THE YEAR OF JUBILEE
For almost as long as I can remember, I have heard about the Year of Jubilee. But I have to confess that it didn't mean much to me until the Lord captured my thinking and directed it to an in-depth study of the seven feasts of the Levitical year.
This Levitical year was a seven-month space of time within the regular year of twelve or thirteen months, as the case might have been. It ALWAYS started at a certain phase of the Moon, and ALWAYS in the Spring of the year. There were seven distinct events which had to be observed by the people-- each at the exact time decreed by the Lord alone.
Of these seven events, there was one which was the most solemn and awesome of them all. It was the Day Of Atonement. The events of this day were required to be very precise, for the life of the high priest was at risk if anything went wrong.
Leviticus 25:9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth [day] of the seventh month, IN THE DAY OF ATONEMENT shall ye MAKE THE TRUMPET SOUND throughout all your land.
It became the most ANTICIPATED, and also the most DREADED day of the year once every fifty years.
ANTICIPATED, by those who had suffered misfortune and hardship during the fifty preceding years. If they had been forced into servitude or mortgage, the servitude was cancelled, and the mortgage annulled on this Day of Atonement. They were SET FREE FROM BONDAGE.
DREADED, by those who had taken advantage of their neighbor's misfortune, and brought them into servitude and debt in the preceding fifty years. They had to restore all land to it's original owner, and turn all servants free.
IN SHORT, everything was restored to it's original state.
I AM SURE THAT THIS CEREMONY SERVES AS A TYPE OF THE MIGHTY RESTORATION WHICH IS DETERMINED UPON THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD!
Leviticus 25:10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.
Leviticus 25:13 In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession.
There are, perhaps, more than two applications of this principle of God. But I want to draw your attention to a couple that stand out in my mind.
FIRST, a look at the group of people who are referred to as The Church of the Living God. If we compare what it was at it's beginning with what it is now-- brother, sister, we are in deep, hard bondage. We are horribly impoverished. And I wish not to go into the details of our impoverishment and shame, except to affirm that it exists. You know it, as well as I do.
JUBILEE TWO
The GOOD NEWS is that RESTORATION lies ahead. NOT BECAUSE WE DESERVE IT, but because of who Jesus is, and what has been decreed to be done. Nothing can stop it.
The ONLY THING we need to be concerned about is our own individual Spiritual condition before Jesus right now. We can MISS IT if we are not diligent about our walk with the Lord. The principle applied to the so-called "rapture" applies here.
Matthew 25:10... and they that were ready went...
SECOND, the broader look at the whole of humanity. When conditions were perfect, Adam failed, and dashed all of humanity into poverty and servitude.
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
We are destitute of any good in our humanity, and but for the Grace of God, slaves to our fallen nature.
BUT THIS IS ALSO DESTINED TO BE CHANGED. NOT BY ANYTHING WE CAN DO, but by the MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST, our Redeemer.
THE YEAR OF JUBILEE is close at hand. When it is "signaled in" by the blowing of the trumpet, tremendous changes will take place in the Christian Community, and in individual lives.
But, again, Matthew 25:10... and they that were ready went...
Leviticus 25:9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth [day] of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.
Just as the day of the birth of Jesus was determined by God alone, so also the time of the Great Jubilee is determined (already) by God alone.
I know of no way to ascertain just where we are in a 50 year cycle, so I am not making any predictions of any kind. Except, that is, to say that in this year 1995, the Day of Atonement falls on October 4. This is probably NOT THE YEAR. I do not believe the nations are in proper alignment at this time. But that is MY OPINION-- not from any revelation I have.
I do, however, feel it is safe to predict that WHEN THE YEAR OF JUBILE ARRIVES, it will start on the Day of Atonement of that particular year.
Please note that Jesus BECAME our Passover on Passover day in AD 30. Jesus BECAME our Pentecost "When the Day of Pentecost was fully come." That was also AD 30.
We have reason to believe that Jesus will BECOME our Jubile when His DAY OF ATONEMENT is "fully come".
