JEHOVAH - LORD
Exo 6:2 And God spoke unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:
Exo 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
It would seem to me that God is so great that it would be impossible for Him to reveal ALL of his attributes to mankind at one time. Man could not comprehend ALL of God at once. So, for over 400 years, He did not reveal a very important part of His Nature to mankind.
We do not read of the Lord having any great difficulty in getting Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to understand Him as Almighty God (El Shaddai, Nourisher). But when the time came for Him to reveal Himself as JEHOVAH THE LORD, there were problems right away.
For you see, the JEHOVAH-LORD nature of God is the part of Him that is like a ROCK, or a FORTRESS. It is UNRELENTING, UNMOVING, UNCHANGING. It is SOLID and DEMANDING. It is the part of God that humanity tends to flee from, avoid, and not acknowledge in their lives. We naturally dislike being told what to do by someone else. Our natural tendency is to disobey and rebel when a command is given to us.
Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Isa 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
God revealed this side of His Nature to us through the LAW OF MOSES, and it was not an easy undertaking for Him. Many times, in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, He would reiterate the fact that, "I AM THE LORD." It would seem that it was a very important lesson for them (and us) to learn.
To be sure, the BEST WAY for us to learn about what pleases or displeases God is to study and know the LAW OF MOSES. The TEN COMMANDMENTS are ABSOLUTES. They DO NOT BEND, NOR ARE THEY ERODED BY TIME OR ELEMENTS.
NOR DO DISPENSATIONS AFFECT THEM. They are the same today as they were when the finger of God etched them into stone over 3500 years ago.
THE GOD WHO WROTE THEM IS THE SAME. HE CHANGES NOT.
The MAIN DIFFERENCE TODAY is in OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THEM.
Before the death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary, retribution was swift and harsh for any infraction of the Law.
Deu 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set
before you LIFE AND DEATH,
BLESSING AND CURSING: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Deu 30:20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD swore unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Since that Sacrificial Death, retribution is DEFERRED until all means of drawing mankind to repentance have been exhausted. If repentance is forthcoming from our hearts, retribution is cancelled entirely, because God is NOW showing us his El Elyon nature-- forgiveness, mercy, grace, another chance.
BUT WOE BE TO THE FOLKS WHO REFUSE TO REPENT. As Bert Brisbane told us 65 years ago, "They'll be in hell before their feet get cold."
David seemed to have had first-hand knowledge of all three of the
main revelatory names of God. In Psalm 91 we read: Psa 91:1 He
that dwelleth in the secret place of the MOST HIGH (EL ELYON) shall abide
under the shadow of the ALMIGHTY (EL SHADDAI).
Psa 91:2 I will say of the LORD (JEHOVAH), He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Folks who study the "laws" of the human mind (Psychologists?) tell us repeatedly that mankind does better in development if we have guidelines for conduct that are clearly defined and rigidly enforced (JEHOVAH). It is called "good parenting" by some who seem to know what they are talking about. They also tell us that ample provision of the necessary supplies for life is very essential (El Shaddai), and that everyone will need forgiveness and another chance several times in their life (El Elyon).
JEHOVAH was a REFUGE and a FORTRESS for David. He can also be that for us, if we have learned to OBEY His Commands. And, right here, we must tell you that NOT ONE of us is able to FULLY SATISFY God with the BEST ODEDIENCE we can muster.
We must, each of us, depend upon the "safety net" provided by EL ELYON for the many times when this robe of flesh that we wear makes us falter. Without the ongoing forgiveness of Jesus, we are all hopelessly undone.
Jeremiah wrote: Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not
consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Learning about, and looking at the absolute holiness and perfection of JEHOVAH and the LAW which He gave us will serve to drive us humbly to His Feet in repentance for our inability to satisfy the demands of Holiness.
Being THANKFUL to God for the degree of victory to which we have attained is one thing. It humbles us to know what the Spirit of God can do in a human life. And we are constantly aware of how much more "ground there is to plow" in our quest for Holiness.
To be PROUD of our accomplishments is quite another thing, and has an odor that is offensive to God. Pride is the essence of COMPARISON to those around us.
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
A correct understanding will preclude any tendency to be proud of whatever degree of righteous living we may have attained to. We will readily admit with Paul that: Rom 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.
Paul also gave us a recipe for gaining victory over the "no good" flesh. Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye THROUGH THE SPIRIT do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
FROM THE INTERNET
I have been rather busy of late, so I have not been responsive to the posts about the group of believers who are referred to as being the "OVERCOMERS."
I would like to, now, respond, if I may. And, since it is one of my favorite topics, I may get a bit long winded, and you might find it profitable to print this out for future reference.
First, it is necessary to establish the difference between being SAVED, and becoming an OVERCOMER, or coming to MATURITY in our Christian walk.
John 1:12 states But as many as received him, to them gave he power (the right, privilege, opportunity) to BECOME (develop, grow up into) the SONS (huios-- fully developed) of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:
In other words, SALVATION (whatever your understanding of it is) is the STARTING POINT in our life as a Christian. When we receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are given a VERY SMALL allotment of the Eternal Spirit which spoke the worlds into existence. Eph 1:13,14 tells us that we are SEALED with that Holy Spirit of Promise, but that it is ONLY AN EARNEST of what we can attain to, if we "do our homework" from that beginning.
The REDEMPTION OF THE PURCHASED POSSESSION spoken of here is referring to an experience which is attainable in mortality, rather than in immortality-- as we have formerly been taught. Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the FIRSTFRUIT of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the ADOPTION, [to wit], the REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY.
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost DID NOT PARTIALLY IMMORTALIZE US. So, the REDEMPTION (buying back, restoring) will only affect the human mortal body.
WHEN WE RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST, a work is STARTED in our spirits which is the essence of the finger of God BEGINNING to write HIS DESIRES on the tables of our hearts. The process of guiding us into the TRUTH is HELPED or HINDERED in direct ratio to our RESPONSES to the voice of the Spirit as we acquaint ourselves with the Word of God. IT IS NOT AUTOMATIC.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, is come, he will GUIDE you into ALL TRUTH: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: AND HE WILL SHEW YOU THINGS TO COME.
It is a sad reality that multitudes of people who are GENUINELY SAVED have never caught a glimpse of the possibilities of development in God, and the REWARDS which accompany that development.
ADOPTION is one of those REWARDS. We are battling against the element of TIME in receiving both the ADOPTION and THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Notice that Paul said he HAD NOT YET ATTAINED, NEITHER WAS ALREADY PERFECT (MATURE, COMPLETE), but there was ONE THING I DO. I "FOLLOW AFTER"-- a very strong word in the Greek, and "I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK"-- another very strong expression of intense desire.
Now, let me remind you that Paul was "SAVED" in the sense the word is used today, all the time he was pursuing after something better.
This group of CHRISTIANS is described in Malachi 3:16 Then they that FEARED THE LORD spake (consulted) often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance (earmarked for adoption, overcomers) was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought (reckoned, guided their lives) upon his name. AND THEY SHALL BE MINE, saith the LORD of hosts, IN THAT DAY WHEN I MAKE UP MY JEWELS; and I will spare them (from the great White Throne Judgment), as a man spareth (in the FIRST (BETTER) RESURRECTION) his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return (look around), and discern (be able to know) between the righteous (now) and the wicked, between him that serveth God (now) and him that serveth him not (now).
TWO CLASSES OF CHRISTIANS mingle on a weekly basis, but no one is capable of knowing the heart of each individual-- except God. BUT HE DOES KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
WHEN IT IS TIME for the OVERCOMERS to be USHERED INTO THEIR PLACE in the economy of God-- they will be found from every walk of life, from every strata of society, from every race and nationality. PROBABLY FROM EVERY DENOMINATION also.
There will be a WORK for them to do. Revelation 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
I would like to, now, respond, if I may. And, since it is one of my favorite topics, I may get a bit long winded, and you might find it profitable to print this out for future reference.
First, it is necessary to establish the difference between being SAVED, and becoming an OVERCOMER, or coming to MATURITY in our Christian walk.
John 1:12 states But as many as received him, to them gave he power (the right, privilege, opportunity) to BECOME (develop, grow up into) the SONS (huios-- fully developed) of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:
In other words, SALVATION (whatever your understanding of it is) is the STARTING POINT in our life as a Christian. When we receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are given a VERY SMALL allotment of the Eternal Spirit which spoke the worlds into existence. Eph 1:13,14 tells us that we are SEALED with that Holy Spirit of Promise, but that it is ONLY AN EARNEST of what we can attain to, if we "do our homework" from that beginning.
The REDEMPTION OF THE PURCHASED POSSESSION spoken of here is referring to an experience which is attainable in mortality, rather than in immortality-- as we have formerly been taught. Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the FIRSTFRUIT of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the ADOPTION, [to wit], the REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY.
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost DID NOT PARTIALLY IMMORTALIZE US. So, the REDEMPTION (buying back, restoring) will only affect the human mortal body.
