty of slothful living if we were to fail today. We have more opportunities to purify our lives today than any people in history. We would be inexcusable if we failed. Yet, multitudes of people who pass as Christians today are failing miserably.
For those of us who are "Striving for the Masteries", there are some guidelines in the scriptures to help us know the direction we should go. We are not left entirely in the dark without a compass and chart to guide us. Psalms 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.
I found an excellent recipe for better living in Deut chapter 4 several years ago. Moses was giving final instructions to the Children of Israel before he was commanded to go and die. Let's go read them. Deuteronomy 4:1-10 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God [are] alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people. For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]? And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; [Specially] the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and [that] they may teach their children.
While this scripture was dealing with the people of Israel under the Old Covenant, the ROOT PRINCIPLE of what Moses said is still applicable today. Moses referred to Baal-peor and the catastrophe which followed, but maybe you don't know about that. You can read about it in Num 25, but briefly-- there was a festival in Moab, suggested by the errant prophet Balaam, which was widely publicized among the people of Israel, in which Moabitish women made themselves readily available to Israelite men. It was the style in Moab, (like the world today) but not in Israel, though many of those men broke away and joined in the adulterous revelry. It was against the commandments of the Lord then, as much as it is today. But they dared to do it. It also cost 24,000 of them their lives, for God's judgments were much more swift then than they are today. But no more sure.
Moses told the people that the statutes and judgments of the Lord were WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING which had set them apart from the other nations round about. It had also made the nation of Israel the envy of other nations. It had also made them GREAT in the eyes of their neighbors.
Striving to follow the PRINCIPLES OF GOD will have the same effect on ANY INDIVIDUAL today who sets out on such a course of endeavor. WE WILL ALWAYS FALL SHORT, for we are but human beings, and God knows that. BUT WE WILL MAKE ZERO PROGRESS IF WE DO NOT TRY.
If our efforts meet God's requirements for OUR LIVES, we will be counted worthy to be among those who STAND WITH THE "LAMB" ON Mt. Sion, and SING THE NEW SONG. For any one to be elevated to that position will be an ACT OF GOD. All we can do is try to become a candidate for that choosing.
THERE IS NONE OTHER
THERE IS NONE OTHER
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Peter was speaking to some accusers about the fact that a lame man had been healed at the Gate Beautiful yesterday. We will always have people who find fault with what is done, or the manner in which it is done. This incident was no exception.
Acts 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Peter's answer was, essentially, the same as he had given to the crowd yesterday. They had seen the lame man running around shouting and leaping, and wanted to know what it was all about.
Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
I wonder sometimes, if we really realize what we have at our disposal in the use of the Name of Jesus.
The Name has proven sufficient many times in overcoming the powers of evil, in the lives and bodies of individuals.
Yet, it does seem to have some built-in limitations, lest we undertake to use it indiscriminately, at our own will.
It would seem that Peter and John had "heard" the Word (Rhema) of the Lord when they spoke to the lame man and commanded him to be healed.
They would not take any credit for the miracle, but pointed everyone to the Name of Jesus as the source of the authority to command the man to be healed.
The writer of the Hebrew letter touches the same subject when he told the persecuted Hebrew Christians to not turn back, not to give up the assembling themselves together, to not cast away their confidence in Jesus.
He writes: Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,. There is NO OTHER ROUTE to Salvation than that afforded by the NAME and BLOOD of JESUS.
If we "cast away our confidence" in Him, and the Name of Jesus, (Heb 10:35) we lose everything. There just is NO OTHER WAY to come to God. None.
Fight the good fight of Faith. Hold on to your confidence in the integrity of God. He will not fail you.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Peter was speaking to some accusers about the fact that a lame man had been healed at the Gate Beautiful yesterday. We will always have people who find fault with what is done, or the manner in which it is done. This incident was no exception.
Acts 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Peter's answer was, essentially, the same as he had given to the crowd yesterday. They had seen the lame man running around shouting and leaping, and wanted to know what it was all about.
Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
I wonder sometimes, if we really realize what we have at our disposal in the use of the Name of Jesus.
The Name has proven sufficient many times in overcoming the powers of evil, in the lives and bodies of individuals.
Yet, it does seem to have some built-in limitations, lest we undertake to use it indiscriminately, at our own will.
It would seem that Peter and John had "heard" the Word (Rhema) of the Lord when they spoke to the lame man and commanded him to be healed.
They would not take any credit for the miracle, but pointed everyone to the Name of Jesus as the source of the authority to command the man to be healed.
The writer of the Hebrew letter touches the same subject when he told the persecuted Hebrew Christians to not turn back, not to give up the assembling themselves together, to not cast away their confidence in Jesus.
He writes: Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,. There is NO OTHER ROUTE to Salvation than that afforded by the NAME and BLOOD of JESUS.
If we "cast away our confidence" in Him, and the Name of Jesus, (Heb 10:35) we lose everything. There just is NO OTHER WAY to come to God. None.
Fight the good fight of Faith. Hold on to your confidence in the integrity of God. He will not fail you.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
TEACH US TO PRAY
TEACH US TO PRAY
The disciples of Jesus asked Him one day to "Teach us to
Pray". (luke 11:1) They didn't ask to be taught how to perform miracles.
Neither did they want to know how to cast out devils, or any other
miraculous works. Not that those are not part of living for Jesus.
They come about as one result of having learned how to really
PRAY. This is VERY IMPORTANT.
Jesus taught His disciples, (Lk 18:1) -- [to this end], that
men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
In essence, He said, "If you do not PRAY, you WILL
FAINT."
Matthew, Mark and Luke all record Jesus as having
warned His disciples to PRAY, lest they ENTER INTO TEMP-
TATION. Was He offering them ALTERNATIVES--? IF YOU
DO NOT PRAY, YOU WILL ENTER INTO TEMPTATION.
PRAYER seems to be the FUEL that stokes our Spiritual
Life.
As important as prayer is, it seems so sadly neglected most
of the time.
Do you feel "out of breath" Spiritually? Call on God in a
series of prayer times.
Do you feel like "giving up" your Christian Walk? Call
God's "9-1-1". Go into "Emergency Mode." God has a remedy!
PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew
[their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they
shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
The disciples of Jesus asked Him one day to "Teach us to
Pray". (luke 11:1) They didn't ask to be taught how to perform miracles.
Neither did they want to know how to cast out devils, or any other
miraculous works. Not that those are not part of living for Jesus.
They come about as one result of having learned how to really
PRAY. This is VERY IMPORTANT.
Jesus taught His disciples, (Lk 18:1) -- [to this end], that
men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
In essence, He said, "If you do not PRAY, you WILL
FAINT."
Matthew, Mark and Luke all record Jesus as having
warned His disciples to PRAY, lest they ENTER INTO TEMP-
TATION. Was He offering them ALTERNATIVES--? IF YOU
DO NOT PRAY, YOU WILL ENTER INTO TEMPTATION.
PRAYER seems to be the FUEL that stokes our Spiritual
Life.
As important as prayer is, it seems so sadly neglected most
of the time.
Do you feel "out of breath" Spiritually? Call on God in a
series of prayer times.
Do you feel like "giving up" your Christian Walk? Call
God's "9-1-1". Go into "Emergency Mode." God has a remedy!
PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew
[their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they
shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
TANGLED STRANDS
TANGLED STRANDS
This morning I awakened with a few words of a song which we heard in McCall, Idaho in 1945-46.
"Dear Lord, take up the tangled strands, Where I have wrought in vain. And with the skill of Thy dear Hand,--" That is all I can remember.
My mind ran, rather quickly, back over my life, and I saw the many times when I was in need of Divine Skill to bring order out of the chaos I had, unwittingly, brought forth in my life.
The amazing part of it is-- He seemed to have been waiting in the wings, until I realized I had made a mess of things and would look to Him for a solution.
I was reminded of a story told by an Evangelist who held us a 5 week meeting in 1943. He related how Paul Rader, in his pre-Christian life, had walked past the old J And P Coats sign in New York City. On the sign was a kitten who had become tangled hopelessly with thread from a spool. Once Paul remarked to the kitten, "Kitty, I'm about as tangled as you are."
But, one evening shortly after that, Paul stopped into a Mission. God spoke to his heart, and he responded when the invitation was given. He had a life-altering experience with the Lord there that night. His later accomplishments attested to the genuineness of his encounter with Jesus that night.
After leaving the Mission, Paul again passed under the "Kitty" sign. This time he looked up and remarked, "Kitty, you're still tangled up, but I'm free!"
I have learned that, no matter how badly I have fumbled the affairs of my life-- no matter how miserably I have failed in my attempts to guide my life-- ALWAYS, if and when I turn to Jesus, He is there to help me straighten my life up again.
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms:---
He does not always erase the effects of my blundering-- some things I have to "live with" the rest of my life. But He forgives me for the sin of rebellion against His Leadings in my life.
Gradually, I am learning that the desire to run my own life actually constitutes a rebellion against Him, and the guidance of His Spirit.
Psalms 100:5 For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.
This morning I awakened with a few words of a song which we heard in McCall, Idaho in 1945-46.
"Dear Lord, take up the tangled strands, Where I have wrought in vain. And with the skill of Thy dear Hand,--" That is all I can remember.
My mind ran, rather quickly, back over my life, and I saw the many times when I was in need of Divine Skill to bring order out of the chaos I had, unwittingly, brought forth in my life.
The amazing part of it is-- He seemed to have been waiting in the wings, until I realized I had made a mess of things and would look to Him for a solution.
I was reminded of a story told by an Evangelist who held us a 5 week meeting in 1943. He related how Paul Rader, in his pre-Christian life, had walked past the old J And P Coats sign in New York City. On the sign was a kitten who had become tangled hopelessly with thread from a spool. Once Paul remarked to the kitten, "Kitty, I'm about as tangled as you are."
But, one evening shortly after that, Paul stopped into a Mission. God spoke to his heart, and he responded when the invitation was given. He had a life-altering experience with the Lord there that night. His later accomplishments attested to the genuineness of his encounter with Jesus that night.
After leaving the Mission, Paul again passed under the "Kitty" sign. This time he looked up and remarked, "Kitty, you're still tangled up, but I'm free!"
I have learned that, no matter how badly I have fumbled the affairs of my life-- no matter how miserably I have failed in my attempts to guide my life-- ALWAYS, if and when I turn to Jesus, He is there to help me straighten my life up again.
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms:---
He does not always erase the effects of my blundering-- some things I have to "live with" the rest of my life. But He forgives me for the sin of rebellion against His Leadings in my life.
Gradually, I am learning that the desire to run my own life actually constitutes a rebellion against Him, and the guidance of His Spirit.
Psalms 100:5 For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.
OUR SUFFICIENCY IS OF GOD
OUR SUFFICIENCY IS OF GOD
II Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
Will you allow me to take the above scripture out of its setting, and apply it another way? I know as well as you do that Paul was defending his Apostleship when he wrote this scripture.
However, it can also be applied to each of us in our Christian walk. We are not sufficient in ourselves to please a Holy God. Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
We Christians of America are a proud bunch of people. America has the highest standard of living to be found anywhere. We have the best form of government on the face of the globe. The words "best" and "most" will fit a lot of things in this wonderful land.
The sad part of the whole deal is that we Christians have imbibed that "best, most" attitude toward our religion. "No doubt about it, our religion is head and shoulders above the rest." We Charismatic Pentecostal folks have more than our share of the arrogance.
This is not to infer that what we have is NOT a "cut above the rest", for it may very well be so. It is the Pentecostal message which is "turning the world upside down" in the Third World today. It is a message with transforming power. It would be very easy to fall into the trap of pride. We surely do need to watch our attitude in this area all of the time.
It is the ARROGANCE that acts like the "wrench in the cogs" when we try to move the hand of God for our community.
A few months back, there was a strong move toward God in our valley. We had been told that prophetic utterances had pin-pointed the Yakima Valley as the starting place of a mighty move of God--indeed, maybe THE MOVE of God of the century. Special prayers were made, hatchets were buried, (at least temporarily). Pastors and Churches worked in harmony to see God move.
But to date (December 1, 1993), not much has taken place except for some folks to change from one church to another, and another, -- searching for more of God.
I believe that we Christians need to thoroughly repent of the arrogance which is possibly holding back what God really wants to do among us.
Wouldn't it have been a "feather in our cap" if God had sent His Spirit in deluge upon us as a result of what WE WERE DOING? Our pride would have known no bounds. "Look what WE DID!"
But God has straitly warned us that no flesh should glory in His Presence. I'm afraid we didn't have the right recipe for revival.
It may not be too late yet for us to repent of our tendency to pride and arrogance. It might be well if each one of us took on a burden for just one person, and prayed them through to a genuine repentance. I mean, "you pray for you, and I pray for me," until we each get "low" at His Feet.
Pride is such an insidious thing. It has many disguises to help it conceal its true identity. About the time we think we have it whipped, it shows up somewhere else.
II Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
Will you allow me to take the above scripture out of its setting, and apply it another way? I know as well as you do that Paul was defending his Apostleship when he wrote this scripture.
However, it can also be applied to each of us in our Christian walk. We are not sufficient in ourselves to please a Holy God. Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
We Christians of America are a proud bunch of people. America has the highest standard of living to be found anywhere. We have the best form of government on the face of the globe. The words "best" and "most" will fit a lot of things in this wonderful land.
The sad part of the whole deal is that we Christians have imbibed that "best, most" attitude toward our religion. "No doubt about it, our religion is head and shoulders above the rest." We Charismatic Pentecostal folks have more than our share of the arrogance.
This is not to infer that what we have is NOT a "cut above the rest", for it may very well be so. It is the Pentecostal message which is "turning the world upside down" in the Third World today. It is a message with transforming power. It would be very easy to fall into the trap of pride. We surely do need to watch our attitude in this area all of the time.
It is the ARROGANCE that acts like the "wrench in the cogs" when we try to move the hand of God for our community.
A few months back, there was a strong move toward God in our valley. We had been told that prophetic utterances had pin-pointed the Yakima Valley as the starting place of a mighty move of God--indeed, maybe THE MOVE of God of the century. Special prayers were made, hatchets were buried, (at least temporarily). Pastors and Churches worked in harmony to see God move.
But to date (December 1, 1993), not much has taken place except for some folks to change from one church to another, and another, -- searching for more of God.
I believe that we Christians need to thoroughly repent of the arrogance which is possibly holding back what God really wants to do among us.
Wouldn't it have been a "feather in our cap" if God had sent His Spirit in deluge upon us as a result of what WE WERE DOING? Our pride would have known no bounds. "Look what WE DID!"
But God has straitly warned us that no flesh should glory in His Presence. I'm afraid we didn't have the right recipe for revival.
It may not be too late yet for us to repent of our tendency to pride and arrogance. It might be well if each one of us took on a burden for just one person, and prayed them through to a genuine repentance. I mean, "you pray for you, and I pray for me," until we each get "low" at His Feet.
Pride is such an insidious thing. It has many disguises to help it conceal its true identity. About the time we think we have it whipped, it shows up somewhere else.
SUCCESS
SUCCESS
Someone has said that SUCCESS happens when PREPARATION meets OPPORTUNITY. This may be more than just a catchy phrase.
Another has said that we are only young once, but if we use it right, once is enough.
There are some things you only get one chance to do in your lifetime. Our preparation is very crucial. The Psalmist gives a guideline for our preparation. Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.
A story is told of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, the flying ace of the first World War. Those early machine guns would occa-sionally jam, due to shell casings being a bit too large or out of round. An aviator without an operating machine gun was in real trouble-- a "sitting duck", as the saying goes.
While other fliers were resting between flights, Eddie was out in his plane-- testing EVERY SHELL issued to him for his next flight-- to make SURE it would fit into the chamber. Any that would not, were thrown away.
That little maneuver contributed to his success as an Aviator, and to his success in civilian life later. He habitually did his best to eliminate the odds in every aspect of his life.
Steel rails are worth, in narmal times, about thirty dollars a ton. But, that same ton of steel,when put through a series of refining processes, and made into watch springs, can be worth as much as a million dollars.
The same is true of our Spiritual lives, as well as our natural lives. We can be content to be of such a value that people can ride on us, or we can develop our potential to the point where we can run the whole works.
Someone has said that SUCCESS happens when PREPARATION meets OPPORTUNITY. This may be more than just a catchy phrase.
Another has said that we are only young once, but if we use it right, once is enough.
There are some things you only get one chance to do in your lifetime. Our preparation is very crucial. The Psalmist gives a guideline for our preparation. Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.
A story is told of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, the flying ace of the first World War. Those early machine guns would occa-sionally jam, due to shell casings being a bit too large or out of round. An aviator without an operating machine gun was in real trouble-- a "sitting duck", as the saying goes.
While other fliers were resting between flights, Eddie was out in his plane-- testing EVERY SHELL issued to him for his next flight-- to make SURE it would fit into the chamber. Any that would not, were thrown away.
That little maneuver contributed to his success as an Aviator, and to his success in civilian life later. He habitually did his best to eliminate the odds in every aspect of his life.
Steel rails are worth, in narmal times, about thirty dollars a ton. But, that same ton of steel,when put through a series of refining processes, and made into watch springs, can be worth as much as a million dollars.
The same is true of our Spiritual lives, as well as our natural lives. We can be content to be of such a value that people can ride on us, or we can develop our potential to the point where we can run the whole works.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY
THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY
This morning I awakened with 2 Cor 4 on my mind. I have long known that Paul, in most of this epistle, is explaining and defending his ministry, and the ministry of other Apostles.
But, this morning, it came together in a different way than usual. I first thought of where Paul said he had BEEN MADE an able minister-- both of the Word and of the Spirit. II Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God; Who also HATH MADE US ABLE MINISTERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT; not of the letter (LAW OF MOSES), but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Paul is NOT contrasting the Word against the Spirit. RATHER, the contrast is between the LAW OF MOSES and the LAW OF THE SPIRIT. MOSES KILLS-- THE SPIRIT MAKES ALIVE.
Paul recognized that-- I Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Paul, like Noah, had "found grace in the eyes of the Lord". Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. The reason for this-- Genesis 6:9 -- Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.
Paul begins chapter 4 with-- II Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
In verses 6 and 7 Paul gives the source of his ability to do what God intended for him to do. Listen to him as he says--
II Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the LIGHT to shine out of darkness, hath SHINED IN OUR HEARTS, to [give] the LIGHT of the KNOWLEDGE (recognize and COMPREHEND) of the GLORY OF GOD in the face of Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:7 But we have THIS TREASURE ( speaking of MINISTRY here) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We who minister the Word of God should do our utmost to maintain such a relationship with Jesus that He can cause HIS LIGHT to shine in our hearts, in order that we may minister LIFE and UNDERSTANDING to those we minister to.
One man said one time, "Use whatever language you wish, you can only minister what you ARE." Another has said, "It takes 20 years to make a sermon, because it takes 20 years to make a MAN," This is especially true of TRUE MINISTRIES.
A few months ago, a young minister told me that he played a lot of GAMES with his computer. Since he had a BIBLE program, he would go down on Sunday morning and extract a few scriptures. He was then ready to preach to his congregation. Well, I appreciate my BIBLE program also, but I doubt that the Lord is pleased with that sort of attitude toward our ministry. Would it be any wonder if he were to utterly fail as a true minister?
Are our congregations lifeless and worldly? Are they struggling to keep the victory, and failing many times? Are the saints discouraged and disheartened?
