“Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven (Hebrews 12:26).” God testified in his word that there will be a time of shaking, and that that time will occur just prior to the day of the Lord. “The stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:25-26).” The first step towards being able to interpret God's intended meaning of the shaking, is for believers to understand God's parable use of the word, heaven. In prophecy God used the parable name of "heaven" to refer to places wherein men have crafted laws which govern salvation, and wherein believers have respect for, and obey those laws. In other words, our sanctuaries, and our religions, are our heavens. "The heavens declare his righteousness (Psalm 97:6)." "I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass (Leviticus 26:19). "
Within the parable place called heaven there exists such names as, the powers of heaven, the angels, and the stars of heaven. The "powers of heaven" are church officials who look after, and control, what is, or isn't, taught in the pulpits. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for you souls, as they that must give an account (Hebrews 13:17).” The powers of heaven will shake at the realization that their forefather's have made mistakes, and that they are making those same mistakes. "The powers that are in heaven shall be shaken (Matthew 13:25)." Angel, is another name that is used in prophecy to refer to priests. Jesus revealed the parable meaning of this word in the prophesies of Revelation when he spoke unto John asking him to write letters unto the angels of the seven churches (Revelation 2:1). The stars of heaven are the people within the congregation, for they shine the light of understanding into a dark world. "Be blameless... sons of God... in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15)." "I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven (Genesis 22:11)."
The prophesied time of shaking has little to do with the wicked. “There is no fear of God before their eyes (Romans 3:18).” The wicked have no idea that there is even a need to shake. “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented (Matthew 11:17).” “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1Corinthians 10:12).” “Hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time (Luke 12:56)?”
When God does shake the heavens, the fig trees will be among those that are shaken. “The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind (Revelation 6:13).” Consider who the parable of the fig tree represents. It represents priests which have already heard portions of the covenant message, and which have already changed some of their teachings. These priests believed the report that they heard, therefore they are teaching things which go against their former religious beliefs. Their hope and desire is to teach the truth of God’s word, however because of deeply embedded religious beliefs, and because of their uncertainties, these priests have not confessed the controversial parts of the covenant message before their congregations. “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken (Luke 24:25).” When God promised to shake the heavens, he was referring to that day when nervous priests would stand before their congregations, and confess the controversial parts of the covenant message.
When the controversial parts of the message are openly confessed and the powers of heaven are shaken, then some of the people within the congregation will also be shaken, "and the stars of heaven shall fall (Mark 13:25)." "We beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word... as that the day of Christ is at hand (2Thessalonians 2:1-2)." God's people have respect for the laws of religion, so hearing their own priest confessing and preaching controversial things which go against their traditional beliefs, will be strange, wherefore some people will be shaken, however the word "fall" suggests that the overall reaction of the congregation will be one of being humbled by the almightiness of God. "When the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid (Matthew 17:6-7)." God, in his infinite mercy, will pour his Holy Spirit upon them, and calm their fears. "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3)."
God anticipated our fears, which is why he prophesied truths which will strengthen his people. When believers understand the truths of prophecy, then they know what is coming, and they will be ready for that day. "He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken... that those things which cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews 12:26-27)."
“He thunders with the voice of his Excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard (Job 37:4).” Priests already know that end time prophecy must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed (Acts 16:26).” Truths which are being proclaimed through the covenant message, will suddenly be confirmed. However, for the past seven years a remnant of believers have already been at work raising, proving, and confirming the truths of prophecy. They have reported their findings to the priesthood, as well as to the religious authorities. Wherefore unto these believers, end time understanding did not come in an instant, but they were made weary by the unbelief of God's people. In essence, God called a weary remnant to do the work of encouraging and persuading his priesthood. “The Lord of hosts hath visited Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle (Zechariah 10:3).”
"Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail (Micah 4:10)." This verse is evidence that much work needed to be done before God's people could enter into the everlasting kingdom: "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22)." "In those days, after that tribulation... the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken (Mark 13:24-25)." The very words, "after that tribulation... the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken," are proof that God allowed for seven years of travail while believers worked to convince the authorities and the priesthood, before that day when the powers of heaven would suddenly be shaken. Those seven years of travail have been accomplished, and the covenant message is complete, and therefore the day of sudden shaking is at hand. "To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels (2Thessalonians 1:7)."
Prophecy also speaks about a gathering which will take place during end times. “In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn (Matthew 13:30).” The first step in being able to understand the work of gathering, is to consider that God foretold believers that one day he would separate the righteous from the hypocrites. "Before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32)." Every believer will have to make a decision concerning what message they will believe. If they oppose what is being taught in their pulpits, they will go out from their places of assembly, and they will be gathered unto places which promote their beliefs. Therefore the separating of the righteous from the rebellious is based upon what is being taught in the pulpit. The faithful will be gathered unto God's house to learn the truths of the covenant message, but the rebellious will be gathered therein to fight against God's word. "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire (John 15:6)."
Sudden destruction is also prophesied to take place. Sudden destruction has everything to do with God pouring out the affliction for the purpose of enforcing his ways. Priests who refuse to receive God's messengers, will be the first casualties of sudden destruction. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy (Proverbs 29:1).” “This is a rebellious people… that will not hear the law of the Lord… Thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because you despise this word… Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. (Isaiah 30:9; 30:12-13).” “He shall break it as the breaking of the potter’s vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare (Isaiah 30:14).” “Suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment (Jeremiah 4:20).”
Now discover an important lesson from the parable of the ten virgins, five of which prepared themselves for the bridegroom by bringing oil for their lamps, and five of which did foolishly and neglected to bring any oil. The ten virgins are ten groups, or bodies of believers, and each of these groups are referred to as virgins, which confirms that all ten of these bodies are innocent and righteous in God's eyes. The difference is that five of the groups have the joy of the Lord. “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (Hebrews 1:9).” Having the “oil of gladness” is an act of obedience which insures that believers are keeping their lamps lit. Be happy witnesses, and rejoice and be glad that God is faithfully fulfilling his word, and that he has made a way for all believers of every religion! “At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25).”
Be happy that God is putting an end to religious warfare. He is giving the nations answers concerning Jesus Christ, and now every believer can receive his gift of the Holy Spirit! “They sung a new song, saying... thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10).” Don’t fly past the fantastic news that believers of every kindred, tongue and nation will be rejoicing, for good came from their sacrifices. Rejoicing witnesses will inherit praise, for they will safely guide many into glorious truth, and the kingdom of God will be enlarged by their sacrifices! How excellent are His ways! “Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty (Psalms 29:1).” “Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people… Give unto the Lord the glory due his name (Psalms 96:7-8).”
It is also necessary for believers to have a spirit of repentance. "He began to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not (Matthew 11:20)." We, as individuals, and as religions, have made grievous mistakes, for we upheld and promoted iniquities and lies which caused others to stumble in their walk with the Lord. Weep and pray for the mistakes of religion, as well as for those who have stumbled in their walk. Pray that God will open the eyes of their understanding. “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17).”
“I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth… saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come (Revelation 14:6-7).” The covenant message is an end time gospel message, which been delivered into the very capable hands of the God's people. “That he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad (John 11:52).”
The confusion over the covenant message will end when Satan is cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:1-9). “And 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 12:9).” This happens when believing priests stand before their congregations and confess the controversial parts of the message, for then religion's lies will be cast out of God's pulpits, forever. “I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before God day and night (Revelation 12:10).” The casting down of Satan is a casting down of his countenance, for deceived priests will be forced to deal with the reality of their mistaken ways. “Cast down, but not destroyed (2Corinthians 4:9).”
Rejoice, for God made a way which unites the believers of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity together, giving them one way in which they may serve him forever. God will fulfill all of his prophecies, and all of his promises, while at the same time he will maintain the integrity of all of the apostles and the prophets. “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 (Romans 11:33).” “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15).”
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
For God So Loved the World & The Unjust Steward
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).” This verse does not only declare God's love for the world, but it is also implies that God gave Jesus Christ to the nations as a gift which confirms his love for them. "For God so loved the world." How does a biblical account of Jesus Christ confirm God's love for the nations? The teachings of Jesus, as well as those of his followers, are especially meant to perfect the world's understanding of who God is (Ephesians 4:12). In essence, God loved the world so much that he gave them not only Jesus Christ, but also Jesus' followers; so that when the world witnesses their acts of kindness, and of impartiality, and compassion, and heard their words, the world would see and know, the love, and mercy, and the forgiveness that God has for them.
To identify an end time truth which was written in, John, chapter three, verse sixteen, the facts of this law were established when Jesus taught them again for a second time, saying: "Verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life (John 5:24)." The unpopular testimony of John, chapter five, verse twenty four, works together with, John, three, sixteen, and it verifies that if believer's hear Jesus' teachings, and if they already believed in God, then they are passed from death unto everlasting life, without condemnation. Jesus taught the truth concerning this law of pardon, twice, therefore it was established by God. Nevertheless, these two verses work together to produce evidence which insinuates, and testifies that the new covenant is to learn of Jesus. "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? ... He will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19)."
God sent the people the prophet Jesus Christ, for their sanctification. “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Jesus (Matthew 11:6).” “By him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:39).” As previously stated, God gave the world the teachings of Jesus to perfect their understanding of his love, however Jesus' death served yet another purpose for the nations. Jesus went to the cross and willingly gave his life as an offering: his death was God's offering which established all of God's covenant promises. "Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers (Romans 15:8)." "This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12)."
How could, and did, the priests of Jesus' day make the unlawful mistake of condemning God's son, who was a prophet, and a righteous man, unto death? Answer: It was no mistake (Deuteronomy 33:9). The crucifixion was a necessary part of God's plan to fulfill scripture, even fulfilling some prophecies which Jesus Christ himself delivered (Isaiah chapter 53). "The Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again (Matthew 20:19)." Jesus' death was purposed for the gathering of God's people of every nation into one understanding, in the last days, and at the end of time. "The high priest prophesied that Jesus should die… and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad (John 11:51-52).” Jesus gave his life so that during end times believers might see the truth, and turn from the mistakes of religion: for his death testifies that religion rehearses, and promotes mistaken beliefs. “He gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1Timothy 2:6).”
The priests of Jesus' day refused to consider that Jesus' new doctrine could be of God. They consented to his death because they were deceived by their own mistaken understandings of God's word, or in other words, by their religious iniquities. Likewise, today's priests are also being deceived by the mistaken beliefs of their forefathers, and by their own mistaken understandings of God's word. Jesus' crucifixion is evidence that religion and tradition are stumbling blocks for God's people (John 19:7). For God so loved the world that he gave them Jesus, and Jesus' death is evidence that seemingly good and godly religious doctrines, are in fact, riddled with errs. Jesus gave himself as an offering that he might reveal the sin of relying upon, and trusting in, our forefather's teachings, for trusting in religion is iniquity. “He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity (Titus 2:14). Religion's shortcomings are evidenced by the crucifixion, and teaching the congregation this true fact will put understanding into the hearts of God's people: “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world (John 6:51).” “Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).”
Through Jesus’ teachings the world, is, and has been, awarded an opportunity to get a glimpse at the Father’s love. Jesus commanded his followers to have love for one another, and those who have kept his commandments have a spirit of love that comes from the father. Therefore God's love is seen through the true followers of Jesus Christ. “I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you (Matthew 5:44).” “A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another (John 13:34).” “For love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God (1John 4:7).” “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another (John 13:35).”
Priests' often allow the pressures and demands of religion to dictate what is taught in their pulpit. This type of pressure is eluded to in a parable of the unjust steward. Think of the priest as being a steward of God's word. “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (1Corinthians 4:2).” Now think of the unjust steward as being a priest who has been withholding the newly revealed end time truths of scripture from God's people. The unjust steward is accused of wasting the goods of his lord. “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest no longer steward (Luke 16:2).” Jesus could be demanding these things of the steward, however these words actually represent certain accusations which are coming from the dictates of religion, against priests. Compare the accountability demanded in this parable, to that which is commanded in a parable about a certain nobleman: “It came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him… that he might know how much every man had gained (Luke 19:15).” When the truths of the covenant message are openly professed before the nations, the dictates and authorities of religion will demand those priests which were not sharing its truths before the congregation, to give an account. God gave the priesthood time to prepare everyone, so what about the priests who failed to heed the warnings of God's messengers? Is bowing down to the pressures of religion a good reason for not serving the Lord and following after his truths?
