Jesus in the key text refers himself to a green tree. We know it is true since he has the dew of youth. The Spirit has laid how we should explain the greenness of the tree on the basis of what the word of God refers to the subject and must conform to the dictum that all things consist of Jesus Christ. Similitude is on the principle ' the like begets like'. In the context of the fruit tree "whose seed was in itself, after his kind" what do we mean by 'after his kind' ? Comparison is in terms of similar quality. Consider this Psalm quote, "In the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth"(Ps.110:3). the greenness of the tree refers to his beauty of holiness and not about physical beauty. This is how hermeneutics according to the wisdom of heaven works. Instead Bible Scholars give a different slant. Jesus Christ is the key and not literal meaning from passage that follow or that went before. Carnal wisdom of the Pharisees accused Jesus, "But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."(Matt.12:24) This is same as Baptist church in the US would splinter into North and south. One would want to whitewash slavery. What is carnal wisdom? James says, "but is earthly, sensual, devilish./ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." Using Noah's curse on Canaan to justify slavery is to say the least is devilish. (Jas.3:15-16)
"For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"
Here we have a saying of Jesus in which he is comparing himself to a green tree. How can a tree be compared to man but God has established the principle of Similitude towards our spiritual instruction. Like the slain Lamb motif existing in the will of the Father we have a similar motif in the tree. It figures in the cov(Col.1:16-17)enant between God and Man marked day Three.
Ge.1:11-12 "And the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good" is about the Son. God also endorses it as good. So whatever is good is intended towards the blessings man may receive of God. The Spirit of God associate all things for the Man who was before all things. In short the covenant establishes blessings to man through Jesus Christ. "all things were created by him, and for him:/ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."(Col.1:16-17). Principle of Similitude sets heaven and the earth, lower parts included, on a single standard namely Jesus Christ. Thus Lamb of God refers to him. So does the tree of life.
This principle has another aspect: God created man after our image and it refers his body, soul and spirit. Man also is created 'after our likeness' so man cannot be seen without his world as Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. His stewardship over other lifeforms in the covenant applies to him. Brevity of his glory is compared to grass. By the same token James asks "For what is your life? It is even a vapour,"(Jas.4:14) Thus volume of man blessed of God carries the fulness of Christ. The indwelling Spirit is a proof of it.
Isaiah inspired of God refers to Jesus Christ as a tender plant. "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground" (Is.53:2). Jesus in the key text refers himself to a green tree. We know it is true since he has the dew of youth.
"He that has seen me has seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?"
Trinity is not only God having three distinct personalities but also serve as the Word which Jesus demonstrate here with works. "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."(v.10)
In Psalm we have it and its practical application. " He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."(Ps.107:20). In Bethesda Jesus told the man with palsy, "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk./And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked." ( John 5:8-9) Before the worlds began he sent forth his word (Is.55:11). The same word Jesus proves at specific time and place works. When John in his Gospel speaks of the Word becoming flesh it is validation of Jesus as the Logos. The Word was God. ( John 1:1-2) So trinity has "our image" in the manner man has body, soul and spirit. All three work as one. While the Word is a sound it is a sign also. Since Jesus Christ serves as a sign from heaven, the same word of God can present as sign as Isaiah refers to him and his children as signs and wonders. (Is.8:18)
The same word in us as a seed is what the breath of God in us signifies. It is truth and it sanctifies us. that can only be by faith. It is what Jesus was driving at in this short colloquy with Philip. The words that Jesus spoke were those of his Father and he made them work. So Jesus commands the man with palsy and he was healed.
Man is created "After our image" so the bread from heaven and the word in us albeit as a seed holds similitude. Principle of Similitude sets heaven and earth on a single standard. The upper and lower in a millstone holds true. "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone." (Re.18:21)
Blessings we counted in Seven days and these lead us to the Rest where God rested from his labours. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."(Ge.2:3) What is the work of God that we may do? It is to believe in the Son whom he sent. "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."( John 6:29)
This Rest is compared to the House which wisdom built and it has seven pillars (Pr.9:1) As with seven pillars it has seven foundations. God asks, "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding." ( Job 38:4) It is called Zion.The Tabernacle of God among men is his holy habitation. "His foundation is in the holy mountains./The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob./ Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah."(Ps.87:1-3). The everlasting covenant in seven days relate to seven pillars of this tabernacle where heaven earth and below are reconciled in Jesus Christ. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him."(Col.1:16)
Blessing of the seventh day (Ge.2:1-3) is for who enters therein and it is by faith.
87:2. "All the dwellings of Jacob are same as Babylon, Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia and all these are dwelling place for men. But of them God has counted those blessed who are born in Zion. "The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there."(87:6)
Gates of Zion signify salvation. "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in."(Ps.24:7)
At this juncture I feel it is prudent to once again emphasize us being Bereans and reading scripture as a priority. On this forum I have tried to be fairly detailed and comprehensive with scripture references; at times lately I ask people to look things up to avoid sounding redundant. If one is to go beyond an opinion and discuss an opposing point of view then scriptures need to be referenced in order to debate an issue with any substance. I certainly am not going to state that I have all understanding of all implications of verses which upon interpretation could justify one or another point of view.
There are clear overarching themes and truths that can be verified in multiple references that render apparent contradictions as a sort of red herring.
There are some things that have cost me dearly in regard to friendships; especially lately in regard to a particular subject in scripture. I will refrain from mentioning it again although you are no doubt familiar with what I am talking about. Many things related to eschatology aren't necessarily as important; for instance. In general I think I can state that anyone even and especially within the professing church as a whole who holds out to the traditional understanding of scripture will have resistance even persecution. We need to ask ourseleves several questions here.
1. In regard to a matter is it edification; proper rebuke and in general concern for a brother or a number of people in a congregation that is our main goal or simply trying to prove a point or cause a controversy?
2. Is jealousy for His Word; His sanctuary and His presence overriding our decisions over majority consensus among men; whether believers or not?
3. Are we living righteously ourselves and not hypocritically?
4. Are we listening to all points of view with an open mind and heart?
5. Are we willing to count the cost and uphold truth
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in YOU, which was ALSO IN Jesus Christ:
Philippians 2:6 Christ being in the FORM of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL with God.
We are the IMAGE of God, NOT the FATHER GOD, we are heirs of our Father, as Christ is heir.
We INHERIT Son ship, being made ONE FLESH by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he had not only BROKEN the Sabbath, but said that God was his FATHER, making him EQUAL with God.
Is God your Father?
Are you EQUAL with God; or, are you THE FATHER?
Christ is not THE GOD, Christ is a god, a HEIR, and we joint HEIRS.
Psalms 136:2 O give thanks to the GOD of gods ......
John 17:21 That they maybe ONE; as thou, Father, art IN ME, that they may also be ONE, IN US, that the world may believe thou has sent me.
Ephesians 4:6 There is ONE BODY (Christ; and we, as one flesh. in Christ), and ONE SPIRIT (God, our Father)......
Ephesians 4:7 One Lord (and we as lords of our Lord), one faith (of Jesus Christ), one baptism (into the NAME or Jesus Christ)..... 2 Chronicles 7:14 ..... called by my name......
Ephesians 4:8 One God, and Father of ALL, who is above ALL, and through you ALL, and in you ALL.
The Psalm 84 is how our souls long for where flesh is steadily falling away and our confidences with it. "My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God." This psalm appeals to a believer because it is promised to him no matter what his present circumstances are. " For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."(v.10) Our heart is like a door and Christ promised us his abiding presence. "if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Re.3:20) "I in him and he in me" explains this bond. It is like Soul of Jonathan, "that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."(1 Sa.18:1). What a difference it was from King Saul towards David? He wanted him at the table so he could at any moment kill him. An unclean spirit had already taken hold of the king. So wisely the Spirit instructs us, " Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:/For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee."(Pr.23:6-7). Look around the world. The fixer who would take a bullet for his boss would rue that he ever came any closer to man whose unvarnished soul cared only for himself. The devil is like roaring lion walking about. Cursed is any man who would entangle with evil men.