The cause could well be that the Minister's LIGHT is getting dim, or has GONE OUT. Maybe we are too occupied with affairs of State and Politic, and not busy enough with the WORD OF GOD and the SPIRIT OF GOD. Could we be "playing" too long?
Five of the Virgins suffered great loss because their LIGHT would only take them as far as the MIDNIGHT HOUR. They were still fully as "virgin" as the others. The SHORTAGE OF LIGHT made the difference. They HAD POSSESSED LIGHT at one time, but NOT ENOUGH OF IT.
Psalms 119:130 The ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
II Timothy 2:15 Study (give diligence) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (God to be ashamed of), rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Corinthians 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
The ministry of the Pastor is the pivot point of the whole congregation. His personal relationship with Jesus flavors his ministry in the pulpit. He will produce in the congregation what he, himself, is.
"We have THIS TREASURE in earthen vessels.
Oh, how we need to repent, and walk softly before the God who has called us.
This morning I awakened with 2 Cor 4 on my mind. I have long known that Paul, in most of this epistle, is explaining and defending his ministry, and the ministry of other Apostles.
But, this morning, it came together in a different way than usual. I first thought of where Paul said he had BEEN MADE an able minister-- both of the Word and of the Spirit. II Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God; Who also HATH MADE US ABLE MINISTERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT; not of the letter (LAW OF MOSES), but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Paul is NOT contrasting the Word against the Spirit. RATHER, the contrast is between the LAW OF MOSES and the LAW OF THE SPIRIT. MOSES KILLS-- THE SPIRIT MAKES ALIVE.
Paul recognized that-- I Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Paul, like Noah, had "found grace in the eyes of the Lord". Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. The reason for this-- Genesis 6:9 -- Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.
Paul begins chapter 4 with-- II Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
In verses 6 and 7 Paul gives the source of his ability to do what God intended for him to do. Listen to him as he says--
II Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the LIGHT to shine out of darkness, hath SHINED IN OUR HEARTS, to [give] the LIGHT of the KNOWLEDGE (recognize and COMPREHEND) of the GLORY OF GOD in the face of Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:7 But we have THIS TREASURE ( speaking of MINISTRY here) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We who minister the Word of God should do our utmost to maintain such a relationship with Jesus that He can cause HIS LIGHT to shine in our hearts, in order that we may minister LIFE and UNDERSTANDING to those we minister to.
One man said one time, "Use whatever language you wish, you can only minister what you ARE." Another has said, "It takes 20 years to make a sermon, because it takes 20 years to make a MAN," This is especially true of TRUE MINISTRIES.
A few months ago, a young minister told me that he played a lot of GAMES with his computer. Since he had a BIBLE program, he would go down on Sunday morning and extract a few scriptures. He was then ready to preach to his congregation. Well, I appreciate my BIBLE program also, but I doubt that the Lord is pleased with that sort of attitude toward our ministry. Would it be any wonder if he were to utterly fail as a true minister?
Are our congregations lifeless and worldly? Are they struggling to keep the victory, and failing many times? Are the saints discouraged and disheartened?
The cause could well be that the Minister's LIGHT is getting dim, or has GONE OUT. Maybe we are too occupied with affairs of State and Politic, and not busy enough with the WORD OF GOD and the SPIRIT OF GOD. Could we be "playing" too long?
Five of the Virgins suffered great loss because their LIGHT would only take them as far as the MIDNIGHT HOUR. They were still fully as "virgin" as the others. The SHORTAGE OF LIGHT made the difference. They HAD POSSESSED LIGHT at one time, but NOT ENOUGH OF IT.
Psalms 119:130 The ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
II Timothy 2:15 Study (give diligence) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (God to be ashamed of), rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Corinthians 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
The ministry of the Pastor is the pivot point of the whole congregation. His personal relationship with Jesus flavors his ministry in the pulpit. He will produce in the congregation what he, himself, is.
"We have THIS TREASURE in earthen vessels.
Oh, how we need to repent, and walk softly before the God who has called us.
THE NEW ALTAR
THE NEW ALTAR
Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
A few nights ago we were at a small Chapel Meeting in which the discussion turned to how to alert a person to the fact of a deeper walk with God.
Several aspects were touched on, such as the parable of the sower and the varying degrees of productivity of the good ground. Also the parable of the talents-- (according to their several ability), plus other topics.
Soon, we were talking about what makes the difference between the "robust" and the "weakly" Christians.
Right away, Tom Ward and others were "off and running" on the subject of "food of a Christian". I think Tom had the better idea of what it takes to maintain Spiritual health.
There is a definite contrast made in the Bible about where we are to obtain Spiritual Food for our souls. It is really sad to see so many folks looking in the wrong places for their food.
It is not in good music, though GOOD music doesn't do any HARM in itself, if used solely as an AID to WORSHIP, rather than substituted AS WORSHIP.
It is not in good preaching, though preaching, if good enough, will help direct us to the place where food is to be found. Good preaching can only serve as a sign post, pointing us to where our Spiritual Food is. We sell ourselves short when we listen to preaching for preaching's sake, desireable as it is.
Tom pointed out that natural food is for the body, and if we eat the right kinds of food in the right amounts, we will be healthy and robust human beings.
BUT, AS CHRISTIANS, WE REQUIRE A DIFFERENT KIND OF FOOD FOR OUR SPIRIT AND SOUL. Only the Spirit of God can satisfy that need.
Then Tom took us to the scriptures quoted at the beginning of this article, and explained how the priests of the Law were actually fed (and grew fat) from the Altar of the Tabernacle. There are many scriptures which declare this fact, but we will not go into them now. We just want to establish the fact that they did get their "meat" FROM THE ALTAR. They ATE FROM THE ALTAR.
Now, let me re-quote Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Usually, when we think of an altar, we automatically think of a sacrifice being made by ourselves or someone else. But the writer is not using it in that sense here.
IT IS FROM THIS ALTAR THAT WE ARE TO "EAT AND GROW FAT" IN OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE.
No, there is no "bread and potatoes" on this altar. Nothing for the physical man at all-- ONLY FOR THE SPIRIT MAN. And there is PLENTY FOR ALL.
BUT WE CAN ONLY HAVE IT AS WE ARE WILLING TO TAKE IT. That is the entire secret of being HEALTHY or SICKLY AND WEAK as Christians. TAKING OUR FOOD FROM THE ALTAR.
Jesus AMPLY SUPPLIED THE ALTAR with meat (His Flesh) and drink (His blood) from the Cross of Calvary.
John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. -- Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
But, HOW DO WE TAKE THIS FOOD FROM THE ALTAR? Listen to Jude
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
I Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
The KNOWLEDGE of the Word of God is GOOD, but INSUFFICIENT IN ITSELF to make us strong. LARGE DOSES OF THE SPIRIT are also vital to good Spiritual health.
The BEST WAY (though perhaps not the ONLY way) to eat of the Spirit is by the way of praying in the unknown tongue. Sometimes it might seem such a waste of time-- to not know what is being communicated between you and the Lord, but rest assured-- GOD KNOWS THE NEED in your life, and is not MINCING WORDS, NOR SKIRTING THE ISSUES, as we are prone to do when we vocalize our prayers. We are so prone to attempting to tell God what the siruation is, which is a waste of time. He KNOWS IT BETTER THAN WE DO.
WHAT A WONDERFUL SOURCE OF SUPPLY WE HAVE. It is the ALTAR OF THE SPIRIT, supplied by Jesus Himself.
"EAT MY FLESH, AND DRINK MY BLOOD."
Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
A few nights ago we were at a small Chapel Meeting in which the discussion turned to how to alert a person to the fact of a deeper walk with God.
Several aspects were touched on, such as the parable of the sower and the varying degrees of productivity of the good ground. Also the parable of the talents-- (according to their several ability), plus other topics.
Soon, we were talking about what makes the difference between the "robust" and the "weakly" Christians.
Right away, Tom Ward and others were "off and running" on the subject of "food of a Christian". I think Tom had the better idea of what it takes to maintain Spiritual health.
There is a definite contrast made in the Bible about where we are to obtain Spiritual Food for our souls. It is really sad to see so many folks looking in the wrong places for their food.
It is not in good music, though GOOD music doesn't do any HARM in itself, if used solely as an AID to WORSHIP, rather than substituted AS WORSHIP.
It is not in good preaching, though preaching, if good enough, will help direct us to the place where food is to be found. Good preaching can only serve as a sign post, pointing us to where our Spiritual Food is. We sell ourselves short when we listen to preaching for preaching's sake, desireable as it is.
Tom pointed out that natural food is for the body, and if we eat the right kinds of food in the right amounts, we will be healthy and robust human beings.
BUT, AS CHRISTIANS, WE REQUIRE A DIFFERENT KIND OF FOOD FOR OUR SPIRIT AND SOUL. Only the Spirit of God can satisfy that need.
Then Tom took us to the scriptures quoted at the beginning of this article, and explained how the priests of the Law were actually fed (and grew fat) from the Altar of the Tabernacle. There are many scriptures which declare this fact, but we will not go into them now. We just want to establish the fact that they did get their "meat" FROM THE ALTAR. They ATE FROM THE ALTAR.
Now, let me re-quote Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Usually, when we think of an altar, we automatically think of a sacrifice being made by ourselves or someone else. But the writer is not using it in that sense here.
IT IS FROM THIS ALTAR THAT WE ARE TO "EAT AND GROW FAT" IN OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE.
No, there is no "bread and potatoes" on this altar. Nothing for the physical man at all-- ONLY FOR THE SPIRIT MAN. And there is PLENTY FOR ALL.
BUT WE CAN ONLY HAVE IT AS WE ARE WILLING TO TAKE IT. That is the entire secret of being HEALTHY or SICKLY AND WEAK as Christians. TAKING OUR FOOD FROM THE ALTAR.
Jesus AMPLY SUPPLIED THE ALTAR with meat (His Flesh) and drink (His blood) from the Cross of Calvary.
John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. -- Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
But, HOW DO WE TAKE THIS FOOD FROM THE ALTAR? Listen to Jude
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
I Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
The KNOWLEDGE of the Word of God is GOOD, but INSUFFICIENT IN ITSELF to make us strong. LARGE DOSES OF THE SPIRIT are also vital to good Spiritual health.
The BEST WAY (though perhaps not the ONLY way) to eat of the Spirit is by the way of praying in the unknown tongue. Sometimes it might seem such a waste of time-- to not know what is being communicated between you and the Lord, but rest assured-- GOD KNOWS THE NEED in your life, and is not MINCING WORDS, NOR SKIRTING THE ISSUES, as we are prone to do when we vocalize our prayers. We are so prone to attempting to tell God what the siruation is, which is a waste of time. He KNOWS IT BETTER THAN WE DO.
WHAT A WONDERFUL SOURCE OF SUPPLY WE HAVE. It is the ALTAR OF THE SPIRIT, supplied by Jesus Himself.
"EAT MY FLESH, AND DRINK MY BLOOD."
ONE
ONE
The book of Ephesians has a wonderful lesson woven into its fabric for us to look at. It is a lesson about the ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT of PLACING FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AS PERSONAL SAVIOUR before ANY ONE of ANY NATIONALITY can have Peace with God. There is not one plan for Gentiles, and another plan for Israelites, or any other Nation.
ALL MUST COME TO JESUS. 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in ONE all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:
In Jesus, there is no separation of RACES, SEXES OR CREEDS. ALL ARE ONE. 2:14 For HE IS OUR PEACE, who hath made both ONE, and hath BROKEN DOWN THE MIDDLE WALL OF PARTITION [BETWEEN US];
The Law of Moses, which SEPARATED before, can not continue to separate, for--2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the LAW OF COMMANDMENTS [CONTAINED] IN ORDINANCES; for TO MAKE IN HIMSELF OF TWAIN ONE NEW MAN, [so] making peace; 2:16 And that he might RECONCILE BOTH unto God in ONE body BY THE CROSS, having SLAIN THE ENMITY THEREBY:
Jesus is the ONLY WAY to come to God. He is the NEW AND LIVING WAY. 2:18 For THROUGH HIM we BOTH HAVE ACCESS by ONE SPIRIT unto the Father.
Look at the seven times Paul uses the word "ONE" in three verses of chapter 4. Jew and Gentile are TREATED EXACTLY THE SAME IN JESUS.
4:4 [There is] ONE BODY, and ONE SPIRIT, even as ye are called in ONE HOPE of your calling;
4:5 ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM
4:6 ONE GOD and FATHER of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. Also note the word "ALL".
NO ONE IS EXEMPT.
THERE ARE NO PROMISES, APART
FROM FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!
THE PROMISES ARE
ALL IN JESUS
--EVEN THE LAND!
The book of Ephesians has a wonderful lesson woven into its fabric for us to look at. It is a lesson about the ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT of PLACING FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AS PERSONAL SAVIOUR before ANY ONE of ANY NATIONALITY can have Peace with God. There is not one plan for Gentiles, and another plan for Israelites, or any other Nation.
ALL MUST COME TO JESUS. 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in ONE all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:
In Jesus, there is no separation of RACES, SEXES OR CREEDS. ALL ARE ONE. 2:14 For HE IS OUR PEACE, who hath made both ONE, and hath BROKEN DOWN THE MIDDLE WALL OF PARTITION [BETWEEN US];
The Law of Moses, which SEPARATED before, can not continue to separate, for--2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the LAW OF COMMANDMENTS [CONTAINED] IN ORDINANCES; for TO MAKE IN HIMSELF OF TWAIN ONE NEW MAN, [so] making peace; 2:16 And that he might RECONCILE BOTH unto God in ONE body BY THE CROSS, having SLAIN THE ENMITY THEREBY:
Jesus is the ONLY WAY to come to God. He is the NEW AND LIVING WAY. 2:18 For THROUGH HIM we BOTH HAVE ACCESS by ONE SPIRIT unto the Father.
Look at the seven times Paul uses the word "ONE" in three verses of chapter 4. Jew and Gentile are TREATED EXACTLY THE SAME IN JESUS.
4:4 [There is] ONE BODY, and ONE SPIRIT, even as ye are called in ONE HOPE of your calling;
4:5 ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM
4:6 ONE GOD and FATHER of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. Also note the word "ALL".
NO ONE IS EXEMPT.
THERE ARE NO PROMISES, APART
FROM FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!
THE PROMISES ARE
ALL IN JESUS
--EVEN THE LAND!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT
THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my MESSENGER, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Malachi was referring to TWO MESSENGERS in this prophecy. The first one was John the Baptist. He was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus. God drew the people to John, as a magnet draws iron filings. God's Spirit can draw people to a cow barn, and leave cathedrals empty-- if He so chooses. Huge throngs of people were drawn to Jordan, where John was preaching and baptizing. He directed attention to the ONE who was yet to come-- THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT.
The second one is Jesus Christ-- the LORD, who suddenly comes to HIS TEMPLE. His COMING TO HIS TEMPLE could have been at Jordan when He was baptized by John.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit DESCENDING, and REMAINING ON HIM, the same is he which BAPTIZETH WITH THE HOLY GHOST.
John the Baptist was a descendant of Levi, of the priestly line. He was the LAST SON OF LEVI to figure in the PLAN OF GOD. How beautifully the two dispensations dovetail together. The last one of the PRIESTHOOD introduces the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT. The Covenant of GRACE AND TRUTH (Reality), that is.
Jesus, the Messenger of the Covenant, was of the DAVIDIC, the KINGLY line. They were of COUSIN TRIBES, but at least forty generations down the line, as individuals, and according to John's testimony, had not known each other in the flesh. (Neither should we know each other in the flesh). Our KNOWING, like John and Jesus, should be in the Spirit of Him who has given us of Himself-- to each one as He pleases.
John came from OBSCURITY. Elijah also was a man of OBSCURITY. The Spirit in each of them was very similar to the other. They both wore rough clothing and a girdle of leather. They were both very forceful in their delivery of God's Message of the day to those who heard them.
John was not Elijah. He came in the Spirit of Elijah-- same type of Ministry-- same attitude toward the things of God.
But, now, let us direct our attention to the fact that Jesus was the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT. The Covenant of Grace and Truth. The COVENANT of ABRAHAM, entered into nearly 2000 years before.
Jesus CONFIRMED THE COVENANT with many (see Daniel 9:27. After 3 1/2 years, (midst of the week) He caused all animal sacrifices to cease-- all oblations came to an end.
Jesus was the ONLY ONE WHO COULD CONFIRM THE COVENANT. He had made it in the first place. NO ONE CAN CONFIRM an agreement which THEY DID NOT MAKE.
Galatians 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though [it be] but a man's covenant, yet [if it be] CONFIRMED, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, [that] the covenant, that WAS CONFIRMED BEFORE OF GOD IN CHRIST, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
The Covenant of Grace and Truth has been CONFIRMED. It CANNOT BE SET ASIDE. It will stand the test of time. We can safely put our trust in Jesus, THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT. GLORY TO JESUS!
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my MESSENGER, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Malachi was referring to TWO MESSENGERS in this prophecy. The first one was John the Baptist. He was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus. God drew the people to John, as a magnet draws iron filings. God's Spirit can draw people to a cow barn, and leave cathedrals empty-- if He so chooses. Huge throngs of people were drawn to Jordan, where John was preaching and baptizing. He directed attention to the ONE who was yet to come-- THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT.
The second one is Jesus Christ-- the LORD, who suddenly comes to HIS TEMPLE. His COMING TO HIS TEMPLE could have been at Jordan when He was baptized by John.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit DESCENDING, and REMAINING ON HIM, the same is he which BAPTIZETH WITH THE HOLY GHOST.
John the Baptist was a descendant of Levi, of the priestly line. He was the LAST SON OF LEVI to figure in the PLAN OF GOD. How beautifully the two dispensations dovetail together. The last one of the PRIESTHOOD introduces the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT. The Covenant of GRACE AND TRUTH (Reality), that is.
Jesus, the Messenger of the Covenant, was of the DAVIDIC, the KINGLY line. They were of COUSIN TRIBES, but at least forty generations down the line, as individuals, and according to John's testimony, had not known each other in the flesh. (Neither should we know each other in the flesh). Our KNOWING, like John and Jesus, should be in the Spirit of Him who has given us of Himself-- to each one as He pleases.
John came from OBSCURITY. Elijah also was a man of OBSCURITY. The Spirit in each of them was very similar to the other. They both wore rough clothing and a girdle of leather. They were both very forceful in their delivery of God's Message of the day to those who heard them.
John was not Elijah. He came in the Spirit of Elijah-- same type of Ministry-- same attitude toward the things of God.
But, now, let us direct our attention to the fact that Jesus was the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT. The Covenant of Grace and Truth. The COVENANT of ABRAHAM, entered into nearly 2000 years before.
Jesus CONFIRMED THE COVENANT with many (see Daniel 9:27. After 3 1/2 years, (midst of the week) He caused all animal sacrifices to cease-- all oblations came to an end.
Jesus was the ONLY ONE WHO COULD CONFIRM THE COVENANT. He had made it in the first place. NO ONE CAN CONFIRM an agreement which THEY DID NOT MAKE.
Galatians 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though [it be] but a man's covenant, yet [if it be] CONFIRMED, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, [that] the covenant, that WAS CONFIRMED BEFORE OF GOD IN CHRIST, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
The Covenant of Grace and Truth has been CONFIRMED. It CANNOT BE SET ASIDE. It will stand the test of time. We can safely put our trust in Jesus, THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT. GLORY TO JESUS!
