Section One Table of Content

Section One Table of Content

Title                                               Page

The Holy Scriptures are to be Interpreted in the Context          1
and the Proper Tense Wherein They were Written
Whom Shall He Make To Understand Doctrine?                        4
That Name Which Is Above Every Name                               7
God Loves Sinners but He Hates The Workers Of Iniquity            9
Jesus Christ, The Lamb Slain From The Foundation Of The World    11
A Message From Jesus Christ To His Servants                      14
Jesus Christ is the Exceeding Great Reward And The Great         15
Rewarder Jesus Christ, God’s Passover Lamb                       18
They Hated Me Without A Cause                                    26
In the last days the Lord’s shall be established                 27
in the top of the mountains
And all Israel shall be saved                                    30
We then that are strong ought to bear                            34
the infirmities of the week
Easter Sunday and Christmas according                            36
to the Scriptures
A testament is of force after men are dead                       39
Israel the seed of Abraham during the                            42
Old and New Testaments
The letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life                    48

Preface

                                                                   November 17,  2011

Before you commence reading the following documents, I highly recommend that you read this prelude.    It explains some of the context in which the documents were written.

1.    The first six pages tells how to study, compose and teach spiritual doctrine.

2.    During the Old Testament the Law was made up of two components, the Ten Commandments, and the Old Testament rituals.    The consistency of the Old Testament was “The blood of bulls and goats and ashes of an heifer,”) Etc.    After Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament through the sacrifice of Himself, the Law took on a new meaning. The Ten Commandments were left in tact while the sacrificial segment of the Law was dropped; accordingly, when Paul, James and others of the New Testament spoke of the Law, their referral was to the Ten Commandments.

3.    Doctrine on “The Beast(s)”, I found that a good starting point to understanding the doctrine on the “Beast(S)” is Revelation Chapter 17.    In the first scene John was shown a Whorish woman w  setting upon many waters.    In the next scene John saw the woman setting astride a scarlet beast; then a few verses later he was told that “The waters which thou sawest where the Whore setteth were peoples and nations and tongues”.

4.    The Seals:  I found that the sound of thunder that accompanied the opening of the fist seal to match the thunder like voice of the Heavenly Father which the people heard at the baptizing of Jesus, That voice was heard to say; “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

In conclusion I found that Revelation Chapter 17 was a great place to start our study on the Biblical beast.    I also learned that the beast in that chapter was a group of people with a common cause or goal.    The whorish woman was the false religion that spurred the people on.

May Gods Bless, Amen!

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES ARE TO BE INTREPETED

IN THE CONTEXT AND THE PROPER TENSE

WHEREIN THEY WERE WRITTEN

September 23, 20012

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As our title suggests the Holy Bible is to be interpreted in the context and the tense wherein they were written be it in the past present or future tense.

I strongly urge that those rules be followed in the New Testament including the BOOK of REVELATION for when John’s writings appear such as where John said that he saw the Kingdom coming down from GOD out of Heaven; He saw it through the eyes of his understanding on the Day of Pentecost.

In the Old Testament the prophets wrote as though they were eye witnesses to the trauma and sufferings of the LORD while He was on the cross.

All prophecy that was written in the past tense was reckoned to be history for the purpose of saving souls from the foundation of the world; that met the demand made by the ordinance that said; “For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” Hebrews 9:17  

What’s more, that was put into print, centuries before it was carried out at Calvary.

God told us through the pen of John that JESUS CHRIST was: “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” Revelation 13-8-b

And GOD said through the pen of Isaiah:

“I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.” Isaiah 48:3

Here is a word to the wise: do not, I repeat don’t miss the following:

Interpret Biblical grammar and the tense wherein it was written as you find it, whether in the past, present or future tense.  First and foremost every thing that was written in the past tense was already history, in the mind of GOD however in some of the writings of the Old Testament serves as both prophecy and history.

And for Heaven’s sake stay with the KING JAMES VERSION, Amen!

As he was directed by the Holy Spirit; David recorded the words of JESUS’ prayer and supplications that He made to GOD during the six hours he was on the cross, and David accomplished that several centuries before it became a  reality on Golgotha’s hill.

Is that amazing or what?

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David commenced writing Psalm 22 where JESUS began to pour out His heart to the FATHER through prayer and supplications.

He wrote it as though he was an eye witness to the crucifixion,

We know that because he wrote it in the present tense.

GOD’S only begotten SON questioned Him with the following words:

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? [2] O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. [3] But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. [4] Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. [5] They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. [6] But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. [7] All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head saying, [8] He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. [9] But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. [10] I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. [11] Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. [12] Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. [13] They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. [14] I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. [15] My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. [16] For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. [17] I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. [18] They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.[19] But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.” Psalm 22:1-19

Those words also testified that His sacrificial death was valid at the time David wrote the Psalm, and it had been official before the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden.

While at the same time it prophesied of the disgraceful and unjust act that Israel along with the Gentiles should carry out at Calvary, centuries later.

Now let’s consider Isaiah chapter 53

Verse #2 of chapter 52 was written in the future tense. That suggested it was prophecy of the coming Messiah.

Here’s what he wrote in verse 2: “For he shall grow up before him as a tender 

plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.”  

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The next several verses were in agreement with the doctrine that taught that JESUS CHRIST was officially slain from the foundation of the world, while at the same time it prophesied of the work that JESUS should accomplish at Calvary’s Hill.

The Prophet Isaiah continued:

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

[4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions;   

he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. [8] He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.  [9] And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.    [10] Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.  [11] He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.  [12] Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his heart unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:3-12 (KJV)

What we have found in Isaiah 53:3-12 was both prophecy and history.

As prophecy it told of the cruel treatment, the mocking the rejection and much, much more that awaited JESUS CHRIST centuries later.

Being Biblical history, it reckoned JESUS CHRIST had shed His blood before the world was.    Amen!

May God who created it all, be blessed forever, and ever. Amen! 

WHOM SHALL HE MAKE TO UNDERSTAND DOCTRINE?

(THIS IS A TUTORIAL)

September 7, 2010

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The title came from where Isaiah asked; "Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine; "Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.”

He emphasized that Bible learning was through Bible study, and continued with: ”For precept must be upon precept, for precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little:" Isaiah 28:12-13

Biblical precepts are statements of truth that God move upon the Apostles, and prophets, to pen on parchment, then bound into a book that we call the “THE HOLY BIBLE,” then they passed it on to us. 

Webster defines a precept as “A command or principal intended especially as a general rule of action, an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate.”

What that means to us is the prophets and Apostles received their messages from God, then they passed it on to their peers by word of mouth. Then as God willed, they penned it down in the form of text and it became Holy Scripture.