What all does the Day of Atonement hold for those earnest seekers who are "looking for Him?" "They that wait upon the Lord shall...."
Saturday, May 29, 2010
CIRCUMSTANCES
CIRCUMSTANCES
We all know that life is a constant battle with circumstances. Some of them are beyond our control. We didn't ask for them. We don't know where they come from, but they are there.
Ever notice how some circumstances pop up at just the precise moment to deter us from doing something for the Lord. Just at Church time, or just as we were preparing to go on an errand of mercy.
These are NOT BY ACCIDENT. They are by DESIGN of the enemy of our souls.
They also serve as tests of our walk with God. They can cause us to GROW in God. They can also cause us to stalemate in our growth.
If the enemy of our souls ever learns that sudden circumstances will deter us from our goals in God-- there will be plenty of them, and at every occasion possible. Enemies will employ whatever methods will work.
A family feud just as we are arriving at Church service will effectively kill any positive effect the service might have on us. And, if you are supposed to have a part in the Ministry, you had about as well "hang it up" as far as doing any lasting good for the folks to whom you minister
If we WILL react to a neighborhood dispute, and develop an "attitude", we will have a generous supply of neighborhood trouble.
But, if we draw upon the Grace of God when our spouse or one of the kids is influenced from below just at Church time, the desired effect will have been thwarted.
"He that ruleth his own spirit--".
"A soft answer turneth away wrath."
If a devilish tactic ceases to produce the desired results, it will soon be abandoned. RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.
Overcome evil with good.
We all know that life is a constant battle with circumstances. Some of them are beyond our control. We didn't ask for them. We don't know where they come from, but they are there.
Ever notice how some circumstances pop up at just the precise moment to deter us from doing something for the Lord. Just at Church time, or just as we were preparing to go on an errand of mercy.
These are NOT BY ACCIDENT. They are by DESIGN of the enemy of our souls.
They also serve as tests of our walk with God. They can cause us to GROW in God. They can also cause us to stalemate in our growth.
If the enemy of our souls ever learns that sudden circumstances will deter us from our goals in God-- there will be plenty of them, and at every occasion possible. Enemies will employ whatever methods will work.
A family feud just as we are arriving at Church service will effectively kill any positive effect the service might have on us. And, if you are supposed to have a part in the Ministry, you had about as well "hang it up" as far as doing any lasting good for the folks to whom you minister
If we WILL react to a neighborhood dispute, and develop an "attitude", we will have a generous supply of neighborhood trouble.
But, if we draw upon the Grace of God when our spouse or one of the kids is influenced from below just at Church time, the desired effect will have been thwarted.
"He that ruleth his own spirit--".
"A soft answer turneth away wrath."
If a devilish tactic ceases to produce the desired results, it will soon be abandoned. RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.
Overcome evil with good.
Friday, May 28, 2010
GUARDTHEALTAR
GUARD THE ALTAR
Genesis 15 tells of Abram being told to put five creatures on the altar, which would serve as a binding covenant between him and the God of Heaven. He obeyed, dividing the carcases, as instructed.
For the remainder of the day, Abraham guarded the sacrifice against vultures. He didn't allow anything to molest any part of the sacrifice.
It was a tedious job, and required constant watchfulness on his part, but he completed the day, and when it was evening, God showed up and walked through the midst of the sacrifice. At the same time, the Lord revealed to Abram that he would, indeed, have a son, and that in the fourth generation his posterity would go into Egypt for four generations-- eight generations in all.
Successfuly guarding the altar brought Abram into a deeper relationship with God.
It will for us too, if we know what a vulture looks like, so we will know what to guard against. If you can recognize them, you can keep them away.
What do they look like? How will we know them when we see them?
Well, finding fault with our Church leaders will do a lot of damage to our consecration to God.
Listening to, and spreading gossip will tear huge hunks of sacrifice off our altar. We will never be what we could have been if we had recognized and driven that vulture off before it could do damage to our soul.
Contributing to disunity in the home, the church or the community can leave us with the "mark of Cain" in our foreheads.
