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I AM:
1. A name describing the Son of God.
2. A statement which shows that Jesus the Son of God existed from eternity.
3. A claim to be the Creator of the world.
It was not the choice of the Son of God for His people to be a nation or a church. However, when they did take on both of those roles He taught them how to live in those conditions.
Adam did not "fall". 1 Timothy 2:13-4. It was his deliberate choice to separate from his God and join with his wife in her "death". It was a loving Saviour who then offered them a way out. It was a loving God who stopped them from dying "that day" and gave them a chance to practice Christianity. It is He who says, "Why will you die?" to us. Ezekiel 18:31.
All Israel shall be saved Apr 2006
So we can see from these verses that no matter how many Jews there are in the modern land of Israel, Old Jerusalem can never be built up as God’s city. Not until all spiritual Israel are gathered together in the NEW Jerusalem can the promises given to Abraham be fulfilled,
A system of wholesale animal killings was never God's intention. He intended one animal per person once in a lifetime. However, when faced with a demand from His people He instituted the ceremonial offerings to teach vital lessons which His people needed. As soon as practicable He did away with it and instituted "Christianity". See Jeremiah 7:21-28.
There are three main reasons for animal sacrifices.
One of these was to show that the offerer believed that the Son of God had already died to save him from internal sin, and that he himself was pictured as being "dead" with Him. Thus the whole of the gospel was shown in the simple act of burning the body of an animal without its skin.
The second of these was to show that the offerer believed that the Son of God would forgive him or her for any and every action of sin which they repented of. Thus the whole of the sanctification of the gospel was shown in the simple act of killing an animal after confessing the action of sin onto its head, and watching the priest eat some of its flesh. In this way they "fulfilled all righteousness". Matthew 3:15.
Righteousness "by faith". This much abused phrase simply means that the follower of God does the right thing by faith in His word. "Righteousness" is defined as "right-doing" (Deuteronomy 6:24-25; Acts 10:34-35; etc.)
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.
In the times of the tabernacle and temple it was shown by observing the rituals with faith in Christ's word as a foundation. Today it is shown by baptism and the Lord's supper with faith in Christ's word as the foundation.
The third of these was to show that the offerer believed that the Son of God would not only exchange lives with him, and then forgive him or her for any and every action of sin which they repented of, but also totally remove THE RESULT of their sins (death) from them and place them on Satan. 1 Corinthians 15:26.
Thus the final act of the gospel was shown by the simple act of watching the high priest separate the two goats, and then following him "by faith" as he went into the building (they couldn't see or hear him in there) to pick up the "deaths" there recorded. If they were watching carefully they would see the "hands" of their mediator on the head of the scapegoat, but for many of them it would be his return in full uniform which told them it was all over.
Authority of the "higher powers" May 2003
Daniel 2:
20 Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: 21 and He changes the times and the seasons: He removes kings, and sets up kings: He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He reveals the deep and secret things: He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.
23 “I thank You, and praise You, O You God of my fathers, who have given me wisdom and might, and have made known to me now what we desired of You: for You have now made known to us the king's matter.”
God does have control over all the "higher powers", but He works through natural laws to direct them. He set up king Saul and promised that if he obeyed Him then his rule would be great. When he disobeyed God chose David in his place. But He did not depose Saul. Saul committed suicide ten years later and then it was that David took over. David had opportunities to kill Saul but refused on the ground that God would do it in His own good time. See 1 Samuel 24:4-7 for an example.
It is in this way that we should see God as the "setter up" and "remover" of authorities. Because of this we should always obey them in civil matters. Religious affairs belong only to God.
Babylon is not the friend of God. It is a name used for the capital and country of the group who have rebelled against God and who have caused great suffering to His followers. Just as Jerusalem and Judea represent the good guys, so Babylon and Chaldea represent the bad guys. The problem is to know in which city or country we dwell, for they sing the same hymns, and say the same prayers to what appears to be the same God. They even use the same Book but see it in a different light, for the words in it appear to justify their use of force.
When they had the Jews in their claws they even wanted them to sing their religious songs to them!
Psalm 137:1-4
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."
How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?
What is the difference?
The belief that it is OK to use force in religion, for the Lamb of God NEVER EVER uses force to get His followers to stay at His side. Like the good shepherd He is, He leads His sheep and they follow for they know His voice and love and trust Him.
While Christians go about doing their own thing, they are more on Satan's side than God's, and the success of Babylon is assured for it thrives where loyalties are mixed. When we learn to use God's weapons in God's way then the truth will win out and the end will come. In the meantime, Jesus is "expecting", or waiting, for us to make up our minds so strongly that we will never be moved from that decision again. Hebrews 10:9-14. So it's up to you and me!
John's three baptisms (Matthew 3:11), all of them normal and natural, are expressions of what Christians can expect in their walk with Christ on this earth. After rebirth, as they progress in their understanding and experience so they will grow in grace and prosper in righteousness, eventually becoming those who have gone "on to perfection" and who will be ready and able to meet Jesus at the second advent (if they haven't died as a result of sin's wages!).
1. A description of Jesus and His purpose.
2. A statement which shows that the life of Jesus must also become ours.
3. A warning that we need to study for ourselves.
Cain presented the bloodless offering because, like a typical Laodicean, he thought he was “rich and increased with goods” of a spiritual nature (Revelation 3:17). In other words, he thought he was righteous and would not believe the Spirit’s warning that what he was about to do was of no use. When he realised that God could not accept his offering he got angry.
Cain’s attempt to make an offering of his own choosing spoilt the Son of God’s plan to teach about the exchange of lives which turns a natural man or woman into a Christian, therefore God could not accept it. It also showed that Cain had rejected the offer of salvation and was determined to help himself. Under those conditions, there was nothing that God could do for him. So right at the beginning of the world two classes of humans came into existence – those who would gladly accept the gift of the life of divinity and those who wilfully reject it.
[God has no more to offer], but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." Hebrews 10:26-27. This of course, is only after the Spirit has made many attempts to get through to the sinner and been repeatedly rejected.For the latter, "there remains no more sacrifice for sins
Cain's offering 2 Jan 2006
So we see that “The LORD is not slack concerning His promise.” 2 Peter 3:9. He does not forget or neglect His children; but He permits the wicked to reveal their true character, that none who desire to do His will may be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous are placed in the furnace of affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their example may convince others of the reality of faith and godliness; and also that their consistent course may condemn the ungodly and unbelieving.
Although God asks us to "come and reason" He also mentions "together". Isaiah 1:18. Only as we work with the Spirit will we come to a correct understanding of what is written. So perennial questions such as these two will eventually all be answered to those who are willing to listen and be told.
Cain's wife revisited: Aug 2008
The physical "church" as known today is not something that God wanted. He was presented with it (see Ezekiel 16) and has worked as well as He can through it, and it is the only one in His sight, but it has no capital "C". Deuteronomy 32:10. It is contaminated by the "tares", which can be a problem to some of its members. Matthew 13:24-30. However, He has it totally under a "Father's" control, (even though many of genuine members of it go astray so often), and is just waiting for their "choice" to follow Him completely. In fact, even if all the physical church members left Him that would not be a great problem.
Romans 3:3-4
For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man [in the church] a liar; as it is written, That You might be justified in Your sayings, and might overcome [be seen to be right] when You are judged.
The reality is that faithful souls are the real "church" and they never get together in the one denomination but are scattered over all of them, and are in all religions. Many are not even in a physical "church". Those who are spiritual brothers and sisters are known by their spirit and their actions, (John 4:23-24) but not until the resurrection will they get together in one big happy family as God intended.
