The archangel Michael was declared by Jesus Christ to be one of the chief princes in the kingdom of Persia (Daniel 10:13). We learn from scripture, especially from the book of Ester, that the laws of Media and Persia are inseparable, therefore, because scripture associates Media with the Ishmaelites, believers can conclude that the names of both Media and Persia are given to the forerunners of the Islamic faith (Genesis 37:28; Judges 7:12; Ester 10:2). Michael is the leader's name which represents the faithful believers of Islam, and he fights along with Christ, for Islam's inclusion in the everlasting kingdom (Daniel 10:21; 12:1; Revelation 12:7). Proof of this is eluded to in the verse, "There is none that holdeth with me on these things, but Michael your prince (Daniel 10:21)."
The battle of heaven, is a battle over position, and the question is, Who is right? What religion is going to inherit the eternal rewards of the heavenly kingdom? "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19)." The answer to this question is found in a parable. This parable requires both the old and new testaments to find out its solution. Part of the parable is told in the book of Jude, and a more in-depth account of the parable is told in the book of Zachariah. Each account is a depiction of a heavenly quorum, and this quorum is deliberating the question, Who is right?
When working with parables it is important to understand that God groups like-minded believers together as one body of believers. In the quorum of these two parables, there are four bodies of believers present: those of the Jewish faith are called by two different names, the body of Moses, and the name of Joshua (1Corinthians 10:2). Those of the Islamic faith are represented by their prince's name, which is Michael; the priesthood is represented by the name of Satan; and Christians are represented by the presence of Jesus. The portrayal of these four bodies challenges believers to identify the four carpenters which are building Zion. Just identifying that four bodies are standing in heaven already suggests the answer to our question, yet there are very comforting answers found by delving deeper into the parable. Jude's account of the parable, reads: “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, the Lord rebuke thee (Jude 9).” Michael, the prince of Islam, is contending with Satan, whose name represents the priesthood. At issue is whether or not believers of the Jewish faith should be allowed to enter into the kingdom of God. Satan is an accuser of the brethren, and he has accused the body of Moses, and Michael is arguing that Jesus should rebuke these priests.
Zechariah's account of this parable, reads: “He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. The Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee (Zechariah 3:1-2).” In this account, Joshua's name represents people of the Jewish faith, and Joshua is standing before Christ, clad in filthy garments (Zechariah 3:3). Satan, whose name represents the priesthood, is accusing Joshua of his errors. Michael, who is referred to in this account as Lord, defends Joshua, arguing that Jesus should intervene and rebuke these priests. Michael’s presence is hidden, but it is understood by considering the parable as it was written in the new testament account. It takes both testaments to clarify the matter.
To grasp God's perspective on the matter, believers are to hear the rebuke that Christ gave against Satan. The real question plaguing the priesthood is this, Should all three of the faiths of Abraham's seed be included in the kingdom of God? Jesus answered the people that stood before him. “Take away his filthy garments from him. Unto Joshua he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with a change of raiment… If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou will keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house (Zechariah 3:5-7).” This is a blow against every believer who has been falsely accusing people of other faiths. Jesus spoke and verified that the iniquities of men will be removed based upon their doing the will of the Father, rather than upon how they believed upon his name in this world (Zechariah 3:9). "Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name (Psalms 138:2)."
Michael and the faithful believers of Islam who kept God's covenant will triumph over the dictates of kings, and over the accusations of religion (Genesis 17:10-14). Satan, the false accuser, will be cast out of heaven, until he learns to understand judgment, in other words, until he understands how to discern whether or not a man is serving the Lord God. "Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? Are not your ways unequal (Ezekiel 18:25)." "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord (Isaiah 55:8)."
"At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people, and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time (Daniel 12:1)." Turning God's people away from their long standing religious beliefs isn't going to be easy. For this reason God will intervene, and his wrath will verify the words of his messengers; and the hearts of those who refused to believe the covenant message, will be changed.
"There was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon: and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not: neither was their place found any more in heaven. The great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (Revelation 12:7-9).” Michael's name, which is the name that God placed upon faithful Muslims, will prevail before the Lord, and all the accusers which are against them will be cast out of God's presence!
End times are about God cleaning up the mistakes of every religion, including Islam. "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee: Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Thy children shall make hast; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee (Isaiah 49:15-17)."
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The Sign of His Coming
“Some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts (Luke 21:5).” While the men of Jesus' day were greatly admiring the beautifully adorned temple, Jesus seized an opportunity to prophesy a message about end times. “See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down (Matthew 24:2).” Whereas Jesus used these words to introduce prophecy concerning end times, the insinuation is that today's believers are not to idolize their sanctuaries, but rather they are to remember their love for the Lord God, for God intends to destroy the mistaken teachings of every religion. “The disciples asked him, saying, master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? (Luke 21:7).” Jesus then began to prophesy the signs of his second coming, and at the conclusion of the message Jesus spoke a parable. This particular sign was a sign above all signs: it was the parable of the fig tree. “Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand (Luke 21:29-31).” The fig tree is the very sign that will tell believers everywhere that the kingdom of God is at the door.