The first line mentioned by Isaiah is the letter and the letter is what we see when opening our King James Bible.

Even though the letter serves as a window through which is seen the deep things of GOD, it is a doctrine in its own right.

Doctrine that is viewed through the letter, of our KJV, is a  doctrine of depth.  

Now the underlying precept is seen through the eyes of our understanding as Paul taught; he wrote;  "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened that ye may know..." Ephesians 1:18

I like to compare the eyes of our understanding to the eyes of the blind; after hearing some one describe a certain object or an event, they say, “I see.” 

When a Bible scholar reads the letter it depends on how well they are versed in the Scripture, as to what they will see through the eyes of their understanding.

Please forgive the crude way that I am about to present the difference between the letter and the doctrine that lies beneath the letter. But I like to compare the written Word (the letter) to the entrance into the Mammoth Cave.

Yea, through the entrance of the shaft we descend into the depth of the cave.

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The letter is represented in the cave’s mouth or entrance, while the lower hidden passages represent the depth of the Scripture.

In case you don’t see doctrine of depth you haven’t studied  or read enough of the WORD.

After entering, the cave you descend into a network of under lying passages that branch out into several directions.  Let the cave entrance be the letter while the under lying passages portrays the doctrine found beneath the entrance or the letter.

The letter and the underlying hidden message can't be better explained than JESUS’ answer to Philip after he ask, “Show us the FATHER.”

JESUS’ reply was; "He that has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:8

(Now, everything that is visible to the natural eye is the letter.)

Though JESUS was GOD inwardly; He was a man and therefore that qualified Him as being the letter, for all things seen by the natural eye is considered to be the letter, biblically speaking.

Another helpful hint came from where Isaiah stated that the Scriptures are found scattered throughout the Bible. He wrote: “For precept must be upon precept, for precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line, Here a little and there a little:" Isaiah 28:-13

The essence of what the prophet said was; When composing a doctrine you’ll find it “Here a little and there a little; which is to say you will find it scattered throughout your blessed Holy Bible.

Never try to read a single passage of scripture and think that you understand its context.

Moses said to let every word be established from the mouths of two or three witnesses.

That goes well in Bible study therefore take is seriously.

It is common knowledge, to the well read, that all Scripture testify of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, either directly or indirectly JESUS shined brilliant light on the subject.

He Said “Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”    Hebrews 10:7

JESUS’ statement assured us that the Holy Bible is all about Him and none other.  

He is the WORD of GOD, John said of Him:  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”    John 1:1

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“The carnal mind is enmity against God: and is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”  Romans 8:7 

That means that the carnal man is sensual and that his mind is stayed on things of the flesh and not the things of GOD.

Carnal minded men do not see the underlying messages of God much less understand them. In fact the natural man “Receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”   

1 Corinthians 2:14 

If you have a desire to study and understand the deeper sayings of GOD, Here is wisdom: Some remember Brother Bob Jones of Toledo Ohio.   In one of his sermons he said that after you have become well read and have a desire to put together a doctrine, start with the passage(s)  that you thoroughly understand, then add other scripture to them.

I took that saying to heart.  Therefore, I say, if you have a desire to be a doctrinal teacher, you become that teacher, by reading God’s Word unrelentingly. By that I mean read the bible through until you have read it no less than three times and do that in rapid succession.  After reading the Word  as prescribed, I believe you will begin to recall scriptures that will come together as a doctrine.

May our GOD be glorified in the sayings. Amen!

 

THAT NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME

September 15 2008

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The Apostle Paul said of the LORD JESUS CHRIST:  “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” Philippians 2:9

Then Peter also said of our blessed Savior: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

I believe from what these great men have written that such sayings should be the theme of every sermon and every song that is sung and all should be to the praise of His glory. 

Paul set the record straight on evangelistic sermons,  he said: 

“I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

It’s a must that sinners hear,  “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:10-11

Here is something else for them to consider and that is, for every second they live in sin, they will suffer in the Lake of Fire a thousand years; a thousand years for each second awaits them in the lake of fire; and that’s just the beginning.

They should also be reminded that, if they fail to bow the knee here that they shall bow it at the judgment.

Frightening isn’t it?

Ah! but JESUS suffered and died in our stead, making it possible for mankind to escape that awful place. Amen!

Paul said, JESUS;  “Being found in fashion as a man, that JESUS humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. [9]  He also said: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”  Philippians 2:8-12

Paul also wrote: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”  2 Corinthians 5:10-11

Sinners  should also be reminded that the LORD said in the Proverbs:

“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.  Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:” Proverbs 1:24-28 

The Reverend Bob Jones of Toledo Ohio (The Preacher’s Preacher) got it right when he said, with a great big smile, “JESUS, JESUS, JESUS is all there is to preach, sing or teach.”  I say a-men to that.

“What a friend we have in Jesus.”

“Jesus is all that I need in this world.”

“The sweetest word that was ever uttered with the mortal tongue was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”  A-men!

“Jesus, Jesus how I trust Him, how I prove Him o’er and o’er.”

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There is something about that name: Wonderful, Marvelous, Master, Redeemer, savior of the world.

To God be the glory forever and ever.  Amen!

GOD LOVES SINNERS BUT HE HATES THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY

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I believe that most are familiar with where JESUS said;  ‘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

But it is rarely quoted where the Psalmist said; “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” Psalm 5:5   

Both, sinners and workers of iniquity fall into the same category in that both are transgressors of the law and they are both Hell bound. And the sin of iniquity can and is committed by both saint and sinner alike.

When Christians commit iniquity we are subject to be chastened  by our FATHER, GOD.

The Lord JESUS said: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”  Revelation 3:19

Hebrews warned Christians to not fall into the sin of iniquity for the penalty can mean disaster.    He wrote: “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”  Hebrews 10:26-27

Though Christians often sin the sin of iniquity they are not subject to be abandoned by their GOD.

King David was an example of what befalls saints after committing the ultimate in iniquity, The LORD’S question to him was; Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.”

Paul assured us that David was not a cast away where he wrote: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,

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which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38, 39

Jude warned the children of wrath: “Keep your selves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”   

Jude 1:21

To interpret what Jude said, the essence was that GOD offers salvation to sinners though repentance and Faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Ah! but saith GOD: “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh.” Genesis 6:3

He warned sinners against exhausting the patience of God’s love, by spurning His offer to be saved.    The penalty for those who die in their iniquity is that they will hear Jesus say: “I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” Luke 13:27

Here is the record of sinners and workers of iniquity that got up after JESUS arose.