You get the idea. We must carefully guard our relationship to God. There are MANY things which are too dangerous for us to allow even close to our commitment to God.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life."
Genesis 15 tells of Abram being told to put five creatures on the altar, which would serve as a binding covenant between him and the God of Heaven. He obeyed, dividing the carcases, as instructed.
For the remainder of the day, Abraham guarded the sacrifice against vultures. He didn't allow anything to molest any part of the sacrifice.
It was a tedious job, and required constant watchfulness on his part, but he completed the day, and when it was evening, God showed up and walked through the midst of the sacrifice. At the same time, the Lord revealed to Abram that he would, indeed, have a son, and that in the fourth generation his posterity would go into Egypt for four generations-- eight generations in all.
Successfuly guarding the altar brought Abram into a deeper relationship with God.
It will for us too, if we know what a vulture looks like, so we will know what to guard against. If you can recognize them, you can keep them away.
What do they look like? How will we know them when we see them?
Well, finding fault with our Church leaders will do a lot of damage to our consecration to God.
Listening to, and spreading gossip will tear huge hunks of sacrifice off our altar. We will never be what we could have been if we had recognized and driven that vulture off before it could do damage to our soul.
Contributing to disunity in the home, the church or the community can leave us with the "mark of Cain" in our foreheads.
You get the idea. We must carefully guard our relationship to God. There are MANY things which are too dangerous for us to allow even close to our commitment to God.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life."
THEMOSTHIGH GOD
THE MOST HIGH GOD EL ELYON
Our God has chosen many ways by which to make Himself known to us, in His various attributes. He affixes different titles to denote
different characteristics of His Nature.
He was known to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as "The Breasted One".
The Hebrew word for that is EL SHADDAI, meaning "The Nourisher"
He revealed Himself to Moses as JEHOVAH, the Law Giver--the Stern One--The Inflexible One.
But the title most of us like the best is EL ELYON, which portrays His Merciful Nature. "The God of another chance", has been attributed
to this Title. It is in this Title we see the Grace of God.
Abraham paid his tithes to the Priest of THE MOST HIGH GOD. (EL ELYON). He knew about the God of Grace--another chance.
That is why Jesus was made a High Priest, forever, AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ.
Almost every place in both the Old Testament and the New
Testament, where the term "Most High" or "Highest", is used itindicates that God is referring to Himself as the God of Grace.
David was aware of this side of God's Nature--Grace through Faith.
Psa 91 is unique. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of
The Most High (EL ELYON) shall abide under the shadow of The Almighty (EL SHADDAI) I will say of The Lord (JEHOVAH) He is my refuge and my fortress my God; in Him will I trust"
David knew God as The God of GRACE (for when he went astray). He knew Him as the NOURISHER (for when he was in need). He knew Him as the stern, inflexible LAWGIVER--the SHEPHERD who would guide him in the right way (paths of righteousness), defining and circumscribing, without error, the way of truth.
Our God has chosen many ways by which to make Himself known to us, in His various attributes. He affixes different titles to denote
different characteristics of His Nature.
He was known to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as "The Breasted One".
The Hebrew word for that is EL SHADDAI, meaning "The Nourisher"
He revealed Himself to Moses as JEHOVAH, the Law Giver--the Stern One--The Inflexible One.
But the title most of us like the best is EL ELYON, which portrays His Merciful Nature. "The God of another chance", has been attributed
to this Title. It is in this Title we see the Grace of God.
Abraham paid his tithes to the Priest of THE MOST HIGH GOD. (EL ELYON). He knew about the God of Grace--another chance.
That is why Jesus was made a High Priest, forever, AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ.
Almost every place in both the Old Testament and the New
Testament, where the term "Most High" or "Highest", is used itindicates that God is referring to Himself as the God of Grace.
David was aware of this side of God's Nature--Grace through Faith.
Psa 91 is unique. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of
The Most High (EL ELYON) shall abide under the shadow of The Almighty (EL SHADDAI) I will say of The Lord (JEHOVAH) He is my refuge and my fortress my God; in Him will I trust"
David knew God as The God of GRACE (for when he went astray). He knew Him as the NOURISHER (for when he was in need). He knew Him as the stern, inflexible LAWGIVER--the SHEPHERD who would guide him in the right way (paths of righteousness), defining and circumscribing, without error, the way of truth.
