Divine Sugar Sticks for April 2001

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Sunday, April 1, 2001

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God that passes all understanding shall garrison your mind through Christ Jesus,” Phil 4.

Besides joy, we find peace.

There is joy in answered prayer. In order to get anything out of prayer, you have to first realize that you are speaking to a Person, our Heavenly Father.

We have to know that He loves us and we have to be conscious when we pray to Him of His Grace and power. We have to know that we can influence Him, and that He will be moved with our prayers.

He wants us to pray to Him. Prayer glorifies Him. We honor Him when we go to Him because we are acknowledging that He is the One and the Only One that can help us.

We can expect those things which are good for us because God will not give us anything that is not good for us. If you went out and got something that hurt you, you know that God didn’t give it to you. You got it yourself.

When we pray for something and don’t get it, we know it wouldn’t be good for us – at least at that time. Therefore, God has protected us and we should thank Him because He answered our prayer in the negative.

If you will only remember that God is only going to give you things that are good for you, then you are going to have joy in knowing that you can depend upon the Lord.

You can have peace. He will give you that blessed and wonderful peace that guards your mind. You know that you haven’t a thing in the world to worry about because you have turned your problems over to Him. You have talked them over with Him and you have left them in His hands.

You want what is best for you. When we learn that, we will have the “fullness of joy,” the joy of answered prayer.

“Faith Can be Seen”

We are told four times in Scripture, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans, Galatians, Hebrews, and Habakkuk. Faith that honors God can be seen by others and particularly by our Lord. “The just shall live by faith.”

Live by faith. Faith is life. It is a matter of faith and it can be seen. Luke 5:20, “And when He saw their faith.”

Faith can be seen by others and particularly the Lord Jesus Christ.

“And behold men brought in a bed, a man which was taken with a palsy, and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went up upon the housetop and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.”

If they hadn’t had faith in two things, they wouldn’t have been able to do what they did. Faith embodies a two-fold attitude, or a two-fold knowledge.

First, they knew that our Lord could heal their friend.
People believe today that God can do something, but they don’t trust Him to do it. Now a faith that can be seen is a faith that recognizes that God is able to do everything that He promises and that God will do everything that He promises.

These people went to a great deal of effort. If they hadn’t known, if they hadn’t had faith in the Lord, not only that He could heal their friend but also that He would heal their friend, they would not have gone to all this trouble.

There was evidence of their faith. That is the reason we find in Luke chapter five, verse 20, “And when He saw their faith.”

Your life portrays and reveals your faith.

Your faith is revealed by the way that you live.

You can not evade that.

Faith That Takes God at His Word Honors God!

First, we recognize that He is truthful and we just depend upon His Word.

Second, it honors Him because it can be seen. Faith can be seen. We have a wonderful example of that in Abraham. Remember Abraham was told that he was going to be a father of many nations when he was about 100 years old.

Rom 4:19, “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body dead, when he was about 100 years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith giving glory to God and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able to perform. And therefore it was imputed to Him for righteousness.”

Here we find Abraham just taking God at His Word. God said it and Abraham believed it. He didn’t have to have a sign or anything else. His faith honored God.

”The Jews seek a sign and the Greeks seek wisdom. But Christ is the Wisdom and the Power of God.”

”Without faith it is impossible to please Him.”

Monday, April 2, 2001

“The Lord is Gracious and Full of Compassion, Slow to Anger, and of Great Mercy”

Or, “Great in Mercy,” Psa 145:8-20

Certainly we find One that we can depend upon, One that we can expect to understand us, One we can go to in time of need, expecting help because we know that He is gracious, full of compassion – meaning that He suffers with us. And He is slow to anger and great in mercy.

We find He is one we can depend on. And, we find that we have the right to go to Him expecting help.

In verse 9 we have another attribute. ”The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Christ is no Respecter of persons.

Notice the great individual invitation, “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

He said all – not come unto me those of a particular group. This is to all. God is irrespective of persons. It is your need that brings Christ close to you. He loves us and wants to help us.

In verse 14 is another attribute. “The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.”

In a moment of weakness we can depend upon the Lord. He is the Almighty One. He is the One we can go to. He is the all-important One. He will do for us everything that we need.

Notice verse 18, “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in Truth.” Whenever you are in need, your need brings the Lord close to you. Your cry of need brings God close to you just as the cry of your child in need brings you close to your child.

“Sing Unto the Lord a New Song. Sing Unto the Lord All Ye Earth,” Psalm 96

Here we find the psalmist conscious of the Lord. He wanted all to sing unto the Lord. ”Sing unto the Lord. Bless His Name. Shew forth His salvation from day to day.”

The Lord is the focal point of the psalmist’s thoughts. He said “Shew forth His salvation.” Not our salvation. Not your salvation. But “the Lord’s salvation.” Salvation is of the Lord.

”Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all of the people.” Every Christian should have a song in his soul directed unto the Lord. Not an oral song, but the joy that explodes in one’s soul, the real you. It just overflows.

Some people have great joy in their souls because of something they have done or because of their ability to live a good life. This is not taking away from service. This is not taking away from work. But some people seem to have a greater joy in their accomplishment than in the Lord’s accomplishment.

But He said, “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonder among the people.” The Lord is the center of this man’s thoughts. ”For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. He is to be feared above all gods, for all the gods of nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.”

This man is conscious of our Lord. When one is conscious of the Lord, he ceases to be worried about anything else. He is occupied with Christ.

You cannot be conscious of the Lord and worry about anything. When a Christian is more conscious of himself, his tragedy, the condition he is in, he is bound to be resentful, distressed, hurt, bitter, and confused. It is purely and simply because he is not “Christ-conscious.”

”Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength, Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His Name. Bring an offering and come into His courts.”

“Give unto the Lord. Give unto the Lord. Give unto the Lord. Bring and come.”

Psalm 61

David went through a time in his life for many years that was very distressing to him. But through it he learned something. After all, the way to learn is through experience.

”Hear my cry, O God. Attend unto my prayer.” He was crying out to the Lord because he wanted the Lord to pay attention to him.

”From the end of the Earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed.” Regardless of where he was, he was going to cry unto the Lord. The first thing that we see is that he wanted God to hear his cry and to attend to it. His heart was overwhelmed.

Maybe your heart is overwhelmed and you have reached the point spiritually and emotionally that you can’t go on. When we cry out to the Lord with a burdened soul, an overwhelming sorrow, and grief in our hearts, God hears and that condition brings Him close.

”The Lord is nigh to all them that call upon Him, to all that call Him in Truth.” That means those that cry out in need really meaning business and depending upon the Lord. Psa 145:18.

When you cry out to the Lord in sincerity, it has the same effect that the cry of your child has on you. In the middle of the night, your child has a bad dream and cries out and you run in.

”Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”

There are many believers today that are in deep distress. They have been confused and hurt. And they may be in this condition because their friends and loved ones have turned from them in misunderstanding.

Or, it may be that conditions are such that they just don’t know which way to turn. If you are like that, remember that the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

David was in a miserable condition in Psalm 55. “Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the opposition of the wicked, for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me.”

He was greatly distressed. In fact, he said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove for then would I fly away and be at rest.”

He felt that if he could run away he could find rest. But there is no rest in running away. If you have a condition in your life that you have to face, you must learn to adjust yourself to life as it is. Sometimes we get to such a point that we don’t know how to do it and we need help. David had reached that point, and I imagine there are many others that feel the same way.

”Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away and be at rest.”

He wanted to get out of the situation. You may be just like David. You wish there was some way in which you could get away and get out of that situation. But there is no rest in running away. David said if he had the wings of a dove he would leave. But he didn’t, so let us see what he really did.

Verse 16, “As for me, (he couldn’t fly away, so he said) I will call upon God and the Lord shall save me.”

Because of previous experience, he knew that God was going to save him. Therefore, in verse 17, “Evening and morning and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”

David was going to pray in the morning and at noon and night. He was going to cry out unto God and he knew that God would hear his voice. God always hears the cry of His children in affliction.

Running away, a change of environment, is not the answer. “Stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord.” “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”

“The Lord is My Light and My Salvation. Whom Shall I Fear?” Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is the Strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”

We see three needs of the soul found in the Lord. There is first understanding. Second, salvation. Third, strength. If we let the Lord meet these needs, there will come a three-fold assurance.

”The Lord is my Light.” The Lord can meet the need of the soul for He is the true Light, John 1:4.

”The Lord is my Salvation.” In this life which I live in this old flesh, the Lord is my Strength. If we will turn to the Lord for understanding and trust in the Lord for our salvation, and if we will trust in the Lord for our strength, then we will be able to say as David did, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion, in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me. He shall set me upon a rock.”

David found if he would turn to the Lord for understanding, salvation, and strength, then he would find shelter in a time of trouble. How blessed it is to go to the Lord in a time of trouble knowing that He will guard us and shelter us? “Do you live a sheltered life?”

Too many of us do not experience this because in time of trouble we go to every other help but this True Help. We go to our friends and we try to depend upon our wisdom and we try to reason things out that are beyond our understanding and there is nothing but confusion.

If we would only turn to Him in time of trouble, there will come peace and tranquility into our souls knowing that the Lord is taking care of us and guarding us. He understands the condition you are in. Just turn to Him and He will shelter you.

Live a sheltered life!

A Christian Never Dies!

How wonderful it is to know that there is no such thing as death for a Christian!

Christ said “He that liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.”

What a blessing to know that when we die, as we call it, we go out of this old body of our home to be with the Lord, 2 Cor 5:8, and there is no fear on the trip because “the Lord is with us.”

We go beyond that little thin veil of tomorrow where the whole existence is dominated by a great love, to a place prepared for us, to meet the Lord. The hope that there is in that knowledge, and there is comfort in knowing that.

”For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope,” Rom 15:4.

A person without hope is a pathetic person. But it is blessing to us who are children to know that we have His Word and His Word is certain. It not only cleanses our lives, but it strengthens us and permits us to live a life that God can gain glory from.

Not only that, but it gives us assurance and we can go out and tell the blessed story. We have a hope for tomorrow, the Blessed Hope, a hope that was cemented for all eternity by the resurrection of our Lord.

In 1 Pet 3 we find “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

We have a Living Hope. We know His Word is certain. Based upon His Word our lives are cleansed. Not only are we strengthened, not only do we have assurance, but also we have a Living Hope – a hope that lets us live today.

Tuesday, April 3, 2001

What Are We Trusting In?

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God.”

Notice that first phrase. ”Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses.” That means man-made instruments. Horses are man-controlled power. Unfortunately we find today that there are many of God’s children that are trusting in “man-made things” rather than the Lord.

There are many who are not God’s children who are trusting in these also. But many of God’s children, who because of wrong associations, are putting their trust in the things made by man. And that is unfortunate.

The most unfortunate of all are those who have been blinded by man, who put their faith and trust in things which man controls. I wonder how many people believe that they are all right because they are a member of some church, or some local assembly, or man-made denominations?

It is good to be in churches, don’t misunderstand. It is good to have faith in your church. This is not finding fault with any church or group of churches. There is a place for the church, but it is not the first place. The thing we need to do is trust only in the Lord.

”But, we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

There are many who take great pride in things made by man, and because they are associated with that particular man-made thing or power, they think they are all right. We who say that we know that the Lord saveth His anointed, and that He will hear us. We will remember the Name of the Lord our God.

The Six-Fold Character of the Lord. Psalm 36:5-10

First: “Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the Heavens.”
Our Heavenly Father is a merciful God. He extends mercy to all those who cry unto Him. He is ever willing to forgive and extend mercy to you.

Second: “Thy faithfulness reaches unto the clouds.”
Many forget the faithfulness of God. We find in Timothy, “Though we believe not, yet He abideth faithful. He cannot deny Himself.”

Too many of us put on God the same stigma of faithlessness as we have in our own lives. Because we are sometimes unfaithful, that does not mean that God is unfaithful. We make promises that either in weakness or in time of forgetfulness we are not faithful to the promise. But that does not change the faithfulness of God.