THE church (another look at it): Feb 2009
“The church” as God set it up, is like a family and each “branch” is separate (like a brother or sister). As in any family, there is a Father in charge, and the siblings are all equal (Matthew 23:8), with, of course, the usual deference to the firstborn, for it is written, “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Sanctify to Me all the firstborn, whatsoever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is Mine”. Exodus 13:1-2.
It is good to get together for family meetings and have a discussion on how the LORD is leading. And while we should have our own opinions, we shall also have a great respect for other’s opinions, while we recognise that there can often be more than one right way of seeing or doing things.
What we must avoid at all costs is having a “kingly” attitude, and with it a desire to control others in “the church”, for that can only lead to confusion.
1. There are two, and only two, very different spirits operating in this world. Compulsion and love. Luke 9:55.
2. Our understanding of God's character affects our understanding of His word, the Bible. John 7:17-18.
3. There is force OR choice, slavery OR freedom. Romans 6:13.
Apparent contradictions are very useful in the Bible because they make the reader stop and think about what he or she has just read. Their purpose is not to confuse but to cause a deeper investigation to take place whereby the Spirit can give a clearer explanation of a truth.
He said, “Surely they are My people, children that will not lie; so He was their Saviour. In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them; in His love and His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days old.”
So let us see again the foundation principle of Christian living.
Do not accuse your fellow and do not listen to those who do accuse because their accusations will not be based on correct knowledge.
Remember, to even look at your brother or sister and THINK that he or she should be restrained in even the mildest form, for the benefit of God, for the church, or themselves, is a worse sin than the one which he or she is committing.
This applies only to offenses against the Ten Commandments, of course, but even with civil disobedience we should be very careful, for we are in the world but not of it.
Leave the “dead” to govern the “dead”.
When we criticise the character of another member of the church, then we come up against the “mote” and the “beam” principle. That which we do to others, whether it be good or evil, will surely react upon ourselves, in blessing or cursing. Whatever we give, we shall receive again.
Every one who has been quick to condemn or discourage, will in his own experience be brought over the ground where he has caused others to pass.
It is because men take upon themselves the name of Christ, while in life they deny His character, that Christianity has so little power in the world.
We should be as Aaron and Hur - holding up the arms of our brother - for it was only while they did this that Israel prevailed. Exodus 17:12.
The return of Christ and the end of the world cannot come if this principle is not an active part of our church life.
This means that we have been changed by the power of God into a new creature by the giving away of our "old man" and the accepting of the gift of a "new man". The result, and evidence of this change, is the desire to be as selfless as Jesus.
The "cup" is a symbol of the experiences of life. It can be a good one (the liquid); "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" Psalm 23, or a bad one (the dregs); “Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which has drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; you have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.” Isaiah 51:17.
The sins of humanity have brought the sure result – decay, deformity, and death. Today the whole world is tainted, corrupted, stricken with mortal disease, the curse. The earth groans in earthquakes and cyclones etc. under the continual transgression of its inhabitants. As Jesus said, “There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers [different] places”, so there are, and they are increasing as the sin increases, for, “as it was in the days of Noah” . . . . Matthew 24:7; 37.
The curse on the earth: Mar 2006
We should be aware that the "curse" did not come from God, but is the RESULT of Adam's sin. What God was trying to save him from was the fact that his disobedience would affect all of his solar system, not just himself. It was impossible to explain this to Adam, but we know today that one small action of man can have far-reaching consequences. We have learned this by experience.
DAY and HOUR of Jesus coming: Oct 1997
This will never be revealed to any one man, or a group, to pass on to others. God the Father will announce the impending arrival of His Son publicly to all who are listening, just before it happens. Mark 13:32.
The "daughters" of Babylon are the churches which began life as developments from the "Protesters" of 1529, but which were always looking to the powers of the world as their support just like their "mother" the Roman Catholic church. Like their mother, when the crunch comes they will enlist that support to force their views on those who walk with the Lamb of God.
Death, is it necessary? Apr 2008
Death is something foreign to God’s character and came into this world through a sin instigated by Satan. God is only a Restorer – Satan is only a destroyer, there is no cross-over between them. There is a contest going on between them over the salvation of men and women in which Satan is trying to get us to die or be killed before we are saved, and God is repairing all the mistakes we make (as we allow Him) in order to deliver us from death. The contest appears to be a losing one from God’s side for His people die as frequently as do the devil’s, but He has a special plan which will show the truth at the end of time. He tells us that, “The LAST ENEMY that shall be destroyed is death”. 1 Corinthians 15:26.
Then He will resurrect the people from both sides of the argument at two different times to show their individual choices, and the rightness of His word and His actions. It is said, “Your word is true from the beginning: and every one of Your righteous judgments endures for ever”. Psalm 119:160.
Death of John the Baptist: Jul 2002
It was really John’s choice that left him in prison and allowed him to lose his head. The Son of God would willingly have released him, but, not having applied the lesson to his own behaviour, John would soon have found himself in a similar situation again. So the best action on Jesus’ part was to leave him and use his fate as a warning and comfort for those who were to come after him!
Temple:
1. A Christian saved by grace.
2. The stone building Solomon built to replace the Tabernacle.
Did Peter become a Satan? Mar 2004
It is Satan's plan to persuade Christians to use emotion as the
ruling power in their lives, and relegate reason to a back seat. God's way,
however, is that reason should direct and emotion follow. Thus, that which can
appear horrifying, may be the sensible way to go. In this case, Jesus needed to
obey His father and allow Himself to be sacrificed at Calvary because through
this experience He could reach many who would not be approached in any other
way. Peter's attempt to turn Jesus from His path was really to deny God's
way.
Dinosaurs and their end Jul 06
Dinosaurs (large lizards) lived before the Flood and were mostly the product of cross-breeding by the people of the day. Because of their make-up, many of them were rogue animals (rebels) which made for good hunting (like lions and tigers), while others were just good eating. But they all refused the offer made by the Son of God and therefore perished in the waters of the Flood.
God destroys, but not as men do.
When He says that He has or will do so, He is telling us of the results of our actions which are determined by the principles which govern the universe. Since He made the principles (laws) He feels morally bound to take the blame. But He CANNOT alter the laws - they are indispensable in the conditions that exist, including the right to free will which we all possess. This inability to change the law is proved by the fact that He cannot just forgive sin, but had to send His Son to pay the penalty of it. Romans 6:23.
Does God co-operate with sinners? Apr 2004
Because God gives us absolute freedom of choice, He often has to work with us in ways He would rather not. So long as those things are not vital to salvation He can do this. In the meantime, He holds out to us the optimum way and tells us that if we fail of following that way there will be consequences. One of those penalties (results) might be physical death, and if so, He must allow us to go in to that situation and be resurrected into His kingdom later.
Of course, if we are determined to rebel continually against His advice, then He must also allow us to have our own way without His co-operation. This then leads to being "cut off" from Him.
Did God destroy the Amalekites? Jul 2007
Jesus gave the order(s) to annihilate and destroy when His people wanted it so, and He could not dissuade them from their purpose. Then He gave them clearcut commands which were best for all concerned. Not just for His people, but also for their victims.
Does God destroy His enemies? Nov 07
The second death in the Lake of Fire is like leprosy. It is a decomposing of the body as death takes over in the presence of God and the Lamb, something He cannot, in righteousness, prevent. This is what the Son of God warned Satan about in the Garden of Eden.
It is not enough to eat what appears to be the word of God if we would have spiritual health. We must be careful to ascertain that it is indeed “manna” from heaven and not the devisings of possibly well-meaning but misdirected men. Check with the Author as to the genuineness of that which you hold in your hand before you taste.