NEVER
NEVER
God has made some wonderful promises to His People. One of the most outstanding is this one.
Hebrews 13:5 -- for he hath said, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE.
NEVER is a long time. It is an ABSOLUTE. It can not be changed by any means.
Some of the Patriarchs had this promise given especially to them.
JACOB:
Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.
MOSES:
Exodus 3:12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL:
I Samuel 12:22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
I Kings 6:13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.
I Kings 8:57 The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalms 94:14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
DAVID:
Psalms 23:1 The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
I Chronicles 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
God has made some wonderful promises to His People. One of the most outstanding is this one.
Hebrews 13:5 -- for he hath said, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE.
NEVER is a long time. It is an ABSOLUTE. It can not be changed by any means.
Some of the Patriarchs had this promise given especially to them.
JACOB:
Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.
MOSES:
Exodus 3:12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL:
I Samuel 12:22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
I Kings 6:13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.
I Kings 8:57 The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalms 94:14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
DAVID:
Psalms 23:1 The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
I Chronicles 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
JESUS OFFERED HIMSELF
JESUS OFFERED HIMSELF
We often think of the cruelty which Jesus suffered at the hands of the Roman soldiers, and it is true that he did suffer terribly. It is also true that He did it for you and me. But there are some things which are overlooked when we think about Calvary and all that it embodies.
First, the Roman soldiers were not responsible for the FACT of the crucifixion. That was ordered by Pontius Pilate, when he caved in to the demands of the Jewish leaders. While it is true that the soldiers were responsible for their WAYS and ATTITUDES during the process of the events surrounding Calvary.
We MUST bear in mind that Jesus WAS NOT A VICTIM that day. He had choreographed all of the events surrounding the crucifixion.
He who calmed the sea, who raised the dead and healed the sick and maimed, and countless other miracles was IN FULL CHARGE on that day. While it is true that He was USING cruel and Godless men to do the "dirty work", He was fully in command of the situation. He was doing what He KNEW TO BE THE WILL OF HIS FATHER.
We are told plainly, in several places, that Jesus OFFERED HIMSELF as a SIN BEARER for the human race.
Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews has taken much care to convince us that Jesus was ordained a HIGH PRIEST-- even though He was not of the tribe of Levi. He was of the tribe of Judah. The Levites offered bulls and goats, pigeons and turtledoves. But, what would Jesus offer?
We must remember that the Hebrew narrative is about the events of the DAY OF ATONEMENT, that most holy day of the entire year, when one goat was chosen for a SACRIFICE, and the other goat was designated for AZAZEL. Two goats were necessary, for the work of Jesus was to be TWO-FOLD. AFTER THE HIGH PRIEST returned from the HOLY OF HOLIES, he SENT AWAY (remitted) the sins of the people on the head of the goat for AZAZEL. I emphasize that the work of the high priest in the Holy of Holies was FINISHED before he RETURNED to the place where the first goat had been slain-- to load up and send away the second goat.
Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
There will never be a need for another blood sacrifice-- animal or human. The offering that Jesus made is sufficient for all time.
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
W MUST realize that the second phase of the offering of Jesus is still in the future-- the REMISSION OF SIN, spoken of in Acts 2:38. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
I capitalized the word FOR in quoting the verse, to bring out that the word in the Greek means "looking toward", rather than for the purpose of remission of sin. It is the same word used for the baptism of John the Baptist "unto repentance"-- looking forward to something which was not yet available while Jesus was alive.
Hebrews 9:16 For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
We often think of the cruelty which Jesus suffered at the hands of the Roman soldiers, and it is true that he did suffer terribly. It is also true that He did it for you and me. But there are some things which are overlooked when we think about Calvary and all that it embodies.
First, the Roman soldiers were not responsible for the FACT of the crucifixion. That was ordered by Pontius Pilate, when he caved in to the demands of the Jewish leaders. While it is true that the soldiers were responsible for their WAYS and ATTITUDES during the process of the events surrounding Calvary.
We MUST bear in mind that Jesus WAS NOT A VICTIM that day. He had choreographed all of the events surrounding the crucifixion.
He who calmed the sea, who raised the dead and healed the sick and maimed, and countless other miracles was IN FULL CHARGE on that day. While it is true that He was USING cruel and Godless men to do the "dirty work", He was fully in command of the situation. He was doing what He KNEW TO BE THE WILL OF HIS FATHER.
We are told plainly, in several places, that Jesus OFFERED HIMSELF as a SIN BEARER for the human race.
Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews has taken much care to convince us that Jesus was ordained a HIGH PRIEST-- even though He was not of the tribe of Levi. He was of the tribe of Judah. The Levites offered bulls and goats, pigeons and turtledoves. But, what would Jesus offer?
We must remember that the Hebrew narrative is about the events of the DAY OF ATONEMENT, that most holy day of the entire year, when one goat was chosen for a SACRIFICE, and the other goat was designated for AZAZEL. Two goats were necessary, for the work of Jesus was to be TWO-FOLD. AFTER THE HIGH PRIEST returned from the HOLY OF HOLIES, he SENT AWAY (remitted) the sins of the people on the head of the goat for AZAZEL. I emphasize that the work of the high priest in the Holy of Holies was FINISHED before he RETURNED to the place where the first goat had been slain-- to load up and send away the second goat.
Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
There will never be a need for another blood sacrifice-- animal or human. The offering that Jesus made is sufficient for all time.
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
W MUST realize that the second phase of the offering of Jesus is still in the future-- the REMISSION OF SIN, spoken of in Acts 2:38. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
I capitalized the word FOR in quoting the verse, to bring out that the word in the Greek means "looking toward", rather than for the purpose of remission of sin. It is the same word used for the baptism of John the Baptist "unto repentance"-- looking forward to something which was not yet available while Jesus was alive.
Hebrews 9:16 For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
SHALL OVERTAKE YOU
SHALL OVERTAKE YOU
To be OVERTAKEN by someone or some thing means that you were unable to outrun them or it, however much you might have wished to do so.
The admonition which Moses gave to the children of Israel in the wilderness is as valid today as it was the day he spoke it-- with the exception that the Ceremonies of the Law are no longer imposed upon us-- just the Moral portion of the Law.
In effect, the Lord was telling the people through Moses that they would be OVERTAKEN by one of two forces-- depending upon their actions relating to His Commands.
Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these BLESSINGS shall come on thee, and OVERTAKE thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt NOT HEARKEN unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these CURSES shall come upon thee, and OVERTAKE thee:
Deuteronomy 28:45 Moreover all these CURSES shall COME UPON thee, and shall PURSUE thee, and OVERTAKE thee, till thou be DESTROYED; because thou HEARKENEDST NOT unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee:
After many years of disregard for the Commandments of the Lord, Isaiah laments the sad state of affairs in Israel. They were in Phase 2 (reaping) of their lack of obedience.
Isaiah 59:9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice OVERTAKE us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, [but] WE WALK IN DARKNESS.
Our truly Godly leaders of today are likewise weeping over the conditions of the Nation, AND THE CHURCH.
Paul Harvey has a saying, "You can run, but you can't hide." That is precisely what Jeremiah was telling the leaders of Judah, who were wanting to go into Egypt in order to escape what they feared would happen to them if they stayed where they were.
Jeremiah 42:16 Then it shall come to pass, [that] the sword, which ye feared, shall OVERTAKE you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.
God knows where we are, and can find us when He wants to.
While it is certainly true that we are no longer under the Ceremonial Law, we are not free to do as we please. We are told of an OBEDIENCE which is required of us if we hope to have the blessing of God on our lives.
It is OBEDIENCE to the GOSPEL. It is OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH. It is OBEDIENCE TO THE TRUTH. It is OBEDIENCE TO LIGHT.
John 3:19 And THIS is the CONDEMNATION, that LIGHT IS COME into the world, and MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because their deeds were evil.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye YIELD YOURSELVES SERVANTS TO OBEY, his servants ye are to WHOM YE OBEY; whether of SIN UNTO DEATH, or of OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Romans 10:16 But they have not all OBEYED THE GOSPEL. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not OBEY THE TRUTH, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH among all nations, for his name:
Accepting Jesus as our Saviour and following Him and His Leadings in our lives is the essence of OBEDIENCE.
"My Yoke is EASY, and My Burden is LIGHT."
To be OVERTAKEN by someone or some thing means that you were unable to outrun them or it, however much you might have wished to do so.
The admonition which Moses gave to the children of Israel in the wilderness is as valid today as it was the day he spoke it-- with the exception that the Ceremonies of the Law are no longer imposed upon us-- just the Moral portion of the Law.
In effect, the Lord was telling the people through Moses that they would be OVERTAKEN by one of two forces-- depending upon their actions relating to His Commands.
Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these BLESSINGS shall come on thee, and OVERTAKE thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt NOT HEARKEN unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these CURSES shall come upon thee, and OVERTAKE thee:
Deuteronomy 28:45 Moreover all these CURSES shall COME UPON thee, and shall PURSUE thee, and OVERTAKE thee, till thou be DESTROYED; because thou HEARKENEDST NOT unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee:
After many years of disregard for the Commandments of the Lord, Isaiah laments the sad state of affairs in Israel. They were in Phase 2 (reaping) of their lack of obedience.
Isaiah 59:9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice OVERTAKE us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, [but] WE WALK IN DARKNESS.
Our truly Godly leaders of today are likewise weeping over the conditions of the Nation, AND THE CHURCH.
Paul Harvey has a saying, "You can run, but you can't hide." That is precisely what Jeremiah was telling the leaders of Judah, who were wanting to go into Egypt in order to escape what they feared would happen to them if they stayed where they were.
Jeremiah 42:16 Then it shall come to pass, [that] the sword, which ye feared, shall OVERTAKE you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.
God knows where we are, and can find us when He wants to.
While it is certainly true that we are no longer under the Ceremonial Law, we are not free to do as we please. We are told of an OBEDIENCE which is required of us if we hope to have the blessing of God on our lives.
It is OBEDIENCE to the GOSPEL. It is OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH. It is OBEDIENCE TO THE TRUTH. It is OBEDIENCE TO LIGHT.
John 3:19 And THIS is the CONDEMNATION, that LIGHT IS COME into the world, and MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because their deeds were evil.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye YIELD YOURSELVES SERVANTS TO OBEY, his servants ye are to WHOM YE OBEY; whether of SIN UNTO DEATH, or of OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Romans 10:16 But they have not all OBEYED THE GOSPEL. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not OBEY THE TRUTH, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH among all nations, for his name:
Accepting Jesus as our Saviour and following Him and His Leadings in our lives is the essence of OBEDIENCE.
"My Yoke is EASY, and My Burden is LIGHT."
Friday, September 08, 2006
GOD'S MERCY
GOD'S MERCY
David, in communication with God, spent most of his time in doing one of two things. When he was NOT IN TROUBLE, he mostly said, "PRAISE YE THE LORD." IN TROUBLE, ONE THEME COMES TO THE FRONT RIGHT AWAY. He begs for MERCY AND COMPASSION more than anything else. Look at them:
Psalms 6:2 HAVE MERCY upon me, O LORD for I [am] weak: O LORD, HEAL me; 9:13 HAVE MERCY upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble 27:7 Hear, O LORD, [when] I cry: HAVE MERCY upon me, and ANSWER me. 30:10 Hear, O LORD, and HAVE MERCY upon me: LORD, be thou my HELPER. 41:4 LORD, BE MERCIFUL unto me: HEAL MY SOUL; for I have sinned against thee. 41:10 But thou, O LORD, be MERCIFUL UNTO ME, and RAISE ME UP, 86:3 Be MERCIFUL unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. 123:3 HAVE MERCY upon us,
O LORD, HAVE MERCY upon us:
This next one is a classic. Psalms 109:21 But DO THOU FOR ME, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake:
It seems that he wanted God's help, but didn't know what to ask for. Not such a bad idea after all, because one of the greatest hindrances to prayer is the fact that we pray ACCORDING TO OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, which is VERY FAULTY at best.
Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, HAVE MERCY ON ME, O LORD,
Matthew 17:15 Lord, HAVE MERCY ON MY SON: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire--
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will HAVE MERCY upon him; and to our God, for HE WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON.
Daniel 9:18 O my God, INCLINE THINE EAR, AND HEAR; OPEN THINE EYES, and behold our desolations,-- for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy GREAT MERCIES.
David, in communication with God, spent most of his time in doing one of two things. When he was NOT IN TROUBLE, he mostly said, "PRAISE YE THE LORD." IN TROUBLE, ONE THEME COMES TO THE FRONT RIGHT AWAY. He begs for MERCY AND COMPASSION more than anything else. Look at them:
Psalms 6:2 HAVE MERCY upon me, O LORD for I [am] weak: O LORD, HEAL me; 9:13 HAVE MERCY upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble 27:7 Hear, O LORD, [when] I cry: HAVE MERCY upon me, and ANSWER me. 30:10 Hear, O LORD, and HAVE MERCY upon me: LORD, be thou my HELPER. 41:4 LORD, BE MERCIFUL unto me: HEAL MY SOUL; for I have sinned against thee. 41:10 But thou, O LORD, be MERCIFUL UNTO ME, and RAISE ME UP, 86:3 Be MERCIFUL unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. 123:3 HAVE MERCY upon us,
O LORD, HAVE MERCY upon us:
This next one is a classic. Psalms 109:21 But DO THOU FOR ME, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake:
It seems that he wanted God's help, but didn't know what to ask for. Not such a bad idea after all, because one of the greatest hindrances to prayer is the fact that we pray ACCORDING TO OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, which is VERY FAULTY at best.
Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, HAVE MERCY ON ME, O LORD,
Matthew 17:15 Lord, HAVE MERCY ON MY SON: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire--
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will HAVE MERCY upon him; and to our God, for HE WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON.
Daniel 9:18 O my God, INCLINE THINE EAR, AND HEAR; OPEN THINE EYES, and behold our desolations,-- for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy GREAT MERCIES.
NAKEDNESS
NAKEDNESS
Legend has it that it was a custom among the Temple Guards that any one caught asleep at his post of duty was to be stripped of his clothing, and he would have to go home naked.
While this cannot be traced in the Bible, I believe it to be true, for there are references which seem to bear it out.
Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Mk 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
I do not believe these scriptures are dealing with Salvation. Rather, it would seem they are dealing with rewards or the lack of them, which would result from our diligence or lack of it in our walk with the Lord after we are saved.
SALVATION, it must be emphasized, is a GIFT. WE CANNOT EARN IT IN ANY WAY.
REWARDS, however, is a different ball game entirely, and are based upon our progress, or lack of it after we come to trust in Jesus for the well-being of our souls.
In the Revelation, one whole Church was sternly rebuked for its lack of development. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Another of the Churches was commended for their steadfastness in a pure walk in the face of overwhelming hardship -
Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
There is an interesting story recorded regarding people being made naked. It happened while Moses was on Mt. Sinai with the Lord. Aaron had made a golden calf at the request of the people. (Leaders are supposed to lead, not follow.) The Lord told Moses to go back down, for there was something terrible happening. Exodus 32:25 And when Moses saw that the people [were] naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto [their] shame among their enemies:) We have no way of knowing whether or not the people were actually unclothed or not, for the word is translated so many different ways. Look at just a few:
Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Proverbs 29:18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: (become naked - go back - refuse instruction) but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.
The general usage of the Hebrew word seems to indicate a departure from the principles of Godliness rather than having "bare essentials".
"Permissiveness" is another description.
There is another Hebrew word used to denote nudity.
In the event of the golden calf - it was associated with a degree of social activity mixed in with their worship.
Exodus 32:6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
Worship to Almighty God is one thing. Play, and other social activity is something else. Trying to mix them is a dangerous game. Many Church congregations are playing that game, with varying degrees of disaster being the result.
Paul referred to the golden calf incident this way: I Corinthians 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Legend has it that it was a custom among the Temple Guards that any one caught asleep at his post of duty was to be stripped of his clothing, and he would have to go home naked.
While this cannot be traced in the Bible, I believe it to be true, for there are references which seem to bear it out.
Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Mk 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
I do not believe these scriptures are dealing with Salvation. Rather, it would seem they are dealing with rewards or the lack of them, which would result from our diligence or lack of it in our walk with the Lord after we are saved.
SALVATION, it must be emphasized, is a GIFT. WE CANNOT EARN IT IN ANY WAY.
REWARDS, however, is a different ball game entirely, and are based upon our progress, or lack of it after we come to trust in Jesus for the well-being of our souls.
In the Revelation, one whole Church was sternly rebuked for its lack of development. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Another of the Churches was commended for their steadfastness in a pure walk in the face of overwhelming hardship -
Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
There is an interesting story recorded regarding people being made naked. It happened while Moses was on Mt. Sinai with the Lord. Aaron had made a golden calf at the request of the people. (Leaders are supposed to lead, not follow.) The Lord told Moses to go back down, for there was something terrible happening. Exodus 32:25 And when Moses saw that the people [were] naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto [their] shame among their enemies:) We have no way of knowing whether or not the people were actually unclothed or not, for the word is translated so many different ways. Look at just a few:
Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Proverbs 29:18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: (become naked - go back - refuse instruction) but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.
The general usage of the Hebrew word seems to indicate a departure from the principles of Godliness rather than having "bare essentials".
"Permissiveness" is another description.
There is another Hebrew word used to denote nudity.
In the event of the golden calf - it was associated with a degree of social activity mixed in with their worship.
Exodus 32:6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
Worship to Almighty God is one thing. Play, and other social activity is something else. Trying to mix them is a dangerous game. Many Church congregations are playing that game, with varying degrees of disaster being the result.
Paul referred to the golden calf incident this way: I Corinthians 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
FIRE FROM OFF THE ALTAR
FIRE FROM OFF THE ALTAR
Jesus told the woman at the well that in the near future the true worshippers would worship God in Spirit and in Truth. He did not explain what He meant by that statement, so we must rely on the correlation of Scriptures to find out just what He meant by the statement.
Every person believes that he or she is worshipping in Truth, because they feel they have the Truth. However, Truth means more than a doctrine or a belief about God. Real Truth (or the Reality of God) is found only in the person of Jesus Christ. There are many forms of worship in the world which do not embody Jesus Christ, and they cannot be called Truth.
Recently my attention has been drawn to the brazen altar which was before the door of the Tabernacle of Moses. The Tabernacle ceremonies, by the way, are the pattern, in symbolic form, of worshipping in Spirit and in Truth. If we can manage to avoid getting tangled in the symbols, we can get a fair idea of what it is they were pointing toward.
First, it must be noted that after Moses had prepared the Tabernacle, and everything pertaining to the ceremonies of worship, God started the fire on the Brazen Altar.
Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
The fire which came from God was Eternal Fire. It came from God's dwelling place-- Eternity.
Though it was Eternal Fire, it would go out when it had consumed all available fuel. Hence, God gave the command--:
Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out. The families of the Gibeonites were given the task of bringing in the wood for the fire. Joshua ch.9
Under penalty of instant death (Lev 10:1), only fire from off the altar was to be used in Tabernacle Worship.
Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring [it] within the veil: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that [is] upon the testimony, that he die not:
Two sons of Aaron found out the hard way that it was unacceptable to use man-made fire in Tabernacle Worship.
Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Leviticus 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
Numbers 26:61 And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
This has me wondering. Wondering, that is, what God's attitude is toward some manners of worship which are taking place today. Let me explain.
Although I am now 77 years old, I am still too young to know how the Church arrived at its present methodology. There has been considerable change since I was a boy on the farm, and the Church family was comparatively small.
Tom Ward pointed out to me one day that he had noticed the way in which the mannerisms of the world of entertainment had been absorbed by the churches, and incorporated into their "way of life." It seems to be only a matter of time before the "inventions" of the entertainers have been absorbed into the Church community.
Is this what God has wanted? Is He pleased? Will He accept us when we offer to Him that which was created by men (ungodly men at that) for the entertainment and pleasure of the human soul and body, which we have borrowed from them?
If the basic ingredient of the True Tabernacle worship (Fire from off the Altar) had to be what had been started by God Himself, how do we hope to be accepted of Him while we grind out the admixture of human entertainment encased in an outer shell of what is hopefully pure in His eyes?
It has been my observation, in my own life, that what is truly Spiritual is seldom pleasurable and entertaining to my fleshly self. It seems to me that fleshly fun in a worship service is similar to a jewel in the snout of a pig-- out of place. Is it acceptable to the Lord? Or have we wasted our time, and maybe put our souls in jeopardy in the process?
Numbers 16:46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
In the vision of Isaiah (ch 6), it was a coal from off the Altar that caused his lips to be cleansed, and able to speak what God wanted spoken.
Fire from off the Altar.
Jesus told the woman at the well that in the near future the true worshippers would worship God in Spirit and in Truth. He did not explain what He meant by that statement, so we must rely on the correlation of Scriptures to find out just what He meant by the statement.
Every person believes that he or she is worshipping in Truth, because they feel they have the Truth. However, Truth means more than a doctrine or a belief about God. Real Truth (or the Reality of God) is found only in the person of Jesus Christ. There are many forms of worship in the world which do not embody Jesus Christ, and they cannot be called Truth.
Recently my attention has been drawn to the brazen altar which was before the door of the Tabernacle of Moses. The Tabernacle ceremonies, by the way, are the pattern, in symbolic form, of worshipping in Spirit and in Truth. If we can manage to avoid getting tangled in the symbols, we can get a fair idea of what it is they were pointing toward.
First, it must be noted that after Moses had prepared the Tabernacle, and everything pertaining to the ceremonies of worship, God started the fire on the Brazen Altar.
Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
The fire which came from God was Eternal Fire. It came from God's dwelling place-- Eternity.
Though it was Eternal Fire, it would go out when it had consumed all available fuel. Hence, God gave the command--:
Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out. The families of the Gibeonites were given the task of bringing in the wood for the fire. Joshua ch.9
Under penalty of instant death (Lev 10:1), only fire from off the altar was to be used in Tabernacle Worship.
Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring [it] within the veil: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that [is] upon the testimony, that he die not:
Two sons of Aaron found out the hard way that it was unacceptable to use man-made fire in Tabernacle Worship.
Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Leviticus 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
Numbers 26:61 And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
This has me wondering. Wondering, that is, what God's attitude is toward some manners of worship which are taking place today. Let me explain.
Although I am now 77 years old, I am still too young to know how the Church arrived at its present methodology. There has been considerable change since I was a boy on the farm, and the Church family was comparatively small.
Tom Ward pointed out to me one day that he had noticed the way in which the mannerisms of the world of entertainment had been absorbed by the churches, and incorporated into their "way of life." It seems to be only a matter of time before the "inventions" of the entertainers have been absorbed into the Church community.
Is this what God has wanted? Is He pleased? Will He accept us when we offer to Him that which was created by men (ungodly men at that) for the entertainment and pleasure of the human soul and body, which we have borrowed from them?
If the basic ingredient of the True Tabernacle worship (Fire from off the Altar) had to be what had been started by God Himself, how do we hope to be accepted of Him while we grind out the admixture of human entertainment encased in an outer shell of what is hopefully pure in His eyes?
It has been my observation, in my own life, that what is truly Spiritual is seldom pleasurable and entertaining to my fleshly self. It seems to me that fleshly fun in a worship service is similar to a jewel in the snout of a pig-- out of place. Is it acceptable to the Lord? Or have we wasted our time, and maybe put our souls in jeopardy in the process?
Numbers 16:46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
In the vision of Isaiah (ch 6), it was a coal from off the Altar that caused his lips to be cleansed, and able to speak what God wanted spoken.
Fire from off the Altar.
PSALM 2
PSALM TWO
Lasr night I was at a prayer meeting where there was much concern about certain things which are being promoted on a world wide scale which are not favorable to the Christian way of life.
As different ones were expressing their concerns, may attention was drawn to the second Psalm. I was tempted to rise and expound from it, but the Spirit forbade me to do it. It seemed to be saying, "These people are happy when they are under a threat of supposed danger, and are ready to fight for their position."
I am as aware as anyone else is that there is a concerted effort being made to demolish and destroy all that we as Christians hold dear to our hearts. I also know that very few people are aware of where the fountain head of such activity is located. It is this group who are promoting such anti-Christian mentality as we see in the world today. Do you know the identity of this group?
The Apostle Paul must have known about them when he wrote to the Church at Thessalonica. He refers to them as "THEY." I Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Another way of expressing it would be that when THEY believe that THEY have about reached their goal of taking over complete control of the politics, religion and finances of the world, some unexpected and unforeseen thing happens to tear down their play house. Listen to the Psalmist:
Psalms 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The Psalmist is asking why the nations, (families) and groups (associations) of people entertain empty (vain) thoughts about ruling the world. Alexander the Great had aspirations, as did Napoleon, Julius Caesar, and others like Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin. Look at verse 2:
Psalms 2:2 The kings (lit. nobles, great men) of the earth set themselves, and the rulers (controllers) take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, (this includes Christians and the Christian faith) [saying], (3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
I am sure that most of us are aware of the fact that the real hand behind this anti-Christian, anti-moral crusade is, for the most part, an unseen hand. Where did the infamous atheistic woman get the finances to go to the supreme court about prayer in the schools? Do you know? Who is paying for the propaganda in favor of an alternate life style that we have flung in our faces almost every day?
Who are THEY? What is THEIR purpose in promoting a break down of morals and Christianity around the world?
What is presently standing between them and their goal of complete control of the world? You guessed it! Jesus Christ and His Church.
So, naturally, THEY have launched an all-out campaign to break down the morals and faith of the Church of Jesus Christ. And, sometimes it seems they are succeeding in their efforts.
MOST OF THE CHRISTIANS BELIEVE THIS
You can see it in their faces-- in their frantic actions, their desperate calls for help in their efforts to stem the swelling tide of un-Godliness. They are constantly retreating and regrouping-- to no avail.
I've got news for them. It is an exercise in futility to spend time, effort and money in such activity.
Friends, THEY have more money than the Christians can ever accumulate. THEY have more time than we have. THEY have the resources of the fallen nature of humankind-- a never ending supply to call upon. THEY have more brains to call upon.
But THEY have no knowledge or understanding of God Almighty and what He has determined for the earth. He will have something to say about their sinister plot. Listen to Him:
Psalms 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
There WILL COME AN END to His tolerance of their boastings and schemings.
Psalms 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
It is my personal opinion that we are seeing the beginnings of the final show down-- the playing of the trump card by these people Paul referred to as "THEY." But mankind has NEVER been able to thwart God in what He has purposed to do.
Psalms 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Modern day Zion is within the Church of Jesus Christ.
Notice, the Psalmist quotes the Lord as saying that HE HAS SET his king--. It is already done-- we just don't see it yet.
Psalms 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me,-- .
Friends, many years ago we experienced a wave of Worship and Praise sweep around the world. Little did we know what the outcome would be. We were simply lost in the ecstasy of what it was doing in OUR LIVES. Little did we dream that such Worship and Praise would produce what has happened since that time.
God has moved again and again in special ways among His people, and in the world generally, in response to the outpouring of thanksgiving from His people in those years gone by.
"THEY" are more frustrated today than at any time in their history.
Worship to God has been our weapon-- God's secret weapon-- to frustrate their efforts, until He destroys them and their plans.
Did Nimrod succeed in building the tower of Babel? No. Has anyone else succeeded in pulling God out of Heaven? No.
God has made a decree.
When God makes a decree--
IT WILL BE BROUGHT TO PASS.
Lasr night I was at a prayer meeting where there was much concern about certain things which are being promoted on a world wide scale which are not favorable to the Christian way of life.
As different ones were expressing their concerns, may attention was drawn to the second Psalm. I was tempted to rise and expound from it, but the Spirit forbade me to do it. It seemed to be saying, "These people are happy when they are under a threat of supposed danger, and are ready to fight for their position."
I am as aware as anyone else is that there is a concerted effort being made to demolish and destroy all that we as Christians hold dear to our hearts. I also know that very few people are aware of where the fountain head of such activity is located. It is this group who are promoting such anti-Christian mentality as we see in the world today. Do you know the identity of this group?
The Apostle Paul must have known about them when he wrote to the Church at Thessalonica. He refers to them as "THEY." I Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Another way of expressing it would be that when THEY believe that THEY have about reached their goal of taking over complete control of the politics, religion and finances of the world, some unexpected and unforeseen thing happens to tear down their play house. Listen to the Psalmist:
Psalms 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The Psalmist is asking why the nations, (families) and groups (associations) of people entertain empty (vain) thoughts about ruling the world. Alexander the Great had aspirations, as did Napoleon, Julius Caesar, and others like Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin. Look at verse 2:
Psalms 2:2 The kings (lit. nobles, great men) of the earth set themselves, and the rulers (controllers) take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, (this includes Christians and the Christian faith) [saying], (3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
I am sure that most of us are aware of the fact that the real hand behind this anti-Christian, anti-moral crusade is, for the most part, an unseen hand. Where did the infamous atheistic woman get the finances to go to the supreme court about prayer in the schools? Do you know? Who is paying for the propaganda in favor of an alternate life style that we have flung in our faces almost every day?
Who are THEY? What is THEIR purpose in promoting a break down of morals and Christianity around the world?
What is presently standing between them and their goal of complete control of the world? You guessed it! Jesus Christ and His Church.
So, naturally, THEY have launched an all-out campaign to break down the morals and faith of the Church of Jesus Christ. And, sometimes it seems they are succeeding in their efforts.
MOST OF THE CHRISTIANS BELIEVE THIS
You can see it in their faces-- in their frantic actions, their desperate calls for help in their efforts to stem the swelling tide of un-Godliness. They are constantly retreating and regrouping-- to no avail.
I've got news for them. It is an exercise in futility to spend time, effort and money in such activity.
Friends, THEY have more money than the Christians can ever accumulate. THEY have more time than we have. THEY have the resources of the fallen nature of humankind-- a never ending supply to call upon. THEY have more brains to call upon.
But THEY have no knowledge or understanding of God Almighty and what He has determined for the earth. He will have something to say about their sinister plot. Listen to Him:
Psalms 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
There WILL COME AN END to His tolerance of their boastings and schemings.
Psalms 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
It is my personal opinion that we are seeing the beginnings of the final show down-- the playing of the trump card by these people Paul referred to as "THEY." But mankind has NEVER been able to thwart God in what He has purposed to do.
Psalms 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Modern day Zion is within the Church of Jesus Christ.
Notice, the Psalmist quotes the Lord as saying that HE HAS SET his king--. It is already done-- we just don't see it yet.
Psalms 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me,-- .
Friends, many years ago we experienced a wave of Worship and Praise sweep around the world. Little did we know what the outcome would be. We were simply lost in the ecstasy of what it was doing in OUR LIVES. Little did we dream that such Worship and Praise would produce what has happened since that time.
God has moved again and again in special ways among His people, and in the world generally, in response to the outpouring of thanksgiving from His people in those years gone by.
"THEY" are more frustrated today than at any time in their history.
Worship to God has been our weapon-- God's secret weapon-- to frustrate their efforts, until He destroys them and their plans.
Did Nimrod succeed in building the tower of Babel? No. Has anyone else succeeded in pulling God out of Heaven? No.
God has made a decree.
When God makes a decree--
IT WILL BE BROUGHT TO PASS.
Monday, September 04, 2006
LET HIM HEAR
LET HIM HEAR
Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith--
I still remember the fear which gripped my heart one summer day when I was about 15 years old. Three or four of us were out in the east forty, bunching hay. Three miles to the north, we would watch for the daily passenger train headed east. When we saw it, we knew we had only ten minutes more until noon, and lunch.
I saw the steam of the whistle. One of the other boys said, "He sure blew a wicked one today." For the first time, I realized that other folks were hearing things I was not. Panic seized me, for I knew what that meant. Our father was deaf.
Serious as my problem has become over the years, there is one thing which far surpasses it in importance, in the light of eternal values.
Proverbs 2:2 --incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;
There is ONE voice that is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE. That is the voice of WISDOM. Wisdom is another name for the Spirit of the Eternal God. All other voices pale in comparison to the Voice of the Spirit.
Philippians 3:13 --but [this] one thing [I do],
Of all the goals in life, the most important is to attain to an ability to hear and know the Voice of God.
Pro 2:5 Then shalt thou...find the knowledge of God..
I am sure you have been with others, who seemed to know what the Lord wanted to do and say at a particular time. And perhaps, as I have, you wondered how they arrived at the point of knowing such things. Other times, we have been with people who seemed so dull of perception, and we wondered why they blundered right past the point of acting on the prompting of the Spirit.
II Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It would seem that our diligence, or lack of it, in following and doing what we know to do, and asking for more knowledge, has a great deal to do with our ability to walk intelligently with the Lord.
Proverbs 3:13 Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.
Many people will testify that the closer they walk to the Lord, the greater their appreciation has been for God and His Word and Ways. Also their understanding of Him and His leadings in their lives. "The closer I walk, the sweeter He seems."
Proverbs 3:15 She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
What is REALLY IMPORTANT in this life?
II Timothy 1:6 --stir up the gift of God, which is in thee--.
Whose responsibility is it?
Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith--
I still remember the fear which gripped my heart one summer day when I was about 15 years old. Three or four of us were out in the east forty, bunching hay. Three miles to the north, we would watch for the daily passenger train headed east. When we saw it, we knew we had only ten minutes more until noon, and lunch.
I saw the steam of the whistle. One of the other boys said, "He sure blew a wicked one today." For the first time, I realized that other folks were hearing things I was not. Panic seized me, for I knew what that meant. Our father was deaf.
Serious as my problem has become over the years, there is one thing which far surpasses it in importance, in the light of eternal values.
Proverbs 2:2 --incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;
There is ONE voice that is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE. That is the voice of WISDOM. Wisdom is another name for the Spirit of the Eternal God. All other voices pale in comparison to the Voice of the Spirit.
Philippians 3:13 --but [this] one thing [I do],
Of all the goals in life, the most important is to attain to an ability to hear and know the Voice of God.
Pro 2:5 Then shalt thou...find the knowledge of God..
I am sure you have been with others, who seemed to know what the Lord wanted to do and say at a particular time. And perhaps, as I have, you wondered how they arrived at the point of knowing such things. Other times, we have been with people who seemed so dull of perception, and we wondered why they blundered right past the point of acting on the prompting of the Spirit.
II Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It would seem that our diligence, or lack of it, in following and doing what we know to do, and asking for more knowledge, has a great deal to do with our ability to walk intelligently with the Lord.
Proverbs 3:13 Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.
Many people will testify that the closer they walk to the Lord, the greater their appreciation has been for God and His Word and Ways. Also their understanding of Him and His leadings in their lives. "The closer I walk, the sweeter He seems."
Proverbs 3:15 She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
What is REALLY IMPORTANT in this life?
II Timothy 1:6 --stir up the gift of God, which is in thee--.
Whose responsibility is it?
LORD OR MASTER
LORD OR MASTER
An E-mail letter posted on the Internet
Some of you Brethren serve to keep me on my toes, and I like that. Here are some additional thoughts that will serve to identify my point of approach to the matter.
1) The account of the sower sowing on various types of soil. Some soils (Hearts) produced more of a crop than others did. And even the GOOD soil produced 30, 60, and 100 fold. DEGREES OF LORDSHIP is involved here.
2) In the Revelation, the seven great promises are assigned to those who OVERCOME, rather than to the average "Joe" Christian.
3) In Philipians, Paul describes his struggle to attain unto the RESURRECTION of the dead. The Greek word here is used only this one time in the whole New Testament. It means a "standing out from among" the dead.
4) The writer of Hebrews tells of the endurance of the heroes of faith, and that they would not accept deliverance (from persecution) in order to obtain a "BETTER RESURRECTION" 5) Paul mentions his zeal to suppress tendencies of the flesh in order to arrive at a point of KNOWING HIM (Greek Epignosis, meaning a full, complete, intimate relationship with Him).
6) SALVATION is based solely upon the shed blood of Jesus. DISCIPLESHIP results from personal efforts to ascertain what things please Him, and a conscious expenditure of energy to incorporate them into our lives.
7) Sin (Greek Hamartia) means a missing the mark (shoot-ing of arrows, a falling short of the mark), and, yes, we still do it to greater or lesser degrees, but without the condemnation (Rom 8:1) that would result from a deliberate walking contrary to Godly Principles.
God Bless!
An E-mail letter posted on the Internet
Some of you Brethren serve to keep me on my toes, and I like that. Here are some additional thoughts that will serve to identify my point of approach to the matter.
1) The account of the sower sowing on various types of soil. Some soils (Hearts) produced more of a crop than others did. And even the GOOD soil produced 30, 60, and 100 fold. DEGREES OF LORDSHIP is involved here.
2) In the Revelation, the seven great promises are assigned to those who OVERCOME, rather than to the average "Joe" Christian.
3) In Philipians, Paul describes his struggle to attain unto the RESURRECTION of the dead. The Greek word here is used only this one time in the whole New Testament. It means a "standing out from among" the dead.
4) The writer of Hebrews tells of the endurance of the heroes of faith, and that they would not accept deliverance (from persecution) in order to obtain a "BETTER RESURRECTION" 5) Paul mentions his zeal to suppress tendencies of the flesh in order to arrive at a point of KNOWING HIM (Greek Epignosis, meaning a full, complete, intimate relationship with Him).
6) SALVATION is based solely upon the shed blood of Jesus. DISCIPLESHIP results from personal efforts to ascertain what things please Him, and a conscious expenditure of energy to incorporate them into our lives.
7) Sin (Greek Hamartia) means a missing the mark (shoot-ing of arrows, a falling short of the mark), and, yes, we still do it to greater or lesser degrees, but without the condemnation (Rom 8:1) that would result from a deliberate walking contrary to Godly Principles.
God Bless!
MEN OF VIOLENCE
MEN OF VIOLENCE
Jesus said something one day that is difficult to understand, but I THINK the Holy Ghost has given me a satisfactory interpretation. Listen.
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE.
In my Bible, a center reference says "AND THEY WHO THRUST MEN SEIZE IT BY FORCE".
Jesus was, probably, referring to those who held high seats in the Jewish government (scribes and Pharisees and lawyers) Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. BUT THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD AGAINST THEMSELVES, BEING NOT BAPTIZED OF HIM.