John said; “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10

At the end of the world JESUS will say to those who said no to His offer to repent and be saved: “I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” Luke 13:27  

May the GOD of Heaven continue to offer His wonderful Grace to all, Amen, and Amen!

JESUS CHRIST, THE LAMB SLAIN FROM

THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD

August 20, 2004

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JESUS CHRIST and Him slain before the foundation of the world is beyond comprehension for the carnal mind and therefore only those whom are spiritual minded have the slightest idea of the meaning: JESUS CHRIST was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

And therefore since that is Scripture we accept it even though we don’t completely understand that He was officially slain before our first parents committed the first sin.  

Many are the Scriptures that support the doctrine that the LORD GOD wrought about so great Salvation to everyone that believed on His name, from the foundation of the world.

Yea, God saved the repentant soul from Adam and it is still on going.  In His song, Moses proclaimed: "The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him."  Exodus 15:2a

Setting the stage for our quest, the apostle told Titus: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11 (KJV) 

To begin with "All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."   Hebrews 4:13-b

From what the Apostle said, we understand that the past, present and future is continually on display before the pure eyes of our GOD.

Then adding understanding to that the LORD said of Himself: “As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Hebrews 4:3

It’s obvious from what has been thus said, that our GOD saw the crucifixion and reckoned it to be history an eon before the Apostles witnessed it at Calvary.

The main reason that it was essential that CHRIST JESUS to be officially slain from the foundation of the world, saith the Apostle: “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [17] For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” Hebrews 9:16-17 

 

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But saith the Scripture for the purpose of GOD the Testator, CHRIST JESUS, was dead before the world was.

Paul taught that there is nothing that our GOD can’t do.  He said: “God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”    Romans 4:17 

He also told how GOD made Abram heir of the world and that was by uniting the saved Gentiles with the saved Israelites, thus making them one body in Christ. For he told the Gentiles: (“For If ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed.”) Galatians 3:9

And because of such reckoning the Psalmist testified: “For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.” Psalm 86:13

And lo, because David the King had a superior understanding of those things he wrote the twenty second Psalm through the use of all three tenses: the past, present and future tense.  He began his psalm with:

[1] My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

[2] O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
[3] But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
[4] Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
[5] They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
[6] But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
[7] All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head saying,
[8] He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
[9] But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.
[10] I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.  
[11] Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
[12] Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

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[13] They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

[14] I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

[15] My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

[16] For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

[17] I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

[18] They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. Psalm 22:1-18  

The prophet Isaiah said centuries before Calvary: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."  Isaiah 53:5

GOD told us how he accomplished such fete: through the pen of Isaiah,

He said: “I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.”  Isaiah 48:3 WOW!    

Our God surely is capable and sometime does call those things which are not, as though they are.

His Spirit that was in Isaiah said:  "I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them."  Isaiah 48:3

To GOD be the Glory, forever amen!

A MESSAGE FROM JESUS CHRIST TO His SERVENTS

November 21, 2013

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He gave the following Scriptures to awake the serpent in His saints, including you and me.

“JESUS told His Own; “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” Matthew 6:20  

 With these words of encouragement He told them and us that are saved:  “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-14  

What’s more JESUS said: “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. [23] Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” Luke 6:22-23    

JESUS shall  reward His saints Personally, For He said;  “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.” Matthew 16:27   

The beloved John warned “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.” 2 John 1:8   

Then John warned; “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:28 (My hope is that He wont be ashamed of me. Amen!)

My resolve is expressed in this song:

Ready to suffer grief or pain; Ready to stand the test
Ready to stay at home; And send others if He sees best;
Ready to go; Ready to stay
Ready my place to fill; Ready for service Lowly or great
Ready to do His will; Ready to speak and ready to warn
Ready o’erer souls to yearn; Ready in life ready in death; Ready for His return
Ready to go; Ready to stay; Ready my place to fill
Ready for service; Lowly or great; Ready to do His will.

MAY GOD BLESS THE Reader and give them understanding, AMEN!

JESUS CHRIST IS THE EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD

AND THE GREATREWARDER

October 15, 2013

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(Let’s get this straight. We don’t serve our Creator in order to be rewarded. If we were to be rewarded it will be for services rendered.)

Now to get on with our study.

Moses said, “The Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1

Now not only is “The GREAT I AM” the GREAT REWARD He is also ‘The Great Rewarder’ and His name is JESUS CHRIST.

Yea, it was CHRIST JESUS that appeared unto the patriot Abram and said: “I AM; thy Shield and Exceeding Great Reward.”

And seeing that we are the children of Abraham, through Faith in CHRIST, we were included in that proclamation.

JESUS CHRIST, more than once, identified Himself as the GREAT “I AM.”

He said I AM the Bread of life.” John 6:35

“I AM the vine ye are the branches.” John 15:5

And “I AM the Resurrection and the life.” John 11:25

Therefore after He saved us we can say along with faithful Abraham: “He is our shield, and  exceeding great reward.”

However, as great as it is to be saved that was not the primarily reason He saved us; “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10   

Yea, the Holy Scriptures have told us how to conduct our lives as Christians.

Paul told us what our reasonable service is  He wrote: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1  

And he said: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,

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whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 

JESUS said;  “Ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”  Luke 17:10

Some have said to me, “We were made joint heirs with JESUS CHRIST how could we possible want more?

My question to them was:  What made you think that the choice is yours?  

JESUS gave us two examples of what not to do while doing charitable deeds.

He said:  “When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Matthew 6:16

And He said: “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

John warned against such loss.

He wrote; “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”  2 John 1:8

Granted, such charitable rewards are received on this side,

However JESUS bade His disciples: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” Matthew 6:19-20

Yea, JESUS also taught that He rewards for charitable services rendered; and that Exceeding Great Rewards awaits those whom He deemed worthy:

He said: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

He also told us: “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” Luke 6:23

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Jeremiah, the prophet’s crime was that he prophesied against the evil deeds of Israel’s leaders.   Yea, they put him in stocks, then threw him into a open well and left him to die.

Then the Apostle said: “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourging, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: [37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; [38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Hebrews 11:36-38   And said the Apostle;  “And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:” Hebrews 11:35-b

In reference to those who suffered persecution for that NAME which is above every name, JESUS said: “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.” Matthew 16:27

Yea, not forgetting, we were saved unto, or to do “Good Works” and  I have written is first and foremost, about serving GOD and not rewards; our reasonable service is to serve whole heartily.   JESUS will do the rewarding according to His will.

My intent is to wake up the servant in you.

May our GOD and Savior JESUS CHRIST be glorified forever, and ever, Amen!