The end of the rebellion Feb 06
After the rebels have fought their last fight and been dissolved by the fires of change, their atoms will be mingled with atoms of the earth made new, and it is in this way that the redeemed will walk on their ashes. Because everyone, both saint and sinner, have been able to get what they most wanted, either to live with God or to be always out of His presence, there will be no more sorrow or crying in the universe and all will see that God is exceedingly just.
The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and going without. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it. Hebrews 5:14.
Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness for they will show us what is in us. On top of that, being taught to understand the “nature of things” by the parents who brought us into the world will give us the “icing on the cake."
Elijah - Is he coming back? Aug 2007
Someone will come in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will faithfully and lovingly tell it as it is, for he wants his hearers to repent and be saved, not lost. At the beginning he may be too harsh as the manner of men can be, but he does not have the spirit of the accuser, and as he learns from God he will show more and more of the spirit of a saviour.
“And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD's”. Obadiah 1:21.
I can do no better that repeat some more words of the wise man:
Ecclesiastes 11:7-10
"Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: but if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many.
“All that comes [without this remembrance] is vanity [self-glorification].
“Rejoice, O young man [and woman], in your youth [enjoy it]; and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes: but know you, that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
“Therefore remove sorrow [regret] from your heart, and put away evil [wrong actions] from your flesh : for childhood and youth are [often times of] vanity [great selfishness]."
Rather than strive for worldly excellence in education, we should know that the science of redemption is the science of all sciences; that it is the study of the angels and of all the intelligences of the unfallen worlds. With it will come all the other knowledge.
It is the subject that engages the attention of our Lord and Saviour; even the basic thought that enters into the purpose brooded in the mind of the Infinite God - "kept in silence through times eternal" (Romans 16:25, R.V.).
This science will be the study of God's redeemed throughout endless ages. This is the highest study in which it is possible for man or woman to engage. As no other study can, it will quicken the mind and uplift the person here and now, and it will occupy our minds as well as God's, for eternity.
John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they might know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
The everlasting gospel: Nov 2006
There is only one true gospel and that teaches that men and women are JUSTIFIED (made new) by a two-pronged system. There is the removal of the old life and a replacing of it with a new one. Because the “old” life is considered “dead” in Christ, all the actions of it are pardoned and cleansed from the new-born and placed on Christ our Saviour. This experience was shown in the Old Testament by the picture forms of circumcision and eating the Passover lamb. (Exodus 12.) Anything less than this is a perversion of the truth.
Then the Son of God gets on with the job of keeping His saints [sanctified ones] clean, for it is written, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation”. Psalm 24:3-5.
Faith and Presumption: Jan 2000
Faith and presumption look very much like each other. But faith is fuelled by knowing that the word of God is for you personally NOW, while presumption is claiming the promise without the assurance that it is yours (just believing!). To go from faith to faith is to grow in personal experience through co-operation with the Spirit of God.
FEAST, of Unleavened Bread: Sep 1996
1. This earthly rite has a meaning for Christians today. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
2. It signifies the time of sorting out doctrines just after the believer's entrance in the kingdom. Matthew 16:11-12.
3. Its beginning was illuminated for us by Jesus at His crucifixion in the Saturday restday. It should be studied in connection with the other feasts of the year. See Leviticus 23:1---->
Reincarnation: This theory is not sustained by the words or actions of Jesus. See John 5:25-29. Also Hebrews 9:27.
"[You] have borne, and had patience, and for My name's sake have laboured, and have not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent". Revelation 2:3-5. Notice that even here Jesus does not threaten destruction as a punishment, but only the removal of the light which is their protection, and that because they have allowed it to go out. See Matthew 25:8. This is what will bring the destruction.
The "fit" man: Apr 2001 Jun 2001
Leviticus 16:21-22
He is a picture of the final generation of Christians at the second coming. What makes him "fit" is nothing special. (Nothing special to Christians, that is.) It is a characteristic of all the saints when they come close to the Son of man that they see their own sinfulness and therefore the greatness of His grace required. However, because of this the last generation will not give up and enter Satan's "prison house" of death, even when God adds to their burden. (THIS is a separate issue). They determine to "follow the Lamb" wherever He leads them and in this way they do not give up and die.
What makes the difference for the fit man is that on that day he is the only one capable of doing the work with the goat – all the others just watch. In literal terms this means that all the other Christians who have lived, including many of those existing just before the second coming, have either given up their faith or died. One group, however, remains to fulfill God's word and be translated without seeing death into His kingdom.
The work of the "fit" man: May 2001
Leviticus 16:21-22
The fit man (the last generation of Christians) does what no other Christian can do (they are all dead) at that time (just before the second coming). He cares for the scapegoat (the devil) during the cleansing of the sanctuary and the falling of the seven last plagues, and then leads him into the wilderness (of a forsaken earth) after the high priest (Jesus) has loaded him with the sins of the people.
It is the "fit" man's work to show that Christians using the power of God can stop sinning and live without error or mistake.
The Nephilim were giants, physically, mentally and morally, but they used their power in opposition to God and became His enemies. Any union of church people and national people (church and state, marriage with unbelievers), at any time, will always be against God’s loving way of dealing with us, because such a coalition believes in forcing their views on others.
They should turn and browse in the garden of God and appreciate for themselves the beauties of the heavenly plots free of weeds. This should be done without reference to dictionaries, for they also are only the comprehension of men – it is safer to allow the Bible to explain itself.
Thus "the blind" who lead other "blind" ones are those who trust in the "weeds" instead of the word of God alone.
The purpose of the gospel which Jesus was showing in a very practical way is that He wants a family of healthy, happy children. If we ask, He will tell us what to do to accomplish this.
One reminder alone remains: Our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ in His glory: “He had bright beams coming out of His side: and there was the hiding of His power”. Habakkuk 3:4, margin. That pierced side whence flowed the crimson stream that reconciled man to God – there is the Saviour's glory, there “the hiding of His power”.
“Mighty to save,” through the sacrifice of redemption, He was therefore strong to execute justice upon them that despised God's mercy.
And the tokens of His humiliation are His highest honour; through the eternal ages the wounds of Calvary will show forth His praise and declare His power.
He is the third Person in the group that makes up the God-head. He has the ability to make the spoken word into a reality, and give the Christian the power to live the Christian life. He works now as a Comforter and Teacher because Jesus Christ is no longer the active One on earth. We know little about Him because He prefers to speak of Jesus and the Father. John 16:13-15
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
"Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be
not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous,
nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such
were
some of you: but you
are
washed, but you are sanctified,
but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our
God".
The Hour of His judgment: Jun 2009
The first angel’s message was given by the people of God at the right time to bring them back to the idea of a creator God, and One who had just started the judgment which was needed before the second coming. The purpose of the message was to enable professed Christians to choose their belief, and follow either the LORD or Baal. 1 Kings 18:21. The identity of each is shown most easily by their followers’ behaviour towards others.
Here are some verses that describe the holding power of God’s loyal angels, and the effects that can occur when they have to let go. In literal terms this means that the Holy Spirit is no longer be able to maintain the nation concerned, or the entire planet of nations in the last days.
The angels are pictured as stopping the total destruction of this earth right now:
Revelation 7:
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind [of total destruction] should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 “Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads”.
[It was in this manner that a large part of the eastern world came to an end.]
Jeremiah 49:
34 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against [the kingdom of] Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, 35 Thus says the LORD of hosts; “Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. 36 And upon Elam will I bring the four winds [of strife] from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation where the outcasts of Elam shall not come” [they’ll be totally scattered].