The Ministry of John was beginning to threaten the position of the leaders in Judah, and MUST BE HALTED if they were to survive. They MUST NOT LOSE CONTROL in the household of God. The positions they held had been obtained for themselves with a great price, and must be preserved at all cost. They could stop at nothing, to gain their end. John was now in prison, but his influence was still present. It seemed that Jesus had taken over where John had left off.
So, there was ONLY ONE ANSWER. They must take care of Jesus also-- by whatever means-- preferably death. THEY MUST RETAIN THEIR CONTROL over the LORD'S HERITAGE.
Sad as that situation, and those actions, seem to us now, we have ALMOST EXACTLY THE SAME CONDITIONS facing us today. We constantly see MEN sitting in authority over the HERITAGE OF THE LORD, as though it were THEIR OWN property.
According to Jesus and the first Apostles, this was to be strictly forbidden.
Luke 22:26 But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
I Peter 5:2,3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
II Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
In a book entitled "My First Fifty Years In Pentecost" A. D. Van Hoose tells of a former official in one of the large Church organizations (name withheld) confiding to him, at a later date, that the top officials had ONLY WANTED MEMBERS IN THE ORGANIZATION WHOM THEY COULD CONTROL. Especially those in places of leadership and authority.
There were ways of removing the "uncontrollable" ones.
MODERN MEN OF VIOLENCE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
THOSE WHO THRUST MEN SEIZING THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Jesus said something one day that is difficult to understand, but I THINK the Holy Ghost has given me a satisfactory interpretation. Listen.
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE.
In my Bible, a center reference says "AND THEY WHO THRUST MEN SEIZE IT BY FORCE".
Jesus was, probably, referring to those who held high seats in the Jewish government (scribes and Pharisees and lawyers) Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. BUT THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD AGAINST THEMSELVES, BEING NOT BAPTIZED OF HIM.
The Ministry of John was beginning to threaten the position of the leaders in Judah, and MUST BE HALTED if they were to survive. They MUST NOT LOSE CONTROL in the household of God. The positions they held had been obtained for themselves with a great price, and must be preserved at all cost. They could stop at nothing, to gain their end. John was now in prison, but his influence was still present. It seemed that Jesus had taken over where John had left off.
So, there was ONLY ONE ANSWER. They must take care of Jesus also-- by whatever means-- preferably death. THEY MUST RETAIN THEIR CONTROL over the LORD'S HERITAGE.
Sad as that situation, and those actions, seem to us now, we have ALMOST EXACTLY THE SAME CONDITIONS facing us today. We constantly see MEN sitting in authority over the HERITAGE OF THE LORD, as though it were THEIR OWN property.
According to Jesus and the first Apostles, this was to be strictly forbidden.
Luke 22:26 But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
I Peter 5:2,3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
II Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
In a book entitled "My First Fifty Years In Pentecost" A. D. Van Hoose tells of a former official in one of the large Church organizations (name withheld) confiding to him, at a later date, that the top officials had ONLY WANTED MEMBERS IN THE ORGANIZATION WHOM THEY COULD CONTROL. Especially those in places of leadership and authority.
There were ways of removing the "uncontrollable" ones.
MODERN MEN OF VIOLENCE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
THOSE WHO THRUST MEN SEIZING THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
LAST CALL
THE LAST CALL
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The message of the Spirit is "COME, COME COME."
It is a UNIVERSAL CALL. No one is excluded. No one is forbidden entry. It crosses all boundaries known to humanity-- family, city, state, race, nation and continent.
It is a CALL OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD. It is the Spirit, moving upon the hordes of humanity-- like it moved upon the animals who were gathered into the Ark of Noah. It is also similar to the moving of the Spirit upon the multitudes who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as He was riding upon the young ass, the foal of an ass.
All humanity will HEAR the call, but not all will HEED the call. It has never been so-- it will never be so, until all sin and rebellion has been crushed and destroyed by the Lord of the Universe.
Jesus must have been referring to this Last Call when He said that He would build His Church, and the gates of hell should not prevail against it.
Jesus likened His Kingdom to a grain of mustard seed. From a small beginning, it would grow to be a dominant force in the earth.
He likened it also to LEAVEN-- a small amount placed in the dough, works until the WHOLE LUMP is leavened. The leaven of the Spirit is "working" in the earth today. It has never ceased to "work" since the Day of Pentecost. It will NEVER CEASETO WORK, until the WHOLE IS LEAVENED.
This is our hope. This is our expectation. This is our promise from God.
Believe it. Trust it. His promises never fail.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The message of the Spirit is "COME, COME COME."
It is a UNIVERSAL CALL. No one is excluded. No one is forbidden entry. It crosses all boundaries known to humanity-- family, city, state, race, nation and continent.
It is a CALL OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD. It is the Spirit, moving upon the hordes of humanity-- like it moved upon the animals who were gathered into the Ark of Noah. It is also similar to the moving of the Spirit upon the multitudes who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as He was riding upon the young ass, the foal of an ass.
All humanity will HEAR the call, but not all will HEED the call. It has never been so-- it will never be so, until all sin and rebellion has been crushed and destroyed by the Lord of the Universe.
Jesus must have been referring to this Last Call when He said that He would build His Church, and the gates of hell should not prevail against it.
Jesus likened His Kingdom to a grain of mustard seed. From a small beginning, it would grow to be a dominant force in the earth.
He likened it also to LEAVEN-- a small amount placed in the dough, works until the WHOLE LUMP is leavened. The leaven of the Spirit is "working" in the earth today. It has never ceased to "work" since the Day of Pentecost. It will NEVER CEASETO WORK, until the WHOLE IS LEAVENED.
This is our hope. This is our expectation. This is our promise from God.
Believe it. Trust it. His promises never fail.
THE LAST ENEMY
THE LAST ENEMY
I Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.
Some Bible scholars have caused a lot of misunderstanding in the Christian community by means of a wrong interpretation of this scripture.
It has been interpreted as referring to PHYSICAL death. But a close examination will show it to be pointing in another direction entirely.
It is referring to the KINGDOM of DEATH, as opposed to the KINGDOM OF LIFE-- the kingdom of DARKNESS vs. the kingdom of LIGHT, the kingdom of ERROR vs. the kingdom of TRUTH. There could be other ways of expressing the same phenomenon.
Adam's choice in the Garden of Eden was more important than it appeared on the surface, for he sold us into slavery to the KINGDOM OF DEATH.
Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Speaking of PHYSICAL DEATH, the Word tells us:
Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. But if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints.
I Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.
Some Bible scholars have caused a lot of misunderstanding in the Christian community by means of a wrong interpretation of this scripture.
It has been interpreted as referring to PHYSICAL death. But a close examination will show it to be pointing in another direction entirely.
It is referring to the KINGDOM of DEATH, as opposed to the KINGDOM OF LIFE-- the kingdom of DARKNESS vs. the kingdom of LIGHT, the kingdom of ERROR vs. the kingdom of TRUTH. There could be other ways of expressing the same phenomenon.
Adam's choice in the Garden of Eden was more important than it appeared on the surface, for he sold us into slavery to the KINGDOM OF DEATH.
Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Speaking of PHYSICAL DEATH, the Word tells us:
Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. But if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints.
THE LEDGER
THE LEDGER
When I was a younger man, I was exposed to a college quarter of Business Administration. I didn't really learn all that much, but enough to know the difference between a Journal and a Ledger. They drilled into us that the "equation must balance", meaning that if an amount was "charged" to one ledger, it must be "credited" to another ledger.
That was enough to get my mind into gear on Spiritual things, for that was about all I was REALLY interested in. I have often thanked the Lord for having put within me such a burning desire to know more of Him and His Word. Coupled with that desire is the craving to dispense what I have learned, so that others might know Him in a greater measure.
The "journal" is where the happenings of the day are recorded. Everything from soup to nuts is there. Many things happen to us during the course of each day-- some of them make us happy-- some of them make us sad or mad, as the case may be.
At some point in time, information must be taken from the Journal and placed onto different ledger sheets. We MUST be VERY CAREFUL when doing this, for EVERYTHING that is placed on someone else's Ledger card must, in a relative degree, have a bearing on our own Ledger card. The equation MUST BALANCE. (Or so they told me)
Has someone hurt me? Has someone defamed me? Does my Journal show that someone has injured me or my reputation? I feel I must hurry to get it onto their Ledger. They will be owing me something-- be it an apology, restitution, or whatever. Put it on their Ledger!!! Fellowship is terminated until it is made right. Period...
But, hold on a minute. Suddenly, I realize that to put the incident on THEIR Ledger, it ALSO has to be entered on my account somewhere as a something owed to me. It will be there until it is taken off the Ledger of the person to whom I charged it. My account can not be cleared UNTIL his is cleared.
Without a CLEAR LEDGER, I run the risk of missing what God is about to do in the Church. You may call it the Rapture. I call it something else, for I feel I know the true Biblical meaning of the word "air". Suffice it to say that if I have to appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, in order for "justice" to be meted out, I HAVE MISSED WHAT I HAVE STRIVEN SO HARD TO OBTAIN.
For this reason, I doubt the wisdom of laying anything to the charge of a brother or sister who may have, in the frailties and idiosyncrasies of humanity, caused pain or injury to me. I dare not run the risk of what it could do to MY STANDING in God.
My main concern, then, must be the PROTECTING OF MY OWN ACCOUNT. How to do it???
The most simple and straightforward way to do it is erase some of the happenings of the day from my Journal. (Memory) I will, then, have to treat them as if they DID NOT HAPPEN. I must do this, for MY OWN SAKE, rather than theirs.
The other party will benefit from me having-- Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,-- in that there will not a Charge on his account placed there by me. In other words, If I Charge his account, neither one of us can qualify for the next Move of God in the earth. If I refuse, for my own sake, to Charge him, we could BOTH be eligible. The risk is too high.
When Abraham Lincoln stopped and untangled the pig that was caught in the fence, even though he had on his "glad rags", he later explained that if he hadn't done it, he would have heard the pig squealing all night, in his dreams. He set free the pig to protect his conscience.
God Bless!
When I was a younger man, I was exposed to a college quarter of Business Administration. I didn't really learn all that much, but enough to know the difference between a Journal and a Ledger. They drilled into us that the "equation must balance", meaning that if an amount was "charged" to one ledger, it must be "credited" to another ledger.
That was enough to get my mind into gear on Spiritual things, for that was about all I was REALLY interested in. I have often thanked the Lord for having put within me such a burning desire to know more of Him and His Word. Coupled with that desire is the craving to dispense what I have learned, so that others might know Him in a greater measure.
The "journal" is where the happenings of the day are recorded. Everything from soup to nuts is there. Many things happen to us during the course of each day-- some of them make us happy-- some of them make us sad or mad, as the case may be.
At some point in time, information must be taken from the Journal and placed onto different ledger sheets. We MUST be VERY CAREFUL when doing this, for EVERYTHING that is placed on someone else's Ledger card must, in a relative degree, have a bearing on our own Ledger card. The equation MUST BALANCE. (Or so they told me)
Has someone hurt me? Has someone defamed me? Does my Journal show that someone has injured me or my reputation? I feel I must hurry to get it onto their Ledger. They will be owing me something-- be it an apology, restitution, or whatever. Put it on their Ledger!!! Fellowship is terminated until it is made right. Period...
But, hold on a minute. Suddenly, I realize that to put the incident on THEIR Ledger, it ALSO has to be entered on my account somewhere as a something owed to me. It will be there until it is taken off the Ledger of the person to whom I charged it. My account can not be cleared UNTIL his is cleared.
Without a CLEAR LEDGER, I run the risk of missing what God is about to do in the Church. You may call it the Rapture. I call it something else, for I feel I know the true Biblical meaning of the word "air". Suffice it to say that if I have to appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, in order for "justice" to be meted out, I HAVE MISSED WHAT I HAVE STRIVEN SO HARD TO OBTAIN.
For this reason, I doubt the wisdom of laying anything to the charge of a brother or sister who may have, in the frailties and idiosyncrasies of humanity, caused pain or injury to me. I dare not run the risk of what it could do to MY STANDING in God.
My main concern, then, must be the PROTECTING OF MY OWN ACCOUNT. How to do it???
The most simple and straightforward way to do it is erase some of the happenings of the day from my Journal. (Memory) I will, then, have to treat them as if they DID NOT HAPPEN. I must do this, for MY OWN SAKE, rather than theirs.
The other party will benefit from me having-- Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,-- in that there will not a Charge on his account placed there by me. In other words, If I Charge his account, neither one of us can qualify for the next Move of God in the earth. If I refuse, for my own sake, to Charge him, we could BOTH be eligible. The risk is too high.
When Abraham Lincoln stopped and untangled the pig that was caught in the fence, even though he had on his "glad rags", he later explained that if he hadn't done it, he would have heard the pig squealing all night, in his dreams. He set free the pig to protect his conscience.
God Bless!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME
THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME
Today in Class, a scripture dropped spontaneously into my mind, followed immediately by two or three others. They were all “off subject”, yet very meaningful to me.
My wife, Pearl, and my son, Pete, were reciting Psalm 23 when Pearl drew her last breath in the pre-dawn hours of July 30. He does not remember where they were when she could go no further and slipped silently into the Presence of her beloved Saviour.
But the Lord chose to speak to me from the Psalm
Psa 23:5 Thou PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
I do not know what might have been going through the mind of the Psalmist when he penned those words, but I sure do know what came rushing to me as I pondered them today. Let me tell you about it!
Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
There are a few other scriptures which explain what that one is talking about.
The Priests of the Old Testament Pattern “lived by the Altar” in that certain portions of the sacrifices were theirs to take home or to eat while serving at the Altar. It was their livelihood, PROVIDED BY THE LORD.
It would be an interesting study to find out just how much the Lord had given to the Priests for their service at the Altar. The book of Leviticus should furnish much information about it. God provided very amply for those who worked at the Tabernacle.
He has also provided very amply for those of us who have put our trust in Him for the welfare of our souls, both in this present life and in the one to come.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Joh 6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Joh 6:54 WHOSO EATETH MY FLESH, AND DRINKETH MY BLOOD, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:55 For MY FLESH IS MEAT INDEED, AND MY BLOOD IS DRINK INDEED.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Joh 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.
Just before Gethsemane, Jesus identified the food on the “Table Prepared”.
Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Paul related it like this:
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.
Now, I am wondering—can it be that David was prophesying about the “Table” that was provided for us when Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary?
I believe so.
Today in Class, a scripture dropped spontaneously into my mind, followed immediately by two or three others. They were all “off subject”, yet very meaningful to me.
My wife, Pearl, and my son, Pete, were reciting Psalm 23 when Pearl drew her last breath in the pre-dawn hours of July 30. He does not remember where they were when she could go no further and slipped silently into the Presence of her beloved Saviour.
But the Lord chose to speak to me from the Psalm
Psa 23:5 Thou PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
I do not know what might have been going through the mind of the Psalmist when he penned those words, but I sure do know what came rushing to me as I pondered them today. Let me tell you about it!
Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
There are a few other scriptures which explain what that one is talking about.
The Priests of the Old Testament Pattern “lived by the Altar” in that certain portions of the sacrifices were theirs to take home or to eat while serving at the Altar. It was their livelihood, PROVIDED BY THE LORD.
It would be an interesting study to find out just how much the Lord had given to the Priests for their service at the Altar. The book of Leviticus should furnish much information about it. God provided very amply for those who worked at the Tabernacle.
He has also provided very amply for those of us who have put our trust in Him for the welfare of our souls, both in this present life and in the one to come.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Joh 6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Joh 6:54 WHOSO EATETH MY FLESH, AND DRINKETH MY BLOOD, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:55 For MY FLESH IS MEAT INDEED, AND MY BLOOD IS DRINK INDEED.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Joh 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.
Just before Gethsemane, Jesus identified the food on the “Table Prepared”.
Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Paul related it like this:
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.
Now, I am wondering—can it be that David was prophesying about the “Table” that was provided for us when Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary?
I believe so.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD
KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD
I Peter 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
How much of our walk with God does He control? How much do we control?
Perhaps thousands of discussions have taken place on the subject. Church camps have been divided over differences of opinion about it.
Indeed, there could be scriptures which would seem to favor almost any stance you would want to take.
A look at Gen 7:14-16 would lead us to believe that GOD CAUSED THE ANIMALS to come to the Ark-- two by two. Noah would have had a real job on his hands to round them up by himself. DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF GOD.
Moses, in his song (Exo 15) seems to favor the idea that the deliverance of Israel from the hand of Pharoah of Egypt was the hand of God. Of course, we know it was the result of a commitment which God had made to Abraham, recorded in Gen 15. DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD.
Hannah, in her song said: I Samuel 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
David, in Psa 37 said: Psalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.
Again, in Psa 51 he cried: Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
Psalms 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. Psalms 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
The key which unlocks the mystery is the phrase "KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH". Our job is to maintain Faith in Jesus for the well being of our soul. His job is to KEEP us, in response to that Faith.
Many people are struggling under a burden which the Lord did not put on them. Try as we might, we cannot KEEP ourselves from falling, or failure. Only He can do that. And He WILL, if we maintain Faith in Him. Therein is the good fight of faith.
Faith, of course, involves OBEDIENCE. But the obedience MUST BE TO HIM-- not to a creed or doctrine or a set of rules.
Psalms 125:1 They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] CANNOT BE REMOVED, [but] ABIDETH FOR EVER.
Psalms 145:20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
I Peter 1:7 That the TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
I Peter 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
How much of our walk with God does He control? How much do we control?
Perhaps thousands of discussions have taken place on the subject. Church camps have been divided over differences of opinion about it.
Indeed, there could be scriptures which would seem to favor almost any stance you would want to take.
A look at Gen 7:14-16 would lead us to believe that GOD CAUSED THE ANIMALS to come to the Ark-- two by two. Noah would have had a real job on his hands to round them up by himself. DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF GOD.
Moses, in his song (Exo 15) seems to favor the idea that the deliverance of Israel from the hand of Pharoah of Egypt was the hand of God. Of course, we know it was the result of a commitment which God had made to Abraham, recorded in Gen 15. DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD.
Hannah, in her song said: I Samuel 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
David, in Psa 37 said: Psalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.
Again, in Psa 51 he cried: Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
Psalms 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. Psalms 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
The key which unlocks the mystery is the phrase "KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH". Our job is to maintain Faith in Jesus for the well being of our soul. His job is to KEEP us, in response to that Faith.
Many people are struggling under a burden which the Lord did not put on them. Try as we might, we cannot KEEP ourselves from falling, or failure. Only He can do that. And He WILL, if we maintain Faith in Him. Therein is the good fight of faith.
Faith, of course, involves OBEDIENCE. But the obedience MUST BE TO HIM-- not to a creed or doctrine or a set of rules.
Psalms 125:1 They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] CANNOT BE REMOVED, [but] ABIDETH FOR EVER.
Psalms 145:20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
I Peter 1:7 That the TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
JUSTIFICATION-- FORGIVENESS
JUSTIFICATION---FORGIVENESS
There is a difference between Justification and Forgiveness, and though it may be merely a technical difference, it is a very important factor in a proper understanding of God's plan of Salvation. We are living far below our priviledges in God, due to not knowing our position in Him. Please note carefully: It is impossible to FORGIVE OR PARDON AN INNOCENT MAN.