WHEN WE RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST, a work is STARTED in our spirits which is the essence of the finger of God BEGINNING to write HIS DESIRES on the tables of our hearts. The process of guiding us into the TRUTH is HELPED or HINDERED in direct ratio to our RESPONSES to the voice of the Spirit as we acquaint ourselves with the Word of God. IT IS NOT AUTOMATIC.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, is come, he will GUIDE you into ALL TRUTH: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: AND HE WILL SHEW YOU THINGS TO COME.
It is a sad reality that multitudes of people who are GENUINELY SAVED have never caught a glimpse of the possibilities of development in God, and the REWARDS which accompany that development.
ADOPTION is one of those REWARDS. We are battling against the element of TIME in receiving both the ADOPTION and THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Notice that Paul said he HAD NOT YET ATTAINED, NEITHER WAS ALREADY PERFECT (MATURE, COMPLETE), but there was ONE THING I DO. I "FOLLOW AFTER"-- a very strong word in the Greek, and "I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK"-- another very strong expression of intense desire.
Now, let me remind you that Paul was "SAVED" in the sense the word is used today, all the time he was pursuing after something better.
This group of CHRISTIANS is described in Malachi 3:16 Then they that FEARED THE LORD spake (consulted) often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance (earmarked for adoption, overcomers) was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought (reckoned, guided their lives) upon his name. AND THEY SHALL BE MINE, saith the LORD of hosts, IN THAT DAY WHEN I MAKE UP MY JEWELS; and I will spare them (from the great White Throne Judgment), as a man spareth (in the FIRST (BETTER) RESURRECTION) his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return (look around), and discern (be able to know) between the righteous (now) and the wicked, between him that serveth God (now) and him that serveth him not (now).
TWO CLASSES OF CHRISTIANS mingle on a weekly basis, but no one is capable of knowing the heart of each individual-- except God. BUT HE DOES KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
WHEN IT IS TIME for the OVERCOMERS to be USHERED INTO THEIR PLACE in the economy of God-- they will be found from every walk of life, from every strata of society, from every race and nationality. PROBABLY FROM EVERY DENOMINATION also.
There will be a WORK for them to do. Revelation 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD
THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD
Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Phi 3:14 I press toward THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
I cannot recall when my attention was first drawn to this portion of scripture. It has been many years, and was probably a part of one of those gradual processes of development similar to the Biblical "Here a little, and there a little." There have been many of those "slowly developing" truths in my lifetime. I treasure every one of them. Many individuals have participated, unknowingly, in the formation of several of the gems of my life, by just a passing thought or a word spoken in due season. Two men in particular (Walter Swier and John Lake) played predominant roles in provoking my studies along certain lines. They seemed to be especially led of the Lord to drop thoughts into my life at exactly the right time for me to build around and upon what they had said to me. God has been so very good to Pearl and me.
It seems almost needless to point out that not every Blood-bought Christian will develop at the same rate as another Christian. Some people simply put more effort and time into their walk with the Lord than others do, and consequently live a more victorious life, and receive much more enjoyment from it.
All Christians are "building" upon the foundation known as "Salvation through the Blood of Jesus", but they are NOT building at the same rate. There can be several determining factors in our rate of building our lives on that which the Lord has provided for the welfare of our soul.
Our love for the Lord will be one of the chief determining factors in our progress toward Christian Excellence. We will MAKE time for that which we LOVE.
When I was a teenager, a minister told a story from the pulpit, which helped me to get a "sense of direction" in my Christian walk. The story was about a young girl who felt she had a "call" to do Missionary work. She excitedly told her mother about it, but her mother was not as enthusiastic about it as the girl was. The Mother said, "Well, it serves you right. If you hadn't been sitting around with that Bible on your lap so much, you wouldn't have gotten that "call" to be a Missionary." Her assessment was "more truth than poetry."
People who put more into their walk with the Lord will get more in return for their efforts. The Bible tells us that if we "draw nigh" to Him, He will "draw nigh" to us.
Jam 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Here is the crux of the whole matter. Too many Christians have had difficulty making up their minds what they want to do with their experience in Jesus Christ. Too many of us have not really SURRENDERED our lives to Him. It stands to reason that we will not make as much progress in Spiritual things as others who have made a more complete surrender to Him will be making.
The Bible tells of a promise made to folks who take their Christianity seriously.
Mal 3:16 Then they that feared (had great respect for) the LORD spoke (took counsel) often one to another (Church attendance): 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 (reckoned-- patterned their lives) upon his name.
Mal 3:17 AND THEY SHALL BE MINE, saith the LORD of hosts, IN THAT DAY WHEN I MAKE UP (hand pick) MY JEWELS; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Mal 3:18 THEN (after the jewels are sorted out) SHALL YE RETURN (look around you), AND DISCERN BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, BETWEEN HIM THAT SERVETH GOD (today) AND HIM THAT SERVETH HIM NOT (today).
Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Phi 3:14 I press toward THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
I cannot recall when my attention was first drawn to this portion of scripture. It has been many years, and was probably a part of one of those gradual processes of development similar to the Biblical "Here a little, and there a little." There have been many of those "slowly developing" truths in my lifetime. I treasure every one of them. Many individuals have participated, unknowingly, in the formation of several of the gems of my life, by just a passing thought or a word spoken in due season. Two men in particular (Walter Swier and John Lake) played predominant roles in provoking my studies along certain lines. They seemed to be especially led of the Lord to drop thoughts into my life at exactly the right time for me to build around and upon what they had said to me. God has been so very good to Pearl and me.
It seems almost needless to point out that not every Blood-bought Christian will develop at the same rate as another Christian. Some people simply put more effort and time into their walk with the Lord than others do, and consequently live a more victorious life, and receive much more enjoyment from it.
All Christians are "building" upon the foundation known as "Salvation through the Blood of Jesus", but they are NOT building at the same rate. There can be several determining factors in our rate of building our lives on that which the Lord has provided for the welfare of our soul.
Our love for the Lord will be one of the chief determining factors in our progress toward Christian Excellence. We will MAKE time for that which we LOVE.
When I was a teenager, a minister told a story from the pulpit, which helped me to get a "sense of direction" in my Christian walk. The story was about a young girl who felt she had a "call" to do Missionary work. She excitedly told her mother about it, but her mother was not as enthusiastic about it as the girl was. The Mother said, "Well, it serves you right. If you hadn't been sitting around with that Bible on your lap so much, you wouldn't have gotten that "call" to be a Missionary." Her assessment was "more truth than poetry."
People who put more into their walk with the Lord will get more in return for their efforts. The Bible tells us that if we "draw nigh" to Him, He will "draw nigh" to us.
Jam 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Here is the crux of the whole matter. Too many Christians have had difficulty making up their minds what they want to do with their experience in Jesus Christ. Too many of us have not really SURRENDERED our lives to Him. It stands to reason that we will not make as much progress in Spiritual things as others who have made a more complete surrender to Him will be making.
The Bible tells of a promise made to folks who take their Christianity seriously.
Mal 3:16 Then they that feared (had great respect for) the LORD spoke (took counsel) often one to another (Church attendance): 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 (reckoned-- patterned their lives) upon his name.
Mal 3:17 AND THEY SHALL BE MINE, saith the LORD of hosts, IN THAT DAY WHEN I MAKE UP (hand pick) MY JEWELS; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Mal 3:18 THEN (after the jewels are sorted out) SHALL YE RETURN (look around you), AND DISCERN BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, BETWEEN HIM THAT SERVETH GOD (today) AND HIM THAT SERVETH HIM NOT (today).
Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Monday, July 16, 2007
ONE OF A CITY
ONE OF A CITY
Most folks who are familiar with the Bible know that there was a "church split" in the nation of Israel after the death of Solomon.
The dividing issue, from the human standpoint, was taxation. At least that was what was showing on the surface. There might have been several other issues "under the table" that didn't make it into the Scriptures.
From the Heavenly standpoint, however, there was a completely different reason for the split. It was DISOBEDIENCE and SIN on the part of all parties concerned.
God had it all planned out, long before it happened, and had sent a Prophet to inform the man who was to lead the Northern Ten Tribes away from the House of David, and further into sin. You can read all about it in 1 Kings 11.
2KI 17:21 For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.
2KI 17:22 For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;
Israel's kings were all bad, and led them further into disobedience and sin, until the Lord finally said, "It is enough", and sent them into Assyrian captivity.
2KI 17:23 Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.
There is no Biblical record of those ten tribes EVER returning to be a recognized part of the family of Israel. When I was a child, they were referred to by the older folks as "The Ten Lost Tribes."
It seemed that a terrible calamity had happened to them, and it was a terrible thing for them to be carried into captivity from which they would never return. But we must bear in mind that it was done by the Hand of the Almighty. God USED ungodly men to accomplish what He had decreed would be done.
Judah, the southern kingdom, "walked the line" for a while, but soon forgot what the northern kingdom had suffered because of sin. They drifted into sin which would surpass what the northerners had been guilty of.
Let me give you a clearer picture of what was taking place.
Jesus told a parable to the people one day about two brothers. He was talking to Jewish leaders at the time.