[A quote from my library:
***************(Begin Quote)
"The earliest Elamite kingdom seems to have been that of Anzan, the exact site of which is uncertain; but in the time of Abraham, Shushan or Susa appears to have already become the capital of the country. Babylonia was frequently invaded by the Elamite kings, who at times asserted their supremacy over it (as in the case of Chedorlaomer, the Kudur-Lagamar, or 'servant of the goddess Lagamar,' of the cuneiform texts).
"The later Assyrian monarchs made several campaigns against Elam, and finally Assur-bani-pal (about B.C. 650) succeeded in conquering the country, which was ravaged with fire and sword. On the fall of the Assyrian Empire, Elam passed into the hands of the Persians" (A.H. Sayce). —Easton's Illustrated Dictionary]
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HUMANITY, purpose of:
Hebrews 2:6-7. It was God's purpose to replace the rebellious angels with the human family, if they had shown themselves obedient to His every word. This purpose has now been passed on to the Christians who do just that. See 1 John 3:9-18.
Angels are a different species of God’s creatures who live on the planet we call "heaven". They are helpers of those less capable than themselves. Humans do not turn into angels after death but forever remain human, a separate species who will live on the earth made new.
1. A name Jesus used to describe Himself as an everliving Being. John 8:58.
2. A statement which shows that Jesus the Son of God existed from eternity. Exodus 3:14.
These words do not exist in the Bible together. The word of God knows nothing of such a concept. "Living" soul (Revelation 16:3); "cut off" soul (Genesis 17:14); "sinning" soul (Leviticus 4:2); a soul that "eats" (Leviticus 7:20): yes, these are there. There is even a verse which says, "the soul that sins, it shall die" Ezekiel 18:4. The word "soul" simply means a living person.
"immortal" and "immortality" are reserved for God to have, and humans to seek after. 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:16; and Romans 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:53-54.
The Inspiration of the Scriptures: Dec 2006
The Bible is the word of God given to us through intermediaries. We may trust it if we are under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but we should know from personal experience that the Son of God lives and walks with us every day. This combination, the power of the WORD and the word, will give us victory whenever we really want it. See this comment also.
Rather than desiring an “invisible” church of good guys, we should be thankful that God has a visible church made up of adult believers who PROFESS to be following His ways, and not always making it. That means there is room in it for you and me!
Jesus in the Old Testament: Sep 2002
What evidence is there that Jesus is the Messiah of the Old Testament?
There is so much evidence that you will need to look at the query. Jesus was the Messiah of the Old Testament and lived His life in the New Testament in accordance with the specifications of the Old. More than that, He was the only visible God in those times.
In the Bible, the word “justified”, which means “just as if we had not sinned”, is used at two different times for an individual. In the second text of the query, we come to the words, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” for we can do nothing about what we have been, and done, since physical birth. We need a whole new life and this is given freely by our Saviour.
But we also need to keep that new life clean! Thus it is written:
Psalm 106:3
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that does righteousness at all times.
1 John 2:29
If you know that He is righteous, you know that every one that does righteousness is born of Him.
1 John 3:10
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.
So when we are “born again”, we need to be “doers” and not just “hearers” of our LORD’s desires, and therefore come under the statement which is in the first text, “not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified”. A simple matter of reading the statements in the right order gives us the truth, and the power.
Should we keep the OT ceremonies today? June 2007
Knowing the details of the ceremonies will help in understanding the Christian gospel. The keeping of them as actual rituals is not at all necessary.
Keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread: Oct 2006
The “keeping” of the Feast of Unleavened Bread today (1 Corinthians 5:8) means that an organised church should periodically cleanse itself of those who are public sinners and bringing the name of Christianity into disrepute among the heathen. This should be done only for what outsiders would see as a sin amongst those who claim to be different, and not for “heresy” or differences in doctrine, which are entirely internal matters.
When the love of Christ is in the hearts of the believers then the “leaven” of “malice and wickedness” will not be seen.
Jesus is the "Son of David" and therefore heir to the throne, naturally through His mother and also legally through her husband. Revelation 19:16.
The kingdom of Heaven Dec 2002
The kingdom of God on earth is first a spiritual state of being which is experienced by those who have been changed by the Son of God from being "sinners" to being "Christians". This situation cannot be seen by other humans, although it is often guessed at.
Then the kingdom is also a physical organisation (sometimes called the church) which can be recognised because of its distinctive doctrines and rituals, but as it includes many who are "tares" or "professors" it is often considered to be a false system (as the Pharisees saw Christ and His followers).
Only those who have the kingdom in their hearts can really appreciate the value of the external one as a nursery for newly born-again Christians.
The Lake of Fire = who causes it? Sep 08
We don’t “die in an instant” when we sin because God is still desperately trying to keep us alive so we may repent and be cleansed of the "cancer". However, we may close our probation by turning away permanently, or end our physical lives here by our actions. This achievement of God's is is called "universal grace" and applies to every living thing in this world from the moment of birth.
Saving grace is added to the individual when we repent and accept His gift of a new life. Living grace is then supplied to allow us to overcome temptation and live without sinning. Or it can be used to cover any action of sin which we (as Christians) repent of and confess.
Those who refuse saving grace will end up in the "Lake of Fire" and experience the "second" death.
The Laodicean Condition: Feb 05
The term "lukewarm" is applicable to those of us who profess to love the truth for this time, yet are deficient in Christian fervour and devotion because we are not "born again." We dare not give up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever, yet we are unwilling to die to self and follow out closely the principles of our faith. We are cold and formal, like the nominal churches.
The words addressed to the Laodicean church describe our present condition perfectly. We are "neither cold nor hot," but "lukewarm". And unless we heed the counsel of the "faithful and true Witness," and zealously repent and obtain "gold tried in the fire," "white raiment," and "eye-salve," He will have to spue us out of His mouth.
1. A description of Jesus and His purpose. John 6:51.
2. A statement which shows that the life of Jesus must also become ours. John 6:53-54.
3. A warning that we need to study for ourselves. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29.
This chapter shows us so well that the ability to perform or not to perform the good deeds which we desire, tells us whether or not we are Christians.
By our fruit we shall know ourselves.
Do we have control over sin, or does it control us? That is the question!
Although meat eating is not prohibited in the Bible, it is not recommended. Constant eating causes much sickness, dulls the mind, and shortens life dramatically, not to mention what it does to the animal, our fellow-creature.
Even though Christ partook of the Passover lamb (once a year!); ate some boiled fish and honeycomb once to show that He was a living being and not a ghost (Luke 24:36-43); and supplied fish for the hungry fishermen after His resurrection (another one-off event, see John 21:5-14), flesh food is not a good choice in our diet.
Made like His brethren: Dec 2000
"Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like to His brethren."
"Behoved" means:-
"He had to" (NKJ); "it was imperative that" (J B Phillips); He MUST...
In ALL things like who? It does not say "like all humans", but "like unto His brethren". His brethren are defined in the texts below as those who have God as their Father, and also as those who are "the seed" of Abraham.
Hebrews 2:10-18
For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one [origin, or Father]: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,...
Now we come to the crux of the question. If He did NOT have evil "hereditary corruption", "propensities or inclinations", which humans have, then why do we?
The short answer is:- Christians do not have them either!!!
Only "sinners" have them.
This "mark" is the mark of protection applied by a loving Saviour to those who are "at enmity"against Him. It's purpose is to ward off the unwanted attentions and persecutions of His professed followers. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, and this is available until they kill themselves in some way, either by suicide or by retaliation. John 3:16.