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord./There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us./Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased."(Ps.4:5-7)
Christ cleansed us with his own blood."the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee."
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
The preceding verse gives us a context and it is the spirit of the anti-christ which,"and even now already is it in the world." So et us be vigilant. James in his epistle asks, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."(Jas.4:4). So first we shall settle 'what is greater in you." St John speaks, You are of God, and in the pluperfect tense our victory is already complete in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As promised he has also given us the indwelling Spirit. So what is our volume? "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Col.1:20) His fulness is our fulness and it how the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters before He decreed the day for his Son. So we are in the kingdom of his dear Son. We are a drop of water even as nations are compared to drop of water in a bucket.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Ro.8:10). We are to all intent and purpose in heavenly places and our lives are hid in him. Our fulness comes from God and from his word. God challenges Job with a question, "Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?"( Job 38:8) The sea with doors is like a web,- word wide web, it is to which the Parable of the Dragnet refers." Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:/Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away." It is for a believer to determine if he abodes with Christ or not.
Part three. Why did God die for my sins as his enemy?
In my last post I started to discuss Peter in particular; although at the time all the disciples were arguing about the anointing of Christ as being wasteful spending on the part of the woman who performed this act. I have brought up the sobering reality that I can't find one passage in the Gospels discussing any of the Disciples in prayer despite numerous references to Christ getting up before dawn and at times praying all night before momentous events such as picking His disciples. Let that sink in; even looking at the prophets of the Old Testament and their doubts fears and struggles we see much prayer. On one hand we see the unique situation of having our Lord in the flesh and the confidence of protection as the Master and teacher watched over His flock at the time. The flipside is they didn't have His back in regard to His everyday struggles and the constant understanding of His upcoming suffering on the cross which was ever approaching as His destiny. No doubt much of their attitude was also due to their expectations of the Kingdom of God to immediately come which culminated in the triumphal entry on the donkey and the praise of the masses one week before His crucifixion.
The Lord had to open the minds of the Jewish disciples to His role to reach the Gentiles eventually as was prophesied in Isaiah. This was demonstrated in the great faith of the Syrophonecian woman in Mark 7 as well as the Roman centurion. There was also the woman at the well who was half Jewish. It wasn't until later in the book of Acts when the Gospel was as a whole taken beyond Israel; and that was done by Peter and Paul around the same time. The people of Israel as a whole as prophesied would reject the Messiah and justify themselves as sons of Abraham in the flesh which was of no value.
As a believer today we can only see His holiness and compare it to our own hearts and praise Him for His atoning sacrifice.
Part two why did God love me enough as His enemy to die for my sins?
In previous posts I have brought up the idea that what is being widely accepted as preaching with love is either a defective view of Agape or downright deceptive. I introduced the idea that we are indeed enemies of God; and that there are times when the concept of enemies is necessary for a correct Gospel presentation. In short we could say that not only does unregenerate man have no way to really hate their sins but also that they have no capacity to love God. The litmus test; of course is the command to love our enemies which only a true born again believer can do ( Matt. 5:44). We must keep in mind that Jesus excoriated those considered the religious elite among Jews (Pharisees and lawyers in particular). He also rebuked His disciples and weeded out those who weren't wholeheartedly committed to giving up all for the sake of the Gospel. There was never from what I can tell in my years of study any individual who was pointed out in these scriptures; which allowed for those called and chosen to be duly warned and convicted. Whatever person or persons accused Beelzebub as being the source of Christ's power resulted in the warning of Mark 3:29 that such blasphemy was not to be forgiven in this llfe or the next.
In rebuking Peter very shortly after commending him for understanding that He was indeed the Son of God we see the war that was waging in Peter's heart that was the real issue. Only a saved individual could understand Christ's Divinity. The enemy however was working in Peter's mind when he didn't want to accept Christ's coming persecution. ( Matt. 16:23). One could also look at Judas Iscariot giving a plea that money would be used for feeding the poor ( Matt. 26:8-9). This passage was discussed at church by a missionary this week; and he astutely brought up the point that the woman anointing Christ was the only one aware of His burial to come. What she did was necessary.
Why did God love me as His enemy enough to die for my sins?
I may want to define sin and being God's enemy as a unit conceptually. As for sin; I have stated repeatedly that our external actions (fruits) are symptoms of the root cause that is s sin nature which stems from verses such as Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of the heart of man (not good). It would seem that being God's enemy is beyond even just that concept of our heart and actions.
Unbelief; it would seem is up there as one of the top evils along with pride. That is; of course defined as true unbelief as the Pharisees demonstrated around Christ when miracles could not be denied and they attributed them to Beelzebub ( Matt. 12:24).
This is not as some falsely claim not believing in what some say are miracles with unsubstantiated evidence.
Of course it is in some sense a greater thing to forgive sins which the Pharisees knew only God could do; hence accused Christ of blasphemy when he asked which was greater that or healing ( Matt. 9:8). Whether that or a physical healing with Christ something came from nothing; and in the case of men they need a heart of stone to be turned to a heart of flesh (Ez. 36:26).
We cannot ignore obvious resistance to God when the Gospel is presented; as well as with using His name in vain. Man's sins are exponentially more resistant with the affective opposition of the enemy and his minions. When seeking the Lord there are testimonies from those especially from backgrounds in the occult where the individual becomes aware of entities working through themselves as well as others. When reality dawns on these individuals their true nature is exposed; and often demons need to be cast out. I have stated previously that testimonies tend to be heavily skewed toward God giving freedom from this oppression at the expense of understanding our own wickedness and having a reverent fear of the Lord. Some seem to ignore the spiritual battle in giving testimony of being saved.
"Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing."
What nations count as characteristics of greatness in the eyes of God is vile. Their strength in numbers the Spirit of God has in a very telling manner characterised, in the Book of Daniel. It is of nations that the dream signifies, "Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." (Dan.2:35) In God's kingdom there is no place for them and much less for clay, indicating theocratic kingdoms. We found it was so if history of nations is to be an indicator. They are chaff because they make flesh their arm but nevertheless they accursed. (Je.17:5) The word of God makes it clear, "The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away." The same idea as in the Book of Daniel.
Perhaps this cultural trope you may not have heard. When a politician wants to energise the masses they use cultural context so a slogan like "blood and soil"is so charged in the 30s were heard in 2017 but in another continent and yet caused bloodshed. What was common is the culprit. Nations are lies and their tropes and memes are against God. Now when we hear the VP nominee uses "DIE hire" the trash will know what he meant. What David describes in Psalm 59 is much the same, with torch parades going round about the city howling likes dogs whether in Nuremberg or Charlottesville. "They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city./Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?/But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision."
"Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house." (Ez.47:1)
We have in the preceding chapters on laws and ordinances regarding the house of God in eternity different from the temple polluted by the apostate Israel. vv.2-5 we have "the man that had the line" proceeding with measuring. What does 4x1000 tell us? Compare with John's vision where the golden reed shows 12x100 furlongs. "The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."(21:16) Ezekiel according to his Jewish sensitivities gives us the decalogue as base unit. The Word is tagged by command number Four.
In 44:5 we read thus, "And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord."From thereon we have we have various ordinances which are not relevant at the moment.
The Spirit uses Afterward with direct reference to the measuring of the holy city of God.(Re.21:15-16) We need look at this vision from the tree of life being positioned on this side of the river where the throne of God and of the Lamb is situated. (Re.22:1). This water which flows from the threshold "And, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward" requires explanation. Threshold is set as the line connecting the two thrones" so the pure water of life ("a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb"), is implied here.
Further down in Ez.47 we are shown the living waters in its mighty course, "Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed."(47:8) There shall be a revival for them. Prophet Zechariah refers to in that day' to the day of regeneration where the apostles shall judge the 12 tribes.