APRIESTFOREVER
A PRIEST FOREVER
Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest FOR EVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC.
What is the ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC? How does it differ from the AARONIC ORDER?
Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the PRIEST OF THE MOST HIGH GOD. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the MOST HIGH GOD, possessor of heaven and earth:
"THE MOST HIGH GOD" comes from the word "El Elyon", a term portraying the GRACE OF GOD-- The God of another chance-- the God of Mercy and Compassion. The God who constantly seeks our good, in preference to punishment and judgment.
If MELCHISEDEC had been Priest of JEHOVAH, he would been priest of THE STERN ONE, THE ROCK, THE UNMOVEABLE ONE, THE RIGID, UNBENDING ONE. The Aaronic Priesthood got their authority from this part of God's Nature.
If he had been the Priest of EL SHADDAI, he would have been called the priest of the NOURISHER, THE BREASTED ONE. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob knew Him by that term. He MADE THEM RICH.
JESUS, the Priest after the Order of Melchisedec, is the BLESSER WITH BREAD AND WINE (Gen 14:18.19). These are the elements of our COMMUNION (Joint Participation) of the Goodness of God through Jesus Christ. Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Jesus FED the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, and the people wanted to make Him a king. The other kings exacted taxes from their subjects.
Jesus became the AUTHOR of Salvation. He GIVES, we RECEIVE. He PROVIDES, we ENJOY.
He BLESSES us with BEAUTY for ashes, STRENGTH for weakness, RIGHTEOUSNESS for untowardness, SALVATION for helplessness.
A PRIEST FOREVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC.
Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest FOR EVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC.
What is the ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC? How does it differ from the AARONIC ORDER?
Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the PRIEST OF THE MOST HIGH GOD. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the MOST HIGH GOD, possessor of heaven and earth:
"THE MOST HIGH GOD" comes from the word "El Elyon", a term portraying the GRACE OF GOD-- The God of another chance-- the God of Mercy and Compassion. The God who constantly seeks our good, in preference to punishment and judgment.
If MELCHISEDEC had been Priest of JEHOVAH, he would been priest of THE STERN ONE, THE ROCK, THE UNMOVEABLE ONE, THE RIGID, UNBENDING ONE. The Aaronic Priesthood got their authority from this part of God's Nature.
If he had been the Priest of EL SHADDAI, he would have been called the priest of the NOURISHER, THE BREASTED ONE. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob knew Him by that term. He MADE THEM RICH.
JESUS, the Priest after the Order of Melchisedec, is the BLESSER WITH BREAD AND WINE (Gen 14:18.19). These are the elements of our COMMUNION (Joint Participation) of the Goodness of God through Jesus Christ. Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Jesus FED the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, and the people wanted to make Him a king. The other kings exacted taxes from their subjects.
Jesus became the AUTHOR of Salvation. He GIVES, we RECEIVE. He PROVIDES, we ENJOY.
He BLESSES us with BEAUTY for ashes, STRENGTH for weakness, RIGHTEOUSNESS for untowardness, SALVATION for helplessness.
A PRIEST FOREVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
ABETTERRESURRECTION
A BETTER RESURRECTION
There are many scriptures which point out the fact of a distinction being made among Christians. It would seem that there are stages of development, or maturity within the community of believers.
Without giving biblical references for them, let me give you a few examples:
There are: The Brethren of the Lord, and the Congrega¬tion. There are: Mount Zion, and Jerusalem. There are: the Beloved, and the Little Sister. There are: The Overcomers, and those who do not overcome. There are more examples of the distinction, but these are enough for you to know where I am coming from.
Now let's look at 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:
1 Cor 15, the resurrection chapter, tells us plainly that there will be degrees of glory in the resurrection. It seems to be closely connected to the degree of maturity which we arrive at in our journey through life. (Overcoming, if you please.)