Third: “Thy righteousness is like the great mountains.”
The fact that He promises makes it a certainty. God’s promises are the most certain things on the face of this Earth. Man may rise and man may fall, nations and kingdoms and empires rise and fall, but there is One that remains true. There is One that is the same yesterday, today, and forever. There is One that we can depend on and put our trust in, and that One is God because of His righteousness. We need to place our faith not only in God’s mercy and faithfulness, but also in God’s righteousness.

Fourth: “My judgments are a great deep.”
The decisions of God are eternal. The purposes of God are eternal. They are from everlasting to everlasting.

Fifth: “O Lord, Thou preserveth man and beast.”
Not only do we find that He is merciful, faithful, and righteous, not only is He eternal in His judgments, but we find preservation, too. He does the preserving. How wonderful it is to be preserved, to be kept, to be guarded by God.

Sixth: “How excellent (literally, precious) is Thy lovingkindness.”
We see that God exhibits lovingkindness in His dealing with man. Because of these six-fold characteristics of God, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of His wings.

Why do we Trust the Lord? Why do we put our faith in Him? It is because of His mercy, His faithfulness, His righteousness, His eternal judgment, His preservation, and His lovingkindness.

When Christ Broke the Silence!

“When He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offerings Thou wouldst not, but a body Thou hast prepared for Me.”

Then the silence.
”As a lamb before his shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.”

Then He broke the silence.
”My God, My God, Why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

In these words we find great Truths. We see the explanation of the Cross. Our Lord came as a sin offering. He was born to die. He became flesh that He might bear our sins on the Cross.

In Hebrews we find “He endured the Cross, despising the shame.” In this cry, “Let this cup pass from Me” He didn’t mean that He didn’t want to be our sin sacrifice. He didn’t mean that He didn’t want to die. For that is the reason He came.

He said it because He knew what the Father had to do. That is to forsake Him. In these words, “My God, My God, Why hast Thou forsaken Me?” we find the explanation of that cry of our Lord and we see the righteousness of God manifested.

Remember, “The wages of sin is death.” That is separation from God. When Jesus Christ became what we were, God had to forsake Him. We find here a phrase of eternity without Christ. Separated eternally from the Lamb who is the Light of the world, we see the agony of the soul, and we find the Heavens are silent to the cry.

Oh, what it must mean to be in eternity without Christ! The eternal darkness, the eternal physical, spiritual, and mental agony, that terrible eternity when the heavens shall be silent.

Also, in these words we see the absolute holiness and inflexible justice of God. So holy is God that the very heavens are not clean in His sight. Job 15. So holy is God that He “is of purer eyes than to behold evil and will not look upon iniquity,” Habakkuk.

God did just that when Christ became sin for us. He had to deal with Him as such.

”He made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

He's Funny That Way!

I am not much to look at
And nothing to see
I am glad I am living
And happy to be.
I know the Lord
and He loves me.
He’s funny that way.

I don’t have a dollar
I can’t save a cent.
He wouldn’t bother
He would live in a tent.
I know the Lord
and He loves me.
He’s funny that way.

Though He would work
And slave for me every day
He would be much better off
If I went away.

But how can I leave Him?
Where would I go?
He would be unhappy
Without me, I know.
I know the Lord
and He loves me.
He’s funny that way.

A Cure for Depression– Psalm 38

In this Psalm we find David in despair. There are many who feel the same way. You may find that in you there is no good thing and that you fall short of the glory of God. Well, you can find help in this Psalm.

First, God’s children yearn that God will hear them when they cry out to Him in need. ”For in Thee, O Lord, do I hope Thou will hear O Lord, my God.”

Remember what Jesus Christ said to the blind man. “Be of good cheer.” That is God’s answer. He hears your cry and He asks you what it is that you want Him to do for you.

Second, “Forsake me not, O Lord,” verse 21. Here is the prayer not to be forsaken. And God has promised never to forsake us. He will never leave us, even in our weakness. In a hour of great trouble we will find our Lord close to us.

Third, “Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation,” verse 22. This is the prayer for help. God has never turned His back on one of His own. Whosoever believes in Him will not be ashamed. This is the One who died on the Cross to save our souls. So, He will help you now in your hour of need.

He will hear your request. He will never forsake you. Here is David’s petition from a broken heart. His friends had left him and many were trying to do what they could to snare him. Yet in his hour of trouble he recognized three things:

God hears. God will not forsake. And God will help.

“God is My Refuge and Strength and a Very Present Help in Trouble,” Psalm 46

Who is this God that we should turn to for refuge, who promises us His strength and says He will be a very present help in time of trouble?

Compare “Lord of hosts” found verse 7 with Genesis 2:1. The celestial bodies are the hosts of Heaven. The “Lord of hosts” expresses the universal domain of God.

All the armies of Heaven and every creature of the cosmos are the servants of God. He is also the God of Jacob. This shows us that this Mighty Commander of the armies of Heaven is willing to enter into a living and personal relationship with any poor soul that will let Him. He is willing to lavish all of His love and Grace and strength upon us, if we will let Him.

This is our trouble, real trouble. We do not have a vision of God. We use the name God so flippantly sometimes. People discuss God without any depth of thought. They take Him for granted. They need a vision of this “Lord of hosts,” the Almighty God without limit of power, who wills and brings it to pass.

We need to know that there is nothing too great for Him. He is waiting to enter into a personal relationship with you only if you will let Him.

”He is tapping His foot waiting to be Gracious unto you.”

Don’t think of God as a three letter word. Think of Him as He really is – the Almighty One who is concerned with every individual. We are prone to believe that God is too busy to be interested in one person. But He is the God of Jacob, one man. There is not one soul that God is not interested in.

“Not By Works of Righteousness That We Have Done,” Titus 3:5

Notice the reality of salvation.

First salvation is entirely unmerited. “Not by works.” All through the ages man has shown his need and longing for a salvation and his earnest desire to be right with God.

But, unfortunately man ever sought to accomplish this end by his own unaided efforts. It was through the desire to be independent of God that man fell.

Almost ever since that day man has tried with the same independence of God to get back to the Divine presence. That is, of course, impossible. We remember that sin effects every part of the moral man. Therefore, we know if man is to be saved, it has to be done outside of his works.

All mankind is divided into two classes: those who are utterly distrustful of self and human merit who say, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy Cross I cling” and those who try to gain the approbation of God by their own works.

There are the two classes that began right outside the Garden of Eden with Cain and Abel.

”Not by works of righteousness which we have done.”

”Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

”For by Grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God and not of works, lest any man should boast.”

We Find That Salvation is Divinely Merciful, Titus 3:5

“According to His mercy, He saved us.”

Salvation, if it is to be effectual, must of necessity be Divine. It must be the work of God and no one else. This is the burden of Christianity.

”Salvation is of the Lord.”

”God our Saviour” is one of the most remarkable titles of the Divine Being. It is of His mercy alone that salvation has been brought to man. There is nothing in man to merit it or deserve it. But God, in His own mercy, came to our rescue and saved us in Christ with an everlasting salvation.

Man didn’t cry out to God to send His Son. Mankind was against God when He sent His Son. It was the need of man that touched the heart of God. And in His Divine mercy sent His Son that we might have everlasting salvation.

”To Him do all the prophets give witness, that through His Name is the remission of sins.”

”There is none other Name under Heaven given to man whereby we must be saved.”

Wednesday, April 4, 2001

How Many Believers Are Actually Waiting for the Rapture of the Church?

“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,” 1 Thes 4:14.

The question ... Do you believe this? If you do, fine. ”Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the Word of God.”

Notice that Paul continually refers to the Word of God. John refers to it. Peter refers to it. Luke refers to it. Matthew refers to it. Mark refers to it.

But many of the churches today are getting so wise they don’t feel that they need God’s Word. Not all, but quite a few are getting to the point that the intelligentsia feel that they have outgrown the Word of God. Because men have automobiles, airplanes, atomic bombs, television, and other conveniences, he feels he doesn’t need God’s Word.

If you don’t feel that the Word of God is very important, let me ask you a question. When you get to the point where you don’t know if you are going to see tomorrow or not, what are you going to lean on? What are you going to depend on? I thank God I have God’s promises and God’s Word and that means more to me than anything else in this world.

Matt 4:4, “Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Luke 4:4, “Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

How Many Christians Are Actually Waiting for the Rapture of the Church?

When you stand over a loved one that is passing out of this world and you don’t believe God’s Word, and don’t think it is important, what do you have? What can you tell them?

When Howard Paine’s mother was dying, she called her son, an atheist, to her and said, “All right. Now I am dying. I am passing over to the other side. You have taken away my God. You have taken the Bible from me. You have ridiculed and taken away all the Truths that I had when I was young. Now I am dying. What do you have to give me?” He turned away and bowed his head and walked away in shame.

What do you have if you don’t have God’s Word? Nothing! And that is the reason Paul said,

”For this we say unto you by the Word of God. That we which are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words,” 1 Thes 4:13-18.

The most comforting thought in the Bible is found in these verses. We stand over a loved one that is passing on and we know that one of these days we are going to see him face to face.

What Do You Have if You Don’t Have ... 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18?

You don’t have anything. You can only look on in distress. I remember one time I was in a hospital and the doctor’s father was passing away. I don’t think I will ever forget it. The doctor was of a different faith.

I was walking through and saw him sitting down in a chair. And I said, “What is the matter doc? Are you tired?” He said, “No, my father is in the other room dying.”

I knew he was of a faith that does not believe in Christ. I asked him if he minded if I went into the room and had a word of prayer. He told me he would appreciate it if I would. So I went into the room and there was the dying man’s wife kneeling beside the bed and crying.

”Oh, I will never see him again.” “I will never see him again.” Over and over she cried the same thing. The loved ones were gathered around the bed moaning and crying. They had no hope whatsoever. His daughter was there sobbing broken hearted. I told them the son had told me that I could pray.

After I prayed, I turned away. While I was praying they hadn’t stopped sobbing and crying. As I put my hand on the doorknob to go, I felt a hand on my arm and turned around. There was the daughter.

She said “At times like this I wonder if we are not wrong and you are right. We have no hope whatsoever but you do. I wish I had your hope.”

They didn’t have any hope because they didn’t have God’s Word. They didn’t have the culmination of God’s plans and purpose for creation, for the salvation of man. They had no hope because they had no Passover Lamb. They had no risen Christ.

We Have Hope. We Have The Blessed Hope!

We have hope. We have the Word of God. We have the shed blood of our Lord as the Lamb which taketh away the sins of the world.

We have the risen Christ who rose as Firstfruits and entered into Heaven as a Forerunner, as our High Priest. We have the blessed hope that one of these days He is coming back for us. Aren’t you glad you’re a Christian?

Take your stand on these blessed cardinal Truths and you will never be led astray.

When you understand your true relationship with Jesus Christ, your faith in Him will strengthen you and you will be able to walk during times of confusion and distress, rejoicing in the Lord.

”Behold I shew you a mystery. We shall not all die, but we will changed in a twinkling of an eye.”

”Absent from the body and face to face with the Lord.”

Who is afraid to go home?

There Are Four Cardinal Truths on Which We Can Stand Amidst the Clutter and Clamor and Confusion of This World

1. The first blessed and wonderful Truth is that we have God’s Word.
   
2. The second blessed cardinal Truth we have is that our precious Lord is our Passover.
   
3. The third Truth that we can really take our stand on is the resurrection.
   
4. We have a fourth Truth – our Lord’s second coming.

Take your stand on these four blessed cardinal Truths and you will never be led astray.

”Stand fast in the liberty where Christ has made you free.”

What a Blessing We Have as God’s Children

What a contrast there is between those who don’t know the Lord and we who do. Think of the confusion in the minds of those today that have no hope for eternity.

They just have blind opinions that they have formulated to satisfy their lives. They know there is no basis for their opinions, but they continue trying to fool themselves.