MAT 21:28 ¶ But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
This is a picture of ten-tribed Israel's revolting. But eventually, centuries later, they did do the work of God. In the meantime, they had forgotten who they were. They had lost their identity. (How many generations of YOUR family history do you know?)
MAT 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I [go], sir: and went not.
This represents southern Judah going through the motions of serving God, but getting nothing done.
MAT 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
The Jewish leaders KNEW what Jesus was talking about. He had "pinned it on them."
About a hundred years after Israel (the northern ten tribes) were sent into captivity, the southern kingdom (Judah) was in worse shape spiritually than Israel had been when they were captured and taken by the Assyrians.
JER 3:10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.
JER 3:11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.
The Lord commissioned the Prophet Jeremiah to speak a message for the northern captives, inviting them to return to the paths of obedience and righteousness.
JER 3:12 ¶ Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.
JER 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
ZEC 1:3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Hosea delivered almost the same message to the captives. Hosea was called upon to LIVE a prophecy about the mercy and love of the Lord.
HOS 14:1 O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
HOS 14:2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
Jeremiah pleaded with Judah to break off their sin and disobedience, but they hated him and tried to kill him in various ways. They were keeping up a show of respect for God, but they were secretly doing abominations against God.
The Lord warned them through Habakkuk that the Chaldeans were coming, and that they were not a nice people to deal with.
HAB 1:6 For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.
Judah's time of captivity was to start at 606 BC, and last for 70 years. Afterward, many of them returned and continued to maintain their identity as descendants of Israel. Jerusalem was finally destroyed in 70 AD. by the Roman general Titus.
But the picture is not all bad. Our God has an attribute that "just won't quit". God is addicted to Mercy and Compassion. He dearly loves to forgive a repentant sinner, regardless of what their past has been.
PSA 86:5 For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
PSA 86:15 But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
MIC 7:18 Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
MIC 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
God, centuries ago, set in motion a plan which will bring the bulk of His People of old, back to Him. But it will be a different relationship than it was before. There will not be the burdensome ceremonies and rituals of the past. Instead, He will dwell in their hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.
Isaiah gives us a word picture of what God is planning to do for His people in the near future. It will be such a mighty move of the Spirit of God that it will eclipse the deliverance from Egypt by the Rod of Moses.
ISA 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
Jeremiah gives us about the same picture.
JER 16:14 ¶ Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
JER 16:15 But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
ISA 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Most folks who are familiar with the Bible know that there was a "church split" in the nation of Israel after the death of Solomon.
The dividing issue, from the human standpoint, was taxation. At least that was what was showing on the surface. There might have been several other issues "under the table" that didn't make it into the Scriptures.
From the Heavenly standpoint, however, there was a completely different reason for the split. It was DISOBEDIENCE and SIN on the part of all parties concerned.
God had it all planned out, long before it happened, and had sent a Prophet to inform the man who was to lead the Northern Ten Tribes away from the House of David, and further into sin. You can read all about it in 1 Kings 11.
2KI 17:21 For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.
2KI 17:22 For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;
Israel's kings were all bad, and led them further into disobedience and sin, until the Lord finally said, "It is enough", and sent them into Assyrian captivity.
2KI 17:23 Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.
There is no Biblical record of those ten tribes EVER returning to be a recognized part of the family of Israel. When I was a child, they were referred to by the older folks as "The Ten Lost Tribes."
It seemed that a terrible calamity had happened to them, and it was a terrible thing for them to be carried into captivity from which they would never return. But we must bear in mind that it was done by the Hand of the Almighty. God USED ungodly men to accomplish what He had decreed would be done.
Judah, the southern kingdom, "walked the line" for a while, but soon forgot what the northern kingdom had suffered because of sin. They drifted into sin which would surpass what the northerners had been guilty of.
Let me give you a clearer picture of what was taking place.
Jesus told a parable to the people one day about two brothers. He was talking to Jewish leaders at the time.
MAT 21:28 ¶ But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
This is a picture of ten-tribed Israel's revolting. But eventually, centuries later, they did do the work of God. In the meantime, they had forgotten who they were. They had lost their identity. (How many generations of YOUR family history do you know?)
MAT 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I [go], sir: and went not.
This represents southern Judah going through the motions of serving God, but getting nothing done.
MAT 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
The Jewish leaders KNEW what Jesus was talking about. He had "pinned it on them."
About a hundred years after Israel (the northern ten tribes) were sent into captivity, the southern kingdom (Judah) was in worse shape spiritually than Israel had been when they were captured and taken by the Assyrians.
JER 3:10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.
JER 3:11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.
The Lord commissioned the Prophet Jeremiah to speak a message for the northern captives, inviting them to return to the paths of obedience and righteousness.
JER 3:12 ¶ Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.
JER 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
ZEC 1:3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Hosea delivered almost the same message to the captives. Hosea was called upon to LIVE a prophecy about the mercy and love of the Lord.
HOS 14:1 O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
HOS 14:2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
Jeremiah pleaded with Judah to break off their sin and disobedience, but they hated him and tried to kill him in various ways. They were keeping up a show of respect for God, but they were secretly doing abominations against God.
The Lord warned them through Habakkuk that the Chaldeans were coming, and that they were not a nice people to deal with.
HAB 1:6 For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.
Judah's time of captivity was to start at 606 BC, and last for 70 years. Afterward, many of them returned and continued to maintain their identity as descendants of Israel. Jerusalem was finally destroyed in 70 AD. by the Roman general Titus.
But the picture is not all bad. Our God has an attribute that "just won't quit". God is addicted to Mercy and Compassion. He dearly loves to forgive a repentant sinner, regardless of what their past has been.
PSA 86:5 For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
PSA 86:15 But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
MIC 7:18 Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
MIC 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
God, centuries ago, set in motion a plan which will bring the bulk of His People of old, back to Him. But it will be a different relationship than it was before. There will not be the burdensome ceremonies and rituals of the past. Instead, He will dwell in their hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.
Isaiah gives us a word picture of what God is planning to do for His people in the near future. It will be such a mighty move of the Spirit of God that it will eclipse the deliverance from Egypt by the Rod of Moses.
ISA 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
Jeremiah gives us about the same picture.
JER 16:14 ¶ Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
JER 16:15 But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
ISA 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
ZERUBBABEL
ZERUBBABEL
In reading the books of Haggai and Zechariah, who were prophets at the time of the restoration of the House of God in Jerusalem, I find there are some statements made which are truly prophetic. They were used to encourage the builders at that time, but were actually prophecies about a group of workers in this last day, working on the True House of God.
Zerubbabel, who was governor of Judah under Cyrus and later kings, was the head man of those who laid the foundation of the Temple. Wicked men caused an intervention in the building by persuading the king it would culminate in rebellion of the Jewish people. For a period of about 15 or 20 years there was no more work done on the foundation.
Then God caused the prophets to rise up and prophesy encouragements and rebukes to the people until they resumed their building on the Temple.
On the surface, it appears that their prophecies concerned only the folks of that day, but a careful reading will show that the Temple they were rebuilding was being used as a type of a Spiritual House that would need rebuilding in the last days. Zerubbabel, the leader, was used as a type of the workers who will rebuild this Spiritual House.
Many prophets spoke of this company of people, and used them in different ways. To Joel they were a Strong and Terrible Army; in several books they are pictured as the BRANCH in the House of David; Isaiah saw them as the Mighty, Sanctified Ones; Malachi saw them as the Tribe of Levi serving as Priests, and Obadiah saw them as Saviours on Mt. Zion.
This company of people will have a ministry to the World. They will take the Kingdom and possess it forever. They will be Kings and Priests for a thousand years or longer.
BUT LISTEN! According to Zech 4 there is a cardinal truth of the Kingdom which this "Zerubbabel" must learn before he is ready to finish the restoration of the Temple. Zechariah saw a Candlestick between two Olive Trees (two witnesses). These were to TEACH Zerubbabel a lesson. He must learn to not rely on power nor might, but to put his trust in the Spirit of The Living God. "Not by MIGHT, nor by POWER, but by MY SPIRIT,"----
A SPIRITUAL HOUSE cannot be rebuilt with carnal material. If your church or your Christian experience has to be seasoned occasionally with parties of various sorts, you have missed the path somewhere along the line. Nor do skating and
bathing parties and basketball games have any place in this Spiritual House. These are all natural, and pertain to the natural man.
Zerubbabel must also learn to use SPIRITUAL TOOLS. Otherwise the good material would be spoiled by bad tools and workmanship.
Psycological tricks and professonalism may work fine in their place, but they HAVE NO PLACE IN THE BUILDING OF GOD. Men who resort to using them disqualify themselves for a work with Spiritual things.
Then, if he is to use Spiritual material and Spiritual tools, he must also become skillful in working in the REALM OF THE SPIRIT. The City is Celestial, and can only be built in the Celestial Realm. Operations of the NATURAL realm build only NATURAL structures.
This is one reason why Ecclesiastical Organizations can not produce the goods. They all, without exception, belong to Babylon.
They all produce more bondage than they do good.
