MY MIGHTY ONES
Let me draw your attention to another scripture which tells about the great thing which God is planning to do in the earth when it is time for Him to overthrow what is scripturally called Babylon . We have been telling you that at a specific time (and only God knows when that will be), a command or call will go forth from the Throne Room in heaven, and the action will begin. We see it in the Revelation. We see it in the book of Joel. Now we want to look at it in Isaiah. They are all aimed at this same thing that is called Babylon. In two places the folks who are mustered by the Lord are called a Great People , and a Strong People . In Revelation there is a number given-- TWO HUNDRED MILLION. These three accounts are all describing the same event, as near as I can determine. Just prior to the Command from Heaven which will activate and anoint these Mighty, Strong ones there will also be a distinct call given from the courts of Heaven, Come out of her, My People. It will be a Clarion-type call, which no one can mistake when it is given. This will be a general call,to come out of the Babylonish system. But, there is another call and commissioning, which will take place at about the same time. That is the calling and anointing which will be given to those Christians who have qualified for the work which will have to be done. The work is two jobs combined into one. On one handthe Mighty, Sanctified Ones will bring about the downfall of the Babylonish system in all of its aspects. On the other hand, they will be reaping the earth for Jesus. Both jobs will be accomplished by the Spirit of God, working through the qualified individuals who are sent forth into the entire world. It will be similar to the episode related in Mat 10 where Jesus sent His disciples out with unlimited authority over all manner of problems. Nothing could stand before them. In fact, the account in Mat 10 was a prophecy enacted by Jesus to prove that what He is planning to do can be done by the Spirit. Try to imagine what can be accomplished by a company of TWO HUNDRED MILLION anointed Christians who have been given complete authority over any opposition they might encounter. Isa 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. Isa 13:4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. Isa 13:5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. Isa 13:6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. (A destruction of evil.)
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
NOT IN A HAND BASKET
NOT IN A HANDBASKET
We often hear people talking about how bad the affairs of the world are getting, and I am amazed at the ratio of people who seem to think that all hope is gone as far as the earth is concerned.
While I am aware that the political, economic, and spiritual outlook SEEMS to be bleak, I can’t get away from the knowledge that the God of Heaven and Earth is still in COMPLETE CONTROL of the affairs of this ball of dirt and rocks that has been orbiting the Sun since the beginning of time. It is still doing exactly what God commanded it to do in the beginning, with the exception of slipping on its axis at the time of the Flood of Noah. That is what gave us the four seasons of the year. But, the God of Heaven engineered even that. He did it!
Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savor; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
Gen 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Noah had found favor with God because of his Faith. He believed that God was ABLE to do exactly what He said He would do. Consequently, he did exactly what God told him to do. That kind of Faith and Obedience is very precious in the sight of the Lord. It resulted in the COVENANT OF NOAH.
Gen 9:8 And God spoke unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,
Gen 9:9 And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;
Gen 9:10 And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.
Gen 9:11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
Gen 9:12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
Gen 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
Gen 9:14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
Gen 9:15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
Gen 9:16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
In a similar fashion, Abraham came into a relationship with God that, in my opinion, has yet to be matched by any of the sons of Adam.
Abraham also "believed God", and did exactly as God told him. His Faith and Obedience was tested for forty years or more before the Lord entered into a Covenant relationship with him.
Gen 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
The inhabitants of the world are still reaping the benefits of the Faith and Obedience of Abraham (4000 years), and the end is still not in sight (a thousand generations).
Psa 105:6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
Psa 105:7 He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
Psa 105:8 He hath remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
Psa 105:9 Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;
Psa 105:10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:
Few of us are aware of the CONTINUAL WORKINGS of the Lord resulting from that Covenant of Promise that God made with Abraham, but they are all around us, every day of every year. They are becoming more pronounced as time progresses toward the DAY OF THE LORD.
This old world has seen some very chaotic times through the centuries of known history, but the situation has NEVER been out of the CONTROL OF THE LORD. And it will NEVER BE SO. This generation has no "corner" on perplexing and terrifying times. Human affairs have been much worse than they are now, but they have NEVER BEEN OUT OF CONTROL OF THE LORD. NEVER HAVE BEEN, NEVER WILL BE.
I am not asking you to believe it; I am simply TELLING YOU!
God is still fulfilling the COVENANT OF PROMISE He made with Abraham nearly 4000 years ago. It is a WORK IN PROGRESS, and is RIGHT ON SCHEDULE to be completed in the time allotted.
Our attention has been, erroneously, focused on the last few years of what we call the Church Age. We have been taught that it will "all happen" in those half dozen or so years.
One man was able, single handedly, to falsely re-interpret scripture and make it into a lie in 1590 AD. He knew it was a lie when he did it, but he had orders from his superior to do it.
We have earned the right to be misled, because of our neglect of studying God’s Word for ourselves.
The Lord doesn’t seem to mind, however, for He has been quietly going about the business of doing all things "according to the pattern" of His Own Will. If His enemies don’t know what He is doing, they won’t try to hinder His operation.
The world is NOT "going to hell in a hand basket" as some theologians would have us believe. Human affairs have been MUCH WORSE than they are now, and the earth still revolves around the sun once every year.
God PROMISED THE WORLD TO ABRAHAM. He won’t let the devil have it.
Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
The earth will be full of the "knowledge of the Lord" at some point in its being inhabited by human beings.
The Church of Jesus Christ (the Biblical Children of Abraham) will become a "great mountain" (kingdom) and fill all the earth.
Dan 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
The Knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea (every square inch).
Hab 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
"They will all know Me, from the least to the greatest."
Heb 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
We have heard this for years, but it just hasn’t "soaked in" yet. We have, without realizing it, put it off, and labeled it "for the Beautiful Isle of Somewhere".
But, such is not the case, if I read my Bible correctly. It is, however, scheduled to take place right here on Terra Firma.
God intends to "teach the world" about Himself through the Church when it is completed and fully adorned with His Glory. The Church is still a work in progress, more or less hindered by the misguided efforts of humanity, attempting to apply human ingenuity to a Spiritual Work of the Holy Ghost.
Take courage, weary friend. Focus you eyes on the Promises of God, instead of the voices of those who are the purveyors of Doom and Gloom.
God is in FULL CONTROL of the entire Universe. If you have surrendered your life to Jesus, and have put your trust in His Ability to take your soul through the Vale of Death, you have no need to fear. OUR GOD IS ABLE!!!
We often hear people talking about how bad the affairs of the world are getting, and I am amazed at the ratio of people who seem to think that all hope is gone as far as the earth is concerned.
While I am aware that the political, economic, and spiritual outlook SEEMS to be bleak, I can’t get away from the knowledge that the God of Heaven and Earth is still in COMPLETE CONTROL of the affairs of this ball of dirt and rocks that has been orbiting the Sun since the beginning of time. It is still doing exactly what God commanded it to do in the beginning, with the exception of slipping on its axis at the time of the Flood of Noah. That is what gave us the four seasons of the year. But, the God of Heaven engineered even that. He did it!
Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savor; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
Gen 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Noah had found favor with God because of his Faith. He believed that God was ABLE to do exactly what He said He would do. Consequently, he did exactly what God told him to do. That kind of Faith and Obedience is very precious in the sight of the Lord. It resulted in the COVENANT OF NOAH.
Gen 9:8 And God spoke unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,
Gen 9:9 And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;
Gen 9:10 And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.
Gen 9:11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
Gen 9:12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
Gen 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
Gen 9:14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
Gen 9:15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
Gen 9:16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
In a similar fashion, Abraham came into a relationship with God that, in my opinion, has yet to be matched by any of the sons of Adam.
Abraham also "believed God", and did exactly as God told him. His Faith and Obedience was tested for forty years or more before the Lord entered into a Covenant relationship with him.
Gen 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
The inhabitants of the world are still reaping the benefits of the Faith and Obedience of Abraham (4000 years), and the end is still not in sight (a thousand generations).
Psa 105:6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
Psa 105:7 He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
Psa 105:8 He hath remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
Psa 105:9 Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;
Psa 105:10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:
Few of us are aware of the CONTINUAL WORKINGS of the Lord resulting from that Covenant of Promise that God made with Abraham, but they are all around us, every day of every year. They are becoming more pronounced as time progresses toward the DAY OF THE LORD.
This old world has seen some very chaotic times through the centuries of known history, but the situation has NEVER been out of the CONTROL OF THE LORD. And it will NEVER BE SO. This generation has no "corner" on perplexing and terrifying times. Human affairs have been much worse than they are now, but they have NEVER BEEN OUT OF CONTROL OF THE LORD. NEVER HAVE BEEN, NEVER WILL BE.
I am not asking you to believe it; I am simply TELLING YOU!
God is still fulfilling the COVENANT OF PROMISE He made with Abraham nearly 4000 years ago. It is a WORK IN PROGRESS, and is RIGHT ON SCHEDULE to be completed in the time allotted.
Our attention has been, erroneously, focused on the last few years of what we call the Church Age. We have been taught that it will "all happen" in those half dozen or so years.
One man was able, single handedly, to falsely re-interpret scripture and make it into a lie in 1590 AD. He knew it was a lie when he did it, but he had orders from his superior to do it.
We have earned the right to be misled, because of our neglect of studying God’s Word for ourselves.
The Lord doesn’t seem to mind, however, for He has been quietly going about the business of doing all things "according to the pattern" of His Own Will. If His enemies don’t know what He is doing, they won’t try to hinder His operation.
The world is NOT "going to hell in a hand basket" as some theologians would have us believe. Human affairs have been MUCH WORSE than they are now, and the earth still revolves around the sun once every year.
God PROMISED THE WORLD TO ABRAHAM. He won’t let the devil have it.
Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
The earth will be full of the "knowledge of the Lord" at some point in its being inhabited by human beings.
The Church of Jesus Christ (the Biblical Children of Abraham) will become a "great mountain" (kingdom) and fill all the earth.
Dan 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
The Knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea (every square inch).
Hab 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
"They will all know Me, from the least to the greatest."
Heb 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
We have heard this for years, but it just hasn’t "soaked in" yet. We have, without realizing it, put it off, and labeled it "for the Beautiful Isle of Somewhere".
But, such is not the case, if I read my Bible correctly. It is, however, scheduled to take place right here on Terra Firma.
God intends to "teach the world" about Himself through the Church when it is completed and fully adorned with His Glory. The Church is still a work in progress, more or less hindered by the misguided efforts of humanity, attempting to apply human ingenuity to a Spiritual Work of the Holy Ghost.