Just think of their mental attitude. There is confusion, fear, distress, and anxiety on the part of everyone. Doctors say we are in the age of anxiety. The need for psychiatrists is multiplying.

A president of the American College of Physicians and Surgeons released the statement that over 70 per cent of all illness is of psychosomatic origin.

The great need today is to have our Lord and to understand the relationship of the Christian with Christ. I am glad that the Lord opened my eyes and the Holy Spirit led me to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour.

What a difference between the poor soul that has no hope and we who have. We who hope in Christ have assurance and peace of mind. Through the study of the Word of God we get a better understanding of what we really have in the Lord Jesus Christ, so that our life is strengthened and we can walk during times of confusion such as we are in today rejoicing in the Lord.

”Looking for that Blessed Hope and the soon appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

How Can I Develop My Faith?

There are seven circles of faith.

1. The first step is salvation. Eph 2:8-9.
   
2. The second step is “Faith cometh by hearing,” Rom 10:17 – the daily intake of the Word of God.
   
3. The enlargement of faith by the exercise of faith, faith resting in the Word of God. Heb 4:1-3.
   
4. The fourth circle is the Spirit-controlled life, Gal 5:22-23, which includes faith.
   
5. The fifth circle is the area of testing or suffering. 1 Pet 1:7
   
6. The sixth development is occupation with Christ. Heb 12:2.
   
7. Finally, we move into the area of maturity and stability, classified as fathers.
   

Occupation With Christ

Psa 27:8 and 13, “When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face, my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”

This is occupation with the person of Jesus Christ. This comes as a result of a great pressure mixed with claiming the promises of God and trusting Him in the midst of these pressures.

We build tremendous faith and stability when we take our sufferings, trials, and problems and apply Scripture to every severe situation. If we turn the battle over to the Lord., we can stand still and watch His deliverance.

Then we develop tremendous peace, blessing, and joy in life, which results in occupation with the Lord Jesus Christ. Our eyes are upon Him. Heb 12:2.

No longer do we carry illusions with regard to people or things, or even self. We are no longer guilty of lusting after materialistic things so that we are off balance much of the time.

Spiritual Maturity

Psa 27:14, “Wait on the Lord.”

Psa 27:13 gives us the preview of it. “I had fainted unless I believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

The word for “believe” in verse 13 means to use God as a prop. It is our English word “amen.”

”I had fainted” means I would have fallen apart mentally, even as a Christian, knowing that I have eternal life, knowing that I have an eternal relationship with Him, unless I believed it.

This faith which has been developing through the reading and the studying of the Word of God, through the application of the Word, resting in the Promises of God, through the filling of the Holy Spirit, through its application in time of great adversity and trial. This faith now brings us to a place of peace, stability, and blessing. We have found that in time there is a true happiness which nothing can remove and nothing can destroy.

If happiness depended upon materialistic possessions, then we will find that our materialistic possessions can be removed, leaving us unhappy. Therefore, we will be constantly potentially unhappy even though we may appear happy, for we will be constantly in fear of losing our materialistic possessions.

Having things causes us to worry about losing them. And, if I do not have them, I am constantly wanting them. Either way we are off balance and miserable, even though we may be believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

But with true inner happiness we come to the place of contentment found in Phil 4:11-12. “I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound. For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” That is true Christian happiness – inner happiness.

“Wait on the Lord,” Psa 27:14

The word for “wait” is a very interesting Hebrew word, “KIWAH.” When you start out as a believer you start out like a string or a thread. You begin as one strand. Anyone can pick you up and snap you, just as you can snap or break a thread.

But as you begin to study and learn something, another thread is added. Now you are just a little bit stronger and just a little bit bigger. You do the same thing the next day. Then you have a problem and you claim a Promise which you have read and studied.

The next day it is something different. Each day you read and apply. Then you come to a very difficult spot in your life which you face with faith in the Word. You keep weaving these strands and suddenly the life that started as a little strand is now a great, powerful cable which nothing can break.

The word “wait” is the greatest word in the Hebrew language for trusting. It means that you start out as a little strand but as you weave yourself in with the Promises and Doctrines and all the things which are provided in the Word of God. You become like a mighty cable – strong and unbreakable.

”Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.”

“Without Faith it is Impossible to Please Him,” Hebrews 11:6

It is impossible for the believer to mature apart from the development of faith. One of the characteristics of Christian maturity is a strong faith. It requires each of the activities of “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.”

The rather trite expression which is used as a panacea, “have faith,” is absolutely meaningless unless you follow the procedures of “growing in Grace.”

There is no magic formula for the development of a strong faith. It requires daily nourishment from the Word of God, the exercise of faith in the Promises of God, the filling of the Holy Spirit, the pressure of suffering and occupation with Christ.

All of these ingredients contribute to the development of faith from a grain of mustard seed, to a power that can remove mountains. We are reminded in Heb 12:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.”

”The just shall live by faith.”

The Principle of the Negative Emphasizing the Positive

You may not know who is right for you, but you know who it is not! In Scripture the structure is that the negative emphasizes the positive.

Negative:
”Not by works of righteousness which we have done.”
Positive:
”But according to His mercy He saved us,” Titus 3:6.

Negative:
”But to Him that worketh not”
Positive:
”But believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, His faith is counted for righteousness,” Rom 4:5.

Negative:
”The wages of sin is death.”
Positive:
”But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus,” Rom 6:23.

Negative:
”For by Grace are ye saved through faith, but that not of yourselves”
Positive:
”It is the gift of God.”
Negative:
”Not of works lest any man should boast, Eph 2:8-9.

Don’t you wish everything in life would be that simple?

What Pleases the Father?

“For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell,” Col 1:19.

Here is where the preeminence of Christ begins. The Father is pleased that “all fullness” should dwell in the Person of Jesus Christ.

”Fullness” (PLEROMA) is the sum total of all Divine power and attributes of God residing in the Person of Christ. Our happiness begins with the fact that God the Father is pleased with “One Member of the human race.” And since the believer is “in Him,” this word means potential happiness for every Christian.

All believers have the potential to possess happiness. There is no excuse why every believer should not have perfect orientation, peace, and happiness under every circumstance of life, whether it be success or failure, difficulty, or blessing.

The joy or happiness which belongs to Christ is available, but it depends upon our understanding and use of the Word of God. Positionally this fullness belongs to you and to me, but experientially it depends upon the techniques of the filling of the Spirit and occupation with Christ through the Word of God, which results in maturity and living the Grace life.

”This is My Son in whom I am well pleased.”

The Chronology of the Crucifixion!

A further evidence of the uniqueness of Christ is seen in the words that He uttered as He hung upon the Cross. To understand all the spiritual lessons involved, we need to review the chronology of the events of the Cross. It is interesting to note that no one Gospel records all events because each has a different emphasis.

1. The procession arrived at Golgatha. Matt 27:33.
   
2. Jesus was offered a stupefying drink of vinegar and gall which He refused. Matt 27:34.
   
3. Jesus Christ was crucified between two thieves. Luke 23:32, 33. Followed by the first cry on the Cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.
   
4. The soldiers gambled for His clothes as was the Roman custom. Matt 27:35, 36.
   
5. The Jews began to mock Him. Matt 27:39-43.
   
6. The thieves began to rail upon Him, but one of them believed. Luke 23:39-43.
   
7. The second cry was uttered, “Today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43.
   
8. Then seeing to the care of His family, the third cry, “Woman, behold thy son.” John 19:26, 27.
   
9. At exactly 12 noon darkness covered the Earth. Matt 27:45.
   
10. This was followed by the fourth cry, “ELOI ELOI LAMA SABACHTHANI.” Matt 27:46.
    
11. The fifth cry, “I thirst.” Christ thirsted that we might never thirst. John 19:28.
    
12. The sixth cry, “It is finished.” John 19:30.
    
13. And finally, the seventh cry. “Father into Thy hands I commit My Spirit.” Luke 23:46.
    
14. After this the Lord dismissed His Spirit. Matt 27:50.
    

The recorded Words of Christ on the Cross.

Galatians 4:19, “Christ be Formed in You”

The simple application of the rules of Greek grammar and syntax will often lead one to the discovery of some tremendous Truth which would be passed by unnoticed in the use of the English translation, or even of the Greek text, when the rule is not deliberately called to mind and applied to the exegetical problem under consideration.

The phrase under consideration is “Christ be formed in you.” “Be formed” is from “MORPHOO,” a Greek philosophical term referring to the outward expression which comes from and is represented of one’s inner being.

Literally, “Christ be outwardly expressed in you.”

The verb is unmistakably passive in voice, since it is aorist in tense. This puts us on sure ground here and we can bear down on the full significance of the passive voice.

First, the subject of the verb is inactive, passive. Second, it is acted upon by someone or something else.

The passive voice is the voice of Grace, which means we receive “Christ being formed in you.” The tremendous Truth brought out is that Jesus Christ is resident in the soul of the believer and lives in an inactive or passive state.

But, this passivity or inactivity is defined and limited by the meaning of the verb. He is not inactive when it comes to fellowshipping with the saint or ministering on behalf of the saint in His office as Advocate.

But, He is inactive and passive so far as expressing Himself in and through the life of the saint is concerned. That is the Truth brought out.

That Person who acts upon the Lord and expresses Himself through the life of the saint is God the Holy Spirit.

Excellent Material For an Evangelistic Message is Found in the Use of the Present Participle and the Aorist Subjective in John 3:13-14, Where Our Lord Says,

“Whosoever keeps on drinking of this water shall thirst again.”

”But whosoever shall take a drink of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst.”

Continual drinking at the wells of the world never quenches the soul’s thirst for satisfaction. But one drink of eternal life satisfies forever.

The use of the “aktionsart” of the present tense in the indicative mood and in participles is durative action. The aorist subjunctive is punctiliar speaking of the fact of an action.

Here we have the mechanics of the Greek syntax which produced the translation offered above. The reason one drink of eternal life satisfies without a repeated drinking of the same is given us in the context by the two words translated “well.”

The first speaks of a well into which water seeps, and which becomes stagnant, but the latter refers to a “spring” always fresh, overflowing, and alive.

The one drink of eternal life the believing sinner takes at the moment he is saved is in itself a supernatural spring, always alive, refreshing, and satisfying the person in whom it has been placed by the power of God.

Thursday, April 5, 2001

“Where There is No Vision,” Proverbs 29:18

The spiritual life is necessary to have the true vision of God. ”Where there is no vision the people perish.” The word “perish” means to go to pieces.

”Where there is no vision, My people go to pieces.”

That is the trouble today with so many. They don’t have the true vision of God. Why? Because they don’t have the spiritual life. Their vision of God is darkened by their opinions. They don’t have the true vision because they don’t have the abundant life, the life of fellowship with the Lord.

When you have a true vision of God you see Him as He really is. What is God? He is a Spirit. That is true, but what are His characteristics?

1 John 4:16, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God. And God in him.”

Notice that we find that God is love. This is the most important thing in the world for us to know. God is love.

”Herein is love for us made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.”

When we are confident of His love, there is no fear of judgment. We are confident of His love when we are conscious of fellowship with Him and we know that God is love.

”There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment. He that feareth is made perfect in love.”

Yea, “Perfect love casteth out fear.”

We need a true vision of God today.

The Spiritual Life is Necessary to Get the Most Out of Life in Eternity

Spiritual life does not go unrewarded. What is death to a Christian?

Death is homecoming.

Paul said, “To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord, which is far better.” When we pass out of this old body we go straight home to be with the Lord.

Now this is what God said, not what people say.

Paul said twice “to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord, which is much better. And I believe it. When a person passes out of this world, he goes straight out of this old body and goes straight home to be with the Lord.

That is when eternity, real life, begins. Life, real life, begins in eternity. Of course, we have eternal life now. But when we get to Heaven then we will really begin to live.

How we live here depends a great deal upon how we will live there. Death is a homecoming. Life for a Christian begins when he or she goes home to be with the Lord.