There are many scriptures which point out the fact of a distinction being made among Christians. It would seem that there are stages of development, or maturity within the community of believers.
Without giving biblical references for them, let me give you a few examples:
There are: The Brethren of the Lord, and the Congrega¬tion. There are: Mount Zion, and Jerusalem. There are: the Beloved, and the Little Sister. There are: The Overcomers, and those who do not overcome. There are more examples of the distinction, but these are enough for you to know where I am coming from.
Now let's look at 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:
1 Cor 15, the resurrection chapter, tells us plainly that there will be degrees of glory in the resurrection. It seems to be closely connected to the degree of maturity which we arrive at in our journey through life. (Overcoming, if you please.)
Monday, May 24, 2010
RABBI
RABBI
A few days ago a visiting minister drew our attention to a word play in the Bible which illustrates different ways in which we can relate to Jesus.
He drew our attention to 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 was 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 minister used the two words to 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.
There has been much speculation about what these "other things" might have been. I do not feel that we need to speculate about what they were. Their identity is not the critical point, and in mentioning certain things which seemed to be glaring realities in his life we tend to salve our consciences if we do not see the same things in our lives. In this "comparing ourselves with ourselves" we are not wise. Our personal hindrance to complete surrender will probably be far removed from those of Judas. They will keep us from full surrender as surely as his did, if we do not deal with them.
Multitudes upon multitudes of Christians today are in the same condition as Judas was on that day.
They are saved. They will eventually get to heaven. We can not question their salvation, for that is a GIFT FROM GOD. (Judas, however, died before Calvary. We have no scriptural basis for hope in his eternal destiny.)
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.
Our churches are made up of TWO COMPANIES of people-- one within the other. Like an expectant mother, there is a smaller body within the one which is presently carrying it.
This SMALLER group are the OVERCOMERS of the seven churches in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
They are INDIVIDUALS within the corporate body who are meeting God's requirements for their lives in the day they are living. They have made Jesus their LORD. They are more concerned with what His Word requires of them than they are about church buildings, ceremonies, programs and social activities connected with the present set up.
The corporate body is NOT MEETING those requirements-- never has-- never will. It has a huge "machine" running, and it requires so much energy (money, time, maintenance, etc.) to keep it going-- there is very little being accomplished other than fueling and maintaining machinery. Personal consecration to the Will and Nature of God in the life of the individual has fallen by the wayside. (Whatever happened to prayer meetings where people "consecrated" themselves to the Will of God? That energy is now required to fuel a "machine".) We must now sign petitions, march in a demonstration, and write our congressman, instead of "praying through" to personal victory.
A few days ago a visiting minister drew our attention to a word play in the Bible which illustrates different ways in which we can relate to Jesus.
He drew our attention to 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 was 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 minister used the two words to 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.
There has been much speculation about what these "other things" might have been. I do not feel that we need to speculate about what they were. Their identity is not the critical point, and in mentioning certain things which seemed to be glaring realities in his life we tend to salve our consciences if we do not see the same things in our lives. In this "comparing ourselves with ourselves" we are not wise. Our personal hindrance to complete surrender will probably be far removed from those of Judas. They will keep us from full surrender as surely as his did, if we do not deal with them.
Multitudes upon multitudes of Christians today are in the same condition as Judas was on that day.
They are saved. They will eventually get to heaven. We can not question their salvation, for that is a GIFT FROM GOD. (Judas, however, died before Calvary. We have no scriptural basis for hope in his eternal destiny.)
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.
Our churches are made up of TWO COMPANIES of people-- one within the other. Like an expectant mother, there is a smaller body within the one which is presently carrying it.
This SMALLER group are the OVERCOMERS of the seven churches in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
They are INDIVIDUALS within the corporate body who are meeting God's requirements for their lives in the day they are living. They have made Jesus their LORD. They are more concerned with what His Word requires of them than they are about church buildings, ceremonies, programs and social activities connected with the present set up.