What will happen when priests are confronted by their authorities? The unjust steward resolved what he would do, and then he went to work. “He called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? (Luke 16:5).” The wisdom of the unjust steward was to respond by taking all of his understanding directly to the people, in a one on one basis. The steward exacted less from his lord's debtors then they owed, for he explained unto them that God exacts less from believers than our iniquities deserve. The unjust steward actions not only remind people to be gracious when instructing others, but they also remind believers that righteousness is not of the law, but it is by faith. The debts of his lord's debtors were not completely resolved by the steward, neither could they be, for everyone must personally perform a work for the Lord in order to inherit the blessings of the kingdom. The reason that God provided the parable of the unjust steward is to show priests that they should have charity towards the congregation, for it pleases the Lord: “The Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely (Luke 16:8).”
At the conclusion of this parable are lessons which pertain to "unrighteous mammon." These parable words refer to our iniquities: God used them to represent the portions of our religious doctrines which are deceitful, and which misrepresent him before the people. “If ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches (Luke 16:11)?” In other words, if you were unfaithful at keeping and promoting the laws of your own religious beliefs, then who is going to help you understand the kingdom’s secrets?
“I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations (Luke 16:9).” The secret to discerning the truth of this verse, is to understand that the counsel of this verse is directly linked to the parable of the unjust steward. Consider that each and every religion has a certain amount of unrighteous mammon. So this verse is encouraging priests that hear the covenant message, to win allies unto themselves by directly sharing their understanding of it with some of the people within their own congregation, in a one on one basis. This way when the end does come, the people whom they informed will rise up, and they will help them by declaring the things which they heard, and which they now believe. “Who is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season (Luke 12:42)?”
“No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13).” The truth is, believers now face an all important decision: who will they serve? Will it be God, or religion's long standing inaccuracies: no one can serve both. “He will thoroughly purge his floor (Luke 3:17).” Make no mistake about it, every err of our religious teachings will be destroyed. “That servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12:47).” “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18)."
The words "everlasting habitations" are written among the lessons of the unrighteous mammon. "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations (Luke 16:9)." What are these words referring to? Where is the place of everlasting habitations? The Greek word which was translated into the word “habitations,” was also translated into the word “tabernacle” and it was used in the verse: “David; who found favor before God, desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob (Acts 7:46).” In other words, is was David's desire to find God an everlasting habitation. David's desire is realized through yet another covenant promise of God: Jesus Christ is being made our high priest forever, by an oath (Hebrews 7:20). “The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec (Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 7:21).” Through our great high priest, Jesus Christ, God's people are being made one: this is the unity that God approves of, and it is his everlasting habitation, it is Zion, and it is the fulfillment of David's desire. “He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33).” Believe God, and believe on his Son. “So all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Psalms 14:7; Romans 11:26).”
To identify an end time truth which was written in, John, chapter three, verse sixteen, the facts of this law were established when Jesus taught them again for a second time, saying: "Verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life (John 5:24)." The unpopular testimony of John, chapter five, verse twenty four, works together with, John, three, sixteen, and it verifies that if believer's hear Jesus' teachings, and if they already believed in God, then they are passed from death unto everlasting life, without condemnation. Jesus taught the truth concerning this law of pardon, twice, therefore it was established by God. Nevertheless, these two verses work together to produce evidence which insinuates, and testifies that the new covenant is to learn of Jesus. "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? ... He will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19)."
God sent the people the prophet Jesus Christ, for their sanctification. “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Jesus (Matthew 11:6).” “By him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:39).” As previously stated, God gave the world the teachings of Jesus to perfect their understanding of his love, however Jesus' death served yet another purpose for the nations. Jesus went to the cross and willingly gave his life as an offering: his death was God's offering which established all of God's covenant promises. "Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers (Romans 15:8)." "This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12)."
How could, and did, the priests of Jesus' day make the unlawful mistake of condemning God's son, who was a prophet, and a righteous man, unto death? Answer: It was no mistake (Deuteronomy 33:9). The crucifixion was a necessary part of God's plan to fulfill scripture, even fulfilling some prophecies which Jesus Christ himself delivered (Isaiah chapter 53). "The Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again (Matthew 20:19)." Jesus' death was purposed for the gathering of God's people of every nation into one understanding, in the last days, and at the end of time. "The high priest prophesied that Jesus should die… and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad (John 11:51-52).” Jesus gave his life so that during end times believers might see the truth, and turn from the mistakes of religion: for his death testifies that religion rehearses, and promotes mistaken beliefs. “He gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1Timothy 2:6).”
The priests of Jesus' day refused to consider that Jesus' new doctrine could be of God. They consented to his death because they were deceived by their own mistaken understandings of God's word, or in other words, by their religious iniquities. Likewise, today's priests are also being deceived by the mistaken beliefs of their forefathers, and by their own mistaken understandings of God's word. Jesus' crucifixion is evidence that religion and tradition are stumbling blocks for God's people (John 19:7). For God so loved the world that he gave them Jesus, and Jesus' death is evidence that seemingly good and godly religious doctrines, are in fact, riddled with errs. Jesus gave himself as an offering that he might reveal the sin of relying upon, and trusting in, our forefather's teachings, for trusting in religion is iniquity. “He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity (Titus 2:14). Religion's shortcomings are evidenced by the crucifixion, and teaching the congregation this true fact will put understanding into the hearts of God's people: “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world (John 6:51).” “Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).”
Through Jesus’ teachings the world, is, and has been, awarded an opportunity to get a glimpse at the Father’s love. Jesus commanded his followers to have love for one another, and those who have kept his commandments have a spirit of love that comes from the father. Therefore God's love is seen through the true followers of Jesus Christ. “I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you (Matthew 5:44).” “A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another (John 13:34).” “For love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God (1John 4:7).” “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another (John 13:35).”
Priests' often allow the pressures and demands of religion to dictate what is taught in their pulpit. This type of pressure is eluded to in a parable of the unjust steward. Think of the priest as being a steward of God's word. “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (1Corinthians 4:2).” Now think of the unjust steward as being a priest who has been withholding the newly revealed end time truths of scripture from God's people. The unjust steward is accused of wasting the goods of his lord. “How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest no longer steward (Luke 16:2).” Jesus could be demanding these things of the steward, however these words actually represent certain accusations which are coming from the dictates of religion, against priests. Compare the accountability demanded in this parable, to that which is commanded in a parable about a certain nobleman: “It came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him… that he might know how much every man had gained (Luke 19:15).” When the truths of the covenant message are openly professed before the nations, the dictates and authorities of religion will demand those priests which were not sharing its truths before the congregation, to give an account. God gave the priesthood time to prepare everyone, so what about the priests who failed to heed the warnings of God's messengers? Is bowing down to the pressures of religion a good reason for not serving the Lord and following after his truths?
What will happen when priests are confronted by their authorities? The unjust steward resolved what he would do, and then he went to work. “He called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? (Luke 16:5).” The wisdom of the unjust steward was to respond by taking all of his understanding directly to the people, in a one on one basis. The steward exacted less from his lord's debtors then they owed, for he explained unto them that God exacts less from believers than our iniquities deserve. The unjust steward actions not only remind people to be gracious when instructing others, but they also remind believers that righteousness is not of the law, but it is by faith. The debts of his lord's debtors were not completely resolved by the steward, neither could they be, for everyone must personally perform a work for the Lord in order to inherit the blessings of the kingdom. The reason that God provided the parable of the unjust steward is to show priests that they should have charity towards the congregation, for it pleases the Lord: “The Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely (Luke 16:8).”
At the conclusion of this parable are lessons which pertain to "unrighteous mammon." These parable words refer to our iniquities: God used them to represent the portions of our religious doctrines which are deceitful, and which misrepresent him before the people. “If ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches (Luke 16:11)?” In other words, if you were unfaithful at keeping and promoting the laws of your own religious beliefs, then who is going to help you understand the kingdom’s secrets?
“I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations (Luke 16:9).” The secret to discerning the truth of this verse, is to understand that the counsel of this verse is directly linked to the parable of the unjust steward. Consider that each and every religion has a certain amount of unrighteous mammon. So this verse is encouraging priests that hear the covenant message, to win allies unto themselves by directly sharing their understanding of it with some of the people within their own congregation, in a one on one basis. This way when the end does come, the people whom they informed will rise up, and they will help them by declaring the things which they heard, and which they now believe. “Who is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season (Luke 12:42)?”
“No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13).” The truth is, believers now face an all important decision: who will they serve? Will it be God, or religion's long standing inaccuracies: no one can serve both. “He will thoroughly purge his floor (Luke 3:17).” Make no mistake about it, every err of our religious teachings will be destroyed. “That servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12:47).” “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18)."
The words "everlasting habitations" are written among the lessons of the unrighteous mammon. "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations (Luke 16:9)." What are these words referring to? Where is the place of everlasting habitations? The Greek word which was translated into the word “habitations,” was also translated into the word “tabernacle” and it was used in the verse: “David; who found favor before God, desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob (Acts 7:46).” In other words, is was David's desire to find God an everlasting habitation. David's desire is realized through yet another covenant promise of God: Jesus Christ is being made our high priest forever, by an oath (Hebrews 7:20). “The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec (Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 7:21).” Through our great high priest, Jesus Christ, God's people are being made one: this is the unity that God approves of, and it is his everlasting habitation, it is Zion, and it is the fulfillment of David's desire. “He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33).” Believe God, and believe on his Son. “So all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Psalms 14:7; Romans 11:26).”
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Malachi and the Windows of Heaven
Malachi delivered a message which is especially meant for today's priests. “O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces… and ye shall know that I have sent this commandment to you (Malachi 2:1-4).” This announcement is purposed to get the attention of righteous priests, and cause them to listen to God's messengers, for these words verify that priests who are refusing to receive the newly revealed truths of prophecy, are already being punished. This book is God's testimony wherein he lifted his hand and sworn that he is grieved against priests, and that he will correct them. The covenant message, is, in essence, God's voice, for it rehearses God's very words. Wherefore every priest who refuses to hear and receive the newly revealed truths of the covenant message will suffer God's affliction, for they have irresponsibly withheld truth from the people, and they given the congregation over to the end time pestilences.
In the testimony which God delivered through Malachi, God spoke directly unto priests asking them why they are doing things which displease and grieve him: Why do you offer up incomplete truth's in your sermons (Malachi 1:8)? Why are you more loyal to your religion than to your God (Malachi 2:11)? Why do you despise the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and profane your covenant (Malachi 1:7; 2:10; Joshua 1:8-9)? “The Lord will cut off the man that does this (Malachi 2:12).” Priests are called to stand before God's people with a clean heart, and with a pure conscience. Many of today's priests have already heard the newly revealed truths of prophecy as well as the instruction of God's word, and yet they continue to stand before God's people and promote religion's lies. This is abomination (Ezekiel 34:2). “Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off (Zephaniah 3:7).” Priests who claim to be a child of God should believe the evidences of scripture, and they should do all things according to God's word.
God informed his people that he would send them a prophet before the great and terrible day of his coming. "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5)." This is evidence, so hear this evidence and believe God. The prophet whom God promised to send was to be a messenger who would deliver the covenant message. "I will send my messenger… even the messenger of the covenant (Malachi 3:1)." This is the message of the covenant: for it boldly declares the new covenant, and along with that news came the newly revealed understandings of prophecy, and all of this was delivered before the great and terrible day of his coming. In other words, God's prophecy concerning Elijah has been fulfilled. "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness (Malachi 3:3)." The objective of this message is to change the hearts and minds of believing priests, so that they might acknowledge their offense, change their teachings, and get God's people prepared and ready for that day (Psalms 13:3).
“Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; Lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited (Jeremiah 6:8).” The counsel and instruction of the covenant message is awarded to priests for their good, and for the good of all of God's people. “Whoso loves instruction loves knowledge (Proverbs 12:1).” God caused the understandings of prophecy to be sealed up and misunderstood until the day that he clarified their true meaning (Isaiah 48:8; Ezekiel 21:27). So priests had no way of accurately knowing everything that was prophesied to come upon believers at the time of the end. Therefore forget everything that was previously taught and believed about end times, for end times will be according to the newly revealed truths of prophecy. Believers will need to study and pray for wisdom and understanding: for God intends to destroy every false and mistaken belief of every religion. Don't presume to know anything. Find evidence of everything in his word. “The soul that does presumptuously… the same reproaches the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him (Numbers 15:30-31).”
The curse which will come upon the priests who continue to ignore or reject the revealed truths of prophecy, was eluded to, and prophesied about, throughout the testimonies of God's word. Here are some of the evidences: "O ye priests... I will even send a curse upon you (Malachi 2:2)." "Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats (Zechariah 10:3)." "All the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them (Ezekiel 39:21)." "Thou shalt mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof (Proverbs 5:11-12)." God will afflict the face of every priest who refuses to accept his end time truths, but Christianity's rebellious priests will be the first ones that will suffer his correction. "What is the vine tree more than any tree (Ezekiel 15:2)." "Judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God (1Peter 4:17)?" "Be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation (James 3:1).” "They shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh (Isaiah 66:24).""O ye priests... I will... spread dung upon your faces (Malachi 2:3)."