The mark of the beast is the use of civil power by religious people to persecute and kill those who disagree with them. It is signified by choosing to worship on a day that has no foundation in the Bible. God warns against such an action because it will mean that those who do so will lose their chance of eternal life.
God, the LORD God, gave Noah permission to eat the flesh of animals because of his request, but hoped that his love for his "neighbour" would triumph over his appetite. Genesis 9:3-4.
Meat eating versus vegetarianism: Jun 2000
Whether we eat flesh or not has nothing to do with religion. Romans 14:17. It is a matter of personal choice, so long as we keep in mind that God wants us to glorify His ways. 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Those who want to stay healthy and aware of what the Spirit is trying to tell them will find that meat eating tends to clog the mind as well as the body, and reason becomes harder to use. And that there are certain types of flesh we should not eat for health reasons.
Eating flesh also requires that a creature of God must die, and if this is done solely to satisfy a taste, that is not a good reason for Christians, for God has no avourites. All His creatures are important to Him.
The time of Christ's coming, His anointing by the Holy Spirit, His death, and the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles, were definitely pointed out. It was the privilege of the Jewish people to understand these prophecies, and to recognize their fulfilment in the mission of Jesus. Christ urged upon His disciples the importance of prophetic study. Referring to the prophecy given to Daniel in regard to their time, He said, “Whoso reads, let him understand.” Matthew 24:15. After His resurrection He explained to the disciples in “all the prophets” “the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27. The Saviour had spoken through all the prophets. “The Spirit of Christ which was in them” “testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:11.
But all this was only a small part of the main prophecy!
Christ’s ministry, His death on the cross, and the final call to the Jews by the disciples, are identified here only to explain what the 2,300 years prophecy was about! When we deduct 490 years from the 2,300 years we end up with 1,810 years. Thus the time of the cleansing, or restoring of the sanctuary to its rightful place, when calculated by adding 1810 to 34AD gives us a date of 1844AD.
What was to happen then was so important that Christ, when explaining it to Daniel, used His own agonising experience as the Son of man to point to it.
Mourning for the dead: Jan 2004
Leviticus 21:
[the ordinary priests/Christians], and say to them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people [none are to go into public mourning for those who have died].1 And the LORD said to Moses, Speak to the priests the sons of Aaron
Why should not the priests mourn for the dead? Because death is the wages, or result, of sin (Romans 6:23) and those who die show that they have clung to some sinful way and are willing to be separated from God for a time. It does NOT always mean that they are lost (there is a resurrection for the righteous), but it does mean that they have rejected the sanctification of God in some way. Only He knows the full extent of their rejection, but the priests were expected to illustrate the Son of God’s concern at the dead one’s action, and confirm that nothing further could be done for them until the judgment. It is written, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27.
Saint or sinner?
We may KNOW who we are by what we do!!! We who were once sinners by internal nature are now Christians by re-creation, and must reject God's advice and power if we want to sin. Those who keep "falling" (that's their word for it, for Adam "jumped"), and who make excuses for their behaviour, are showing that they have no power of choice.
Jude v24-25
Now to Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.
“By reading and searching out scripture references, you will see the chain of truth, and will see new beauties in the word of God”. The purpose of comparing Scripture with Scripture is to illuminate and EXPAND the original, not to reject it. ALL THE TEXTS must fit into a harmonious whole.
The great controversy began over the question of whether God is a "Boss" or a "Father." Jesus came to this world to acquaint us with the fact that He considers Him to be a "Father" and not some awesome high and mighty "God Boss." We can help Him in settling the question by our behaviour and attitude, and one day all will bow before the Father and acknowledge the truth.
The answer to the question raised by the evolutionist seems to be the one he himself supplied. The effects of the Flood upon the earth's surface isolated many groups of animals and they soon developed into the diverse creatures found far from the site of the ark's landing, such as those found in Australia. Others were adept at ranging over the whole world and they still do. Our Creator supplied enough capability of variation within the gene structure of each "kind" at their original creation that they can produce new "species" for those who want them.
Paul and the appeal to Caesar Oct 05
We do not have dual citizenship. We are only “. . . ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20. So although we may take advantage of worldly exemptions in the civil realm, we may only appeal to God when it comes to religion.
PERFECTION:(as God sees it) Jul 97
Perfection is an attitude of mind reached by the "temple" builder after laying six "foundation stones".
“Perfection” then, is the gift of God. It is offered to us and if we accept it
we call it “conversion” or “rebirth”. Then we are a “perfect” baby, new born
and growing. At any stage in our growth God may pronounce us still “perfect”,
or He may say that we have a problem similar to a sickness, which He calls
“sin”. When that sickness is cured we can again be recognised as “perfect”.
Because perfection is in the eye of God and not our fellow man, we should just
accept the fact that it is possible and leave the rest to Him.
Consider these words:
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Acts 13:
22 And
when He had removed him [king
Saul], He raised
up to them David to be their king; to whom also He gave testimony, and said, “I
have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, which shall fulfil
all My will.”
1 Kings 15:
3 And he [Jeroboam] walked in all the sins of his father [Nebat], which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father [ancestor]. 4 Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: 5 because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that He commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
Politics and the Christian: Nov 2000
Politics is Satan's way of ruling this world. Because Christians are foreigners in this world, ambassadors for heaven, they cannot take an active part in its system.
Although we must obey the rules of the community in which we live, we are not to take any part in framing them or in the selection of men and women who do it, for God's kingdom works from a different base. Christianity works by freeing men and women from their natures and forgiving them for their sins - the world (both secular and religious) works by suppressing the natures and punishing the crimes - and never can the two harmonise.
A Christian trying to set up laws on the worldly system would face an overwhelming conflict of interest because of its reliance on the use of force to gain its control, and a worldling trying to fit in with Christian principles would find it impossible because he cannot "turn the other cheek".
Power to heal is not conferred on disciples at some point in their life, and then used when needed. It is a talent directly based on the word of God and therefore can only be exercised when the word is spoken. While teaching the gospel, it is possible to hear the Spirit say, "Heal this person" and there and then accept the power of that word and pass it on.
Pray without ceasing: Aug 1997
This means to pray expecting an answer, not because we are good, but because we can find out from God how to change and not hinder His promise. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
Prayer to move God's arm: Mar 2000
We can move God's arm:-
1. when we pray on behalf of others;
2. when we can claim one of His promises;
3. when we stand in conscious innocence before Him.
We will NOT get answers when we:-
1. Accuse God of not caring as much as we do.
2. When we ask for ourselves alone.
3. Think we will be heard for our quantity of prayers.
All may approach our loving Father for themselves. This is one of the things that Jesus did for us while on earth. He removed the partition of human intervention and replaced it with the original one where we can boldly approach the everlasting God through Him. We have no need for others to intercede for us UNLESS we are helpless.
Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that everyone who would make his or her lifework a success must understand. Christ says, "What things so ever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." Mark 11:24.
He makes it plain that our asking must be according to God's will; we must ask for the things that He has promised, and whatever we receive must be used in doing His will. The conditions met, the promise is sure.
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Hebrews 13:
9 Be not carried about with divers [different] and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats [ceremonial meals], which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the [earthly] tabernacle. 11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore [for this reason] Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore to Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. 16 But to do good and to communicate [share] forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
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So here in our "believers' priesthood" we learn to offer that which we will continue to do in the new world in the Melchisedec priesthood.
The Word of God is its own dictionary. What does this mean? It means that whenever we come to any key words describing divine behavior, such as the wrath of God, God destroying, God sending plagues, or God dealing with the wicked in everlasting fire, we do not simply accept the long held understandings of those words. The traditional understanding of those words has been developed by our association with human behavior and our knowledge of the dictionary meaning of those words, and hence cannot explain God's actions.