The corporate body is NOT MEETING those requirements-- never has-- never will. It has a huge "machine" running, and it requires so much energy (money, time, maintenance, etc.) to keep it going-- there is very little being accomplished other than fueling and maintaining machinery. Personal consecration to the Will and Nature of God in the life of the individual has fallen by the wayside. (Whatever happened to prayer meetings where people "consecrated" themselves to the Will of God? That energy is now required to fuel a "machine".) We must now sign petitions, march in a demonstration, and write our congressman, instead of "praying through" to personal victory.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
WITHOUTME
WITHOUT ME
Jesus gave His disciples some "facts" of Spiritual "life" one day. We might do well to ponder what He had to say about how to bear Spiritual fruit. He told them how to accomplish it, and no other way will work.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
He told them it was useless to try to produce the fruit of the Spirit by their own efforts, good as they might be. The natural man cannot produce that which is supernatural, or Spiritual. Natural man can only bring forth what is often_ thought to be_ Spiritual fruit, but is not the real thing. We seem to have drifted into a Christian culture which tells us that a smiling face and a cheery word are the only things important. You and I both know that these can do nothing more than to fall short of the goal. Good breeding and refinement, desireable as they are, have nothing to do with Spiritual fruit. It is a product of His Spirit alone, and is created within us supernaturally.
When He said to abide in Him, He meant that we MUST find a way for our lives to be incorporated into Him.
Our relationship to Jesus Christ is of greatest importance in this matter. Notice the next verse John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: _FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING._
Somewhere we have picked up the idea that fruit is what WE ARE ABLE TO DO FOR THE LORD. It is not. We can sing in the choir, teach a class, be an usher, pay our tithes regularly, and even take food to the hungry, and still not be producing fruit--be devoid of peace in our own heart, and love in our own soul, and the joy of close communion with the Lord in our daily life.
Fruit is produced by the Spirit in our hearts, and springs forth from within us. It is there when things are not going right, the same as when they do. It is there whether recognised and appreciated by others, or if it is not. It needs no audience, or recognition.
It grows out of a Spirit Filled life that livesin obedience to the known will of God, that surrenders itself to the Spirit of God, instead of the impulses of the fleshly nature.
II Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;.
Jesus gave His disciples some "facts" of Spiritual "life" one day. We might do well to ponder what He had to say about how to bear Spiritual fruit. He told them how to accomplish it, and no other way will work.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
He told them it was useless to try to produce the fruit of the Spirit by their own efforts, good as they might be. The natural man cannot produce that which is supernatural, or Spiritual. Natural man can only bring forth what is often_ thought to be_ Spiritual fruit, but is not the real thing. We seem to have drifted into a Christian culture which tells us that a smiling face and a cheery word are the only things important. You and I both know that these can do nothing more than to fall short of the goal. Good breeding and refinement, desireable as they are, have nothing to do with Spiritual fruit. It is a product of His Spirit alone, and is created within us supernaturally.
When He said to abide in Him, He meant that we MUST find a way for our lives to be incorporated into Him.
Our relationship to Jesus Christ is of greatest importance in this matter. Notice the next verse John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: _FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING._
Somewhere we have picked up the idea that fruit is what WE ARE ABLE TO DO FOR THE LORD. It is not. We can sing in the choir, teach a class, be an usher, pay our tithes regularly, and even take food to the hungry, and still not be producing fruit--be devoid of peace in our own heart, and love in our own soul, and the joy of close communion with the Lord in our daily life.
Fruit is produced by the Spirit in our hearts, and springs forth from within us. It is there when things are not going right, the same as when they do. It is there whether recognised and appreciated by others, or if it is not. It needs no audience, or recognition.
It grows out of a Spirit Filled life that livesin obedience to the known will of God, that surrenders itself to the Spirit of God, instead of the impulses of the fleshly nature.
II Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;.
Monday, May 17, 2010
THESONSOFLEVI
THE SONS OF LEVI
There are a few scriptures in the Bible which lead us to believe that there are hidden meanings to some of the language that is used in the writing of them.
One place in particular which I am thinking about today is 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: 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 can find no place in Scriptural history where this has ever been done. We are also aware that there will never again be a need for Levitical Priests, for there will never be another animal sacrifice accepted by the Lord.