Pardon can ONLY operate in the presence of guilt. Likewise, it is impossible to JUSTIFY (acquit) a guilty person, for Justification can come ONLY TO THE RIGHTEOUS, OR INNOCENT. It is an exoneration, or a DECLARATION OF INNOCENCE. To be Justified is to be declared righteous, or innocent. God's Law (the 10 Commandments) failed to make men righteous because of man's inability to fulfill its demands. Jesus made it even worse when in the Sermon on the Mount He pushed the standard even higher than it had been under Moses--(Love your enemies, Whosoever is angry, etc.). It is, indeed, impossible for man to attain such a high goal. BUT HERE IS THE PAY-OFF! As high as Jesus put the requirement, (and it is actually much HIGHER than even Jesus said it was), HE FULFILLED ALL THE REQUIREMENTS WHILE HERE ON EARTH, and thus, in His flesh earned the Righteousness of God. This is what He meant when He said, "I came to FULFIL THE LAW." Mt 5:17 He is the only human ever to keep the Law of God, hence the only human ever to merit the Righteousness of God. We think of Him as spending 3 1/2 years teaching His disciples, but He was also spending that time FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW. It demanded a sin-free life. HE WAS LIVING IT!
THE VIRGIN BIRTH MADE THIS POSSIBLE!
His death would have meant exactly nothing to you and me if He had not first lived a life of Righteousess. It was His Righteousness that made His death effective for our Salvation. NOW LISTEN! A sinner is yet guilty even after he has been pardoned or forgiven. To be forgiven does not BANISH THE FACT of sin. BUT JESUS, by His death made a way whereby our guilt could be put onto His account, and thus He becomes guilty IN OUR STEAD. THINK OF IT. He is willing to ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY for all of our sins. When we let Him assume this responsibility, we stand innocent before God.
(Wonderful Story of Love)
BUT THAT IS ONLY HALF OF THE STORY! In addition to making us free of guilt, He JUSTIFIES us, (declares us to be innocent, or righteous). We stand before God as one who has KEPT ALL OF THE DIVINE LAW.
HERE IS A CASE OF "FACTS" VERSUS "TRUTH". Facts declare our guilt-- Truth declares our innocense.
JUSTIFCATION IS A MIRACLE! This miracle is accomplished by SUBSTITUTION, or switching of accounts. In place of the guilt on our ledger, He gives us His Righteousness. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2Cor 5:21
THIS IS BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH! HERE IS WHERE WE ARE LETTING OURSELVES BE ROBBED OF OUR HERITAGE IN GOD. We are constantly being reminded of our guilt by our arch-enemy--Satan. He is the accuser of the brethren, and tries hard to keep us snowed under with condemnation, because he knows what will happen when we fully realize what our heritage is in Jesus. He does not want us to know that Jesus assumes FULL RESPONSIBILITY for our sins. The longer he keeps us sweating, the longer he can frustrate our Faith in the Sacrifice of Calvary. SO STOP carrying around any condemnation for your sins. START trusting in God's Righteousness through Jesus Christ.
There is a difference between Justification and Forgiveness, and though it may be merely a technical difference, it is a very important factor in a proper understanding of God's plan of Salvation. We are living far below our priviledges in God, due to not knowing our position in Him. Please note carefully: It is impossible to FORGIVE OR PARDON AN INNOCENT MAN.
Pardon can ONLY operate in the presence of guilt. Likewise, it is impossible to JUSTIFY (acquit) a guilty person, for Justification can come ONLY TO THE RIGHTEOUS, OR INNOCENT. It is an exoneration, or a DECLARATION OF INNOCENCE. To be Justified is to be declared righteous, or innocent. God's Law (the 10 Commandments) failed to make men righteous because of man's inability to fulfill its demands. Jesus made it even worse when in the Sermon on the Mount He pushed the standard even higher than it had been under Moses--(Love your enemies, Whosoever is angry, etc.). It is, indeed, impossible for man to attain such a high goal. BUT HERE IS THE PAY-OFF! As high as Jesus put the requirement, (and it is actually much HIGHER than even Jesus said it was), HE FULFILLED ALL THE REQUIREMENTS WHILE HERE ON EARTH, and thus, in His flesh earned the Righteousness of God. This is what He meant when He said, "I came to FULFIL THE LAW." Mt 5:17 He is the only human ever to keep the Law of God, hence the only human ever to merit the Righteousness of God. We think of Him as spending 3 1/2 years teaching His disciples, but He was also spending that time FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW. It demanded a sin-free life. HE WAS LIVING IT!
THE VIRGIN BIRTH MADE THIS POSSIBLE!
His death would have meant exactly nothing to you and me if He had not first lived a life of Righteousess. It was His Righteousness that made His death effective for our Salvation. NOW LISTEN! A sinner is yet guilty even after he has been pardoned or forgiven. To be forgiven does not BANISH THE FACT of sin. BUT JESUS, by His death made a way whereby our guilt could be put onto His account, and thus He becomes guilty IN OUR STEAD. THINK OF IT. He is willing to ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY for all of our sins. When we let Him assume this responsibility, we stand innocent before God.
(Wonderful Story of Love)
BUT THAT IS ONLY HALF OF THE STORY! In addition to making us free of guilt, He JUSTIFIES us, (declares us to be innocent, or righteous). We stand before God as one who has KEPT ALL OF THE DIVINE LAW.
HERE IS A CASE OF "FACTS" VERSUS "TRUTH". Facts declare our guilt-- Truth declares our innocense.
JUSTIFCATION IS A MIRACLE! This miracle is accomplished by SUBSTITUTION, or switching of accounts. In place of the guilt on our ledger, He gives us His Righteousness. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2Cor 5:21
THIS IS BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH! HERE IS WHERE WE ARE LETTING OURSELVES BE ROBBED OF OUR HERITAGE IN GOD. We are constantly being reminded of our guilt by our arch-enemy--Satan. He is the accuser of the brethren, and tries hard to keep us snowed under with condemnation, because he knows what will happen when we fully realize what our heritage is in Jesus. He does not want us to know that Jesus assumes FULL RESPONSIBILITY for our sins. The longer he keeps us sweating, the longer he can frustrate our Faith in the Sacrifice of Calvary. SO STOP carrying around any condemnation for your sins. START trusting in God's Righteousness through Jesus Christ.
KEEP THY HEART
KEEP THY HEART
The wisest man who ever lived wrote some things about our responsibility to ourselves.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.
God has not obligated Himself to maintain the condition of our inner being.
Just as He started the fire on the Brazen Altar in the wilderness, and commanded that the people keep it going (He commanded that it should never be allowed to go out, even though it was eternal fire).
The life of Solomon points up the fact that we can, by neglect and dis-use, dissipate and diminish that which was given to us by the Lord Himself. Solomon also BECAME one of the greatest fools the world has ever produced. It is a solemn warning to us, lest we fall into the same trap.
Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
The story is told of a man who was having problems with his mind. He went to see the Doctor about his problem. The Dr. asked him if he was bothered with improper thoughts. His answer revealed the root of his problem. He said, "To tell you the truth, Doc, I rather enjoy them."
Another story is told of an older man who was heard to pray at the altar, "Lord, sweep away all the cob webs." A Godly woman who heard him praying that way, said to the Lord, "Tell him to kill the spider."
Sometimes we tend to get discouraged with our progress in the Holiness of God. We have been schooled to expect a miracle to happen in an instant (give me patience, and do it right now).
But, Moses, in his famous song, gives us a clue to how the Lord works in our lives as we seek His Face. If we can grasp the truth, it will give us courage in our seeking.
Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Our safest approach to God is that of David in his time of pleading with the Lord for forgiveness of his terrible sin.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
It may not happen over night, but God WILL HONOR such a prayer from our hearts. Take courage.
The wisest man who ever lived wrote some things about our responsibility to ourselves.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.
God has not obligated Himself to maintain the condition of our inner being.
Just as He started the fire on the Brazen Altar in the wilderness, and commanded that the people keep it going (He commanded that it should never be allowed to go out, even though it was eternal fire).
The life of Solomon points up the fact that we can, by neglect and dis-use, dissipate and diminish that which was given to us by the Lord Himself. Solomon also BECAME one of the greatest fools the world has ever produced. It is a solemn warning to us, lest we fall into the same trap.
Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
The story is told of a man who was having problems with his mind. He went to see the Doctor about his problem. The Dr. asked him if he was bothered with improper thoughts. His answer revealed the root of his problem. He said, "To tell you the truth, Doc, I rather enjoy them."
Another story is told of an older man who was heard to pray at the altar, "Lord, sweep away all the cob webs." A Godly woman who heard him praying that way, said to the Lord, "Tell him to kill the spider."
Sometimes we tend to get discouraged with our progress in the Holiness of God. We have been schooled to expect a miracle to happen in an instant (give me patience, and do it right now).
But, Moses, in his famous song, gives us a clue to how the Lord works in our lives as we seek His Face. If we can grasp the truth, it will give us courage in our seeking.
Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Our safest approach to God is that of David in his time of pleading with the Lord for forgiveness of his terrible sin.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
It may not happen over night, but God WILL HONOR such a prayer from our hearts. Take courage.
Friday, September 01, 2006
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN
In the beatitudes of Jesus, one "grabbed" me the other day. It is Matthew 5:4 Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
We all know what mourning means to human beings. It means to be sorrowful or downcast over a loss or some other catastrophy. This is as it should be. We MUST give expression to our grief. Grief and grieving are NOT WRONG. In fact, they are a NECESSARY PART of life. "Happy" are they that mourn.
But someone mentioned that the word which Jesus used on the Mount could also mean "Blessed are those who REPENT."
The mourning, in this case, would be because of our lives coming short of the Ways of God. We all do-- every day.
We all are falling far short of the Glory of God. Failure is the story of each of our lives.
We were never promised eternal life and the blessings of God because of any goodness we have within ourselves. It is always based upon our faith in His Atonement for us at the Heavenly Mercy Seat. We can NEVER get good enough to earn it.
"Happy" are we, if we walk in continual repentance, and thanksgiving to God for His Mercy toward us. "Happy" or "Blessed", because walking in repentance opens the way for added blessings from God, over and above being saved from our sins.
"For they shall be comforted." The word "Comforted" comes from the word used to describe the work of the Holy Ghost in our life-- One called alongside-- the Paraklete.
The main purpose of the Holy Ghost is to lead into Truth. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
I Corinthians 2:10 -- for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
It is as simple as that. If we want to know more about God, walk in repentance rather than pride of man.
Have you noticed that most of the real scholars of the Word are men of great humility? Psalms 25:14 The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
In the beatitudes of Jesus, one "grabbed" me the other day. It is Matthew 5:4 Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
We all know what mourning means to human beings. It means to be sorrowful or downcast over a loss or some other catastrophy. This is as it should be. We MUST give expression to our grief. Grief and grieving are NOT WRONG. In fact, they are a NECESSARY PART of life. "Happy" are they that mourn.
But someone mentioned that the word which Jesus used on the Mount could also mean "Blessed are those who REPENT."
The mourning, in this case, would be because of our lives coming short of the Ways of God. We all do-- every day.
We all are falling far short of the Glory of God. Failure is the story of each of our lives.
We were never promised eternal life and the blessings of God because of any goodness we have within ourselves. It is always based upon our faith in His Atonement for us at the Heavenly Mercy Seat. We can NEVER get good enough to earn it.
"Happy" are we, if we walk in continual repentance, and thanksgiving to God for His Mercy toward us. "Happy" or "Blessed", because walking in repentance opens the way for added blessings from God, over and above being saved from our sins.
"For they shall be comforted." The word "Comforted" comes from the word used to describe the work of the Holy Ghost in our life-- One called alongside-- the Paraklete.
The main purpose of the Holy Ghost is to lead into Truth. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
I Corinthians 2:10 -- for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
It is as simple as that. If we want to know more about God, walk in repentance rather than pride of man.
Have you noticed that most of the real scholars of the Word are men of great humility? Psalms 25:14 The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
MADE READY BEFORE
MADE READY BEFORE
The Lord seemed to quicken a scripture to me last evening, and started me thinking again of what a marvelous work was performed when the Temple of Solomon was erected, about a thousand years before Jesus was born.
I Kings 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe [nor] any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
What precise planning was needed. Also precise workmanship in the quarries where the stones were hewn and shaped. What care in transporting the materials to the building site, to avoid scarring and damaging the individual stones. Each one had been meticulously formed and finished before starting it journey to the Temple Mount.
There is much more that could be said about the planning and workmanship, but we don't feel to dwell too much on that aspect of it right now.
What we DO want to point out is the fact that the building of Solomon's Temple serves as a pattern for what God is doing in the world today-- right now-- in the lives of His followers.
Each of us is one of those stones, being shaped for a PARTICULAR SPOT in the BUILDING OF GOD. We are hewn, shaped and fitted for our position BEFORE being set in our place. We WILL FIT PERFECTLY with the others around us, when we are what we were designed to be.
Preparation ahead of time seems to be a principle of God. Proverbs 24:27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
Scripture seems to support the idea that the BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE OF GOD is taking place RIGHT NOW, WHERE EACH OF US IS TODAY.
God's Word does NOT make provision for another PHYSICAL TEMPLE in the present, nor in the future. Certainly not in the City Foursquare, for John said he saw no Temple therein, but that the Lord God Almighty, AND THE LAMB are the Temple of it.
Paul declares that the disciples of Jesus are the materials out of which the Temple AND THE CITY are being made-- right now. The words of Jesus say: Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
I Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Even as it was in the days of Jesus, so it is in our day-- the Professional Builders have a tendency to reject the One who is destined to be the Head of the Corner. His Counsel, His Manners, His Plans seem to be rejected in favor of those made and projected by those self-appointed Overseers who seem to be following a different set of blueprints.
Luke 17:25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Psalms 118:22 The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Abraham, and others, "looked for a City which HATH FOUNDATIONS. Paul said that he, as a "wise Master Builder" had LAID THE FOUNDATION, and no one could lay another one.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];
I Peter 2:4 To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,
I Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
I Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
I Peter 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
The Lord seemed to quicken a scripture to me last evening, and started me thinking again of what a marvelous work was performed when the Temple of Solomon was erected, about a thousand years before Jesus was born.
I Kings 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe [nor] any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
What precise planning was needed. Also precise workmanship in the quarries where the stones were hewn and shaped. What care in transporting the materials to the building site, to avoid scarring and damaging the individual stones. Each one had been meticulously formed and finished before starting it journey to the Temple Mount.
There is much more that could be said about the planning and workmanship, but we don't feel to dwell too much on that aspect of it right now.
What we DO want to point out is the fact that the building of Solomon's Temple serves as a pattern for what God is doing in the world today-- right now-- in the lives of His followers.
Each of us is one of those stones, being shaped for a PARTICULAR SPOT in the BUILDING OF GOD. We are hewn, shaped and fitted for our position BEFORE being set in our place. We WILL FIT PERFECTLY with the others around us, when we are what we were designed to be.
Preparation ahead of time seems to be a principle of God. Proverbs 24:27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
Scripture seems to support the idea that the BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE OF GOD is taking place RIGHT NOW, WHERE EACH OF US IS TODAY.
God's Word does NOT make provision for another PHYSICAL TEMPLE in the present, nor in the future. Certainly not in the City Foursquare, for John said he saw no Temple therein, but that the Lord God Almighty, AND THE LAMB are the Temple of it.
Paul declares that the disciples of Jesus are the materials out of which the Temple AND THE CITY are being made-- right now. The words of Jesus say: Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
I Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Even as it was in the days of Jesus, so it is in our day-- the Professional Builders have a tendency to reject the One who is destined to be the Head of the Corner. His Counsel, His Manners, His Plans seem to be rejected in favor of those made and projected by those self-appointed Overseers who seem to be following a different set of blueprints.
Luke 17:25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Psalms 118:22 The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Abraham, and others, "looked for a City which HATH FOUNDATIONS. Paul said that he, as a "wise Master Builder" had LAID THE FOUNDATION, and no one could lay another one.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];
I Peter 2:4 To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,
I Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
I Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
I Peter 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH
MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH
Several years ago I worked alongside a man who often used the expression, "Meanwhile, back at the ranch." His idea was to ensure that there was something going on somewhere else besides what we were seeing at the time. He had picked it up in a TV series of the time.
I have used the expression many times myself when dealing with the most popular subject of our times-- The rise and rule of antichrist.
Very few people can tell me, with any degree of certainty, just what is going to take place, nor when it is going to happen. Most eyes are on the Middle East, and the year 2000, and maybe justifiably so. I can not say, one way or the other.
But I ran across a scripture several years ago which settled my fears and tensions down immensely.
Back as far as 1948, we were hearing rumblings of "Big Brother", and what all he would do to us-- confiscation of bank accounts, real estate, etc. etc.. The stories have gotten worse as the years rolled along, and we must admit that now some things seem to be a real threat. We can not deny that fact.
But while all these things are being developed, and the trap seems about ready to spring, let me tell you what I found in the scripture which helped me.
First-- the Bible allows for four WORLD ORDERS. They were (WERE) Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Out of Rome was to come an EXTENSION known as the LITTLE HORN (Roman Catholic Church).
If there is to be another NEW WORLD ORDER (New age, or whatever else there might be in the wings), God's Word can be proven untrue. But you and I know it is NOT UNTRUE.
Here is where I interject my "Meanwhile, back at the ranch" expression. What has GOD been doing all this time?
Listen to this: Micah 4:11 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor. Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
Our God has a trick or two "up his sleeve", as the saying goes. At the same time time the enemies of the Church (Zion) attempt (ATTEMPT) to spring the trap on her, the LORD will unveil HIS PLAN for both them and the Church. It will be interesting to watch and take part in. It will be staged on earth (terra firma).
The Principal participants will be: In one corner, the governments (social orders), financial magnates (economic orders), military groups, and religious power. (The "old girl" herself will show her true colors)
In the other corner: Saints of God who have met God's requirements for their lives, (Overcomers) empowered with the authority of the Spirit. This will have been an Act of God, at a spcific, pre-determined time in His plan. (Day of Atonement)
As men express it, "There will be hair, teeth, and eyeballs all over the place." Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Hal Lindsey did not write the Bible.
Several years ago I worked alongside a man who often used the expression, "Meanwhile, back at the ranch." His idea was to ensure that there was something going on somewhere else besides what we were seeing at the time. He had picked it up in a TV series of the time.
I have used the expression many times myself when dealing with the most popular subject of our times-- The rise and rule of antichrist.
Very few people can tell me, with any degree of certainty, just what is going to take place, nor when it is going to happen. Most eyes are on the Middle East, and the year 2000, and maybe justifiably so. I can not say, one way or the other.
But I ran across a scripture several years ago which settled my fears and tensions down immensely.
Back as far as 1948, we were hearing rumblings of "Big Brother", and what all he would do to us-- confiscation of bank accounts, real estate, etc. etc.. The stories have gotten worse as the years rolled along, and we must admit that now some things seem to be a real threat. We can not deny that fact.
But while all these things are being developed, and the trap seems about ready to spring, let me tell you what I found in the scripture which helped me.
First-- the Bible allows for four WORLD ORDERS. They were (WERE) Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Out of Rome was to come an EXTENSION known as the LITTLE HORN (Roman Catholic Church).
If there is to be another NEW WORLD ORDER (New age, or whatever else there might be in the wings), God's Word can be proven untrue. But you and I know it is NOT UNTRUE.
Here is where I interject my "Meanwhile, back at the ranch" expression. What has GOD been doing all this time?