Take courage, weary friend. Focus you eyes on the Promises of God, instead of the voices of those who are the purveyors of Doom and Gloom.
God is in FULL CONTROL of the entire Universe. If you have surrendered your life to Jesus, and have put your trust in His Ability to take your soul through the Vale of Death, you have no need to fear. OUR GOD IS ABLE!!!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU
Most of us think of a 1000 year dispensation when the Kingdom of God is mentioned. There is probably not too much wrong with that approach, except that it may notbe exactly correct.
Fact is, if we were to ask a hundred people about the Kingdom of God we would possibly get over 90 different explanations. That would be OK, for it is almost impossible for us to understand things of the Spirit with our natural minds.
Let’s look at a few scriptures that MIGHT help us to come to a better understanding of the subject.
When Jesus had a night visitor (Nicodemus) He cut the question short by saying : Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the KINGDOM OF GOD.
Jesus used the word that is translated "from above" six times, as opposed to "born again" three times. Most of the translations I have used the term "from above".
We have to remember that the Jewish religion was "Works-based", which made it very difficult for a person to relate to a new method of approach to God and Salvation.
Jesus WAS introducing a new relationship to God, whether the people were ready for it or not. The history of the human race is that they have NEVER been ready for what the Lord was going to do. I seriously doubt that WE will be "ready" for what God will do the next time.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Let’s not be too hard on Nicodemus, for our LACK OF UNDERSTANDING may be as bad or worse than his was.
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
We have many good people today who preach and teach that Jesus was telling the ruler in Israel that he would have to be baptized in water and receive the Holy Ghost before he could be saved.
The name of that teaching is "WATER AND SPIRIT".
That interpretation is fatally flawed because it has been MADE TO SAY something that it DOES NOT SAY.
Jesus told Nicodemus plainly what it meant, but many of us prefer to believe it the wrong way. It fits OUR DOCTRINE BETTER.
Joh 3:6 That which is BORN OF THE FLESH IS FLESH; AND THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT.
Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (from above)
Baptism in water has NOT been used to denote a birth, but it HAS BEEN likened to a burial. There is a BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
I am NOT saying that Baptism in water has no place in our relationship to Jesus—simply denying that it is an integral part of making our initial contact with the Saviour.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
The two experiences are basically separate events. One can be pursuant to the other.
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The Catholics, and maybe others, practice infant baptism to "drive the devil out" of the infant, because they have been "born in sin". It is the doctrine known as BAPTISMAL REGENERATION. I reject it in all its forms.
If my understanding is correct, Jesus defined the nature of the New Birth in His conversation with Nicodemus.
It is identified more by its EFFECT than anything else.
Joh 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Sometimes, the most discernable effect of the Spirit Birth is the CHANGE that is wrought by its presence in the life of the believer… It is impossible for others to observe all that God is doing in our individual lives, except for that out-working of the Spirit of Holiness
Salation is absolutely FREE, with NO STRINGS ATTACHED. It requires ONLY that we CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD, asking Him to save our soul from what awaits after death. That is our STARTING POINT in our relationship with Him. BUT IT IS ONLY A STARTING POINT. There is much more to follow, and it can become difficult.
Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
After a person has established a relationship with Jesus, he has become eligible to participate in the quest for the rank of SONSHIP, or citizenship in the KINGDOM OF GOD.
That can, and often does, entail "blood, sweat and tears", for it strikes squarely at the root principle of our human lives—the very NATURE we were born with—the NATURE OF SON. (the axe is laid to the ROOT of the tree). It can be a quite violent process—causing great pain and anguish in our lives. The process is controlled entirely by the individual, in ratio to our co-operation with the Spirit of God. When He touches an aspect of our life, if we respond favorably, the process continues. One "NO" from us, and the process stops.
Several names are put on the process, such as "SONSHIP", "MATURITY", "OVERCOMING", and others that I don’t think of right now. It invariably takes place within the inmost confines of the heart of the individual believer, and is observable ONLY by the resultant adjustment of the life.
It is WORTH STRIVING FOR. IT IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO BELIEVERS AFTER THEY have established a relationship with Jesus at the Cross, by His Blood and Mercy.
You can be a Christian (Salvation) WITHOUT progressing on to attain to the kingdom of god STATURE. But "WHY?.
It will be worth it all, in the end.!
Most of us think of a 1000 year dispensation when the Kingdom of God is mentioned. There is probably not too much wrong with that approach, except that it may notbe exactly correct.
Fact is, if we were to ask a hundred people about the Kingdom of God we would possibly get over 90 different explanations. That would be OK, for it is almost impossible for us to understand things of the Spirit with our natural minds.
Let’s look at a few scriptures that MIGHT help us to come to a better understanding of the subject.
When Jesus had a night visitor (Nicodemus) He cut the question short by saying : Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the KINGDOM OF GOD.
Jesus used the word that is translated "from above" six times, as opposed to "born again" three times. Most of the translations I have used the term "from above".
We have to remember that the Jewish religion was "Works-based", which made it very difficult for a person to relate to a new method of approach to God and Salvation.
Jesus WAS introducing a new relationship to God, whether the people were ready for it or not. The history of the human race is that they have NEVER been ready for what the Lord was going to do. I seriously doubt that WE will be "ready" for what God will do the next time.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Let’s not be too hard on Nicodemus, for our LACK OF UNDERSTANDING may be as bad or worse than his was.
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
We have many good people today who preach and teach that Jesus was telling the ruler in Israel that he would have to be baptized in water and receive the Holy Ghost before he could be saved.
The name of that teaching is "WATER AND SPIRIT".
That interpretation is fatally flawed because it has been MADE TO SAY something that it DOES NOT SAY.
Jesus told Nicodemus plainly what it meant, but many of us prefer to believe it the wrong way. It fits OUR DOCTRINE BETTER.
Joh 3:6 That which is BORN OF THE FLESH IS FLESH; AND THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT.
Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (from above)
Baptism in water has NOT been used to denote a birth, but it HAS BEEN likened to a burial. There is a BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
I am NOT saying that Baptism in water has no place in our relationship to Jesus—simply denying that it is an integral part of making our initial contact with the Saviour.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
The two experiences are basically separate events. One can be pursuant to the other.
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The Catholics, and maybe others, practice infant baptism to "drive the devil out" of the infant, because they have been "born in sin". It is the doctrine known as BAPTISMAL REGENERATION. I reject it in all its forms.
If my understanding is correct, Jesus defined the nature of the New Birth in His conversation with Nicodemus.
It is identified more by its EFFECT than anything else.
Joh 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Sometimes, the most discernable effect of the Spirit Birth is the CHANGE that is wrought by its presence in the life of the believer… It is impossible for others to observe all that God is doing in our individual lives, except for that out-working of the Spirit of Holiness
Salation is absolutely FREE, with NO STRINGS ATTACHED. It requires ONLY that we CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD, asking Him to save our soul from what awaits after death. That is our STARTING POINT in our relationship with Him. BUT IT IS ONLY A STARTING POINT. There is much more to follow, and it can become difficult.
Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
After a person has established a relationship with Jesus, he has become eligible to participate in the quest for the rank of SONSHIP, or citizenship in the KINGDOM OF GOD.
That can, and often does, entail "blood, sweat and tears", for it strikes squarely at the root principle of our human lives—the very NATURE we were born with—the NATURE OF SON. (the axe is laid to the ROOT of the tree). It can be a quite violent process—causing great pain and anguish in our lives. The process is controlled entirely by the individual, in ratio to our co-operation with the Spirit of God. When He touches an aspect of our life, if we respond favorably, the process continues. One "NO" from us, and the process stops.
Several names are put on the process, such as "SONSHIP", "MATURITY", "OVERCOMING", and others that I don’t think of right now. It invariably takes place within the inmost confines of the heart of the individual believer, and is observable ONLY by the resultant adjustment of the life.
It is WORTH STRIVING FOR. IT IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO BELIEVERS AFTER THEY have established a relationship with Jesus at the Cross, by His Blood and Mercy.
You can be a Christian (Salvation) WITHOUT progressing on to attain to the kingdom of god STATURE. But "WHY?.
It will be worth it all, in the end.!
LAW AND GRACE
LAW AND GRACE
For many years I struggled with the fact that there is a glaring difference in the way God dealt with disobedience during the tenure of the Law of Moses, compared with His manifest response to the very same types of disobedience and sin today.
Just this last Sunday I was studying Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Joh 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.
Joh 1:17 FOR THE LAW WAS GIVEN BY MOSES, BUT GRACE AND TRUTH CAME BY JESUS CHRIST.
In the Old Testament, God was dealing in LAW AND (swift) PUNISHMENT. It was meted out by JEHOVAH ( the Rock, the immoveable one, the STERN ONE)
Heb 1:1 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Heb 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
But, when GRACE (Divine Enablement) AND TRUTH (Reality of relationship with God) came on the scene through Jesus Christ, the Management of the World took on a different form.
Jesus was the "Word made Flesh" (1:14), and because of that fact His method of dealing with Humans was to be different. He would furnish "Divine enablement" to those who would seek for it, and He would provide for a genuine living relationship with Himself for those who would avail themselves of it.
Heb 2:14 FORASMUCH THEN AS THE CHILDREN ARE PARTAKERS OF FLESH AND BLOOD, HE ALSO HIMSELF LIKEWISE TOOK PART OF THE SAME; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Joh 2:25 AND NEEDED NOT THAT ANY SHOULD TESTIFY OF MAN: FOR HE KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN.
Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
JOH 5:26 FOR AS THE FATHER HATH LIFE IN HIMSELF; SO HATH HE GIVEN TO THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF;
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, BECAUSE HE IS THE SON OF MAN.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Joh 5:30 I CAN OF MINE OWN SELF DO NOTHING: AS I HEAR, I JUDGE: AND MY JUDGMENT IS JUST; BECAUSE I SEEK NOT MINE OWN WILL, BUT THE WILL OF THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT ME.
Jesus said: Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY.
Humans are NOT GETTING AWAY with disobedience and sinful practices because of judgment not being meted out immediately. The Lord is hoping for them to turn to Him in repentance.
But, IF THEY DO NOT REPENT----
For many years I struggled with the fact that there is a glaring difference in the way God dealt with disobedience during the tenure of the Law of Moses, compared with His manifest response to the very same types of disobedience and sin today.
