A "GOING"
Thousands of years ago, King David asked the Lord for directions in resisting an attack of the Philistines (ancient Palestinians) upon Israel. "Shall I attack?" was the question. The Lord forbade him to do it, though he could have probably "whipped the socks off of them" had he been permitted to do so.
It is usually better to hearken to the counsel of the Lord than to do things in our own way, and in our own time. So often, our own promptings are laced with fear or anger and retaliation, and can cause more problems than they solve.
God had His own battle plan, and all He wanted David to do was to cooperate with Him in the operation. The Bible records the incident in two places.
II Samuel 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
I Chronicles 14:15 And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, [that] then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.
In this case, TIMING was the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of the defense strategy. It is often so, especially when the Lord has been brought into the equation.
I have often thought of Paul, in his dealing with the girl who was following them and telling everybody they were the servants of the Most High God. Paul wisely waited until he was prompted of the Holy Ghost before he did anything about it.
Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
My first impulse would have been to tackle the problem immediately (I have done so many times, and become dismayed). But God's ways and times are different than ours.
I also often think of Abraham's servant by the well in Mesopotamia, when looking for a wife for Isaac:
Genesis 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: [let the same be] she [that] thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master. And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
We also see the exact timing of the shouting of the warriors of Israel when the marching around the walls of Jericho was completed.
Joshua 6:10 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall [any] word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.
How about Peter and John at the gate Beautiful? The lame man had been there for a long time. Had they never seen him? Yes, they undoubtedly knew about him. But, without the prompting of the Holy Ghost it might not have been wise to try to do anything about the situation.
Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Jesus at the pool of Bethesda is another example of the TIMING OF THE LORD.
How many incidents can you think about, in which the timing of God was a determining factor?
Monday, August 28, 2006
OUR GREATEST NEED
OUR GREATEST NEED
It is easier to build a Church, or to fill a church than it is to build a congregation of stable, God-fearing saints.
We can build a church with our hands and a few tools. We can fill a church with our personality and a few tricks of the profession.
As much as we need the buildings and the pews full, this is not the ultimate goal of the Spirit of God. If our goals are fixed on these, we have failed before we get started.
God is interested in the Spiritual health and stability of the people who are called by His Name.
A congregation of stable Saints is never the result of tools or tricks. It can only come about as a result of the Man of God being in right relationship with both God and the people, in the Office which he fills.
THE MINISTRY OF THE PASTOR IS
THE PIVOT POINT.
We might as well face it, Brethren, our people are what we make them.
If we use our personality, we will utterly fail to produce lasting results.
If we borrow sermons from whomever, we face the same failure.
If our program was purchased at the Book and Bible House, we had just as well build with cardboard.
Our greatest need today is men and women of God who have cast aside the desire for prestige and good will, and are willing to be the MOUTHPIECE OF GOD.
We need to get on our knees, and stay there until we have heard the Voice of God for the people, and our hearts set afire with the Anointing of His Spirit.
ANYTHING SHORT OF THIS WILL FAIL.
Brethren, let us fall on our faces before God, and repent of our waywardness and shortcomings in this matter. "Let the Priests, the Ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the Altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord. Give not Thy Heritage to reproach."
--First printed in THE HERALD OF
TRUTH, Feb. 1992
--Written by Pastor Marion Fretwell
It is easier to build a Church, or to fill a church than it is to build a congregation of stable, God-fearing saints.
We can build a church with our hands and a few tools. We can fill a church with our personality and a few tricks of the profession.
As much as we need the buildings and the pews full, this is not the ultimate goal of the Spirit of God. If our goals are fixed on these, we have failed before we get started.
God is interested in the Spiritual health and stability of the people who are called by His Name.
A congregation of stable Saints is never the result of tools or tricks. It can only come about as a result of the Man of God being in right relationship with both God and the people, in the Office which he fills.
THE MINISTRY OF THE PASTOR IS
THE PIVOT POINT.
We might as well face it, Brethren, our people are what we make them.
If we use our personality, we will utterly fail to produce lasting results.
If we borrow sermons from whomever, we face the same failure.
If our program was purchased at the Book and Bible House, we had just as well build with cardboard.
Our greatest need today is men and women of God who have cast aside the desire for prestige and good will, and are willing to be the MOUTHPIECE OF GOD.
We need to get on our knees, and stay there until we have heard the Voice of God for the people, and our hearts set afire with the Anointing of His Spirit.
ANYTHING SHORT OF THIS WILL FAIL.
Brethren, let us fall on our faces before God, and repent of our waywardness and shortcomings in this matter. "Let the Priests, the Ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the Altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord. Give not Thy Heritage to reproach."
--First printed in THE HERALD OF
TRUTH, Feb. 1992
--Written by Pastor Marion Fretwell
IF THOU WILT
IF THOU WILT
One day a leper came to Jesus. We read of it in Mat 8:1 --And, behold, there came a leper and WORSHIPPED him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth [his] hand, and touched him saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
We read again in Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to him, BESEECHING him, and KNEELING DOWN TO HIM, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Again in Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus FELL ON [HIS] FACE, and BESOUGHT HIM, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
This man had a need, and he KNEW Jesus could fill that need if He wanted to. His problem was getting Jesus to want to do it, so he thought. The truth was, Jesus was already wanting to do it. He was waiting for the man to come. But notice how the man came. Matthew says that he WORSHIPPED Jesus, and that he spoke words of FAITH in the integrity of Jesus--He COULD DO IT.
Mark says that he came BESEECHING, and KNELT DOWN TO HIM. Luke said that he also FELL ON HIS FACE.
None of us have leprosy, as such. But that man's leprosy could have been a type of some problem we have in ourselves that makes us unclean in the sight of God.
There are many things which we allow in our lives that are not pleasing to God. Luke 16:15 --but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is HIGHLY ESTEEMED AMONG MEN IS ABOMINATION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
Jesus is just as ABLE to cleanse our hearts as He was to cleanse that leper. And He is just as WILLING. The problem might be in our manner of approach.
Mark 5:23 tells of a man who BESOUGHT HIM GREATLY.
Mat 15:22 And, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, HAVE MERCY ON ME, O Lord, --- 15:25 Then came she and WORSHIPPED HIM, saying, LORD, HELP ME.
Mark 9:22 tells of the man who came with the lunatic son--: BUT IF THOU CANST DO ANY THING, HAVE COMPASSION ON US, AND HELP US.
Some cases don't respond immediately, but one widow found that DAILY REQUESTS paid off. Luke 18. This is often the case when dealing with bondages and habits of life. David prayed, Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. We could all use a little bit of that prayer.
To be clean is to put away evil. Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
There IS hope in God. "I will, be thou clean."
One day a leper came to Jesus. We read of it in Mat 8:1 --And, behold, there came a leper and WORSHIPPED him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth [his] hand, and touched him saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
We read again in Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to him, BESEECHING him, and KNEELING DOWN TO HIM, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Again in Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus FELL ON [HIS] FACE, and BESOUGHT HIM, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
This man had a need, and he KNEW Jesus could fill that need if He wanted to. His problem was getting Jesus to want to do it, so he thought. The truth was, Jesus was already wanting to do it. He was waiting for the man to come. But notice how the man came. Matthew says that he WORSHIPPED Jesus, and that he spoke words of FAITH in the integrity of Jesus--He COULD DO IT.
Mark says that he came BESEECHING, and KNELT DOWN TO HIM. Luke said that he also FELL ON HIS FACE.
None of us have leprosy, as such. But that man's leprosy could have been a type of some problem we have in ourselves that makes us unclean in the sight of God.
There are many things which we allow in our lives that are not pleasing to God. Luke 16:15 --but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is HIGHLY ESTEEMED AMONG MEN IS ABOMINATION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
Jesus is just as ABLE to cleanse our hearts as He was to cleanse that leper. And He is just as WILLING. The problem might be in our manner of approach.
Mark 5:23 tells of a man who BESOUGHT HIM GREATLY.
Mat 15:22 And, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, HAVE MERCY ON ME, O Lord, --- 15:25 Then came she and WORSHIPPED HIM, saying, LORD, HELP ME.
Mark 9:22 tells of the man who came with the lunatic son--: BUT IF THOU CANST DO ANY THING, HAVE COMPASSION ON US, AND HELP US.
Some cases don't respond immediately, but one widow found that DAILY REQUESTS paid off. Luke 18. This is often the case when dealing with bondages and habits of life. David prayed, Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. We could all use a little bit of that prayer.
To be clean is to put away evil. Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
There IS hope in God. "I will, be thou clean."
WHEN GOD LAUGHS
WHEN GOD LAUGHS
Last 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, my 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.
Last 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, my 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.
MY INHERITANCE
MY INHERITANCE
Ruth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
Have you ever wondered what the kinsman had in his own inheritance that would interfere with him buying the field of Elimelech? What would prohibit such a transaction?
The Bible is silent, so we are left to our own imagination. It probably is not important, or we would have been told more about what it was.
Nevertheless, I have pondered many times the possible implications of the statement, and wondered if maybe there might be Christians today who are forced into the same position as that nearer kinsman. Let me explain:
When I was a boy 5 years old, a Pentecostal Evangelist by the name of Mattie Crawford held meetings in Caldwell, Idaho. She pitched a tent and preached a message never before heard in that part of the country-- the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. That was 1923-- model T Ford days. We lived south west of Parma-- 20 miles from Caldwell.
Our vehicle was the lowly model T with magneto lights, so we could only attend the afternoon services. That was sufficient, however, for nearly all of those old enough to know what was going on, to get the Holy Ghost baptism. Mighty miracles accompanied the preaching of the message-- convincing miracles.
The family reveled in what they were experiencing-- until. Until, that is, they returned to the little Baptist Church at Roswell.
They wanted none of it, so there was a parting of the ways. Papa would not deny what he had experienced, for the sake of security and fellowship. A few families experienced a cleavage also-- some continuing as Baptists, others walking on in their new found experience.
One day Rev. Cox, Baptist Pastor, called at our house to shepherd the family back to the fold. He cited the benefits of the Northern Baptist Convention-- a strong, well established denomination. He urged Papa to, "Stay with it, right or wrong." We would be safer inside than we would be outside, according to his assessment of the matter. As I remember being told, (for I was too young to know) Papa sternly warned Bro. Cox of the folly of his stance. The move was of God, and they must be very careful what their reaction would be, because they were not dealing with mankind. Bro. Cox stood firm. Papa stood firm.
I can't help but wonder if perhaps some Christians today are refusing to walk on with God in what is evidently of His Spirit, because of a conflicting interest in some sort of an establishment. Rather than risk marring their relationships in something which is established, they turn a deaf ear or a blindfolded eye toward whatever God is trying to give them
Jonathon, by his own admission, knew that David would be the next king of Israel. Yet, he stayed where he was, secure in the realm of his father, Saul. He died there. Could he have lived if he had gone with David to the cave? Scripture doesn't tell us, so again we are free to wonder about it.
Personally, I am "scared to death" of neglecting what is evidently the hand of God, because it would conflict with what I am walking in today. Desperately, I don't want to miss God.
Ruth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
Have you ever wondered what the kinsman had in his own inheritance that would interfere with him buying the field of Elimelech? What would prohibit such a transaction?
The Bible is silent, so we are left to our own imagination. It probably is not important, or we would have been told more about what it was.
Nevertheless, I have pondered many times the possible implications of the statement, and wondered if maybe there might be Christians today who are forced into the same position as that nearer kinsman. Let me explain:
When I was a boy 5 years old, a Pentecostal Evangelist by the name of Mattie Crawford held meetings in Caldwell, Idaho. She pitched a tent and preached a message never before heard in that part of the country-- the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. That was 1923-- model T Ford days. We lived south west of Parma-- 20 miles from Caldwell.
Our vehicle was the lowly model T with magneto lights, so we could only attend the afternoon services. That was sufficient, however, for nearly all of those old enough to know what was going on, to get the Holy Ghost baptism. Mighty miracles accompanied the preaching of the message-- convincing miracles.
The family reveled in what they were experiencing-- until. Until, that is, they returned to the little Baptist Church at Roswell.
They wanted none of it, so there was a parting of the ways. Papa would not deny what he had experienced, for the sake of security and fellowship. A few families experienced a cleavage also-- some continuing as Baptists, others walking on in their new found experience.
One day Rev. Cox, Baptist Pastor, called at our house to shepherd the family back to the fold. He cited the benefits of the Northern Baptist Convention-- a strong, well established denomination. He urged Papa to, "Stay with it, right or wrong." We would be safer inside than we would be outside, according to his assessment of the matter. As I remember being told, (for I was too young to know) Papa sternly warned Bro. Cox of the folly of his stance. The move was of God, and they must be very careful what their reaction would be, because they were not dealing with mankind. Bro. Cox stood firm. Papa stood firm.
I can't help but wonder if perhaps some Christians today are refusing to walk on with God in what is evidently of His Spirit, because of a conflicting interest in some sort of an establishment. Rather than risk marring their relationships in something which is established, they turn a deaf ear or a blindfolded eye toward whatever God is trying to give them
Jonathon, by his own admission, knew that David would be the next king of Israel. Yet, he stayed where he was, secure in the realm of his father, Saul. He died there. Could he have lived if he had gone with David to the cave? Scripture doesn't tell us, so again we are free to wonder about it.
Personally, I am "scared to death" of neglecting what is evidently the hand of God, because it would conflict with what I am walking in today. Desperately, I don't want to miss God.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
HE GIVETH MORE GRACE
HE GIVETH MORE GRACE
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
We sometimes sell ourselves short when we think of the Grace that God freely gives to us. We have heard so much about Grace being the "unmerited favor" of God. It is certainly that, but it is much more also.
Grace is a Divine Impartation of God Himself to us which enables us to perform a service to and for Him that we otherwise would be completely unable to do. In other words, it is a Divine Enablement. It is a strength and a know-how to accomplish what needs to be done-- in our own lives, or in the lives of others
The Lord is eager to impart this Grace to each of us, but comparatively few folks are qualified to receive it. There are requirements which we must meet before it will be given to us, no matter how much we might want it.