Scripture gives clues that work to interpret the fig tree. “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Either the vine, figs? (James 3:12).” We all know that a fig tree is neither a vine nor an olive tree, therefore, the first clue that is pertinent to the fig is that it is unique and noticeably different from the vine and olive tree (John 15:5; Romans 11:17). “Jesus seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever (Mark11:13-14).” Jesus’ curse upon the fig tree gives believers yet another clue as to the identity of the fig tree: The fig tree withers before it can produce ripe fruit. The book of Revelation confirms this observation, “The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she’s shaken of a mighty wind (Revelation 6:13).”
“Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground (Luke 13:7).” Another clue into the identity of the fig, is that it isn’t blessed with the strength of everlasting greatness, but God purposed the fig tree: "He answering said unto him, Let it alone this year also, till I dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down (Luke 13:8-9)." The Lord is cultivating the fig tree for his own glory, but despite his work, the fig tree will only be around for a few years.
The fig tree parable represents pastors who have perceived the truth of the covenant message, but they have determined within themselves to wait patiently for additional proof. In the mean time, their sermons are different from that of the vine or olive tree. They spend more time in God's word, and they are more passionate for the Lord. They begin making comments against religion and its mistakes. They may even say things like, “It doesn’t matter what church you attend.” Christ has loosened the bridles of their tongue (Isaiah 30:28). “If the son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36).” The fig tree is beginning to bring healing to the congregation. "The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations (Revelation 22:2)."
“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree (Matthew 13:31-32).” Pastors need to remove themselves from the fig tree, and set their sights on the mustard seed. The mustard seed is about having the faith to believe the truth concerning the kingdom of heaven, and the covenant message. This tiny, least of all seeds, presents a greater purpose than that of John the Baptist, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: not withstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he (Matthew 11:11).” The benefits of the kingdom message even exceed those of Christianity. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection (Hebrews 6:1).” "If you have faith as a grain of a mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you (Matthew 17:20)."
“As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be (Matthew 24:37).” This is a perfect edification message for end times. Consider the attitudes of those that watched as Noah prepared the ark. Not only did they watch him build it, but they saw when he organized the food, and they saw him bringing in the animals. His onlookers were moved at the absolute absurdity of his work. They ridiculed, they mocked, and they may even have feared, as Noah pressed slowly onward: Ridiculous, God wouldn't send a flood. Compare those times to these times. The spirit has already caused certain pastors to rise up and start building their covenant understanding. Soon these pastors will be gathering together their congregations and bringing them into their understandings. Think about the shame and the regrets that will come upon those that have watched and ridiculed, when God begins sending the prophesied pestilences upon them, according to his word.
There are instances in scripture where God refers to his elect servants, as “angels.” An example of this is in the book of Revelation where Jesus writes letters to the angels of the seven churches. There are also instances in scripture where God refers to our places of worship, as heaven. A couple of verses that refer to it in this fashion, include, “He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens (Ephesians 4:10),” and again, “The heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store (2Peter 3:7).” A third example tells men the consequence of falling away from God's word, “I will make your heaven as iron (Leviticus 26:19).” If you can perceive the logic of the parable place called heaven, then you can understand how God can make our heavens iron. Pastors and their helpers, and their congregations, have made their own heavens. They stand ready to defend their heavens, and ready to cut off anyone that threatens their core beliefs. These are the heavens which we currently have, and these are the heavens which are going to pass away. “Looking for… the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being of fire shall be dissolved (2Peter 3:12).” “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away (Revelation 21:1).”
Using the newly acquired understanding of the heavens and the angels, believers can get a fresh perspective on what is being implied in the following prophecies: “Then shall appear the sign of the Son man in heaven… And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect (Matthew 24:30-31).” “You who are troubled rest with us, when Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels (2Thessalonians 1:7).”
Besides the fig tree, Jesus gave us another parable revealing when the kingdom of God will come. This parable is of a certain nobleman who gave his servants instructions, and then he went into a far country to receive a kingdom. The parable goes on to say that the nobleman returned after having received the kingdom (Luke 19:11-15). This allows that Jesus has been waiting for over two thousand years to receive his kingdom. He will receive it at the time of his return. Christians rehearse proof of his pending kingdom every time they recite the Lord’s prayer, saying, “thy kingdom come.” Christ’s kingdom comes after Satan is revealed, and after the lies and mistakes of every religion are cast out of the heavens by the prayers, and by the works of the elect. “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of the brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night (Revelation 12:10).”
Will pastors willingly forgo religious doctrines that have held together for so long, and come, by faith, and declare the covenant message before their congregations? All the priests that are willing to follow the Lord in this fashion, will face uncertainty. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; he went out, not knowing whither he went (Hebrews 11:8).” “Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it (Mark 8:35).”
“Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might (Isaiah 33:13).” God created the religions, and he did it by scripting hard to understand scripture verses, and by creating a variety of covenants. Now God intends to unite all believers into one one everlasting covenant, and thereby, he will destroy the enmity between the religions. “Thus saith the Lord God; remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same... I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him (Ezekiel 21:26-27).”