What we DO FIND, however, is that the Levites were a type of another group of people who probably are living today.
Isa. 66 tells about a time when there will be a gathering of people (followers of Jesus) who will be gathered to "My Holy Mountain, Jerusalem".
THIS IS NOT A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. IT IS A SPIRITUAL POSITION IN GOD! It can be achieved by any man or woman of any race who will press into God. Many of the Christian community are not especially interested in Spiritual achievement, so this "gathering" to "My Holy Mountain" does not capture their ttention.
But listen to what is said about those who do hear and heed the invitation to "My Holy Mountain."
Isa. 66:21 And I will also take of them for priests _[and] for Levites,_ saith the LORD.
The Levites were the "government" of the Old Testament order. It was God's order of government.
God is going to superimpose Himself on the affairs of man in a short time now, and will choose "Levites" from among those who are "gathered" to "My Holy Mountain." Not all Christians will rule and reign with Him._
The "Righteous Offering" of those "Sons of Levi"will consist of the righteous administration of the "Constitution of the Kingdom". It also denotes their manner of life--their relationship to the Law of the Spirit of God. They have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of God's Kingdom, and (to borrow a thought from Paul Weaver) they are qualified to minister to the Bride. Selfish motives are gone. Notice that Jesus _said, "I will purify the Sons of Levi."_
The "Purifying" of the Sons of Levi will take place on the Day of Atonement, which is rapidly approaching.
Any attempt to describe what will happen would fall far short of explaining what God has in store for those who are "Gathered" to His "Holy Mountain", also called "The
Mountain of His Holiness."
I believe it is worth our while to seek after the prize of this high calling, and turn our gaze away from things of this life.
If we do not have the desire to turn our efforts to things of the Spirit, we should pray, and ask God to do a work in our hearts that will create that desire within us. He can do it.
There are a few scriptures in the Bible which lead us to believe that there are hidden meanings to some of the language that is used in the writing of them.
One place in particular which I am thinking about today is 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: 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 can find no place in Scriptural history where this has ever been done. We are also aware that there will never again be a need for Levitical Priests, for there will never be another animal sacrifice accepted by the Lord.
What we DO FIND, however, is that the Levites were a type of another group of people who probably are living today.
Isa. 66 tells about a time when there will be a gathering of people (followers of Jesus) who will be gathered to "My Holy Mountain, Jerusalem".
THIS IS NOT A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. IT IS A SPIRITUAL POSITION IN GOD! It can be achieved by any man or woman of any race who will press into God. Many of the Christian community are not especially interested in Spiritual achievement, so this "gathering" to "My Holy Mountain" does not capture their ttention.
But listen to what is said about those who do hear and heed the invitation to "My Holy Mountain."
Isa. 66:21 And I will also take of them for priests _[and] for Levites,_ saith the LORD.
The Levites were the "government" of the Old Testament order. It was God's order of government.
God is going to superimpose Himself on the affairs of man in a short time now, and will choose "Levites" from among those who are "gathered" to "My Holy Mountain." Not all Christians will rule and reign with Him._
The "Righteous Offering" of those "Sons of Levi"will consist of the righteous administration of the "Constitution of the Kingdom". It also denotes their manner of life--their relationship to the Law of the Spirit of God. They have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of God's Kingdom, and (to borrow a thought from Paul Weaver) they are qualified to minister to the Bride. Selfish motives are gone. Notice that Jesus _said, "I will purify the Sons of Levi."_
The "Purifying" of the Sons of Levi will take place on the Day of Atonement, which is rapidly approaching.
Any attempt to describe what will happen would fall far short of explaining what God has in store for those who are "Gathered" to His "Holy Mountain", also called "The
Mountain of His Holiness."
I believe it is worth our while to seek after the prize of this high calling, and turn our gaze away from things of this life.
If we do not have the desire to turn our efforts to things of the Spirit, we should pray, and ask God to do a work in our hearts that will create that desire within us. He can do it.
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