I Peter 5:5 ---: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Notice the word "resisteth" here. If God is resisting us, who can help us? No one.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
We can not make much progress in our Christian life until we can learn how to curtail our pride, and cultivate humility toward God and His desires for our lives. Our flesh loves to vaunt itself, and feel important. If we cater to that, we will have to do without the Grace of God. And we will go without the Power of God in our lives, for it is His Grace which enables us.
I Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
Men and women of the Bible were able to accomplish great things because they were empowered by the Grace of God.
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.
Ephesians 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Grace is also the antidote for all sin and its consequences.
Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
II Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Proverbs 3:34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
We sometimes sell ourselves short when we think of the Grace that God freely gives to us. We have heard so much about Grace being the "unmerited favor" of God. It is certainly that, but it is much more also.
Grace is a Divine Impartation of God Himself to us which enables us to perform a service to and for Him that we otherwise would be completely unable to do. In other words, it is a Divine Enablement. It is a strength and a know-how to accomplish what needs to be done-- in our own lives, or in the lives of others
The Lord is eager to impart this Grace to each of us, but comparatively few folks are qualified to receive it. There are requirements which we must meet before it will be given to us, no matter how much we might want it.
I Peter 5:5 ---: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Notice the word "resisteth" here. If God is resisting us, who can help us? No one.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
We can not make much progress in our Christian life until we can learn how to curtail our pride, and cultivate humility toward God and His desires for our lives. Our flesh loves to vaunt itself, and feel important. If we cater to that, we will have to do without the Grace of God. And we will go without the Power of God in our lives, for it is His Grace which enables us.
I Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
Men and women of the Bible were able to accomplish great things because they were empowered by the Grace of God.
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.
Ephesians 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Grace is also the antidote for all sin and its consequences.
Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
II Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Proverbs 3:34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
FARSIGHTED
FARSIGHTED
Peter, in his second epistle, gives us a sure-fire recipe to cure any "near-sightedness" in our Christian experience. It is guaranteed to work.
Here it is:
Start with "your faith". Diligently add:
Virtue (strength of character, principles of manhood)
Knowledge (thoroughly acquainted with God).
Temperance (stability, not given to extremes)
Patience (remaining stedfast in all conditions) Godliness (integrity and sobriety, righteousness)
Brotherly kindness (genuine concern for others)
II Peter 1:5 ---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. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Abraham, and others of the Heroes of Faith, were able to see far beyond the time frame of their existance on earth.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Most of our discouragements could be prevented by simple addition of Christian Graces to our lives. Discouragement can also be cured in the same way.
I can't tell you the "mechanics" of it, any more than I can tell you how Aspirin raises our threshold of pain. But I know it works.
The closer we walk to the Lord, the greater our understanding and appreciation of Him becomes. Faith increases or decreases in direct proportion to our relationship to Jesus.
Do we want more faith? Pray more.
Do we want to know more about God? Read His Word more.
Do we want to know His Will for our lives? Do what you already know.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know---.
Psalms 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Psalms 25:14 The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Psalms 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with [my] whole heart.
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning;--.
Peter, in his second epistle, gives us a sure-fire recipe to cure any "near-sightedness" in our Christian experience. It is guaranteed to work.
Here it is:
Start with "your faith". Diligently add:
Virtue (strength of character, principles of manhood)
Knowledge (thoroughly acquainted with God).
Temperance (stability, not given to extremes)
Patience (remaining stedfast in all conditions) Godliness (integrity and sobriety, righteousness)
Brotherly kindness (genuine concern for others)
II Peter 1:5 ---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. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Abraham, and others of the Heroes of Faith, were able to see far beyond the time frame of their existance on earth.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Most of our discouragements could be prevented by simple addition of Christian Graces to our lives. Discouragement can also be cured in the same way.
I can't tell you the "mechanics" of it, any more than I can tell you how Aspirin raises our threshold of pain. But I know it works.
The closer we walk to the Lord, the greater our understanding and appreciation of Him becomes. Faith increases or decreases in direct proportion to our relationship to Jesus.
Do we want more faith? Pray more.
Do we want to know more about God? Read His Word more.
Do we want to know His Will for our lives? Do what you already know.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know---.
Psalms 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Psalms 25:14 The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Psalms 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with [my] whole heart.
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning;--.
COMING TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH
COMING TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? That question has been asked multitudes of times since Pilate asked it. No one is able to give an answer that will satisfy every person or group of believers. It means one thing to some-- another thing to others.
Pilate asked this question in response to a statement Jesus had made to him. John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
I made a specific study of the subject one time, to see if I could find what is hidden from our view when we think of Truth. I had already concluded that it was NOT referring to modes of baptism, the Godhead, nor the basic plan of Salvation. I thought, also, that I could safely rule out the various Prophetic interpretations and teachings that have become threadbare with age and (mis)use. But, What was Jesus referring to when He used the word "truth"?
Was Jesus talking about the same thing that Paul was referring to when he wrote--? II Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Paul used the "epi" word here for "knowledge" (epignosis-- knowledge above knowledge).
Does it take a special "knowledge upon knowledge" to learn The Truth Jesus was referring to? There are so many places in the New Testament where "epignosis" is used that it might seem to indicate that we CANNOT FIND REAL TRUTH when we operate only in the natural wisdom and abilities which we have.
I am convinced that we must get into a higher realm of relationship to Jesus if we are to enjoy many of the things which were purchased for us on Calvary.
Listen to Paul, when he writes to the Ephesian saints: Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may GIVE UNTO YOU the SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE (epignosis-- knowledge upon knowledge) OF HIM: The EYES OF YOUR
UNDERSTANDING being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places], Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
What did I find when I made the study in search of a better meaning of Truth? I found that TRUTH, as Jesus referred to it, is inseparably linked with GRACE. John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, [but] GRACE and TRUTH came by Jesus Christ. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of GRACE and TRUTH.
It is also linked solidly with the Spirit of God. John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in SPIRIT and in TRUTH: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.
TRUTH goes far beyond mere doctrinal beliefs and practices. The secret of understanding TRUTH lies in the fact that it has been CONTRASTED to, of all things, the LAW OF MOSES.
That LAW had no REALITY in it. It had no LIFE in it. It was "make believe", only a model of something which WOULD BE REAL.
The LAW had no mercy, no GRACE in it. Only stern rules and regulations and lifeless ceremonies.
GRACE came in JESUS CHRIST. TRUTH came in JESUS CHRIST. TRUTH is a RELATIONSHIP to God through JESUS CHRIST. It is REALITY of JESUS IN OUR LIVES.
We can worship Him in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? That question has been asked multitudes of times since Pilate asked it. No one is able to give an answer that will satisfy every person or group of believers. It means one thing to some-- another thing to others.
Pilate asked this question in response to a statement Jesus had made to him. John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
I made a specific study of the subject one time, to see if I could find what is hidden from our view when we think of Truth. I had already concluded that it was NOT referring to modes of baptism, the Godhead, nor the basic plan of Salvation. I thought, also, that I could safely rule out the various Prophetic interpretations and teachings that have become threadbare with age and (mis)use. But, What was Jesus referring to when He used the word "truth"?
Was Jesus talking about the same thing that Paul was referring to when he wrote--? II Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Paul used the "epi" word here for "knowledge" (epignosis-- knowledge above knowledge).
Does it take a special "knowledge upon knowledge" to learn The Truth Jesus was referring to? There are so many places in the New Testament where "epignosis" is used that it might seem to indicate that we CANNOT FIND REAL TRUTH when we operate only in the natural wisdom and abilities which we have.
I am convinced that we must get into a higher realm of relationship to Jesus if we are to enjoy many of the things which were purchased for us on Calvary.
Listen to Paul, when he writes to the Ephesian saints: Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may GIVE UNTO YOU the SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE (epignosis-- knowledge upon knowledge) OF HIM: The EYES OF YOUR
UNDERSTANDING being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places], Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
What did I find when I made the study in search of a better meaning of Truth? I found that TRUTH, as Jesus referred to it, is inseparably linked with GRACE. John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, [but] GRACE and TRUTH came by Jesus Christ. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of GRACE and TRUTH.
It is also linked solidly with the Spirit of God. John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in SPIRIT and in TRUTH: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.
TRUTH goes far beyond mere doctrinal beliefs and practices. The secret of understanding TRUTH lies in the fact that it has been CONTRASTED to, of all things, the LAW OF MOSES.
That LAW had no REALITY in it. It had no LIFE in it. It was "make believe", only a model of something which WOULD BE REAL.
The LAW had no mercy, no GRACE in it. Only stern rules and regulations and lifeless ceremonies.
GRACE came in JESUS CHRIST. TRUTH came in JESUS CHRIST. TRUTH is a RELATIONSHIP to God through JESUS CHRIST. It is REALITY of JESUS IN OUR LIVES.
We can worship Him in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
EXCELLENCE
EXCELLENCE
In these times of competition and rivalry, it would be well if we take a good look at personal excellence.
One of the most widely known forms of competition is the Olympic Games, which are held every so often. Athletes from all over the world join in the competition. All of the participants dream of, and hope to attain to, the gold cup. But, of course, it always narrows down to one person getting the coveted prize.
But, in Spiritual attainments it is not so. We can ALL excel, and obtain, the coveted prize.
We do NOT COMPETE AGAINST OTHERS. We strive against the tendencies of our own flesh-- our own nature-- our own personal desires.
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. 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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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.
The athletes of ancient Greece, and the Olympics were NOT COMPETING WITH ONE ANOTHER for the sake of a personal prize. Rather, the winner-- the best-- the fastest-- the one who received the slip of paper, or the ribbon, took it immediately and laid it at the feet of the statue of their god. It was a race, then, to achieve the absolute utmost for their idol deity.
IT WAS A QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE, rather than for recognition and fame. Only their best was fit to be offered to their god. What SEEMED to be competition against one another, then, was actually an exercise to determine what was the best to be had, for an offering.
We Christians might be able to learn something from those Greeks of ancient times. Maybe we should examine our motives for doing some of the things we do every day.
Are we competing with others, or are we stiving to be the very best we can be ourselves?
In these times of competition and rivalry, it would be well if we take a good look at personal excellence.
One of the most widely known forms of competition is the Olympic Games, which are held every so often. Athletes from all over the world join in the competition. All of the participants dream of, and hope to attain to, the gold cup. But, of course, it always narrows down to one person getting the coveted prize.
But, in Spiritual attainments it is not so. We can ALL excel, and obtain, the coveted prize.
We do NOT COMPETE AGAINST OTHERS. We strive against the tendencies of our own flesh-- our own nature-- our own personal desires.
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. 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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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.
The athletes of ancient Greece, and the Olympics were NOT COMPETING WITH ONE ANOTHER for the sake of a personal prize. Rather, the winner-- the best-- the fastest-- the one who received the slip of paper, or the ribbon, took it immediately and laid it at the feet of the statue of their god. It was a race, then, to achieve the absolute utmost for their idol deity.
IT WAS A QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE, rather than for recognition and fame. Only their best was fit to be offered to their god. What SEEMED to be competition against one another, then, was actually an exercise to determine what was the best to be had, for an offering.
We Christians might be able to learn something from those Greeks of ancient times. Maybe we should examine our motives for doing some of the things we do every day.
Are we competing with others, or are we stiving to be the very best we can be ourselves?
EXCEPT THOU BLESS ME
EXCEPT THOU BLESS ME
Genesis 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
When Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Lord, he was ALONE. If he had been helped by anyone, he probably would not have broken through to victory. But he did break through-- and what a victory it turned out to be.
His NATURE and his NAME were both changed. The price was very high, however. He walked dragging one leg for the rest of his life. God Himself had TOUCHED him, and that TOUCH wrought a definite change in the life of Jacob. CHANGED BY THE TOUCH OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
If we are willing to pay the price, our lives can also be changed by God's power.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
To receive the touch that Jacob did, we must expect to pay a high price in our seeking God. But IF WE ARE WILLING to pay that price, we can attain to the miracle of Regeneration.
The butterfly is a good example of a life which has been completely transformed. The ugly, lowly caterpillar spins its own death cell around itself, and dies to its former life. Out of that self-death emerges the beautiful butterfly.
However, emerging as a creature of beauty is also a SOLITARY EVENT. No one dares to "help" the process along, or the new life does not come forth. Christians should stay away from Counselors, however well intentioned they may be. Only God can cause the transformation to be complete and perfect. It HAS TO BE A WORK OF THE SPIRIT ALONE. HE is the ULTIMATE COUNSELOR. STAY WITH HIM.
Our wrestlings may produce blisters and sores in our lives, but they will be forgotten when we have broken through to victory over our former life, into a new life-- CHANGED BY THE TOUCH OF HIS HAND.
Always remember that God is more interested in you emerging into the New Life than you are. HE usually initiates the circumstances which bring about the struggles in your life-- because He LOVES YOU.
Genesis 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
When Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Lord, he was ALONE. If he had been helped by anyone, he probably would not have broken through to victory. But he did break through-- and what a victory it turned out to be.
His NATURE and his NAME were both changed. The price was very high, however. He walked dragging one leg for the rest of his life. God Himself had TOUCHED him, and that TOUCH wrought a definite change in the life of Jacob. CHANGED BY THE TOUCH OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
If we are willing to pay the price, our lives can also be changed by God's power.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
To receive the touch that Jacob did, we must expect to pay a high price in our seeking God. But IF WE ARE WILLING to pay that price, we can attain to the miracle of Regeneration.
The butterfly is a good example of a life which has been completely transformed. The ugly, lowly caterpillar spins its own death cell around itself, and dies to its former life. Out of that self-death emerges the beautiful butterfly.
However, emerging as a creature of beauty is also a SOLITARY EVENT. No one dares to "help" the process along, or the new life does not come forth. Christians should stay away from Counselors, however well intentioned they may be. Only God can cause the transformation to be complete and perfect. It HAS TO BE A WORK OF THE SPIRIT ALONE. HE is the ULTIMATE COUNSELOR. STAY WITH HIM.