Just this last Sunday I was studying Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Joh 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.
Joh 1:17 FOR THE LAW WAS GIVEN BY MOSES, BUT GRACE AND TRUTH CAME BY JESUS CHRIST.
In the Old Testament, God was dealing in LAW AND (swift) PUNISHMENT. It was meted out by JEHOVAH ( the Rock, the immoveable one, the STERN ONE)
Heb 1:1 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Heb 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
But, when GRACE (Divine Enablement) AND TRUTH (Reality of relationship with God) came on the scene through Jesus Christ, the Management of the World took on a different form.
Jesus was the "Word made Flesh" (1:14), and because of that fact His method of dealing with Humans was to be different. He would furnish "Divine enablement" to those who would seek for it, and He would provide for a genuine living relationship with Himself for those who would avail themselves of it.
Heb 2:14 FORASMUCH THEN AS THE CHILDREN ARE PARTAKERS OF FLESH AND BLOOD, HE ALSO HIMSELF LIKEWISE TOOK PART OF THE SAME; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Joh 2:25 AND NEEDED NOT THAT ANY SHOULD TESTIFY OF MAN: FOR HE KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN.
Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
JOH 5:26 FOR AS THE FATHER HATH LIFE IN HIMSELF; SO HATH HE GIVEN TO THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF;
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, BECAUSE HE IS THE SON OF MAN.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Joh 5:30 I CAN OF MINE OWN SELF DO NOTHING: AS I HEAR, I JUDGE: AND MY JUDGMENT IS JUST; BECAUSE I SEEK NOT MINE OWN WILL, BUT THE WILL OF THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT ME.
Jesus said: Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY.
Humans are NOT GETTING AWAY with disobedience and sinful practices because of judgment not being meted out immediately. The Lord is hoping for them to turn to Him in repentance.
But, IF THEY DO NOT REPENT----
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?
TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?
One day Jesus made some statements which were very hard for people to understand, and many who had been following Him turned away and went elsewhere. This being done the world over today also. When humanity comes to a situation or teaching they can not readily understand, there is a tendency to give up, and turn somewhere else.
So many of the "followers" turned away, that Jesus asked, (though He knew all the time what was going to happen) if the twelve would also depart from following Him.
John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
There is an experience in God, which, if we attain to it, there is no question about turning back or away from God. But if our experience in God is shallow-- the "sinner's prayer" type, we might be in real danger of losing faith in Jesus at some point in our lives. A deep experience in God is vital to a robust Christian Life. We need to seek God for such an experience with Him.
David had obtained an experience with God which transformed and shaped his life. He became an outstanding example of one whose love for God and His House. The depth of our love is also determined largely by the depth of our experience in God.
Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.
It is an exercise in futility for us to put trust or hope in any other but Jesus Christ, and the Salvation which He offers to us.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
One day Jesus made some statements which were very hard for people to understand, and many who had been following Him turned away and went elsewhere. This being done the world over today also. When humanity comes to a situation or teaching they can not readily understand, there is a tendency to give up, and turn somewhere else.
So many of the "followers" turned away, that Jesus asked, (though He knew all the time what was going to happen) if the twelve would also depart from following Him.
John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
There is an experience in God, which, if we attain to it, there is no question about turning back or away from God. But if our experience in God is shallow-- the "sinner's prayer" type, we might be in real danger of losing faith in Jesus at some point in our lives. A deep experience in God is vital to a robust Christian Life. We need to seek God for such an experience with Him.
David had obtained an experience with God which transformed and shaped his life. He became an outstanding example of one whose love for God and His House. The depth of our love is also determined largely by the depth of our experience in God.
Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.
It is an exercise in futility for us to put trust or hope in any other but Jesus Christ, and the Salvation which He offers to us.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
UNSEARCHABLE
UNSEARCHABLE
The Apostle Paul became excited while writing to the Romans about the plan of Salvation. He exclaimed:
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
In Collosians he again referred to the Wisdom and Knowledge of God: Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
In Ephesians, he again mentions the magnitude of the message of Jesus Christ, and His Salvation. Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
David had a little "Glory Spell" also as we read: Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
Again in Psalms 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Listen to Job: 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
Wisdom speaks. Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Proverbs 8:14 Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.
The Prophet says. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
The Apostle declares. I Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
UNSEARCHABLE
The Apostle Paul became excited while writing to the Romans about the plan of Salvation. He exclaimed:
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
In Collosians he again referred to the Wisdom and Knowledge of God: Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
In Ephesians, he again mentions the magnitude of the message of Jesus Christ, and His Salvation. Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
David had a little "Glory Spell" also as we read: Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
Again in Psalms 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Listen to Job: 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
Wisdom speaks. Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Proverbs 8:14 Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.
The Prophet says. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
The Apostle declares. I Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
The Apostle Paul became excited while writing to the Romans about the plan of Salvation. He exclaimed:
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
In Collosians he again referred to the Wisdom and Knowledge of God: Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
In Ephesians, he again mentions the magnitude of the message of Jesus Christ, and His Salvation. Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
David had a little "Glory Spell" also as we read: Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
Again in Psalms 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Listen to Job: 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
Wisdom speaks. Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Proverbs 8:14 Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.
The Prophet says. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
The Apostle declares. I Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
UNSEARCHABLE
The Apostle Paul became excited while writing to the Romans about the plan of Salvation. He exclaimed:
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
In Collosians he again referred to the Wisdom and Knowledge of God: Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
In Ephesians, he again mentions the magnitude of the message of Jesus Christ, and His Salvation. Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
David had a little "Glory Spell" also as we read: Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
Again in Psalms 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Listen to Job: 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
Wisdom speaks. Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Proverbs 8:14 Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.
The Prophet says. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
The Apostle declares. I Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
TRACING THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM
TRACING THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM THROUGH THE DISPENSATIONS
"THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER"
UNDER FAITH
ABRAHAM:
(A type of the Christian attribute of Separation)
Gen 12:1-3 "I will make of thee"
Gen 15:8-18 "Same day--430 yrs to Passover"
Gen 17:19 "Sarah shall have a son"
The Covenant of Abraham was 42 yrs in the making, from start, to the time of swearing by God at the sacrifice of Isaac.
Gen 22:10-19 "Now I know---I have sworn by Myself:
ISAAC:
( A type of the Christian attribute of Consecration)
Gen 26:1-5 "In thy Seed---because Abraham obeyed"
JACOB:
(A type of the Christian attribute--A changed Life)
Gen 28:1-4 "And to thy Seed with thee--which God gave to Abraham"
UNDER LAW--THE DARK COVENANT
JUDAH:
(One of the five brethren of the Rich Man [Levi]) Lk 16
(Leah had six sons)
Gen 49:10 "Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, until Shiloh (Seed of Promise) come"
DAVID:
(Beloved--a man after My own Heart)
Psa 132:1-11 "Ephratah (Bethlehem)--of the fruit (Seed) of thy body will I set upon thy throne."
JESUS:
(The Seed of the Promise to Abraham--The Fruit of David's body)
Lk 2:4-7 "Bethlehem--lineage of David"
Lk 3:16 "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost"
Lk 24:49 "I send the PROMISE OF MY FATHER upon you"
PENTECOST:
(Birthday of the Church--The death of "Moses")
Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39) For the PROMISE is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call."
UNDER GRACE--
ABRAHAM'S COVENANT CONFIRMED
Acts 1:8 "Shall receive power--the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:4 "Filled with the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:16 "This is that--by Joel"
Acts 11:15 "Holy Ghost fell--as on us at the beginning"
TODAY:
"Even as many as the Lord, our God, shall call"
Gal 3:14 " PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT"
Gal 3:16 "and to thy seed, which is Christ"
Gal 3:19 "till the seed--to whom the PROMISE was made"
Gal 3:29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the PROMISE"
THE PROMISE OF ABRAHAM IS THE BAPTISM
OF THE HOLY GHOST
GLORY TO GOD
TRACING THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM THROUGH THE DISPENSATIONS
"THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER"
UNDER FAITH
ABRAHAM:
(A type of the Christian attribute of Separation)
Gen 12:1-3 "I will make of thee"
Gen 15:8-18 "Same day--430 yrs to Passover"
Gen 17:19 "Sarah shall have a son"
The Covenant of Abraham was 42 yrs in the making, from start, to the time of swearing by God at the sacrifice of Isaac.
Gen 22:10-19 "Now I know---I have sworn by Myself:
ISAAC:
( A type of the Christian attribute of Consecration)
Gen 26:1-5 "In thy Seed---because Abraham obeyed"
JACOB:
(A type of the Christian attribute--A changed Life)
Gen 28:1-4 "And to thy Seed with thee--which God gave to Abraham"
UNDER LAW--THE DARK COVENANT
JUDAH:
(One of the five brethren of the Rich Man [Levi]) Lk 16
(Leah had six sons)
Gen 49:10 "Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, until Shiloh (Seed of Promise) come"
DAVID:
(Beloved--a man after My own Heart)
Psa 132:1-11 "Ephratah (Bethlehem)--of the fruit (Seed) of thy body will I set upon thy throne."
JESUS:
(The Seed of the Promise to Abraham--The Fruit of David's body)
Lk 2:4-7 "Bethlehem--lineage of David"
Lk 3:16 "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost"
Lk 24:49 "I send the PROMISE OF MY FATHER upon you"
PENTECOST:
(Birthday of the Church--The death of "Moses")
Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39) For the PROMISE is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call."
UNDER GRACE--
ABRAHAM'S COVENANT CONFIRMED
Acts 1:8 "Shall receive power--the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:4 "Filled with the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:16 "This is that--by Joel"
Acts 11:15 "Holy Ghost fell--as on us at the beginning"
TODAY:
"Even as many as the Lord, our God, shall call"
Gal 3:14 " PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT"
Gal 3:16 "and to thy seed, which is Christ"
Gal 3:19 "till the seed--to whom the PROMISE was made"
Gal 3:29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the PROMISE"
THE PROMISE OF ABRAHAM IS THE BAPTISM
OF THE HOLY GHOST
GLORY TO GOD
"THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER"
UNDER FAITH
ABRAHAM:
(A type of the Christian attribute of Separation)
Gen 12:1-3 "I will make of thee"
Gen 15:8-18 "Same day--430 yrs to Passover"
Gen 17:19 "Sarah shall have a son"
The Covenant of Abraham was 42 yrs in the making, from start, to the time of swearing by God at the sacrifice of Isaac.
