“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).”
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