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
Spirit of the times is spirit of doctrines which have a form of godliness but denying the power of God. Man having the gift of the gab gathers a following and such a one was Theudas was a populist leader, one who would have taken a bullet for democracy and he did gather a party. "For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught."(Ac.5:36) Judas followed and Acts of the Apostles tells, "After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed." Seducing spirits whip up doctrines and man shall take up to sow mischief and garner public support. The Spirit is still that of the devil. Nationalism is such. Jesus would have none of it. "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."( John 18:36) Yet what makes the churches still pursue it? They do not want to know word of God and the spiritual demand on their lives, it is a total surrender. Instead what does the spirit of times teach these Christians? "Never surrender." What do they care abou walking in faith and not by sight? What conspiracy theories they swallow and yet call themselves Christians. This is what makes worst specimens of human race pass for their champions, so they wage a cultural war for them. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:/That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
Firstly we shall consider the single measurement with which the holy city of God is measured. The volume of 144 is made up by abiding in Christ where Gospel has a tag of 12. 144,000 refers to eternity. The measurement as used in the vision of Ezekiel refers to the world of the flesh with Israel in particular so New Jerusalem is heavenly as distinct from Jerusalem on the earth. The angel tells Ezekiel and the wording is very significant. "And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel."(Ez.40:4) How well did the children of Israel pay attention it? "(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day." (Ps.11:8) "Unto this day" is relevant for us upon whom the ends of the world has come. Is it not shame to declare"I have seen the light Hallelujah and yet turn to fleshpots of Egypt. It is thus imposter church serves the politicians. "because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:/Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."(2 Th.2:13-14). Instead the stupor surrounding the Evangelicals to look to some fraud pretending to be their saviour is all the more shameful. The foundation of God stands sure and God knows who are his.
"And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits." (6:15)
Here we have the volume in terms of cubits. Significant is that it is not given in multiples of 12 which is the Gospel of God as delineated in his humanity. It was to set a believer in heavenly places which shall continue till the end times. He is part of the city in the making to which he walks by faith and not by sight. "And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."(Re.21:16)
On the other Noah's ark is an emblem for the end of flesh, sons of perdition to be precise. 300 Lx50 B What scale shall we use here? The same we find in the vision of Ezekiel, "a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth. (Ez.40:5) Another example we can cite, in the Book of Daniel. "Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits." This is abomination! The Ark of Noah was a warning to all who made flesh his arm. "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD."(Je.17:5)
"A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it." (6:16)
The Window on the roof signifies the blessings under the covenant come from above, The three stories tell us the ark is built "after our image" with soul spirit and body.
"And shalt pitch it within and without with pitch." is similar to "and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind." Total Sanctification is insisted upon.
"And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth."
Everlasting covenant explains God's covenant with Man. "The holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, refers to the tabernacle of God among men. It is the culmination of all spiritual blessings any man may freely avail of,- and by faith he is a saint redeemed for the earth, and be found in the tabernacle. Without Jesus Christ the Word become flesh and without abiding in him no man shall succeed. Noah is the double for Jesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith. "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he."(6:22) In the covenant Noah fits the above assertion as he is created 'after our likeness' and he did as his Son fulfilled the will of his Father.
The Ark of Noah explains the end of all flesh to which it remains an emblem. We shall examine how it serves us for our spiritual instruction. "Wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."(1 Pe.3:20) The Spirit sets command number Eight to denote the lower parts, signifying the death of his Son enabled those souls in prison to heart the Gospel.(1 Pe.3:19) Water baptism is to signify the end of my flesh and its demands' and if I am dead from where does come Christian nationalism? Do not be fooled. For without this death no man shall enter the day Seven. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."(Ge.2:3) God sanctified Noah because his faith was same as was in his Son. As all passengers in the ark were safe and secure abiding in Noah God was 'at rest' in a manner of speaking.
"And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits." (6:15)
Ec.3:11 "From the beginning till the end" (2 of 2)
"for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob before and after Peniel could testify. The fulness of Christ makes his heart know the difference. Peniel speaks for his spiritual regeneration. However he has no more confidence in his flesh. It is the heart where new Jerusalem is created. The selfsame volume gives him insight into the significance of Mahanaim. (Ge.32:1-2)
What made Moses chose the life of suffering? " By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;/Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;/ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." (He.11:24-26)
This respect is what the imposter churches fail to inculcate in their congregation. Instead their spirits are like frogs, so the beast and the false prophet have same mind. "two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. Where are these false prophets lead their flock? "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet./For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth."
"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
Here we have the reason why God breathed into the nostrils of man and made him a living soul. In Christ the Alpha and Omega the heart is a level playing field. "From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth./He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." The right to know and understand is universal right and it is the blessing the everlasting covenant enshrines 'in our image and after our likeness."(Ge.1:28) So whosoever refused to enter into the day Seven rejected the seed within itself,- the truth. Calvin's doctrine of 'total depravity' is a heresy. God has set the world of the Spirit in their heart and what does it tell us?
The volume of a believer is arrived at because the fulness of Christs fills all. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"(Col.1:20) This is the work of God and it can only make sense to a believer in believing Jesus Christ whom he sent. This faith, or lack of it has been the undoing of imposter churches.
Thus the river of time flows right through heart of man whether he admits or not.
"And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament. The cities of refuge on the left bank and on the right bank is as clear as the light is separated from darkness.
"for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob before and after Peniel could testify. The fulness of Christ makes his heart know the difference. Peniel speaks for his spiritual regeneration. However he has no more confidence in his flesh.
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
Jesus Christ in the inaugural vision has many things against the church of Pergamos but he commends them that 'thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith',. So the new name is a personal name which holds true for the day of Regeneration,- and it has significance where we are talking about the new heaven and new earth.
God's gifts and calling are irrevocable. What God framed by his word are worlds that shall never change. But the earth which was without form and void shall made new from the standpoint of man who was predestinated "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,". The reason for it very simple. "Therefore if any manbein Christ,he isa new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Co.5:17). Therefore is a conjunctive adverb and his newness is firmly associated with death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new creation has similarly transcended his physical body and its lusts. This is where we acquire a volume so as associates our faith sets into the day of Regeneration and everlasting life. As emblematic of man's ascension to heavenly places, the new name sets the overcomer for glory and as Christ promises the Church of Pergamos, it is a name no other man shall know.
The Holy Spirit has supplied several instances of which God naming Jacob the heel-catcher to Israel is preeminent. "And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob./And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel."(Ge.32:27-28)
One curious but very vital point to remember is that he wanted to ask in return the personal name of God. God refused it. Instead blessed of God Jacob calls the place Peniel, a new name. It is thus New Jerusalem, is indicative of new creation.
God created heaven and earth Ge.1:1) The Spirit of God works Up and Down. It sets the Man component which the Scripture says in this fashion, " He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."(Ep.4:10)
The Covenant promises blessings on man is in his Son. "(God) who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"(Ep.1:3) This man is created in our image and after our likeness" Accordingly seven days stipulate blessings in sequence. The man has fullness or volume since Christ's Advent and Ascension promises him Up Down and Across.
Jesus Christ commissions man with the promise,"and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."(Matt.28:20) Man is therefore equipped with the Spirit of Christ to understand the blessings to be had by abiding in Jesus Christ who is Alpha and Omega. (He.13:8)
What is faith then? It is for bearing fruits in his Son because His word abides in us and we are blessed as the tree "planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season." Notice the word season is used instead of time. Where does this river leads to? The day of Regeneration for the blessed is above while for those who rejected him is on the earth God in his infinite mercy allows pure water of life and the tree of life,"which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2). This is the tree with the seed in itself and the everlasting covenant promises just that. Faith must be as though planted by God so fruits are proof of Christ in us. Gospel preaching does not require falcon jets or ostentatious ensemble to show off prosperity. God is going to give a mighty shaking so heaven shall rolled away like a scroll. Fall of Babylon is not put off indefinitely .Making Babylon great once again is what imposter churches root for.
Simon was not merely a man of the street but was looked up as somebody in Samaria. "Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. " He was there to make Samaria great again.