The covenant message has shown evidence that God groups likeminded believers together as one body of believers, calling them by one parable name. Malachi's prophecy concerning Elijah is an example of God calling many people by one name. The wilderness is what caused these believers to be grouped together in likemindedness with Elijah (John 1:23). "The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3)." To truly understand the prophecy concerning Elijah, believers must learn the parable of the wilderness: "Who can cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man (Job 38:26)?" God caused a rain to come down upon earth in the form of understanding, and it fell in a place where no man was: in a place where it was said, there is no way. "I will make a way in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19)." "Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring forth (Joel 2:22)." The word 'wilderness,' in prophecy, pertains to every unaccepted believer who goes against the majority and its traditional way of thinking, and who ventures out to question the truths and beliefs which are being taught in today's pulpits. Believers who are in the wilderness are searching through God's word, and they are relying upon God for answers to their questions. "I make rivers in the wilderness (Isaiah 50:2)." Just one other quick little side note: the word, river, is another parable word in prophecy, and it signifies that the truth of God's word is flowing freely out of the mouths of his people. Therefore, in saying that rivers will flow from the wilderness, the implication is that priests will be teaching some of the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and their lessons will be flowing out from places wherein believers once thought: There is no way (Ezekiel chapter 47).
"Judgment shall dwell in the wilderness and righteousness remain in the fruitful field (Isaiah 32:16)." For a time religion will stay intact, and it may even thrive, but the seeds of God's ways have already been planted in the place where it is said, "There is no way." "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree… That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel created it (Isaiah 41:19-20)." The names of these four trees represent believers of the Islamic, Jewish and Christian faiths, as well as the priesthood; for these believers are the messengers who are grouped together under the name of Elijah, and they are bringing forth the covenant message. God planted them in the wilderness, therefore the wilderness will blossom and burst forth, in his time. “He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody (Isaiah 51:3).”
As soon as the covenant message is openly being heard and proclaimed, the parable of the wilderness undergoes a horrific change: for the threat which God made against religion, will be validated: "Plead with your mother, plead… Lest I strip her naked… and make her as a wilderness (Hosea 2:2-3)." Rebellious believers will find themselves cast out of God's presence, and they will become the unaccepted and despised minority in the wilderness. "I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by his fierce anger (Jeremiah 4:26)." "Who is the wise man, that may understand this? Who is he to whom the mouth of the Lord has spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perishes and is burned up like a wilderness, that none pass through (Jeremiah 9:12)?" "Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness (Jeremiah 12:10)." The work of studying the scriptures and searching to find out God's answers concerning the prophecies of end times, will be transferred from believers of the covenant message, unto those who are still cleaving to the traditional beliefs of religion.
A prayer revealing the hearts of the remnant who stand firm and continue to promote their religious beliefs, is recorded in the book of Isaiah: “Lord, thou art our father… Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold… we are thy people. Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste. Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O Lord? Wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore (Isaiah 64:8-12).” God has not forsaken these believers, however they will be required to convert their understandings, as well as their teachings. "Except you be converted... ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3)." "Ye have done all this wickedness… Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both you and your king (1Samuel 12:20; 20:24-25)."
In the book of Malachi, God indicates that he hates the rebellion of the deceived. Before contemplating this truth, note that the parable word "dragon," in prophecy, pertains to priests who are telling lies (Jeremiah 5:14). "I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness (Malachi 1:3)." This verse is testifying that God hates the rebellious, for God only hates those people who hate him. Esau's name in prophecy represents people who have never truly known the Lord, therefore they hate the righteous and despise hearing the newly revealed truths of prophecy (Genesis 25:34). God is angry with everyone that rebels against his word. "I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein (Amos 6:8)." "I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant (Jeremiah 9:11)." These verses verify God's anger, as well as his impartiality, for Jerusalem is the mother of us all, and her name in prophecy, represents believers of all four of the nations of Abraham (Galatians 4:26). Judah's name in prophecy, represents the priesthood (Psalm 60:7). Scripture also testifies that God's wrath is against Babylon, whose name represents backslidden believers. Babylon will be cut off, and it will remain desolate, for ever (Jeremiah 51:60-62). God is not a respecter of persons, therefore he is against the mistaken beliefs of every nation. "For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it (Jeremiah 4:28)." "Who hath disposed the whole world (Job 34:13)?"
"Saviors shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau (Obadiah 21)." These words insinuate that people will learn the truth, and then they will come up to help guide and correct Esau. Are you among the stubborn and rebellious unbelievers that are grouped together under the parable name of "Esau?" These scorners refuse to accept and believe that God allowed faithful believers from all four of the nations of Abraham to inherit salvation, wherefore they need to hear and receive the evidence: God testified that Ishmael, who was the beginning of the Islamic faith, would become a great nation (Genesis 21:18). Factor into that his commandment concerning the birthright of the firstborn: "Ye may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed firstborn (Deuteronomy 21:16)." Would God, who chose faithful Abraham, and who established a covenant with him and with his seed, and who swore that he would be their God if they would be circumcised, would he turn and make void his promise by refusing to allow the circumcised sons of Ishmael and Esau to come into his presence (Genesis 17:7-14)? Islam's fathers refused to receive instruction, and they were recompensed for their err: Islam was given statutes which were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live (Ezekiel 20:25; Jeremiah 16:2-12; 43:7; 44:26-28). However, God swore that the sons of the wicked would not be liable for their father’s mistakes (Ezekiel chapter 18). Would God, who is a just, banish a faithful Islamic believer, and cast them out of his presence forever?
The book of Lamentations conveys a prophesied prayer which is meant to represent the cries and prayers of faithful Islamic believers (Lamentations 4:22). "Remember, O Lord, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach… Our necks are under persecution: we labor, and have no rest. We have given our hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. Our fathers sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities… We gat our bread with the peril of our lives… The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned… Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?" (From Lamentations chapter 5). One of the primary reasons why God is destroying the laws of every religion at this time, is to insure that each and every prisoner who is bond in destructive religious practices is released from the fears which have kept them in bondage (Isaiah 42:7). "He hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death (Psalms 102:19-20)." "The Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed (Psalms 103:6)." "They shall know I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them (Ezekiel 34:27)."
Faithful Islamic believers who obey God's instructions, will do marvelously in that day (Psalms 60:8). One of the instructions which is especially meant for the Islamic nation, is a commandment instructing them in the way of peace. “Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations; Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord God (Ezekiel 36:13-14).” Violence, from henceforth, is an unaccepted practice, for it is a sinful practice against God. Prophecy contains evidence that God allowed for an Islamic nation, and that he made a high way for Islam's conversions. Nevertheless, God will punish every Islamic believer who refuses to accept his end time truths, just as surely as he will punish every rebellious believer in each of the other nations. “But to the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instructions, and casteth my words behind thee (Psalms 50:16-17).” “Shall I not in that day, saith the Lord, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau? (Obadiah 8).”
The book of Malachi confirms that the teachings of Islam will be destroyed forever. “Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the Lord of hosts, They will build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever. Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, The Lord will be magnified from the border of Israel (Malachi 1:4-5).” The tyrants of Islam will not escape God's wrath (Jeremiah 25:21). "I will make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returns. And I will fill his mountains with his slain men... and I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and you shall know that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 35:7-9)." "He will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries (Deuteronomy 32:43)." God is in the wilderness with his people, but he will not inhabit the waste places of any religion. “I will stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness… and they shall know that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 6:14).”
“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel (Malachi 4:4).” God is requesting believers to recall the covenant which he made with his people. The entire book of Deuteronomy, is that law and covenant. The prevailing theme of the covenant was to obey God's voice, and do his commandments. Within the law and covenant, God promised blessings upon the obedient, and cursing upon those who disobeyed him. Whereas God is instructing his people to recall Moses' law, he is, in effect, reminding his people that he has sworn and promised that he would bring blessings upon everyone who listens to his voice, and that he would curse those who refuse to obey him (Deuteronomy 26:17-18; 29:19-20).
The newly revealed truths of the covenant message require all believers to change some of their core religious beliefs. This is unnatural, and it takes faith. Therefore believers must prayerfully study the scriptures, along with the message. Our forefathers, the priests, misunderstood God's word. They made some false claims which were based upon their own mistaken interpretations of scripture, and they passed down their erred beliefs through their followers. Throughout the generations people used their forefather's mistaken claims and built their own mistaken interpretations upon the original ones, wherefore mistaken interpretations have become unchangeable laws. This is iniquity, and iniquity is responsible for causing many of God's people to backslide, and it has caused multitudes to become indifferent towards God (Deuteronomy 8:19-20). God is about to clean house. His people are being called back into the pure doctrine of his word (Nehemiah 9:29). Believers will have a new way to serve God, so that the mistakes of the forefathers are not repeated. The faithful will perish from off the land of their former religious beliefs, and the land of their mistaken beliefs will be destroyed forever. “When ye shalt begat children, and children’s children, and shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves… to provoke him to anger: I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you shall soon utterly perish from off the land… ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed (Deuteronomy 4:25-26).”
“Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? Neither do you kindle a fire on my altar for nought (Malachi 1:10)." The words "kindle a fire" suggest that the covenant message has already caused some priests to become more passionate towards teaching the truth of God's word; however the words "shut the door" imply that these priests are withholding the truth of it from God's people. Scripture testifies that Zion's doors will never be closed (Isaiah 60:11); but the doors to the kingdom of heaven are closed if teachers know the truth, and withhold it from the congregation (Ecclesiastes 12 3-4). How long will these priests continue to remain silent and let their congregations suffer the consequences of their fears?
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me... You are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me herewith… if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive (Malachi 3:8-11).” God is insinuating that priests have robbed him, and he is offering them a provocative challenge. The challenge begins with a reminder: The church receives tithes, but in addition, priests are required to bring the tenth part of all the tithes into the storehouse. “The Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house (Nehemiah 10:38).” To more fully understand God's challenge, believers must learn the parable of the storehouse, as well as the parable of the chambers. The storehouse's location is discerned by merging information from the two verses which are written above: the storehouse is the house of God. Chambers are rooms within the church, designed for those who do the service of the Lord. So according to the merged understandings of Nehemiah's instruction and Malachi's prophecy, if priests will bring a tenth part of their understanding of the covenant message into the chambers, and share it with their deacons, elders, their choir directors, and anyone else who is instrumental in the service of the church, then God will open the windows of heaven and he will pour them out blessings of the Holy Spirit and he will bless the people (Deuteronomy 31:28).
"The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouse, and in all thou settest thine hand to do; and he shall bless thee (Deuteronomy 28:8)." "Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord created it (Isaiah 45:8)." "I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing (Ezekiel 34:26)." "For the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake (Isaiah 24:18)." "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring (Isaiah 44:3)."
One final thought concerning the prophesies of Malachi: In prophecy, God used the parable names, "husband" and "husbandmen," to pertain to priests (Joel 1:11); then he aptly supplied them with a suitable companion whom he lovingly termed, the wife: so the parable names of "bride" and "wife" embody all the deacons, elders, choir directors and anyone else who is instrumental in the life of the church (Ruth 1:8-9). Understanding of these parable words is necessary for interpreting some of the prophecies of Malachi. “Take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth (Malachi 2:15).” “She is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant (Malachi 2:14).” “For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith he hateth putting away (Malachi 2:16).” There are verses of scripture which are highly critical of the wife (Proverbs 19:13; Ecclesiastes 7:26); nevertheless, maybe now it is time for priests to discover the blessing that she truly is: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life… She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness… Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates (From Proverbs 31:10-31).”
“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted (Proverbs 11:11).”
In the testimony which God delivered through Malachi, God spoke directly unto priests asking them why they are doing things which displease and grieve him: Why do you offer up incomplete truth's in your sermons (Malachi 1:8)? Why are you more loyal to your religion than to your God (Malachi 2:11)? Why do you despise the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and profane your covenant (Malachi 1:7; 2:10; Joshua 1:8-9)? “The Lord will cut off the man that does this (Malachi 2:12).” Priests are called to stand before God's people with a clean heart, and with a pure conscience. Many of today's priests have already heard the newly revealed truths of prophecy as well as the instruction of God's word, and yet they continue to stand before God's people and promote religion's lies. This is abomination (Ezekiel 34:2). “Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off (Zephaniah 3:7).” Priests who claim to be a child of God should believe the evidences of scripture, and they should do all things according to God's word.