The Lord is looking for a few good men whom He can make into "ABLE MINISTERS OF THE WORD, AND OF THE SPIRIT." We must learn to rely on the Spirit ALONE to make our ministering of the Word fruitful.
In reading the books of Haggai and Zechariah, who were prophets at the time of the restoration of the House of God in Jerusalem, I find there are some statements made which are truly prophetic. They were used to encourage the builders at that time, but were actually prophecies about a group of workers in this last day, working on the True House of God.
Zerubbabel, who was governor of Judah under Cyrus and later kings, was the head man of those who laid the foundation of the Temple. Wicked men caused an intervention in the building by persuading the king it would culminate in rebellion of the Jewish people. For a period of about 15 or 20 years there was no more work done on the foundation.
Then God caused the prophets to rise up and prophesy encouragements and rebukes to the people until they resumed their building on the Temple.
On the surface, it appears that their prophecies concerned only the folks of that day, but a careful reading will show that the Temple they were rebuilding was being used as a type of a Spiritual House that would need rebuilding in the last days. Zerubbabel, the leader, was used as a type of the workers who will rebuild this Spiritual House.
Many prophets spoke of this company of people, and used them in different ways. To Joel they were a Strong and Terrible Army; in several books they are pictured as the BRANCH in the House of David; Isaiah saw them as the Mighty, Sanctified Ones; Malachi saw them as the Tribe of Levi serving as Priests, and Obadiah saw them as Saviours on Mt. Zion.
This company of people will have a ministry to the World. They will take the Kingdom and possess it forever. They will be Kings and Priests for a thousand years or longer.
BUT LISTEN! According to Zech 4 there is a cardinal truth of the Kingdom which this "Zerubbabel" must learn before he is ready to finish the restoration of the Temple. Zechariah saw a Candlestick between two Olive Trees (two witnesses). These were to TEACH Zerubbabel a lesson. He must learn to not rely on power nor might, but to put his trust in the Spirit of The Living God. "Not by MIGHT, nor by POWER, but by MY SPIRIT,"----
A SPIRITUAL HOUSE cannot be rebuilt with carnal material. If your church or your Christian experience has to be seasoned occasionally with parties of various sorts, you have missed the path somewhere along the line. Nor do skating and
bathing parties and basketball games have any place in this Spiritual House. These are all natural, and pertain to the natural man.
Zerubbabel must also learn to use SPIRITUAL TOOLS. Otherwise the good material would be spoiled by bad tools and workmanship.
Psycological tricks and professonalism may work fine in their place, but they HAVE NO PLACE IN THE BUILDING OF GOD. Men who resort to using them disqualify themselves for a work with Spiritual things.
Then, if he is to use Spiritual material and Spiritual tools, he must also become skillful in working in the REALM OF THE SPIRIT. The City is Celestial, and can only be built in the Celestial Realm. Operations of the NATURAL realm build only NATURAL structures.
This is one reason why Ecclesiastical Organizations can not produce the goods. They all, without exception, belong to Babylon.
They all produce more bondage than they do good.
The Lord is looking for a few good men whom He can make into "ABLE MINISTERS OF THE WORD, AND OF THE SPIRIT." We must learn to rely on the Spirit ALONE to make our ministering of the Word fruitful.
THE END OF THE SABBATH
THE END OF THE SABBATH
Amo 8:4 Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, 8:5 Saying, When will the NEW MOON be gone, that we may sell corn? AND THE SABBATH, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and FALSIFYING THE BALANCES BY DECEIT? 8:6 That we may BUY THE POOR FOR SILVER, and the NEEDY FOR A PAIR OF SHOES; yea, and SELL THE REFUSE OF THE WHEAT?
There are several expressions in the Bible that are used to denote the LAW OF MOSES without saying the words. Some of the outstanding features of the Law would suffice to get the idea across to whomever a person was conversing with. Some, but not all, of them were: NEW MOON, SABBATH, TRANSGRESSION, MOSES.
Many of the Israelites were NOT HAPPY with the restrictions of the Law, and sought for ways to circumvent it when they could. Indeed, there were many ways to break the Sabbath without actually "breaking" it. It has been said that if a person wanted to make a trip of more than the allowed 3/4 mile on the Sabbath day, he would send his servants out the day before to scatter items of his goods along the way at intervals just under the limit of a Sabbath day journey. Thus, he was never more than the limited distance away from his property, and could go as far as his goods would allow. Who was fooling whom?
I am told that the present version of the Law of Moses has myriads of "loopholes" written into it, designed especially to legalize many of the original prohibitions. Who is fooling whom?
MAL 1:12 ¶ But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] polluted; and the fruit thereof, [even] his meat, [is] contemptible. :13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. :14 But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.
In our scripture today, we hear Amos chiding with the people (especially the Priests) who are wondering how much longer the restrictions of the Law are going to be in force. How long would they have to refrain from being deceitful in their commercial and Spiritual dealings? How long would it be until they could "pull shenanigans" on theirsubjects? How long would they have to wait before they could foreclose on a widow's property?
Amos tells them plainly how long it will be.
AMO 8:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I WILL CAUSE THE SUN TO GO DOWN AT NOON, AND I WILL DARKEN THE EARTH IN THE CLEAR DAY:
When did that happen? WHEN JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED. FROM NOON TO 3:00 PM
Mat 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Mar 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. Luk 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
The SABBATH WAS ENDED. THE NEW MOON WAS PAST.
THE SCHOOLMASTER (the Law) HAD DONE ALL IT COULD DO TO TEACH THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEEDED TO KNOW.
If people did not want to do what they knew to be right, there was no one to tell them to stop doing wrong. They were "on their own", and could be as deceitful or as honest as they chose to be.
Coincidentally, As God had arranged it, there were TWO SABBATHS observed while Jesus was in the tomb. The first one (the one they had to dodge to get the three victims into the grave before the sundown, was the yearly "PASSOVER SABBATH". The second one was the REGULAR SATURDAY SABBATH. (Two Sabbaths ended by the death of Jesus at Calvary)
I find it rather intriguing that Matthew records the resurrection in the manner he does.
Mat 28:1 In the END OF THE SABBATH, as it began to dawn toward THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.
What about the "first day of the week"? The book of Barnabas (from the LOST BOOKS OF THE BIBLE) says that the early Apostles kept the Saturday Sabbath because they were Israelites, but observed the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK as Christians, because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. They called it "the Lord's Day".
Today, we are "on our own" as far as keeping the Sabbath Day, or the Lord's Day, as a DAY OF WORSHIP TO GOD. If we have not learned a lesson from the Law that JEHOVAH GOD gave through Moses 3500 years ago, there is no one who will force us to do what God desires for us to do. Likewise, there is NO ONE going to FORCE ON US the blessings that will OVERTAKE the willing and the faithful. See Deut 28
Amo 8:4 Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, 8:5 Saying, When will the NEW MOON be gone, that we may sell corn? AND THE SABBATH, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and FALSIFYING THE BALANCES BY DECEIT? 8:6 That we may BUY THE POOR FOR SILVER, and the NEEDY FOR A PAIR OF SHOES; yea, and SELL THE REFUSE OF THE WHEAT?
There are several expressions in the Bible that are used to denote the LAW OF MOSES without saying the words. Some of the outstanding features of the Law would suffice to get the idea across to whomever a person was conversing with. Some, but not all, of them were: NEW MOON, SABBATH, TRANSGRESSION, MOSES.
Many of the Israelites were NOT HAPPY with the restrictions of the Law, and sought for ways to circumvent it when they could. Indeed, there were many ways to break the Sabbath without actually "breaking" it. It has been said that if a person wanted to make a trip of more than the allowed 3/4 mile on the Sabbath day, he would send his servants out the day before to scatter items of his goods along the way at intervals just under the limit of a Sabbath day journey. Thus, he was never more than the limited distance away from his property, and could go as far as his goods would allow. Who was fooling whom?
I am told that the present version of the Law of Moses has myriads of "loopholes" written into it, designed especially to legalize many of the original prohibitions. Who is fooling whom?
MAL 1:12 ¶ But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] polluted; and the fruit thereof, [even] his meat, [is] contemptible. :13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. :14 But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.
In our scripture today, we hear Amos chiding with the people (especially the Priests) who are wondering how much longer the restrictions of the Law are going to be in force. How long would they have to refrain from being deceitful in their commercial and Spiritual dealings? How long would it be until they could "pull shenanigans" on theirsubjects? How long would they have to wait before they could foreclose on a widow's property?
Amos tells them plainly how long it will be.
AMO 8:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I WILL CAUSE THE SUN TO GO DOWN AT NOON, AND I WILL DARKEN THE EARTH IN THE CLEAR DAY:
When did that happen? WHEN JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED. FROM NOON TO 3:00 PM
Mat 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Mar 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. Luk 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
The SABBATH WAS ENDED. THE NEW MOON WAS PAST.
THE SCHOOLMASTER (the Law) HAD DONE ALL IT COULD DO TO TEACH THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEEDED TO KNOW.