Instead, we search in the Word of God for the meaning of those terms. There may be times when the Word of God and the dictionary will provide the same definitions, but most of the time they will give very different meanings indeed. This is inevitable, for the ways of God are so very different from the ways of men.
The prophecies of Daniel 12 relate to events which have already passed, but can have another application in the future. They began in history when an "abomination" (in God's sight) was set up, and therefore we can expect another "abomination" in the future.
One of these was to show that the offerer believed that the Son of God had already died to save him from internal sin, and that he himself was pictured as being "dead" with Him. Thus the whole of the gospel was shown in the simple act of burning the body of an animal without its skin.
Purpose of rituals Pt 2: Feb 2001
There are three main reasons for animal sacrifices.
The second of these was to show that the offerer believed that the Son of God would forgive him or her for any and every action of sin which they repented of. Thus the whole of the sanctification of the gospel was shown in the simple act of killing an animal after confessing the action of sin onto its head, and watching the priest eat some of its flesh. In this way they "fulfilled all righteousness". Matthew 3:15.
Righteousness "by faith". This much abused phrase simply means that the follower of God does the right thing by faith in His word. "Righteousness" is defined as "right-doing" (Deuteronomy 6:24-25; Acts 10:34-35; etc.)
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.
In the times of the tabernacle and temple it was shown by observing the rituals with faith in Christ's word as a foundation. Today it is shown by baptism and the Lord's supper with faith in Christ's word as the foundation.
Purpose of rituals Pt 3: Mar 2001
There are three main reasons for animal sacrifices.
The third of these was to show that the offerer believed that the Son of God would not only exchange lives with him, and then forgive him or her for any and every action of sin which they repented of, but also totally remove THE RESULT of their sins (death) from them and place them on Satan. 1 Corinthians 15:26.
Thus the final act of the gospel was shown by the simple act of watching the high priest separate the two goats, and then following him "by faith" as he went into the building (they couldn't see or hear him in there) to pick up the "deaths" there recorded. If they were watching carefully they would see the "hands" of their mediator on the head of the scapegoat, but for many of them it would be his return in full uniform which told them it was all over.
"Redemption" points forward to the time when the saints are resurrected into new bodies and Christ becomes the possessor of His purchase.
This theory is not sustained by the words or actions of Jesus. See John 5:25-29. Also Hebrews 9:27.
The removal of sins (from Christ) May 2008
The real Day of Atonement will deal with the deaths associated with the sins committed by Christians, but their past lives will be held forever by the Son of God as part of the deal He made with them regarding conversion. So when He appears the second time without sin, it is because He has been cleared of the deaths for actions of sin. This lifts a great load from Him, but He remains as our Saviour for all eternity.
Religious Titles in the churches Aug 2003
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men." This is how Jesus summed it up. The "clergy" have always been tainted with this principle by the very nature of their calling. When men and women separate themselves to be "bosses" in the church then they take the place of God and in their minds see no reason why they cannot bear His name. Commencing with the respect offered to them by those they consider to be the less favoured of the church, it soon progresses to the point where they "demand" the right to superiority. If we bow to this authority then we stand convicted of sin! (James 2:9 above.)
In the book of Revelation chapter 20 verse 5 it is written:
“… the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”
This plainly says that this is the FIRST resurrection. Giving us a definite point of time. If we can determine when or if a mass opening of the graves and people coming out of the graves occurs or has occurred, then we would be able to line this verse and all following and preceding verses in an identifiable time frame.
So using scriptural or historical evidence, can you help me pinpoint in time, the FIRST resurrection?
oooOooo
The timing of the first resurrection of Revelation 20 is connected with the second advent. As no man can forecast the time of Jesus' coming we cannot know the time of the resurrection either. But we should be continually prepared each moment now so that if we die we can be in the first resurrection and not the second.
This resurrection is not called "first" because of its position in history (it is actually the 11th), but because it is the most important one of all - it is FIRST (foremost) in degree. It is the one in which the majority of Christians will participate.
The God of life wants to have His children alive and enjoying His gift. John 10:10; Romans 6:23. Through Jesus He has been calling on them every day to "come out" of Satan's prison house, but few have responded in faith. However, near the end of time, there will be a change in the attitude of the righteous dead and they will be prepared to join with the living and rise with them to meet Jesus in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Before this, there will be a "special" resurrection composed of those who love Him greatly and those who fear Him greatly. Daniel 12:1-2.
Why die? Or if you must, why stay dead?
John 5:25. Resurrections occur when the sleeping dead are willing to hear the voice of the Son of God. Because of His loving nature, our Saviour will not force His presence on those who are not ready for Him. He will wait for their decision.
Repeating the three angels' messages: Apr 2009
The majority of the people in the Laodicean church today are “lukewarm”, which means that they are sitting on the fence without the robe of righteousness and the Son of God is sick with worry over them. What He would like to do is energise a few who will hold up the standard and call others to their side. Then the three angels’ messages will go to all the world again, and He will be able to finish the work by cutting it short in righteousness. So we should all be praying, “Here am I, LORD, send me”.
Sabbath versus sabbath: Jul 2000
Apart from the weekly seventh-day Sabbath of the Ten Commandments, there were seven holy days spread throughout the year, which were also known as ceremonial sabbaths, or holy convocations. Leviticus 23:37-38. These special days shadowed forth coming events and after the crucifixion their job was done and they were no longer observed by God's people.
We may KNOW who we are by what we do!!! We who were once sinners by internal nature are now Christians by re-creation, and must reject God's advice and power if we want to sin. Those who keep "falling" (that's their word for it, for Adam "jumped"), and who make excuses for their behaviour, are showing that they have no power of choice.
Jude v24-25
Now to Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.
1. Sanctification is the gift of being special to God. John 15:14-15.
2. It can be done to people, places or things. When it is accepted by people, it turns them into saints. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:2.
In 90AD Pergamos was literally the centre of Satanic sun worship through sacrifice and education and healing. (Satan’s clergy had moved there after the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon in 539AD.) But it was only a step in Satan’s plan, for he wanted the city of Rome to be the new centre of his religious arm. The Christians in Pergamos were commended for their steadfastness in the face of special persecution.
SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS: Jul 1999
"Burnt" offerings and "sin" offerings serve two very different purposes. The first group are the grateful responses of one who has become a Christian through the pass over experience. The others are a duties imposed on Christians by the Spirit of God to enable them to actively carry out the wishes of their Saviour and stand before their fellowmen as object lessons of the power of the gospel.
Saved by grace: See July 2001
No matter how evil we as common humans have become, it is Christ's desire that we be set free from the evil nature within. This is accomplished in a moment by His power and without any works of ours. Our NEED is the great catalyst. In this way we become Christians and are "justified".
Then, Jesus desires that we go forth to our family and neighbours and tell them what has happened. That is our work and is called "sanctification". Then our listeners will be able to see for themselves that God's promise of salvation does work! And this may give them the impetus they need to ask for themselves.
It is NOT the norm for us to go away from home to foreign countries unless we are specifically called to do so by the Spirit of God. It is enough for us to work in our own neighbourhood.
Acts 1:
7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His own power. 8 But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.”
The scapegoat atonement: Nov 2001
The atonement that God makes by the scapegoat is NOT THE SAME as the ones made during the year, or on the Day of Atonement. It is a cleansing and transfer, but one made of a death which has already occurred. It is the reassigning of the ultimate wages of sin which belonged to the sinning Christians onto the originator of sin, Satan, through the mediation of Jesus Christ our High Priest.