God informed his people that he would send them a prophet before the great and terrible day of his coming. "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5)." This is evidence, so hear this evidence and believe God. The prophet whom God promised to send was to be a messenger who would deliver the covenant message. "I will send my messenger… even the messenger of the covenant (Malachi 3:1)." This is the message of the covenant: for it boldly declares the new covenant, and along with that news came the newly revealed understandings of prophecy, and all of this was delivered before the great and terrible day of his coming. In other words, God's prophecy concerning Elijah has been fulfilled. "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness (Malachi 3:3)." The objective of this message is to change the hearts and minds of believing priests, so that they might acknowledge their offense, change their teachings, and get God's people prepared and ready for that day (Psalms 13:3).
“Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; Lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited (Jeremiah 6:8).” The counsel and instruction of the covenant message is awarded to priests for their good, and for the good of all of God's people. “Whoso loves instruction loves knowledge (Proverbs 12:1).” God caused the understandings of prophecy to be sealed up and misunderstood until the day that he clarified their true meaning (Isaiah 48:8; Ezekiel 21:27). So priests had no way of accurately knowing everything that was prophesied to come upon believers at the time of the end. Therefore forget everything that was previously taught and believed about end times, for end times will be according to the newly revealed truths of prophecy. Believers will need to study and pray for wisdom and understanding: for God intends to destroy every false and mistaken belief of every religion. Don't presume to know anything. Find evidence of everything in his word. “The soul that does presumptuously… the same reproaches the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him (Numbers 15:30-31).”
The curse which will come upon the priests who continue to ignore or reject the revealed truths of prophecy, was eluded to, and prophesied about, throughout the testimonies of God's word. Here are some of the evidences: "O ye priests... I will even send a curse upon you (Malachi 2:2)." "Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats (Zechariah 10:3)." "All the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them (Ezekiel 39:21)." "Thou shalt mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof (Proverbs 5:11-12)." God will afflict the face of every priest who refuses to accept his end time truths, but Christianity's rebellious priests will be the first ones that will suffer his correction. "What is the vine tree more than any tree (Ezekiel 15:2)." "Judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God (1Peter 4:17)?" "Be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation (James 3:1).” "They shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh (Isaiah 66:24).""O ye priests... I will... spread dung upon your faces (Malachi 2:3)."
The covenant message has shown evidence that God groups likeminded believers together as one body of believers, calling them by one parable name. Malachi's prophecy concerning Elijah is an example of God calling many people by one name. The wilderness is what caused these believers to be grouped together in likemindedness with Elijah (John 1:23). "The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3)." To truly understand the prophecy concerning Elijah, believers must learn the parable of the wilderness: "Who can cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man (Job 38:26)?" God caused a rain to come down upon earth in the form of understanding, and it fell in a place where no man was: in a place where it was said, there is no way. "I will make a way in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19)." "Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring forth (Joel 2:22)." The word 'wilderness,' in prophecy, pertains to every unaccepted believer who goes against the majority and its traditional way of thinking, and who ventures out to question the truths and beliefs which are being taught in today's pulpits. Believers who are in the wilderness are searching through God's word, and they are relying upon God for answers to their questions. "I make rivers in the wilderness (Isaiah 50:2)." Just one other quick little side note: the word, river, is another parable word in prophecy, and it signifies that the truth of God's word is flowing freely out of the mouths of his people. Therefore, in saying that rivers will flow from the wilderness, the implication is that priests will be teaching some of the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and their lessons will be flowing out from places wherein believers once thought: There is no way (Ezekiel chapter 47).
"Judgment shall dwell in the wilderness and righteousness remain in the fruitful field (Isaiah 32:16)." For a time religion will stay intact, and it may even thrive, but the seeds of God's ways have already been planted in the place where it is said, "There is no way." "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree… That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel created it (Isaiah 41:19-20)." The names of these four trees represent believers of the Islamic, Jewish and Christian faiths, as well as the priesthood; for these believers are the messengers who are grouped together under the name of Elijah, and they are bringing forth the covenant message. God planted them in the wilderness, therefore the wilderness will blossom and burst forth, in his time. “He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody (Isaiah 51:3).”
As soon as the covenant message is openly being heard and proclaimed, the parable of the wilderness undergoes a horrific change: for the threat which God made against religion, will be validated: "Plead with your mother, plead… Lest I strip her naked… and make her as a wilderness (Hosea 2:2-3)." Rebellious believers will find themselves cast out of God's presence, and they will become the unaccepted and despised minority in the wilderness. "I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by his fierce anger (Jeremiah 4:26)." "Who is the wise man, that may understand this? Who is he to whom the mouth of the Lord has spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perishes and is burned up like a wilderness, that none pass through (Jeremiah 9:12)?" "Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness (Jeremiah 12:10)." The work of studying the scriptures and searching to find out God's answers concerning the prophecies of end times, will be transferred from believers of the covenant message, unto those who are still cleaving to the traditional beliefs of religion.
A prayer revealing the hearts of the remnant who stand firm and continue to promote their religious beliefs, is recorded in the book of Isaiah: “Lord, thou art our father… Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold… we are thy people. Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste. Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O Lord? Wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore (Isaiah 64:8-12).” God has not forsaken these believers, however they will be required to convert their understandings, as well as their teachings. "Except you be converted... ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3)." "Ye have done all this wickedness… Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both you and your king (1Samuel 12:20; 20:24-25)."
In the book of Malachi, God indicates that he hates the rebellion of the deceived. Before contemplating this truth, note that the parable word "dragon," in prophecy, pertains to priests who are telling lies (Jeremiah 5:14). "I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness (Malachi 1:3)." This verse is testifying that God hates the rebellious, for God only hates those people who hate him. Esau's name in prophecy represents people who have never truly known the Lord, therefore they hate the righteous and despise hearing the newly revealed truths of prophecy (Genesis 25:34). God is angry with everyone that rebels against his word. "I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein (Amos 6:8)." "I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant (Jeremiah 9:11)." These verses verify God's anger, as well as his impartiality, for Jerusalem is the mother of us all, and her name in prophecy, represents believers of all four of the nations of Abraham (Galatians 4:26). Judah's name in prophecy, represents the priesthood (Psalm 60:7). Scripture also testifies that God's wrath is against Babylon, whose name represents backslidden believers. Babylon will be cut off, and it will remain desolate, for ever (Jeremiah 51:60-62). God is not a respecter of persons, therefore he is against the mistaken beliefs of every nation. "For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it (Jeremiah 4:28)." "Who hath disposed the whole world (Job 34:13)?"
"Saviors shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau (Obadiah 21)." These words insinuate that people will learn the truth, and then they will come up to help guide and correct Esau. Are you among the stubborn and rebellious unbelievers that are grouped together under the parable name of "Esau?" These scorners refuse to accept and believe that God allowed faithful believers from all four of the nations of Abraham to inherit salvation, wherefore they need to hear and receive the evidence: God testified that Ishmael, who was the beginning of the Islamic faith, would become a great nation (Genesis 21:18). Factor into that his commandment concerning the birthright of the firstborn: "Ye may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed firstborn (Deuteronomy 21:16)." Would God, who chose faithful Abraham, and who established a covenant with him and with his seed, and who swore that he would be their God if they would be circumcised, would he turn and make void his promise by refusing to allow the circumcised sons of Ishmael and Esau to come into his presence (Genesis 17:7-14)? Islam's fathers refused to receive instruction, and they were recompensed for their err: Islam was given statutes which were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live (Ezekiel 20:25; Jeremiah 16:2-12; 43:7; 44:26-28). However, God swore that the sons of the wicked would not be liable for their father’s mistakes (Ezekiel chapter 18). Would God, who is a just, banish a faithful Islamic believer, and cast them out of his presence forever?
The book of Lamentations conveys a prophesied prayer which is meant to represent the cries and prayers of faithful Islamic believers (Lamentations 4:22). "Remember, O Lord, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach… Our necks are under persecution: we labor, and have no rest. We have given our hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. Our fathers sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities… We gat our bread with the peril of our lives… The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned… Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?" (From Lamentations chapter 5). One of the primary reasons why God is destroying the laws of every religion at this time, is to insure that each and every prisoner who is bond in destructive religious practices is released from the fears which have kept them in bondage (Isaiah 42:7). "He hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death (Psalms 102:19-20)." "The Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed (Psalms 103:6)." "They shall know I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them (Ezekiel 34:27)."
Faithful Islamic believers who obey God's instructions, will do marvelously in that day (Psalms 60:8). One of the instructions which is especially meant for the Islamic nation, is a commandment instructing them in the way of peace. “Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations; Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord God (Ezekiel 36:13-14).” Violence, from henceforth, is an unaccepted practice, for it is a sinful practice against God. Prophecy contains evidence that God allowed for an Islamic nation, and that he made a high way for Islam's conversions. Nevertheless, God will punish every Islamic believer who refuses to accept his end time truths, just as surely as he will punish every rebellious believer in each of the other nations. “But to the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instructions, and casteth my words behind thee (Psalms 50:16-17).” “Shall I not in that day, saith the Lord, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau? (Obadiah 8).”
The book of Malachi confirms that the teachings of Islam will be destroyed forever. “Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the Lord of hosts, They will build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever. Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, The Lord will be magnified from the border of Israel (Malachi 1:4-5).” The tyrants of Islam will not escape God's wrath (Jeremiah 25:21). "I will make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returns. And I will fill his mountains with his slain men... and I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and you shall know that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 35:7-9)." "He will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries (Deuteronomy 32:43)." God is in the wilderness with his people, but he will not inhabit the waste places of any religion. “I will stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness… and they shall know that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 6:14).”
“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel (Malachi 4:4).” God is requesting believers to recall the covenant which he made with his people. The entire book of Deuteronomy, is that law and covenant. The prevailing theme of the covenant was to obey God's voice, and do his commandments. Within the law and covenant, God promised blessings upon the obedient, and cursing upon those who disobeyed him. Whereas God is instructing his people to recall Moses' law, he is, in effect, reminding his people that he has sworn and promised that he would bring blessings upon everyone who listens to his voice, and that he would curse those who refuse to obey him (Deuteronomy 26:17-18; 29:19-20).
The newly revealed truths of the covenant message require all believers to change some of their core religious beliefs. This is unnatural, and it takes faith. Therefore believers must prayerfully study the scriptures, along with the message. Our forefathers, the priests, misunderstood God's word. They made some false claims which were based upon their own mistaken interpretations of scripture, and they passed down their erred beliefs through their followers. Throughout the generations people used their forefather's mistaken claims and built their own mistaken interpretations upon the original ones, wherefore mistaken interpretations have become unchangeable laws. This is iniquity, and iniquity is responsible for causing many of God's people to backslide, and it has caused multitudes to become indifferent towards God (Deuteronomy 8:19-20). God is about to clean house. His people are being called back into the pure doctrine of his word (Nehemiah 9:29). Believers will have a new way to serve God, so that the mistakes of the forefathers are not repeated. The faithful will perish from off the land of their former religious beliefs, and the land of their mistaken beliefs will be destroyed forever. “When ye shalt begat children, and children’s children, and shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves… to provoke him to anger: I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you shall soon utterly perish from off the land… ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed (Deuteronomy 4:25-26).”
“Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? Neither do you kindle a fire on my altar for nought (Malachi 1:10)." The words "kindle a fire" suggest that the covenant message has already caused some priests to become more passionate towards teaching the truth of God's word; however the words "shut the door" imply that these priests are withholding the truth of it from God's people. Scripture testifies that Zion's doors will never be closed (Isaiah 60:11); but the doors to the kingdom of heaven are closed if teachers know the truth, and withhold it from the congregation (Ecclesiastes 12 3-4). How long will these priests continue to remain silent and let their congregations suffer the consequences of their fears?
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me... You are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me herewith… if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive (Malachi 3:8-11).” God is insinuating that priests have robbed him, and he is offering them a provocative challenge. The challenge begins with a reminder: The church receives tithes, but in addition, priests are required to bring the tenth part of all the tithes into the storehouse. “The Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house (Nehemiah 10:38).” To more fully understand God's challenge, believers must learn the parable of the storehouse, as well as the parable of the chambers. The storehouse's location is discerned by merging information from the two verses which are written above: the storehouse is the house of God. Chambers are rooms within the church, designed for those who do the service of the Lord. So according to the merged understandings of Nehemiah's instruction and Malachi's prophecy, if priests will bring a tenth part of their understanding of the covenant message into the chambers, and share it with their deacons, elders, their choir directors, and anyone else who is instrumental in the service of the church, then God will open the windows of heaven and he will pour them out blessings of the Holy Spirit and he will bless the people (Deuteronomy 31:28).
"The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouse, and in all thou settest thine hand to do; and he shall bless thee (Deuteronomy 28:8)." "Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord created it (Isaiah 45:8)." "I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing (Ezekiel 34:26)." "For the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake (Isaiah 24:18)." "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring (Isaiah 44:3)."