Our wrestlings may produce blisters and sores in our lives, but they will be forgotten when we have broken through to victory over our former life, into a new life-- CHANGED BY THE TOUCH OF HIS HAND.
Always remember that God is more interested in you emerging into the New Life than you are. HE usually initiates the circumstances which bring about the struggles in your life-- because He LOVES YOU.
WHAT IS FAITH
WHAT IS FAITH?
Most explanations of Faith leave me with quite a bit to be desired. It seems that most Christians today are "geared" for "getting" from God. Leaders are taking advantage of that lustful longing, and teaching mostly about the "getting" faith.
"Believe for your miracle today" is the principal theme we hear.
But I am fairly well convinced that the real meaning of Heb 11:1 does not lend itself to such a theme, if we take it in its context.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The writer of the Epistle to The Hebrews (be it Barnabas or Paul) is making a contrast between the way Israel knew God under the Old Covenant, and the way we can know Him today.
The Old Covenant provided ceremonies as a substitute for a correct relationship to God, ie. a life that was free from the outworkings of the nature of sin in the life of the person. Ceremonies, and human priests were the only contact with God they were privileged to know-- UNLESS.
Unless, that is, that God should choose to REVEAL the CONTACT OF FAITH to the individual. He did this to some whom He chose. The choosing of individuals to whom He would reveal Himself was by a criteria as yet not known to me. I will have to leave that in His department.
As I see it, the Faith written about in Hebrews is that element of trusting in the Messiah (before Calvary, and Jesus after Calvary) for the ultimate destiny of their souls. The Old Testament believers of Faith continued to observe the ceremonies of the Law, but their REAL CONFIDENCE was in the provision God had made in Jesus Christ.
Indeed, all of the ceremonies POINTED TO JESUS, if their eyes could have seen it. BUT IT CAME ONLY BY REVELATION FROM GOD.
The same is true of us today. We cannot be TAUGHT Faith to believe in Jesus for Salvation.
The Spirit REVEALS Faith to us, or we don't get it. The same "conviction" that draws us to Jesus REVEALS Faith to us.
Hebrews 11 is telling us that the people who did the exploits (and triumphantly endured the persecutions and tortures) were people to whom God had REVEALED the same Saving Faith that He reveals to us when we are drawn to Him by His Holy Spirit.
It is a DIFFERENT RELATIONSHIP TO GOD than was commonly known in the Old Testament.
No wonder the key word of Hebrews is "BETTER".
We could put an ADDENDUM TO THE 11TH CHAPTER OF HEBREWS, and say that BY FAITH:
Paul became the Apostle who wrote most of the New Testament epistles-- was stoned, imprisoned, etc. etc.
Peter delivered the sermon on the Day of Pentecost that caused the salvation of so many. He said to the lame man at the gate Beautiful, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I unto you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
William Tyndale translated the Bible into everyday English, and his translation was to
become nearly 70 % of the King James Version of the Bible.
John Huss, as he was being killed for his resistance to the existing powers of the Church, said, "You can kill the Goose (Huss), but in a hundred years there will come a Swan (Luther) whose song you can not still, who will accomplish what I have tried to do."
Martin Luther did accomplish the beginning of what is called the Reformation of the Church.
There are many others, but this will suffice to show what man can do as a RESULT of a REVELATION and ANOINTING OF GOD for a specific purpose.
God is anointing men yet today, and history will hail them as having done exploits for God, though they are in low esteem today. We still garnish the sepulchres of the Prophets, but fail to recognize them in our midst.
Turn your Faith loose! DO WHAT GOD HAS CHOSEN FOR YOU TO DO! OBEY THE ANOINTING ON YOUR LIFE!
Most explanations of Faith leave me with quite a bit to be desired. It seems that most Christians today are "geared" for "getting" from God. Leaders are taking advantage of that lustful longing, and teaching mostly about the "getting" faith.
"Believe for your miracle today" is the principal theme we hear.
But I am fairly well convinced that the real meaning of Heb 11:1 does not lend itself to such a theme, if we take it in its context.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The writer of the Epistle to The Hebrews (be it Barnabas or Paul) is making a contrast between the way Israel knew God under the Old Covenant, and the way we can know Him today.
The Old Covenant provided ceremonies as a substitute for a correct relationship to God, ie. a life that was free from the outworkings of the nature of sin in the life of the person. Ceremonies, and human priests were the only contact with God they were privileged to know-- UNLESS.
Unless, that is, that God should choose to REVEAL the CONTACT OF FAITH to the individual. He did this to some whom He chose. The choosing of individuals to whom He would reveal Himself was by a criteria as yet not known to me. I will have to leave that in His department.
As I see it, the Faith written about in Hebrews is that element of trusting in the Messiah (before Calvary, and Jesus after Calvary) for the ultimate destiny of their souls. The Old Testament believers of Faith continued to observe the ceremonies of the Law, but their REAL CONFIDENCE was in the provision God had made in Jesus Christ.
Indeed, all of the ceremonies POINTED TO JESUS, if their eyes could have seen it. BUT IT CAME ONLY BY REVELATION FROM GOD.
The same is true of us today. We cannot be TAUGHT Faith to believe in Jesus for Salvation.
The Spirit REVEALS Faith to us, or we don't get it. The same "conviction" that draws us to Jesus REVEALS Faith to us.
Hebrews 11 is telling us that the people who did the exploits (and triumphantly endured the persecutions and tortures) were people to whom God had REVEALED the same Saving Faith that He reveals to us when we are drawn to Him by His Holy Spirit.
It is a DIFFERENT RELATIONSHIP TO GOD than was commonly known in the Old Testament.
No wonder the key word of Hebrews is "BETTER".
We could put an ADDENDUM TO THE 11TH CHAPTER OF HEBREWS, and say that BY FAITH:
Paul became the Apostle who wrote most of the New Testament epistles-- was stoned, imprisoned, etc. etc.
Peter delivered the sermon on the Day of Pentecost that caused the salvation of so many. He said to the lame man at the gate Beautiful, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I unto you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
William Tyndale translated the Bible into everyday English, and his translation was to
become nearly 70 % of the King James Version of the Bible.
John Huss, as he was being killed for his resistance to the existing powers of the Church, said, "You can kill the Goose (Huss), but in a hundred years there will come a Swan (Luther) whose song you can not still, who will accomplish what I have tried to do."
Martin Luther did accomplish the beginning of what is called the Reformation of the Church.
There are many others, but this will suffice to show what man can do as a RESULT of a REVELATION and ANOINTING OF GOD for a specific purpose.
God is anointing men yet today, and history will hail them as having done exploits for God, though they are in low esteem today. We still garnish the sepulchres of the Prophets, but fail to recognize them in our midst.
Turn your Faith loose! DO WHAT GOD HAS CHOSEN FOR YOU TO DO! OBEY THE ANOINTING ON YOUR LIFE!
BY THE WORD (RHEMA) OF GOD
THE RHEMA OF GOD
For many years we have heard about the term "Rhema".
We have a tendency to accept at face value what we hear from knowledgeable people without checking them out. Not that it is not OK to do that, for many times it is.
The bad part about it is that we often sell ourselves short by NOT doing a little checking. This is one place where I definitely benefited from "sniffing out" what I have heard.
Strong's lists it as: G4487rhema, hray'-mah; from 4483; an utterance (individ., collect. or spec.); by impl. a matter of topic (espec. of narration, command or dispute);
with a neg. naught whatever:-+ evil, + nothing, saying word.
It is definitely different from the term "Logos", which is used predominantly in New Testament scriptures.
It was a "definite" Word which came to Mary and announced to her that she would be the mother of Jesus. The "Rhema" words are identified in the following scriptures by <_>
LUK 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy. And the angel departed from her.
Simeon had also had a "definite" Word from God, telling him that he would not see death until he had first seen the Lord's Salvation.
LUK 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy:
It was a "definite" word from God which launched the Ministry of John the Baptist.
LUK 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
The fishermen heard a "definite" Word about how to catch fish on that particular day.
LUK 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy I will let down the net.
It is the "Rhema" Word that becomes the basis of our FAITH-- whether it be a general Faith or a specific Faith. In other words-- WHEN GOD SPEAKS AND WE HEAR, we have a foundation for Faith.
ROM 10:8 But what saith it? The is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the of faith, which we preach;
ROM 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the of God.
JOH 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
The "Rhema" was involved when Peter, at the command of Jesus, went to the house of Cornelius
ACS 10:44 While Peter yet spake these, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
ACS 11:14 Who shall tell thee, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
ACS 11:16 Then remembered I the of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Perhaps the greatest "eye opener" for me was this next scripture. It explains the workings of God in our lives better than anything I have ever run across. I have often wondered why so little happens as we preach our hearts out-- quoting the scriptures-- even yelling them out for emphasis. But men go on their sinful ways-- unheedful of our efforts.
EPH 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the of God:
It appears that it is the "definite" Word of God which becomes the sword which the Spirit uses to "divide the marrow and bone, and discern the thoughts and intents of the heart." With the "Rhema", the Spirit can cut a swath through all kinds of opposition and difficulty, and bring us into Victory.
Oh Yes! It was the "definite" Word which God used when He spoke the worlds into existence. I believe He also created LIGHT in the same way. The scripture also tells us that He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness has also SHINED IN OUR HEARTS to give the LIGHT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST. We didn't learn about the ONENESS OF GOD from the Logos alone. It comes by a SHINING of the Spirit in our lives.
HEB 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
For many years we have heard about the term "Rhema".
We have a tendency to accept at face value what we hear from knowledgeable people without checking them out. Not that it is not OK to do that, for many times it is.
The bad part about it is that we often sell ourselves short by NOT doing a little checking. This is one place where I definitely benefited from "sniffing out" what I have heard.
Strong's lists it as: G4487rhema, hray'-mah; from 4483; an utterance (individ., collect. or spec.); by impl. a matter of topic (espec. of narration, command or dispute);
with a neg. naught whatever:-+ evil, + nothing, saying word.
It is definitely different from the term "Logos", which is used predominantly in New Testament scriptures.
It was a "definite" Word which came to Mary and announced to her that she would be the mother of Jesus. The "Rhema" words are identified in the following scriptures by <_>
LUK 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy
Simeon had also had a "definite" Word from God, telling him that he would not see death until he had first seen the Lord's Salvation.
LUK 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy
It was a "definite" word from God which launched the Ministry of John the Baptist.
LUK 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the
The fishermen heard a "definite" Word about how to catch fish on that particular day.
LUK 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy
It is the "Rhema" Word that becomes the basis of our FAITH-- whether it be a general Faith or a specific Faith. In other words-- WHEN GOD SPEAKS AND WE HEAR, we have a foundation for Faith.
ROM 10:8 But what saith it? The
ROM 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the
JOH 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my
The "Rhema" was involved when Peter, at the command of Jesus, went to the house of Cornelius
ACS 10:44 While Peter yet spake these
ACS 11:14 Who shall tell thee
ACS 11:16 Then remembered I the
Perhaps the greatest "eye opener" for me was this next scripture. It explains the workings of God in our lives better than anything I have ever run across. I have often wondered why so little happens as we preach our hearts out-- quoting the scriptures-- even yelling them out for emphasis. But men go on their sinful ways-- unheedful of our efforts.
EPH 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
It appears that it is the "definite" Word of God which becomes the sword which the Spirit uses to "divide the marrow and bone, and discern the thoughts and intents of the heart." With the "Rhema", the Spirit can cut a swath through all kinds of opposition and difficulty, and bring us into Victory.
Oh Yes! It was the "definite" Word which God used when He spoke the worlds into existence. I believe He also created LIGHT in the same way. The scripture also tells us that He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness has also SHINED IN OUR HEARTS to give the LIGHT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST. We didn't learn about the ONENESS OF GOD from the Logos alone. It comes by a SHINING of the Spirit in our lives.
HEB 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the
THE SPIRIT OF BURNING
THE SPIRIT OF BURNING
God has some wonderful things in store for those who diligently seek His Face for His cleansing power in their lives. That is, perhaps, the most needful activity we can be exercised in today. It is more important than being prosperous financially. It is more important than being physically healthy.
Spiritual purity is the result of a working of the Holy Ghost in our lives. It comes from the Hand of God.
Isaiah 1:25 And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:
Oh! How we need the moving of the Hand of God in our lives. Ironically, as much as we desire the Purity of the Spirit, we shrink back from the process which produces it for us.
Isaiah 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
The Spirit of Judgment is that which shows us what God sees to be important (that is what the Hebrew word means). His scale of values is much different than ours. His Ways are higher. His Thoughts are higher. He is looking from a different angle (Eternity) than we do.
The Spirit of Burning speaks to us of the FIRE and HEAT that is necessary to separate the dross and tin from our lives.
We must not forget that it is HIS SPIRIT that is producing the heat and pressure that it takes to rid us of the impurities in our lives. We blame the devil, and rebuke him, mistakenly.
Be encouraged. The process WILL come to an end when the desired result is accomplished.
Isaiah 28:28 Bread [corn] is bruised; because he will not ever (forever) be threshing it, nor break [it with] the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it [with] his horsemen. God is not doing it for fun, but for our benefit.
Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
Ezekiel 36:37 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet [for] this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do [it] for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
Zechariah 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
God has some wonderful things in store for those who diligently seek His Face for His cleansing power in their lives. That is, perhaps, the most needful activity we can be exercised in today. It is more important than being prosperous financially. It is more important than being physically healthy.
Spiritual purity is the result of a working of the Holy Ghost in our lives. It comes from the Hand of God.
Isaiah 1:25 And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:
Oh! How we need the moving of the Hand of God in our lives. Ironically, as much as we desire the Purity of the Spirit, we shrink back from the process which produces it for us.
Isaiah 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
The Spirit of Judgment is that which shows us what God sees to be important (that is what the Hebrew word means). His scale of values is much different than ours. His Ways are higher. His Thoughts are higher. He is looking from a different angle (Eternity) than we do.