The sealing of the 144,000 Sep 09
As in nature so in grace.
There is to be a "firstfruits" of God's efforts as He "harvests" His people from this world at the second coming. They are described as 12,000 from every tribe of Israel (totaling 144,000), to show that every characteristic of human nature can be dedicated to God and kept pure.
If we would stay loyal to the God of the Bible, we must accept His word that those systems are all part of the same family and draw attention to this before we can give the third angel’s message in its fullness. What is that message?
Revelation 14:
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.
11 And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
The Shepherd and His sheep Aug 2005
We should never doubt that God wants us in His kingdom. He allowed His Son to come to this earth as a baby, to handle all that Satan and his angels and wicked men could throw at Him, to show us that love. Like a shepherd He has gone before us and is calling us to follow Him. All we have to do is listen and obey and we are assured of a place in His fold.
Should women speak in church: Apr 2007
It would seem from the above texts and comments that the women of Corinth were trying to dominate the meetings and speaking over their husbands. So God’s advice to them (and others of like character) was that they should keep silent, have their discussions at home, and not act “shamefully”. Verse 35.
Sign of the Son of man Feb 2002
The tribulation is the last battle in the war when Satan will try to eliminate all the true Christians through religious laws made at the request of the false religions.
The sign of the Son of man is the slowly approaching cloud of angels who surround Jesus. This cannot be counterfeited. Its slow, measured, approach is a guarantee that the end has come!
Sinning or not sinning? Dec 1998
1 John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And [yet] if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous...
God's desire for His children is sinlessness.
But just as Adam allowed his love for his wife to overcome him and then chose to sin with her, so Christians often allow their love for sin to overcome them and then choose NOT to be saved. Of course, afterwards, we come to Jesus and cry for the RESULT of it, which we don't like! But rarely do we acknowledge that we wanted to do THAT thing at THAT time. Therefore we are not being honest with our Saviour and He cannot accept our prayer. If we want to be forgiven we must be more honest with our Maker.
Jesus died in the Garden of Eden and also at Calvary. Revelation 13:8 and Mark 15:39. Two "deaths" are mentioned in the Bible for Him. One was His "death" as the Son of God and the other was the death as the Son of man. Both are vitally necessary in God's plan. One gives us the fact of redemption, the other shows the evidence of it.
Seven Spirits of God? May 2009
So the whole scene in The Revelation chapters 4 and 5 is a revelation of heaven as it will be one day. The characters in it are shown in symbolic forms to illustrate their works and positions, and are not meant to be taken literally.
1. To a religious person the standard set by the man Christ Jesus can appear to be irreligious. Matthew 15:1-9.
2. Jesus is a Living Stone and His followers by being attached to Him also become "living stones". 1 Peter 2:5.
3. It is often the rejected stone that becomes the head stone. John 19:15.
1. Speaking in tongues is a gift of God given to make the international work of spreading the truth easier. It is the gift of using language that the listener understands. Acts 2:1-21.
2. This is sustained by the words and actions of Jesus. He did everything a normal Christian should do and He spoke in "tongues" also. We call that "speaking in parables" today when we are talking to one of our own language. Matthew 13:1-53.
The ten toes of the statue of Daniel 2 are the same as the ten horns on the seven heads of the beast in Revelation 17, but they are NOT the same as the ten horns on the single head of the beast in Daniel chapter seven.
This means that the ten toes of Daniel 2 and ten horns of Revelation 17 are pictures of the group of religious systems that join the political ones in the last days of history. However, the ten horns of Daniel 7 are pictures of the ten nations which occupied the area of Europe BEFORE the papacy arose in 538AD.
“The church” as God set it up, is like a family and each “branch” is separate (like a brother or sister). As in any family, there is a Father in charge, and the siblings are all equal (Matthew 23:8), with, of course, the usual deference to the firstborn, for it is written, “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Sanctify to Me all the firstborn, whatsoever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is Mine”. Exodus 13:1-2.
It is good to get together for family meetings and have a discussion on how the LORD is leading. And while we should have our own opinions, we shall also have a great respect for other’s opinions, while we recognise that there can often be more than one right way of seeing or doing things.
What we must avoid at all costs is having a “kingly” attitude, and with it a desire to control others in “the church”, for that can only lead to confusion.
1. A Christian saved by Jesus through grace. 1 Corinthians 3:16.
2. A tent erected by Moses and the people as a meeting place with God. Exodus 33:7-11 and 25:8.
3. The stone building Solomon erected to replace the cloth tabernacle. 1 Kings 6:1-38.
4. A building in heaven which will one day be on earth. Revelation 21:2-3 and 3:12.
The proposed new temple: Nov 08
The earthly temple and its services were used as an illustration of what God would like to do for us. It was intended to hold the eye while the heart and mind worked them out. The Son of God wanted to teach more of His principles and intentions and therefore gave the measurements and design of a new temple to Ezekiel for the exiles to build when they returned to Jerusalem.
This is the method by which we grow in character and understanding. Temptation to behave illegally is NOT sin - giving in to it is! Overcoming temptation, or test, is uplifting.
Overcoming can occur both BEFORE and AFTER an experience in sin. However, what God wants for us is that we should always overcome BEFOREHAND. That’s why He says, "Go, and sin no more." John 8:11.
Temptation, then, can be a source of joy because it can show us what we want to respond to, and give us an experience in the power of our LORD which we might not have had apart from it.
The third angel’s message is a warning of the terrible times which lie ahead for the people of the world when the religious forces of this earth attack God’s church. Those whose lives are not hid in Christ will not be able to stand alone at that time and they will eventually give in to the "image of the beast." They will either wholeheartedly believe the lies or else accept that it is best to go along with the majority for their safety’s sake. Either way they will lose out, for Jesus has told us:
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Matthew 16:
[by his own efforts] shall lose it: and whosoever will lose [give up the responsibility for] his life for My sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.25
For whosoever will save his life
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The judgment is really a three-part experience for the children of God.
For the first session their records are examined to see if they have accepted the new heart exchange. This is done without their presence.
Then, in the second session they are given opportunity to examine the records of those whom they supposed would be with them in the new world. Again, those being examined are not there in person.
Then finally, the Son of man, because He is one of us, will personally inform the rejecters of what their decision means and allow them to have their way. “For as the Father has life in Himself; so has He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and [one thousand years later] they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:26-29.
This day have I begotten You: Nov 2002
Jesus was both Prophet and Priest while on earth. But He was Prophet first BEFORE the crucifixion, and the Priesthood was added AFTER it on the day of the resurrection. "THAT DAY" then was the day of the resurrection.
In the same way, He will one day in the future be accepted as the King of the universe and every knee shall bow to Him again. Romans 14:11.
"I say to you today, You shall be with Me in Paradise."
Christ did not promise that the thief should be with Him in Paradise that day (Friday) for He Himself did not go that day to Paradise. He "slept" in the tomb, until the morning of the resurrection (Sunday). That morning He said, "I am not yet ascended to My Father." John 20:17.
TRINITY GOD - A trinity? Jan 1999
In the Bible there are three Persons who can be called God. Each one has His own work and position, and we can honour them by recognising that work and addressing them as required. They are not the same person, for "The LORD our God is one LORD" as it is written.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
We can ask the Spirit for comfort and guidance and knowledge of the truth.
We can ask the Son for forgiveness and cleansing from sin.
We can thank the Father for love and mercy.
The twins Jacob and Esau - the picture Aug 2001
Salvation, like redemption, is the gift of God. Jesus used the circumstances of Rebekah’s twins to illustrate the two kinds of humans. Before they had done anything in the world, good or bad, He pronounced that one child would terrorise the other at first, but eventually the younger would prevail.