One final thought concerning the prophesies of Malachi: In prophecy, God used the parable names, "husband" and "husbandmen," to pertain to priests (Joel 1:11); then he aptly supplied them with a suitable companion whom he lovingly termed, the wife: so the parable names of "bride" and "wife" embody all the deacons, elders, choir directors and anyone else who is instrumental in the life of the church (Ruth 1:8-9). Understanding of these parable words is necessary for interpreting some of the prophecies of Malachi. “Take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth (Malachi 2:15).” “She is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant (Malachi 2:14).” “For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith he hateth putting away (Malachi 2:16).” There are verses of scripture which are highly critical of the wife (Proverbs 19:13; Ecclesiastes 7:26); nevertheless, maybe now it is time for priests to discover the blessing that she truly is: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life… She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness… Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates (From Proverbs 31:10-31).”
“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted (Proverbs 11:11).”
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Learning Judgment: The Prophesies of Job
"Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the heart (Job 38:36)." When it comes to understanding prophecy, God puts wisdom and understanding into the hearts and minds of his people by using patterns. A pattern is God's requirement that for every prophecy of scripture there would be a true life experience recorded in scripture which would align itself with the prophecy and cause people to perceive the meaning of the prophecy. Evidence that patterns exist, and that they are a requirement of God, is secured in the verse, "That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past (Ecclesiastes 3:15)." In other words, according to God's requirement, everything that is prophesied to happen during end times, has a pattern. Job's physical suffering, and his confusion and anguish, are the required pattern which was recorded to give his people answers concerning the afflictions and judgments of end times. In other words, what Job experienced was for our edification, and although he had no warning, his testimony serves as our warning. "Oh that one would hear me! Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that my adversary had written a book. Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me (Job 31:35-36)."
The word "priest" is not found in the book of Job, however there are certain clues which insinuate that Job was a priest. This is important because it demonstrates that afflictions will come upon seemingly innocent, and beloved priests (Malachi 2:2). One clue regarding Job's position, is a verse which says that Job sent and sanctified his sons by offering burnt offerings for them, which is the responsibility of a priest (Job 1:5). A second clue is that Job admitted to ruling as a king over an army of God’s people. "I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army (Job 29:25)." It is also important to understand that Job was a righteous man. This is evidenced by the respect which Job claimed to have had. "When I went out to the gate through the city... the young men saw me and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained their talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace... because I delivered the poor that cried (Job 29:7-12)." Job's righteousness is also evidenced in the testimony of a friend who acknowledged the good works that he did, "Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees (Job 4:4)." But the ultimate glory of Job's righteousnes is heard in God's own words: “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil (Job 1:8)?”
Without contradiction Job was a righteous priest who loved the Lord (Job 29:12-17). But was Job staying alert to the voice of the Lord? When God moved to do a new thing, was Job willing to follow? "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him (Job 13:15)." "Changes and war are against me (Job 10:17)." Before religion was even born, God began scripting a plan against it, to defeat it (Proverbs 8:27). God knew that hypocrisy and wickedness would enter into his house and ensnare his people, and that deceivers would reign over them (Job 34:17; 38:13). So God planned an overthrow of every religion (Job 9:5; Isaiah 40:17; Romans 3:10). "That the hypocrite reign not, least the people be ensnared (Job 34:30)." God wrote truths which will lead his people out of religion's clutches, and which will guide them into that one way that they may serve him from henceforth and forevermore (Zephaniah 3:9). When God moves, every priest needs to pay attention, even if that means listening unto God's voice through the warnings of other believers (Isaiah 44:26). Job had said, "I will maintain my own ways before him," which means that he was not willing to follow the Lord and make changes, or to listen to the warnings of a messenger. His spirit of rebellion was recorded that believers might know that punishments of correction will come upon priests who ignore, and, or, reject God's messengers. “His sons come to honor, and he knows it not; they are brought low, but he perceives it not of them. But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn (Job 14:21-22).”
“Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes… until the cities be wasted (Isaiah 6:10-11).” Pride and complacency are the sins which cause priests to harden their hearts against receiving the newly revealed truths of prophecy. "Till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of sleep (Job 14:12)." They must be awakened, because end time truths will come against everyone's core religious beliefs. Job is our pattern. Job was doing the works of the Lord and he believed that God would sustain him, and yet the curse came upon him because Job was determined to always maintain his own ways (Deuteronomy 28:15; Job 23:10-12). "I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came (Job 3:26)." "He causeth it to come (Job 37:13)." "He preformeth the thing that is appointed for me (Job 23:14)." Gone were Job's oxen and asses, his camels and sheep; and gone were his children and his servants. His skin was made loathsome with sores, and everyone that saw him, despised him. Moreover, Job was made to suffer visions and dreams which terrified him (Job 1:15-19; 2:7; 7:14; 19:13). "God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. Behold I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment (Job 19:6-7)."
"Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in? For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. For the thing which I greatly feared of is come upon me (Job 3:23-25)." Job desperately needed the right answers. Wasn't he doing righteousness? "Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery? (Job 3:21)?" Why did God allow him to have understanding, and yet hide things in scripture from men? "My sighing cometh before I eat." This remark insinuates that believers who refuse to look into the covenant message will suffer Job’s fate (Psalms 34:8). “I esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12).” Job knew the scriptures, and he he did study them and he cried out to God for answers, but that was not enough to give Job the answers that were necessary for his healing.
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1).” Job wanted to know, Why should I think upon a messenger? The words of his protest accomplish three things: first of all, they supply additional evidence that God planned for the covenant message to come forth from a woman (Jeremiah 30:6). Secondly, they suggest that Job had made a covenant with God, and that he would have to brake it in order to change to his theology. The final thing that this verse accomplishes, is that it raises an important prophetic question: Why, if I’m already secure in the Lord, should I waste my time listening to a messenger, or studying the covenant message? Answer: because the covenant message is the long anticipated end time plan of God, and it is his will (Malachi 3:1).
"Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps (Psalm 85:13)." The covenant message is purposed to go before the Lord and correct the hearts, minds, and teachings of his people, so that believers can avoid suffering God's correction, or his wrath. Believers have the scriptures for evidence, and God has sent his messengers forth, therefore priests are without excuse. "The curse causeless shall not come (Proverbs 26:2)." "Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice (Job 8:3)?" Job had access unto truths which he overlooked and refused to believe. “The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat (Job 6:7).” Believers are to pray and find out what God's will is, and then they are to follow God's end time instructions. “If thou say, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that ponders the heart consider it? He that keeps thy soul, doth not he know it? Shall not he render to every man according to his works (Proverbs 24:12)?”
Because Job had refused to know the truth, he was stripped of his royalty, and found guilty before the world. "He has stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head (Job 19:9)." Prophecy reveals that the glorious crown of righteousness will be cast off the head of David's seed during end times. "Thou hast been wrought with thine anointed... Thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground (Psalm 89:38-39)." "He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others; because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways (Job 34:26-27)." What more could God have done to convince every priest to receive the truth, and get prepared? They were given the covenant message, and they had seven years to heed the warnings of his messengers. "For God speaks once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not (Job 33:14)." "Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear (Zechariah 7:13)." "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early (Hosea 5:15)."
When Job’s friends came to comfort him, they had no answers: Why did the curse come upon him? When Job pressed upon them for answers, his friends rehearsed mistakes that unwise and backslidden believers make, and they told Job truths that he already knew. Their words were of no benefit; they were offensive, and they were condemning. "Ye are forgers of lies, ye are physicians of no value (Job 13:4)." This pattern is for our edification: when people that are without covenant understanding come forth to comfort to the afflicted, their words will be offensive, because they have no answers. Job was condemned by his peers because they did not believe that God would strike an innocent man. "Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off (Job 4:7)?" Job stirred himself up against his friends and declared his own innocence. "God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live (Job 27:5-6)." "So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes... They had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job (Job 32:1-3)."
"Why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity (Job 7:21)." After being insulted and accused by his friends, Job received counsel from a wise counselor named Elihu. Job was made to realize that he had ignored God's will, and that by claiming his own innocence, he was, in effect, accusing God. Elihu said: "I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy... In this thou art not just: I will answer thee that God is greater than man (Job 33:8-12)." "Should it be according to thy mind (Job 34:33)?" "He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not. He will deliver his soul from the pit, and his life shall see the light (Job 33:27-28)." Elihu was successful at opening Job's ears, so that after receiving his reprimand Job was able to hear God's rebuke. And the Lord said unto Job: "Wilt thou disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous (Job 40:8)?"
“If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him (Job 33:23).” It will be a blessing for the afflicted when they receive one of God's messengers, for God's messengers will bring forth the truths which will cause the afflicted to see and know the mistakes that they are making against God, and then God will be gracious unto them. “If they be bound in fretters of iron, and holden in cords of affliction; Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. He openeth their ear to discipline, and commands that they return from iniquity (Job 36:8-10).” After Job received the truth, he prayed for, and forgave his friends. "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends (Job 42:10)."
A second message from the prophecies of Job:
Among the lessons of Job is the parable of leviathan, who is prophesied to be a sea monster playing among the unsaved (Lamentations 4:3). "There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein (Psalms 104:26)." Leviathan's name represents well respected priests who know the Lord (Job 41:22; Job 41:25), but prophecy indicates that these priests are guilty of allowing their pride to cause them to maintain their silence concerning the covenant message (Job 41:15-16). The parable of leviathan discloses man’s utter inability to cause priests to teach the covenant message. “His scales are his pride, shut up together as a close seal (Job 41:15).” Although men cannot persuade leviathan to talk, God will persuade him (Isaiah 66:9). "Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him (Job 41:11)?"
In the parable, God coyly suggests the various tactics which he has stored up and prophesied to come against leviathan. "Wilt thou play with him as a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens... Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? ...Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more. Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him (Job 41:5-9)." The words “cast down at the sight of him” convey the disheartening frustrations of God's messengers as they try to convince and persuade leviathan. "With lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad (Ezekiel 13:22)." What more can the people do? "Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? And to princes, Ye are ungodly (Job 34:18)?" "In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea (Isaiah 27:1)."
"By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning (Job 41:18)." Although leviathan will not be persuaded until after God gets involved, victory starts moving rather quickly when these priests start to preach the truths of prophecy. "Sorrow is turned to joy before him (Job 41:22)." Leviathan's influences are powerful. “When he raises up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves. The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold… The arrows cannot make him flee.. he laughs at the shaking of the spear… Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear” (from Job 41:25-33). These priests will teach the congregation the truth. “I will not fear what flesh and blood can do unto me (Psalms 56:4).”
"I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and that though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God (Job 19:25-26)." These words are words of encouragement and strength for priests that will suffer the afflicting pestilence of end times. Job suffered his sores as a pattern for their edification. "He delivers the poor in affliction (Job 36:15)." "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not the chastening of the Lord (Job 5:17)." Because some priests are not willing to receive the truth, they made it necessary for God to use affliction to get their attention. Affliction will convince these priests to accept the counsel of a messenger. Elihu's counsel brought Job to repentance, and thereby Job was able to come before the throne of grace where he beheld the terrible mightiness of our God. "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:5)." "And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10)."
The word "priest" is not found in the book of Job, however there are certain clues which insinuate that Job was a priest. This is important because it demonstrates that afflictions will come upon seemingly innocent, and beloved priests (Malachi 2:2). One clue regarding Job's position, is a verse which says that Job sent and sanctified his sons by offering burnt offerings for them, which is the responsibility of a priest (Job 1:5). A second clue is that Job admitted to ruling as a king over an army of God’s people. "I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army (Job 29:25)." It is also important to understand that Job was a righteous man. This is evidenced by the respect which Job claimed to have had. "When I went out to the gate through the city... the young men saw me and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained their talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace... because I delivered the poor that cried (Job 29:7-12)." Job's righteousness is also evidenced in the testimony of a friend who acknowledged the good works that he did, "Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees (Job 4:4)." But the ultimate glory of Job's righteousnes is heard in God's own words: “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil (Job 1:8)?”