Gen 22:10-19 "Now I know---I have sworn by Myself:
ISAAC:
( A type of the Christian attribute of Consecration)
Gen 26:1-5 "In thy Seed---because Abraham obeyed"
JACOB:
(A type of the Christian attribute--A changed Life)
Gen 28:1-4 "And to thy Seed with thee--which God gave to Abraham"
UNDER LAW--THE DARK COVENANT
JUDAH:
(One of the five brethren of the Rich Man [Levi]) Lk 16
(Leah had six sons)
Gen 49:10 "Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, until Shiloh (Seed of Promise) come"
DAVID:
(Beloved--a man after My own Heart)
Psa 132:1-11 "Ephratah (Bethlehem)--of the fruit (Seed) of thy body will I set upon thy throne."
JESUS:
(The Seed of the Promise to Abraham--The Fruit of David's body)
Lk 2:4-7 "Bethlehem--lineage of David"
Lk 3:16 "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost"
Lk 24:49 "I send the PROMISE OF MY FATHER upon you"
PENTECOST:
(Birthday of the Church--The death of "Moses")
Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39) For the PROMISE is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call."
UNDER GRACE--
ABRAHAM'S COVENANT CONFIRMED
Acts 1:8 "Shall receive power--the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:4 "Filled with the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:16 "This is that--by Joel"
Acts 11:15 "Holy Ghost fell--as on us at the beginning"
TODAY:
"Even as many as the Lord, our God, shall call"
Gal 3:14 " PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT"
Gal 3:16 "and to thy seed, which is Christ"
Gal 3:19 "till the seed--to whom the PROMISE was made"
Gal 3:29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the PROMISE"
THE PROMISE OF ABRAHAM IS THE BAPTISM
OF THE HOLY GHOST
GLORY TO GOD
TRACING THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM THROUGH THE DISPENSATIONS
"THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER"
UNDER FAITH
ABRAHAM:
(A type of the Christian attribute of Separation)
Gen 12:1-3 "I will make of thee"
Gen 15:8-18 "Same day--430 yrs to Passover"
Gen 17:19 "Sarah shall have a son"
The Covenant of Abraham was 42 yrs in the making, from start, to the time of swearing by God at the sacrifice of Isaac.
Gen 22:10-19 "Now I know---I have sworn by Myself:
ISAAC:
( A type of the Christian attribute of Consecration)
Gen 26:1-5 "In thy Seed---because Abraham obeyed"
JACOB:
(A type of the Christian attribute--A changed Life)
Gen 28:1-4 "And to thy Seed with thee--which God gave to Abraham"
UNDER LAW--THE DARK COVENANT
JUDAH:
(One of the five brethren of the Rich Man [Levi]) Lk 16
(Leah had six sons)
Gen 49:10 "Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, until Shiloh (Seed of Promise) come"
DAVID:
(Beloved--a man after My own Heart)
Psa 132:1-11 "Ephratah (Bethlehem)--of the fruit (Seed) of thy body will I set upon thy throne."
JESUS:
(The Seed of the Promise to Abraham--The Fruit of David's body)
Lk 2:4-7 "Bethlehem--lineage of David"
Lk 3:16 "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost"
Lk 24:49 "I send the PROMISE OF MY FATHER upon you"
PENTECOST:
(Birthday of the Church--The death of "Moses")
Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39) For the PROMISE is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call."
UNDER GRACE--
ABRAHAM'S COVENANT CONFIRMED
Acts 1:8 "Shall receive power--the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:4 "Filled with the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:16 "This is that--by Joel"
Acts 11:15 "Holy Ghost fell--as on us at the beginning"
TODAY:
"Even as many as the Lord, our God, shall call"
Gal 3:14 " PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT"
Gal 3:16 "and to thy seed, which is Christ"
Gal 3:19 "till the seed--to whom the PROMISE was made"
Gal 3:29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the PROMISE"
THE PROMISE OF ABRAHAM IS THE BAPTISM
OF THE HOLY GHOST
GLORY TO GOD
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
THROUGH THE SPIRIT
THROUGH THE SPIRIT
Romans 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.
What does it mean to walk after the flesh, or after the Spirit? How are we to know the difference? Can we, through ignorance, be mistaken about which one we are following?
It sounds like it is a matter of life or death. Perhaps we should take a good long look at the matter.
I don't claim to be an authority on the subject, but I have done a little bit of thinking about it. Let me run past you some of those thoughts.
I ran across a scripture years ago which seemed to make a little more sense out of what Paul is writing to the Romans here.
Philippians 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; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
I have underlined the phrase "I follow after" to emphasize what I am trying to say.
Here is what it means to me. A simple little illustration will let you know where I am coming from.
As a boy on the farm, I would lead an old horse out of the barn twice a day. I would lead him to the watering trough. He would follow me there, and follow me back, or anywhere else I chose to lead him. He followed my leadings. (Most of the time, that is). The horse walked after me.
Here it is again: Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
And again: Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Occasionally, we hear people sort of bragging about their accomplishments in God, as though they should be given some of the credit.
The only thing to our credit is that we have learned a little bit about how to follow the Spirit as it endeavours to lead us into a better life, the life of the Spirit.
There are many flesh-inspired rules of conduct, etc., that might give us a goal to aim at, but ONLY THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAN ACCOMPLISH holiness (separatedness) in our lives. No code of ethics will be sufficient, no matter how well intentioned it may be, nor how strictly we adhere to the rules.
Too many times we follow the rules very closely, while the heart is left untouched by the Spirit.
Fleshly strivings and efforts will do nothing but fail, and leave us stranded without the desired relationship with God.
It will take the POWER OF THE SPIRIT TO ACCOMPLISH HOLINESS IN US.
Fleshly efforts fall under the category of FLESH.
Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
LET US FOLLOW AFTER THE SPIRIT.
Romans 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.
What does it mean to walk after the flesh, or after the Spirit? How are we to know the difference? Can we, through ignorance, be mistaken about which one we are following?
It sounds like it is a matter of life or death. Perhaps we should take a good long look at the matter.
I don't claim to be an authority on the subject, but I have done a little bit of thinking about it. Let me run past you some of those thoughts.
I ran across a scripture years ago which seemed to make a little more sense out of what Paul is writing to the Romans here.
Philippians 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; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
I have underlined the phrase "I follow after" to emphasize what I am trying to say.
Here is what it means to me. A simple little illustration will let you know where I am coming from.
As a boy on the farm, I would lead an old horse out of the barn twice a day. I would lead him to the watering trough. He would follow me there, and follow me back, or anywhere else I chose to lead him. He followed my leadings. (Most of the time, that is). The horse walked after me.
Here it is again: Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
And again: Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Occasionally, we hear people sort of bragging about their accomplishments in God, as though they should be given some of the credit.
The only thing to our credit is that we have learned a little bit about how to follow the Spirit as it endeavours to lead us into a better life, the life of the Spirit.
There are many flesh-inspired rules of conduct, etc., that might give us a goal to aim at, but ONLY THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAN ACCOMPLISH holiness (separatedness) in our lives. No code of ethics will be sufficient, no matter how well intentioned it may be, nor how strictly we adhere to the rules.
Too many times we follow the rules very closely, while the heart is left untouched by the Spirit.
Fleshly strivings and efforts will do nothing but fail, and leave us stranded without the desired relationship with God.
It will take the POWER OF THE SPIRIT TO ACCOMPLISH HOLINESS IN US.
Fleshly efforts fall under the category of FLESH.
Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
LET US FOLLOW AFTER THE SPIRIT.
UNDESIGNATED PRAYERS
UNDESIGNATED PRAYERS
Have you ever thought about how much of our prayer time is devoted to specific things we want the Lord to do for us? I have, and, frankly, what I see worries me a little bit.
Is it possible that we have let ourselves drift into a condition of being so self-possessed that we are unable to see any needs other than those of our own immediate circle?
Surely there are many more needs out there than we know about, and some of those needs will not have anyone praying for them. Shall we call them the "lost causes"? No one is presenting them before the Throne of God.
THERE IS A NEED FOR UNDESIGNATED PRAYERS IN THE WORK OF THE LORD.
I believe that one major purpose of God having given to us the means of praying in the Spirit, or in the Holy Ghost, is to have some "undesignated" prayers to work with. They can be directed to where the need is greatest at any given time.
The Bible tells us that when we are praying in the Spirit (in the unknown tongue), we are speaking mysteries (things not known to us).
Jerry Minton called them "Divine Secret Things".
Perhaps someone half-a-continent away is in desperate need at that moment, and no one knows about it, except the Holy Spirit. If we have been exercised in Spiritual Prayer, we can be called upon by the Spirit to plead their cause before the Throne of God.
There is not a lot of glamour in it, and you will never be able to say that it was YOUR prayers that did the job. Neither will you know which job got done, but, rest assured that the Lord knows, and your reward is secure.
------------------------------------
| THE SPIRIT NEVER MISSES TARGET |
| WHEN WE PRAY IN THE SPIRIT, |
| THE JOB ALWAYS GETS DONE. |
------------------------------------
Don't stop until the Spirit is through with you. Some jobs are not as easy as the others, and may take a little more "groaning", but stay with it, and the job will be done.
Have you ever thought about how much of our prayer time is devoted to specific things we want the Lord to do for us? I have, and, frankly, what I see worries me a little bit.
Is it possible that we have let ourselves drift into a condition of being so self-possessed that we are unable to see any needs other than those of our own immediate circle?
Surely there are many more needs out there than we know about, and some of those needs will not have anyone praying for them. Shall we call them the "lost causes"? No one is presenting them before the Throne of God.
THERE IS A NEED FOR UNDESIGNATED PRAYERS IN THE WORK OF THE LORD.
I believe that one major purpose of God having given to us the means of praying in the Spirit, or in the Holy Ghost, is to have some "undesignated" prayers to work with. They can be directed to where the need is greatest at any given time.
The Bible tells us that when we are praying in the Spirit (in the unknown tongue), we are speaking mysteries (things not known to us).
Jerry Minton called them "Divine Secret Things".
Perhaps someone half-a-continent away is in desperate need at that moment, and no one knows about it, except the Holy Spirit. If we have been exercised in Spiritual Prayer, we can be called upon by the Spirit to plead their cause before the Throne of God.
There is not a lot of glamour in it, and you will never be able to say that it was YOUR prayers that did the job. Neither will you know which job got done, but, rest assured that the Lord knows, and your reward is secure.