JESUS CHRIST GOD’S PASSOVER LAMB

June 3, 2009

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The LORD’S Passover ordnance was first and foremost designed to direct the LORD JESUS CHRIST during the night before His sacrifical death.

It was also designed for the lesser of the two Passovers meaning the Exodus Passover.   

The following is a copy of the ordnance for putting up, observing, then killing the LORD’S Passover. 

The LORD GOD told Moses and Aaron: “Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: [4] And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. [5] Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:  [6] And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.” Exodus 12:1-6

Moses and Aaron follow the instructions to the letter and GOD delivered Israel from the cruel hands of Pharaoh. 

Then from that day hence the Old Testament Passover was an annual sacrifice that served to hide the sins of Israel from the pure eyes of JEHOVAH GOD while at the same time it silenced the conscience of the “comer.”    That’s not all, it foretold of the crucifixion at CALVARY.  Amen!

Now let’s follow the directions of the ordinance  step by step.

It read; “And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month then kill it in the evening.”  Exodus 12:6

In response to that command JESUS CHRIST, rode into Jerusalem on the foal of an ass, on the tenth day of the Jewish month, Abib.

While within the walls of Jerusalem He was under the scrutiny of both Israel and the Gentiles.

They kept Him in their sights from the tenth until the fourteenth day of Abib as prescribed by the ordnance.

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On Friday, the thirteenth day of Abib JESUS appeared before Pilate, to be interrogated after which Pilate said: “I find no fault in him.” John 19:6

Then there were others that found JESUS to be flawless. 

Matthew wrote: “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.  Matthew 27:54

The ordinance had also prescribed: “And the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.”  Exodus 12:6

Israel took pleasure in carrying out that assignment.

John wrote: “When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him…”   John 19:6  

Yea, Paul told the Thessalonians that they did indeed kill JESUS.

He told them:  “…for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:” 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15

As saith the ordinance: the LORD’S Passover was to be killed in the evening of the fourteenth day of the Jewish month Abib, roasted with fire, then eaten in the night.

(The beginning of the new day at that historical era was based on the creation their evening began at  noon, and their day ended and the new day begin at six P. M)  

The LORD decreed: “And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” Exodus 12:8

(I understand the bitter herbs to represent the bitterness of repentance.)

The reason the lamb was to be roasted by fire rather than sodden, that foretold of the fiery wrath of GOD that would be poured out, without measure on JESUS, as He suffered for sin during the last three hours of His sacrificial death.

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The Spirit of CHRIST that was in David inspired him to tell of that torturous wrath that awaited our LORD while suffering the pain of crucifixion for you and me.

He wrote: “My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned:”

Psalm 39:3

And through the pen of the prophet Jeremiah:  He said: “From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.” Lamentations 1:13

Another scripture that foretold of the fiery wrath of GOD was where the LORD told Israel: “And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.”  Leviticus 2:4 

During the last official Old Testament Passover, JESUS ate it with His Apostles.  That lamb had been killed and prepared as prescribed by the ordinance.

--THE NIGHT OF ALL NIGHTS---

Yea, JESUS met all the demands made by the ordnance, including where it decreed that the Passover should be killed on  the even of the fourteenth day of the month Abib, even though those hours had long past and by then it was the night of the fifteenth day of Abib.

After JESUS and His Apostles had eaten the Passover, several hours had come and gone.

Here are some of the details of that eventful evening:

JESUS blessed the bread and the cup.

Judas separated himself from Jesus and the eleven.  Then he bargained with the Jews and sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

JESUS washed His disciples’ feet.

After that JESUS CHRIST prayed the prayer of all prayers.

His prayer was so impressive that I am copying it in its entirety.

Please read it all:

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John wrote: “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: [2] As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. [3] And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. [4] I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. [5] And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. [6] I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. [7] Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. [8] For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. [9] I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. [10] And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. [11] And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. [12] While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. [13] And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. [14] I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. [18] As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. [19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. [20] Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; [21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  [22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:   [23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. [24] Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. [25] O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. [26] And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

John 17:1-26 said: “When JESUS had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into which he entered, and his disciples.” John 18:1-26

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Then in the Garden He pled: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”    Luke 22:42 

From what He had said previously, its obvious that He was not pleading for the FATHER to spare Him from being crucified for

He had prayed earlier:

“What shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.”  John 12:27

In another Scripture He assured: “I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me; “And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.”  Luke 22:37

Then the Apostle said, when speaking of JESUS: “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.”  Hebrews 12:2

But nay, His concern was that the Ordinance decreed that the LORD’S Passover be killed in the evening of the fourteenth day of the month Abib.

Now nothing, but nothing catches GOD off guard, and this was no exception.

In times past He has wrought disaster in the lives of His creation in order to accomplish His will and providence, and this is no different. 

The scribe wrote: “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death “And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amos came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.”  2 Kings 20:1

Seeing the King was a child of GOD then the SPIRIT of CHRIST abode within the King and therefore that charge went  to both CHRIST and Hezekiah, Hezekiah at that time and CHRIST on the night of all nights,

Yea, they were told : “Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live.”

The Scribe penned: “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death.”

JESUS likewise was sick unto death during the night of all nights.

He told His disciples: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:” Matthew 26:38

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[2] Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto GOD, saying, “I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.”

Yea, as saith Hezekiah, he walked with God in truth and with a perfect heart.”

But JESUS CHRIST, had a perfect heart and had done  more of that which was good in the sight of GOD in every way.

“Hezekiah wept sore.”  

”And JESUS being in agony prayed more earnestly:  and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:44 

Then said the Scribe; “And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people,  Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears:

Now both JESUS CHRIST and Hezekiah were the sons of David and both were benefactors of that GOD given grant;  and both were the Captain of God’s people and both cried to God with tears.

Then GOD replied: “Behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord.”

Yea, both JESUS and Hezekiah were healed on the third day.

Hezekiah was healed of his boils on the third day and the broken body of JESUS was healed on the third day when GOD raised Him   with a glorious body.

GOD told Hezekiah: “I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”

Hezekiah’s life was extended fifteen years. 

While the life of JESUS would be prolonged fifteen hours.

Then Isaiah told Hezekiah: “This sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees.”

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I doubt that Hezekiah cared one way or the other as long as is served as a sign for his healing; however the Spirit of CHRIST within him impressed the king to say: “It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.”

[11] And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.”

Thus this made available ten hour at the disposal of JESUS CHRIST to be utilized during the night of all nights.    

By the time JESUS finished His prayer of pleading with His FATHER, on the night of all nights, several hours had past.   