When he saw the baptism of Spirit his mercantile spirit had to have it. So his belief was disconnected from reality and he offered them (the apostles) money. Simon Peter "said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money./Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God./ Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee./ For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."(8:20-23)
What did Simon really believe in? Jesus Christ who humbled himself had the power and Authority and his obedience was the cement that made the Gospel take root. Faith it is called where no bond of iniquity can tie believer down. Where God gives him freely joy and peace there can be no room for bitterness. That is what faith with works do. Simon believed only in himself though his Jesus talk impressed the people of Samaria. It is same as many celebrity TV preachers catch head lines after some scandal and fall in disgrace, one gets to see that his belief was only in himself. This is what studying the word of God without faith has produced. Without light in you what witnessing can you possibly do? "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."(Ph.2:15)
"The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)All the blessings God promised in his Son were wasted on the nation. Having the Law Moses but without faith it was as though they were thrust out into the outer darkness. This is what the Parable teaches? The Age of Apostles began with such signs and wonders have now become rogue what with false shepherds going into politics! We who believer in our Saviour Lord ought to say, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Those planted by God shall be gathered for new heavens and the new earth. Those who belong to the outer darkness shall be cast out for the wrath of the Lamb. Of which those who find salvation shall be found on the earth and for them the light of the Lamb shall set their lives. "for the healing of the nations," they shall need the tree of life. Instead everlasting life their lives shall be covered according to months. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./In midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2
River of time brings this who were first to the last. How did it happen? Many are called but few are chosen since they did not gather with Christ. Even what they had they lost/
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath./And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness."
What is darkness? Absence of light, of course. God separated light from darkness. John applies it to the nation of Israel. And the darkness comprehended it not." ( John 1:4) refers to the verse below. "He (Jesus Christ) came unto his own, and his own received him not." (1:10-11)The world and Israel in particular, did not receive for the reason they did not have the light in themselves. It is to which Jesus referred,"But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"(Matt.6:23). In them the word as a seed meant nothing so it was as though God did not plant them at all. For this reason what fruits they could have produced? They were thistles and thorns only fit for fire.
Illustrations we can see how Israel became synonymous with outer darkness.
In Ex.24:3 Israel vows, "All the words which the Lord hath said will we do." They also saw God, " and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."(24:10) "In his clearness" was in effect was blind since they did not comprehend the true Light when he walked among the. In him was the light of men but where did they fail? "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."( 1 John 2:11).
Another time they said,"And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Ex.20:19) Did that help them when a voice from heaven sounded, "The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)
GOD is in control of history, nothing random happens.
What I know is that the four riders of Apocalypse, one of GOD and three of the Devil, they are already running /walking with their powers that are reflected in whole world.
It is up to the believing followers of JESUS to identify who the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are,
the rider of the white horse is Michael( Daniel 12:1-3 combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16),
and the rider of the red horse in my view is Trump,
but who is the rider of the black horse?
And the pale horse, who is the rider whose NAME is called Death, and Hell follow with him? Is not he the MAN of sin, son of perdition, who will manifest himself very soon as the messiah of the Jews ( John 5:43-47 combined with Revelation 13:11-18) even now, in the last week, week 70th Daniel 9:27 combined with 2Thessalonians 2:3-4 and 9-12, as soon as be elected the next and last Pope? As is written, Power will be given UNTO THEM over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the ruthless beasts of the earth?
The battle is/will be against three unclean spirits like frogs- Revelation 16:13-15. Why frogs? ->there is something in the site of purebible.
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the MOUTH of the dragon( Revelation 13:11), and out of the MOUTH of the Beast (Beast of sea- Revelation 13:1-9, the Papacy), and out of the MOUTH of the False Prophet( John 5:43-47).
14 For they are the SPIRITS OF DEMONS, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that Great Day of GOD Almighty.
"And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." The woman in the wilderness denotes the left out church. 1260 days is a tag placed by the Holy Spirit to distinguish her from the woman in wilderness who chose her place herself. She is Israel who from bondage wandered through the wilderness. So she was first but for her iniquities God set this rule. "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."(Nu.14:34) Why 40? 4x10 where the command number 4 signifies the Word become flesh. It was again Christ they rebelled.
In Nu.33 we have a list of 42 way stations where Israel had to stopover, which is a tag placed against them."where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent." Indication of Time, -months hour and year is different from day that is decreed for the Son.
"The earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree./And I saw another angel ascending from the east"
Before we go into the significance of the number 12 let us explain what the first two verses present which explains the kingdom of God up and down as well as the world from one end of the heaven to other end. "TheLordsitteth upon the flood; yea, theLordsitteth King for ever." (Ps,29:10)
This is same as the Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters. In St John's vision we see it represented up and down. "Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne."(Re.4:3)
"And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." Here we get an idea what moved upon the face. The Lamb "having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth" supplies specifically the spirit of Christ as the Parable of the Tares teaches the world as a field. "The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;/The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."(Matt.13:38-39; Re.5:6) Here we have thus kingdom of God up and down as well as across where children of the kingdom stand cheek in jowl with children of the wicked one. In the narrative of Joseph and his brethren, obviously those who sold him to the Ishmeelites were wicked.
After the Ascension of Jesus Christ the angel inform the disciples thus, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."(Ac.1:11) St Paul also confirms it. "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things." (Ep.4:10-12)
The fall of man: God's view of good and evil vs. man's
I will call this Part 2. A brief survey of scripture to the unenlightened easily could lead to the conclusion that the Lord is very schizophrenic; paranoid; moody and cruel along with many other apparently contradictory actions and behaviors. Let us approach this subject for a moment from that skeptical viewpoint. I expect the readers at this point to say what??? why??
Okay; let's think for a moment. Those who believe; and rightly so that God's Word is inspired and is useful for all things as 2 Tim. 3:16 says are able to take a framework of promises to believers and basic moral commands such as the 10 Commandments and more or less gain a perspective to the general laws which mankind is expected to adhere to and through that come up with a beginning knowledge of the lawgiver Himself; hopefully praising God as with Psalm 119 for His commandments and statutes; loving God and realizing that it is only in Him that we are able to fulfill these commands.
Well and good. But to avoid a merely surface level or Parasitical mindset we need to understand that we can't comprehend certain hidden things of the Lord as Deuteronomy 29:29 indicates. There are other verses that suggest ( Proverbs 25:2) kings and priests search these mysteries out at least to some extent. Okay back to the Atheist or skeptic.
Why does God care so much about a bird's nest to preserve it ( Deut. 22:6; a mother is not to be taken with her young); but then the Lord says to destroy men women and children ( Deut. 20:14) just two chapters before? Why does the Lord say let me alone that I may destroy these people and start a new generation with Moses ( Exodus 32:9-14) and yet He "repents" or changes His mind after Moses intercedes? The same sort of seemingly conflicted behavior occurs with Edom in the book of Hosea 8:8-11 in terms there of Ephriam where He seems to be unwilling to carry out the judgments in surrounding verses.
Matthew 16:22 - Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Literally from the Greek: Peter began to rebuke him saying, have mercy on you Lord, this shall never happen (Double Negative) to you. It would be equivalent to our English saying, "God have mercy on you for saying that!"
Matthew 16:23 - But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Here it is literally: He turned, and He said to Peter get behind me, and that is an important word. Jesus will always emphasize that whether it's Satan, or people, or whoever it is. The proper position is behind Him, never alongside of Him, never in front of Him, always behind! He says, "Get behind me Satan."
He's speaking to the influence over Peter. It is Satan that says there will be no suffering in the flesh, and that there will be no hardship in the flesh. Satan is the great defender of the flesh. And through human reason and logic, he will oppose any doctrine that will present the fact that if you follow Jesus, there will be suffering and persecution.
Now the word offense is SCANDALIDZO which is where we get our English word scandal from. A SCANDALON in Greek was actually a rock that you tripped over. So, he says, Satan you are throwing a rock in my path to keep me from reaching my goal.
And the word "savourest" comes from the Greek word PHRONAY which means the frame of mind.
Please notice that Jesus is telling Peter that his frame of mind is not on the things of God, but on the things of man. When we hear about suffering how do we react? Peter's reaction was, and his frame of mind was to defend and protect the flesh. We need to be careful of that in the church. Our frame of mind must be on the things of God, not on the things of man, or the things of the flesh.