The Spirit of Burning speaks to us of the FIRE and HEAT that is necessary to separate the dross and tin from our lives.
We must not forget that it is HIS SPIRIT that is producing the heat and pressure that it takes to rid us of the impurities in our lives. We blame the devil, and rebuke him, mistakenly.
Be encouraged. The process WILL come to an end when the desired result is accomplished.
Isaiah 28:28 Bread [corn] is bruised; because he will not ever (forever) be threshing it, nor break [it with] the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it [with] his horsemen. God is not doing it for fun, but for our benefit.
Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
Ezekiel 36:37 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet [for] this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do [it] for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
Zechariah 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
BETTER -- FIRST
BETTER-FIRST
The word "better" occurs 117 times in the New Testament. Perhaps the book of Hebrews uses it to be best advantage-- such as Jesus being made so much better than the angels. (1:4) 7:19-- Better hope. 7:22-- better testament. 8:6-- better covenant, better promises. 9:23-- better sacrifices. 10:34-- better substance. 11:16-- better country. 11:35-- better resurrection. 11:40-- better thing. 12:24-- better speaking.
All of these but one, the better resurrection, are comparing the Old Covenant with the New Covenant.
The better resurrection is defined as the reward given to individuals who meet the requirements to be eligible for it.
We have certainly been taught error when we were taught that ALL Christians would take part in the First Resurrection.
Likewise, it has been error for us to have been taught that ALL Christians would be "caught up" at the Last Trumpet.
Those teachings have served more as an opiate to Christians than anything else. It has fostered an attitude, "So what? I won't be here for the trouble. I can "just trust in Jesus" and everything will be all right. I'll fly away, Oh, Glory."
Look at Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. 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.
Compared with 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:
Also, we should look at a scripture very rarely explained. Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. The word translated resurrection here is used only once in the Bible-- right here. It is speaking of a special resurrection (the first), a "standing out from among the dead."
Not all Christians will be raised at the Trumpet sounding. They do not all qualify.
The "Better", "First", "Standing out" resurrection will be God's response to a life lived in very close harmony with the Principles of Jesus Christ.
If we hope to have a part in the event, we should earnestly strive to incorporate Godly Principles into everything we do. Then, we should walk in an attitude of constant repentance toward God for the things we are not able to do because we are hindered by our flesh.
None of us are able to walk completely free of the frailties of our flesh, but most of us are falling far short of what we are capable of doing to overcome those frailties.
Only God knows what our individual capability is. BUT HE DOES KNOW. If I am slacking my ability, He knows it. I can not fool Him. Lame excuses will get me nowhere.
It is the height of foolishness for me to compare myself with someone else. I can not know the extent of his ability. His accomplishments may be for him what the widow's two mites were to her-- the best he can do.
If he does his best, and I do more than he does, even if I don't do my best-- hey, I'm in deep trouble. He is more of a candidate for the "better", "first", "standing out" resurrection than I am.
The word "better" occurs 117 times in the New Testament. Perhaps the book of Hebrews uses it to be best advantage-- such as Jesus being made so much better than the angels. (1:4) 7:19-- Better hope. 7:22-- better testament. 8:6-- better covenant, better promises. 9:23-- better sacrifices. 10:34-- better substance. 11:16-- better country. 11:35-- better resurrection. 11:40-- better thing. 12:24-- better speaking.
All of these but one, the better resurrection, are comparing the Old Covenant with the New Covenant.
The better resurrection is defined as the reward given to individuals who meet the requirements to be eligible for it.
We have certainly been taught error when we were taught that ALL Christians would take part in the First Resurrection.
Likewise, it has been error for us to have been taught that ALL Christians would be "caught up" at the Last Trumpet.
Those teachings have served more as an opiate to Christians than anything else. It has fostered an attitude, "So what? I won't be here for the trouble. I can "just trust in Jesus" and everything will be all right. I'll fly away, Oh, Glory."
Look at Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. 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.
Compared with 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:
Also, we should look at a scripture very rarely explained. Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. The word translated resurrection here is used only once in the Bible-- right here. It is speaking of a special resurrection (the first), a "standing out from among the dead."
Not all Christians will be raised at the Trumpet sounding. They do not all qualify.
The "Better", "First", "Standing out" resurrection will be God's response to a life lived in very close harmony with the Principles of Jesus Christ.
If we hope to have a part in the event, we should earnestly strive to incorporate Godly Principles into everything we do. Then, we should walk in an attitude of constant repentance toward God for the things we are not able to do because we are hindered by our flesh.
None of us are able to walk completely free of the frailties of our flesh, but most of us are falling far short of what we are capable of doing to overcome those frailties.
Only God knows what our individual capability is. BUT HE DOES KNOW. If I am slacking my ability, He knows it. I can not fool Him. Lame excuses will get me nowhere.
It is the height of foolishness for me to compare myself with someone else. I can not know the extent of his ability. His accomplishments may be for him what the widow's two mites were to her-- the best he can do.
If he does his best, and I do more than he does, even if I don't do my best-- hey, I'm in deep trouble. He is more of a candidate for the "better", "first", "standing out" resurrection than I am.
Friday, August 25, 2006
THE RIVER OF GOD
THE RIVER OF GOD
I know I have written about this before, but it seems to keep coming to me this morning, so I will touch base with it again.
The point which seems to want the limelight right now is found in Ezekiel, chapter 47. It tells about waters issuing out of the House of God-- coming from the right side of the Altar. It grew and grew as it progressed down the hill on its 12 mile journey. Before it was half way to its destination, it had grown to a river which could not be passed over-- "waters to swim in".
Ezekiel 47:5 Afterward he measured a thousand; [and it was] a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Most scholars agree that this prophecy is talking about an outpouring of the Spirit of God in the end time of this dispensation. We are probably correct in this interpretation. It is in line with what Jesus said about the believer having a river of living water springing up unto Everlasting Life. See John 7:38 and John 4:14
There are other scriptures which speak about the river of refreshing which is to be expected from the Lord.
Psalms 46:4 [There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.
Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
A few years ago, I was looking at the river found in Eze 47, and made a remarkable discovery from the Word.
THESE WATERS HAVE A DEFINITE DESTINATION AND A DEFINITE PURPOSE.
Ezekiel 47:8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, AND GO DOWN INTO THE DESERT, AND GO INTO THE SEA: [which being] brought forth into the sea, THE WATERS SHALL BE HEALED.
The first purpose is to bring life to the desert. It will do that.
The second purpose is to heal the waters of the Dead Sea. We all know that nothing lives in the Dead Sea. No plants, no fish, no animals. 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.
What a fitting way for the Lord to portray the "deadness" of humanity. Absolute depravity. Absolute helplessness to produce anything good. All life ceases at its borders. The "Black Hole" of life.
But God! But God has a plan in mind that can and will bring that condition to an end.
According to the Prophet, all of the Dead Sea but a few-- Ezekiel 47:11 But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.
No, not EVERY ONE will respond to the Spirit of the Lord when it is poured out as a DELUGE upon humanity. But God intends to retrieve a generation or two from the kingdom of death, into the Kingdom of Life-- from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light-- from the kingdom of error to the Kingdom of Truth-- from the kingdom of sin to the Kingdom of Righteousness.
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.
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Don’t misunderstand me! I am NOT telling you that the Dead Sea will be turned into fresh water. This is a parabolic prophecy of what will happen to humankind who respond to the overwhelming outpouring of the Spirit of God. This Mighty flow of the Spirit (water) issues forth from under the threshold of the House of God—from the South side of the Altar.
This ever-increasing torrent is the Spirit of the Living God. It will have a profound effect on the masses of humanity that are helpless to change from their dead, sinful condition.
I predict that one whole religion, which comprises nearly one third of the population of the world today, will be completely overwhelmed and pass out of existence when this Spiritual torrent reaches its seat of operations. Those who are now faithful to that religion will gladly respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ when their false hope is withered away. The “Euphrates River” will be dried up by the Hand of God. Symbolic language for a (false) world-wide religion. But that is ANOTHER parablic prophecy.
But, we must remember that it is GOD who will do it. Man does not have the wherewith to get the job done.
God WILL have the last word
I know I have written about this before, but it seems to keep coming to me this morning, so I will touch base with it again.
The point which seems to want the limelight right now is found in Ezekiel, chapter 47. It tells about waters issuing out of the House of God-- coming from the right side of the Altar. It grew and grew as it progressed down the hill on its 12 mile journey. Before it was half way to its destination, it had grown to a river which could not be passed over-- "waters to swim in".
Ezekiel 47:5 Afterward he measured a thousand; [and it was] a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Most scholars agree that this prophecy is talking about an outpouring of the Spirit of God in the end time of this dispensation. We are probably correct in this interpretation. It is in line with what Jesus said about the believer having a river of living water springing up unto Everlasting Life. See John 7:38 and John 4:14
There are other scriptures which speak about the river of refreshing which is to be expected from the Lord.
Psalms 46:4 [There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.
Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
A few years ago, I was looking at the river found in Eze 47, and made a remarkable discovery from the Word.
THESE WATERS HAVE A DEFINITE DESTINATION AND A DEFINITE PURPOSE.
Ezekiel 47:8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, AND GO DOWN INTO THE DESERT, AND GO INTO THE SEA: [which being] brought forth into the sea, THE WATERS SHALL BE HEALED.
The first purpose is to bring life to the desert. It will do that.
The second purpose is to heal the waters of the Dead Sea. We all know that nothing lives in the Dead Sea. No plants, no fish, no animals. 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.
What a fitting way for the Lord to portray the "deadness" of humanity. Absolute depravity. Absolute helplessness to produce anything good. All life ceases at its borders. The "Black Hole" of life.
But God! But God has a plan in mind that can and will bring that condition to an end.
According to the Prophet, all of the Dead Sea but a few-- Ezekiel 47:11 But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.
No, not EVERY ONE will respond to the Spirit of the Lord when it is poured out as a DELUGE upon humanity. But God intends to retrieve a generation or two from the kingdom of death, into the Kingdom of Life-- from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light-- from the kingdom of error to the Kingdom of Truth-- from the kingdom of sin to the Kingdom of Righteousness.
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.
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Don’t misunderstand me! I am NOT telling you that the Dead Sea will be turned into fresh water. This is a parabolic prophecy of what will happen to humankind who respond to the overwhelming outpouring of the Spirit of God. This Mighty flow of the Spirit (water) issues forth from under the threshold of the House of God—from the South side of the Altar.
This ever-increasing torrent is the Spirit of the Living God. It will have a profound effect on the masses of humanity that are helpless to change from their dead, sinful condition.
I predict that one whole religion, which comprises nearly one third of the population of the world today, will be completely overwhelmed and pass out of existence when this Spiritual torrent reaches its seat of operations. Those who are now faithful to that religion will gladly respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ when their false hope is withered away. The “Euphrates River” will be dried up by the Hand of God. Symbolic language for a (false) world-wide religion. But that is ANOTHER parablic prophecy.
But, we must remember that it is GOD who will do it. Man does not have the wherewith to get the job done.
God WILL have the last word
ARMAGEDDON
ARMAGEDDON
What can we know about the famous "Battle of Armageddon" which we believe to be in the not-too-distant future?
I didn't ask what MEN are saying about the event, for MOST of the interpreters are using the standard textbooks of interpretation. And, most of them are wrong, for they are based upon faulty interpretations of other scriptures which have a bearing on the subject.
What can we learn FROM THE WORD about God's plan for the WORLD. How will the Lord accomplish what He has determined to do?
I BELIEVE THAT MY OPINION IS AS GOOD AS THAT OF THE NEXT PERSON.
The term "ARMAGEDDON" is used once in the whole Bible. It is a combination of two Hebrew words-- Har, meaning a range of hills (sometimes used symbolically), and Megiddown, meaning a RENDEZVOUS, or an appointed place of meeting.
It appears that it will be a "SHOW DOWN" similar to what Elijah had with the prophets and priests of Baal at Carmel.
Notice HOW GOD GETS THE KINGS OF THE EARTH AND THE WORLD TO MEET WITH HIS OVERCOMERS.
GOD HAS DETERMINED THE TIME
1) GOD DRIES UP THE RIVER EUPHRATES. Revelation 16:12 And the SIXTH ANGEL poured out his vial upon the GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES; AND THE WATER THEREOF WAS DRIED UP, that THE WAY OF THE KINGS OF THE EAST MIGHT BE PREPARED.
IT IS MY OPINION: The River Euphrates is a symbolic term for the PREDOMINANT RELIGION of the area. It is now world wide in scope. The "god" that they hail is NOT the God whom we serve. That religion is A PART of the "ANTICHRIST SYSTEM". IT WILL COME DOWN!
WHAT METHOD WILL GOD USE to bring down all false religions and man-made authorities? The Scripture gives us a clue.
Who are the KINGS OF THE EAST, whose "way is prepared" for them?
HERE IS WHAT I BELIEVE:
The KINGS OF THE EAST is a symbolic term for GOD'S OVERCOMERS, who are reserved in the WOMB OF THE DENOMINATIONAL SYSTEM until the time appointed for their unveiling (manifestation) to the people of the earth.
GOD HAS DETERMINED THE METHOD HE WILL USE TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES
2) GOD COMMANDS THE SERVICES OF UNCLEAN SPIRITS TO DECEIVE AND DRAW THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE EARTH AND THE WHOLE WORLD INTO CONFRONTATION WITH HIMSELF. Revelation 16:13-14 And I saw three UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the SPIRITS OF DEVILS, WORKING MIRACLES, [which] go forth unto the KINGS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD, to GATHER THEM TO THE BATTLE OF THAT GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
Is there a significance in the terms "EARTH AND THE WHOLE WORLD" as they are used here? I believe so. It represents two segments of society-- religious and political.
GOD HAS DETERMINED THE PLACE.