------------------------------------
| THE SPIRIT NEVER MISSES TARGET |
| WHEN WE PRAY IN THE SPIRIT, |
| THE JOB ALWAYS GETS DONE. |
------------------------------------
Don't stop until the Spirit is through with you. Some jobs are not as easy as the others, and may take a little more "groaning", but stay with it, and the job will be done.
WORSHIP
WORSHIP
Did you know that WORSHIP is different than PRAISE? And it is a BIG difference, at that.
Often, in our services, both Praise and Worship are present, but Praise is usually the predominant part.
The Lord probably accepts Praise from any and all of us who know Him. We should continually be in an attitude of Praise and thankfulness for His goodness to us, unworthy as we are.
Worship, however, requires somewhat more a LIFESTYLE that is in line with the princliples of the Bible. The root word means to "kiss the hand toward". It involves a much closer RELATIONSHIP to Jesus. It involves a DEDICATION to God.
A friend of mine told me that the Lord had made him to know that a certain element of his lifestyle was offensive to Him, and as long as my friend allowed it to exist, there could be no close relationship between them. Needless to say, my friend CHANGED his LIFESTYLE, and now has a closer walk with the Lord.
Should we, periodically, examine our activities in the light of the Word of God, to assure that we are not OFFENDING God by our LIFESTYLE? If we are, we need to change to a life that is consistent with the Word of God.
Luke 16:15 -- Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Did you know that WORSHIP is different than PRAISE? And it is a BIG difference, at that.
Often, in our services, both Praise and Worship are present, but Praise is usually the predominant part.
The Lord probably accepts Praise from any and all of us who know Him. We should continually be in an attitude of Praise and thankfulness for His goodness to us, unworthy as we are.
Worship, however, requires somewhat more a LIFESTYLE that is in line with the princliples of the Bible. The root word means to "kiss the hand toward". It involves a much closer RELATIONSHIP to Jesus. It involves a DEDICATION to God.
A friend of mine told me that the Lord had made him to know that a certain element of his lifestyle was offensive to Him, and as long as my friend allowed it to exist, there could be no close relationship between them. Needless to say, my friend CHANGED his LIFESTYLE, and now has a closer walk with the Lord.
Should we, periodically, examine our activities in the light of the Word of God, to assure that we are not OFFENDING God by our LIFESTYLE? If we are, we need to change to a life that is consistent with the Word of God.
Luke 16:15 -- Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
THE SEED, THE WORD OF GOD
THE SEED--THE WORD OF GOD
Jesus told a parable to His disciples one day. He told them (Lk 8:4-15) about seeds falling on different kinds of ground.
The emphasis was on the seed, and what it would do if given a chance. He was showing them that seed is to the ground what the Word of God is to the heart of men.
Motives sown in the heart create actions.
Divine Motives create Divine Life.
A burning conviction creates a shining life.
The Word, unhampered, will always produce fruit (life).
The soil does not change the seed, except to develop it.
The seed performs the miracle. It changes dust into fruit.
Fruit is Scripture reproduced in Life.
Jesus told a parable to His disciples one day. He told them (Lk 8:4-15) about seeds falling on different kinds of ground.
The emphasis was on the seed, and what it would do if given a chance. He was showing them that seed is to the ground what the Word of God is to the heart of men.
Motives sown in the heart create actions.
Divine Motives create Divine Life.
A burning conviction creates a shining life.
The Word, unhampered, will always produce fruit (life).
The soil does not change the seed, except to develop it.
The seed performs the miracle. It changes dust into fruit.
Fruit is Scripture reproduced in Life.
THE SELFSAME DAY
THE SELFSAME DAY
Many years ago, I came upon a phrase which "grabbed" me, and wouldn't let me go. It is found in Exodus 12:41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even THE SELFSAME DAY it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
Exodus 12:51 And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.
I wondered what had marked the BEGINNING of the four hundred and thirty years. When did they begin? What was the occasion, and who were the "players" in the event?
My quest took me into many places, and many families, and over much history. But I finally arrived at an answer which satisfied me. The last pieces of the puzzle came together a few days ago.
I had to go back to 1920 B.C. when the Lord commanded Abraham to divide the carcasses of different birds and animals and make a sacrifice. Abraham stood and faithfully guarded the sacrifice from the vultures and other predators until the evening. Then, the Lord appeared and made a covenant with Abraham.
Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. BUT IN THE FOURTH GENERATION THEY SHALL COME HITHER AGAIN: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.
The children of Israel were to be in Egypt for four generations, and in those four generations they would multiply from seventy souls to become a company of 2 to 3 million people. How could they do it? The Bible simply says that they "multiplied exceedingly" while they were there. Pearl and I have three generations following us, and we number 25 today, all told. Abraham's descendants through Isaac numbered 70 people through Isaac at the middle of the fourth generation before going into Egypt.
Pharez, of generation 5, went into Egypt. The fourth man below him, Nahshon, came out of Egypt as the head of the tribe of Judah.
How many kids would each family have in it, for such a multiplication to be accomplished in four generations? Is there any way to figure it out? (Exceedingly!!!!)
The BEGINNING of the four hundred and thirty years began in 1920 B.C. on the plain where God met Abraham and passed between the pieces of the divided sacrifice-- the sign of an immutable covenant.
One word, "sojourning" enters into the equation. Exodus 12:40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, [was] four hundred and thirty years.
God met Abraham in 1920 B.C.. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt in 1490 B.C.. It equals 430 years. Nine generations in 430 years. About right?
But, there is MORE. Later.
Many years ago, I came upon a phrase which "grabbed" me, and wouldn't let me go. It is found in Exodus 12:41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even THE SELFSAME DAY it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
Exodus 12:51 And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.
I wondered what had marked the BEGINNING of the four hundred and thirty years. When did they begin? What was the occasion, and who were the "players" in the event?
My quest took me into many places, and many families, and over much history. But I finally arrived at an answer which satisfied me. The last pieces of the puzzle came together a few days ago.
I had to go back to 1920 B.C. when the Lord commanded Abraham to divide the carcasses of different birds and animals and make a sacrifice. Abraham stood and faithfully guarded the sacrifice from the vultures and other predators until the evening. Then, the Lord appeared and made a covenant with Abraham.
Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. BUT IN THE FOURTH GENERATION THEY SHALL COME HITHER AGAIN: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.
The children of Israel were to be in Egypt for four generations, and in those four generations they would multiply from seventy souls to become a company of 2 to 3 million people. How could they do it? The Bible simply says that they "multiplied exceedingly" while they were there. Pearl and I have three generations following us, and we number 25 today, all told. Abraham's descendants through Isaac numbered 70 people through Isaac at the middle of the fourth generation before going into Egypt.
Pharez, of generation 5, went into Egypt. The fourth man below him, Nahshon, came out of Egypt as the head of the tribe of Judah.
How many kids would each family have in it, for such a multiplication to be accomplished in four generations? Is there any way to figure it out? (Exceedingly!!!!)
The BEGINNING of the four hundred and thirty years began in 1920 B.C. on the plain where God met Abraham and passed between the pieces of the divided sacrifice-- the sign of an immutable covenant.
One word, "sojourning" enters into the equation. Exodus 12:40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, [was] four hundred and thirty years.
God met Abraham in 1920 B.C.. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt in 1490 B.C.. It equals 430 years. Nine generations in 430 years. About right?
But, there is MORE. Later.
SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE FOUND
SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE FOUND
II Kings 7:9 Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day [is] a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.
This is the conversation of four lepers who had come upon the empty camp of the Syrian army. They had been driven by desperation and hunger to go out to the camp, from the beseiged city of Samaria. People were starving-- so much so that two women had agreed to kill and eat their sons-- one that day, the other the next day. But the second mother had hidden her son, and the matter was brought before the king.
As is usually the case, the Man of God got the blame for the situation. He had been warning the people for a long time that judgment would come if they didn't amend their ways. Isn't it amazing how we seek to lay the blame for our condition on someone else? The Man of God is always a handy target.
Also, as is usually the case, the people had ignored the warnings od the Prophet. Judgment did come-- in the form of the Syrian army, who surrounded the city, to starve the inhabitants out.
These four lepers, outside the gates of the city were getting very hungry themselves. They decided that it would be no worse to die at the hands of the Syrians than to starve to death where they were.
When they approached the camp of the army, they heard nothing, saw nothing moving. The camp was deserted-- empty of humans-- no one was there. It was not important, at that point, what had happened to the army. That is another story in itself.
These lepers were just as much human as you and I are, so they started to gather up food, etc. and stash it for their own use. II Kings 7:8 And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid [it]; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence [also], and went and hid [it].
After a while, they realized that there would be enough of everything, so that the city could survive, if they would tell them about it.
We, like the lepers, have found a good thing. We should share it with those who have not yet learned about it. There is plenty for all to have some-- all they want.
That is why we preach. That is why we share the Good News over the wires. That is why we write, and mail to others the good things we have found in God's Word.
Today is a day of good tidings-- we dare not hold our peace.
II Kings 7:9 Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day [is] a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.
This is the conversation of four lepers who had come upon the empty camp of the Syrian army. They had been driven by desperation and hunger to go out to the camp, from the beseiged city of Samaria. People were starving-- so much so that two women had agreed to kill and eat their sons-- one that day, the other the next day. But the second mother had hidden her son, and the matter was brought before the king.
As is usually the case, the Man of God got the blame for the situation. He had been warning the people for a long time that judgment would come if they didn't amend their ways. Isn't it amazing how we seek to lay the blame for our condition on someone else? The Man of God is always a handy target.
Also, as is usually the case, the people had ignored the warnings od the Prophet. Judgment did come-- in the form of the Syrian army, who surrounded the city, to starve the inhabitants out.
These four lepers, outside the gates of the city were getting very hungry themselves. They decided that it would be no worse to die at the hands of the Syrians than to starve to death where they were.
When they approached the camp of the army, they heard nothing, saw nothing moving. The camp was deserted-- empty of humans-- no one was there. It was not important, at that point, what had happened to the army. That is another story in itself.
These lepers were just as much human as you and I are, so they started to gather up food, etc. and stash it for their own use. II Kings 7:8 And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid [it]; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence [also], and went and hid [it].
After a while, they realized that there would be enough of everything, so that the city could survive, if they would tell them about it.
We, like the lepers, have found a good thing. We should share it with those who have not yet learned about it. There is plenty for all to have some-- all they want.
That is why we preach. That is why we share the Good News over the wires. That is why we write, and mail to others the good things we have found in God's Word.