Without contradiction Job was a righteous priest who loved the Lord (Job 29:12-17). But was Job staying alert to the voice of the Lord? When God moved to do a new thing, was Job willing to follow? "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him (Job 13:15)." "Changes and war are against me (Job 10:17)." Before religion was even born, God began scripting a plan against it, to defeat it (Proverbs 8:27). God knew that hypocrisy and wickedness would enter into his house and ensnare his people, and that deceivers would reign over them (Job 34:17; 38:13). So God planned an overthrow of every religion (Job 9:5; Isaiah 40:17; Romans 3:10). "That the hypocrite reign not, least the people be ensnared (Job 34:30)." God wrote truths which will lead his people out of religion's clutches, and which will guide them into that one way that they may serve him from henceforth and forevermore (Zephaniah 3:9). When God moves, every priest needs to pay attention, even if that means listening unto God's voice through the warnings of other believers (Isaiah 44:26). Job had said, "I will maintain my own ways before him," which means that he was not willing to follow the Lord and make changes, or to listen to the warnings of a messenger. His spirit of rebellion was recorded that believers might know that punishments of correction will come upon priests who ignore, and, or, reject God's messengers. “His sons come to honor, and he knows it not; they are brought low, but he perceives it not of them. But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn (Job 14:21-22).”
“Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes… until the cities be wasted (Isaiah 6:10-11).” Pride and complacency are the sins which cause priests to harden their hearts against receiving the newly revealed truths of prophecy. "Till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of sleep (Job 14:12)." They must be awakened, because end time truths will come against everyone's core religious beliefs. Job is our pattern. Job was doing the works of the Lord and he believed that God would sustain him, and yet the curse came upon him because Job was determined to always maintain his own ways (Deuteronomy 28:15; Job 23:10-12). "I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came (Job 3:26)." "He causeth it to come (Job 37:13)." "He preformeth the thing that is appointed for me (Job 23:14)." Gone were Job's oxen and asses, his camels and sheep; and gone were his children and his servants. His skin was made loathsome with sores, and everyone that saw him, despised him. Moreover, Job was made to suffer visions and dreams which terrified him (Job 1:15-19; 2:7; 7:14; 19:13). "God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. Behold I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment (Job 19:6-7)."
"Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in? For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. For the thing which I greatly feared of is come upon me (Job 3:23-25)." Job desperately needed the right answers. Wasn't he doing righteousness? "Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery? (Job 3:21)?" Why did God allow him to have understanding, and yet hide things in scripture from men? "My sighing cometh before I eat." This remark insinuates that believers who refuse to look into the covenant message will suffer Job’s fate (Psalms 34:8). “I esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12).” Job knew the scriptures, and he he did study them and he cried out to God for answers, but that was not enough to give Job the answers that were necessary for his healing.
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1).” Job wanted to know, Why should I think upon a messenger? The words of his protest accomplish three things: first of all, they supply additional evidence that God planned for the covenant message to come forth from a woman (Jeremiah 30:6). Secondly, they suggest that Job had made a covenant with God, and that he would have to brake it in order to change to his theology. The final thing that this verse accomplishes, is that it raises an important prophetic question: Why, if I’m already secure in the Lord, should I waste my time listening to a messenger, or studying the covenant message? Answer: because the covenant message is the long anticipated end time plan of God, and it is his will (Malachi 3:1).
"Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps (Psalm 85:13)." The covenant message is purposed to go before the Lord and correct the hearts, minds, and teachings of his people, so that believers can avoid suffering God's correction, or his wrath. Believers have the scriptures for evidence, and God has sent his messengers forth, therefore priests are without excuse. "The curse causeless shall not come (Proverbs 26:2)." "Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice (Job 8:3)?" Job had access unto truths which he overlooked and refused to believe. “The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat (Job 6:7).” Believers are to pray and find out what God's will is, and then they are to follow God's end time instructions. “If thou say, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that ponders the heart consider it? He that keeps thy soul, doth not he know it? Shall not he render to every man according to his works (Proverbs 24:12)?”
Because Job had refused to know the truth, he was stripped of his royalty, and found guilty before the world. "He has stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head (Job 19:9)." Prophecy reveals that the glorious crown of righteousness will be cast off the head of David's seed during end times. "Thou hast been wrought with thine anointed... Thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground (Psalm 89:38-39)." "He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others; because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways (Job 34:26-27)." What more could God have done to convince every priest to receive the truth, and get prepared? They were given the covenant message, and they had seven years to heed the warnings of his messengers. "For God speaks once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not (Job 33:14)." "Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear (Zechariah 7:13)." "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early (Hosea 5:15)."
When Job’s friends came to comfort him, they had no answers: Why did the curse come upon him? When Job pressed upon them for answers, his friends rehearsed mistakes that unwise and backslidden believers make, and they told Job truths that he already knew. Their words were of no benefit; they were offensive, and they were condemning. "Ye are forgers of lies, ye are physicians of no value (Job 13:4)." This pattern is for our edification: when people that are without covenant understanding come forth to comfort to the afflicted, their words will be offensive, because they have no answers. Job was condemned by his peers because they did not believe that God would strike an innocent man. "Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off (Job 4:7)?" Job stirred himself up against his friends and declared his own innocence. "God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live (Job 27:5-6)." "So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes... They had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job (Job 32:1-3)."
"Why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity (Job 7:21)." After being insulted and accused by his friends, Job received counsel from a wise counselor named Elihu. Job was made to realize that he had ignored God's will, and that by claiming his own innocence, he was, in effect, accusing God. Elihu said: "I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy... In this thou art not just: I will answer thee that God is greater than man (Job 33:8-12)." "Should it be according to thy mind (Job 34:33)?" "He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not. He will deliver his soul from the pit, and his life shall see the light (Job 33:27-28)." Elihu was successful at opening Job's ears, so that after receiving his reprimand Job was able to hear God's rebuke. And the Lord said unto Job: "Wilt thou disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous (Job 40:8)?"
“If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him (Job 33:23).” It will be a blessing for the afflicted when they receive one of God's messengers, for God's messengers will bring forth the truths which will cause the afflicted to see and know the mistakes that they are making against God, and then God will be gracious unto them. “If they be bound in fretters of iron, and holden in cords of affliction; Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. He openeth their ear to discipline, and commands that they return from iniquity (Job 36:8-10).” After Job received the truth, he prayed for, and forgave his friends. "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends (Job 42:10)."
A second message from the prophecies of Job:
Among the lessons of Job is the parable of leviathan, who is prophesied to be a sea monster playing among the unsaved (Lamentations 4:3). "There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein (Psalms 104:26)." Leviathan's name represents well respected priests who know the Lord (Job 41:22; Job 41:25), but prophecy indicates that these priests are guilty of allowing their pride to cause them to maintain their silence concerning the covenant message (Job 41:15-16). The parable of leviathan discloses man’s utter inability to cause priests to teach the covenant message. “His scales are his pride, shut up together as a close seal (Job 41:15).” Although men cannot persuade leviathan to talk, God will persuade him (Isaiah 66:9). "Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him (Job 41:11)?"
In the parable, God coyly suggests the various tactics which he has stored up and prophesied to come against leviathan. "Wilt thou play with him as a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens... Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? ...Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more. Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him (Job 41:5-9)." The words “cast down at the sight of him” convey the disheartening frustrations of God's messengers as they try to convince and persuade leviathan. "With lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad (Ezekiel 13:22)." What more can the people do? "Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? And to princes, Ye are ungodly (Job 34:18)?" "In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea (Isaiah 27:1)."
"By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning (Job 41:18)." Although leviathan will not be persuaded until after God gets involved, victory starts moving rather quickly when these priests start to preach the truths of prophecy. "Sorrow is turned to joy before him (Job 41:22)." Leviathan's influences are powerful. “When he raises up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves. The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold… The arrows cannot make him flee.. he laughs at the shaking of the spear… Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear” (from Job 41:25-33). These priests will teach the congregation the truth. “I will not fear what flesh and blood can do unto me (Psalms 56:4).”
"I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and that though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God (Job 19:25-26)." These words are words of encouragement and strength for priests that will suffer the afflicting pestilence of end times. Job suffered his sores as a pattern for their edification. "He delivers the poor in affliction (Job 36:15)." "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not the chastening of the Lord (Job 5:17)." Because some priests are not willing to receive the truth, they made it necessary for God to use affliction to get their attention. Affliction will convince these priests to accept the counsel of a messenger. Elihu's counsel brought Job to repentance, and thereby Job was able to come before the throne of grace where he beheld the terrible mightiness of our God. "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:5)." "And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10)."
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Salute Timothy
"Having made known unto us the mystery of his will (Ephesians 1:9)." What is God's will for end times? And unto whom was it revealed? Even the word "mystery" discretely implies that these things must be revealed. The truth concerning God's will for end times was to remain an elusive mystery until the time of the end. "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10)" When God causes his will to be understood, then the evidences of scripture will allow believers to have confidence that they are working together in agreement with God (John 14:4; Ephesians 1:11). “We are laborers together with God (1Corinthians 3:9).” “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:17).” Prophets are discovering the hidden truths of prophecy, as well as the mystery of God's will. As they make these discoveries, others are joining in with them to help them promote their findings. Collectively, all of the people which are either bringing forth, or advancing the hidden truths of prophecy, are God's messengers. “We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake (1Thessalonians 5:12-13).” “Submit yourselves to every one that helps with us, and labors (1Corinthians 16:16).” “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (1Timothy 4:4-5).”
God's messengers will bring the answers concerning the hidden truths of prophecy unto the religious authorities, and they are to be received (Matthew 10:14; 10:41; John 13:20). “This is work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent (John 6:29).” Messengers are sent unto them for their good, and for the good of all God's people. “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you (John 20:21).” But receiving God's messengers is not easy, for no one wants to be informed that their religious beliefs are mistaken, or that their teachings need to be changed. Only consider that Jesus, and all the apostles, and all of the ancient prophets, were also God's messengers: for messengers are believers, which are, and were, sent by God to declare his words. Today's leaders are facing confusion and troublous times, and they need to remember that confusion abounded when the the religious authorities of the past received the word of the Lord through the ancient prophets. Believers are to avoid making their mistakes: know that God speaks unto his people through messengers, it is his way. To minimize confusion, Paul concluded that believers ought to speak up on behalf of God's messengers. “If a man think himself to be spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are commandments of the Lord (1Corinthians 14:37).”
There is no damage done when a believer receives a messenger, for listening to others cannot defile a man's inheritance: “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him (Mark 7:15).” Believers ought to receive a messenger, then turn unto the Lord in prayer, and study to find out whether or not the information provided is supported by the evidence of scripture. The damage comes if believers reject God's messengers, and if they refuse to look into the truth of God's word, for this is rebellion against God: “As Janes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist truth… they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men (2Timothy 3:8-9).” God will send powerful delusions upon everyone that rejects knowledge, and thereby he will cause the rebellious to remain deceived until they are recompensed for their err on Judgment Day (Mark 7:9). "For this cause God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they might be damned who believed not the truth (2Thessalonians 2:11-12)." So be humble, and receive God's messengers. “It shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people (Acts 3:23)."
Another way in which believers are to receive God's messengers, is by considering and receiving new understanding from the ancient prophets. One such understanding is to come from Timothy. In the book of Philippians, Paul wrote that he trusted that Jesus would send Timothy unto believers. “I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you (Philippians 2:19).” Timothy was one of Paul's helpers, and he was charged with keeping, "The Charge." “That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells within us (2Timothy 1:14).” “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy… that thou by them might war a good warfare (1Timothy 1:18).”
The Charge is recorded in the first epistle of Timothy, and it is God's commandments of instruction for the deacons, elders, and others with authority in the church, that they might help the church prevail in truth. In essence, The Charge commands every helper of the church to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit (1Timothy 4:13-16); and to pray, and intercede, and give thanks for their leaders (1Timothy 2:1-2). It instructs these guardians of the church to hold faith in a good conscience (Timothy 1:19), and to count their leaders worthy of all honor (1Timothy 6:1-2). These workers are to publicly correct anyone within the church that is not acting in accordance with godliness, and they are to do it without partiality (1Timothy 5:20-21; Galatians 2:14). They are to teach the people not to trust in tradition but to trust in the living God, and they are to cause them to know the importance of maintaining good works, and of studying the scriptures: so that all of God's people might know the truth, and be able to communicate it (1Timothy 6:17-19). Last of all, The Charge instructs these acting authorities to guard the church against false teachings (1Timothy 1:3). “I give thee charge in the sight of God… That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Timothy 6:13-14).” The words, "until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ," indicate that The Charge meant was to live on through the generations of helpers in the churches, who are like Timothy.
After perceiving the truth about The Charge, then the second epistle of Timothy becomes guidance for the guardians of the church who are currently keeping, or who have kept, The Charge, unto the appearing of Christ. Timothy is said to be weeping, which insinuates that these believers will be crying out to God, and praying for the mistakes of religion (2Timothy 1:4-5). Evidence and proof that this book pertains to end times is heard in the words: "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death (2Timothy 1:10)." This verse confirms that the book of second Timothy is prophesied unto the authorities of the church at the time of Jesus' second appearing, because of its prophetic words: "Who hath abolished death." To understand the meaning of these things, it is necessary to know more about what is meant by the words. “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death (1Corinthians 15:26)."