It is PROBABLY NOT A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. It will MORE LIKELY BE A WORLD-WIDE RENDEZVOUS between the KINGS (governments and politico-religious powers) of the EARTH, and the Spirit of God working in and through the class of people whom God calls the OVERCOMERS.
Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
WHERE WILL ARMAGEDDON TAKE PLACE?
Probably NOT IN THE VALLEY OF MEGIDDO, which did see many battles take place within its confines in Old Testament times. That piece of real estate does not need a SPIRITUALLY-interpreted name such as is given here-- Har-Mageddon.
IT IS A GOD-APPOINTED MEETING PLACE (Rendezvous).
On one side are the KINGS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
On the other side is the SPIRIT OF GOD THROUGH HIS ANOINTED OVERCOMERS (THE KINGS OF THE EAST).
IT WILL BE A FIGHT-TO-THE-FINISH BATTLE.
The KINGS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD will have MILITARY, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND ECCLESIASTIC power at their disposal. They will not hesitate to use it. But military might and political power are no threat to the SPIRIT OF GOD.
The OVERCOMERS will have ONLY the SPIRIT OF GOD with which to do battle. BUT THAT WILL BE SUFFICIENT! THE "BATTLE" WILL BE ONE-SIDED FROM THE START
Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might (Military strength), nor by power (Authority of Man), but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
ALL MILITARY, POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS WILL BE NEUTRALIZED by the SPIRIT OF GOD THROUGH HIS OVERCOMERS. These present systems are all energized by the influence of satan, who is the force behind all war, and desire for rulership.
THE OVERCOMERS (out of the religious systems) WILL REMAIN ON THE FIELD WHEN THE BATTLE IS OVER. HUMANITY WILL BE SET FREE FROM THE INFLUENCE OF SATAN. The desire to dominate and make war will no longer be an influence of deception over mankind.
THE OVERCOMERS (out of the religious systems) ARE THE STONE CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN. Dan 2:45
THE OVERCOMERS (out of the religious systems) ARE THE ANGEL WITH THE CHAIN TO BIND SATAN (CANCEL AND DESTROY HIS INFLUENCE OVER MANKIND) AND CAST HIM INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT. See Rev 20:2
THE RESULT OF SATAN BEING BOUND (DISABLED)? One whole generation of humanity will be snatched from the PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, (when his influence over mankind is canceled) and will claim Jesus Christ as KING.
And, given the present population explosion-- that will be a very large HARVEST that is REAPED for God.
Revelation 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
God forces evil, unclean spirits to gather His enemies to Armageddon. Then, God "cleans house" through His Anointed Overcomers. Jesus prophesied it when He "cleansed the temple."
I would love to be around when it happens.
What can we know about the famous "Battle of Armageddon" which we believe to be in the not-too-distant future?
I didn't ask what MEN are saying about the event, for MOST of the interpreters are using the standard textbooks of interpretation. And, most of them are wrong, for they are based upon faulty interpretations of other scriptures which have a bearing on the subject.
What can we learn FROM THE WORD about God's plan for the WORLD. How will the Lord accomplish what He has determined to do?
I BELIEVE THAT MY OPINION IS AS GOOD AS THAT OF THE NEXT PERSON.
The term "ARMAGEDDON" is used once in the whole Bible. It is a combination of two Hebrew words-- Har, meaning a range of hills (sometimes used symbolically), and Megiddown, meaning a RENDEZVOUS, or an appointed place of meeting.
It appears that it will be a "SHOW DOWN" similar to what Elijah had with the prophets and priests of Baal at Carmel.
Notice HOW GOD GETS THE KINGS OF THE EARTH AND THE WORLD TO MEET WITH HIS OVERCOMERS.
GOD HAS DETERMINED THE TIME
1) GOD DRIES UP THE RIVER EUPHRATES. Revelation 16:12 And the SIXTH ANGEL poured out his vial upon the GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES; AND THE WATER THEREOF WAS DRIED UP, that THE WAY OF THE KINGS OF THE EAST MIGHT BE PREPARED.
IT IS MY OPINION: The River Euphrates is a symbolic term for the PREDOMINANT RELIGION of the area. It is now world wide in scope. The "god" that they hail is NOT the God whom we serve. That religion is A PART of the "ANTICHRIST SYSTEM". IT WILL COME DOWN!
WHAT METHOD WILL GOD USE to bring down all false religions and man-made authorities? The Scripture gives us a clue.
Who are the KINGS OF THE EAST, whose "way is prepared" for them?
HERE IS WHAT I BELIEVE:
The KINGS OF THE EAST is a symbolic term for GOD'S OVERCOMERS, who are reserved in the WOMB OF THE DENOMINATIONAL SYSTEM until the time appointed for their unveiling (manifestation) to the people of the earth.
GOD HAS DETERMINED THE METHOD HE WILL USE TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES
2) GOD COMMANDS THE SERVICES OF UNCLEAN SPIRITS TO DECEIVE AND DRAW THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE EARTH AND THE WHOLE WORLD INTO CONFRONTATION WITH HIMSELF. Revelation 16:13-14 And I saw three UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the SPIRITS OF DEVILS, WORKING MIRACLES, [which] go forth unto the KINGS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD, to GATHER THEM TO THE BATTLE OF THAT GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
Is there a significance in the terms "EARTH AND THE WHOLE WORLD" as they are used here? I believe so. It represents two segments of society-- religious and political.
GOD HAS DETERMINED THE PLACE.
It is PROBABLY NOT A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. It will MORE LIKELY BE A WORLD-WIDE RENDEZVOUS between the KINGS (governments and politico-religious powers) of the EARTH, and the Spirit of God working in and through the class of people whom God calls the OVERCOMERS.
Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
WHERE WILL ARMAGEDDON TAKE PLACE?
Probably NOT IN THE VALLEY OF MEGIDDO, which did see many battles take place within its confines in Old Testament times. That piece of real estate does not need a SPIRITUALLY-interpreted name such as is given here-- Har-Mageddon.
IT IS A GOD-APPOINTED MEETING PLACE (Rendezvous).
On one side are the KINGS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
On the other side is the SPIRIT OF GOD THROUGH HIS ANOINTED OVERCOMERS (THE KINGS OF THE EAST).
IT WILL BE A FIGHT-TO-THE-FINISH BATTLE.
The KINGS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD will have MILITARY, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND ECCLESIASTIC power at their disposal. They will not hesitate to use it. But military might and political power are no threat to the SPIRIT OF GOD.
The OVERCOMERS will have ONLY the SPIRIT OF GOD with which to do battle. BUT THAT WILL BE SUFFICIENT! THE "BATTLE" WILL BE ONE-SIDED FROM THE START
Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might (Military strength), nor by power (Authority of Man), but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
ALL MILITARY, POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS WILL BE NEUTRALIZED by the SPIRIT OF GOD THROUGH HIS OVERCOMERS. These present systems are all energized by the influence of satan, who is the force behind all war, and desire for rulership.
THE OVERCOMERS (out of the religious systems) WILL REMAIN ON THE FIELD WHEN THE BATTLE IS OVER. HUMANITY WILL BE SET FREE FROM THE INFLUENCE OF SATAN. The desire to dominate and make war will no longer be an influence of deception over mankind.
THE OVERCOMERS (out of the religious systems) ARE THE STONE CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN. Dan 2:45
THE OVERCOMERS (out of the religious systems) ARE THE ANGEL WITH THE CHAIN TO BIND SATAN (CANCEL AND DESTROY HIS INFLUENCE OVER MANKIND) AND CAST HIM INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT. See Rev 20:2
THE RESULT OF SATAN BEING BOUND (DISABLED)? One whole generation of humanity will be snatched from the PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, (when his influence over mankind is canceled) and will claim Jesus Christ as KING.
And, given the present population explosion-- that will be a very large HARVEST that is REAPED for God.
Revelation 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
God forces evil, unclean spirits to gather His enemies to Armageddon. Then, God "cleans house" through His Anointed Overcomers. Jesus prophesied it when He "cleansed the temple."
I would love to be around when it happens.
TILL I MAKE FOOTSTOOL
TILL I MAKE….. THY FOOTSTOOL
Last night I was musing about the terrible struggles our early Church fathers endured while trying to formulate Church Doctrine about the relationship Jesus had to His Father.
There were two or three main teachings that were in conflict, and the Emperor Constantine wanted, desperately, to bring about a consensus of doctrine, so the Church could progress in the work of evangelism. The infighting over doctrine was producing nothing but chaos and turmoil. The various Bishops were resorting to physical assaults and property damage on each other when their views of the Godhead were opposed. Character assassinations were more normal than abnormal.
Constantine died before he could solidify Church Doctrine. The infighting seemed to get worse with each effort he made. The Bishops were fighting carnally, trying to solve a Spiritual problem. It didn’t work then—it will not work now. It was only after three or four more emperors had tried and failed, and three to five decades worth of water had gone under the bridge, and a major Church split had occurred, that even a semblance of unified teaching was found. AND IT STILL WAS NOT CORRECT. It had been formulated by the minds of men rather than by the Spirit of God.
Suddenly, “out of the blue”, came a verse of scripture I had not thought of for months:
Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Thee are several places in scripture where David’s writing is reiterated, and it always seems to be pointing to Jesus Christ. I’ll print them out for you here.
Mat 22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Mar 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, the LORD said to my LORD, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luk 20:41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?
Luk 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Luk 20:43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luk 20:44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Heb 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Before I was finished with my musings, I had digressed from the original subject entirely, and was ready to argue the point of who is going to get the job of evangelization done.
Most Evangelists, and many Pastors, seem to leave us with the impression that “we, the people” will accomplish the task with our tithes and offerings and witnessing to our neighbors and friends. They tell us that our method needs to be “fine tuned”.
There can be no doubt in our minds about whether the world will be turned to Jesus Christ before our earth is “folded up” or replaced by another one. That fact is well established by the scriptures (with due apologies to Hal Lindsey, and others). We can fully expect that nearly one whole generation, along with a good share of another generation, will turn to the Lord through Jesus Christ before the final curtain falls on this age.
It is “in the Book” if you will look for it. You will first have to discard some of the former teachings about the future course of events, or you will never be able to clearly see what the Word of God is trying to tell us.
The Bible tells us (James 3:16) “But where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Church history witnesses to a constant strife between factions endeavoring to promote the doctrinal system which they favored, and also the church political system which seemed more correct in their eyes. It qualifies to be classified in the “Strife” section. There was little or no lasting Good produced during those sessions of turmoil.
It is little wonder that a great abundance of incorrect teaching should evolve from such a condition within the Church when so much confusion, envying and strife prevailed. How could they expect to be receiving Revelations of the Spirit of God when they were indulging their carnal natures to such an extent as they were? Impossible then, impossible now. We need to repent
But “Who, How, and When” must be dealt with before we can get a clear picture of the situation at hand.
First “Who?” must be answered. I think most of us will agree that it is Almighty God who is making the assertion about His right hand, and Jesus Christ’s enemies being made His Footstool.
Does Jesus have enemies? If so, who are they? “Yes, Virginia, Jesus has enemies, and they are getting desperate as we approach the closing of this age.
If Jesus is to be crowned the Victor, what will happen to the “hero” they worship and pay homage to? They know, and they don’t like it… not at all. The fanatical spirit they are following shows them all kinds of ways to cause havoc and terror.
Their “guiding spirit” is in panic mode… fighting for its life.
I think we will all agree that these false religions, all of them, are following, and being driven by, a wicked spirit that HATES our God with a passion
Our God is quietly going about His business of convicting, convincing and saving great hordes of people in different parts of the earth… every minute, every hour and every day.
The Church is growing by leaps and bounds in spite of all they can do to hinder it. Also, in spite of the prevalent teachings that the Church will become so terribly decimated by demonic forces that it will have to be snatched away from planet earth to prevent it from being completely annihilated by evil forces.
The “footstool” is being prepared by the LIVING GOD for HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST.
Mankind can only hope to have a part in the process as we lay down our carnal ways of doing things, and learn how to follow the guidelines of His Spirit. The programs and schemes of Man will do nothing more than get in the way of what God is (is) doing, and have to be shoved out of the way by the Spirit of God.
Strife produces NOTHING GOOD. Likewise, ENVYING DOES NOTHING that is Spiritually constructive. Confusion and evil works are the ONLY things produced by our carnally motivated efforts.
The only productive activity on our part is that which stems from, and is in harmony with, the Spirit of God. There are definite guidelines for Spiritual endeavor, and they must be followed if there is to be any hope for success.
“If any man strive for the masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive lawfully.” (2Ti 2:5)
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zec 4:6) “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH.”
Hab 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: FOR I WILL WORK A WORK IN YOUR DAYS, WHICH YE WILL NOT BELIEVE, THOUGH IT BE TOLD YOU.
Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Isa 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Isa 44:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
Zec 12:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (THE CHURCH)
Zec 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.
Isa 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
God is well able to accomplish whatever will be necessary when the time is ripe for His Plan to be fulfilled.
That plan calls for a world-wide awakening to Jesus Christ, which will affect the greater portions of two generations of humanity. An extremely high ratio of people will hear and respond to the Spirit of God when He calls to them.
The Bible tells us that the Lord will SEND REAPERS TO REAP A HARVEST at the proper time. We can “go to the bank” with that.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Rev 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.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Rom 15:12 And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Psa 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Last night I was musing about the terrible struggles our early Church fathers endured while trying to formulate Church Doctrine about the relationship Jesus had to His Father.
There were two or three main teachings that were in conflict, and the Emperor Constantine wanted, desperately, to bring about a consensus of doctrine, so the Church could progress in the work of evangelism. The infighting over doctrine was producing nothing but chaos and turmoil. The various Bishops were resorting to physical assaults and property damage on each other when their views of the Godhead were opposed. Character assassinations were more normal than abnormal.
Constantine died before he could solidify Church Doctrine. The infighting seemed to get worse with each effort he made. The Bishops were fighting carnally, trying to solve a Spiritual problem. It didn’t work then—it will not work now. It was only after three or four more emperors had tried and failed, and three to five decades worth of water had gone under the bridge, and a major Church split had occurred, that even a semblance of unified teaching was found. AND IT STILL WAS NOT CORRECT. It had been formulated by the minds of men rather than by the Spirit of God.