Today is a day of good tidings-- we dare not hold our peace.
A SHEEP, A SON
A SHEEP---A SON
Jesus told a story once about one sheep. At another time he told a story about one son.
A casual observation might leave the impression that they tell the same general story. BUT THE DO NOT! They do, however, each have a happy ending, but only by the mercy of God. Thank God for His Mercy. It is an enduring substance.
The sheep, in His story, was not able to know the way. It was helpless. So the Shepherd went searching for it, lest some predator find it and destroy it.
II Peter 3:9 The Lord is--not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The prodigal, however, was not lost. He was a typical teenager. He KNEW the comforts of home-- food, clothing, shelter, etc. But "home" was too restrictive for him-- you know the story. It can be summed up in a few words, like this:
WILLFUL: Luke 15:12 And the younger of them said to [his] father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth [to me]. And he divided unto them [his] living.
WAYWARD: Luke 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together,
WANDERING: and took his journey into a far country,
WASTEFUL: and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
WANTING: Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
WRETCHED: Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
WAKENING: Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
WELCOME: Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
IT IS WELL TO NOTE that the father DID NOT GO LOOKING FOR THE SON, to bring him back home. The prodigal was not helpless. He was not lost.
The prodigal had made his own choice, he had gone his own way. He had done his own thing. He had known what he was doing when he did it.
But he had not figured on the CONSEQUENCES of his actions. Lack of experience and wisdom was bound to take its toll, just as it will with you and me when we turn away from the Will of God as it is explained in the Word of God.
The way of the transgressor is hard. Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard.
The prodigal did not "come to" until he was starving. It is so typical of human nature to insist on its own way-- clear down to the last ditch.
But the "last ditch" does appear on the horizon for every one who is running from God.
Remember Jonah. Remember Balaam-- though Balaam did not turn fast enough. He was killed in the middle of a scheme to destroy Israel. See Num. 31:8 & 16
How long do you and I dare to defy the Word of the Lord?
Will we "come to" in time to save ourselves from destruction?
Jesus told a story once about one sheep. At another time he told a story about one son.
A casual observation might leave the impression that they tell the same general story. BUT THE DO NOT! They do, however, each have a happy ending, but only by the mercy of God. Thank God for His Mercy. It is an enduring substance.
The sheep, in His story, was not able to know the way. It was helpless. So the Shepherd went searching for it, lest some predator find it and destroy it.
II Peter 3:9 The Lord is--not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The prodigal, however, was not lost. He was a typical teenager. He KNEW the comforts of home-- food, clothing, shelter, etc. But "home" was too restrictive for him-- you know the story. It can be summed up in a few words, like this:
WILLFUL: Luke 15:12 And the younger of them said to [his] father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth [to me]. And he divided unto them [his] living.
WAYWARD: Luke 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together,
WANDERING: and took his journey into a far country,
WASTEFUL: and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
WANTING: Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
WRETCHED: Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
WAKENING: Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
WELCOME: Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
IT IS WELL TO NOTE that the father DID NOT GO LOOKING FOR THE SON, to bring him back home. The prodigal was not helpless. He was not lost.
The prodigal had made his own choice, he had gone his own way. He had done his own thing. He had known what he was doing when he did it.
But he had not figured on the CONSEQUENCES of his actions. Lack of experience and wisdom was bound to take its toll, just as it will with you and me when we turn away from the Will of God as it is explained in the Word of God.
The way of the transgressor is hard. Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard.
The prodigal did not "come to" until he was starving. It is so typical of human nature to insist on its own way-- clear down to the last ditch.
But the "last ditch" does appear on the horizon for every one who is running from God.
Remember Jonah. Remember Balaam-- though Balaam did not turn fast enough. He was killed in the middle of a scheme to destroy Israel. See Num. 31:8 & 16
How long do you and I dare to defy the Word of the Lord?
Will we "come to" in time to save ourselves from destruction?
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
SATAN IS DEFEATED
SATAN IS DEFEATED
If you think Satan put Jesus on the Cross, think again! It was the Work Of God! Satan would have stopped it if he had been able, but he was powerless in the face of the plan of God.
"Yet it PLEASED THE LORD TO,--WHEN THOUSHALT MAKE HIS SOUL AN OFFERING FOR SIN,--AND THE PLEASURE OF THE LORD SHALL PROSPER." Isa 53
The work of Calvary was FINISHED when Jesus bowed His head and gave up the Ghost. He said "It is finished".
Satan's kingdom came crashing down over his head. He was defeated completely, and is now on a tether with very stringent limits to his activities. Huffing, puffing and bluffing is about all he can do.
Some mis-guided souls have written much (whole volumes of fictitious novels) about his supposed activities, and have produced a lot of fear in the hearts of unsuspecting Christians. This pleases satan very much, for he knows that fear and faith do not mix very well.
If we humans want to assist him by drawing attention to him, so much the better. The more attention that is focused on him, the less Faith in God will be demonstrated.
Most of the so-called demonic activity we see in Christian circles is no more than works of unsanctified flesh on parade. A lot of emotional problems are dubbed as satanic activity.
If you suspect anything, give the person some medicine. If it helps them, you can know that it was not demons. They do not respond to medicine.
And BE ASSURED, God is not so weak that He has to share a vessel with a demon spirit. It is either, or. If I have the Holy Ghost, I do not also have a demon.
IF SATAN CAN GET YOU TO FOCUS ON HIM, he can influence your thinking, and KEEP YOU DEFEATED AND AFRAID.
Finally, Brethren, whatsoever-----think on these things.
If you think Satan put Jesus on the Cross, think again! It was the Work Of God! Satan would have stopped it if he had been able, but he was powerless in the face of the plan of God.
"Yet it PLEASED THE LORD TO,--WHEN THOUSHALT MAKE HIS SOUL AN OFFERING FOR SIN,--AND THE PLEASURE OF THE LORD SHALL PROSPER." Isa 53
The work of Calvary was FINISHED when Jesus bowed His head and gave up the Ghost. He said "It is finished".
Satan's kingdom came crashing down over his head. He was defeated completely, and is now on a tether with very stringent limits to his activities. Huffing, puffing and bluffing is about all he can do.
Some mis-guided souls have written much (whole volumes of fictitious novels) about his supposed activities, and have produced a lot of fear in the hearts of unsuspecting Christians. This pleases satan very much, for he knows that fear and faith do not mix very well.
If we humans want to assist him by drawing attention to him, so much the better. The more attention that is focused on him, the less Faith in God will be demonstrated.
Most of the so-called demonic activity we see in Christian circles is no more than works of unsanctified flesh on parade. A lot of emotional problems are dubbed as satanic activity.
If you suspect anything, give the person some medicine. If it helps them, you can know that it was not demons. They do not respond to medicine.
And BE ASSURED, God is not so weak that He has to share a vessel with a demon spirit. It is either, or. If I have the Holy Ghost, I do not also have a demon.
IF SATAN CAN GET YOU TO FOCUS ON HIM, he can influence your thinking, and KEEP YOU DEFEATED AND AFRAID.
Finally, Brethren, whatsoever-----think on these things.
THE SECOND GOAT
THE SECOND GOAT
On the Day of Atonement, usually in September as we know time today, The High Priest performed a prophetic ceremony at the Tabernacle of Moses. He did it only once a year.
He first took the blood of a goat into the Tabernacle and sprinkled it on the furniture, including the Mercy Seat within the Holy of Holies. This was making Atonement for sins committed during the preceding year. Sins of commission, that is.
After he returned from the Holy of Holies, where he had sprinkled the blood of the first goat on the Mercy Seat, he was to perform another act of prophecy, portraying the work of Jesus.
The sprinkling of the blood on the Mercy Seat was a foreshadow of Jesus taking His own blood into the Holy of Holies in heaven. He did this after His resurrection.
Jesus is still in the Heavenly Sanctuary, making the intercession for us. Romans 8:34 ... [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
On the day these things were done, the second goat, which King James Version calls the scapegoat, waited until the High Priest returned from making intercession in the Holy of Holies. This fact is very important for us to know.
It was then time for this scapegoat (Azazel) to enact the prophecy of what Jesus will do for the Church when He appears "without sin, unto salvation." (To make our salvation complete)
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
The scapegoat (Azazel) portrays a "complete removal" of sin. More than a forgiveness of sin, it is an extraction of the nature of sin which is still in us, even though we have been forgiven, and accepted of God.
Can you imagine what life would be like without the root principle of sin dwelling within us?
The nature of sin was given to us by Adam. We still have it, even though we know and love Jesus. But it will be dealt with.
If we follow on to know the Lord, we shall experience a wonderful transformation within our beings. It will happen on the day which was prefigured by the Day of Atonement in the ceremonies of the Law of Moses. Each ceremonial day was prophetic, and pointed toward Jesus and His workings in our lives. We have something to look forward to, something to prepare our hearts to receive. Not every one will experience it.
Hey! I am not writing about the so-called "Rapture" of the Church. That term was coined by a man named Darby in the mid 1800's, and is badly misleading.
Sad to say, our whole Christian theology seems to be warped into the shape of that fallacy, and we are mostly in a "swamp" of teaching today.
The term "caught up" has a different meaning than that which has been applied to it. Don't let this scare you. The fact that most everyone believes the teaching does not add any validity to it whatsoever. We have, mostly, been too lazy to search some of these things out for ourselves. It is easier to absorb from someone else than it is to dig out truth for ourselves.
The work of Jesus, portrayed by the second goat will not make us immortal and whisk us off to the beautiful isle of somewhere. BUT IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THOSE WHO ARE READY FOR IT. Not all Christians will qualify.
Herein is the danger of the Rapture teaching. It includes all of the Christians, and takes them off the earth entirely. The Scripture does not teach this at all.
The work of Jesus, at His appearing in the door of the Tabernacle is to completely remove the sin from those who are ready for it. It is speaking of the root principle of Adamic sin.
It is from this root principle of sin that all of our troubles stem. The Adamic principle of sin is passed from father to children. It is in the blood, and is transmitted by the line of blood.
The blood of a child is imparted by its father.
But-- Jesus was born of a virgin. No human blood line was involved, and there was no sexual contact of any sort.
Historical writings tell us that Mary had knew nothing of when it took place, nor how.
Mary was still a virgin when Jesus was born.
The Blood of Jesus, which He took within the vail, was His own pure blood. It qualified to atone for our sins of commission. When it was sprinkled on the heavenly Mercy Seat, it unleashed the full extent of God's Mercy toward mankind. There is no limit to it. It is boundless.