Jesus in the key text refers himself to a green tree. We know it is true since he has the dew of youth. The Spirit has laid how we should explain the greenness of the tree on the basis of what the word of God refers to the subject and must conform to the dictum that all things consist of Jesus Christ. Similitude is on the principle ' the like begets like'. In the context of the fruit tree "whose seed was in itself, after his kind" what do we mean by 'after his kind' ? Comparison is in terms of similar quality. Consider this Psalm quote, "In the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth"(Ps.110:3). the greenness of the tree refers to his beauty of holiness and not about physical beauty. This is how hermeneutics according to the wisdom of heaven works. Instead Bible Scholars give a different slant. Jesus Christ is the key and not literal meaning from passage that follow or that went before. Carnal wisdom of the Pharisees accused Jesus, "But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."(Matt.12:24) This is same as Baptist church in the US would splinter into North and south. One would want to whitewash slavery. What is carnal wisdom? James says, "but is earthly, sensual, devilish./ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." Using Noah's curse on Canaan to justify slavery is to say the least is devilish. (Jas.3:15-16)
"For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"
Here we have a saying of Jesus in which he is comparing himself to a green tree. How can a tree be compared to man but God has established the principle of Similitude towards our spiritual instruction. Like the slain Lamb motif existing in the will of the Father we have a similar motif in the tree. It figures in the cov(Col.1:16-17)enant between God and Man marked day Three.
Ge.1:11-12 "And the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good" is about the Son. God also endorses it as good. So whatever is good is intended towards the blessings man may receive of God. The Spirit of God associate all things for the Man who was before all things. In short the covenant establishes blessings to man through Jesus Christ. "all things were created by him, and for him:/ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."(Col.1:16-17). Principle of Similitude sets heaven and the earth, lower parts included, on a single standard namely Jesus Christ. Thus Lamb of God refers to him. So does the tree of life.
This principle has another aspect: God created man after our image and it refers his body, soul and spirit. Man also is created 'after our likeness' so man cannot be seen without his world as Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. His stewardship over other lifeforms in the covenant applies to him. Brevity of his glory is compared to grass. By the same token James asks "For what is your life? It is even a vapour,"(Jas.4:14) Thus volume of man blessed of God carries the fulness of Christ. The indwelling Spirit is a proof of it.
Isaiah inspired of God refers to Jesus Christ as a tender plant. "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground" (Is.53:2). Jesus in the key text refers himself to a green tree. We know it is true since he has the dew of youth.
"He that has seen me has seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?"
Trinity is not only God having three distinct personalities but also serve as the Word which Jesus demonstrate here with works. "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."(v.10)
In Psalm we have it and its practical application. " He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."(Ps.107:20). In Bethesda Jesus told the man with palsy, "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk./And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked." ( John 5:8-9) Before the worlds began he sent forth his word (Is.55:11). The same word Jesus proves at specific time and place works. When John in his Gospel speaks of the Word becoming flesh it is validation of Jesus as the Logos. The Word was God. ( John 1:1-2) So trinity has "our image" in the manner man has body, soul and spirit. All three work as one. While the Word is a sound it is a sign also. Since Jesus Christ serves as a sign from heaven, the same word of God can present as sign as Isaiah refers to him and his children as signs and wonders. (Is.8:18)
The same word in us as a seed is what the breath of God in us signifies. It is truth and it sanctifies us. that can only be by faith. It is what Jesus was driving at in this short colloquy with Philip. The words that Jesus spoke were those of his Father and he made them work. So Jesus commands the man with palsy and he was healed.
Man is created "After our image" so the bread from heaven and the word in us albeit as a seed holds similitude. Principle of Similitude sets heaven and earth on a single standard. The upper and lower in a millstone holds true. "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone." (Re.18:21)
Blessings we counted in Seven days and these lead us to the Rest where God rested from his labours. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."(Ge.2:3) What is the work of God that we may do? It is to believe in the Son whom he sent. "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."( John 6:29)
This Rest is compared to the House which wisdom built and it has seven pillars (Pr.9:1) As with seven pillars it has seven foundations. God asks, "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding." ( Job 38:4) It is called Zion.The Tabernacle of God among men is his holy habitation. "His foundation is in the holy mountains./The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob./ Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah."(Ps.87:1-3). The everlasting covenant in seven days relate to seven pillars of this tabernacle where heaven earth and below are reconciled in Jesus Christ. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him."(Col.1:16)
Blessing of the seventh day (Ge.2:1-3) is for who enters therein and it is by faith.
87:2. "All the dwellings of Jacob are same as Babylon, Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia and all these are dwelling place for men. But of them God has counted those blessed who are born in Zion. "The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there."(87:6)
Gates of Zion signify salvation. "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in."(Ps.24:7)
At this juncture I feel it is prudent to once again emphasize us being Bereans and reading scripture as a priority. On this forum I have tried to be fairly detailed and comprehensive with scripture references; at times lately I ask people to look things up to avoid sounding redundant. If one is to go beyond an opinion and discuss an opposing point of view then scriptures need to be referenced in order to debate an issue with any substance. I certainly am not going to state that I have all understanding of all implications of verses which upon interpretation could justify one or another point of view.
There are clear overarching themes and truths that can be verified in multiple references that render apparent contradictions as a sort of red herring.
There are some things that have cost me dearly in regard to friendships; especially lately in regard to a particular subject in scripture. I will refrain from mentioning it again although you are no doubt familiar with what I am talking about. Many things related to eschatology aren't necessarily as important; for instance. In general I think I can state that anyone even and especially within the professing church as a whole who holds out to the traditional understanding of scripture will have resistance even persecution. We need to ask ourseleves several questions here.
1. In regard to a matter is it edification; proper rebuke and in general concern for a brother or a number of people in a congregation that is our main goal or simply trying to prove a point or cause a controversy?
2. Is jealousy for His Word; His sanctuary and His presence overriding our decisions over majority consensus among men; whether believers or not?
3. Are we living righteously ourselves and not hypocritically?
4. Are we listening to all points of view with an open mind and heart?
5. Are we willing to count the cost and uphold truth
6. Will we harbor bitterness in our hearts?
Philippians 2:6 Christ being in the FORM of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL with God.
We are the IMAGE of God, NOT the FATHER GOD, we are heirs of our Father, as Christ is heir.
We INHERIT Son ship, being made ONE FLESH by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he had not only BROKEN the Sabbath, but said that God was his FATHER, making him EQUAL with God.
Is God your Father?
Are you EQUAL with God; or, are you THE FATHER?
Christ is not THE GOD, Christ is a god, a HEIR, and we joint HEIRS.
Psalms 136:2 O give thanks to the GOD of gods ......
John 17:21 That they maybe ONE; as thou, Father, art IN ME, that they may also be ONE, IN US, that the world may believe thou has sent me.
Ephesians 4:6 There is ONE BODY (Christ; and we, as one flesh. in Christ), and ONE SPIRIT (God, our Father)......
Ephesians 4:7 One Lord (and we as lords of our Lord), one faith (of Jesus Christ), one baptism (into the NAME or Jesus Christ)..... 2 Chronicles 7:14 ..... called by my name......
Ephesians 4:8 One God, and Father of ALL, who is above ALL, and through you ALL, and in you ALL.
God Bless You
The Psalm 84 is how our souls long for where flesh is steadily falling away and our confidences with it. "My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God." This psalm appeals to a believer because it is promised to him no matter what his present circumstances are. " For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."(v.10) Our heart is like a door and Christ promised us his abiding presence. "if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Re.3:20) "I in him and he in me" explains this bond. It is like Soul of Jonathan, "that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."(1 Sa.18:1). What a difference it was from King Saul towards David? He wanted him at the table so he could at any moment kill him. An unclean spirit had already taken hold of the king. So wisely the Spirit instructs us, " Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:/For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee."(Pr.23:6-7). Look around the world. The fixer who would take a bullet for his boss would rue that he ever came any closer to man whose unvarnished soul cared only for himself. The devil is like roaring lion walking about. Cursed is any man who would entangle with evil men.