If people did not want to do what they knew to be right, there was no one to tell them to stop doing wrong. They were "on their own", and could be as deceitful or as honest as they chose to be.
Coincidentally, As God had arranged it, there were TWO SABBATHS observed while Jesus was in the tomb. The first one (the one they had to dodge to get the three victims into the grave before the sundown, was the yearly "PASSOVER SABBATH". The second one was the REGULAR SATURDAY SABBATH. (Two Sabbaths ended by the death of Jesus at Calvary)
I find it rather intriguing that Matthew records the resurrection in the manner he does.
Mat 28:1 In the END OF THE SABBATH, as it began to dawn toward THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.
What about the "first day of the week"? The book of Barnabas (from the LOST BOOKS OF THE BIBLE) says that the early Apostles kept the Saturday Sabbath because they were Israelites, but observed the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK as Christians, because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. They called it "the Lord's Day".
Today, we are "on our own" as far as keeping the Sabbath Day, or the Lord's Day, as a DAY OF WORSHIP TO GOD. If we have not learned a lesson from the Law that JEHOVAH GOD gave through Moses 3500 years ago, there is no one who will force us to do what God desires for us to do. Likewise, there is NO ONE going to FORCE ON US the blessings that will OVERTAKE the willing and the faithful. See Deut 28
Friday, July 13, 2007
BY INHERITANCE
BY INHERITANCE
Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Under normal circumstances, we inherit our name from our father. Jesus was no different than we are, in that respect.
It is true that the name was determined and declared at the time of conception. Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
WHO WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS? Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary.
MARY WAS STILL A VIRGIN WHEN JESUS WAS BORN. Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
WHO WAS THE FATHER OF JESUS? Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Thus, Jesus inherited a better NAME than any other person could have inherited. The HOLY GHOST was His father. He also inherited a better NATURE than other humans do. He inherited better BLOOD than other humans do.
HIS NAME, HIS NATURE, HIS BLOOD-- made it possible for Him to purchase Salvation for us all.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
JESUS ALSO QUALIFIED HIMSELF BY HIS STRICT OBEDIENCE TO HIS PURPOSE IN BEING AMONG MEN.
Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We can safely rest our souls in His care. Put full confidence in Him. Place no confidence in your own abilities.
Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Under normal circumstances, we inherit our name from our father. Jesus was no different than we are, in that respect.
It is true that the name was determined and declared at the time of conception. Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
WHO WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS? Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary.
MARY WAS STILL A VIRGIN WHEN JESUS WAS BORN. Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
WHO WAS THE FATHER OF JESUS? Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Thus, Jesus inherited a better NAME than any other person could have inherited. The HOLY GHOST was His father. He also inherited a better NATURE than other humans do. He inherited better BLOOD than other humans do.
HIS NAME, HIS NATURE, HIS BLOOD-- made it possible for Him to purchase Salvation for us all.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
JESUS ALSO QUALIFIED HIMSELF BY HIS STRICT OBEDIENCE TO HIS PURPOSE IN BEING AMONG MEN.
Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We can safely rest our souls in His care. Put full confidence in Him. Place no confidence in your own abilities.
Monday, July 09, 2007
THE ALMIGHTY GOD
Exo 6:2 And God spoke unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:
Exo 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
We continue our studies of the "Revelatory Names" of God. Last time, we learned of how the Lord gave Abraham a short glimpse of the attributes of THE MOST HIGH GOD (El Elyon). He did not reveal Himself fully, but sent His Priest Melchizedek to give communion to and receive tithes from Abraham.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob DID know God as GOD ALMIGHTY (EL SHADDAI, The Nourisher, the Breasted One).
Let me say right up front that God DOES NOT CHANGE. He reveals different aspects of Himself under different Revelatory Names.
How each one of us understands God will shape how we relate to Him, and also our destiny in Him.
Since Abraham, Job, and many others of the earliest patriarchs, had the revelation of EL SHADDAI as the Breasted Nourisher, they were made fabulously rich by their trust in their understanding of Him.
We have many people today who seem to know Him in that same manner today, and bask in the blessings of abundance. The message of Prosperity is a VERY popular message today.
We cannot say it is not a valid message to those who are "geared" that way. It DOES seem to work.
What we must constantly keep uppermost in our minds is the fact that the "BREAST" is not ALL THERE IS TO GOD. He has OTHER ATTRIBUTES ALSO, and other Revelatory Names show other aspects of His Nature.
Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Gen 17:2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
As far as I can tell, this is the FIRST time the Lord APPEARED to a man and REVEALED A NAME by which He could be called.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING of the Revelatory Names of God. It was the START of the Revelation of the Multi-faceted Nature of God. BUT ONLY A START.
THERE WOULD BE MUCH MORE TO FOLLOW.
There is a strong tendency in the human nature to want to "camp" around any revelation God makes of Himself to us. Those revelations usually bring bright fires of revival with them, and they feed our souls as we learn something more about the God of the Universe. If we do not continue to learn more of God, those bright fires of one time soon lose their luster and become a bed of has-been clinkers. There is not very much excitement nor warmth in a burned-out camp fire. Yet, many Christians are still huddling desperately around one or more of those has-been revival fires, and wondering why they are so cold in their souls.
It is not because there is no more warmth in God or in serving Him. It is because God has chosen to REVEAL more of Himself, and we could not/would not accept and walk in the new Revelation of Himself.
It is MOST DANGEROUS to "look the other way" when God sheds light on more of Himself. It can only lead to stagnation, and another religious denomination. Rusting hulls on the shores of time.
The God that Abraham knew can make us all rich, but if that is our main goal in serving Him we are selling ourselves short, as we shall see in another article to come in the future.
Exo 6:2 And God spoke unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:
Exo 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
We continue our studies of the "Revelatory Names" of God. Last time, we learned of how the Lord gave Abraham a short glimpse of the attributes of THE MOST HIGH GOD (El Elyon). He did not reveal Himself fully, but sent His Priest Melchizedek to give communion to and receive tithes from Abraham.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob DID know God as GOD ALMIGHTY (EL SHADDAI, The Nourisher, the Breasted One).
Let me say right up front that God DOES NOT CHANGE. He reveals different aspects of Himself under different Revelatory Names.
How each one of us understands God will shape how we relate to Him, and also our destiny in Him.
Since Abraham, Job, and many others of the earliest patriarchs, had the revelation of EL SHADDAI as the Breasted Nourisher, they were made fabulously rich by their trust in their understanding of Him.
We have many people today who seem to know Him in that same manner today, and bask in the blessings of abundance. The message of Prosperity is a VERY popular message today.
We cannot say it is not a valid message to those who are "geared" that way. It DOES seem to work.
What we must constantly keep uppermost in our minds is the fact that the "BREAST" is not ALL THERE IS TO GOD. He has OTHER ATTRIBUTES ALSO, and other Revelatory Names show other aspects of His Nature.
Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Gen 17:2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
As far as I can tell, this is the FIRST time the Lord APPEARED to a man and REVEALED A NAME by which He could be called.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING of the Revelatory Names of God. It was the START of the Revelation of the Multi-faceted Nature of God. BUT ONLY A START.
THERE WOULD BE MUCH MORE TO FOLLOW.
There is a strong tendency in the human nature to want to "camp" around any revelation God makes of Himself to us. Those revelations usually bring bright fires of revival with them, and they feed our souls as we learn something more about the God of the Universe. If we do not continue to learn more of God, those bright fires of one time soon lose their luster and become a bed of has-been clinkers. There is not very much excitement nor warmth in a burned-out camp fire. Yet, many Christians are still huddling desperately around one or more of those has-been revival fires, and wondering why they are so cold in their souls.
It is not because there is no more warmth in God or in serving Him. It is because God has chosen to REVEAL more of Himself, and we could not/would not accept and walk in the new Revelation of Himself.
It is MOST DANGEROUS to "look the other way" when God sheds light on more of Himself. It can only lead to stagnation, and another religious denomination. Rusting hulls on the shores of time.
The God that Abraham knew can make us all rich, but if that is our main goal in serving Him we are selling ourselves short, as we shall see in another article to come in the future.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
USE 'EM OR LOSE 'EM
Our Pastor preached a message this morning on a subject I had never heard used before.
I’ll run a few parts of it past you so you can enjoy it also.
I don’t remember if he put a title on it, but he used a phrase several times that aptly describes the main thrust of his message.
“USE IT OR LOSE IT.”
The scripture he read included, but was not confined to, 1Ti 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
He gave a homely illustration to the boys on the front row. He had been facing knee surgery for several weeks because of some injuries in the past. He had prayed earnestly that the Lord would not make him go through that ordeal, but it kept getting worse.
Finally, in desperation, he made another visit to the surgeon’s office, and was thoroughly surprised at the verdict of the doctor. He said, “Sir, you don’t need surgery. It would do you no good. What you REALLY need to do is strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee—especially the ones that hold the knee cap in the proper place. The joint is fine, but the muscles are weak, and let the cap get out of alignment.”