But we still have the nature of sin, and we still miss the mark. We must draw upon that boundless mercy very often. It is always there. Thank God for His Mercy.
One day, soon I hope, those who qualify shall "hear" the "voice of the Archangel", (in the spirit, that is) and shall experience a change which we have not thought possible. (Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?)
I desperately want to be among those who "hear" that "shout", that "trumpet", that "voice" from the Heavenly realm.
That desire has made a change in the way I look at the vicissitudes of life in the midst of other human beings, who are every bit as carnal as I am. Adamic carnality produces friction, and that leads to trouble in the camp. No human relationship can be allowed to distract me from my purpose to be ready for His "appearing to those who look for Him." Heb 9:28
On the Day of Atonement, usually in September as we know time today, The High Priest performed a prophetic ceremony at the Tabernacle of Moses. He did it only once a year.
He first took the blood of a goat into the Tabernacle and sprinkled it on the furniture, including the Mercy Seat within the Holy of Holies. This was making Atonement for sins committed during the preceding year. Sins of commission, that is.
After he returned from the Holy of Holies, where he had sprinkled the blood of the first goat on the Mercy Seat, he was to perform another act of prophecy, portraying the work of Jesus.
The sprinkling of the blood on the Mercy Seat was a foreshadow of Jesus taking His own blood into the Holy of Holies in heaven. He did this after His resurrection.
Jesus is still in the Heavenly Sanctuary, making the intercession for us. Romans 8:34 ... [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
On the day these things were done, the second goat, which King James Version calls the scapegoat, waited until the High Priest returned from making intercession in the Holy of Holies. This fact is very important for us to know.
It was then time for this scapegoat (Azazel) to enact the prophecy of what Jesus will do for the Church when He appears "without sin, unto salvation." (To make our salvation complete)
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
The scapegoat (Azazel) portrays a "complete removal" of sin. More than a forgiveness of sin, it is an extraction of the nature of sin which is still in us, even though we have been forgiven, and accepted of God.
Can you imagine what life would be like without the root principle of sin dwelling within us?
The nature of sin was given to us by Adam. We still have it, even though we know and love Jesus. But it will be dealt with.
If we follow on to know the Lord, we shall experience a wonderful transformation within our beings. It will happen on the day which was prefigured by the Day of Atonement in the ceremonies of the Law of Moses. Each ceremonial day was prophetic, and pointed toward Jesus and His workings in our lives. We have something to look forward to, something to prepare our hearts to receive. Not every one will experience it.
Hey! I am not writing about the so-called "Rapture" of the Church. That term was coined by a man named Darby in the mid 1800's, and is badly misleading.
Sad to say, our whole Christian theology seems to be warped into the shape of that fallacy, and we are mostly in a "swamp" of teaching today.
The term "caught up" has a different meaning than that which has been applied to it. Don't let this scare you. The fact that most everyone believes the teaching does not add any validity to it whatsoever. We have, mostly, been too lazy to search some of these things out for ourselves. It is easier to absorb from someone else than it is to dig out truth for ourselves.
The work of Jesus, portrayed by the second goat will not make us immortal and whisk us off to the beautiful isle of somewhere. BUT IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THOSE WHO ARE READY FOR IT. Not all Christians will qualify.
Herein is the danger of the Rapture teaching. It includes all of the Christians, and takes them off the earth entirely. The Scripture does not teach this at all.
The work of Jesus, at His appearing in the door of the Tabernacle is to completely remove the sin from those who are ready for it. It is speaking of the root principle of Adamic sin.
It is from this root principle of sin that all of our troubles stem. The Adamic principle of sin is passed from father to children. It is in the blood, and is transmitted by the line of blood.
The blood of a child is imparted by its father.
But-- Jesus was born of a virgin. No human blood line was involved, and there was no sexual contact of any sort.
Historical writings tell us that Mary had knew nothing of when it took place, nor how.
Mary was still a virgin when Jesus was born.
The Blood of Jesus, which He took within the vail, was His own pure blood. It qualified to atone for our sins of commission. When it was sprinkled on the heavenly Mercy Seat, it unleashed the full extent of God's Mercy toward mankind. There is no limit to it. It is boundless.
But we still have the nature of sin, and we still miss the mark. We must draw upon that boundless mercy very often. It is always there. Thank God for His Mercy.
One day, soon I hope, those who qualify shall "hear" the "voice of the Archangel", (in the spirit, that is) and shall experience a change which we have not thought possible. (Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?)
I desperately want to be among those who "hear" that "shout", that "trumpet", that "voice" from the Heavenly realm.
That desire has made a change in the way I look at the vicissitudes of life in the midst of other human beings, who are every bit as carnal as I am. Adamic carnality produces friction, and that leads to trouble in the camp. No human relationship can be allowed to distract me from my purpose to be ready for His "appearing to those who look for Him." Heb 9:28
THE SECRET OF HIS PRESENCE
THE SECRET OF HIS PRESENCE
The Psalmist said (91) "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
Not long ago, it seemed that the Lord said, "I will discover to you the Secret of My Presence." I have often mentioned that we can "practice the presence of the Lord." I used the term to encourage people to develop a habit of thinking on the Lord when they were occupied with doing something which did not demand their full attention. Teach the mind to think on the Lord while you are milking the cows, driving the car or tractor, weeding the garden, etc. etc.
But, apparently it goes deeper than that-- else He would not say He would DISCOVER, or allow our spiritual eyes to see what they can not presently behold.
It must be denoting a certain type of relationship to Jesus which can only be entered into by invitation from the Lord, and would seem to be a reward for diligence in our pursuit of His Favor. That is also called "seeking His Face."
Is it possible that there are dimensions in God that we know very little about at this time, which can be as real to us as what we experience today?
I have often quoted Psalms 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
David, in his prayer of repentance, cried to the Lord for mercy. Psalms 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
He also wrote in one of the psalms-- Psalms 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Nahum wrote-- Nahum 1:5 The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
If there is a deeper experience in God that is attainable, I, for one, surely am a candidate to seek for it.
Or was I having a pipe dream when I thought the Lord spoke those words to me?
The Psalmist said (91) "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
Not long ago, it seemed that the Lord said, "I will discover to you the Secret of My Presence." I have often mentioned that we can "practice the presence of the Lord." I used the term to encourage people to develop a habit of thinking on the Lord when they were occupied with doing something which did not demand their full attention. Teach the mind to think on the Lord while you are milking the cows, driving the car or tractor, weeding the garden, etc. etc.
But, apparently it goes deeper than that-- else He would not say He would DISCOVER, or allow our spiritual eyes to see what they can not presently behold.
It must be denoting a certain type of relationship to Jesus which can only be entered into by invitation from the Lord, and would seem to be a reward for diligence in our pursuit of His Favor. That is also called "seeking His Face."
Is it possible that there are dimensions in God that we know very little about at this time, which can be as real to us as what we experience today?
I have often quoted Psalms 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
David, in his prayer of repentance, cried to the Lord for mercy. Psalms 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
He also wrote in one of the psalms-- Psalms 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Nahum wrote-- Nahum 1:5 The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
If there is a deeper experience in God that is attainable, I, for one, surely am a candidate to seek for it.
Or was I having a pipe dream when I thought the Lord spoke those words to me?
THE ROMAN EMPIRE
THE ROMAN EMPIRE
When I was a young man, assisting an older Pastor of a PCI (Pentecostal Church Incorporated) church, before the merger which created the United Pentecostal Church, I heard some of the other ministers talking about the revival of the Roman Empire. I was fresh out of Bible School, soon to be married, and had never heard about such a thing as they were discussing. I was all ears, but I could only hear one side of the question, because most of the ministers were, at that time, of the persuasion that the old empire would, indeed, be revived in the last days. I was intensely interested.
Yet, through all of the listening, I was somewhat dubious of the idea. You know how some things are-- they just don't seem to "put the plow in the ground", as the farm vernacular went in those days (the late 30's).
I kept quiet, for I didn't think it proper for a young "whipper snapper" to accost older men with a different opinion. The nagging doubt drove me to the Bible, but it only served to confuse me more than I already was. The reason for the confusion was that the ONLY tools I had for understanding the Word of God were those of my human understanding. The Lord was not ready to reveal anything to me yet along that line, so there was not appreciable understanding of what is written on the paper of the Bible.
Herein lies one of the MOST IMPORTANT lessons of Bible Study that a person can learn. We might as well wait for God to give us a revelation of the TRUE meaning of the words on the paper. Any conclusions drawn from what human knowledge we have, will almost without fail, be wrong and misleading. Seek God for the meaning, and WAIT UNTIL IT COMES.
I DID wait, for several years, before I arrived at a place in Spiritual development where the Lord seemed to ascertain that I was ready for His Word to be revealed to me. I can not say that I was delighted by what the Lord showed me. It was not exactly what I had wanted to hear, though I had already seen a few signs pointing in that direction. My reckoning is that the Lord was giving me some answers in bite-size form, and I did not realize what was happening.
I have preached for many years that Communism could never become a world-wide government. Neither can any other ideology, for that matter-- not United Nations, not NATO, certainly not Islam. The Bible allows for FOUR world-wide Gentile kingdoms, and they are all history-- except one aspect of the fourth kingdom. It is still with us-- real as life itself, but unrecognized by the multitudes. It is, in its own way, wielding the full powers of the fourth kingdom from which it came-- hurtling headlong to its destruction. God Himself, will bring that destruction about-- by His Spirit.
Daniel, and John in the Revelation, teach us about the four kingdoms. Daniel can only speak in vague terms about them, for some of the latter-day facts were too far away for him to describe clearly. John, however, was much closer to them, and could describe them in much more detail, using somewhat different terms in those descriptions.
I can not lay claim to knowledge about many of the details of either narrative (I am still waiting for the revelation from the Lord), but the over-all picture has become clear enough for me to speak freely about it to those who show an interest. I am amazed at how few people, comparatively, are even the least bit interested.
Will the old ROMAN EMPIRE BE REVIVED? Many famous authors and television evangelist sure NEED to see it happen. But IT IS NOT "IN THE CARDS."
What we are confronted with today is an EXTENSION, rather than a REVIVAL of that old, cruel, strong, vicious kingdom "speaking loudly" into the affairs of humanity-- even nations, today, wielding tremendous influence over even governments all over the world.