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. [37] And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. [38] Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:”  Matthew 26: 38

Remember, the LORD granted King Hezekiah to live fifteen more years? While  He granted  JESUS fifteen more hours of life, therefore when JESUS said to His disciples; “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:”

After the FATHER added fifteen hours to the  life of JESUS it took Him to where He said to the FATHER: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46-a

Then by counting back fifteen hours from where He gave up the GHOST, that  took us to  midnight at the time He had said; “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:” 

That being true then at midnight JESUS charged his disciples: “Tarry ye here, and watch with me. [39] And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. [40] And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?”

Now that meant that it was one hour past midnight or one A. M and ten hours had elapsed since the official time for killing the LORD’S Passover.

Therefore it was time to call on the Heavenly clock to turn back the ten hours that was granted Him during the days of Hezekiah the King

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And it was so Making the heavenly calendar read Friday the fourteenth day of the month Abib.

Yea, that was good only if it remained as such.

But that was nothing that JESUS hadn’t already made provisions for.

During the time of Joshua, in whom was also the SPIRIT  of CHRIST, Joshua commanded: “Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon; So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.”  Joshua 10:12

Since Christ was in Joshua, both our Lord and Joshua were recipients of the sun standing still for a whole day.  

After the Heavenly Father turned the clock back ten hours, the clock read three o’clock P.M. on the evening of the fourteenth day of Abib, (the designated time for killing the Passover.)

The name JESUS, when translated is JOSHUA and He commanded: “Sun, stand thou still.”  So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down for about a whole day.

Yea, all went according to GOD’S ordnance for His Passover.    

Thus, saith Paul; “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:”   1 Corinthians 5:7

May the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be glorified forever!

AMEN, and AMEN!!!

THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE

November 21, 2013

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Those are the words that testified of the hatred that awaited Jesus upon His arrival THROUGH THE Virgin Birth. 

The spirit of Christ in David inspired him to prophesy: “They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.” Psalm 69:4

Then he partitioned God: “Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.”

Psalm 35:19 

In another prophecy He said: “They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.” Psalm 109:3

John witnessed the fulfillment of those prophecies.

He wrote: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:11-12

Yea, the majority of those to whom Jesus was sent rejected Him while ‘the small saved remnant’ loved and reverenced Him.

I believe the first to vent his hatred toward Jesus ‘without a cause’ was King Herod. For he heard that Jesus was born King of the Jews, after that he went to great lengths to kill Him but to no avail. 

Then after Jesus preached His first sermon in the Jewish synagogue (Luke 4:17-27) Luke said: “All they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. Luke 4:30

But he passing through the midst of them went his way, Luke 4:28-30

May the Good LORD add His Blessing to this, Amen

IN THE LAST DAYS THE LORD'S HOUSE SHALL BE

ESTABLISHED IN THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS

April, 27 2000

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Our lengthy title came from where Isaiah prophesied:  “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.”  

Isaiah 2:2

Now according to the Apostle it has been the last days since JESUS came for he said: GOD “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:2

From the Biblical way of thinking, the two major Covenants determined the former and later days.

The Law Covenant of the Old Testament is considered to be the former days, while the Covenant of Grace is the last days.

The mountains that the LORD’S house was established upon were the mountains in and about Judah and around the city Jerusalem.

I like doctrine as such; some is natural while on the other hand some is spiritual.

(Notice Isaiah said mountains, plural.) 

JESUS first established His apostles as the twelve foundations of the latter day House.

Mark said: "And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.  And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach." 

Mark 3:13-14 

Then in verse 19 Mark said: “…and they went into an house.”  I believe that statement was twofold; I suppose they went into a natural house at the time, while on the other hand that on the Day of Pentecost they went into the house.

Paul spoke of that later day house.  He told the saved Gentiles:

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”

Ephesians 2:19-20

The LORD GOD prophesied that JESUS would be the bedrock upon which the latter day house should be built and that He would be its Chief Corner Stone.

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Here is that prophecy: He said; “Therefore thus saith the LORD GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone a precious corner stone, a sure foundation… ”   Isaiah 28:16  WOW! 

When GOD brought the Gentiles in the Church, that was also to the fulfillment to the prophecy that all nations would flow unto the latter day house.”   Isaiah 2:2 

I believe that that the Church and New Jerusalem are one and the same establishment.  Think about it.

John said: something to that effect in describing the twelve foundations of New Jerusalem. 

He wrote: "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of  twelve apostles of the Lamb."    Revelation 21:14

We, as God’s children are also stones, and we are of the House of GOD and we are lively stones according to Peter.   Now to get on with our theme: “in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains.”

Luke said: "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."  Luke 6:12

Then there is where Matthew wrote: "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."  Matthew 17:1-2 

As far as I’m concerned, what Matthew described was for me, an indescribable event.  However, it did take place upon a high mountain.

You know the story where Philip found a young lad with five barley loaves and two small fishes.  And how Jesus blessed the loaves and the fishes then gave it to his disciples to serve it to the multitude.  John 6:13

Upon that mountain his disciples were established in the fact that their LORD can (and did) take a small amount of food and, by blessing it, it became an abundance.

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Then he told of the time that JESUS preached the “Sermon on the Mount.”

He wrote:  “And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain:  and when he was set his disciples came unto him.  And he opened his mouth and taught them saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.    Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are they, which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled…"  Matthew 5:1-6 

I didn’t copy Jesus' entire sermon.  However, Matthew continued with his recording until he had completed chapter five, then he completed it with chapters six and seven.

During the last days JESUS establish His Church in a mountain.  The writer of Hebrews told the Hebrew saints:

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

[19] And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

[20] (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
[21] And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
[23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
[24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 12:18-24   

Amen and Amen!

AND SO ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED

(Romans 11:26)

May 18, 2010

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During the Old Testament the LORD GOD said of Israel: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6

Yea Israel was Holy because the LORD GOD chose them and set them apart for His own purpose.    Although there were always a few GOD fearing righteous members among them they were on no wise a righteous nation. And by the way her righteous members were called Zion.

Yea, the LORD GOD told Israel: “Though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.” Isaiah 10:22

The Apostle picked up on Isaiah’s prophecy and wrote: “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:” Romans 9:27

Now in order to make good on His promise: “And all Israel shall be saved;” And where He told Israel; “Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.” Isaiah 60:21

The LORD accomplished that fete by putting in motion what He called sifting Israel.

Here’s what He said: “For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Amos 9:9

Through that parable the LORD GOD represented Israel’s unbelievers as chaff and the believers as wheat.

Through the sifting process He fulfilled the promise He made to Israel that; All Israel shall be saved;” Romans 11: 26

And where He told Israel; “Thy people also shall be all righteous: Isaiah 60: 21

In the next several Scriptures you’ll find the method by which  GOD used in sifting Israel, while at the same time it puts to  rest most of the bad doctrine that is rampart in our day.