While Jesus walked the earth, he promoted a fresh new doctrine of God which drew large crowds, but jealousy and envy entered into the hearts of the religious dignities when they heard about his crowds. Jealousy and envy are sins which turn God's people into his adversaries, because these sins cause believers to desire the destruction of God's messengers. Jealousy and envy are responsible for forcing God's messengers to lay down their own lives in order to promote the kingdom's truths (2Timothy 4:6). The voluntary act of sacrificially laying down ones life in order to share God's truths with others, is the death which will be swallowed up in victory. Jesus Christ paid an ultimate price for his service to man, because envy, jealousy, and pride put him on the cross. His crucifixion manifests the heinousness of these sins: but, by the grace of God, Jesus' obedience also manifests a pattern of genuine love: "Lo, I come, (in the column of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God (Hebrews 10:7)." "Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God (Galatians 1:4)." Just like Jesus, today's messengers will also lay down their lives, sacrificially, in order to cause others to inherit eternal life, and to enter into the kingdom of God. But this should not to happen, because scripture's details of the past were recorded so that believers might avoid making those mistakes, and that they might unite and work together to know what God's will is: for then death is swallowed up in victory!
“Now if Timothy come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren (1Corinthians 16:10-11).” This verse personifies Timothy's awkward position. In second Timothy, Timothy's name now represents the helpers within the church who have gained liberty because the covenant message has freed from the rules which are currently governing salvation (John 8:36). Paul’s name represents priests which are grouped together in likemindedness with Paul, even those priests which have respect for Paul's teachings. Timothy is set at liberty, but Paul has continued to remain bound by religion's rules. Paul is encouraging Timothy to press on. "Be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou a partaker in the afflictions (2Timothy 1:8)." "Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you (Hebrews 13:23).” In saying “If he come shortly, I will see you” Paul is verifying that today's priests which are bound, are, in effect, waiting to see and witness their own helpers and guardians of the church, supporting and promoting the truths of the covenant message. Additional evidence of this truth is heard in the words: "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things (2Timothy 2:6-7)."
In the parable, Paul encourages Timothy to press on, as a messenger, and as good soldier: and he pleads with Timothy to get involved in the battle, because it is the word of God. “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2Timothy 2:3).” “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us (2Timothy 2:12).” “Stir up the gift of God which is in thee (2Timothy 1:6).” "No man that warreth entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier (2Timothy 2:4).""Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2Timothy 2:19)."
This book encourages the deacons, elders and others with authority in the church, to assume the role of God's messengers. It instructs and teaches these guardians to be firm but gentle in communicating the truths of scripture unto the deceived.“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers (2Timothy 2:14).” “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth (2Timothy 2:24-25).”
Some concluding remarks: God has declared certain things which Jesus Christ was sent to accomplish. A few examples include, Jesus was sent to guide believers in the way of peace (Luke 1:79); and to proclaim liberty unto the captives, and to open the prison houses of those that are bound. It is also implied that Jesus Christ would proclaim the day of vengeance of our God (Isaiah 61:1-2). These acts will be finished and completed through believers which have the mind of Christ: for God's messengers are bearing answers to hidden truths of prophecy, and those answers are guiding believers in the way of peace, and they are setting people free from religious bondage, unto salvation. Through the covenant message and the voices of God's messengers, the day of the vengeance of our God has been announced. Receive the warning, and study the scriptures. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth (2Timothy 2:15).” “For if we sin willfully after that we have received knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:26).”
Scripture is a perfect work of God wherein each and every word was given one concise meaning, and it was perfectly placed. This is an impossible feat which could have only been accomplished by God. When believers search and investigate scripture, and find out that one true meaning for each and every perfectly placed word, then scripture interprets itself, and prophecy is understood (2Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 28:10). Studying prophecy reveals that it is God's will to overturn every religion, and to gather all believers together in one; and it is also God's will that end times be a time of refreshing for restoring and strengthening his people's confidence in him (Isaiah 28:12; Ephesians 1:9). "They shall know that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 7:27).""Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19)." “It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:11).” These messages are prepared for the express purpose of awakening believers, and causing them to study and confirm the hidden truths of prophecy, and to know the mystery of God's will: “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).”
God's messengers will bring the answers concerning the hidden truths of prophecy unto the religious authorities, and they are to be received (Matthew 10:14; 10:41; John 13:20). “This is work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent (John 6:29).” Messengers are sent unto them for their good, and for the good of all God's people. “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you (John 20:21).” But receiving God's messengers is not easy, for no one wants to be informed that their religious beliefs are mistaken, or that their teachings need to be changed. Only consider that Jesus, and all the apostles, and all of the ancient prophets, were also God's messengers: for messengers are believers, which are, and were, sent by God to declare his words. Today's leaders are facing confusion and troublous times, and they need to remember that confusion abounded when the the religious authorities of the past received the word of the Lord through the ancient prophets. Believers are to avoid making their mistakes: know that God speaks unto his people through messengers, it is his way. To minimize confusion, Paul concluded that believers ought to speak up on behalf of God's messengers. “If a man think himself to be spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are commandments of the Lord (1Corinthians 14:37).”
There is no damage done when a believer receives a messenger, for listening to others cannot defile a man's inheritance: “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him (Mark 7:15).” Believers ought to receive a messenger, then turn unto the Lord in prayer, and study to find out whether or not the information provided is supported by the evidence of scripture. The damage comes if believers reject God's messengers, and if they refuse to look into the truth of God's word, for this is rebellion against God: “As Janes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist truth… they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men (2Timothy 3:8-9).” God will send powerful delusions upon everyone that rejects knowledge, and thereby he will cause the rebellious to remain deceived until they are recompensed for their err on Judgment Day (Mark 7:9). "For this cause God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they might be damned who believed not the truth (2Thessalonians 2:11-12)." So be humble, and receive God's messengers. “It shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people (Acts 3:23)."
Another way in which believers are to receive God's messengers, is by considering and receiving new understanding from the ancient prophets. One such understanding is to come from Timothy. In the book of Philippians, Paul wrote that he trusted that Jesus would send Timothy unto believers. “I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you (Philippians 2:19).” Timothy was one of Paul's helpers, and he was charged with keeping, "The Charge." “That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells within us (2Timothy 1:14).” “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy… that thou by them might war a good warfare (1Timothy 1:18).”
The Charge is recorded in the first epistle of Timothy, and it is God's commandments of instruction for the deacons, elders, and others with authority in the church, that they might help the church prevail in truth. In essence, The Charge commands every helper of the church to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit (1Timothy 4:13-16); and to pray, and intercede, and give thanks for their leaders (1Timothy 2:1-2). It instructs these guardians of the church to hold faith in a good conscience (Timothy 1:19), and to count their leaders worthy of all honor (1Timothy 6:1-2). These workers are to publicly correct anyone within the church that is not acting in accordance with godliness, and they are to do it without partiality (1Timothy 5:20-21; Galatians 2:14). They are to teach the people not to trust in tradition but to trust in the living God, and they are to cause them to know the importance of maintaining good works, and of studying the scriptures: so that all of God's people might know the truth, and be able to communicate it (1Timothy 6:17-19). Last of all, The Charge instructs these acting authorities to guard the church against false teachings (1Timothy 1:3). “I give thee charge in the sight of God… That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Timothy 6:13-14).” The words, "until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ," indicate that The Charge meant was to live on through the generations of helpers in the churches, who are like Timothy.
After perceiving the truth about The Charge, then the second epistle of Timothy becomes guidance for the guardians of the church who are currently keeping, or who have kept, The Charge, unto the appearing of Christ. Timothy is said to be weeping, which insinuates that these believers will be crying out to God, and praying for the mistakes of religion (2Timothy 1:4-5). Evidence and proof that this book pertains to end times is heard in the words: "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death (2Timothy 1:10)." This verse confirms that the book of second Timothy is prophesied unto the authorities of the church at the time of Jesus' second appearing, because of its prophetic words: "Who hath abolished death." To understand the meaning of these things, it is necessary to know more about what is meant by the words. “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death (1Corinthians 15:26)."
While Jesus walked the earth, he promoted a fresh new doctrine of God which drew large crowds, but jealousy and envy entered into the hearts of the religious dignities when they heard about his crowds. Jealousy and envy are sins which turn God's people into his adversaries, because these sins cause believers to desire the destruction of God's messengers. Jealousy and envy are responsible for forcing God's messengers to lay down their own lives in order to promote the kingdom's truths (2Timothy 4:6). The voluntary act of sacrificially laying down ones life in order to share God's truths with others, is the death which will be swallowed up in victory. Jesus Christ paid an ultimate price for his service to man, because envy, jealousy, and pride put him on the cross. His crucifixion manifests the heinousness of these sins: but, by the grace of God, Jesus' obedience also manifests a pattern of genuine love: "Lo, I come, (in the column of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God (Hebrews 10:7)." "Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God (Galatians 1:4)." Just like Jesus, today's messengers will also lay down their lives, sacrificially, in order to cause others to inherit eternal life, and to enter into the kingdom of God. But this should not to happen, because scripture's details of the past were recorded so that believers might avoid making those mistakes, and that they might unite and work together to know what God's will is: for then death is swallowed up in victory!
“Now if Timothy come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren (1Corinthians 16:10-11).” This verse personifies Timothy's awkward position. In second Timothy, Timothy's name now represents the helpers within the church who have gained liberty because the covenant message has freed from the rules which are currently governing salvation (John 8:36). Paul’s name represents priests which are grouped together in likemindedness with Paul, even those priests which have respect for Paul's teachings. Timothy is set at liberty, but Paul has continued to remain bound by religion's rules. Paul is encouraging Timothy to press on. "Be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou a partaker in the afflictions (2Timothy 1:8)." "Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you (Hebrews 13:23).” In saying “If he come shortly, I will see you” Paul is verifying that today's priests which are bound, are, in effect, waiting to see and witness their own helpers and guardians of the church, supporting and promoting the truths of the covenant message. Additional evidence of this truth is heard in the words: "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things (2Timothy 2:6-7)."
In the parable, Paul encourages Timothy to press on, as a messenger, and as good soldier: and he pleads with Timothy to get involved in the battle, because it is the word of God. “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2Timothy 2:3).” “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us (2Timothy 2:12).” “Stir up the gift of God which is in thee (2Timothy 1:6).” "No man that warreth entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier (2Timothy 2:4).""Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2Timothy 2:19)."
This book encourages the deacons, elders and others with authority in the church, to assume the role of God's messengers. It instructs and teaches these guardians to be firm but gentle in communicating the truths of scripture unto the deceived.“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers (2Timothy 2:14).” “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth (2Timothy 2:24-25).”
Some concluding remarks: God has declared certain things which Jesus Christ was sent to accomplish. A few examples include, Jesus was sent to guide believers in the way of peace (Luke 1:79); and to proclaim liberty unto the captives, and to open the prison houses of those that are bound. It is also implied that Jesus Christ would proclaim the day of vengeance of our God (Isaiah 61:1-2). These acts will be finished and completed through believers which have the mind of Christ: for God's messengers are bearing answers to hidden truths of prophecy, and those answers are guiding believers in the way of peace, and they are setting people free from religious bondage, unto salvation. Through the covenant message and the voices of God's messengers, the day of the vengeance of our God has been announced. Receive the warning, and study the scriptures. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth (2Timothy 2:15).” “For if we sin willfully after that we have received knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:26).”
Scripture is a perfect work of God wherein each and every word was given one concise meaning, and it was perfectly placed. This is an impossible feat which could have only been accomplished by God. When believers search and investigate scripture, and find out that one true meaning for each and every perfectly placed word, then scripture interprets itself, and prophecy is understood (2Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 28:10). Studying prophecy reveals that it is God's will to overturn every religion, and to gather all believers together in one; and it is also God's will that end times be a time of refreshing for restoring and strengthening his people's confidence in him (Isaiah 28:12; Ephesians 1:9). "They shall know that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 7:27).""Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19)." “It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:11).” These messages are prepared for the express purpose of awakening believers, and causing them to study and confirm the hidden truths of prophecy, and to know the mystery of God's will: “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).”
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
James and John; Sons of Thunder
"I Answered Thee in the Secret Place of Thunder (Psalm 81:7)."