Listen to this: Micah 4:11 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor. Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
Our God has a trick or two "up his sleeve", as the saying goes. At the same time time the enemies of the Church (Zion) attempt (ATTEMPT) to spring the trap on her, the LORD will unveil HIS PLAN for both them and the Church. It will be interesting to watch and take part in. It will be staged on earth (terra firma).
The Principal participants will be: In one corner, the governments (social orders), financial magnates (economic orders), military groups, and religious power. (The "old girl" herself will show her true colors)
In the other corner: Saints of God who have met God's requirements for their lives, (Overcomers) empowered with the authority of the Spirit. This will have been an Act of God, at a spcific, pre-determined time in His plan. (Day of Atonement)
As men express it, "There will be hair, teeth, and eyeballs all over the place." Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Hal Lindsey did not write the Bible.
THIS TREASURE
THIS TREASURE
II Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in
earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be
of God, and not of us.
We have often used this scripture to describe the
wonderful indwelling of the Holy Ghost in our lives. It
does work when applied that way, but that is NOT the way
the Holy Ghost meant it when He caused Paul to pen the
words.
Paul was talking about the Apostolic Ministry which
had been given to him by the Lord. A powerful, anointed
Ministry in a body of clay which was weak.
That was God's way of assuring that the flesh could
not take credit for what was being done through the man.
Flesh has no Spiritual qualities about it, and cannot
produce any Spiritual good.
The best it can do is to be used of the Spirit as a
channel through which He can operate, and do His pur-
poses. The pipe or flume, which brings water to the
desert, has no effect on the flowers. It is the WATER
which produces life in the desert.
The "water" of the Spirit passing through our
"earthen" clay pipes is known as the "anointing". No
Spirit passing through--no Anointing in our life. It is
as simple as that. The Anointing is produced by the
Spirit passing through us to do the job He wants to do.
We can take absolutely no credit for what is
done by the Spirit. All we can do is to make ourselves
ANOINTABLE by God.
By that we mean that God is not in the business of
anointing people who have no desire to be of service to
Him. And many times even those who do desire to be used
of God disqualify themselves by their life style.
A little craving for earthly approval, or
things which pertain to this life go a long way in
bringing us to the point of being UNANOINTABLE. Our
desire for the things of God MUST OUTWEIGH our desire
for what this life has to offer if we hope to be used of
God in His Kingdom. DO WE GO TO THE CHURCH BALL GAMES
AT THE EXPENSE OF THE MID-WEEK WORSHIP SERVICES? This
may not be sinful, but it sure tells God where we are.
Too much foreign material in the "pipe" or "flume"
will contaminate the "water" and limit its usefulness,
similar to the way lead from the solder used in copper
piping leaches into the water passing through it, and
can poison people who drink the water.
Do we have too much "lead" in our lives?
II Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in
earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be
of God, and not of us.
We have often used this scripture to describe the
wonderful indwelling of the Holy Ghost in our lives. It
does work when applied that way, but that is NOT the way
the Holy Ghost meant it when He caused Paul to pen the
words.
Paul was talking about the Apostolic Ministry which
had been given to him by the Lord. A powerful, anointed
Ministry in a body of clay which was weak.
That was God's way of assuring that the flesh could
not take credit for what was being done through the man.
Flesh has no Spiritual qualities about it, and cannot
produce any Spiritual good.
The best it can do is to be used of the Spirit as a
channel through which He can operate, and do His pur-
poses. The pipe or flume, which brings water to the
desert, has no effect on the flowers. It is the WATER
which produces life in the desert.
The "water" of the Spirit passing through our
"earthen" clay pipes is known as the "anointing". No
Spirit passing through--no Anointing in our life. It is
as simple as that. The Anointing is produced by the
Spirit passing through us to do the job He wants to do.
We can take absolutely no credit for what is
done by the Spirit. All we can do is to make ourselves
ANOINTABLE by God.
By that we mean that God is not in the business of
anointing people who have no desire to be of service to
Him. And many times even those who do desire to be used
of God disqualify themselves by their life style.
A little craving for earthly approval, or
things which pertain to this life go a long way in
bringing us to the point of being UNANOINTABLE. Our
desire for the things of God MUST OUTWEIGH our desire
for what this life has to offer if we hope to be used of
God in His Kingdom. DO WE GO TO THE CHURCH BALL GAMES
AT THE EXPENSE OF THE MID-WEEK WORSHIP SERVICES? This
may not be sinful, but it sure tells God where we are.
Too much foreign material in the "pipe" or "flume"
will contaminate the "water" and limit its usefulness,
similar to the way lead from the solder used in copper
piping leaches into the water passing through it, and
can poison people who drink the water.
Do we have too much "lead" in our lives?
THE DAILY SACRIFICE
THE DAILY SACRIFICE
Five places in the book of Daniel, a phrase is used which has been made into a Christian Doctrine. This should never have been done.
The phrase is "Daily (Sacrifice)". In all five places, the word "sacrifice" is in Italics and parentheses-- denoting that it is not in the original text. It was supplied by the King James Translators to make a "more clear understanding" of the text. In doing so, they may have corrupted our "Spiritual Compass", and altered our course considerably. They KNEW they didn't have the answer, but SUGGESTED one for us by supplying a word or two here and there. I believe they did the best they could have done-- given the background from which they came-- Roman Catholicism. Let me give you some background information.
In the early 1500's, Martin Luther (the Swan) tacked his Theses on the Church door in Wittenburg. He became the recognized leader in a full-scale rebellion against the abuses of the Papacy. What has been called the "Devil's Millenium" was about to grind down to an end-- to be replaced by the first stages of God's Restoration of His Church in the earth. Truth had been "cast to the ground", as had been prophesied by Daniel (8:12) Marin Luther, and all of the other "Reformers" had pointed to the Papacy and called the SYSTEM the ANTICHRIST. Their teaching was causing much pain (indeed, it MAY have been the "wound unto death") to the Papal system, and an all-out attempt to counteract it was launched by the church leaders. The objective was to "take the heat off" the Papacy.
This was accomplished by formulating a doctrine which would shift MOST of the Prophetic writings far INTO THE FUTURE-- away from thier present time. These prophetic teachings included, but were not restricted to, Antichrist, Mark of the Beast, Great Tribulation, and some others which are, in all probability, now history instead of in the future.
The final hurdle to acceptance of the new doctrine was overcome by convincing the Archbishop of Canterbury-- the accepted figure-head of the protestant movement-- of the truth of the doctrine. As a result, the whole Christian Community now accepts and believes the error. Our "guns are now pointed the wrong direction."
Nearly a hundred years had passed since Luther had first "drawn blood" from the "system", when King James commissioned the translators to come up with an un-corrupted version of the scriptures.
Sorry, King James, but by now the "original" manuscripts had ALSO BEEN ALTERED-- to read differently than before. The NEW manuscripts were then called the "originals", and those truly orignal ones were destroyed. (We have substantial proof of this having been done.) We won't labor that fact here.
After nearly a hundred years, most everyone was believing the "future tribulation, future antichrist, future mark of the beast" doctrine-- including the royal translators.
So, when they couldn't understand a passage, they SUPPLIED words-- words which were "tainted" with Papal futuristic teachings.
But, they WERE honest enough to tell us that they had supplied the words-- by putting them in italics.
But, if the word "sacrifice" is misleading, WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF "DAILY"?
I BELIEVE, and please bear in mind that I only THINK I have heard from the Lord on this. But I like this interpretation a whole lot better than the one being promoted today by theologians world wide.
According to the prophecy of Daniel, the "DAILY" was to be taken away. In its stead there would be established the "Abomination which maketh desolate".
The words "DAILY" and "ABOMINATION" stand for TWO FORMS OF GOVERNMENT.
Long before the Pagan Roman Empire "fell" (into decay), there was another governmental force making its presence felt among the people in the Empire.
The Church of that time was struggling for supreme power over the masses of humanity. Men with less than perfect ambitions (they are described in scripture as "violent men, or men of violence) set about to "seize the Kingdom" by violent means.
In due time, the world was to know ONLY the rule of the "Church". The "Church" would assume supreme authority-- even over kings of the earth, and their kingdoms. Whole armies were "commandeered" by the leaders of the "Church". Heathen nations would be "Evangelized" by these commandeered armies.
The "stock in trade" of this new GOVERNMENT would become, among other things, THE SOULS OF MEN. The DOCTRINES of the "Church" were taught with the guillotine or sword. This was the "Abomination of Desolation."
But, God can use even the lowest calibre of men to bring about His purposes in the earth. He would call upon a rascal by the name of King Henry VIII to spearhead a time of tribulation such as may never be duplicated again. He formed the "Church of England" and appointed himself as the supreme head of it.
By the time he came along, the Reformation movement had gained much headway among the populace. He gave them a GOVERNMENT to rally under. As long as he lived, things went along fairly smoothly-- in England.
But, he died one day, and trouble broke loose-- eventually coming to a head under Mary (Bloody Mary), who engineered a blood bath unrivaled by any persecution prior to that time. The "Church Supreme" was killing dissidents by the thousands. Mary was determined that England should return to the Papacy. Little wonder that England applauded her death, rather than mourning it.
King James came along roughly sixty years after the persecution by Mary. Confusion was rampant-- which version of the Bible was correct. Does that sound familiar? James would put the matter to rest with an Authorized Version. Did he do it?
Five places in the book of Daniel, a phrase is used which has been made into a Christian Doctrine. This should never have been done.
The phrase is "Daily (Sacrifice)". In all five places, the word "sacrifice" is in Italics and parentheses-- denoting that it is not in the original text. It was supplied by the King James Translators to make a "more clear understanding" of the text. In doing so, they may have corrupted our "Spiritual Compass", and altered our course considerably. They KNEW they didn't have the answer, but SUGGESTED one for us by supplying a word or two here and there. I believe they did the best they could have done-- given the background from which they came-- Roman Catholicism. Let me give you some background information.
In the early 1500's, Martin Luther (the Swan) tacked his Theses on the Church door in Wittenburg. He became the recognized leader in a full-scale rebellion against the abuses of the Papacy. What has been called the "Devil's Millenium" was about to grind down to an end-- to be replaced by the first stages of God's Restoration of His Church in the earth. Truth had been "cast to the ground", as had been prophesied by Daniel (8:12) Marin Luther, and all of the other "Reformers" had pointed to the Papacy and called the SYSTEM the ANTICHRIST. Their teaching was causing much pain (indeed, it MAY have been the "wound unto death") to the Papal system, and an all-out attempt to counteract it was launched by the church leaders. The objective was to "take the heat off" the Papacy.
This was accomplished by formulating a doctrine which would shift MOST of the Prophetic writings far INTO THE FUTURE-- away from thier present time. These prophetic teachings included, but were not restricted to, Antichrist, Mark of the Beast, Great Tribulation, and some others which are, in all probability, now history instead of in the future.
The final hurdle to acceptance of the new doctrine was overcome by convincing the Archbishop of Canterbury-- the accepted figure-head of the protestant movement-- of the truth of the doctrine. As a result, the whole Christian Community now accepts and believes the error. Our "guns are now pointed the wrong direction."
Nearly a hundred years had passed since Luther had first "drawn blood" from the "system", when King James commissioned the translators to come up with an un-corrupted version of the scriptures.
Sorry, King James, but by now the "original" manuscripts had ALSO BEEN ALTERED-- to read differently than before. The NEW manuscripts were then called the "originals", and those truly orignal ones were destroyed. (We have substantial proof of this having been done.) We won't labor that fact here.
After nearly a hundred years, most everyone was believing the "future tribulation, future antichrist, future mark of the beast" doctrine-- including the royal translators.
So, when they couldn't understand a passage, they SUPPLIED words-- words which were "tainted" with Papal futuristic teachings.
But, they WERE honest enough to tell us that they had supplied the words-- by putting them in italics.
But, if the word "sacrifice" is misleading, WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF "DAILY"?
I BELIEVE, and please bear in mind that I only THINK I have heard from the Lord on this. But I like this interpretation a whole lot better than the one being promoted today by theologians world wide.
According to the prophecy of Daniel, the "DAILY" was to be taken away. In its stead there would be established the "Abomination which maketh desolate".
The words "DAILY" and "ABOMINATION" stand for TWO FORMS OF GOVERNMENT.
Long before the Pagan Roman Empire "fell" (into decay), there was another governmental force making its presence felt among the people in the Empire.
The Church of that time was struggling for supreme power over the masses of humanity. Men with less than perfect ambitions (they are described in scripture as "violent men, or men of violence) set about to "seize the Kingdom" by violent means.
In due time, the world was to know ONLY the rule of the "Church". The "Church" would assume supreme authority-- even over kings of the earth, and their kingdoms. Whole armies were "commandeered" by the leaders of the "Church". Heathen nations would be "Evangelized" by these commandeered armies.
The "stock in trade" of this new GOVERNMENT would become, among other things, THE SOULS OF MEN. The DOCTRINES of the "Church" were taught with the guillotine or sword. This was the "Abomination of Desolation."
But, God can use even the lowest calibre of men to bring about His purposes in the earth. He would call upon a rascal by the name of King Henry VIII to spearhead a time of tribulation such as may never be duplicated again. He formed the "Church of England" and appointed himself as the supreme head of it.
By the time he came along, the Reformation movement had gained much headway among the populace. He gave them a GOVERNMENT to rally under. As long as he lived, things went along fairly smoothly-- in England.
But, he died one day, and trouble broke loose-- eventually coming to a head under Mary (Bloody Mary), who engineered a blood bath unrivaled by any persecution prior to that time. The "Church Supreme" was killing dissidents by the thousands. Mary was determined that England should return to the Papacy. Little wonder that England applauded her death, rather than mourning it.
King James came along roughly sixty years after the persecution by Mary. Confusion was rampant-- which version of the Bible was correct. Does that sound familiar? James would put the matter to rest with an Authorized Version. Did he do it?
THE ASS, AND MAN
THE ASS, AND MAN
When Jesus was preparing for what has been called the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, he made a specific demand on His disciples.
Mark 11:2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, WHEREON NEVER MAN SAT; loose him, and bring [him]. Read the same thing in Luke 19:30
I would like to explain this a bit for you, if I may. We read in Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, AND UPON A COLT THE FOAL OF AN ASS.
The passage is quoted again in Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and A COLT THE FOAL OF AN ASS.
In Bible types, the ASS IS A BEAST OF BURDEN. She typifies the Church through the centuries since Pentecost. She has borne the burden of persecution, turmoil, false teaching, and lack of power and authority.
Matthew 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought [but] one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto US, WHICH HAVE BORNE THE BURDEN AND HEAT OF THE DAY.
She was "SAT ON" by "MAN" in less than three hundred years after Pentecost. MAN siezed control of the Church of the Living God. MAN changed the doctrines of the Church-- incorporating heathen teachings and practices into the Church. MAN then altered the scriptures, in an attempt to validate the ungodly practices and teaching which had been brought in. MAN also destroyed all of the original copies of the scriptures-- leaving only those which had been corrupted. It is from those corrupted manuscripts that we have all the versions of the Bible to guide our lives today.
From 300 AD to 1560 AD was a period of 1260 years of antichristial teachings and practices. It was the time of great tribulation for the true believers. MAN afflicted, tormented, tortured, and killed those who refused to bow to the edicts which came from MAN'S seat of control over the "beast of burden" Church. It has been called "The Devil's Millenium." The MAN has been referred to as "The Antichrist".
The period of 1260 years is described in the Bible in several ways. It is called "three and a half years, forty and two months, three and a half days-- and others. All of the terms probably refer to the same period of time.
I personally believe it is history.
During that time, the Lord has given many awakenings which resulted in many being temporarily loosed from the bondage of MAN DOMINATION. They were times of great liberty of the Spirit, and signs and wonders being wrought. But MAN was soon able to gain control of these awakenings, and they soon died the same death as all of those before them.
These things have happened in the time of the mother beast of burden. But, there is to be a "birth" take place in the future. The burden bearing Church will have a many-membered SON arise from its midst.
Before MAN can gain control of (sit upon) this many-membered SON of the burden bearing Church, Jesus Himself will "sit upon" (impart His power to, and control) the company, and shall bring His Kingdom into being through them.
This company will have a very short, but very powerful ministry. The Spirit of Jesus will be in FULL CONTROL. He never "misses a lick". There is no lost motion. The work is finished in very short order.
Habakkuk 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].
Romans 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
When Jesus was preparing for what has been called the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, he made a specific demand on His disciples.
Mark 11:2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, WHEREON NEVER MAN SAT; loose him, and bring [him]. Read the same thing in Luke 19:30
I would like to explain this a bit for you, if I may. We read in Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, AND UPON A COLT THE FOAL OF AN ASS.
The passage is quoted again in Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and A COLT THE FOAL OF AN ASS.
In Bible types, the ASS IS A BEAST OF BURDEN. She typifies the Church through the centuries since Pentecost. She has borne the burden of persecution, turmoil, false teaching, and lack of power and authority.
Matthew 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought [but] one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto US, WHICH HAVE BORNE THE BURDEN AND HEAT OF THE DAY.
She was "SAT ON" by "MAN" in less than three hundred years after Pentecost. MAN siezed control of the Church of the Living God. MAN changed the doctrines of the Church-- incorporating heathen teachings and practices into the Church. MAN then altered the scriptures, in an attempt to validate the ungodly practices and teaching which had been brought in. MAN also destroyed all of the original copies of the scriptures-- leaving only those which had been corrupted. It is from those corrupted manuscripts that we have all the versions of the Bible to guide our lives today.
From 300 AD to 1560 AD was a period of 1260 years of antichristial teachings and practices. It was the time of great tribulation for the true believers. MAN afflicted, tormented, tortured, and killed those who refused to bow to the edicts which came from MAN'S seat of control over the "beast of burden" Church. It has been called "The Devil's Millenium." The MAN has been referred to as "The Antichrist".
The period of 1260 years is described in the Bible in several ways. It is called "three and a half years, forty and two months, three and a half days-- and others. All of the terms probably refer to the same period of time.
I personally believe it is history.
During that time, the Lord has given many awakenings which resulted in many being temporarily loosed from the bondage of MAN DOMINATION. They were times of great liberty of the Spirit, and signs and wonders being wrought. But MAN was soon able to gain control of these awakenings, and they soon died the same death as all of those before them.
These things have happened in the time of the mother beast of burden. But, there is to be a "birth" take place in the future. The burden bearing Church will have a many-membered SON arise from its midst.
Before MAN can gain control of (sit upon) this many-membered SON of the burden bearing Church, Jesus Himself will "sit upon" (impart His power to, and control) the company, and shall bring His Kingdom into being through them.
This company will have a very short, but very powerful ministry. The Spirit of Jesus will be in FULL CONTROL. He never "misses a lick". There is no lost motion. The work is finished in very short order.
Habakkuk 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].
Romans 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
THE FIRE ON THE ALTAR
THE FIRE ON THE BRAZEN ALTAR
The Lord gave some definite instructions about the worship of Israel in Old Testament times.
While those instructions and customs are not, necessarily, binding upon us today, they serve as a pattern for our lives if we hope to be pleasing in the sight of the Lord.
It is possible to have had our sins forgiven, and be on the way to heaven, yet have many things in our lives which are not altogether pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. If we really want to please Him, we should take careful note of the statutes of the Old Testament, and order our lives accordingly, for it is in those statutes that we find the pattern for pleasing God.