“The answer, he said, is to put weights on your ankles, and as you walk you will put enough extra strain on those muscles that they will grow strong enough to do what they are designed to do.. USE ‘EM, OR LOSE ‘EM””
Pastor then pulled up his pant legs far enough to show those close by what the weights looked like. He was wearing them this morning.
The muscles may get sore, and ache a bit, but THEY WILL ALSO GET STRONGER as they lift the extra weight of the ballasts on his ankles.
He told us that what he is doing is EASY TO DO. But, if it is easy to DO, it would also be easy to neglect. That is what too many of us are already doing, and weakness is setting into our Christian Walk.
WE MUST EXERCISE OURSELVES UNTO GODLINESS if we want to be strong Christians.
We need to spend much time each day in developing a spirit of forgiveness to people whom we suspect of trying to harm us. EXERCISE ourselves that way.
We need to put forth more effort to have a real love for other folks, especially other Christians. EXERCISE ourselves that way also.
HONESTY, UPRIGHTNESS, and INTEGRITY are also ways that we should EXERCISE daily.
TELLING THE LORD HOW MUCH WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE HIM is also a very good EXERCISE to practice while we go about our day-to-day activities.
“USE ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM”
Our Pastor preached a message this morning on a subject I had never heard used before.
I’ll run a few parts of it past you so you can enjoy it also.
I don’t remember if he put a title on it, but he used a phrase several times that aptly describes the main thrust of his message.
“USE IT OR LOSE IT.”
The scripture he read included, but was not confined to, 1Ti 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
He gave a homely illustration to the boys on the front row. He had been facing knee surgery for several weeks because of some injuries in the past. He had prayed earnestly that the Lord would not make him go through that ordeal, but it kept getting worse.
Finally, in desperation, he made another visit to the surgeon’s office, and was thoroughly surprised at the verdict of the doctor. He said, “Sir, you don’t need surgery. It would do you no good. What you REALLY need to do is strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee—especially the ones that hold the knee cap in the proper place. The joint is fine, but the muscles are weak, and let the cap get out of alignment.”
“The answer, he said, is to put weights on your ankles, and as you walk you will put enough extra strain on those muscles that they will grow strong enough to do what they are designed to do.. USE ‘EM, OR LOSE ‘EM””
Pastor then pulled up his pant legs far enough to show those close by what the weights looked like. He was wearing them this morning.
The muscles may get sore, and ache a bit, but THEY WILL ALSO GET STRONGER as they lift the extra weight of the ballasts on his ankles.
He told us that what he is doing is EASY TO DO. But, if it is easy to DO, it would also be easy to neglect. That is what too many of us are already doing, and weakness is setting into our Christian Walk.
WE MUST EXERCISE OURSELVES UNTO GODLINESS if we want to be strong Christians.
We need to spend much time each day in developing a spirit of forgiveness to people whom we suspect of trying to harm us. EXERCISE ourselves that way.
We need to put forth more effort to have a real love for other folks, especially other Christians. EXERCISE ourselves that way also.
HONESTY, UPRIGHTNESS, and INTEGRITY are also ways that we should EXERCISE daily.
TELLING THE LORD HOW MUCH WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE HIM is also a very good EXERCISE to practice while we go about our day-to-day activities.
“USE ‘EM OR LOSE ‘EM”
Friday, July 06, 2007
I HAVE COMMANDED
"I HAVE COMMANDED"
Recently my attention has been directed to this phrase which is used several times in Scripture. There are some places where the Lord issued commands, and the people involved knew nothing about it. Look at two incidents in the life of Elijah:
I Kings 17:4 And it shall be, [that] thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.
If you understand ravens, you will know that it had to be God who caused them to bring meat to the Prophet regularly. Perhaps they wondered what it was all about, the same as we do when we are used of God for a specific purpose.
The poor widow woman is a classic example of a person being under the Command of God, and not being aware of it at all.
I Kings 17:9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which [belongeth] to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
Feeding a Prophet was the farthest thing from her mind as she was picking up sticks that day. She was a woman laden with sorrow and grief. Her husband was dead, and her best efforts to keep body and soul together were failing. This was it. The end had come for her and the boy. I wonder, could she have been crying when the Prophet approached her? Or was she singing victoriously, knowing that her pain was, at last, coming to an end? Who knows?
One thing is certain. It wouldn't make any difference if she gave away the last cake she had meal for. It would only shorten the misery for them.
She didn't know about God's command to her to feed the Man of God. She had, non-the-less, been commanded by God to do it.
All this makes me wonder about some of us. Are we under command from God to do a specific thing for Him, and perhaps are not aware of His command to us? Could it be possible that God has ordained that we do differently than we are now doing-- that we go with His Word where we are not now going?
Are we SURE we are doing the bidding of the Lord?
Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness. Are we included here?
Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Also, I am wondering if, perhaps, we may be doing or saying some things for Him which He has NOT commanded us to do or say.
Jeremiah 29:23 Because they have committed villany in Israel, -- and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
Do you ever wonder about some of the things we are being taught today, such as "Health and Wealth"?
Is the Gospel being "short circuited" before we hear it?
Recently my attention has been directed to this phrase which is used several times in Scripture. There are some places where the Lord issued commands, and the people involved knew nothing about it. Look at two incidents in the life of Elijah:
I Kings 17:4 And it shall be, [that] thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.
If you understand ravens, you will know that it had to be God who caused them to bring meat to the Prophet regularly. Perhaps they wondered what it was all about, the same as we do when we are used of God for a specific purpose.
The poor widow woman is a classic example of a person being under the Command of God, and not being aware of it at all.
I Kings 17:9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which [belongeth] to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
Feeding a Prophet was the farthest thing from her mind as she was picking up sticks that day. She was a woman laden with sorrow and grief. Her husband was dead, and her best efforts to keep body and soul together were failing. This was it. The end had come for her and the boy. I wonder, could she have been crying when the Prophet approached her? Or was she singing victoriously, knowing that her pain was, at last, coming to an end? Who knows?
One thing is certain. It wouldn't make any difference if she gave away the last cake she had meal for. It would only shorten the misery for them.
She didn't know about God's command to her to feed the Man of God. She had, non-the-less, been commanded by God to do it.
All this makes me wonder about some of us. Are we under command from God to do a specific thing for Him, and perhaps are not aware of His command to us? Could it be possible that God has ordained that we do differently than we are now doing-- that we go with His Word where we are not now going?
Are we SURE we are doing the bidding of the Lord?
Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness. Are we included here?
Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Also, I am wondering if, perhaps, we may be doing or saying some things for Him which He has NOT commanded us to do or say.
Jeremiah 29:23 Because they have committed villany in Israel, -- and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
Do you ever wonder about some of the things we are being taught today, such as "Health and Wealth"?
Is the Gospel being "short circuited" before we hear it?
Thursday, July 05, 2007
THAT I MAY KNOW HIM
THAT I MAY KNOW HIM
According to the testimony of Paul, there was one predominant desire and motivating force in his life. I have copied out a few scriptures here to highlight that driving desire in his life.
As you read them, please bear in mind that Paul had been "saved" for many years before he gave this testimony. This desire of his life had nothing to do with having his sins forgiven, nor escaping hell. He had walked intimately with Jesus, and was well acquainted with the Holy Ghost prior to this time. In fact, he had received revelations from God that he was forbidden, or unable to express, to relate to anyone else. (I have a "sneakin' hunch" that Paul saw the same thing as John, the Revelator, saw on the Isle of Patmos. I cannot prove it, however).
So, WHAT IS PAUL TALKING ABOUT HERE?
Is it possible, can it be, that there is some kind of an experience that is "better" than what Peter told the people about on the day of Pentecost? Paul knew about, and had doubtless experienced all of that a long time ago. Yet, he "has the pedal to the metal" for some reason, pursuing something more that he has learned about.
Why all the fuss, Paul? You're saved. You're on your way to Heaven. What more can you want? Can you tell us something more about what is driving you toward Christian Excellence?
Phi 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the EXCELLENCY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, THAT I MAY WIN CHRIST,
O.K. Paul, are you telling us that we can have a DEEPER knowledge of Jesus Christ than we get in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, with Speaking in Tongues. Are you telling us that we arrive at that DEEPER KNOWLEDGE via the route of "blood, sweat and tears?
And, Paul, what do you mean by "WINNING CHRIST"? Haven't we had Him all the time we have been saved? Is this, also, something that requires an effort on our part to attain to?
Phi 3:9 AND BE FOUND IN HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Paul, is "BEING FOUND IN HIM" better than what you had in Salvation?
Phi 3:10 THAT I MAY KNOW HIM, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Paul, is there a special meaning to what you have written here? We learned, from the word you used, that to "know" can also mean to "perceive" and "understand", but stops short of meaning "full knowledge". No one can FULLY PERCEIVE or FULLY UNDERSTAND Jesus Christ.
But, Paul, why are you hoping to ATTAIN to the POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION, and the FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS. What makes them so attractive to you? You must have seen something we do not see. Where can we learn about these things? Who will teach us?
Phi 3:11 IF BY ANY MEANS I MIGHT ATTAIN UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.