During end times God will manifest his thunder, he will cause his lightenings to be witnessed, and he will refresh believers with his rain: but the fulfillment of God's word will start with his thunder. "God thunders marvelously with his voice (Job 37:5)." God's thunder resonates through the voices of the living, but it is also heard in the testimonies of his ancient prophets. James and John were called "the sons of thunder," because their epistles were purposed to accompany God's lightening (Mark 3:17). Before listening to the thunder of James and John, consider God's parable meanings of the words, 'lightening' and 'rain'. The parable word 'lightening' refers to the light of God's presence as it goes swiftly out unto his people through the teachings of priests who have humbled themselves and turned from religion's errs, to teach the truths of the covenant message. "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Luke 10:18)." "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (2Corinthians 11:14)." "As the lightening, that lightens out of one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall the Son of man be in his day (Luke 17:24)." "He maketh lightnings for the rain (Psalms 135:7)." The parable word 'rain' refers to refreshing understanding that comes down from the Father, as God's hidden truths are revealed unto the hearts and minds of his elect (Deuteronomy 11:14; Isaiah 44:3; Joel 2:23; James 5:7). "My doctrine shall drop as the rain (Deuteronomy 32:2)."
The thunder of James and John is the counsel of their epistles, which was purposed for the latter days. Let's begin exploring these blessing by first looking at works of John. John's epistles were overlooked and disregarded because of his use of names, such as Gaius, Demetrius, and the elect lady. These names were intentionally introduced because they caused believers to lightly esteem the counsel which was written there, thus reserving it for end times. John left important clues for opening the understanding of all three of his epistles in an informative section which is recorded in the first epistle. This little section is of vital importance, because it correctly identifies each of the three intended recipients. For lack of a perfect way of referring to this informative section, we will call it, a salutation (1John 2:12-14). The first epistle of John was written unto newly converted believers, and he addressed them by the name of, "little children." John's second epistle is addressed to, "the elect lady and her children," but according to the salutation in the first epistle, John's second epistle was actually written unto young men, and his third epistle was written unto fathers, which is another way of saying, unto priests.
John used the names of these recipients like parables, so that when believer's correctly identified just who the epistle was counseling, their understanding of the epistle was perfected. "Little children" are believers who know the Father, but their religion had dissuaded them against knowing Jesus. "I write to you, little children, because ye have known the Father (1John 2:13)." Within the salutation, John delivered a message unto these children: “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake (1John 2:12).” These words were purposed to strengthen and encourage these believers. John boasted on the little children, insinuating that they had overcome the stumbling blocks of their religion. "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1John 4:4)." The counsel of their epistle introduces these new converts unto meaningful things concerning Jesus. “That ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1John 5:13).” Their epistle contains instructions on how to differentiate between true believers and seducers; and it delivers strong exhortation concerning the gift of the Holy Spirit which works mightily in believers who keep Jesus' commandments, anointing them, and teaching them all things (1John 2:27).
The second epistle of John is written to "young men." This is another parable name which discretely refers to believers who have overcome the stumbling blocks of their religion, but the difference between little children and young men, is that, the young men are familiar with Jesus's doctrine. “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one (1John 2:14).” The name "young men" compliments this group of believers, because it suggests that they already have a good sense of scriptural understanding. "Be not children in understanding, ...in understanding be men (1Corinthians 14:20)." Even writing the greeting, "unto the elect lady and her children" implies and suggests that this is counsel for the converted church (2John 1). This epistle instructs its recipients to persevere in love, and to uphold God's commandments, but the overriding reason for writing the second epistle is to warn the church against receiving believers who are not honoring Jesus' doctrine: they are transgressors, and therefore the church is not to receive them. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and they bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house (2John 9-10)."
The third epistle of John was written unto priests: “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning (1John 2:13).” The purpose of this letter is to instruct priests to receive God's messengers. "We ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth (3John 8)." In this epistle, John advertised an account of a prideful leader who refused to receive John, as well as some of the other apostles of his day. He had not only disrespected God's messengers, but he had commanded his congregation not to hear them, and anyone who disregarded his commandment was cast out of his church. The reproach of this man's pride and arrogance, epitomizes the wickedness of mistreating God's messengers. It is an evil transgression, for every believer is commanded by God to receive, and to love one another. It is beneficial for unbelieving priests to consider John's counsel, along with the implied meaning of his words: "If I come, I will remember his deeds (3John 10)." "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God (3John 11)."
Religion has deceived God's people, and it is going to take time to convert everyone from its laws, unto the truth of God's word. The days wherein believers are adapting and converting their understandings will be a time of trouble and confusion, because righteousness and wickedness will prevail on both sides of the disagreement (Daniel 12:1). John delivered certain truths which show believers how to correctly identify godliness in others. The first truth regarding godliness, is that believers must avoid being prejudiced or deceived by their former ways, and discern with their own eyes, and see whether or not the people are behaving themselves in accordance with God's word. “If you know that he is righteous, ye know every one that doeth righteousness is born of him (1John 2:29).” Are they exhibiting a spirit of love for all believers? “God is love; he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1John 4:16).” “Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (1John 3:15).” Another way in which believers are to identify godliness, is to see whether or not the people in question are believing and teaching that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. “Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God (1John 4:2).”
There is a verse written in the second epistle of John which requires special attention: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God (2John 9).” Before believers can fully understand the meaning of this verse, they must perceive that in order for transgression to occur someone has to be fully informed, and afterwards if they ignore the word of God and if they break his commandments, then they are transgressing. Wherefore in order for a person to transgress the doctrine of Christ, that person must first know the doctrine of Christ (1John 3:4). So, to paraphrase the afore mentioned verse, believers who know Jesus' doctrine, and who knowingly break his commandments, do not have the Holy Spirit. This truth is evidenced in words which Jesus spoke wherein he magnified the importance of keeping his commandments: "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him... We will come unto him, and make our abode with him (John 14:21, 14:23)." If Christians are breaking and ignoring God's commandments, then they are spiritually dead. "There is a sin unto death (1John 5:16)."
Overcoming, and overturning religion is achieved by correctly assessing the rolls of both the Father, and the Son. There are therefore certain truths which Islam and Judaism must accept; and there is a certain misunderstanding that Christianity must relinquish. “Hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us (1John 3:24).” Islam and Judaism must accept and promote God's truths concerning Jesus, as well as his truths concerning the Holy Spirit, who is a witness. Every person within these faiths must be informed that God's people who keep his commandments through Jesus Christ, receive eternal life while they yet walk the earth; for, according to the word of God, everyone who is quickened by his Holy Spirit is already experiencing eternal life (1John 4:13). The Holy Spirit is a rejoicing witnesses which testifies truth, and confirms the souls of God's elect (1John 2:27). “It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth (1John 5:6).”
John delivered a very strong message concerning the Holy Spirit: “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son (1John 5:10).” This testimony is for little children so that they might know that there is a wondrous gift which is given exclusively unto persons who believe on Jesus, and who trust that his doctrine is of God. “That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father (John 5:23).” “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (1John 5:12).” This does not mean that believers of Jewish and Islamic faiths have no part in eternal life, but it does mean that apart from Jesus' doctrine believers of these faiths did not enter into eternal life until after they were physically dead. Anyone who objects to this truth needs to hear Jesus' response to the rich young ruler, when he asked Jesus, saying, "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life (Matthew 19:16)?" Jesus answered him saying that he should obey God's commandments, period!! After receiving that answer, the ruler responded saying that he had kept God's commandments, and then he pressed Jesus further, saying, "What lack I yet?" What followed was a teaching that brings believers unto perfection: Jesus, in essence, suggested that this man should lay down his life and follow him. If this man had complied with Jesus' request, then he would have received Holy Spirit while he yet walked the earth. Nevertheless, this rich young ruler who had obeyed God's commandments, did receive his inheritance after his death, by the promise of God (Matthew 19:17-21).
It will be necessary for believers of the Christian faith to acknowledge their religious mistakes too. They will need to broadcast the truth concerning the salvation of their Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters, and they will be required to acknowledge their new covenant. They will also need to accept and promote the truth that Jesus is not God, but he is the Son of God. Evidence of this truth is eluded to in the words: “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believes Jesus is the Son of God (1John 5:5).” Jesus published evidence that he was not God when he confessed and said, “I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God (John 20:17).” If Jesus' words are not enough to convince Christians that he is not God, then ponder another testimony, “When all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself, be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all (1Corinthians 15:28).” Don't let Jesus' words "I and the Father are one" be a stumbling block against you. Jesus is not God, just as I am not my husband. Every testimony wherein Jesus made himself equal with God, Jesus was confirming and concluding that all of his teachings, and all his actions, were in absolute agreement with his Father, and that the Spirit of God was within him.
“When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is (1John 3:2).” Faithful believers are like Jesus in many ways. One of those ways is that we are called the sons of God. Find evidence of this in the verses: "Jesus is the son of God (1John 4:15)." "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God (John 1:12)." A second way in which believers are like Jesus, is that they are both called light. "I am the light of the world (John 8:12)," "Ye are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)." Light has everything to do with making the Father known unto the world. “Whatsoever doth make manifest is light (Ephesians 5:13).” One final way in which believers are like Jesus, is that both are love, for when believers preform acts of compassion and works of love for the kingdom, then they too are showing God's love unto the world. “As he is, so are we in this world (1John 4:17).”
Jesus referred himself as a lamb, and as a door, and as a good shepherd. Each of these names create an awareness of the presence of God's Holy Spirit within other believers. Jesus is the lamb through followers that put their blind trust in him, and rely upon him for their salvation (John 1:29; Romans 4:5). Jesus is the good shepherd through his followers who give themselves unto the teaching ministry (John 10:11). Jesus is the door through prophets and messengers who lay down their lives in order to perfect our understanding, and to broadcast the way of salvation unto the world (John 10:9). During end times, the world needs more doors. “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth (John 18:37).” “Ye shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning (John 15:27).”
Now let's look at the thunder of the prophet James. His thunder is called, The law of liberty. “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (James 2:12).” The law of liberty has everything to do with justification, and justification is important because it is through justification that believers will escape God's judgments (Zephaniah 2:3; Revelation 21:7-8). “It is God that justifieth (Romans 8:33).” Justification is different from salvation, in that justification requires a believer to actively participate in promoting God's kingdom message: it is not about preforming good deeds. "By deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight (Romans 3:20)." See how that verse seemingly disagrees with the rest of James' message, thus confirming that it is only the acts which are purposed to help God forward his end time message, that count towards justification. "Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified (Romans 2:13)."
James encouraged believers to do works and speak truths which insured their justification. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).” The principal logic of the law of liberty is that if a believer truly believes God, if they honestly hope for his will to be done, then there ought to be some sort of verifiable evidence that their faith and hope exists, either by their conversation, or by their actions. “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:17).” “You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only (James 2:24).”
There is a certain verse of scripture which clearly testifies that believers who have obtained the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ, have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus (1Corinthians 6:11). This testimony needs clarification: for this appointment is a predicted justification because of the anointing. As in the case of every believer, the absolute certainty of whether or not Jesus' followers will escape the pestilence, is contingent upon their forthcoming words, as well as their actions. “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:37).” “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36).”
Within his epistle James put forth a riddle: Can a fountain yield both fresh water and bitter (James 3:11)? This riddle has everything to do with the church’s transformation process. "Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? So can no fountain yield both salt water and fresh (James 3:12)." To fully understand this riddle, believers must first interpret the meanings of its parable words. The parable word "vine" pertains to believers who are in Christ, but they are either ignorant of, or unmoved by the covenant message. The parable word "fig" pertains to congregations whose leaders are promoting some of the truths of the covenant message, however the controversial parts of the message are being withheld from the congregation. When leaders promote all of God's message, a final transformation will occur. "I am like a green olive tree in the house of God (Psalm 52:8)." The answer to this riddle is that every newly informed believing leader must press onward. When we cast out religion's falsehoods and teach God's truths, then our congregation will be anointed by the holy Spirit, for fresh water is necessary for producing olive berries (Ezekiel 47:9; Revelation 22:1). "Salt is good: but if salt have lost His savor... men cast it out (Luke 14:34-35)."
You can see that the law of liberty is important truth for end times. “Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man is blessed in his deed (James 1:25).” Note the promise of blessings, but more importantly, see how the word "continueth" confirms yet again that the promised blessing are contingent upon not turning back (Matthew 24:17-18). “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).” Therefore, trust God, rely upon his word, and press on. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded (Philippians 3: 14-15).”
“Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth (see James 5:4).” Believers who are working to destroy religion and are helping to promote the covenant message are God's reapers, and God hears their cries. He knows the problems that they suffer because of prideful authorities. “In due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9).” Reaping is a form of justification. “Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap (Revelation 14:15).” Everyone who joins in the battle and works to spread news of the kingdom message, has God's promise of reward. “He that reaps receiveth wages, and gathered fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together (John 4:36).”
Believe God, and fear not. “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God (James 2:23).” If we believe God and trust in his word, then his instructions will be completed, and perfected, and taught, and all believers will learn how to be justified, so that they too can avoid God's wrath. "They that understand among the people shall instruct many (Daniel 11:33)."
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