Scripture gives clues that work to interpret the fig tree. “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Either the vine, figs? (James 3:12).” We all know that a fig tree is neither a vine nor an olive tree, therefore, the first clue that is pertinent to the fig is that it is unique and noticeably different from the vine and olive tree (John 15:5; Romans 11:17). “Jesus seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever (Mark11:13-14).” Jesus’ curse upon the fig tree gives believers yet another clue as to the identity of the fig tree: The fig tree withers before it can produce ripe fruit. The book of Revelation confirms this observation, “The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she’s shaken of a mighty wind (Revelation 6:13).”
“Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground (Luke 13:7).” Another clue into the identity of the fig, is that it isn’t blessed with the strength of everlasting greatness, but God purposed the fig tree: "He answering said unto him, Let it alone this year also, till I dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down (Luke 13:8-9)." The Lord is cultivating the fig tree for his own glory, but despite his work, the fig tree will only be around for a few years.
The fig tree parable represents pastors who have perceived the truth of the covenant message, but they have determined within themselves to wait patiently for additional proof. In the mean time, their sermons are different from that of the vine or olive tree. They spend more time in God's word, and they are more passionate for the Lord. They begin making comments against religion and its mistakes. They may even say things like, “It doesn’t matter what church you attend.” Christ has loosened the bridles of their tongue (Isaiah 30:28). “If the son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36).” The fig tree is beginning to bring healing to the congregation. "The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations (Revelation 22:2)."
“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree (Matthew 13:31-32).” Pastors need to remove themselves from the fig tree, and set their sights on the mustard seed. The mustard seed is about having the faith to believe the truth concerning the kingdom of heaven, and the covenant message. This tiny, least of all seeds, presents a greater purpose than that of John the Baptist, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: not withstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he (Matthew 11:11).” The benefits of the kingdom message even exceed those of Christianity. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection (Hebrews 6:1).” "If you have faith as a grain of a mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you (Matthew 17:20)."
“As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be (Matthew 24:37).” This is a perfect edification message for end times. Consider the attitudes of those that watched as Noah prepared the ark. Not only did they watch him build it, but they saw when he organized the food, and they saw him bringing in the animals. His onlookers were moved at the absolute absurdity of his work. They ridiculed, they mocked, and they may even have feared, as Noah pressed slowly onward: Ridiculous, God wouldn't send a flood. Compare those times to these times. The spirit has already caused certain pastors to rise up and start building their covenant understanding. Soon these pastors will be gathering together their congregations and bringing them into their understandings. Think about the shame and the regrets that will come upon those that have watched and ridiculed, when God begins sending the prophesied pestilences upon them, according to his word.
There are instances in scripture where God refers to his elect servants, as “angels.” An example of this is in the book of Revelation where Jesus writes letters to the angels of the seven churches. There are also instances in scripture where God refers to our places of worship, as heaven. A couple of verses that refer to it in this fashion, include, “He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens (Ephesians 4:10),” and again, “The heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store (2Peter 3:7).” A third example tells men the consequence of falling away from God's word, “I will make your heaven as iron (Leviticus 26:19).” If you can perceive the logic of the parable place called heaven, then you can understand how God can make our heavens iron. Pastors and their helpers, and their congregations, have made their own heavens. They stand ready to defend their heavens, and ready to cut off anyone that threatens their core beliefs. These are the heavens which we currently have, and these are the heavens which are going to pass away. “Looking for… the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being of fire shall be dissolved (2Peter 3:12).” “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away (Revelation 21:1).”
Using the newly acquired understanding of the heavens and the angels, believers can get a fresh perspective on what is being implied in the following prophecies: “Then shall appear the sign of the Son man in heaven… And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect (Matthew 24:30-31).” “You who are troubled rest with us, when Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels (2Thessalonians 1:7).”
Besides the fig tree, Jesus gave us another parable revealing when the kingdom of God will come. This parable is of a certain nobleman who gave his servants instructions, and then he went into a far country to receive a kingdom. The parable goes on to say that the nobleman returned after having received the kingdom (Luke 19:11-15). This allows that Jesus has been waiting for over two thousand years to receive his kingdom. He will receive it at the time of his return. Christians rehearse proof of his pending kingdom every time they recite the Lord’s prayer, saying, “thy kingdom come.” Christ’s kingdom comes after Satan is revealed, and after the lies and mistakes of every religion are cast out of the heavens by the prayers, and by the works of the elect. “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of the brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night (Revelation 12:10).”
Will pastors willingly forgo religious doctrines that have held together for so long, and come, by faith, and declare the covenant message before their congregations? All the priests that are willing to follow the Lord in this fashion, will face uncertainty. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; he went out, not knowing whither he went (Hebrews 11:8).” “Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it (Mark 8:35).”
“Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might (Isaiah 33:13).” God created the religions, and he did it by scripting hard to understand scripture verses, and by creating a variety of covenants. Now God intends to unite all believers into one one everlasting covenant, and thereby, he will destroy the enmity between the religions. “Thus saith the Lord God; remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same... I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him (Ezekiel 21:26-27).”
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