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord./There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us./Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased."(Ps.4:5-7)
Christ cleansed us with his own blood."the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee."
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
The preceding verse gives us a context and it is the spirit of the anti-christ which,"and even now already is it in the world." So et us be vigilant. James in his epistle asks, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."(Jas.4:4). So first we shall settle 'what is greater in you." St John speaks, You are of God, and in the pluperfect tense our victory is already complete in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As promised he has also given us the indwelling Spirit. So what is our volume? "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Col.1:20) His fulness is our fulness and it how the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters before He decreed the day for his Son. So we are in the kingdom of his dear Son. We are a drop of water even as nations are compared to drop of water in a bucket.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Ro.8:10). We are to all intent and purpose in heavenly places and our lives are hid in him. Our fulness comes from God and from his word. God challenges Job with a question, "Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?"( Job 38:8) The sea with doors is like a web,- word wide web, it is to which the Parable of the Dragnet refers." Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:/Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away." It is for a believer to determine if he abodes with Christ or not.
In my last post I started to discuss Peter in particular; although at the time all the disciples were arguing about the anointing of Christ as being wasteful spending on the part of the woman who performed this act. I have brought up the sobering reality that I can't find one passage in the Gospels discussing any of the Disciples in prayer despite numerous references to Christ getting up before dawn and at times praying all night before momentous events such as picking His disciples. Let that sink in; even looking at the prophets of the Old Testament and their doubts fears and struggles we see much prayer. On one hand we see the unique situation of having our Lord in the flesh and the confidence of protection as the Master and teacher watched over His flock at the time. The flipside is they didn't have His back in regard to His everyday struggles and the constant understanding of His upcoming suffering on the cross which was ever approaching as His destiny. No doubt much of their attitude was also due to their expectations of the Kingdom of God to immediately come which culminated in the triumphal entry on the donkey and the praise of the masses one week before His crucifixion.
The Lord had to open the minds of the Jewish disciples to His role to reach the Gentiles eventually as was prophesied in Isaiah. This was demonstrated in the great faith of the Syrophonecian woman in Mark 7 as well as the Roman centurion. There was also the woman at the well who was half Jewish. It wasn't until later in the book of Acts when the Gospel was as a whole taken beyond Israel; and that was done by Peter and Paul around the same time. The people of Israel as a whole as prophesied would reject the Messiah and justify themselves as sons of Abraham in the flesh which was of no value.
As a believer today we can only see His holiness and compare it to our own hearts and praise Him for His atoning sacrifice.
In previous posts I have brought up the idea that what is being widely accepted as preaching with love is either a defective view of Agape or downright deceptive. I introduced the idea that we are indeed enemies of God; and that there are times when the concept of enemies is necessary for a correct Gospel presentation. In short we could say that not only does unregenerate man have no way to really hate their sins but also that they have no capacity to love God. The litmus test; of course is the command to love our enemies which only a true born again believer can do ( Matt. 5:44). We must keep in mind that Jesus excoriated those considered the religious elite among Jews (Pharisees and lawyers in particular). He also rebuked His disciples and weeded out those who weren't wholeheartedly committed to giving up all for the sake of the Gospel. There was never from what I can tell in my years of study any individual who was pointed out in these scriptures; which allowed for those called and chosen to be duly warned and convicted. Whatever person or persons accused Beelzebub as being the source of Christ's power resulted in the warning of Mark 3:29 that such blasphemy was not to be forgiven in this llfe or the next.
In rebuking Peter very shortly after commending him for understanding that He was indeed the Son of God we see the war that was waging in Peter's heart that was the real issue. Only a saved individual could understand Christ's Divinity. The enemy however was working in Peter's mind when he didn't want to accept Christ's coming persecution. ( Matt. 16:23). One could also look at Judas Iscariot giving a plea that money would be used for feeding the poor ( Matt. 26:8-9). This passage was discussed at church by a missionary this week; and he astutely brought up the point that the woman anointing Christ was the only one aware of His burial to come. What she did was necessary.
I may want to define sin and being God's enemy as a unit conceptually. As for sin; I have stated repeatedly that our external actions (fruits) are symptoms of the root cause that is s sin nature which stems from verses such as Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of the heart of man (not good). It would seem that being God's enemy is beyond even just that concept of our heart and actions.
Unbelief; it would seem is up there as one of the top evils along with pride. That is; of course defined as true unbelief as the Pharisees demonstrated around Christ when miracles could not be denied and they attributed them to Beelzebub ( Matt. 12:24).
This is not as some falsely claim not believing in what some say are miracles with unsubstantiated evidence.
Of course it is in some sense a greater thing to forgive sins which the Pharisees knew only God could do; hence accused Christ of blasphemy when he asked which was greater that or healing ( Matt. 9:8). Whether that or a physical healing with Christ something came from nothing; and in the case of men they need a heart of stone to be turned to a heart of flesh (Ez. 36:26).
We cannot ignore obvious resistance to God when the Gospel is presented; as well as with using His name in vain. Man's sins are exponentially more resistant with the affective opposition of the enemy and his minions. When seeking the Lord there are testimonies from those especially from backgrounds in the occult where the individual becomes aware of entities working through themselves as well as others. When reality dawns on these individuals their true nature is exposed; and often demons need to be cast out. I have stated previously that testimonies tend to be heavily skewed toward God giving freedom from this oppression at the expense of understanding our own wickedness and having a reverent fear of the Lord. Some seem to ignore the spiritual battle in giving testimony of being saved.
"Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing."
What nations count as characteristics of greatness in the eyes of God is vile. Their strength in numbers the Spirit of God has in a very telling manner characterised, in the Book of Daniel. It is of nations that the dream signifies, "Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." (Dan.2:35) In God's kingdom there is no place for them and much less for clay, indicating theocratic kingdoms. We found it was so if history of nations is to be an indicator. They are chaff because they make flesh their arm but nevertheless they accursed. (Je.17:5) The word of God makes it clear, "The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away." The same idea as in the Book of Daniel.
Perhaps this cultural trope you may not have heard. When a politician wants to energise the masses they use cultural context so a slogan like "blood and soil"is so charged in the 30s were heard in 2017 but in another continent and yet caused bloodshed. What was common is the culprit. Nations are lies and their tropes and memes are against God. Now when we hear the VP nominee uses "DIE hire" the trash will know what he meant. What David describes in Psalm 59 is much the same, with torch parades going round about the city howling likes dogs whether in Nuremberg or Charlottesville. "They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city./Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?/But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision."
"Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house." (Ez.47:1)
We have in the preceding chapters on laws and ordinances regarding the house of God in eternity different from the temple polluted by the apostate Israel. vv.2-5 we have "the man that had the line" proceeding with measuring. What does 4x1000 tell us? Compare with John's vision where the golden reed shows 12x100 furlongs. "The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."(21:16) Ezekiel according to his Jewish sensitivities gives us the decalogue as base unit. The Word is tagged by command number Four.
In 44:5 we read thus, "And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord."From thereon we have we have various ordinances which are not relevant at the moment.
The Spirit uses Afterward with direct reference to the measuring of the holy city of God.(Re.21:15-16) We need look at this vision from the tree of life being positioned on this side of the river where the throne of God and of the Lamb is situated. (Re.22:1). This water which flows from the threshold "And, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward" requires explanation. Threshold is set as the line connecting the two thrones" so the pure water of life ("a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb"), is implied here.
Further down in Ez.47 we are shown the living waters in its mighty course, "Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed."(47:8) There shall be a revival for them. Prophet Zechariah refers to in that day' to the day of regeneration where the apostles shall judge the 12 tribes.