”Absent from the body, face to face with the Lord.”

“Lay Not Up For Yourselves Treasures Upon Earth Which Moth and Rust Doth Corrupt, and Where Thieves Break Through and Steal,” Matthew 6:19.

Don’t do that!

Don’t sell your future in eternity for things down here that are not going to last very long. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have drive and ambition. This is not saying that you shouldn’t try to be successful.

There is no doubt the Lord needs successes in this world, too. Some of the most successful men in the world are Christians. But they are not laying up for themselves only. They are using their wealth to help others in need.

”But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.”

A lot of people have prepared themselves to die. Every person that has accepted Christ as their personal Saviour has prepared himself to die. But how many of them have prepared themselves to live?

Our Lord tells us that we can lay up treasures in Heaven, or we can lay up treasures on Earth. Which is it going to be for you? Which path are you going to take?

Matt 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” That is the reason we should be laying up treasures in Heaven.

To get the most out of eternity we need the spiritual life today. The spiritual life is necessary if we are going to be conscious of fellowship with the Lord. We have the true vision of God and we know that God is love.

Man Has the Capacity to Know God!

In order to submit our will to God’s will, we must first know God. How could one submit to one he knew nothing at all about?

But we find that man has the capacity to know God. John 17:1-3, “These words spake Jesus and lifted up His eyes to Heaven and said, Father, the hour is come, Glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee, as Thou hath given Him power over all flesh. That He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hath given Him. And this is life eternal that they may know Thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.”

Notice this verse again. “And this is life eternal, that they may know Thee, the Only True God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.”

Certainly we can see that man does have the capacity to know God, because that is what eternal life is.

We Read God’s Warning to All Mankind in Romans Chapter One

Reading from verse 21 we see the charge against the Gentiles, the heathen group.

”Because that when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imagination and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God gave them up to uncleanness.”

Notice, man knew God … at one time. But he turned from God. When mankind turned from God, God turned from man.

We who are born again now have the capacity to know God, as it is written in John 17:1-3. And knowing God gives us assurance.

2 Tim 1:12, “For the which cause I also suffer these things, nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have trusted, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”

Necessary to the spiritual life is assurance. And when we know God, we have assurance. A sure assurance.

Man Not Only Has the Capacity to Know God, But Also the Capacity to Love God

Knowing God gives us confidence in His love. 1 John 4:16, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him.”

Here we find that you and I have the capacity to know God and knowing God as He really is, gives us assurance. Because to know God is to know that He loves us.

What a blessing that is! It is worthwhile repeating. This is very important for the man who desires the spiritual life. We have the capacity to know God. And knowing God, knowing of His love for us, gives us assurance.

If man has the capacity to know God, man can know that God loves man. Therefore, man also has the capacity to love God.

1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.”

Man has the capacity to know God. Man also has the capacity to love God.

”If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceedeth forth and came from God. Neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me,” John 8:42.

In other words, Jesus Christ is telling the Pharisees that if they were born of God, they would love Him because He came from the Father. We who are Christians have been born again. That new birth produces love for the Lord. We can’t help but love Him.

So, man not only has the capacity to know God. But man has the capacity to love God.

Man Has the Capacity to Obey God

Obedience is necessary for the spiritual life. Because man can know God, man loves God. Man’s love for God makes him want to obey God. How we need to know that!

This is very important to understand because the kind of life you live depends entirely upon whether or not you love the Lord.

John 14:15, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.”

Then in verse 21, “He that hath My commandments and keepeth them. He it is that loveth Me and shall be loved of My Father and I will love him and will manifest Myself to him.”

In verse 23, “If a man love Me, he will keep My Words and My Father will love him. And We will come unto him and make Our abode with him.”

Man has the capacity to know God.

Man has the capacity to love God.

Man has the capacity to obey God.

What Are the Commandments We Will Keep if We Love God?

Every Christian you talk to has an answer to this question, but unfortunately, too few give the answer we find in 1 John 3:22-23. “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we keep His commandments and do those things which are pleasing in His sight. And this is the commandment that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment.”

”Believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ” is salvation.
And, “Love one another as He gave us commandment” is spirituality.

If we love God, we are going to try to obey Him. There are many people who are trying to get others to live a good, spiritual life. They are honest in their efforts. But they begin at the wrong end.

The basis of a spiritual life is love. You see God looks on the heart of man. Man looks on the outside, but God looks within. God sees the desire of man. Man sees the execution of man. The Lord knows that the only one who is obeying His commandments is the one who loves Him.

The walk under Grace is motivated by love for God. We desire a good, clean, separated life because we love the Lord and we know that the spiritual life is the only life that brings honor and glory to Him and pleases Him. But love is the motive and basis and power of the Christian life.

Friday, April 6, 2001

The “Much More Grace” of God’s Care – Romans 5:9-10

1. Objects of His love. Eph 2:4, 5:2
   
2. Objects of His Grace.
   A. For salvation. Eph 2:8-9, “For by Grace are ye saved.”
   B. For keeping. Rom 5:2
   C. For service. Eph 4:7
   D. For instruction. Titus 2:11-12
   
3. Objects of His power. Eph 1:19, Phil 2:13
   
4. Objects of His faithfulness. Heb 13:5, Phil 1:6
   
5. Objects of His peace. Col 3:15
   
6. Objects of His consolation. 2 Thes 2:16
   
7. Objects of His intercession. Heb 7:5, Rom 8:34, Heb 9:24
   

   

A Heavenly Association

Eph 2:6, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

1. 1. Partners with Christ in life.
   Col 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.”
   1 John 5:11-12, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
   
2. Partners with Christ in position.
   Eph 2:6, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”
   
3. Partners with Christ in service.
   1 Cor 1:9, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
   
   A. Workers together with God.
   2 Cor 3:9, “For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.”
   B. Workers together with Him.
   2 Cor 6:4, “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses.”
   C. Minister of the New Testament.
   2 Cor 3:6, “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.”
   D. Ambassadors.
   2 Cor 5:20, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
   E. Epistles.
   2 Cor 3:3, “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.”
   F. Ministers of Christ.
   2 Cor 6:4, “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses.”
   
4. Partners with Christ in suffering.
   2 Tim 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
   Phil 1:29, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
   1 Pet 2:20, “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”
   1 Pet 4:12-13, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
   

Vitally United to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

1. In God. 1 Thes 1:1, Eph 4:6
   
2. In Christ. John 14:20, Col 1:27
   A. A member of His body, 1 Cor 12:13
   B. A branch in the vine, John 15:5
   C. A stone in the building, Eph 2:19-22
   D. A sheep in the flock, John 10:27-29
   E. A part of His bride, Eph 5:25-27
   F. A priest of the kingdom of priests, 1 Pet 2:5-9
   G. A saint of the new generation, 1 Pet 2:9
   
3. In the Spirit. Rom 8:9, 1 Cor 2:12
   

Vitally United to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

1. In God.
   1 Thes 1:1, “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the Church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
   Eph 4:6, “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
   
2. In Christ.
   John 14:20, “At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you.”
   Col 1:27, “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”
   A. A member of His body.
   1 Cor 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
   B. A branch in the Vine.
   John 15:5, “I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.”
   C. A stone in the Building.
   Eph 2:19-22, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
   D. A sheep in the flock.
   John 10:27-29, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.”
   E. A part of His bride.
   Eph 5:25-27, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
   F. A priest of the kingdom of priests.
   1 Pet 2:5-9, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a Chief Corner Stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner, And a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:
   G. A saint of the new generation.
   1 Pet 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
   
3. In the Spirit.
   Rom 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.”
   1 Cor 2:12, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
   

Blessed With the First-Fruits and the “Earnest of the Spirit”

1. Born of the Spirit.
   John 3:6
   
2. Baptized with the Spirit.
   1 Cor 12:13
   
3. Indwelt by the Spirit.
   1 Cor 6:19, 2:12, John 7:39, Rom 5:5, Gal 4:6
   
4. Sealed by the Spirit.
   Eph 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22
   

   

Children of God

1. Born again.
   John 3:7, 1 Pet 1:23
   
2. Quickened.
   Eph 2:1, Col 2:13
   
3. Sons of God.
   1 John 3:3, 2 Cor 6:18, Gal 3:26
   
4. A new creation.
   2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Eph 2:10
   
5. Regeneration.
   Titus 3:5, John 13:10, 1 Cor 6:11
   

Accessible to God by Jesus Christ

1. Made the righteousness of God in Him.
   Rom 3:22, 1 Cor 11:30, 2 Cor 5:21, Phil 3:9
   
2. Set apart positionally. Christ Jesus who is made unto us sanctification.
   1 Cor 1:30, 1 Cor 6:11.
   This is not to be confused with experiential sanctification in John 17:17 or the final perfection of the believer.
   Eph 5:27
   
3. Perfected forever.
   Heb 10:14
   
4. Made accepted in the Beloved.
   Eph 1:6, 1 Pet 2:5
   
5. Made meet.
   Col 1:12
   

   

Vitally Connected to Christ for Judgment of the “Old Man” Into a New Walk

1. Crucified with Christ.
   Rom 6:6
   
2. Dead with Christ.
   Rom 6:8, 1 Pet 2:24
   
3. Buried with Him.
   Rom 6:4, Col 2:12
   
4. Raised with Christ. To walk a new life principle.
   Rom 6:4, Col 3:1
   

   

The Lord is My Light

The light is on the inside. This light is His provision.

First of all, Christ is the Light and Christ is in us, indwells us, “the Hope of glory,” Col 1:27.

Secondly, God the Holy Spirit is in us, indwells us, and is also called “our Light” in Eph 5:8. The word “Spirit” should be translated “Light,” which is the filling of the Spirit. Gal 5:22.

The principle is further stated in Eph 5:14, “Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead.” 1 John 1:9 – restoration back to fellowship, not salvation in this context. “And Christ shall give thee light” – filling of the Holy Spirit.

The filling of the Holy Spirit, which produces light, also become a developer of faith.

“The Lord is My Light and My Salvation,” Psa 27:1

David wrote many hundreds of year ago that he had accepted the Promised Messiah as his Saviour, for he said, “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation.”

The Lord is my Salvation. Salvation is a Person.

If Jesus Christ alone is salvation, whom else can we trust ? The answer is no one. The whole principle of Psalm 27 is that eternal relationship with God can only be obtained through faith in Christ. Eph 2:8-9.

The Cross is the only barrier that stands between you and God.

God cannot have fellowship with you because you are a sinner by birth and by action. But Christ died on the Cross and paid for your sins. God cannot have fellowship with you as a member of the human race because you are under the penalty of sin, which is eternal death, which is separation from God.

When Christ died, He paid the penalty. Furthermore, God cannot have a relationship with you because you are born into this world with three strikes against you: imputed sin, inherent sin, and personal sin.

Jesus Christ resolved all three problems when He died on the Cross for you.

”He made Him to be sin, Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Cor 5:21

By human standards your life may be impressive with many good deeds. But as far as God is concerned, they all add up to relative righteousness – “We come short of the glory of God.”

All the good deeds in the world cannot measure up to God’s standard of absolute righteousness … “God is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity.”

Jesus Christ is equal with God, John 10:30, and yet at the same time, a true Member of the human race. He was absolute righteousness.

Therefore, everything that God has against me as a member of the human race was resolved at the Cross. The Cross takes care of everything, so that Jesus Christ becomes my Salvation when I believe in Him.

”Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

”The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear?” Psa 27:1, or “Whom shall I Trust?” There is only one Person in whom I can trust. Because there is only one Saviour, not two, or a dozen saviours. Not a lot of religions, not a universal Fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man.

There is only one Saviour, Jesus Christ, and therefore only one condition of salvation: ”Verily, Verily, I say unto you. He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life,” John 7:47.

”For there is salvation in none other, for there is no other Name under Heaven given to man whereby we must be saved.”