It is the "little horn" of the book of Daniel. It is the "man of sin" found in 2Thes 2. The "man of sin" is a SYSTEM rather than an individual.
When I was a young man, assisting an older Pastor of a PCI (Pentecostal Church Incorporated) church, before the merger which created the United Pentecostal Church, I heard some of the other ministers talking about the revival of the Roman Empire. I was fresh out of Bible School, soon to be married, and had never heard about such a thing as they were discussing. I was all ears, but I could only hear one side of the question, because most of the ministers were, at that time, of the persuasion that the old empire would, indeed, be revived in the last days. I was intensely interested.
Yet, through all of the listening, I was somewhat dubious of the idea. You know how some things are-- they just don't seem to "put the plow in the ground", as the farm vernacular went in those days (the late 30's).
I kept quiet, for I didn't think it proper for a young "whipper snapper" to accost older men with a different opinion. The nagging doubt drove me to the Bible, but it only served to confuse me more than I already was. The reason for the confusion was that the ONLY tools I had for understanding the Word of God were those of my human understanding. The Lord was not ready to reveal anything to me yet along that line, so there was not appreciable understanding of what is written on the paper of the Bible.
Herein lies one of the MOST IMPORTANT lessons of Bible Study that a person can learn. We might as well wait for God to give us a revelation of the TRUE meaning of the words on the paper. Any conclusions drawn from what human knowledge we have, will almost without fail, be wrong and misleading. Seek God for the meaning, and WAIT UNTIL IT COMES.
I DID wait, for several years, before I arrived at a place in Spiritual development where the Lord seemed to ascertain that I was ready for His Word to be revealed to me. I can not say that I was delighted by what the Lord showed me. It was not exactly what I had wanted to hear, though I had already seen a few signs pointing in that direction. My reckoning is that the Lord was giving me some answers in bite-size form, and I did not realize what was happening.
I have preached for many years that Communism could never become a world-wide government. Neither can any other ideology, for that matter-- not United Nations, not NATO, certainly not Islam. The Bible allows for FOUR world-wide Gentile kingdoms, and they are all history-- except one aspect of the fourth kingdom. It is still with us-- real as life itself, but unrecognized by the multitudes. It is, in its own way, wielding the full powers of the fourth kingdom from which it came-- hurtling headlong to its destruction. God Himself, will bring that destruction about-- by His Spirit.
Daniel, and John in the Revelation, teach us about the four kingdoms. Daniel can only speak in vague terms about them, for some of the latter-day facts were too far away for him to describe clearly. John, however, was much closer to them, and could describe them in much more detail, using somewhat different terms in those descriptions.
I can not lay claim to knowledge about many of the details of either narrative (I am still waiting for the revelation from the Lord), but the over-all picture has become clear enough for me to speak freely about it to those who show an interest. I am amazed at how few people, comparatively, are even the least bit interested.
Will the old ROMAN EMPIRE BE REVIVED? Many famous authors and television evangelist sure NEED to see it happen. But IT IS NOT "IN THE CARDS."
What we are confronted with today is an EXTENSION, rather than a REVIVAL of that old, cruel, strong, vicious kingdom "speaking loudly" into the affairs of humanity-- even nations, today, wielding tremendous influence over even governments all over the world.
It is the "little horn" of the book of Daniel. It is the "man of sin" found in 2Thes 2. The "man of sin" is a SYSTEM rather than an individual.
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
Faith is much like a finely ground diamond. There are many facets to it, and any attempt to describe it by looking at it from one angle only is an exercise in futility. It beggars description from finite, human understanding.
But, let me draw your attention to one aspect of Faith which has, to my mind, been neglected somewhat by our fascination with the type of Faith which helps us to get things from God.
Don't misunderstand me. There is NOTHING WRONG with getting things from God-- expecting a miracle each day.
But the Armour of God has a SHIELD OF FAITH, which has nothing to do with daily miracles. It is the most essential part of the Armour.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
When we are beset on all sides with problems and misfortunes, we need something to help us fend off such darts as doubt, discouragement and bewilderment. We need SHIELD faith at these times. What is SHIELD faith? We please God if we have it, but fail utterly if we lack it.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, (GOD) and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
An old saying was, "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on."
We falter in the vicissitudes of life unless we have an unfaltering trust in the reality of God's presence and control in our lives.
That is SHIELD faith.
That is VICTORY faith. That is OVERCOMING faith.
I John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (and as such, has complete control of every aspect of our lives.)
In writing to Timothy, Paul mentions the FIGHT OF FAITH in two places. The FIGHT involves maintaining our CONFIDENCE in God under all circumstances which He IN HIS WISDOM allows to come our way.
I Timothy 6:12 FIGHT the good FIGHT of FAITH, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast PROFESSED a GOOD PROFESSION before many witnesses.
II Timothy 4:7 I have FOUGHT a GOOD FIGHT, I have finished [my] course, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.
OVERCOMING FAITH is persuaded that everything which comes our way has had to pass the scrutiny of the eyes of "Him with whom we have to do" before it got to us. HE ALLOWED IT FOR A PURPOSE.
I Peter 1:7 That the trial (documenting, assaying, proving) of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
James 1:3 Knowing [this], that the trying (documenting, assaying, proving) of your faith worketh patience (continuance, remaining under).
These trials, times of testing, do not always turn out to our human benefit. Sometimes we suffer severe losses, WITH GOD'S PERMISSION. Yes, He is STILL A GOD OF LOVE. The strengthening of our commitment to Him is of far greater value than our earthly well being and possessions.
Often, the hottest part of the battle is to keep our confidence intact-- to prevent it from becoming shattered.
Questions such as, "Why? Why me? What are you doing?" tear big chunks out of our SHIELD FAITH.
Jesus prayed for Peter-- not that Peter would be spared the trial, BUT THAT HIS FAITH FAIL NOT.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
WHEN GOD'S PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED, the testing will stop.
I Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalms 56:11 In God have I put my trust:
Faith is much like a finely ground diamond. There are many facets to it, and any attempt to describe it by looking at it from one angle only is an exercise in futility. It beggars description from finite, human understanding.
But, let me draw your attention to one aspect of Faith which has, to my mind, been neglected somewhat by our fascination with the type of Faith which helps us to get things from God.
Don't misunderstand me. There is NOTHING WRONG with getting things from God-- expecting a miracle each day.
But the Armour of God has a SHIELD OF FAITH, which has nothing to do with daily miracles. It is the most essential part of the Armour.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
When we are beset on all sides with problems and misfortunes, we need something to help us fend off such darts as doubt, discouragement and bewilderment. We need SHIELD faith at these times. What is SHIELD faith? We please God if we have it, but fail utterly if we lack it.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, (GOD) and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
An old saying was, "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on."
We falter in the vicissitudes of life unless we have an unfaltering trust in the reality of God's presence and control in our lives.
That is SHIELD faith.
That is VICTORY faith. That is OVERCOMING faith.
I John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (and as such, has complete control of every aspect of our lives.)
In writing to Timothy, Paul mentions the FIGHT OF FAITH in two places. The FIGHT involves maintaining our CONFIDENCE in God under all circumstances which He IN HIS WISDOM allows to come our way.
I Timothy 6:12 FIGHT the good FIGHT of FAITH, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast PROFESSED a GOOD PROFESSION before many witnesses.
II Timothy 4:7 I have FOUGHT a GOOD FIGHT, I have finished [my] course, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.
OVERCOMING FAITH is persuaded that everything which comes our way has had to pass the scrutiny of the eyes of "Him with whom we have to do" before it got to us. HE ALLOWED IT FOR A PURPOSE.
I Peter 1:7 That the trial (documenting, assaying, proving) of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
James 1:3 Knowing [this], that the trying (documenting, assaying, proving) of your faith worketh patience (continuance, remaining under).
These trials, times of testing, do not always turn out to our human benefit. Sometimes we suffer severe losses, WITH GOD'S PERMISSION. Yes, He is STILL A GOD OF LOVE. The strengthening of our commitment to Him is of far greater value than our earthly well being and possessions.
Often, the hottest part of the battle is to keep our confidence intact-- to prevent it from becoming shattered.
Questions such as, "Why? Why me? What are you doing?" tear big chunks out of our SHIELD FAITH.
Jesus prayed for Peter-- not that Peter would be spared the trial, BUT THAT HIS FAITH FAIL NOT.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
WHEN GOD'S PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED, the testing will stop.
I Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalms 56:11 In God have I put my trust:
MAINTAINING SALVATION
MAINTAINING SALVATION
Amplified rendering of Phil 2:12 has a notation at "work out" which defines it as "Cultivate". Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, *work out* (cultivate) your own salvation with fear and trembling.
This does not, in any way, imply that we can, by our own efforts, add to or complement what Jesus Christ purchased for us at Calvary. Salvation must, forever, remain a free gift.
When we cultivate, we watch over, maintain, keep in good repair, what has been entrusted to us.
We are told to *not neglect* (treat lightly, as of little value) so great Salvation. Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];
We are told to *maintain* (keep in order) certain aspects of the Christian life. Titus 3:8 [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. *These things are good and profitable unto men*
We are admonished to *have Grace* (maintain a relationship of Grace with Jesus) *whereby* (denoting the channel of an act) we-- Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Working through the channel of Grace is the only way to *acceptibly* serve the Lord.
The wisdom of man fizzles. The most elaborate programs of human ingenuity fail miserably. Only what we can do through the Grace of God is effective.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
"For we are labourers together with God: Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." 1Cor 3:9
Amplified rendering of Phil 2:12 has a notation at "work out" which defines it as "Cultivate". Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, *work out* (cultivate) your own salvation with fear and trembling.
This does not, in any way, imply that we can, by our own efforts, add to or complement what Jesus Christ purchased for us at Calvary. Salvation must, forever, remain a free gift.
When we cultivate, we watch over, maintain, keep in good repair, what has been entrusted to us.
We are told to *not neglect* (treat lightly, as of little value) so great Salvation. Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];
We are told to *maintain* (keep in order) certain aspects of the Christian life. Titus 3:8 [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. *These things are good and profitable unto men*
We are admonished to *have Grace* (maintain a relationship of Grace with Jesus) *whereby* (denoting the channel of an act) we-- Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Working through the channel of Grace is the only way to *acceptibly* serve the Lord.
The wisdom of man fizzles. The most elaborate programs of human ingenuity fail miserably. Only what we can do through the Grace of God is effective.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
"For we are labourers together with God: Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." 1Cor 3:9
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