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
Spirit of the times is spirit of doctrines which have a form of godliness but denying the power of God. Man having the gift of the gab gathers a following and such a one was Theudas was a populist leader, one who would have taken a bullet for democracy and he did gather a party. "For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught."(Ac.5:36) Judas followed and Acts of the Apostles tells, "After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed." Seducing spirits whip up doctrines and man shall take up to sow mischief and garner public support. The Spirit is still that of the devil. Nationalism is such. Jesus would have none of it. "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."( John 18:36) Yet what makes the churches still pursue it? They do not want to know word of God and the spiritual demand on their lives, it is a total surrender. Instead what does the spirit of times teach these Christians? "Never surrender." What do they care abou walking in faith and not by sight? What conspiracy theories they swallow and yet call themselves Christians. This is what makes worst specimens of human race pass for their champions, so they wage a cultural war for them. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:/That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
Firstly we shall consider the single measurement with which the holy city of God is measured. The volume of 144 is made up by abiding in Christ where Gospel has a tag of 12. 144,000 refers to eternity. The measurement as used in the vision of Ezekiel refers to the world of the flesh with Israel in particular so New Jerusalem is heavenly as distinct from Jerusalem on the earth. The angel tells Ezekiel and the wording is very significant. "And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel."(Ez.40:4) How well did the children of Israel pay attention it? "(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day." (Ps.11:8) "Unto this day" is relevant for us upon whom the ends of the world has come. Is it not shame to declare"I have seen the light Hallelujah and yet turn to fleshpots of Egypt. It is thus imposter church serves the politicians. "because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:/Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."(2 Th.2:13-14). Instead the stupor surrounding the Evangelicals to look to some fraud pretending to be their saviour is all the more shameful. The foundation of God stands sure and God knows who are his.
"34 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad"
Thanks.
"And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits." (6:15)
Here we have the volume in terms of cubits. Significant is that it is not given in multiples of 12 which is the Gospel of God as delineated in his humanity. It was to set a believer in heavenly places which shall continue till the end times. He is part of the city in the making to which he walks by faith and not by sight. "And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."(Re.21:16)
On the other Noah's ark is an emblem for the end of flesh, sons of perdition to be precise. 300 Lx50 B What scale shall we use here? The same we find in the vision of Ezekiel, "a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth. (Ez.40:5) Another example we can cite, in the Book of Daniel. "Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits." This is abomination! The Ark of Noah was a warning to all who made flesh his arm. "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD."(Je.17:5)
"A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it." (6:16)
The Window on the roof signifies the blessings under the covenant come from above, The three stories tell us the ark is built "after our image" with soul spirit and body.
"And shalt pitch it within and without with pitch." is similar to "and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind." Total Sanctification is insisted upon.
"And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth."
Everlasting covenant explains God's covenant with Man. "The holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, refers to the tabernacle of God among men. It is the culmination of all spiritual blessings any man may freely avail of,- and by faith he is a saint redeemed for the earth, and be found in the tabernacle. Without Jesus Christ the Word become flesh and without abiding in him no man shall succeed. Noah is the double for Jesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith. "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he."(6:22) In the covenant Noah fits the above assertion as he is created 'after our likeness' and he did as his Son fulfilled the will of his Father.
The Ark of Noah explains the end of all flesh to which it remains an emblem. We shall examine how it serves us for our spiritual instruction. "Wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."(1 Pe.3:20) The Spirit sets command number Eight to denote the lower parts, signifying the death of his Son enabled those souls in prison to heart the Gospel.(1 Pe.3:19) Water baptism is to signify the end of my flesh and its demands' and if I am dead from where does come Christian nationalism? Do not be fooled. For without this death no man shall enter the day Seven. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."(Ge.2:3) God sanctified Noah because his faith was same as was in his Son. As all passengers in the ark were safe and secure abiding in Noah God was 'at rest' in a manner of speaking.
"And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits." (6:15)
"for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob before and after Peniel could testify. The fulness of Christ makes his heart know the difference. Peniel speaks for his spiritual regeneration. However he has no more confidence in his flesh. It is the heart where new Jerusalem is created. The selfsame volume gives him insight into the significance of Mahanaim. (Ge.32:1-2)
What made Moses chose the life of suffering? " By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;/Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;/ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." (He.11:24-26)
This respect is what the imposter churches fail to inculcate in their congregation. Instead their spirits are like frogs, so the beast and the false prophet have same mind. "two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. Where are these false prophets lead their flock? "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet./For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth."
"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
Here we have the reason why God breathed into the nostrils of man and made him a living soul. In Christ the Alpha and Omega the heart is a level playing field. "From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth./He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." The right to know and understand is universal right and it is the blessing the everlasting covenant enshrines 'in our image and after our likeness."(Ge.1:28) So whosoever refused to enter into the day Seven rejected the seed within itself,- the truth. Calvin's doctrine of 'total depravity' is a heresy. God has set the world of the Spirit in their heart and what does it tell us?
The volume of a believer is arrived at because the fulness of Christs fills all. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"(Col.1:20) This is the work of God and it can only make sense to a believer in believing Jesus Christ whom he sent. This faith, or lack of it has been the undoing of imposter churches.
Thus the river of time flows right through heart of man whether he admits or not.
"And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament. The cities of refuge on the left bank and on the right bank is as clear as the light is separated from darkness.
"for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob before and after Peniel could testify. The fulness of Christ makes his heart know the difference. Peniel speaks for his spiritual regeneration. However he has no more confidence in his flesh.
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
Jesus Christ in the inaugural vision has many things against the church of Pergamos but he commends them that 'thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith',. So the new name is a personal name which holds true for the day of Regeneration,- and it has significance where we are talking about the new heaven and new earth.
God's gifts and calling are irrevocable. What God framed by his word are worlds that shall never change. But the earth which was without form and void shall made new from the standpoint of man who was predestinated "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,". The reason for it very simple. "Therefore if any manbein Christ,he isa new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Co.5:17). Therefore is a conjunctive adverb and his newness is firmly associated with death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new creation has similarly transcended his physical body and its lusts. This is where we acquire a volume so as associates our faith sets into the day of Regeneration and everlasting life. As emblematic of man's ascension to heavenly places, the new name sets the overcomer for glory and as Christ promises the Church of Pergamos, it is a name no other man shall know.
The Holy Spirit has supplied several instances of which God naming Jacob the heel-catcher to Israel is preeminent. "And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob./And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel."(Ge.32:27-28)
One curious but very vital point to remember is that he wanted to ask in return the personal name of God. God refused it. Instead blessed of God Jacob calls the place Peniel, a new name. It is thus New Jerusalem, is indicative of new creation.
God created heaven and earth Ge.1:1) The Spirit of God works Up and Down. It sets the Man component which the Scripture says in this fashion, " He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."(Ep.4:10)
The Covenant promises blessings on man is in his Son. "(God) who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"(Ep.1:3) This man is created in our image and after our likeness" Accordingly seven days stipulate blessings in sequence. The man has fullness or volume since Christ's Advent and Ascension promises him Up Down and Across.
Jesus Christ commissions man with the promise,"and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."(Matt.28:20) Man is therefore equipped with the Spirit of Christ to understand the blessings to be had by abiding in Jesus Christ who is Alpha and Omega. (He.13:8)
What is faith then? It is for bearing fruits in his Son because His word abides in us and we are blessed as the tree "planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season." Notice the word season is used instead of time. Where does this river leads to? The day of Regeneration for the blessed is above while for those who rejected him is on the earth God in his infinite mercy allows pure water of life and the tree of life,"which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2). This is the tree with the seed in itself and the everlasting covenant promises just that. Faith must be as though planted by God so fruits are proof of Christ in us. Gospel preaching does not require falcon jets or ostentatious ensemble to show off prosperity. God is going to give a mighty shaking so heaven shall rolled away like a scroll. Fall of Babylon is not put off indefinitely .Making Babylon great once again is what imposter churches root for.
Simon was not merely a man of the street but was looked up as somebody in Samaria. "Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. " He was there to make Samaria great again.