Assurance of Salvation

“The Lord is the strength of my life,” Psa 27

This has to do with eternal security. For remember that all security in time is based upon security in eternity.

Once I believe in Christ, I possess eternal life. This eternal life which is given to me at the moment of salvation is something that can never be removed. There are many facets of this security.

First of all, I am in union with Christ. The moment I accept Him as my personal Saviour, I cannot get out of that relationship.

Rom 8:1, “There is therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.”
Further Paul states, “I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, no angels, nor principalities, nor power, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:38-39.

To believe in Christ, to put one’s trust in Him, to depend upon Him for salvation means that I cannot lose my salvation. This relationship cannot be broken. There is nothing I can do to change this situation.

Once I have trusted in Jesus Christ, I possess a relationship with Him which lasts forever. Eternal security is exactly what its definition implies – secure for all eternity.

Consequently, in this verse we have not only salvation, but assurance of it. I am assured of life forever in the presence of God. While it is impossible to describe in human language, I am to understand that it is a fantastically wonderful blessing.

”I give unto them eternal life and no one shall pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28 … “and My Father’s hand.”

You are in good hands ...

Receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as My Personal Saviour

The assurance that nothing can take away this so great salvation, I know that He is the One “who keeps me from falling and will present me faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,” Jude 1:14.

I know also that “I have an inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away; Reserved in heaven for those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time,” 1 Pet 1:4-5.

I know that eternity is solved once and for all. And I know who solved it. “The Lord is My salvation,” Psa 27:1. I did not earn it. I did not work for it. I did not deserve it. Nor did I add anything to it. I simply trusted Him. I simply believed it. As far as eternity is concerned, beyond the grave, beyond death, there is nothing for me but blessing.

”There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying. Neither shall there be any more pain. For the former things are passed away,” Rev 21:4.

I know that “to be absent from the body is to be face to face with the Lord,” 2 Cor 5:8.

I know that Jesus Christ said. “I am the Resurrection, and the Life, and he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live,” John 11:25.

I know that I, as well as other believers, will be in a place that is so wonderful it is beyond human description. Therefore, immediately I say to myself, beyond death there is nothing to fear. There is nothing harsh or unpleasant to anticipate for ever and ever.

“One Thing Have I Desired,” Psalm 27

First, as soon as I am born again, if I am a normal spiritual baby, I have a desire for spiritual milk. Spiritual milk is contained in the Word of God. ”One thing have I desired of the Lord.”

Regeneration brings a desire for the Word of God, for Divine Truth. ”That will I seek after.”

This is the pattern of studying the Word of God. I will seek after the Truth, the milk or the food that God gives.

First of all, then, there is motivation. I now have a desire to study the Word of God. Before I believed in Christ, the Bible was just another book, one in which I personally had little interest. Apparently a lot of controversy existed over this Book, but I found other books much more interesting to read.

Now everything is changed. I believe in Jesus Christ. The Bible is a real and living Book. The Bible is God’s Word. It is a Book which has stood all the tests, all of the controversies, all of the opposition of the ages. And continues to exist, right up to this moment, as a best seller, even though at the same time it is the most attacked Book in the history of mankind.

It is God’s Word in written form. In it I have promises and principles to apply to every circumstance of life. I am suddenly aware that not only is the Person of Jesus Christ my temporal and eternal security, but also that He has very graciously given me something in addition to salvation. He has given me written promises and principles to use in time. As I utilize and apply these principles, I have the full realization of temporal security.

”One thing have I desired.” Motivation, desire, for the Word of God.

”That will I seek after.”

Divine Truth must be sought at its source. There is only one Source, the Word of God, the Bible you hold in your hand.

A Complete, Thorough Study on the Doctrine of the Heart

1. Definition:
   ”The heart” is a part of the mentality, the mind. The Hebrew word is “LEB” and the Greek word is “KARDIA” – the thinking part of the mind.
   
   A. It is always used in the Bible for the origin of thinking. 1 Sam 16:17, Prov 23:7. “As a man thinketh in his mind, so is he.” It is never used for the physiological heart or from the emotions.
   
   B. Gen 6:5 distinguishes between imaginations and thoughts of the heart.
   
   1. “Imaginations” “everything formed”– that is every frame of reference.
   2. “Thoughts” – thoughts, designs, prospects.
   
2. The essence of the heart.
   A. The frame of reference, the entrance antechamber of the Word. Prov 4:4
   
   B. The memory center, the “pump” that circulates the Word into various areas of the mind, Phil 1:3.
   
   C. The vocabulary storage – the empty house for the formation of thought.
   
   D. The categorical storage – the supply house for the classification of thoughts.
   
   E. The conscience – storage for all norms and standards. Rom 2:15, 9:1, 13:5; 1 Cor 8:7; 2 Cor 4:2, 5:11; Titus 1:15; Heb 9:14; 1 Pet 2:19.
   
   F. The launching pad – Source of all the mental attitudes in life.
   
3. The analogy of the heart.
   A. A heart is designed to dominate the soul. All other parts of the soul are designed to be subordinate – self consciousness, volition, emotion.
   
   B. The heart is the target for growing in Grace. To reach the target, the Word must be passed through the mind and the human spirit.
   
   C. Therefore, the doctrinal content of the soul must reside in the heart or mind. 1 Kings 3:9, 12; Job 38:36; Psa 19:14, 119:11; Prov 2:2, 10:8, 15:14, 18:5.
   
4. The facets of the heart.
   A. The heart can reject Bible teaching, Prov 5:12-13.
   
   B. The heart is the source of discord and troublemaking, Prov 6:14, 18.
   
   C. The heart of the prostitute is subtle, Prov 7:10.
   
   D. Hatred emanates from the heart, 2 Sam 6:16.
   
   E. The heart suffers disappointment from promises not kept, Prov 13:12.
   
   F. The heart promotes mental attitude sins.
   1. Bitterness, Prov 14:10
   2. Sorrow and disappointment, Prov 14:13.
   3. Pride, Prov 21:4, Obad 3
   4. Worry, Ecc 2:23
   
   G. Women use the heart to trap men, Ecc 7:26.
   
   H. Frantic search for happiness is related to the heart, Ecc 1:13
   
   I. Negative volition is described in terms of the heart, Jer 17:5, 9, Zech 7:12
   
   J. Revolution and insubordination are described as being in the heart, 2 Sam 15:6, Jer 5:23, Ezek 6:9.
   
   K. Hypocrisy is related to the heart, Job 36:13, Psa 55:21

More to come ...

Saturday, April 7, 2001

The Six Trials of Jesus Christ

1. Annas – John 18:12, “And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.”
   
2. Caiaphas – Matt 26:57, “And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.”
   
3. Caiaphas –Luke 22:66, “And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,”
   
4. Pilate – Luke 23:1, “And the whole multitude of them arose, and led Him unto Pilate.”
   
5. Herod – Luke 23:8, “And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see Him of a long season, because he had heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him.”
   
6. Pilate – Luke 23:13, “And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people.”
   

The Death of Christ

1. His Spirit went to the Father – Luke 23:46, “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit: and having said thus, He gave up the Spirit.”
   
2. His soul went to Hades – Eph 4:9, “Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the Earth?”
   Luke 23:43, “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.”
   1 Pet 3:18-21, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
   Psa 16:10, “For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”
   
3. His body went into the grave – Luke 23:53, “And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.”
   

   

What is So “Good” About “Good Friday”?

The Jewish time was that one day was from 6 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Matt 12:40, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the Earth.”

Day 1: Wednesday April 14 (after 6 p.m.) – the Passover – to Thursday, April 15 – the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Lev 23:6, “And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.”

Day 2: Thursday, April 15 to Friday, April 16

Day 3: Friday, April 16 to Saturday, April 17 – a Sabbath. Lev 23:3, “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.”

Sunday, April 18 – the Firstfruits – Lev 23:10-11, “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.”

On Friday Christ was still in the grave. What’s so good about that?

A Personal Challenge!

“And having made peace through the blood of His Cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself. By Him, I say, whether there be things in Earth or things in Heaven. And you, who were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet hath He now reconciled,” Col 1:20-21.

Alienated from God and in a continuous state of estrangement since the time of Adam’s sin. All mankind is under the condemnation and wrath of God, therefore, separated from fellowship with Him.

This verse goes even a step further to indicate the thoughts of mankind as at enmity with God. The area of the unbeliever’s hostility is in the mind. Human viewpoint is hostile to God.

Furthermore, no work of the believer is acceptable to God. All human good is relegated to the category of “wicked works.”

”We are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” Isa 64:6.

There are six strikes against every person born into this world which constitute an impassable barrier between God and man.

The Total Concept of Salvation Encompasses Six Doctrines by Which This Barrier Was Removed

One for each of the six strikes against man

1. Redemption – Removal of the barrier of the bondage of sin.
   1 Pet 1:18-19, Gal 3:13, Eph 1:7
   
2. Expiation – The payment demanded for sin.
   Col 2:14
   
3. Regeneration – The new birth giving life.
   
4. Imputation and justification – The solution to the problem of relative righteousness
   Rom 3:22, 2 Cor 5:21
   
5. Propitiation– Satisfied the righteousness and justice of God.
   1 John 2:1, 2, 4:10, Rom 3:23-25
   
6. Position in Christ – Severing his old relationship to Adam
   Eph 1:3-6, 2 Cor 5:17, 1 Cor 15:22
   

   

The Doctrine of the Heart – Part Two

1. The relation of the heart to thinking and perception.
   A. Function of growing in Grace. Deut 29:4
   B. Thinking of a negativity. Psa 10:6, 11, 13
   C. Thinking of atheism. Psa 14:1
   D. Rationalization of education. Ecc 1:13-18
   E. Rationalization of mental attitude sins. Isa 47:10
   F. Communication of false teachers from the deceit of their hearts. Jer 14:14
   G. Meditation on the Word. Luke 2:19
   H. Ambitious thinking. Luke 9:46, 47
   
2. The analogy to Right-Man/Right-Woman.
   A. The heart is analogous to the Right-Man and dominates the soul in the normal person.
   B. The emotion is the Right-Woman, designed to be a responder to the content of the heart.
   C. Therefore, they are linked in the following Scriptures. Psa 26:2, Jer 11:20, Jer 17:10, Jer 20:12
   
3. The heart and capacity for life.
   A. Since the emotion takes the place of the Right-Woman, the responder, and since the heart is the Right-Man, the aggressor, all capacity for life must be initiated in the heart.
   B. All capacity for life resides in the frame of reference, memory center, vocabulary, thinking, categorizing, conscience of the mind.
   C. From these areas, the heart initiates and the emotion responds as in sex between Right-Man and Right-Woman.
   D. They are both positive and negative in capacity for life.
   1. The positive love, Deut 6:5, 11:13, Joshua 22:5. Happiness, Psa 19:8, 28:7. Dynamics,. Job 9:4.
   2. The negative sorrow. Lev 26:16, Neh 2:2. Pressure, Psa 34:18. Cowardice, Joshua 14:8, 1 Sam 17:32. Discouragement, Num 32:7, 9.
   
4. The basic area for happiness.
   A. Gladness of heart. 1 Sam 1:13, 10:9, 1 Kings 8:66, 2 Chr 7:10, Esther 5:9.
   B. Merry heart. 1 Sam 25:36, 2 Sam 13:28, Prov 15:13, 15, 17:22
   
5. The area of cursing in the soul.
   A. Negative volition in the heart results in national disaster. Deut 28:47, 48
   B. Revenge is a malfunction of the heart. Psa 24:1, 2, Ezek 25:15-17
   C. The heart is related to psychosis. Isa 13:7, 8
   D. Mental attitude sins relate the old sin nature to the heart. Psa 66:18, Psa 101:5, Prov 6:18, Matt 12:35, 15:18, 19, Luke 6:45, 24:25
   
6. A blessing to the growing believer
   A. Heart related to Grace function. Prov 24:17.
   B. Heart related to Grace orientation. Ezek 23:9.
   C. Heart related to happiness. 1 Sam 2:1.
   D. Heart basis of stability in a crisis. Psa 112:7-8.
   