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It will assist, those who are in search for the truth to rightly divide the Word of truth.

With that in mind let’s start where JESUS told Jerusalem’s governing forces that when they killed Him: “Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” Matthew 21:43

As records show, they did kill JESUS and GOD cast them from the kingdom, lock stock and barrel.

Here’s proof: The LORD GOD told Ezekiel: “Say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.”
Ezekiel 21:3

Yea, when Jerusalem killed JESUS, GOD rid the kingdom, of both righteous and the wicked; those such as the apostles and the seventy were returned not many days thereafter while the unrighteous were left behind, and that meant that Zion had lost all her children.

And therefore she wept as did Rachel, “Because her children were not.”

Yea, She agonized: “ How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people how is she become as a widow she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary

[2] She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies

[4] The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.

[5] Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the Lord hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.

[6] And from the daughter of Zion all her beauty is departed: her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, and they are gone without strength before the pursuer.”  Lamentations 1:1-2, 4-5 and 6 

Though Zion’s loss of the unrighteous was permanent, in retrospect her loss of the righteous was not.

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For said the LORD GOD: “For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.”  Isaiah 10:22   

Ah, but on the Day of Pentecost, “The Little Flock,” from whom JESUS named His Church was returned to the Kingdom on the Day of Pentecost through the baptism of the HOLY GHOST.

After fifty days, or there about, Zion was comforted because her grief was turned into laughter.   Her laughter was express by those who were returned to the kingdom and assumed to be drunk on new wine.

Not so said: “Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; [17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” Acts 2:24-28

Then the LORD told Zion that when He brought the Gentiles in unto her: “Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?” Isaiah 49:2

As you know, that as Peter preached to Cornelius the Holy Ghost added those Gentiles to the Church and some of the Jewish brethren withstood him saying: “Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.” Acts 11:3 

Then four chapters later: “Certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.”  Acts 15:1  

I suppose by now you know that Zion, is also called Sion in

Hebrews 12; 22-27   

Since all Israel is now saved that confirms that Israel of the New Testament is the Church of JESUS CHRIST.

Another thing that attests to that is where Paul said concerning the promises of GOD to Abraham.

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He asked: “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.” Romans 11:7

Paul devoted the entire eleventh chapter of Romans to explaining how our LORD made good on the promise that all Israel should be all righteous through the use of two olive trees.

He symbolized Israel as the good olive tree and then he let the wild olive tree represent the Gentiles.  And their branches characterize each of their members.   

Then he told the Romans that because of unbelief the sinners of Israel were broken off from the good olive tree and that God replaced them with the believing Gentiles. Thus making all inhabitants of the Kingdom all righteous; making good on the promise that said: “And so all Israel shall be saved.”

May GOD that rules the universe be glorified for ever and ever’ Amen!

 

 

 

 

WE THEN THAT ARE STRONG OUGHT TO BEAR

THE INFIRMATIVES OF THE WEAK

December 28, 2010

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Our title came from where the Apostle said; “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1   

But first things first. let’s see who that strong Christian is, while  letting  the Holy Scripture be the judge.

Did you know that from the time JESUS enters our heart and saves us that we are well acquainted with the  principles of CHRIST?  That’s why the Apostle encouraged: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.”    

Yea, the principles of CHRIST is the heritage of the newborn babes.     

I believe that, first and foremost, the Scripture teach that a strong Christian is one who has a good understanding of the Holy Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, inclusive.

A reasonable charge came from the Apostle, He said; “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Then said he: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.”   2 Tim. 2:24

Then he gave the formula for Christian growth.

He said of himself and other established Christians:

“we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” 

Romans 5:3-5

Then going against all principles that the flesh holds dear,

He told those at Corinth; “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:10  

Now as our title suggests; “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.”  and God had His way, the weak in Paul’s stimulus would only apply to the newborn in Christ.  However, that is often not the case, for some were saved decades earlier, but yet they are on the milk of the WORD.

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Lest we should believe that we are among the strong and  flex our muscles in fleshly pride, the apostle pointed out one of our many weaknesses.                

He wrote: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Romans 8:26-27 

Not only does the Spirit help our infirmities during the time of prayer, yea, He intercedes for us with groanings when we testify or sing the songs of Zion.

I believe when the child of GOD sings about the way they picture Heaven, and we are aware that the bless scripture say: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

That is one time “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, for it is then that we are not to please ourselves” comes into being.

Therefore what reaches GOD and His throne is what is flowing from their heart and not their mouth. Amen.

However, that is far from the truth in the case of those that write and sing songs that are contrary to the teaching of the Holy Scripture.

Not withstanding all of God’s good creation sings and testifies of their Creator.

And we fall into that category.

May GOD Bless.  Amen!

EASTER SUNDAY AND

CHRISTMAS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURE

November 12, 2013

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The Scripture do not support the idea that JESUUS was bored on December the twenty fifth.

In pursuit of the truth let’s commence where GOD ordained JESUS CHRIST as High Priest.

The Law had said that the qualifications for becoming  High Priest; the man had to be no less than thirty, and not more than fifty years old: a Levite, and of the linage of Aaron.

Luke said that at the time of His Baptizing: “Jesus began to be about thirty years of age” Luke 3:23

Yea, He was not of the tribe of Levi neither was He of the linage of Aaron, He was of the tribe of Judah;

Not a problem for GOD: Isaiah said, on behalf of His pedigree,  “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground:”

Isaiah 53:2-a 

Yea, GOD ordained Him as High Priest at the time of His Baptismal service.

Luke wrote; “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22   

As High Priest that enabled Him to take on the task of defeating the Devil and to succor His redeemed.

After He defeated the Devil and Satan, He was crucified; Ah but, on the third day GOD raised Him from the dead.

That day was the day of all days, and because GOD made it happen on Sunday, it is called Easter Sunday.

And therefore the Sunday that falls closest to the Seventeenth day of Abib is sanctified as Easter Sunday.

According to the Roman calendar Easter falls, on Sunday somewhere starting with March 22 to April 25.

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The date of birth of JESUS is even more evasive than Easter Sunday,  for GOD didn’t intend for His People to single out a peculiar  day to celebrate the birth of His SON but its plain enough to see that it Was not December the twenty fifth.

Now the following measure of time was the time between our LORD’S Baptizing and His Resurrection that was proven in other documents.

By calculating the time between the Baptismal service of JESUS CHRIST and His Resurrection, we came up with: twelve hundred and sixty days, or forty-two months;  and/or three and half years, and the Scripture supports all three.