Here, Paul, you used a word that is translated "Resurrection of the dead" but means quite a lot more than what meets the eye. It is used only once in the Bible. It actually means, and is translated by other translators, "A STANDING OUT FROM AMONG THE DEAD"
It CANNOT MEAN THE GENERAL RESURRECTION. It MIGHT NOT BE REFERRING TO THE FIRST RESURRECTION. Does it mean the "BETTER RESURRECTION" spoken of in Heb 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, NOT ACCEPTING DELIVERANCE; THAT THEY MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER RESURRECTION:?
Are we missing something here, Paul? Is there something better than awakening in the Presence of the Lord after the sleep of death? If so, who can teach us about it?
Phi 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Sounds like you are saying you are trying to "grab" what the Lord had "grabbed" you for. What are you talking about, Paul?
Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this ONE THING I do, FORGETTING those things which are behind, and REACHING FORTH unto those things which are before,
Phi 3:14 I PRESS TOWARD the mark for THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
What about the HIGH CALLING?
According to the testimony of Paul, there was one predominant desire and motivating force in his life. I have copied out a few scriptures here to highlight that driving desire in his life.
As you read them, please bear in mind that Paul had been "saved" for many years before he gave this testimony. This desire of his life had nothing to do with having his sins forgiven, nor escaping hell. He had walked intimately with Jesus, and was well acquainted with the Holy Ghost prior to this time. In fact, he had received revelations from God that he was forbidden, or unable to express, to relate to anyone else. (I have a "sneakin' hunch" that Paul saw the same thing as John, the Revelator, saw on the Isle of Patmos. I cannot prove it, however).
So, WHAT IS PAUL TALKING ABOUT HERE?
Is it possible, can it be, that there is some kind of an experience that is "better" than what Peter told the people about on the day of Pentecost? Paul knew about, and had doubtless experienced all of that a long time ago. Yet, he "has the pedal to the metal" for some reason, pursuing something more that he has learned about.
Why all the fuss, Paul? You're saved. You're on your way to Heaven. What more can you want? Can you tell us something more about what is driving you toward Christian Excellence?
Phi 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the EXCELLENCY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, THAT I MAY WIN CHRIST,
O.K. Paul, are you telling us that we can have a DEEPER knowledge of Jesus Christ than we get in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, with Speaking in Tongues. Are you telling us that we arrive at that DEEPER KNOWLEDGE via the route of "blood, sweat and tears?
And, Paul, what do you mean by "WINNING CHRIST"? Haven't we had Him all the time we have been saved? Is this, also, something that requires an effort on our part to attain to?
Phi 3:9 AND BE FOUND IN HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Paul, is "BEING FOUND IN HIM" better than what you had in Salvation?
Phi 3:10 THAT I MAY KNOW HIM, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Paul, is there a special meaning to what you have written here? We learned, from the word you used, that to "know" can also mean to "perceive" and "understand", but stops short of meaning "full knowledge". No one can FULLY PERCEIVE or FULLY UNDERSTAND Jesus Christ.
But, Paul, why are you hoping to ATTAIN to the POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION, and the FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS. What makes them so attractive to you? You must have seen something we do not see. Where can we learn about these things? Who will teach us?
Phi 3:11 IF BY ANY MEANS I MIGHT ATTAIN UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.
Here, Paul, you used a word that is translated "Resurrection of the dead" but means quite a lot more than what meets the eye. It is used only once in the Bible. It actually means, and is translated by other translators, "A STANDING OUT FROM AMONG THE DEAD"
It CANNOT MEAN THE GENERAL RESURRECTION. It MIGHT NOT BE REFERRING TO THE FIRST RESURRECTION. Does it mean the "BETTER RESURRECTION" spoken of in Heb 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, NOT ACCEPTING DELIVERANCE; THAT THEY MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER RESURRECTION:?
Are we missing something here, Paul? Is there something better than awakening in the Presence of the Lord after the sleep of death? If so, who can teach us about it?
Phi 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Sounds like you are saying you are trying to "grab" what the Lord had "grabbed" you for. What are you talking about, Paul?
Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this ONE THING I do, FORGETTING those things which are behind, and REACHING FORTH unto those things which are before,
Phi 3:14 I PRESS TOWARD the mark for THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
What about the HIGH CALLING?
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
WHO SHALL ABIDE
WHO SHALL ABIDE?
Psalms 15:1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
The Psalmist asks a question, and gives the answer to it right away. Notice, he is NOT asking who will finally make it to Heaven. All Christians have that privilege. Rather, he asked about ABIDING IN GOD'S TABERNACLE, and DWELLING IN HIS HOLY HILL.
These are OVER AND ABOVE MERELY BEING A CHILD OF GOD. They are rewards for ACHIEVEMENTS IN GODLINESS, and not all Christians will attain to it. Many of us are perfectly content to know that our sins are forgiven, and our souls are saved from hell, and we are on our way to heaven.
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS, EXCEPT THAT WE ROB OURSELVES OF ENJOYMENTS AND PLEASURES THAT ONLY THE MATURE ONES CAN EXPERIENCE! IT ADDS QUALITY TO LIFE.
ALSO, ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT, WHEN THE MATURE AND THE IMMATURE ARE MADE MANIFEST, THE DIFFERENCE WILL BE VERY APPARENT. THE REWARDS WILL BE DEFINITE.
WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ARGUE THE POINT OF FAIRNESS WITH THE LORD. HE KNOWS OUR LIVES BETTER THAN WE DO. EVEN THE HIDDEN MOTIVES OF OUR HEARTS ARE AN OPEN BOOK TO HIM.
The Graces of the Christian walk are NOT AUTOMATIC. One glance at the writings of Paul will show us that we ARE SUPPOSED TO PUT OFF certain activities, AND TO PUT ON others. IF WE DO, we mature, IF NOT, we remain as babes. BABES WILL GET TO HEAVEN, EVENTUALLY.
Jesus did not make us perfect when He gave us Salvation. What He did do was to break the shackles of sin which had separated us from Himself, and paid the price of our freedom from the mortgage satan held on us. We are His, redeemed by His blood, which is better than that of Abel. Thank God for the Virgin Birth of Jesus!
NEITHER DOES THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST MAKE US AUTOMATICALLY MATURE. IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF AN ON-GOING PROCESS WHICH WILL ONLY END ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT, OR AT OUR DEATH, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
If we are to be in line for the Salvation "ready to be revealed", we must "take hold of ourselves", and by the power of the Spirit, begin to incorporate certain traits into our lives. This is called "maturing."
Let's look at the rest of the Psalm.
Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned;
but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.
There is enough here to keep us all busy until Jesus comes. It will not really be necessary for us to be watching the progress, or lack of it, in others of our Christian society. "O, wretched man that I am"
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: 3:3 And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as
gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Joel 2:11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Nahum 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? And who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
Psalms 15:1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
The Psalmist asks a question, and gives the answer to it right away. Notice, he is NOT asking who will finally make it to Heaven. All Christians have that privilege. Rather, he asked about ABIDING IN GOD'S TABERNACLE, and DWELLING IN HIS HOLY HILL.
These are OVER AND ABOVE MERELY BEING A CHILD OF GOD. They are rewards for ACHIEVEMENTS IN GODLINESS, and not all Christians will attain to it. Many of us are perfectly content to know that our sins are forgiven, and our souls are saved from hell, and we are on our way to heaven.
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS, EXCEPT THAT WE ROB OURSELVES OF ENJOYMENTS AND PLEASURES THAT ONLY THE MATURE ONES CAN EXPERIENCE! IT ADDS QUALITY TO LIFE.
ALSO, ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT, WHEN THE MATURE AND THE IMMATURE ARE MADE MANIFEST, THE DIFFERENCE WILL BE VERY APPARENT. THE REWARDS WILL BE DEFINITE.
WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ARGUE THE POINT OF FAIRNESS WITH THE LORD. HE KNOWS OUR LIVES BETTER THAN WE DO. EVEN THE HIDDEN MOTIVES OF OUR HEARTS ARE AN OPEN BOOK TO HIM.
The Graces of the Christian walk are NOT AUTOMATIC. One glance at the writings of Paul will show us that we ARE SUPPOSED TO PUT OFF certain activities, AND TO PUT ON others. IF WE DO, we mature, IF NOT, we remain as babes. BABES WILL GET TO HEAVEN, EVENTUALLY.
Jesus did not make us perfect when He gave us Salvation. What He did do was to break the shackles of sin which had separated us from Himself, and paid the price of our freedom from the mortgage satan held on us. We are His, redeemed by His blood, which is better than that of Abel. Thank God for the Virgin Birth of Jesus!
NEITHER DOES THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST MAKE US AUTOMATICALLY MATURE. IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF AN ON-GOING PROCESS WHICH WILL ONLY END ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT, OR AT OUR DEATH, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
If we are to be in line for the Salvation "ready to be revealed", we must "take hold of ourselves", and by the power of the Spirit, begin to incorporate certain traits into our lives. This is called "maturing."
Let's look at the rest of the Psalm.
Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned;
but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.