7. The relation to motivation in life.
   A. Temporal life. Ex 35:25, 26, 35, 36:8.
   B. Spiritual life. 1 Kings 18:7, 2 Cor 9:7.
   
8. The relation to positive volition. Rom 10:9, 10
   
9. The heart as an anthropopathism. 1 Sam 2:35, Psa 78:72, Jer 23:20, 30:24.
   A. An anthropopathism ascribes to God human feelings, passions, and thoughts in terms of man’s feelings, passions, and thoughts.
   B. It is designed to explain God’s policies, thoughts, acts, and decisions in terms of human language so that man can have a frame of reference.
   C. Therefore, anthropopathisms are language of accommodation to express the Divine attitude to homo sapiens in man’s vocabulary and language.
   

“And Be Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind,” Ephesians 4:23

Literally, be restored by means of the Spirit, by means of your mind.

Restoration is achieved by confession of sin. 1 John 1:9. But the continuative particle “and” with the present tense and the passive voice of “renew” indicates that in addition to the points of time when restoration becomes necessary, it is also essential to continue the function of growing in Grace in order to garrison your soul against negative volition and to move on unto maturity.

”By means of the Spirit” is a reference to the Holy Spirit Who energizes the function of growing in Grace.

”By means of your mind” is a rare use of the ablative of means, and when accompanied by the implication of origin or source, indicates that the mind is both the means and the source of cranking up growing in Grace.

The frame of reference provides an alarm system to detect false teaching and erroneous doctrines of the myriad cults and religious con artists of this age. Such discernment is vital during the intensified stage of the angelic conflict.

The frame of reference develops soul capacity and discernment to detect important relationships in life, such as that of Right-Man/Right-Woman.

The frame of reference provides the “furniture” of the soul whereby God is able to share His happiness with the believer.

The frame of reference is the basis for mental attitude dynamics, which lead to the production of Divine Good. This includes proper communication in witnessing, correct content of prayer, and accuracy in other functions assigned to the believer.

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Eph 3:20

“Ask” is the Greek word “AITEO,” and is the ordinary word for request or prayer. The word indicates the fact that we have the right to petition God for certain needs or desires. However, a new believer or a believer minus Doctrine, has no ability to make proper requests of God. He simply bases his requests on human concepts.

Effective prayer is dependent upon Doctrine in the frame of reference. A person may not yet know the Doctrine of baptism and the indwelling of the Spirit, lacking the necessary frame of reference. He asks for the Holy Spirit. But he is wasting his time praying for something which he already has.

The same is true with the filling of the Spirit. We do not receive the filling of the Spirit by asking. This occurs automatically through restoration (confession of sins).

But with Doctrine in the human spirit cycled into the mind for frame of reference, prayer exhaled toward God has spiritual content and becomes meaningful.

”The power that worketh in us” includes both Doctrine and the ministry of God the Holy Spirit operational through the function of growing in Grace. The power of the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Heb 4:12 and Acts 1:8. ”The Word of God is alive and powerful.” “Ye shall be witnesses unto Me when the power of the Spirit is come upon thee.”

That power is “DUNAMIS,” which is dynamite.

Ephesians 4:17, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that he henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind.”

”Vanity” is the Greek word “METAIOTES,” which is a vacuum in the soul created by negative volition to the Word of God.

This is the concept of hardening of the heart. It is a stage of negative volition in which the believer becomes entrenched in some form of negative volition through reactor factors in the soul. This leads to a frantic search for happiness and the emotional revolt of the soul. This vacuum becomes filled with the doctrine of demons and results in a blackout of Doctrine in the mind. This leads to the accumulation of calluses on the soul or hardness of the heart. And therefore, a total lack of soul capacity with God.

Eph 4:18, “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them. Because of the blindness of their mind.”

“Hath Revealed”

”But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yet the deep things of God,” 1 Cor 2:10.

”Hath revealed” is “APOKALUPTO.” This introduces the system of perception. Under this verse there is no place for human meritorious perception.

APOKALUPTO signifies only Grace perception. It actually connotes “illumination,” “to bring to light.”

The plan of God and Doctrine have always existed. It is just a matter of transferring them from the Bible to your mind. There are those who keep a Bible handy so if ever they get into a jam they can open it up in a hurry and try to find help.

The Bible is not like a medicine cabinet – for emergency action only. The believer must be inculcated in advance against emergencies by a constant intake of the Word of God.

God has designed you as a royal priest to be spiritually self-sustaining. This is achieved only on the basis of inner resources.

The Bible is the exterior Source of your inner assets. The Word of God is located forever in the Bible, but it has no value to you unless you take it out of your Bible and make it resident in your soul.

More to come on APOKALUPTO, “hath revealed.”

“Hath Revealed” – 1 Corinthians 2:10 – “APOKALUPTO”

The aorist tense of APOKALUPTO indicates the point of time when you are listening to Bible teaching under conditions of the filling of the Spirit.

You have been allotted a certain amount of time on this Earth after you are saved. Since every waking moment cannot be spent in listening to the Word of God, we therefore must listen at various points in time.

The active voice of the verb indicates that God the Father produces the action through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The filling of the Spirit enables the Grace apparatus for function.

The indicative mood is the reality of the existence of a Grace apparatus for perception entirely apart from human I.Q. systems.

The preposition “APO” means that God the Father is the ultimate Source of this revelation.

“For the Spirit Searcheth,” 1 Corinthians 2:10

“Searcheth” is the Greek word, “ERAUNAO.” This verb has four meanings, which are all pertinent to the teaching ministry of God the Holy Spirit to the believer under perspicacity by Grace.

What surpasses knowledge? Knowledge is the word “GNOSIS.” There is also “EPIGNOSIS.” “EPI” means over or beyond “GNOSIS,” knowledge.

Over or beyond knowledge is the Word of God stored in the human spirit. This passage is not saying you cannot understand the love of God because it passes knowledge. It says you can understand God’s love because He had provided “EPIGNOSIS,” the full categorical knowledge and understanding of God.

The Word of God in the human spirit and in the mind becomes capacity to love Christ or occupation with Christ.

The result of “EPIGNOSIS” is “that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” “The fulness of God” becomes the edification of the soul. The word “edification” and “edifying” is “OIKODOME,” which means the act of building up, or the act of erecting a spiritual structure in the soul, which Teddy Roosevelt wrote about.

With this edification in the soul, the believer who continues to function under growing in Grace moves into maturity. For the believer this is the normal status quo, when he can have the capacity to receive and utilize the superabundant blessings which God the Father has provided as a part of the Doctrine of Divine Decrees.

To be Edified, or Edification of the Soul

This is an immaterial structure in the soul of a mature believer. The foundation is the Word of God stored in the human spirit.

It is composed of five floors:

1. Grace orientation – which is a relaxed mental attitude.
   
2. Mastery over the details of life – which are details serving you.
   
3. Capacity to love God.
   
4. Capacity for Right-Man and Right-Woman or friends.
   
5. Inner happiness.

This edification of the soul is the backbone of the soul and the bridge to Grace maturity.

“Believed”

The word “believed” is translated:

1. “Brought up” in Lam.4:5.
   
2. “Sure” in Psa 93:5.
   
3. “Verified” in Gen 49:20.
   
4. “Established” in 2 Chr 1:9.
   
5. “Faithful” in Num 12:7.
   
6. “Standfast” in Psa 89:28.
   
7. “Assurance” in Deut 28:60.
   
8. “Steadfast” in Psa 78:8.
   
9. “Trust” in Job 4:18.

Reading these words into the meaning and association of faith, we may say of this man of faith:

He is “brought up” by the Lord’s ministry.
He is “sure” of the Lord’s love.
He is “verified” in the Lord’s Truth.
He is “established” in the Lord’s Grace.
He is “faithful” in the Lord’s service.
He “stands fast” in temptation for the Lord’s glory.
He is “assured” by the Lord’s promise.
He is “steadfast” in the Lord’s way.
He “trusts” in the Lord himself.

The Law of Radiant Faith

Faith is the Grace that receives from the Lord what He has to offer and rest in the will of His Word. The verb “to believe” denotes the steady resting of the soul upon an object outside of itself. Therefore, for one person to rely, to trust, to depend upon another.

Faith depends upon the living God. It has no reliance upon itself.

The same word rendered “believed” in Gen 15:6 is rendered “nursed” in Isa 60:4 where it says, “Thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.” Referring to the Eastern custom of the mother carrying her child astride upon the hip and with her arms around the body.

What better picture could we have of the act and attitude of faith than the child resting on the mother’s hip and being supported by her?

”Abram believed in Lord and the Lord counted it unto him for righteousness.” The Lord understood all the responsibilities of his salvation and need.

Sunday, April 8, 2001

The Truth Teaching the Truth

For an accurate and true understanding of what the Word of God has to say, there is no better way than noticing what the Lord Jesus Christ has to say. It is “the Truth” teaching “the Truth.”

The word to “abide” is the Greek word “MENO,” which means to be in one place all the time. It is used to describe where a person dwells.

The word “MENO” is used by the Lord Jesus Christ in John 15, 12 times. It is translated “abide,” “continue,” and “remain.”

Notice how Jesus Christ uses this word and you will see the meaning and the application of it as the Lord of glory used it.

1. Command to abide.
   ”Abide in Me,” John 15:4. This is a call to obedience and not an option in choice.
   
2. Christ’s abiding in us depends on our abiding in Him.
   “Abide in Me and I in you,” John 15:4. The order of our obedience secures the omnipotence of His presence.
   
3. Necessity of abiding.
   The branch is useless and helpless in itself. Ezek 15:1-6. Its fruitfulness depends upon being united to the Vine. So, union and communion with Christ are essential for fruitfulness. John 15:4.
   
4. Result of abiding.
   “The much fruit” of His dying. John 12:24 finds its counterpart in the “much fruit” of His living in us by our abiding in Him. John 15:5.
   
5. Consequence of not abiding.
   Want of fruit proves we are professors and not partakers. There may be a fruitless vine, but there cannot be a fruitless Christ. For union with Christ proves itself by fruit from Him. John 15:6 and Hosea 14:8.
   
6. Blessing of abiding.
   John 15:7. As we answer to the Lord in our obedience, He answers to our prayers with His blessing.
   
7. Sphere of abiding.
   “Continue ye in My love,” John 15:9. As we live in the element of God’s love, we inbreathe His affection to our comfort and we outbreathe it to others’ help.
   
8. How to abide.
   “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love.” John 15:10. The royal road of God's benediction is the loyal road of our faithfulness.
   
9. Fellowship of abiding.
   John 15:10. Christ does not ask us to do anything He has done to God for us and which He promises to do in us to God’s glory.
   
10. The joy of abiding.
    John 15:11. The things of the world pass away, but the joy of the Lord comes to stay.
    
11. Reward of abiding.
    John 15:16. Abiding in the Son, we as abiding sons find the abiding fruit, for He not only “gives the fruit of union,” verse 4, and the “more fruit” of discipline, verse 2, and the “much fruit” of His indwelling and abundant life to God’s glory, verses 5, 8, but the fruit that remains, verse 16, which puts us in the place of prevailing prayer.

Here is a complete dissertation on the word “MENO,” with its meaning and application by the Lord Himself.

No need to turn to any other for documentation. This is absolute accuracy.

Righteousness ...

The word “righteousness” in Romans is used in seven different ways. While its primary meaning means to be right, the context suggests the sense in which it is to be understood.

1. Personality – what God is – or His acts consistent with His nature, therefore that which is right. Rom 3:5, 9, 25.
   
2. Righteousness of the law – or what God demands from men. Rom 10:5, Rom 9:31.
   
3. Righteousness displayed in the Gospel – that is, God’s Grace consistent with His character. Rom 1:17, 3:21-26, 5:17, 21, 8:10.
   