Now JESUS arose from the dead on the seventeenth day of the month Abib,

And the Lunar year, being thirteen months and in sank with the moon revolving around the earth thirteen times, annually.

While our Roman calendar measures the twelve revelations of the sun and comes up with twelve months.

Therefore for a better understanding we will go with the Roman calendar.

In retrospect Easter can vary from March 22 to April 25 or about thirty-four days.

Clear as mud, huh?.

Then by turning the Calendar back from the seventh teeth day of the month Abib, twelve hundred and three score days that would take us from Easter to October the twenty second.

Then by going back from Easter’s latest date, the calendar would read November the twenty fifth.

Providing other Biblical scholars and I are correct then JESUS was born some time between October twenty second and November the twenty fifth.            

Yet another event that warrants our attention is where Luke wrote: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”  Luke 2:8

Those who are familiar with that area agree that His birth was most likely to have been before December for say they; by then the shepherds have taken shelter during those December nights..

At any rate, that statement is biblical and plays a part in determining the Season of His Birth.

I’m not condemning those who celebrate Christmas on December twenty fifth.

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My family always observed December the twenty fifth to honor the birth of Bethlehem’s Babe, for their celebration was always to honor Him.

Allow me to repeat myself:

I believe  the “thousand two hundred and three score days found in Revelation 11:2 and Revelation 13:5 and the forty-two months located in Revelation 11:2 and Revelation 13:5 is what John calculated to be the total time of our Savior’s ministry  from His Baptismal service to His resurrection.

(John was there, you know?)

May the GOD of Heaven be blessed by our study of His WORD?  Amen! 

A TESTAMENT IS OF FORCE AFTER MEN ARE DEAD

FEBUARY 15, 2012

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Our title came from where the Apostle said; “For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” Hebrews 9:17

That’s not all, He said for a few verses later; “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22 

Just imagine if that decree would have had the last say, then no one could have been saved before Calvary.

Ah but nay, that decree had not the final say; but our Almighty GOD did.

He  said of Himself; “I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.” Isaiah 48:3

(How great is that?)

JESUS told those who would listen; “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

Paul explained one of GOD’S methods of solving the impossible;

He wrote, GOD “Calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Romans 4:17-c

One such attribute is that; “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13-b

Why does our GOD come up with such mind boggling issues?

He told Pharaoh in Exodus 9:16  

“In very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.”

I perceive that for that same reason our Wonderful GOD creates, then solves, those impossible situations is that His name may be declared throughout all the earth. Amen!

Yea, GOD has never changed His mind after creating an ordnance but He fulfills it; and the decree that read “For a testament is of force after men are dead;” was in clusive.

Yea He honored that by reckoning His SON JESUS CHRIST to have been slain from the foundation of the world.

He brought that about through on of His an attributes.

Yea, and Amen!

There’s no getting around it, the works of JESUS CHRIST was in full force for saving repenting souls from the foundation of the world and it’s still ongoing.

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The LORD GOD let us in on how He has wrought about such mind boggling events that are contrary to nature.  then He turns them around and brings Himself a glorious victory that shows His unlimited power.

His own words; “I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.” Isaiah 48:3  

Thus far we have explored Scriptures that leaves no room for doubting that the shed blood of JESUS CHRIST saved repenting sinners from the foundation of the world.  While at the same time it satisfied the ordinance that decreed; “For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” 

When Isaiah and others prophesied of our Savior’s suffering and painful death, they wrote it as though it was history.   

While others wrote as though they were eyewitnesses.

(The prophecy written in the past tense is in alliance with where John taught that, JESUS CHRUST was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world)

The prophet Isaiah spoke as though he was in Jerusalem at the time of that the riotous clamor that her rulers vented against JESUS.  

Here’s some of what he said; “We hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

[4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5

Then said he; “And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: 

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

[9] And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: Isaiah 53:7-10

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Isaiah also said of JESUS: “And he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Isaiah 53:12

The following is a Messianic   Psalm written by King David millennium before it was witnessed in Jerusalem.

David was moved by the Spirit of Christ that was in him to write:

“They compassed me about also with words of hatred;  and fought against me without a cause.” Psalm 109:3

All prophecy that was written  in the present or past tense testified to the fact that the work of our SAVIOUR was in force for saving repenting sinners  from the foundation of the world to the end of the same;

May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus be blessed forever. AMEN

ISRAEL, THE SEED OF ABRAHAM

(Of the Old and New Testaments)

December 3, 2013

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The LORD GOD told Abram: “As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.” That is found in Genesis 17:4  

From that day until Israel killed the LORD JESUS the children of father Abraham issued forth from him: Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David and a host of others.

However since the day of Pentecost the seed of Abram are gathered to Abraham through CHRIST.

JESUS set the record straight after being challenged by some of Abraham’s seed according to the flesh, they said to Him: “Abraham is our father.”

JESUS came back with: “If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.” John 8:39

Paul said: “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7

What’s more Paul said: “If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”  Galatians 3:29  

When blessing his son Judah, Jacob prophesied of the coming of Messiah by saying: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be."   Genesis 49:10    (Shiloh is Messiah)

During the Old Testament, the seed of Abraham was generally called the children of Israel.

While in route to Canaan, GOD warned Israel:  “That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.” Leviticus 18:28

(Such spuing is vomiting out.) 

Furthermore He said: “Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.”

Leviticus 20:22

Before arriving at Jordan’s River Moses sent out twelve spies, one from each tribe, to spy out the land before Israel was to enter it.  Upon their return, ten of them brought back what GOD called an evil report.

Their report was: “There we saw the giants, the sons of Anak which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”  Numbers 13:33

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GOD’S anger was kindled hot against Israel, when all their men save Caleb and Joshua, came back and cast fear among Israel concerning the Anakins. 

Then said the LORD GOD: “Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

[32] But as for you, your carcases they shall fall in this wilderness.

[33] And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.
[34] After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.
[35] I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
[36] And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord.
[37] Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.
[38] But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
[39] And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly.” Numbers 14:30-39

As they wandered in the wilderness, Moses mediated the Covenant between GOD and Israel that is better known as the LAW COVENANT.

Moses commenced his mediating with:

[9] Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

[10] Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel,
[11] Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water:
[12] That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:

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[13] That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

[14] Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;
[15] But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day:
[16] (For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by;
[17] And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:)
[18] Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations… Deuteronomy 29:9-18

Important stuff:

To fulfill the qualifications for ministering in the office of High Priest, it was a must that to be of the tribe of Levi and of the linage of Aaron, of the age between thirty and fifty years old. (See Numbers 4:2-3)

The Covenant didn’t discriminate between sinners and saints.  

Case in point: it was the ungodly, blaspheming High Priest Ciaiphas that encouraged the mob to crucify JESUS. 