Suddenly, “out of the blue”, came a verse of scripture I had not thought of for months:
Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Thee are several places in scripture where David’s writing is reiterated, and it always seems to be pointing to Jesus Christ. I’ll print them out for you here.
Mat 22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Mar 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, the LORD said to my LORD, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luk 20:41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?
Luk 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Luk 20:43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luk 20:44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Heb 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Before I was finished with my musings, I had digressed from the original subject entirely, and was ready to argue the point of who is going to get the job of evangelization done.
Most Evangelists, and many Pastors, seem to leave us with the impression that “we, the people” will accomplish the task with our tithes and offerings and witnessing to our neighbors and friends. They tell us that our method needs to be “fine tuned”.
There can be no doubt in our minds about whether the world will be turned to Jesus Christ before our earth is “folded up” or replaced by another one. That fact is well established by the scriptures (with due apologies to Hal Lindsey, and others). We can fully expect that nearly one whole generation, along with a good share of another generation, will turn to the Lord through Jesus Christ before the final curtain falls on this age.
It is “in the Book” if you will look for it. You will first have to discard some of the former teachings about the future course of events, or you will never be able to clearly see what the Word of God is trying to tell us.
The Bible tells us (James 3:16) “But where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Church history witnesses to a constant strife between factions endeavoring to promote the doctrinal system which they favored, and also the church political system which seemed more correct in their eyes. It qualifies to be classified in the “Strife” section. There was little or no lasting Good produced during those sessions of turmoil.
It is little wonder that a great abundance of incorrect teaching should evolve from such a condition within the Church when so much confusion, envying and strife prevailed. How could they expect to be receiving Revelations of the Spirit of God when they were indulging their carnal natures to such an extent as they were? Impossible then, impossible now. We need to repent
But “Who, How, and When” must be dealt with before we can get a clear picture of the situation at hand.
First “Who?” must be answered. I think most of us will agree that it is Almighty God who is making the assertion about His right hand, and Jesus Christ’s enemies being made His Footstool.
Does Jesus have enemies? If so, who are they? “Yes, Virginia, Jesus has enemies, and they are getting desperate as we approach the closing of this age.
If Jesus is to be crowned the Victor, what will happen to the “hero” they worship and pay homage to? They know, and they don’t like it… not at all. The fanatical spirit they are following shows them all kinds of ways to cause havoc and terror.
Their “guiding spirit” is in panic mode… fighting for its life.
I think we will all agree that these false religions, all of them, are following, and being driven by, a wicked spirit that HATES our God with a passion
Our God is quietly going about His business of convicting, convincing and saving great hordes of people in different parts of the earth… every minute, every hour and every day.
The Church is growing by leaps and bounds in spite of all they can do to hinder it. Also, in spite of the prevalent teachings that the Church will become so terribly decimated by demonic forces that it will have to be snatched away from planet earth to prevent it from being completely annihilated by evil forces.
The “footstool” is being prepared by the LIVING GOD for HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST.
Mankind can only hope to have a part in the process as we lay down our carnal ways of doing things, and learn how to follow the guidelines of His Spirit. The programs and schemes of Man will do nothing more than get in the way of what God is (is) doing, and have to be shoved out of the way by the Spirit of God.
Strife produces NOTHING GOOD. Likewise, ENVYING DOES NOTHING that is Spiritually constructive. Confusion and evil works are the ONLY things produced by our carnally motivated efforts.
The only productive activity on our part is that which stems from, and is in harmony with, the Spirit of God. There are definite guidelines for Spiritual endeavor, and they must be followed if there is to be any hope for success.
“If any man strive for the masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive lawfully.” (2Ti 2:5)
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zec 4:6) “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH.”
Hab 1:5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: FOR I WILL WORK A WORK IN YOUR DAYS, WHICH YE WILL NOT BELIEVE, THOUGH IT BE TOLD YOU.
Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Isa 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Isa 44:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
Zec 12:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (THE CHURCH)
Zec 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.
Isa 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
God is well able to accomplish whatever will be necessary when the time is ripe for His Plan to be fulfilled.
That plan calls for a world-wide awakening to Jesus Christ, which will affect the greater portions of two generations of humanity. An extremely high ratio of people will hear and respond to the Spirit of God when He calls to them.
The Bible tells us that the Lord will SEND REAPERS TO REAP A HARVEST at the proper time. We can “go to the bank” with that.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Rev 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.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Rom 15:12 And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Psa 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
THE VALLEY OF DECISION
THE VALLEY OF DECISION
Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
Joe 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.
For many years, I believed and taught that it was the PEOPLE who were making the decision-- to serve God or not serve Him.
But, that theory is one that the Lord stripped away when I became willing for Him to teach me what the scriptures were trying to tell us. After quite a bit of tearing down my former beliefs, He was able to start teaching me what I believe is more in line with His plan for humanity.
What, and where, is the VALLEY OF DECISION?
The word "decision" throws us off course, because it has come to mean differently now than it did when the KJV was translated.
I was sent a writing of a 17th century writer a few years ago, in which the word "decision" was used in its original sense. It sheds light on the "valley of decision" which brings it more into line with the remainder of the passage
In 1619, when the article was penned, the writer said that there would come a DECISION, in which the true believers would be SEPARATED from those who were not entirely sold out to God. IT IS GOD WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION-- separating the wheat from the chaff, a "threshing" if you will.
The proclamation of the testimony WILL BE AS BY THE SOUND OF A TRUMPET, to alarm the nations of the earth, and more especially all the professors of Christianity, because attended with the power of acting all wonders.
So there shall be an authoritative decision (separation, setting apart Webster.) given forth immediately from Christ, to the putting an end to all
controversies concerning the true church.
This decision will be the actual sealing of the members of this church with the name of God; giving them a commission to act by the same: this new name will distinguish them from the seven thousand names of Babylon.
The election and preparation of this church is to be after a secret and hidden manner, as David in his minority (childhood) was elected and anointed by the prophet of the Lord; yet was not admitted to the outward profession of the kingdom for a considerable time afterward
Thus Moses, Joshua and Aaron may be considered as types of some upon whom the same spirit may come, yet to rest in greater proportions, whereby they shall make way for the ransomed of the Lord to return to mount Zion; but none shall stand in any considerable office under God, but those who are tried stones after the pattern and similitude of the chief corner stone, Christ.
Only HE knows the HEARTS of men. We have to judge by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear. He reads the heart.
This is pinpointed in Mal 3 where it tells about the Lord making up His Jewels. They will be those who-- Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (lit: 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 THOUGHT (lit: Reckoned) upon his name. 3:17 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. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return (lit: look back or around), and discern (see clearly) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (There is a vast difference between those who SERVE God, and those who neglect the personal refinement which He offers to them.)
This will be a fiery trial through which very few will be able to pass or bear up in, wherefore the waiters for the visible breaking out of this church are strictly charged to hold that fast which they have and to wait together in the unity of pure love, praying in the Holy Ghost according to the Apostolic pattern that they may be sent forth to multiply more universally.
This trial will be of absolute necessity to every one in particular, and to all in general, for the constituting and cementing of the true Philadelphian Church, by clearing away all the remaining infirmities of nature, and burning away all that is of hay, stubble and dross which they may have added to the work of the Lord; for nothing must remain in the fire, for as a refiner will the Lord purify the sons and daughters of it and purge them as perfect righteousness.
Through the operation of the Holy Spirit in these waiters may for a long time contend with many infirmities and evils, and yet if it be kept continually warm and watched, it cannot at the last but work out a perfect cure and bring about full and total redemption from the earth.
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of GOLD and of SILVER, but also of WOOD and of EARTH; and some to HONOUR, and some to DISHONOUR. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
It is my firm belief that Malachi wrote of the same time of "decision" (separation) as Joel did when he wrote: 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.
There may be some living at present who may come then to be fully and totally redeemed having another body put on them, that is one after the priestly order.
This anointed priestly body will render them impregnable, and qualify them for that high degree of spiritual government to which they are called.
Wherefore it is required on our part to suffer the spirit of burning to do upon us the refining work, fanning us with the fiery breath, and searching every part within us until all be pure and clean, and we thereby arrive to a fixed body from whence the wonders are to flow out. This body will be the sealing character of the Philadelphian Church.
Upon this body will be the fiation (decree) of the Urim and Thummim, that are to be appropriated to the priests of the Melchisedechian order, whose descent is not to be counted in the genealogy of that creation which is under the fall, but in another genealogy which is from the restoration.
Another term used in the third chapter of Joel is found in verses 2 and 12. It means basically the same thing as the Valley of Decision.
Joe 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Joe 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
The name Jehoshaphat is a combination of two words. Jeho(vah) and Shaphat (judges) = Jehovah judges.
Thus, there are three main terms that refer to and describe the same event. They are: Valley of Decision (Division), Valley of Jehoshaphat (God’s judgment), and Armageddon (Summit of Rendezvous, or meeting).
GOD OVERTHROWS ALL INSTITUTIONS OF MANKIND,
(POLITICAL, FINANCIAL, RELIGIOUS) AND ESTABLISHES HIS ORDER IN THE EARTH.
THE VALLEY OF DECISION
Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
Joe 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.
For many years, I believed and taught that it was the PEOPLE who were making the decision-- to serve God or not serve Him.
But, that theory is one that the Lord stripped away when I became willing for Him to teach me what the scriptures were trying to tell us. After quite a bit of tearing down my former beliefs, He was able to start teaching me what I believe is more in line with His plan for humanity.
What, and where, is the VALLEY OF DECISION?
The word "decision" throws us off course, because it has come to mean differently now than it did when the KJV was translated.
I was sent a writing of a 17th century writer a few years ago, in which the word "decision" was used in its original sense. It sheds light on the "valley of decision" which brings it more into line with the remainder of the passage
In 1619, when the article was penned, the writer said that there would come a DECISION, in which the true believers would be SEPARATED from those who were not entirely sold out to God. IT IS GOD WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION-- separating the wheat from the chaff, a "threshing" if you will.
The proclamation of the testimony WILL BE AS BY THE SOUND OF A TRUMPET, to alarm the nations of the earth, and more especially all the professors of Christianity, because attended with the power of acting all wonders.
So there shall be an authoritative decision (separation, setting apart Webster.) given forth immediately from Christ, to the putting an end to all
controversies concerning the true church.
This decision will be the actual sealing of the members of this church with the name of God; giving them a commission to act by the same: this new name will distinguish them from the seven thousand names of Babylon.
The election and preparation of this church is to be after a secret and hidden manner, as David in his minority (childhood) was elected and anointed by the prophet of the Lord; yet was not admitted to the outward profession of the kingdom for a considerable time afterward
Thus Moses, Joshua and Aaron may be considered as types of some upon whom the same spirit may come, yet to rest in greater proportions, whereby they shall make way for the ransomed of the Lord to return to mount Zion; but none shall stand in any considerable office under God, but those who are tried stones after the pattern and similitude of the chief corner stone, Christ.
Only HE knows the HEARTS of men. We have to judge by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear. He reads the heart.
This is pinpointed in Mal 3 where it tells about the Lord making up His Jewels. They will be those who-- Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (lit: 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 THOUGHT (lit: Reckoned) upon his name. 3:17 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. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return (lit: look back or around), and discern (see clearly) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (There is a vast difference between those who SERVE God, and those who neglect the personal refinement which He offers to them.)
This will be a fiery trial through which very few will be able to pass or bear up in, wherefore the waiters for the visible breaking out of this church are strictly charged to hold that fast which they have and to wait together in the unity of pure love, praying in the Holy Ghost according to the Apostolic pattern that they may be sent forth to multiply more universally.
This trial will be of absolute necessity to every one in particular, and to all in general, for the constituting and cementing of the true Philadelphian Church, by clearing away all the remaining infirmities of nature, and burning away all that is of hay, stubble and dross which they may have added to the work of the Lord; for nothing must remain in the fire, for as a refiner will the Lord purify the sons and daughters of it and purge them as perfect righteousness.
Through the operation of the Holy Spirit in these waiters may for a long time contend with many infirmities and evils, and yet if it be kept continually warm and watched, it cannot at the last but work out a perfect cure and bring about full and total redemption from the earth.
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of GOLD and of SILVER, but also of WOOD and of EARTH; and some to HONOUR, and some to DISHONOUR. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
It is my firm belief that Malachi wrote of the same time of "decision" (separation) as Joel did when he wrote: 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.
There may be some living at present who may come then to be fully and totally redeemed having another body put on them, that is one after the priestly order.
This anointed priestly body will render them impregnable, and qualify them for that high degree of spiritual government to which they are called.
Wherefore it is required on our part to suffer the spirit of burning to do upon us the refining work, fanning us with the fiery breath, and searching every part within us until all be pure and clean, and we thereby arrive to a fixed body from whence the wonders are to flow out. This body will be the sealing character of the Philadelphian Church.
Upon this body will be the fiation (decree) of the Urim and Thummim, that are to be appropriated to the priests of the Melchisedechian order, whose descent is not to be counted in the genealogy of that creation which is under the fall, but in another genealogy which is from the restoration.
Another term used in the third chapter of Joel is found in verses 2 and 12. It means basically the same thing as the Valley of Decision.
Joe 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Joe 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
The name Jehoshaphat is a combination of two words. Jeho(vah) and Shaphat (judges) = Jehovah judges.
Thus, there are three main terms that refer to and describe the same event. They are: Valley of Decision (Division), Valley of Jehoshaphat (God’s judgment), and Armageddon (Summit of Rendezvous, or meeting).
GOD OVERTHROWS ALL INSTITUTIONS OF MANKIND,
(POLITICAL, FINANCIAL, RELIGIOUS) AND ESTABLISHES HIS ORDER IN THE EARTH.
THE VALLEY OF DECISION
Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
Joe 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.