When he saw the baptism of Spirit his mercantile spirit had to have it. So his belief was disconnected from reality and he offered them (the apostles) money. Simon Peter "said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money./Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God./ Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee./ For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."(8:20-23)
What did Simon really believe in? Jesus Christ who humbled himself had the power and Authority and his obedience was the cement that made the Gospel take root. Faith it is called where no bond of iniquity can tie believer down. Where God gives him freely joy and peace there can be no room for bitterness. That is what faith with works do. Simon believed only in himself though his Jesus talk impressed the people of Samaria. It is same as many celebrity TV preachers catch head lines after some scandal and fall in disgrace, one gets to see that his belief was only in himself. This is what studying the word of God without faith has produced. Without light in you what witnessing can you possibly do? "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."(Ph.2:15)
"The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)All the blessings God promised in his Son were wasted on the nation. Having the Law Moses but without faith it was as though they were thrust out into the outer darkness. This is what the Parable teaches? The Age of Apostles began with such signs and wonders have now become rogue what with false shepherds going into politics! We who believer in our Saviour Lord ought to say, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Those planted by God shall be gathered for new heavens and the new earth. Those who belong to the outer darkness shall be cast out for the wrath of the Lamb. Of which those who find salvation shall be found on the earth and for them the light of the Lamb shall set their lives. "for the healing of the nations," they shall need the tree of life. Instead everlasting life their lives shall be covered according to months. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./In midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2
River of time brings this who were first to the last. How did it happen? Many are called but few are chosen since they did not gather with Christ. Even what they had they lost/
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath./And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness."
What is darkness? Absence of light, of course. God separated light from darkness. John applies it to the nation of Israel. And the darkness comprehended it not." ( John 1:4) refers to the verse below. "He (Jesus Christ) came unto his own, and his own received him not." (1:10-11)The world and Israel in particular, did not receive for the reason they did not have the light in themselves. It is to which Jesus referred,"But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"(Matt.6:23). In them the word as a seed meant nothing so it was as though God did not plant them at all. For this reason what fruits they could have produced? They were thistles and thorns only fit for fire.
Illustrations we can see how Israel became synonymous with outer darkness.
In Ex.24:3 Israel vows, "All the words which the Lord hath said will we do." They also saw God, " and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."(24:10) "In his clearness" was in effect was blind since they did not comprehend the true Light when he walked among the. In him was the light of men but where did they fail? "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."( 1 John 2:11).
Another time they said,"And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Ex.20:19) Did that help them when a voice from heaven sounded, "The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)
What I know is that the four riders of Apocalypse, one of GOD and three of the Devil, they are already running /walking with their powers that are reflected in whole world.
It is up to the believing followers of JESUS to identify who the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are,
the rider of the white horse is Michael( Daniel 12:1-3 combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16),
and the rider of the red horse in my view is Trump,
but who is the rider of the black horse?
And the pale horse, who is the rider whose NAME is called Death, and Hell follow with him? Is not he the MAN of sin, son of perdition, who will manifest himself very soon as the messiah of the Jews ( John 5:43-47 combined with Revelation 13:11-18) even now, in the last week, week 70th Daniel 9:27 combined with 2Thessalonians 2:3-4 and 9-12, as soon as be elected the next and last Pope? As is written, Power will be given UNTO THEM over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the ruthless beasts of the earth?
The battle is/will be against three unclean spirits like frogs- Revelation 16:13-15. Why frogs? ->there is something in the site of purebible.
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the MOUTH of the dragon( Revelation 13:11), and out of the MOUTH of the Beast (Beast of sea- Revelation 13:1-9, the Papacy), and out of the MOUTH of the False Prophet( John 5:43-47).
14 For they are the SPIRITS OF DEMONS, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that Great Day of GOD Almighty.
ATTENTION!
15 Behold, I come as a thief.
Be careful and Get ready
"And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." The woman in the wilderness denotes the left out church. 1260 days is a tag placed by the Holy Spirit to distinguish her from the woman in wilderness who chose her place herself. She is Israel who from bondage wandered through the wilderness. So she was first but for her iniquities God set this rule. "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."(Nu.14:34) Why 40? 4x10 where the command number 4 signifies the Word become flesh. It was again Christ they rebelled.
In Nu.33 we have a list of 42 way stations where Israel had to stopover, which is a tag placed against them."where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent." Indication of Time, -months hour and year is different from day that is decreed for the Son.
"The earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree./And I saw another angel ascending from the east"
Before we go into the significance of the number 12 let us explain what the first two verses present which explains the kingdom of God up and down as well as the world from one end of the heaven to other end. "TheLordsitteth upon the flood; yea, theLordsitteth King for ever." (Ps,29:10)
This is same as the Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters. In St John's vision we see it represented up and down. "Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne."(Re.4:3)
"And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." Here we get an idea what moved upon the face. The Lamb "having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth" supplies specifically the spirit of Christ as the Parable of the Tares teaches the world as a field. "The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;/The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."(Matt.13:38-39; Re.5:6) Here we have thus kingdom of God up and down as well as across where children of the kingdom stand cheek in jowl with children of the wicked one. In the narrative of Joseph and his brethren, obviously those who sold him to the Ishmeelites were wicked.
After the Ascension of Jesus Christ the angel inform the disciples thus, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."(Ac.1:11) St Paul also confirms it. "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things." (Ep.4:10-12)
I will call this Part 2. A brief survey of scripture to the unenlightened easily could lead to the conclusion that the Lord is very schizophrenic; paranoid; moody and cruel along with many other apparently contradictory actions and behaviors. Let us approach this subject for a moment from that skeptical viewpoint. I expect the readers at this point to say what??? why??
Okay; let's think for a moment. Those who believe; and rightly so that God's Word is inspired and is useful for all things as 2 Tim. 3:16 says are able to take a framework of promises to believers and basic moral commands such as the 10 Commandments and more or less gain a perspective to the general laws which mankind is expected to adhere to and through that come up with a beginning knowledge of the lawgiver Himself; hopefully praising God as with Psalm 119 for His commandments and statutes; loving God and realizing that it is only in Him that we are able to fulfill these commands.
Well and good. But to avoid a merely surface level or Parasitical mindset we need to understand that we can't comprehend certain hidden things of the Lord as Deuteronomy 29:29 indicates. There are other verses that suggest ( Proverbs 25:2) kings and priests search these mysteries out at least to some extent. Okay back to the Atheist or skeptic.
Why does God care so much about a bird's nest to preserve it ( Deut. 22:6; a mother is not to be taken with her young); but then the Lord says to destroy men women and children ( Deut. 20:14) just two chapters before? Why does the Lord say let me alone that I may destroy these people and start a new generation with Moses ( Exodus 32:9-14) and yet He "repents" or changes His mind after Moses intercedes? The same sort of seemingly conflicted behavior occurs with Edom in the book of Hosea 8:8-11 in terms there of Ephriam where He seems to be unwilling to carry out the judgments in surrounding verses.
Matthew 16:22 - Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Literally from the Greek: Peter began to rebuke him saying, have mercy on you Lord, this shall never happen (Double Negative) to you. It would be equivalent to our English saying, "God have mercy on you for saying that!"
Matthew 16:23 - But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Here it is literally: He turned, and He said to Peter get behind me, and that is an important word. Jesus will always emphasize that whether it's Satan, or people, or whoever it is. The proper position is behind Him, never alongside of Him, never in front of Him, always behind! He says, "Get behind me Satan."
He's speaking to the influence over Peter. It is Satan that says there will be no suffering in the flesh, and that there will be no hardship in the flesh. Satan is the great defender of the flesh. And through human reason and logic, he will oppose any doctrine that will present the fact that if you follow Jesus, there will be suffering and persecution.
Now the word offense is SCANDALIDZO which is where we get our English word scandal from. A SCANDALON in Greek was actually a rock that you tripped over. So, he says, Satan you are throwing a rock in my path to keep me from reaching my goal.
And the word "savourest" comes from the Greek word PHRONAY which means the frame of mind.
Please notice that Jesus is telling Peter that his frame of mind is not on the things of God, but on the things of man. When we hear about suffering how do we react? Peter's reaction was, and his frame of mind was to defend and protect the flesh. We need to be careful of that in the church. Our frame of mind must be on the things of God, not on the things of man, or the things of the flesh.