However, in the office of bishop GOD said: “no stranger uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, was to minister in his sanctuary.   Ezekiel 44:7

That ordinance forbade both the unsaved Israelite and the uncircumcised Gentiles regardless of their Salvation status, they were barred from ministering from Israel’s pulpits.

Yea, during that era there were many saved and called Gentiles that preached the coming of CHRIST to their own.

How would I know that to be true?  Here is why.  The Apostle told Titus: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” Titus 2:11

(All men meaning the entire human race)

Now getting back to the Covenant, soon after Moses had completed mediating the Covenant he prophesied of Israel's demise.

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Shooting straight from the hip MOSES said:  "For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands."  Deuteronomy 31:29   

The work Israel did that brought them down was that they killed the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

JESUS spoke the following words in the ears of Jerusalem’s leader. It was in alliance with Moses’ prophecy when He spoke this parable:

“There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

[34] And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

[35] And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
[36] Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
[37] But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
[38] But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
[39] And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
[40] When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 
[41] They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.” Matthew 21:33-41

Yea, the penalty for killing GOD’S SON, Israel did lose the kingdom with all its privileges and benefits that went with it. And lent it out to the small remnant that JESUS called: “The little flock.” 

That was the penalty GOD invoked on Israel for killing their Messiah, the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

On the day of the crucifixion Matthew recorded: “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” Matthew 27:45

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Joel had predicted that GOD’S reaction for killing His SON: “The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:” Joel 2:10

All of that came to pass that day. 

Matthew said: “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. [51] And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.” 

Matthew 27:50-51

Ezekiel prophesied of what penalty awaited Israel at large, when they crucified JESUS:

The LORD bade him: "Say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked. Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh." 

Ezekiel 21:3-4

While Israel was being cut off from the good land the earth quaked, and the rocks rent, in response to where GOD warned:  “That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.” Leviticus 18:28

In the words of the LORD GOD, the good land was sick of Israel and it spued them out.

On that day Israel lost all the things the Covenant had afforded them.

However GOD left them in the good land, physically for a season to be ejected later. 

Daniel prophesied of that eventful time when he said: “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

Paul commented on their personal loss.  He said: “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”

Seeing that GOD knew the outcome from the beginning, He gave the kingdom to the small remnant during the ministry of JESUS.

HE told His disciples: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  Luke 12:32

Therefore they were brought back into the kingdom on the Day of Pentecost.

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Paul explained: “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.”  Romans 11:7

Yea, JESUS returned with the kingdom as He promised to His disciples by saying: “Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.”  Matthew 16:28 

After Pentecost the kingdom became known as the body of Christ and/or The Church.  Paul even called her: “The Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16)

As stated before, many of the Gentiles were saved but they were left outside of the kingdom for several years.  Then Corneous and those who were guests of his house were baptized into the Kingdom as Peter preached to them JESUS CHRIST.  Amen!

(However due to the fact the Kingdom was formally made up of natural people the sun and moon was indeed a must) but not during the Church Age, for the flesh was left on the outside and if you wished to see the kingdom: “You must be born again” as JESUS said.

And because that she is spiritual John said: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."  Revelations 21:23

Whereas the righteous were called Zion during the Old Testament, in the New Testament era she is called Sion.  Here is what the Apostle told her occupants.

“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

[19] And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

[20] (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

[21] And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake :)

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”  Hebrews 12:18-24

May the Good Lord be blessed forever.  Amen!

THE LETTER KILLETH BUT THE SPIRIT GIVETH LIFE

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Our subject came from where Paul said of our wonderful Savior: "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

I tell you the Apostle Paul never ceases to amaze me; He often said more in one breath than I can explain in a week.  Nevertheless I love it.

Now let’s get started.   

The Apostle explained the difference between the letter that killeth and the Spirit that giveth life.

Yea, the taker of life is the Law Covenant while the Grace Covenant is the giver of life through the Spirit of GOD. 

In agreement, Paul said of us who have passed from death unto life: “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” 

Romans 7:6

He also added to our understanding by saying: “But now he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” 
Romans 2:29 

In his brilliance Paul has explained in depth the diversity between the two major Covenants: namely Law and Grace. 

What’s more the Commandments of GOD are ten.  But let’s let Moses tell us how he obtained them.

He said: “And GOD gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.” Exodus 31:18  

Now the two Covenants have this in common, both are the composite of the Ten Commandments.      . 

Paul gave a good example of that composition when he wrote:  “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Romans 7:7

The Commandments apply to mankind in diverse ways and at different times of life. 

When King Solomon said: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Eccles. 12:13) he left out nothing that pertained to the way the Commandments relate to mankind.

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Starting with the Moral Law, it was that application of the Law that Good old America was founded upon.

The Moral Law is enforced by elected and appointed officials such as mayors, sheriffs, and deputies, policemen, etcetera.

This tells us that the Law applies to the natural man. 

The Spirit of man is also subject to the Law.  Early in life of an individual the Law comes and revives the sin that he or she inherited from the first Adam.

“For In Adam all die.”

The Apostle told of the time the Law enter the door of his heart when he said: “For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.”

And to better our understanding, He questioned:  “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. [8] But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.” Romans 7:7-9

He also said that he would not have known lust except the law had said: “Thou shalt not covet.”

However if Paul had broken only one Commandment, said the Apostle James: “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10

(However, that is only true in the case of sinners for we that are saved are not under the Law therefore we are only accountable for the Commandment we break.)

Ah, but we say to sinners: “Take heart, for the same Law that revived sin in you, even the Law that made us accountable for sin, offers to bring you to CHRIST to be saved.”

So said the Apostle and he wrote: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” Galatians 3:24-25 

“But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” 

Galatians 3:25   

Sorry to say, but there be few that find the narrow way that GOD provided through faith in JESUS CHRIST.

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Paul said of his countrymen:  “They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:3

The prophet Isaiah forbade such self-righteousness.  

He wrote: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6   

Therefore when sinners trust in his or her own righteousness, they are guilty of misusing the commandments and that is: “The letter that killeth.”      

On the other hand, when the HOLY SPIRIT delivers the Law as schoolmaster, its aim is to convict of sin and it becomes: “the spirit that giveth life.”

In alliance with that truth JESUS said: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44

When JESUS said: “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.” Matthew 5:25

(I believe He is saying: “Admit you are a sinner.”)  

Strong evidence of salvation is true repentance.

Paul gave a good example of what genuine repentance is when he wrote: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”  Ephesians 4:25-28 

In another Scripture, He said:  “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (That is repentance as well.)    

May God be blessed forever, Amen, and Amen!!