There is enough here to keep us all busy until Jesus comes. It will not really be necessary for us to be watching the progress, or lack of it, in others of our Christian society. "O, wretched man that I am"
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: 3:3 And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as
gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Joel 2:11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Nahum 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? And who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
THE PITCHED TENT
THE PITCHED TENT
No doubt, you know the story of how Abram and Lot had to part ways because God had blessed them with large herds of cattle and sheep. The land could not support so many animals, so Abram told Lot: Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren. Genesis 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and PITCHED [HIS] TENT TOWARD SODOM.
Those are fateful words. He pitched his tent toward Sodom. There was deep trouble ahead, and Lot was oblivious to that fact.
Often, seemingly simple, harmless decisions on our part have the embryo of a catastrophy lurking within them. Especially those which are made from a self-seeking motive, as Lot's did.
Sometime later, the trouble began hatching out around Lot. He and his family, along with his herds were taken captive by some marauding kings and their armies.
Genesis 14:12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Abraham had to go to the rescue by overcoming the five kings and confiscating the loot they had collected in their forays.
A lesson for us is contained in this story. Be very careful about whom you choose to associate with.
I Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Lot MAY HAVE been able to keep his own soul free from contamination, but the influence rubbed off on his family. His decision to remain in Sodom was based upon taking care of what he possessed, rather than the Spiritual and moral welfare of his family.
The end was not good, which it never can be in such decisions. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Again, it was Abraham who intervened by intercession with God. His prayers affected the sparing of Lot and part of his family. But the evil influence of Sodom had attached itself to his two daughters. The world is still paying for the mistakes of those two girls.
II Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: II Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)
We each need to ask ourselves, "Which direction is MY tent pitched?" Wealth? Pleasure? Popularity? Etc. Etc.
No doubt, you know the story of how Abram and Lot had to part ways because God had blessed them with large herds of cattle and sheep. The land could not support so many animals, so Abram told Lot: Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren. Genesis 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and PITCHED [HIS] TENT TOWARD SODOM.
Those are fateful words. He pitched his tent toward Sodom. There was deep trouble ahead, and Lot was oblivious to that fact.
Often, seemingly simple, harmless decisions on our part have the embryo of a catastrophy lurking within them. Especially those which are made from a self-seeking motive, as Lot's did.
Sometime later, the trouble began hatching out around Lot. He and his family, along with his herds were taken captive by some marauding kings and their armies.
Genesis 14:12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Abraham had to go to the rescue by overcoming the five kings and confiscating the loot they had collected in their forays.
A lesson for us is contained in this story. Be very careful about whom you choose to associate with.
I Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Lot MAY HAVE been able to keep his own soul free from contamination, but the influence rubbed off on his family. His decision to remain in Sodom was based upon taking care of what he possessed, rather than the Spiritual and moral welfare of his family.
The end was not good, which it never can be in such decisions. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Again, it was Abraham who intervened by intercession with God. His prayers affected the sparing of Lot and part of his family. But the evil influence of Sodom had attached itself to his two daughters. The world is still paying for the mistakes of those two girls.
II Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: II Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)
We each need to ask ourselves, "Which direction is MY tent pitched?" Wealth? Pleasure? Popularity? Etc. Etc.
Monday, July 02, 2007
YE SHALL BE WITNESSES
YE SHALL BE WITNESSES
After the Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus spent most of 40 days with His disciples, telling them about the coming Kingdom of God. Some of it was easy for them to understand, but some was not.
At one point in the 40 days, Jesus performed a miracle in their minds and hearts, and it was much easier for them to understand after He did it.
LUK 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, :46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: :47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. :48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Just before He was taken into Heaven, his disciples asked Him if he planned to "restore the kingdom again to Israel at that time (Acts 1:6). Their understanding was still quite faulty. Our understanding of the things of God is also very faulty, even yet today.
He told them plainly that it was not for them to know that yet. But He DID tell them about what was in the IMMEDIATE future for them.
ACS 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power (Exousia). :8 But ye shall receive power (Dunamis), after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
I had often read that verse, and passed right over something that the Lord evidently wanted me to know. I had often used it to encourage people to witness to others of the Lord's Goodness in their lives. It CAN BE USED in that manner, but I now know that the Apostles knew what Jesus meant, and began to act accordingly.
In the days between the Ascencion of Jesus and the Day of Pentecost, Peter spoke to the people waiting, and said:
ACS 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. :21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, :22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, MUST ONE BE ORDAINED TO BE A WITNESS WITH US OF HIS RESURRECTION.
There MUST be TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB
REV 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB.
They chose Matthias. I am not sure but what they made a mistake there. It would appear that the Lord already had a man earmarked for the position. But I do not intend to argue the point either way.
The fact remains that the most important message of the early Apostles was centered around the RESURRECTION OF JESUS, COUPLED WITH THE NAME OF JESUS.
That should STILL be the main thrust of our preaching and teaching to the world of today.
Christianity is unique, in that it is the ONLY belief that has an empty tomb and a living leader. The Name of Jesus is the ONLY Name that produces miracles, and changes the lives of people who call upon Him.
ACS 3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; :15 And killed the Prince of life, WHOM GOD HATH RAISED FROM THE DEAD; WHEREOF WE ARE WITNESSES. :16 And HIS NAME THROUGH FAITH IN HIS NAME hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
ACS 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, THAT BY THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, whom ye crucified, whom GOD RAISED FROM THE DEAD, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
It was by the resurrection that Jesus made fully the SON OF GOD.
ROM 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; :4 And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, BY THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD:
PSA 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, THOU [ART] MY SON; THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE.
ACS 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, IN THAT HE HATH RAISED UP JESUS AGAIN; as it is also written in the second psalm, THOU ART MY SON, THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE.
All humans who have put their trust in the ability, and the promise, of Jesus to raise them up at the last day, have a hope that is steadfast and sure. It has stood the test of time.
JOH 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. :40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
JOH 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
JOH 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
The Bible tells us about a "BETTER RESURRECTION” that many people were aware of, and were attempting to attain to.
HEB 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
PHI 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,
PHI 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: :10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; :11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection (Exanastasis--A STANDING OUT FROM AMONG) of the dead.
REV 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. :5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. :6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
After the Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus spent most of 40 days with His disciples, telling them about the coming Kingdom of God. Some of it was easy for them to understand, but some was not.
At one point in the 40 days, Jesus performed a miracle in their minds and hearts, and it was much easier for them to understand after He did it.
LUK 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, :46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: :47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. :48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Just before He was taken into Heaven, his disciples asked Him if he planned to "restore the kingdom again to Israel at that time (Acts 1:6). Their understanding was still quite faulty. Our understanding of the things of God is also very faulty, even yet today.
He told them plainly that it was not for them to know that yet. But He DID tell them about what was in the IMMEDIATE future for them.
ACS 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power (Exousia). :8 But ye shall receive power (Dunamis), after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
I had often read that verse, and passed right over something that the Lord evidently wanted me to know. I had often used it to encourage people to witness to others of the Lord's Goodness in their lives. It CAN BE USED in that manner, but I now know that the Apostles knew what Jesus meant, and began to act accordingly.
In the days between the Ascencion of Jesus and the Day of Pentecost, Peter spoke to the people waiting, and said:
ACS 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. :21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, :22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, MUST ONE BE ORDAINED TO BE A WITNESS WITH US OF HIS RESURRECTION.
There MUST be TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB
REV 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB.
They chose Matthias. I am not sure but what they made a mistake there. It would appear that the Lord already had a man earmarked for the position. But I do not intend to argue the point either way.
The fact remains that the most important message of the early Apostles was centered around the RESURRECTION OF JESUS, COUPLED WITH THE NAME OF JESUS.
That should STILL be the main thrust of our preaching and teaching to the world of today.
Christianity is unique, in that it is the ONLY belief that has an empty tomb and a living leader. The Name of Jesus is the ONLY Name that produces miracles, and changes the lives of people who call upon Him.
ACS 3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; :15 And killed the Prince of life, WHOM GOD HATH RAISED FROM THE DEAD; WHEREOF WE ARE WITNESSES. :16 And HIS NAME THROUGH FAITH IN HIS NAME hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
ACS 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, THAT BY THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, whom ye crucified, whom GOD RAISED FROM THE DEAD, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
It was by the resurrection that Jesus made fully the SON OF GOD.
ROM 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; :4 And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, BY THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD:
PSA 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, THOU [ART] MY SON; THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE.
ACS 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, IN THAT HE HATH RAISED UP JESUS AGAIN; as it is also written in the second psalm, THOU ART MY SON, THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE.
All humans who have put their trust in the ability, and the promise, of Jesus to raise them up at the last day, have a hope that is steadfast and sure. It has stood the test of time.
JOH 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. :40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
JOH 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
JOH 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
The Bible tells us about a "BETTER RESURRECTION” that many people were aware of, and were attempting to attain to.
HEB 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
PHI 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,
PHI 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: :10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; :11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection (Exanastasis--A STANDING OUT FROM AMONG) of the dead.
REV 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. :5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. :6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
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