4. The righteousness of God personified in Christ – that is, He is all that God wishes and fulfilled all He required. Rom 10:3-4.
   
5. The righteousness of faith – or what God puts to our account. When we believe in Christ, namely, we are made the righteousness of God in Christ. Rom 4:3-22, 9:30, 10:6, 10.
   
6. The righteousness of the Spirit – or what He produces in the life of the believer. Rom 14:17.
   
7. The righteousness of the believer – or the practical outcome of union with Christ. Rom 6:13, 16, 18, 19, 20.

”He made Him to be sin, Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Cor 5:21.

“The Law of the Spirit”

“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus makes us free from the law of sin and death,” Rom 8:2. We are under a new law, the law of spirituality.

A Spirit-filled life is extensive in its meaning. There are several phases and phrases which have to do with a Spirit-filled life.

1. Baptism – is the immersing word and denotes the Spirit’s power. Acts 1:5.
   
2. Anointing – is the qualifying word and speaks of His consecrating Grace. 2 Cor 1:21.
   
3. Sealing – is the claiming word and avows His proprietary rights. Eph 1:13, Eph 4:30.
   
4. Enduement – is His endowing word and proclaims His empowering ability. Luke 24:49.
   
5. Earnest – is the assuring word and guarantees the coming glory. 2 Cor 5:5.
   
6. Full – is the sufficient word and tells of His satisfying efficiency. Acts 6:5.
   
7. Filled – is the overflowing word and represents His constant inflow and outflow in life and service. Acts 2:4.

”Filled in the Spirit,” not with the Spirit. The preposition “EN” should read “in” and not “with.” The Spirit is in every believer as the Spirit of adoption. But it is not every believer that is in the Spirit.

It is one thing to possess the Spirit and another thing to be possessed by the Spirit. “Spirit-possession.”

Learn to Discriminate!

A critic who observed to Michael Angelo that he seemed in his work to be careful about trifles, was answered, “Trifles make perfection. And perfection is no trifle.”

Take two facts about the Lord Jesus Christ. He is called “the Only Begotten,” John 3:16. And, “the First Begotten,” Heb 1:6.

As the “Only Begotten” He was the only One of God who could meet our need. He stands alone in His Deity and majesty.

But, as “the First Begotten,” He arose from the dead as the One who was the pledge of all the redeemed who should be raised and glorified.

God made His Son like to all that He might make all sons like unto One.

Exhortations From Scripture – “Let Us”

Exhortation means an appeal to the mind and conscience of the individual to do something that is worthy and of importance and leads to a practical end.

We frequently find the apostles exhorting those to whom they write to do certain things in connection with the words “Let us.” The following outline is connected with the coming of Christ.

1. Separation – Seeing “The night is far spent and the day is at hand, Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light,” Rom13:12. The clothes of the old man of sin are to be cast away as useless and worn out and the armour of Him who is light is to panoply us.
   
2. Walk – “Let us walk honestly and put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” Rom 13:13, 14. To walk in the realm of honesty means to be open to the light and free from any ulterior motives, namely to be transparent. To be clothed with Christ signifies that He is seen and heard.
   
3. Following – “Let us, therefore, follow after peace,” Rom 14:19. The association of these words is in relation to our conduct towards each other. Our conduct will be reviewed at the Judgment Seat of Christ, when we shall each have to give an account to God. Verse 12. Therefore, we are not to judge or despise each other but to “follow after peace.”
   
4. Reaping – “Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not,” Gal 6:9. We shall reap in kind what we sow.
   
5. Alertness – “Let us not sleep,” 1 Thes 5:6. To be in a state of spiritual slumber, as the word “sleep” means, is to evidence we are in a wrong condition of soul. To awake is to show we are alert to the Lord’s will.
   
6. Watchfulness – “Let us watch and be sober,” 1 Thes 5:6. We need a watchful eye to see what the enemy is after, a watchful soul to keep the garden of our inner being, and a watchful spirit to be ready for our Lord.
   
7. Sobriety – “Let us who are of the day be sober,” 1 Thes 5:8. Because of what we are, we ought to be different from others. Dare to be different! D.D.

Do you feel good about these exhortations simply because of the words “Let us?” We are not alone.

The Distinctiveness of Scripture

The Word of God is finely and tersely made known in the use of the word “this” in John’s first epistle, especially if we know that the same word is rendered “herein” and “hereby.”

If students of the Word of God would look up the associations of the following sentences, they will see what a glorious unfolding of Truth there is found in “this distinctive word.”

”In this was manifest the love of God,” 1 John 4:19.

”This commandment have we from Him,” 1 John 4:21.

”By this we know that we love the children of God,” 1 John 5:2.

”For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments,” 1 John 5:3.

”This is the victory that overcometh the world,” 1 John 5:4.

”This is He that came by water and blood,” 1 John 5:6.

”This is the Witness of God,” 1 John 5:9.

”This is the record,”1 John 5:11.

”This is the confidence that we have in Him,” 1 John 5:14.

”This is the true God and eternal life,” 1 John 5:20.

The Word of God is a distinctive Word of God.

The Promises Pertaining to the “Promised One”

He is:

”To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name is the forgiveness of sin.”

Amos Repeats Himself – The Law of Repetition

Eight times in the prophecy of Amos in connection with eight peoples we have this peculiar sentence. ”For three transgressions and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof,” Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 2:1, 4, 6.

Then follows a reason why God dealt in punishment with the several parties which are associated with the eight times God uses the word “because.”

Christ in the Gospel of Matthew uses the pregnant and personal sentence, “Verily I say unto you” no less than 30 times.

Matt 5:18, 26, 6:2, 5, 16, 8:10, 10:15, 23, 42, 11:11, 13:17, 16:28, 17:20, etc., etc.

Repetition is Theological glue.

“You Cannot Be My Disciple”

Three times Jesus Christ uses the sentence, “Cannot be My disciple” in laying down the conditions of discipleship. Luke 14:26, Luke 14:27, Luke 14:33.

Three times Christ reminded the Jews of the consequence of unbelief, namely, “That they would die in their sins” “And whither I go, ye cannot come.” John 8:21, John 8:24.

Three times Christ asked Peter the question, “Lovest thou Me?” John 21:15-17.

Repetition is Theological glue.

Triplication

1. The three-fold reference to the Father in John 17, when Christ speaks to Him as “Father.”
   When He addresses “His Father” on behalf of His people, He says, “Holy Father.”
   And then He refers to Him “as righteous Father,” John 17:1, 11, 25.
   
2. Three-fold evil.
   Sin is often coupled with “transgression” and “iniquity,” but they cannot substitute the one for the other.
   Sin is the missing of the mark of God’s requirement.
   Transgression is going beyond the boundary of God’s law.
   Iniquity is twisting what is straight and making it crooked. In Psalm 32:1 it tells us what God will do with these.
   
3. Three-fold requirement of God’s request.
   There are three things which He requires from His creature, man.
   
   ”What doth the Lord require of thee?
   ”But to do justly,
   ”And to love mercy,
   ”And to walk humbly with thy God,” Micah 6:8.

This is the verse Teddy Roosevelt put in the Bibles of the soldiers going over seas during WWI with commendation.

Monday, April 9, 2001

The News is Saying That This Year at Easter Time on TV the Face of Jesus Christ is Changing

One which most Americans don’t know.

I thought His face was so marred that He no longer could be recognized as a man. Isa 52:13, “Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently. He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.” Isa 52:14, “As many were astonished at Thee; His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.”

He was marred to the point where He could not be recognized as a man. Can they show that picture on TV? I don’t think so.

Marred because of His being a Servant – a suffering Servant – bearing the sins of the whole world. Marred in service – an honorable service.

A Full Revelation Concerning Giving

In 2 Cor 8 and 9, there is unfolded the worth and wealth of Christian giving. Money as such is not mentioned, but it is described as:

Tithing is not mentioned.

A Full Revelation Concerning Faith!

A full revelation of the characteristics of faith is found in Heb 11, where we are reminded of

Faith honors God to His glory. And God honors faith to its benefit and reward.

The Law of Resemblance

The living Word ... and the written Word.

Both are said to be: ”sure,” “living,” “eternal,” “wonderful,” “perfect.” The same law holds good in the resemblance between Christ and the believers.

He is the Son of God ... And we are the sons of God.

He is the Living Stone ... We are living stones.

He is the Light of the world ... We are lights in the world to shine.

He is the Faithful and True Witness ... We are witnesses.

He is the Branch ... We are branches.

There is a resemblance. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The tree – where He bore our sins in His own body on the Cross.

Son of God

Christ is called the “Son of God” and the “Son of man.”

But the word “TEKNON,” a descendent, is not used when He is so called. He is not a descendent of God. For His humanity was the product of the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35.

The word “HUIOS” for son, used of Christ as the Son of God and the Son of man, denotes adoption and therefore, refers to the place He filled as “the Only Begotten Son.” And to the place He assumed as the Son of man, who came to seek and save lost humanity.

The importance of understanding the meaning of the Words of God the Holy Spirit is to have the key to unlock their secrets.

Son

There are two words in the New Testament which are rendered “son.” One meaning the kinship of the same nature, “TEKNON.” The other, the position of adoption, “HUIOS.”

Believers are said to be “the children of God” because they are “begotten of Him,” John 1:12-13, 1 John 5:1-3. They are akin to Him and owe their spiritual being to Him, even as the child owes his being to his parents.

But, we are waiting for the adoption, Rom 8:23, although we know we “are predestinated unto the adoption of children,” Eph 1:5.

We are children of God now. But we have not the place of glory for which we are destined.

A Metaphor

A metaphor means one thing is used to explain another.

Christ said, “I am the Door.”
He did not mean He was a door, but as a door, as the means of entrance. So He is the throughway Whom we enter into blessing.

Our Lord said of the bread which He broke, “This is My body.”
He did not mean the bread was His actual body, but that He represented it.

When Christ is called “The Lamb of God,” He does not signify He is a lamb.
But as the Lamb of the Passover was the means of diverting the judgment of God, so He is the means to take away sin.

The Psalms, in speaking of God, are full of metaphors.

A metaphor is one thing contained in another.

A Topic!

One profitable study is to trace out in an Epistle, a Gospel, or a Book, how a theme is repeated or a word used.

The following are a few of them.

Now, you can find the topic you are looking for.

No Subject So Glorious as He. No Theme So Affecting to Us.

Christ is the Fact of facts, the Bible’s Theme.
Who stands alone, august, unique, supreme.

The Man of pain, who feels all human pain,
And slakes the thirst, and turns all loss to gain.

He is the God, all light from Him doth gleam.
He is the Man of men, beyond all dream.

He is the God of love, all love Divine.
He is the hand of power, all strength sublime.

From Him all things come forth. In Him consists
To Him all tend. And all by Him subsist.

The Book, it speaks of Him, the Christ reveals.
The eyes that close to Him, all Truth conceals.

He is the Gospel’s Theme. He died for all.
His death alone can free from sin’s enthrall.

His resurrection life, the might of might.
His reign within the soul, the life of right.

His peace within the heart, the calm of love.
His joy untold, the thrill from realms above.

The Spirit came, the outcome of His death.
The power of God, His Grace and living breath.

He’s all! The visibility of God.
And we sing of Him, and onward plod.

God’s Affirmation in His Word That He has Spoken

1. God has spoken generally through the medium of prophets.
   There is a recurring sentence in Matthew’s Gospel and that is, “That which is spoken of the Lord by the prophet saying.”
   
   The hinge which causes the door of the sentence to open up with definite meaning is the preposition “DIA” rendered “by,” which when found with the genitive signifies something which is accomplished by the means of an active agent. “By means of the prophet.”
   
2. In particular, God affirmed to have revealed His mind to and through Moses.
   Christ endorsed this fact in His well-known Words when He said, “Moses wrote of Me,” John 5:46. The Jews, too, recognized that “God spoke unto Moses,” John 9:29.
   