For many years, I believed and taught that it was the PEOPLE who were making the decision-- to serve God or not serve Him.
But, that theory is one that the Lord stripped away when I became willing for Him to teach me what the scriptures were trying to tell us. After quite a bit of tearing down my former beliefs, He was able to start teaching me what I believe is more in line with His plan for humanity.
What, and where, is the VALLEY OF DECISION?
The word "decision" throws us off course, because it has come to mean differently now than it did when the KJV was translated.
I was sent a writing of a 17th century writer a few years ago, in which the word "decision" was used in its original sense. It sheds light on the "valley of decision" which brings it more into line with the remainder of the passage
In 1619, when the article was penned, the writer said that there would come a DECISION, in which the true believers would be SEPARATED from those who were not entirely sold out to God. IT IS GOD WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION-- separating the wheat from the chaff, a "threshing" if you will.
The proclamation of the testimony WILL BE AS BY THE SOUND OF A TRUMPET, to alarm the nations of the earth, and more especially all the professors of Christianity, because attended with the power of acting all wonders.
So there shall be an authoritative decision (separation, setting apart Webster.) given forth immediately from Christ, to the putting an end to all
controversies concerning the true church.
This decision will be the actual sealing of the members of this church with the name of God; giving them a commission to act by the same: this new name will distinguish them from the seven thousand names of Babylon.
The election and preparation of this church is to be after a secret and hidden manner, as David in his minority (childhood) was elected and anointed by the prophet of the Lord; yet was not admitted to the outward profession of the kingdom for a considerable time afterward
Thus Moses, Joshua and Aaron may be considered as types of some upon whom the same spirit may come, yet to rest in greater proportions, whereby they shall make way for the ransomed of the Lord to return to mount Zion; but none shall stand in any considerable office under God, but those who are tried stones after the pattern and similitude of the chief corner stone, Christ.
Only HE knows the HEARTS of men. We have to judge by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear. He reads the heart.
This is pinpointed in Mal 3 where it tells about the Lord making up His Jewels. They will be those who-- Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (lit: 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 THOUGHT (lit: Reckoned) upon his name. 3:17 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. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return (lit: look back or around), and discern (see clearly) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (There is a vast difference between those who SERVE God, and those who neglect the personal refinement which He offers to them.)
This will be a fiery trial through which very few will be able to pass or bear up in, wherefore the waiters for the visible breaking out of this church are strictly charged to hold that fast which they have and to wait together in the unity of pure love, praying in the Holy Ghost according to the Apostolic pattern that they may be sent forth to multiply more universally.
This trial will be of absolute necessity to every one in particular, and to all in general, for the constituting and cementing of the true Philadelphian Church, by clearing away all the remaining infirmities of nature, and burning away all that is of hay, stubble and dross which they may have added to the work of the Lord; for nothing must remain in the fire, for as a refiner will the Lord purify the sons and daughters of it and purge them as perfect righteousness.
Through the operation of the Holy Spirit in these waiters may for a long time contend with many infirmities and evils, and yet if it be kept continually warm and watched, it cannot at the last but work out a perfect cure and bring about full and total redemption from the earth.
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of GOLD and of SILVER, but also of WOOD and of EARTH; and some to HONOUR, and some to DISHONOUR. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
It is my firm belief that Malachi wrote of the same time of "decision" (separation) as Joel did when he wrote: 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.
There may be some living at present who may come then to be fully and totally redeemed having another body put on them, that is one after the priestly order.
This anointed priestly body will render them impregnable, and qualify them for that high degree of spiritual government to which they are called.
Wherefore it is required on our part to suffer the spirit of burning to do upon us the refining work, fanning us with the fiery breath, and searching every part within us until all be pure and clean, and we thereby arrive to a fixed body from whence the wonders are to flow out. This body will be the sealing character of the Philadelphian Church.
Upon this body will be the fiation (decree) of the Urim and Thummim, that are to be appropriated to the priests of the Melchisedechian order, whose descent is not to be counted in the genealogy of that creation which is under the fall, but in another genealogy which is from the restoration.
Another term used in the third chapter of Joel is found in verses 2 and 12. It means basically the same thing as the Valley of Decision.
Joe 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Joe 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
The name Jehoshaphat is a combination of two words. Jeho(vah) and Shaphat (judges) = Jehovah judges.
Thus, there are three main terms that refer to and describe the same event. They are: Valley of Decision (Division), Valley of Jehoshaphat (God’s judgment), and Armageddon (Summit of Rendezvous, or meeting).
GOD OVERTHROWS ALL INSTITUTIONS OF MANKIND,
(POLITICAL, FINANCIAL, RELIGIOUS) AND ESTABLISHES HIS ORDER IN THE EARTH.
Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
Joe 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.
For many years, I believed and taught that it was the PEOPLE who were making the decision-- to serve God or not serve Him.
But, that theory is one that the Lord stripped away when I became willing for Him to teach me what the scriptures were trying to tell us. After quite a bit of tearing down my former beliefs, He was able to start teaching me what I believe is more in line with His plan for humanity.
What, and where, is the VALLEY OF DECISION?
The word "decision" throws us off course, because it has come to mean differently now than it did when the KJV was translated.
I was sent a writing of a 17th century writer a few years ago, in which the word "decision" was used in its original sense. It sheds light on the "valley of decision" which brings it more into line with the remainder of the passage
In 1619, when the article was penned, the writer said that there would come a DECISION, in which the true believers would be SEPARATED from those who were not entirely sold out to God. IT IS GOD WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION-- separating the wheat from the chaff, a "threshing" if you will.
The proclamation of the testimony WILL BE AS BY THE SOUND OF A TRUMPET, to alarm the nations of the earth, and more especially all the professors of Christianity, because attended with the power of acting all wonders.
So there shall be an authoritative decision (separation, setting apart Webster.) given forth immediately from Christ, to the putting an end to all
controversies concerning the true church.
This decision will be the actual sealing of the members of this church with the name of God; giving them a commission to act by the same: this new name will distinguish them from the seven thousand names of Babylon.
The election and preparation of this church is to be after a secret and hidden manner, as David in his minority (childhood) was elected and anointed by the prophet of the Lord; yet was not admitted to the outward profession of the kingdom for a considerable time afterward
Thus Moses, Joshua and Aaron may be considered as types of some upon whom the same spirit may come, yet to rest in greater proportions, whereby they shall make way for the ransomed of the Lord to return to mount Zion; but none shall stand in any considerable office under God, but those who are tried stones after the pattern and similitude of the chief corner stone, Christ.
Only HE knows the HEARTS of men. We have to judge by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear. He reads the heart.
This is pinpointed in Mal 3 where it tells about the Lord making up His Jewels. They will be those who-- Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (lit: 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 THOUGHT (lit: Reckoned) upon his name. 3:17 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. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return (lit: look back or around), and discern (see clearly) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (There is a vast difference between those who SERVE God, and those who neglect the personal refinement which He offers to them.)
This will be a fiery trial through which very few will be able to pass or bear up in, wherefore the waiters for the visible breaking out of this church are strictly charged to hold that fast which they have and to wait together in the unity of pure love, praying in the Holy Ghost according to the Apostolic pattern that they may be sent forth to multiply more universally.
This trial will be of absolute necessity to every one in particular, and to all in general, for the constituting and cementing of the true Philadelphian Church, by clearing away all the remaining infirmities of nature, and burning away all that is of hay, stubble and dross which they may have added to the work of the Lord; for nothing must remain in the fire, for as a refiner will the Lord purify the sons and daughters of it and purge them as perfect righteousness.
Through the operation of the Holy Spirit in these waiters may for a long time contend with many infirmities and evils, and yet if it be kept continually warm and watched, it cannot at the last but work out a perfect cure and bring about full and total redemption from the earth.
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of GOLD and of SILVER, but also of WOOD and of EARTH; and some to HONOUR, and some to DISHONOUR. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
It is my firm belief that Malachi wrote of the same time of "decision" (separation) as Joel did when he wrote: 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.
There may be some living at present who may come then to be fully and totally redeemed having another body put on them, that is one after the priestly order.
This anointed priestly body will render them impregnable, and qualify them for that high degree of spiritual government to which they are called.
Wherefore it is required on our part to suffer the spirit of burning to do upon us the refining work, fanning us with the fiery breath, and searching every part within us until all be pure and clean, and we thereby arrive to a fixed body from whence the wonders are to flow out. This body will be the sealing character of the Philadelphian Church.
Upon this body will be the fiation (decree) of the Urim and Thummim, that are to be appropriated to the priests of the Melchisedechian order, whose descent is not to be counted in the genealogy of that creation which is under the fall, but in another genealogy which is from the restoration.
Another term used in the third chapter of Joel is found in verses 2 and 12. It means basically the same thing as the Valley of Decision.
Joe 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Joe 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
The name Jehoshaphat is a combination of two words. Jeho(vah) and Shaphat (judges) = Jehovah judges.
Thus, there are three main terms that refer to and describe the same event. They are: Valley of Decision (Division), Valley of Jehoshaphat (God’s judgment), and Armageddon (Summit of Rendezvous, or meeting).
GOD OVERTHROWS ALL INSTITUTIONS OF MANKIND,
(POLITICAL, FINANCIAL, RELIGIOUS) AND ESTABLISHES HIS ORDER IN THE EARTH.
THE VALLEY OF DECISION
Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
Joe 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.
For many years, I believed and taught that it was the PEOPLE who were making the decision-- to serve God or not serve Him.
But, that theory is one that the Lord stripped away when I became willing for Him to teach me what the scriptures were trying to tell us. After quite a bit of tearing down my former beliefs, He was able to start teaching me what I believe is more in line with His plan for humanity.
What, and where, is the VALLEY OF DECISION?
The word "decision" throws us off course, because it has come to mean differently now than it did when the KJV was translated.
I was sent a writing of a 17th century writer a few years ago, in which the word "decision" was used in its original sense. It sheds light on the "valley of decision" which brings it more into line with the remainder of the passage
In 1619, when the article was penned, the writer said that there would come a DECISION, in which the true believers would be SEPARATED from those who were not entirely sold out to God. IT IS GOD WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION-- separating the wheat from the chaff, a "threshing" if you will.
The proclamation of the testimony WILL BE AS BY THE SOUND OF A TRUMPET, to alarm the nations of the earth, and more especially all the professors of Christianity, because attended with the power of acting all wonders.
So there shall be an authoritative decision (separation, setting apart Webster.) given forth immediately from Christ, to the putting an end to all
controversies concerning the true church.
This decision will be the actual sealing of the members of this church with the name of God; giving them a commission to act by the same: this new name will distinguish them from the seven thousand names of Babylon.
The election and preparation of this church is to be after a secret and hidden manner, as David in his minority (childhood) was elected and anointed by the prophet of the Lord; yet was not admitted to the outward profession of the kingdom for a considerable time afterward
Thus Moses, Joshua and Aaron may be considered as types of some upon whom the same spirit may come, yet to rest in greater proportions, whereby they shall make way for the ransomed of the Lord to return to mount Zion; but none shall stand in any considerable office under God, but those who are tried stones after the pattern and similitude of the chief corner stone, Christ.
Only HE knows the HEARTS of men. We have to judge by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear. He reads the heart.
This is pinpointed in Mal 3 where it tells about the Lord making up His Jewels. They will be those who-- Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (lit: 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 THOUGHT (lit: Reckoned) upon his name. 3:17 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. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return (lit: look back or around), and discern (see clearly) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (There is a vast difference between those who SERVE God, and those who neglect the personal refinement which He offers to them.)
This will be a fiery trial through which very few will be able to pass or bear up in, wherefore the waiters for the visible breaking out of this church are strictly charged to hold that fast which they have and to wait together in the unity of pure love, praying in the Holy Ghost according to the Apostolic pattern that they may be sent forth to multiply more universally.
This trial will be of absolute necessity to every one in particular, and to all in general, for the constituting and cementing of the true Philadelphian Church, by clearing away all the remaining infirmities of nature, and burning away all that is of hay, stubble and dross which they may have added to the work of the Lord; for nothing must remain in the fire, for as a refiner will the Lord purify the sons and daughters of it and purge them as perfect righteousness.
Through the operation of the Holy Spirit in these waiters may for a long time contend with many infirmities and evils, and yet if it be kept continually warm and watched, it cannot at the last but work out a perfect cure and bring about full and total redemption from the earth.
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of GOLD and of SILVER, but also of WOOD and of EARTH; and some to HONOUR, and some to DISHONOUR. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
It is my firm belief that Malachi wrote of the same time of "decision" (separation) as Joel did when he wrote: 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.
There may be some living at present who may come then to be fully and totally redeemed having another body put on them, that is one after the priestly order.
This anointed priestly body will render them impregnable, and qualify them for that high degree of spiritual government to which they are called.
Wherefore it is required on our part to suffer the spirit of burning to do upon us the refining work, fanning us with the fiery breath, and searching every part within us until all be pure and clean, and we thereby arrive to a fixed body from whence the wonders are to flow out. This body will be the sealing character of the Philadelphian Church.
Upon this body will be the fiation (decree) of the Urim and Thummim, that are to be appropriated to the priests of the Melchisedechian order, whose descent is not to be counted in the genealogy of that creation which is under the fall, but in another genealogy which is from the restoration.
Another term used in the third chapter of Joel is found in verses 2 and 12. It means basically the same thing as the Valley of Decision.
Joe 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Joe 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
The name Jehoshaphat is a combination of two words. Jeho(vah) and Shaphat (judges) = Jehovah judges.
Thus, there are three main terms that refer to and describe the same event. They are: Valley of Decision (Division), Valley of Jehoshaphat (God’s judgment), and Armageddon (Summit of Rendezvous, or meeting).
GOD OVERTHROWS ALL INSTITUTIONS OF MANKIND,
(POLITICAL, FINANCIAL, RELIGIOUS) AND ESTABLISHES HIS ORDER IN THE EARTH.
THE VALLEY OF DECISION
Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
Joe 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.