This came about because one accepted His offer while the other rejected it and joined the opposition. So, a real life situation was used to proclaim the truth to the world that we as individuals decide our own destiny.
When Jesus said we should "Walk in the day" He was advising us to listen and obey ALL THE TIME. Every time we do our own thing we are, in effect, walking in darkness and are sure to make a mistake. If we do God's bidding, we shall live eventful and fruitful lives, not necessarily seen as such here on earth, but recorded that way in God's book. It need not mean great worldly success (Jesus ended up on a cross) but it does mean that we shall do what God wants and further His work, not hinder it.
The Son of God sometimes uses “sinners” to accomplish His purpose, when His church refuses to do it! What Habakkuk was being told, incredible though it sounded, was the truth. He accepted it, and so should we.
In the Christian there is often a battle between earthly desires and ways, and heavenly ones. If we follow the leadings of the Spirit and refrain from our own ideas then we will have a better life because our way of doing things leads always to the law of sin and death. In Christianity we are free from the compulsion of the law of sin and death.
Apparent contradictions or apparent errors are very useful in the Bible because they make the reader stop and think about what he or she has just read. Their purpose is not to confuse but to cause a deeper investigation to take place whereby the Spirit can give a clearer explanation of a truth.
Understanding His words: June 2002
There are two kinds of spiritual blindness. One is self-willed (chosen) and gets more and more mixed up. The other is governed by lack of knowledge but lightens as time and events occur, until the "day dawn." 1 Peter 1:19. But neither has to remain for long for God says:
16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not [if they will accept it]; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do to them, and not forsake them.
A prophet is a person, male or female, young or old, rich or poor, educated or ignorant, who is willing to listen to the Son of God and pass on His messages of help and warning to those to whom he or she is sent. The messages they bring are sometimes very plain and easy to understand, but often they are couched in figurative language or scene so that the enquirer must co-operate prayerfully with the Spirit of God in order to comprehend the depths of the message. This is particularly so in regards to prophecies dealing with future events.
Often a prophet did not understand the message he was giving very clearly because it was intended for future listeners who had experienced some events which made sense of the message.
The wedding commences in heaven before the second coming, and partway through Jesus will leave His Father's house and come to the earth to collect His people. He wants us to be aware of this fact and therefore He is saying that we can know when it has begun. "All things are ready", He cries, "Come to the marriage". Matthew 22:4. When He says, "He will return from the wedding" Luke 12:36, and urges us to be ready to move, it means we are to go somewhere with Him. After the resurrection of the Christians who have died, He will return to heaven with them for the remainder of the ceremonies, one of which is a great banquet. John 14:1-4.
WHEELS WITHIN WHEELS: Nov 1997
"Wheels within wheels" is a Biblical way of describing the actions made by the people of God under the instruction of angels and the Holy Spirit.
WHERE DO WE GO WHEN WE DIE? Mar 1999
Where do we go when we die? Into a grave for a long sleep. We do not possess an immortal soul, therefore we cannot go into either heaven or hell. (The word "hell" normally means the grave in the Bible). The words "immortal" and "soul" are NEVER used together in the Bible.
Moses was told:-
Deuteronomy 31:16
And the LORD said to Moses, Behold, you shall sleep with your fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods .....
And Peter, 1,000 years after David's death said,
Acts 2:34
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he said himself, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit You on My right hand ...
Where did the idea of the church come from? Mar 2008
We should treat the church today as we would treat a tennis club. A great place to be for socialising and learning, where we need to obey certain local rules (1 Corinthians 11:16) and wear a certain uniform (the Sabbath), including soft shoes (tact and courtesy), so that we don’t damage the court (their ideas) or upset the other players. But to recognise that God is with us we just need a quiet place and His word.
For more on this subject, click here.
Who are Gog and Magog? Oct 2008
There is a “flip side” to the sacrifice the Son of God has made for us. Most of us only think of the salvation face, but there is also the losing part. When the great controversy is over He will have lost one third of His angelic host and a much greater percentage of His human family. Gog and Magog are the symbols of that loss. What a sad day that will be!
Who was the James that presided at the council of 49AD? May 2006
or Why don't we keep the old ceremonies?
The ceremonialism of the Jewish dispensation is no longer required in this dispensation. It had its purpose in detailing the life and death of the Son of man, and in showing us the many facets of salvation, sanctification and redemption. But now all our emphasis should be on the Son of God and His work in heaven.
Paul’s words have a place here, for today we are between the Jewish "childhood" and the redeemed "adulthood" – we are spiritual "teenagers." "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity
[a special kind of Godly love]." 1 Corinthians 13:11-13.In Genesis 5:1 we are told, "This is the book of the generations of Adam." If we comprehend correctly what these words mean then we have a great key to understanding this first book of the Bible.
"This is the book" refers to the preceding words of the Bible, in this case chapters 2 to 4, because the authors of those days put their signatures at the end of the script, not at the beginning as we would do today. All the early sections of Genesis are written this way. See 2:4 for the Son of God; 5:1 for Adam; 6:9 for Noah; 10:1 for Noah’s sons; 11:10 for Shem; 11:27 for Terah etc. "Of the generations
[beginnings]" tells us the subject of the book, which is about Adam’s first experiences. The words "of Adam" tell us who wrote the story. This way of doing things is not out of order for those who today still write from right to left, the opposite to us.Why did Elijah run? He had seen “the beast” at work in the slaughter of the prophets, and was filled with self-loathing, for he had been a part of it. (The “beast” is made up by the actions of unrestrained unregenerate sinners (e.g. the mob mentality), or even those of misguided Christians. Later he knew that he had had the zeal of a Jehu.)
Poor God! He who is mercy and love was being shown as nothing more than a cold-blooded murderer by His own people!
Why did Jesus die? Jun 2003
Our Saviour is both God and man.
It is as the Son of God that He dies for us by giving us a portion of His life when we become converted with "a new heart." Thus all Christians, from the righteous Abel to the last sinner who accepts salvation, are saved in the same way.
It was as the Son of man that He died a physical death at Calvary. This was illustrate to our slow minds what was (and is) actually happening to Him as the Son of God.
Why animals as sacrifices? April 2002
Why animal sacrifices? Because it was important that the offerer recognised the fact that the "will" of God cannot be put into effect until AFTER the death of the maker of the will. Hebrews 9:16-17. The blood of the animal served as notice that they understood that the Son of God had already "died" for them. The body was burnt completely, but the skin was used as a covering to show the nature of salvation. It is by virtue of the covering of righteousness supplied by our Saviour that we can live in this world of sin. Job 29:14; Isaiah 61:10.
The Old Testament "proof" was the blood of an animal. The New Testament "proof" is that of a human body at Calvary. But the reality is that the death of the Son of God is a continuous one. Although finished for those who are "born again", it has not yet begun for those who may still choose.
Unfortunately, to many this truth has been obscured by Satan.
The woman clothed with the sun: Sep 2006
Although Christ was crucified under the urging of Satan, it was really the Son of God’s choice to die. He said, “Therefore does My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father.” John 10:17-18.
In this way He defeated Satan at his own game, because He came back from the dead. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God, (which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our LORD, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:1-4.
He has since gone to heaven and is working there while the Spirit is in control of the earth.
Should women speak in church: Apr 2007
It would seem from the above texts and comments that the women of Corinth were trying to dominate the meetings and speaking over their husbands. So God’s advice to them (and others of like character) was that they should keep silent, have their discussions at home, and not act “shamefully”. Verse 35.
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