Today I am thinking about the fire on the Brazen Altar, and how the statutes concerning it have an effect on our lives today if we are to be thoroughly pleasing in His eyes.
The first thing of note is that once the fire was started on the Altar of Sacrifice, it must never be allowed to burn itself out. It was a fire which was acceptable to God-- none other would do.
Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.
What made this fire so special to the Lord was the fact that it came from Eternity. It was Eternal Fire, and was different from that which is kindled by man. The two fires may have looked the same, but they were different in that one was a Holy Fire-- the other was common fire. Common fire was not acceptable to the Lord. The programs of man will never please the Lord.
Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
After having been started by the Hand of God, this Eternal fire was used to light the candlesticks in the Holy Place, and to burn the incense before the Lord. Nothing but this Eternal Fire was to be used in the worship of the Lord.
But, then, as now, there were always those who were eager to "push their luck" to see if the Lord really meant what He said. Their fate should be a lesson to any of us who want to do the work of the Lord in any official capacity.
Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
If a man received a special anointing from the Lord for a special message to His people, we have one instance where his lips were touched with this Eternal Fire from the Altar of Sacrifice. Oh, how badly we need men and women with their lips anointed with that fire. It is a fire, not kindled by man -- an anointing given by God alone.
Isaiah 6:6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid [it] upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
It is the solemn responsibility of men to keep that Eternal Fire burning in their souls-- daily. It must never be allowed to go out.
The Lord gave some definite instructions about the worship of Israel in Old Testament times.
While those instructions and customs are not, necessarily, binding upon us today, they serve as a pattern for our lives if we hope to be pleasing in the sight of the Lord.
It is possible to have had our sins forgiven, and be on the way to heaven, yet have many things in our lives which are not altogether pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. If we really want to please Him, we should take careful note of the statutes of the Old Testament, and order our lives accordingly, for it is in those statutes that we find the pattern for pleasing God.
Today I am thinking about the fire on the Brazen Altar, and how the statutes concerning it have an effect on our lives today if we are to be thoroughly pleasing in His eyes.
The first thing of note is that once the fire was started on the Altar of Sacrifice, it must never be allowed to burn itself out. It was a fire which was acceptable to God-- none other would do.
Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.
What made this fire so special to the Lord was the fact that it came from Eternity. It was Eternal Fire, and was different from that which is kindled by man. The two fires may have looked the same, but they were different in that one was a Holy Fire-- the other was common fire. Common fire was not acceptable to the Lord. The programs of man will never please the Lord.
Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
After having been started by the Hand of God, this Eternal fire was used to light the candlesticks in the Holy Place, and to burn the incense before the Lord. Nothing but this Eternal Fire was to be used in the worship of the Lord.
But, then, as now, there were always those who were eager to "push their luck" to see if the Lord really meant what He said. Their fate should be a lesson to any of us who want to do the work of the Lord in any official capacity.
Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
If a man received a special anointing from the Lord for a special message to His people, we have one instance where his lips were touched with this Eternal Fire from the Altar of Sacrifice. Oh, how badly we need men and women with their lips anointed with that fire. It is a fire, not kindled by man -- an anointing given by God alone.
Isaiah 6:6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid [it] upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
It is the solemn responsibility of men to keep that Eternal Fire burning in their souls-- daily. It must never be allowed to go out.
THE THIRD HEAVEN
THE THIRD HEAVEN
When I was a kid, we used to hear people talking about feeling like they were in the seventh heaven. I wondered a time or two, just what the term meant. Then I ran across a scripture in the Bible which mentioned the third heaven.
I wondered if there were actually seven heavens, stacked, one on top of the other, reaching out into the stratosphere.
Finally, I heard an old Swedish man explain it, and it made sense. Listen to what it says:
II Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
The old Brother from Sweden said, "If we look into the scriptures, we find the answer."
He referred us to 2 Peter 3, where it is all spelled out for us. Listen to what it says. The emphases are mine.
II Peter 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the HEAVENS WERE OF OLD, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the WORLD THAT THEN WAS, being overflowed with water, PERISHED:
II Peter 3:7 But the HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, WHICH ARE NOW, by the same word are kept in store, RESERVED UNTO FIRE AGAINST THE DAY OF JUDGMENT AND PERDITION OF UNGODLY MEN. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
II Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH, WHEREIN DWELLETH RIGHTEOUSNESS.
II Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
We had the answer, from the lips of a man of God who knew his Bible.
Paul was caught up into the realm of the future, and there saw things which he could not describe verbally.
I believe that Paul saw, in essence, what John saw on the Isle of Patmos, but was forbidden to tell about.
The book of Revelation is a Heavenly book, written in Heavenly language. It cannot be correctly interpreted with earthly understanding. The symbols are all Heavenly symbols-- not to be understood by earthly minds and understandings.
I once heard that when the angels want something to laugh about, they read some of the prophetic interpretations written by men of earth.
God Bless!
When I was a kid, we used to hear people talking about feeling like they were in the seventh heaven. I wondered a time or two, just what the term meant. Then I ran across a scripture in the Bible which mentioned the third heaven.
I wondered if there were actually seven heavens, stacked, one on top of the other, reaching out into the stratosphere.
Finally, I heard an old Swedish man explain it, and it made sense. Listen to what it says:
II Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
The old Brother from Sweden said, "If we look into the scriptures, we find the answer."
He referred us to 2 Peter 3, where it is all spelled out for us. Listen to what it says. The emphases are mine.
II Peter 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the HEAVENS WERE OF OLD, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the WORLD THAT THEN WAS, being overflowed with water, PERISHED:
II Peter 3:7 But the HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, WHICH ARE NOW, by the same word are kept in store, RESERVED UNTO FIRE AGAINST THE DAY OF JUDGMENT AND PERDITION OF UNGODLY MEN. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
II Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH, WHEREIN DWELLETH RIGHTEOUSNESS.
II Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
We had the answer, from the lips of a man of God who knew his Bible.
Paul was caught up into the realm of the future, and there saw things which he could not describe verbally.
I believe that Paul saw, in essence, what John saw on the Isle of Patmos, but was forbidden to tell about.
The book of Revelation is a Heavenly book, written in Heavenly language. It cannot be correctly interpreted with earthly understanding. The symbols are all Heavenly symbols-- not to be understood by earthly minds and understandings.
I once heard that when the angels want something to laugh about, they read some of the prophetic interpretations written by men of earth.
God Bless!
THE FEET
*************** THE FEET *********************
A few times in the Scripture we find feet mention-
ed. In many of the cases, they are used to denote a
specific period of time in the purposes of God.
We take our cue from Daniel 2, where the interp-
retation of the dream which the king of Babylon had,
showed the feet of the image to be the extreme end
of the time known as The Times of the Gentiles.
This is the entire time represented by the four
world kingdoms represented by the four parts of the
anatomy of the dream.
The feet of the image in the dream were still
in existance at the time the God of Heaven set up a
kingdom which should smash the great Gentile Kingdom.
I want to interject right here that neither
Communism nor the EEC will ever attain to being a World
Kingdom. If either should do that, it would become the
fifth kingdom, and the Bible only specifies four. The
Little Horn which springs out of the fourth represents
the Holy Roman Empire, or the Roman Catholic Church.
That Church is an extension of the fourth kingdom, and
is still around to receive the crushing blow from God's
Kingdom.
There are many honest and sincere Catholics on
earth, and we have to leave them with God, who is Just.
It is the SYSTEM that is to be crushed by God and His
Kingdom.
Jesus acted out a prophecy concerning the last
days when He girded Himself with a towel and began to
wash the feet of His disciples. He told them they
did not know what He was doing, but that they should
know later.
The feet of His disciples represented the very last
days of the work of the Church on earth. The people
who are alive, and trusting Jesus at this time shall
experience a cleansing such as we have hardly dreamed
to be possible. The NATURE OF SIN will be removed com-
pletely from those who are following hard after the
Lord.
This signals the beginning of the END-TIME
MINISTRY of the Body of Christ. It will be a short
one--about three and a half years, (a quick work), but
it will be a mighty demonstration of God's power to
deliver human beings, THROUGH OTHER HUMAN BEINGS.
Indeed, the WHOLE WORLD will have a witness during
that time. EVERY CREATURE will have the opportunity to
know Jesus.
Rev. 1 tells us of another "image" which has FEET.
It is a picture of the workings of Jesus through His people. At the extremity of the age, His people will be given the ministry which is represented by
FINE (Exact, highly refined, perfect) BRASS (Judgement,
properly evaluating, proper placement of value).
We who are alive now, can reasonably expect to be
among those who see and receive this Ministry. We can
become candidates for this Ministry by pressing into
the Spirit of God whereby our lives can be cleansed
from the desires and characteristics of the flesh.
A few times in the Scripture we find feet mention-
ed. In many of the cases, they are used to denote a
specific period of time in the purposes of God.
We take our cue from Daniel 2, where the interp-
retation of the dream which the king of Babylon had,
showed the feet of the image to be the extreme end
of the time known as The Times of the Gentiles.
This is the entire time represented by the four
world kingdoms represented by the four parts of the
anatomy of the dream.
The feet of the image in the dream were still
in existance at the time the God of Heaven set up a
kingdom which should smash the great Gentile Kingdom.
I want to interject right here that neither
Communism nor the EEC will ever attain to being a World
Kingdom. If either should do that, it would become the
fifth kingdom, and the Bible only specifies four. The
Little Horn which springs out of the fourth represents
the Holy Roman Empire, or the Roman Catholic Church.
That Church is an extension of the fourth kingdom, and
is still around to receive the crushing blow from God's
Kingdom.
There are many honest and sincere Catholics on
earth, and we have to leave them with God, who is Just.
It is the SYSTEM that is to be crushed by God and His
Kingdom.
Jesus acted out a prophecy concerning the last
days when He girded Himself with a towel and began to
wash the feet of His disciples. He told them they
did not know what He was doing, but that they should
know later.
The feet of His disciples represented the very last
days of the work of the Church on earth. The people
who are alive, and trusting Jesus at this time shall
experience a cleansing such as we have hardly dreamed
to be possible. The NATURE OF SIN will be removed com-
pletely from those who are following hard after the
Lord.
This signals the beginning of the END-TIME
MINISTRY of the Body of Christ. It will be a short
one--about three and a half years, (a quick work), but
it will be a mighty demonstration of God's power to
deliver human beings, THROUGH OTHER HUMAN BEINGS.
Indeed, the WHOLE WORLD will have a witness during
that time. EVERY CREATURE will have the opportunity to
know Jesus.
Rev. 1 tells us of another "image" which has FEET.
It is a picture of the workings of Jesus through His people. At the extremity of the age, His people will be given the ministry which is represented by
FINE (Exact, highly refined, perfect) BRASS (Judgement,
properly evaluating, proper placement of value).
We who are alive now, can reasonably expect to be
among those who see and receive this Ministry. We can
become candidates for this Ministry by pressing into
the Spirit of God whereby our lives can be cleansed
from the desires and characteristics of the flesh.
GOD'S THREE APOINTMENTS WITH MAN
THREE APPOINTMENTS
I sometimes get letters in the mail from hearing aid deal-
ers, telling me that they have made an appointment for me to see
some highly trained technician (salesman). If I should choose to
go see the person, provision is already made for me to do it, BUT
NO ONE IS GOING TO MAKE ME GO. It is a matter of choice.
This is exactly what Jesus has done for each one of us. He
has made an appointment for us to meet with Him. He has written,
and told us about it. He wants to meet us at the foot of Cal-
vary. I Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to
wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time
of need.
This appointment we can honor or dishonor, as we wish. It
is NOT MANDATORY. No one is going to force us to meet with Jesus
at Calvary. Jesus will still love us.
But such is NOT THE CASE in the two other appointments which
God has made for each of us. We do NOT HAVE A CHOICE about them.
WE WILL BE THERE when the appointed time comes.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die,
but after this the judgment:
At the appointment of DEATH, it will make all the difference
in the world whether we kept the first appointment or not. It
would be terrible to face death without having made peace with
God through Jesus. But multitudes are doing it every day, be-
cause they fail to heed the invitation of Mercy.
The next appointment is JUDGMENT. We cannot escape that
either, and we will be in the same condition as we were at the
time of death.
There is no second chance. There is no limbo. There is no
such a thing as purgatory.
Don't delay any longer. Make everything right with God
today. Call on the Name of Jesus today.
Hebrews 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, TO DAY if ye
will hear his voice,
II Corinthians 6:2 --behold, NOW [is] the accepted time;
behold, NOW [is] the day of salvation.)
Call on Jesus for Mercy NOW!!
I sometimes get letters in the mail from hearing aid deal-
ers, telling me that they have made an appointment for me to see
some highly trained technician (salesman). If I should choose to
go see the person, provision is already made for me to do it, BUT
NO ONE IS GOING TO MAKE ME GO. It is a matter of choice.
This is exactly what Jesus has done for each one of us. He
has made an appointment for us to meet with Him. He has written,
and told us about it. He wants to meet us at the foot of Cal-
vary. I Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to
wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time
of need.
This appointment we can honor or dishonor, as we wish. It
is NOT MANDATORY. No one is going to force us to meet with Jesus
at Calvary. Jesus will still love us.
But such is NOT THE CASE in the two other appointments which
God has made for each of us. We do NOT HAVE A CHOICE about them.
WE WILL BE THERE when the appointed time comes.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die,
but after this the judgment:
At the appointment of DEATH, it will make all the difference
in the world whether we kept the first appointment or not. It
would be terrible to face death without having made peace with
God through Jesus. But multitudes are doing it every day, be-
cause they fail to heed the invitation of Mercy.
The next appointment is JUDGMENT. We cannot escape that
either, and we will be in the same condition as we were at the
time of death.
There is no second chance. There is no limbo. There is no
such a thing as purgatory.
Don't delay any longer. Make everything right with God
today. Call on the Name of Jesus today.
Hebrews 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, TO DAY if ye
will hear his voice,
II Corinthians 6:2 --behold, NOW [is] the accepted time;
behold, NOW [is] the day of salvation.)
Call on Jesus for Mercy NOW!!
THREE BEASTS
THREE BEASTS
Relatively few people know that there are THREE (wild) BEASTS written about in the book of the Revelation. Not ONE, not TWO, but THREE. There is also ONE DRAGON that has to be reckoned with.
One (wild) BEAST comes out of the SEA. One (wild) BEAST comes out of the EARTH. Find them in Rev. ch. 13
Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the SEA, having SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was LIKE UNTO A LEOPARD, and his feet were as [the feet] of a BEAR, and his mouth as the mouth of a LION: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Daniel the Prophet, saw basically the same thing, recorded in ch. 7. Daniel 7:2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and [it had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.
Daniel was writing BEFORE THE FACT, and saw the four aspects of the SAME WORLD ORDER. The Gentile order, to be exact.
John was writing after THREE aspects were HISTORY, and the FOURTH was in power. Each was a part of the SAME system.
John also saw a SECOND (wild) BEAST come out of the EARTH. Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the EARTH; and he had TWO HORNS LIKE A LAMB, and HE SPAKE AS A DRAGON. And he EXERCISETH ALL THE POWER of the FIRST BEAST before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to WORSHIP the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he DOETH GREAT WONDERS, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And DECEIVETH them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
This SECOND (wild) BEAST seems to represent a form of RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY which is incorporated into the GENTILE ORDER of the politic. (Religion with TEETH in it.)
It is this SECOND (wild) BEAST which DECREED AND ENFORCED (past tense) an economic order tied in with a form of worship combined with politics. (State religion)
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six.
This actually happened at a time during the "dark ages". IT IS HISTORY.
There is also a THIRD (wild) BEAST recorded in John's writings. It perhaps represents the MILITARY aspect of the four Gentile kingdoms which exercized power over the world.
Revelation 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the BEAST THAT ASCENDETH OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT shall MAKE WAR AGAINST THEM, AND SHALL OVERCOME THEM, AND KILL THEM. (the TWO WITNESSES) 11:8 And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which SPIRITUALLY is called Sodom and Egypt, WHERE ALSO OUR LORD WAS CRUCIFIED. (Where was Jesus crucified?)
This THIRD (wild) BEAST (MILITARY POWER ?) is ridden by the GREAT WHORE.
Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I SAW A WOMAN SIT UPON A SCARLET COLOURED BEAST, FULL OF NAMES OF BLASPHEMY, HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the BEAST THAT CARRIETH HER, WHICH HATH THE SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS. THE BEAST THAT THOU SAWEST WAS, AND IS NOT; AND SHALL ASCEND OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
Are you acquainted with anyone who KNOWS BEYOND ANY DOUBT where we are presently in the panorama of BEASTS, HORNS AND HEADS?
Lots of speculating going on. Even I can do that. But, it is nice to know what the Word ACTUALLY SAYS.
Relatively few people know that there are THREE (wild) BEASTS written about in the book of the Revelation. Not ONE, not TWO, but THREE. There is also ONE DRAGON that has to be reckoned with.
One (wild) BEAST comes out of the SEA. One (wild) BEAST comes out of the EARTH. Find them in Rev. ch. 13
Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the SEA, having SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was LIKE UNTO A LEOPARD, and his feet were as [the feet] of a BEAR, and his mouth as the mouth of a LION: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Daniel the Prophet, saw basically the same thing, recorded in ch. 7. Daniel 7:2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and [it had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.
Daniel was writing BEFORE THE FACT, and saw the four aspects of the SAME WORLD ORDER. The Gentile order, to be exact.
John was writing after THREE aspects were HISTORY, and the FOURTH was in power. Each was a part of the SAME system.
John also saw a SECOND (wild) BEAST come out of the EARTH. Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the EARTH; and he had TWO HORNS LIKE A LAMB, and HE SPAKE AS A DRAGON. And he EXERCISETH ALL THE POWER of the FIRST BEAST before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to WORSHIP the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he DOETH GREAT WONDERS, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And DECEIVETH them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
This SECOND (wild) BEAST seems to represent a form of RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY which is incorporated into the GENTILE ORDER of the politic. (Religion with TEETH in it.)
It is this SECOND (wild) BEAST which DECREED AND ENFORCED (past tense) an economic order tied in with a form of worship combined with politics. (State religion)
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six.
This actually happened at a time during the "dark ages". IT IS HISTORY.
There is also a THIRD (wild) BEAST recorded in John's writings. It perhaps represents the MILITARY aspect of the four Gentile kingdoms which exercized power over the world.
Revelation 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the BEAST THAT ASCENDETH OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT shall MAKE WAR AGAINST THEM, AND SHALL OVERCOME THEM, AND KILL THEM. (the TWO WITNESSES) 11:8 And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which SPIRITUALLY is called Sodom and Egypt, WHERE ALSO OUR LORD WAS CRUCIFIED. (Where was Jesus crucified?)
This THIRD (wild) BEAST (MILITARY POWER ?) is ridden by the GREAT WHORE.
Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I SAW A WOMAN SIT UPON A SCARLET COLOURED BEAST, FULL OF NAMES OF BLASPHEMY, HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the BEAST THAT CARRIETH HER, WHICH HATH THE SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS. THE BEAST THAT THOU SAWEST WAS, AND IS NOT; AND SHALL ASCEND OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
Are you acquainted with anyone who KNOWS BEYOND ANY DOUBT where we are presently in the panorama of BEASTS, HORNS AND HEADS?
Lots of speculating going on. Even I can do that. But, it is nice to know what the Word ACTUALLY SAYS.
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