For many years, I believed and taught that it was the PEOPLE who were making the decision-- to serve God or not serve Him.
But, that theory is one that the Lord stripped away when I became willing for Him to teach me what the scriptures were trying to tell us. After quite a bit of tearing down my former beliefs, He was able to start teaching me what I believe is more in line with His plan for humanity.
What, and where, is the VALLEY OF DECISION?
The word "decision" throws us off course, because it has come to mean differently now than it did when the KJV was translated.
I was sent a writing of a 17th century writer a few years ago, in which the word "decision" was used in its original sense. It sheds light on the "valley of decision" which brings it more into line with the remainder of the passage
In 1619, when the article was penned, the writer said that there would come a DECISION, in which the true believers would be SEPARATED from those who were not entirely sold out to God. IT IS GOD WHO IS MAKING THE DECISION-- separating the wheat from the chaff, a "threshing" if you will.
The proclamation of the testimony WILL BE AS BY THE SOUND OF A TRUMPET, to alarm the nations of the earth, and more especially all the professors of Christianity, because attended with the power of acting all wonders.
So there shall be an authoritative decision (separation, setting apart Webster.) given forth immediately from Christ, to the putting an end to all
controversies concerning the true church.
This decision will be the actual sealing of the members of this church with the name of God; giving them a commission to act by the same: this new name will distinguish them from the seven thousand names of Babylon.
The election and preparation of this church is to be after a secret and hidden manner, as David in his minority (childhood) was elected and anointed by the prophet of the Lord; yet was not admitted to the outward profession of the kingdom for a considerable time afterward
Thus Moses, Joshua and Aaron may be considered as types of some upon whom the same spirit may come, yet to rest in greater proportions, whereby they shall make way for the ransomed of the Lord to return to mount Zion; but none shall stand in any considerable office under God, but those who are tried stones after the pattern and similitude of the chief corner stone, Christ.
Only HE knows the HEARTS of men. We have to judge by the sight of the eye and the hearing of the ear. He reads the heart.
This is pinpointed in Mal 3 where it tells about the Lord making up His Jewels. They will be those who-- Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often (lit: 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 THOUGHT (lit: Reckoned) upon his name. 3:17 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. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return (lit: look back or around), and discern (see clearly) between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (There is a vast difference between those who SERVE God, and those who neglect the personal refinement which He offers to them.)
This will be a fiery trial through which very few will be able to pass or bear up in, wherefore the waiters for the visible breaking out of this church are strictly charged to hold that fast which they have and to wait together in the unity of pure love, praying in the Holy Ghost according to the Apostolic pattern that they may be sent forth to multiply more universally.
This trial will be of absolute necessity to every one in particular, and to all in general, for the constituting and cementing of the true Philadelphian Church, by clearing away all the remaining infirmities of nature, and burning away all that is of hay, stubble and dross which they may have added to the work of the Lord; for nothing must remain in the fire, for as a refiner will the Lord purify the sons and daughters of it and purge them as perfect righteousness.
Through the operation of the Holy Spirit in these waiters may for a long time contend with many infirmities and evils, and yet if it be kept continually warm and watched, it cannot at the last but work out a perfect cure and bring about full and total redemption from the earth.
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of GOLD and of SILVER, but also of WOOD and of EARTH; and some to HONOUR, and some to DISHONOUR. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
It is my firm belief that Malachi wrote of the same time of "decision" (separation) as Joel did when he wrote: 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.
There may be some living at present who may come then to be fully and totally redeemed having another body put on them, that is one after the priestly order.
This anointed priestly body will render them impregnable, and qualify them for that high degree of spiritual government to which they are called.
Wherefore it is required on our part to suffer the spirit of burning to do upon us the refining work, fanning us with the fiery breath, and searching every part within us until all be pure and clean, and we thereby arrive to a fixed body from whence the wonders are to flow out. This body will be the sealing character of the Philadelphian Church.
Upon this body will be the fiation (decree) of the Urim and Thummim, that are to be appropriated to the priests of the Melchisedechian order, whose descent is not to be counted in the genealogy of that creation which is under the fall, but in another genealogy which is from the restoration.
Another term used in the third chapter of Joel is found in verses 2 and 12. It means basically the same thing as the Valley of Decision.
Joe 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Joe 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
The name Jehoshaphat is a combination of two words. Jeho(vah) and Shaphat (judges) = Jehovah judges.
Thus, there are three main terms that refer to and describe the same event. They are: Valley of Decision (Division), Valley of Jehoshaphat (God’s judgment), and Armageddon (Summit of Rendezvous, or meeting).
GOD OVERTHROWS ALL INSTITUTIONS OF MANKIND,
(POLITICAL, FINANCIAL, RELIGIOUS) AND ESTABLISHES HIS ORDER IN THE EARTH.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
IN HIM WAS LIFE
IN HIM WAS LIFE
Jn 1:4
Something hit me “like a ton of bricks” a few days ago. I would like to share it with you.
An “in depth” study of the first chapter of John started me down a “rabbit path” of investigation, and I haven’t reached the end of it yet.
My Bible program told me that the word for “life” used here is NOT referring to the PHYSICAL life of humans or other animals, (Psuche), but rather the life of the SPIRIT, (Zoe).
I had known that, from previous studies, so it didn’t shake the earth too violently. But a study of the “ZOE” word in the Scriptures led me to something that shook me up quite a bit.. I will import it with the Greek numbers included, plus emphases from me.
Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live (ZAO).
Joh 5:26 For as the Father hath life (ZOE) in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life (Zoe) in himself;
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life (ZOE); and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Verse 25 is, undoubtedly, written about the FIRST RESURRECTION, while verse 28 is very likely referring to the GENERAL RESURRECTION. I had no problem there.
But verse 26 was one of those that “STOOD OUT ON THE PAPER” as the saying goes. I had read it many, many times, but never had I seen what it was trying to tell me this time.
Here is how it happened: The Father hath LIFE (Zoe) in Himself. That means He is “SELF-EXISTENT”. Still no problem, for we have known that all along.
What shook me this time is the statement that “so hath He GIVEN to the SON to have LIFE IN HIMSELF. (to be SELF-EXISTENT) “In Him was LIFE.” Jn 1:4
Now, Some of my friends have believed for a long time that Jesus was “God in the womb, God in the manger, and God in the carpenter shop.”
I don’t. Never have. Never will.
My friends always stop short of saying He was God on the Cross, for that would put their foot into the swamp, but good.
To the best of my understanding, Jesus was born the Son of God. He was the Son of God in the Carpenter shop.
The Son of God went into the waters of Jordan and was baptized by John when it was time for Him to enter into His Messianic Ministry. It was at this time that a mighty event, which many have overlooked, took place.
Luk 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
Luk 3:22 And the HOLY GHOST DESCENDED IN A BODILY SHAPE LIKE A DOVE UPON HIM, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the HEAVENS WERE OPENED UNTO HIM, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
AH! The OPENED HEAVENS! Originally, I thought of this as being a small passage-way for the “dove” to come through. Lately I have come to realize it as something ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. Let me explain.
Jesus was baptized as He became thirty years of age. That was considered the age of accountability or adulthood in those days. It was at that age that a son should be “ADOPTED” by his father, and taken in to full PARTNERSHIP IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS. In this case, it would have been the Carpenter shop.
But, JOSEPH WAS NOT THE FATHER OF JESUS!!!!
JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD!!!
So, in accord with the custom, God stepped up to the plate and LAID CLAIM TO JESUS.
He ANOINTED (COMMISSIONED) JESUS WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED BY JOHN.
It was at that time that God “GAVE” to Jesus THE “SELF-EXISTENT” quality. (Life within Himself”. Jesus was now a FULL PARTNER in the business of REDEEMING mankind from the fall of Adam. Jesus now had FULL ACCESS to what IS GOING ON IN THE HEAVENLY REALM. (The Opened Heavens)
Jesus was STILL the Son of God while doing His Ministry. He was still completely mortal, but he had access to the Heavenly realm in addition to the realm of earth.
Act 10:36 The word (Logos) which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Act 10:37 That word (Rhema), I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
Act 10:38 HOW GOD ANOINTED JESUS OF NAZARETH with the Holy Ghost and with power (Dunamis) : who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
That “ANOINTING” consisted of an impartation of a “measureless” portion of the Spirit that spoke the worlds into existence.
Joh 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words (Rhema) of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
As a “SELF-EXISTENT ONE”, Jesus was then able to say things that no other man had ever been able to say.
Joh 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Joh 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Joh 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
Joh 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
But the story doesn’t stop here!
Joh 5:27 And2532 HATH GIVEN1325 HIM846 AUTHORITY1849 TO EXECUTE4160 JUDGMENT2920 ALSO,2532 BECAUSE3754 HE IS2076 THE SON5207 OF MAN.
The ANOINTING OF JESUS included the AUTHORITY (Exousia) to execute Judgment.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, HE ALSO HIMSELF LIKEWISE TOOK PART OF THE SAME; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Heb 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behooved 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.
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is ABLE TO SUCCOR them that are tempted.
Heb 4:15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; BUT WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED LIKE AS WE ARE, yet without sin.
Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
Joh 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: FOR HE KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN.
We can be glad that Jesus was given authority to sit in judgment of humanity, for it was His humanity that was given that authority. He KNOWS us, better than we know ourselves. He walked among us, and is familiar with our problems. He experienced the problems we face. He can and will be Merciful, Righteous and Just. We can depend on that.
Jn 1:4
Something hit me “like a ton of bricks” a few days ago. I would like to share it with you.
An “in depth” study of the first chapter of John started me down a “rabbit path” of investigation, and I haven’t reached the end of it yet.
My Bible program told me that the word for “life” used here is NOT referring to the PHYSICAL life of humans or other animals, (Psuche), but rather the life of the SPIRIT, (Zoe).
I had known that, from previous studies, so it didn’t shake the earth too violently. But a study of the “ZOE” word in the Scriptures led me to something that shook me up quite a bit.. I will import it with the Greek numbers included, plus emphases from me.
Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live (ZAO).
Joh 5:26 For as the Father hath life (ZOE) in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life (Zoe) in himself;
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life (ZOE); and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Verse 25 is, undoubtedly, written about the FIRST RESURRECTION, while verse 28 is very likely referring to the GENERAL RESURRECTION. I had no problem there.
But verse 26 was one of those that “STOOD OUT ON THE PAPER” as the saying goes. I had read it many, many times, but never had I seen what it was trying to tell me this time.
Here is how it happened: The Father hath LIFE (Zoe) in Himself. That means He is “SELF-EXISTENT”. Still no problem, for we have known that all along.
What shook me this time is the statement that “so hath He GIVEN to the SON to have LIFE IN HIMSELF. (to be SELF-EXISTENT) “In Him was LIFE.” Jn 1:4
Now, Some of my friends have believed for a long time that Jesus was “God in the womb, God in the manger, and God in the carpenter shop.”
I don’t. Never have. Never will.
My friends always stop short of saying He was God on the Cross, for that would put their foot into the swamp, but good.
To the best of my understanding, Jesus was born the Son of God. He was the Son of God in the Carpenter shop.
The Son of God went into the waters of Jordan and was baptized by John when it was time for Him to enter into His Messianic Ministry. It was at this time that a mighty event, which many have overlooked, took place.
Luk 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
Luk 3:22 And the HOLY GHOST DESCENDED IN A BODILY SHAPE LIKE A DOVE UPON HIM, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the HEAVENS WERE OPENED UNTO HIM, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
AH! The OPENED HEAVENS! Originally, I thought of this as being a small passage-way for the “dove” to come through. Lately I have come to realize it as something ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. Let me explain.
Jesus was baptized as He became thirty years of age. That was considered the age of accountability or adulthood in those days. It was at that age that a son should be “ADOPTED” by his father, and taken in to full PARTNERSHIP IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS. In this case, it would have been the Carpenter shop.
But, JOSEPH WAS NOT THE FATHER OF JESUS!!!!
JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD!!!
So, in accord with the custom, God stepped up to the plate and LAID CLAIM TO JESUS.
He ANOINTED (COMMISSIONED) JESUS WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED BY JOHN.
It was at that time that God “GAVE” to Jesus THE “SELF-EXISTENT” quality. (Life within Himself”. Jesus was now a FULL PARTNER in the business of REDEEMING mankind from the fall of Adam. Jesus now had FULL ACCESS to what IS GOING ON IN THE HEAVENLY REALM. (The Opened Heavens)
Jesus was STILL the Son of God while doing His Ministry. He was still completely mortal, but he had access to the Heavenly realm in addition to the realm of earth.
Act 10:36 The word (Logos) which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Act 10:37 That word (Rhema), I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
Act 10:38 HOW GOD ANOINTED JESUS OF NAZARETH with the Holy Ghost and with power (Dunamis) : who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
That “ANOINTING” consisted of an impartation of a “measureless” portion of the Spirit that spoke the worlds into existence.
Joh 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words (Rhema) of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
As a “SELF-EXISTENT ONE”, Jesus was then able to say things that no other man had ever been able to say.
Joh 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Joh 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Joh 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
Joh 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
But the story doesn’t stop here!
Joh 5:27 And2532 HATH GIVEN1325 HIM846 AUTHORITY1849 TO EXECUTE4160 JUDGMENT2920 ALSO,2532 BECAUSE3754 HE IS2076 THE SON5207 OF MAN.
The ANOINTING OF JESUS included the AUTHORITY (Exousia) to execute Judgment.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, HE ALSO HIMSELF LIKEWISE TOOK PART OF THE SAME; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Heb 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behooved 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.
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is ABLE TO SUCCOR them that are tempted.
Heb 4:15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; BUT WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED LIKE AS WE ARE, yet without sin.
Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
Joh 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: FOR HE KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN.
We can be glad that Jesus was given authority to sit in judgment of humanity, for it was His humanity that was given that authority. He KNOWS us, better than we know ourselves. He walked among us, and is familiar with our problems. He experienced the problems we face. He can and will be Merciful, Righteous and Just. We can depend on that.
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