   When we look back over the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, even the most superficial reader must be immediately arrested by the tremendous sentence prefacing nearly every chapter. ”Then the Lord said unto Moses.” “And the Lord said unto Moses,” Deut 18:17-20.
   
3. God is said to have specifically spoken in Christ.
   The climax of revelation is Christ Himself. “For God hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son,” Heb 1:2.
   
   All those who preceded Him were but fore gleams of Him. And all modes and methods by which God revealed Himself in the past were but shadows of Him, the living Substance.
   
   He is said to be “the Word,” John 1:1-3. The thought of God is resident in Him. And expressed by Him, therefore, to see Him is to see and understand the Father. The word “LOGOS” makes known the fact that all that He is, did, and said, is doing, and will do, is the living thought of God in action.

How important then to listen to Christ’s Word about His Words. He says, “The Words that I speak unto you are Spirit and life.”

Therefore, to feed on them is to find the true bread and drink. John 6:53, 63.

“Mouthpiece”

Christ is said to be the Mouthpiece of God.

There is no doubt about the sense and substance of the following Words of our Lord.

These words about the Words Christ uttered are prefaced by His claim to be the Light of the world. He came as the Light to illuminate the darkness.

The words “He hath spoken” are claimed to be “the One” through whom the Message of God is expressed.

We cannot therefore reject the Words of Christ without ignoring the thought of God, and excluding the Light. The sun of God’s being shines forth in the rays of His Son. “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.”

”Show us the Father. It suffices.”

Alpha and Omega!

Christ declared He was the Alpha and Omega of Revelation.

When He speaks to the two disciples as they journeyed to Emmaus, He chided them and said, “O fools and slow of mind to believe all the prophets had spoken.” And then He asked the question and gave a subsequent answer, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into glory?”

”And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself,” Luke 24:26, 27.

He practically said the same thing to the disciples in the upper room. “And He said unto them, These are the Words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures,” Luke 24:44, 45.

Around the double star of Christ’s sufferings and glory, everything centers and is circumscribed, 1 Pet 1:11. These are the “Jachin and Boaz” of God’s temple. 2 Chr 3:17.

As those pillars upheld all the temple of old, so every Truth of the Bible is held together and focused in the Christ it makes known. We do not know anything worth knowing, if we do not know Him. But knowing Him, we have the key to all knowledge.

”Grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

God is Said to Speak Through the Medium of Words

Again and again in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others we have the explanatory sentence, “For the Lord hath spoken.”

When the prophet Isaiah gave his solemn charge to Judah, he prefaced it by saying, “Hear O Heavens, and give ear, O Earth, for the Lord hath spoken.”

And when he closed his charge with a warning of the consequences if they “refuse and rebel,” he said, “For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

At the declaration of the uselessness of Moab to pray, the prophet announced “This is the Word the Lord hath spoken concerning Moab” and further says, “But now the Lord hath spoken saying, within three years the glory of Moab shall be contemned.”

The prediction “The glory of Kedar shall fail” and their “mighty archers shall be diminished” is because “The Lord God of Israel hath spoken it.”

In a variety of ways, instances, and occasions, we find the same thing announced. Sometimes “As the Lord hath spoken.” “For the Lord hath spoken.” “The Lord hath spoken this Word.” “This is the Word the Lord hath spoken concerning Him.” “The Lord will do this thing which He hath spoken.” “I have spoken it and I will also bring it to pass.” “I, even I, hath spoken.” “The mouth of the Lord hath spoken.” “I have spoken unto thee in a Book.” “That which Thou hath spoken has come to pass.” “Because I have spoken unto them.” “I, the Lord, hath spoken it.” “The Word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord God.” “This is the day whereof I have spoken.” “The Lord of hosts hath spoken it.”

Now I know you don’t have time to look all these up for your confidence and encouragement as to the importance of the Word of God, so here it is:

Could anything be more explicit than these personal, pointed, prophetic, varied, and clear messages, and to all and each of which might be attached the following Divine Word.

”I, Jehovah, have spoken it, it shall come to pass, and I will do it, I will not go back, neither will I change my mind.”

To understand the full value of this section, the suggestion is made, that each passage should be studied and examined in its setting.

Now has your pastor ever done this for you??

There Are Equivalent Sentences Which Declare God Hath Spoken

Such as

“Thus saith the Lord” and the fact that “He spake.”

Someone has counted them and declare they occur 2,601 times. 680 times in the Books of Moses. 196 times in the poetic Books. 418 times in the historical Books. And 1,307 times in the prophetical Books.

The psalmist says, ‘Thou hast magnified Thy Word above Thy Name,” Psa 138:2.

Therefore, we do well to glorify It above everything else.

Why Does the Lord Put His Emphasis on His Word?

It seems redundant that the Lord has to endorse His own Word. But knowing man as He does, He has to reiterate the importance of “Thus saith the Lord.”

We should be magnifying His Word because:

1. It is Divine in source.
   To take one Book, the Book of Acts, we find the Word is referred to 35 times.
   
   As “The Word of God,” 13 times – 4:31, 6:2, 7, 8:14, 11:1, 12:24, 13:5, 7, 44, 46, 17:13, 18:11, 19:20.
   
   As “The Word of the Lord,” eight times – 8:25, 11:16, 13:48, 49, 15:35, 36, 16:32, 19:10.
   
   As “The Word,” 13 times – 4:4, 6:4, 8:4, 10:36, 44, 11:19, 13:26, 14:3, 25, 15:7, 16:6, 17:11, 20:32.
   
   And as “Thy Word,” once – Acts 4:29.

Magnify the Word because it is of Divine Origin and Source.

Magnify the Word of God Because It is Dynamic in Operation

Notice what it says about His Word in the Book of Hebrews. 1:3, 2:2, 4:12, 6:5, 11:3, 13:7. There lieth in the dynamite of God’s Word all latent possibilities of the life of the Almighty.

”Upholdeth all things by the Word of His power.”

”The Word of God is alive and powerful.”

”Tasted of the good Word of God and the powers of the world to come.”

“The worlds were framed by the Word of God.”

”Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their manner of life.”

”For if the Word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard it.”

”Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

We Should Magnify the Word of God Because It is Devoted to its Promises

The Word, as such, is coupled with what the Holy Spirit calls “the Word of all His goodness.”
Solomon confessed that “Not one Word of God’s good promise failed,” 1 Kings 8:56. He failed the Word, but the Word didn’t fail him.

His promises and the performance of them are continually referred to. Psa 105:42; Acts 13:23, 32, 26:6, 7; Rom 4:20; Gal 3:14-29; Heb 6:13-17; 2 Pet 3:4, 9, 13.

”He staggered not at the Promises of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.”

”As of this man’s Seed, hath God, according to His Promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.”

”And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the Promise made of God unto the fathers.”

”Unto which Promise our twelve tribes instantly serving God day and night.”

Hope to come.

”The Lord is not slack concerning His Promise, as some men count slackness. But is long suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to a change of mind.”

”Nevertheless, we, according to His Promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

”All the Promises of God in Him are yea and amen, to the glory of God.”

We Should Magnify the Word of God Because It is Definite in Its Claim

The Epistles to the Thessalonians illustrate the claims of the Word.

It is “The Word” in its authority, 1:6.

”The Word of the Lord” in its message, 1:8, 4:15, 2 Thes 3:1.

”The Word of God” in its power, 2:13.

The Word claims the faith of our obedience, the loyalty of our love, and the desire of our hope.

”Search the Scriptures, for in Them They speak of Me.”

We Should Magnify the Word of God Because It is Distinct in Its Prophecy

The Book of Revelation may illustrate what is found in many places.

Christ is the Key, 19:13.

So to keep It is our responsibility, 1:9, 3:8, 10, 6:9, 20:4.

And to bear record of It our privilege, 1:2.

We Should Magnify the Word of God Because It is Distinguishing in Its Message

The many qualifying Words of the Word indicate its manifold Message.

”Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.”

We Should Magnify the Word of God Because It is Dedicating in Its Influence

When we call to mind what the Lord says He will do by means of His Word, we can see how beneficent and practical It is in Its in-working and Its out-working.

Let us confine our thought to Christ and His teaching.

”Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way, by taking heed unto Thy Word.”

Prosperity in a Recession

In the ancient world, when the Bible was written, the Jews were under an agricultural economy. In order to be prosperous in an agricultural economy, it was necessary for you to have an “ox” to tread out the corn. That was prosperity.

The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is “ALEPH,” which is an “ox” and it stands for prosperity. So, when you see the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet at the beginning of a verse, you know it means the content of that verse spells out prosperity.

In Psalm 119 we have 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and we have eight verses for each letter, making up the 176 verses of Psalm 119.

The first eight verses of Psalm 119 all begin with the first letter of the alphabet, which is an “ox” and the letter looks like an “ox.” It tells you what true prosperity really is in the eyes of the Lord.

Psalm 119:1, “ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the Law of the Lord.”

2 Blessed are they that keep His Testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.

3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in His Ways.

4 Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy Precepts diligently.

5 O that my ways were directed to keep Thy Statutes!

6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all Thy Commandments.

7 I will praise Thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Thy Righteous Judgments.

8 I will keep Thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.”

Notice every verse of prosperity pertains to some part of the Word of God.

”Walk in the Law of the Lord. Keep His Testimonies. Seek Him with the whole heart. Keep Thy precepts diligently. My ways directed to keep Thy Statues. Respect unto all Thy Commandments. When I have learned Thy Righteous Judgments. I will keep Thy Statutes.”

God’s viewpoint on prosperity. Next time you see an “ox,” smile.

The Prophetic Days of Christ and the Colors of the Rainbow

We have the crimson day of Christ’s glory in the flesh. Crimsoned by suffering and sorrow and sin. Yet full of the glory of Grace, love, and Truth.
The black day of man’s sin and iniquity, seething with rebellion and lawlessness, and unbelief.
The variegated day of the Son in His many-sided present ministry at the Right Hand of God.
The green day of salvation it its testimony of God’s love and Grace.
The blue day of Christ’s satisfaction in the splendor of His return for His own.
The yellow day of the Lord’s kingly rule.
The brown day of the Judge’s righteous judgment.
The purple day of the Son of man’s excellent glory.
And the golden day of God’s perfect glory.

No matter how old and feeble you may be
No matter how unsuccessful you have become,
No matter how insignificant you may appear to be,
No matter how alone you may think you are,

You are still something if you have someone to love,
And if you have someone who loves you, and you do, we all do.

”I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
”I have drawn you with the cords of love.”

Tuesday, April 10, 2001

New World Order

It began with the incarnation of Christ and ended with His crucifixion.

1. When He came, He brought in a “new order of things.”
   
2. “A new wonder was seen,” God manifested in the flesh.
   
3. He no longer hid Himself in thick darkness, but was seen and heard in Christ.
   
4. “A new unfolding” was given. An unfolding of the love of God as seen in the compassion of Christ, which came to bless humanity like the morning light which hallows with glory the hills lately shrouded in darkness.
   
5. “A new attraction” was evidenced in the beautiful life of Christ, which like an oasis in the desert, was felt in all He was, said, and did.
   
6. “A new gift” was bestowed in the Good Shepherd giving His life, which given life was to be the mystic key to open Heaven’s storehouse of blessing and to hush every cry of Earth.
   
7. “A new power” was realized in Christ’s resurrection from the dead, which like a tornado, was to sweep hell’s power before it and supply a force to move all the required machinery of the Church.
   
8. “A new bestowment” was supplied in the Holy Spirit who should be like the Earth, sun, and rain to the sown corn, the Fertilizer of the spiritual life of the believer.
   
9. “A new relationship” was inaugurated for those who receive the Christ, and they would henceforth know God as their Father, hence His first Words to His disciples on resurrection morn were, “My Father and your Father.”
   

The Significance of Christ at the Right Hand of the Father!

This has to do with Christ’s present ministry at the right hand of God.

This ministry has to do with “believers only.” He appears in the presence of God “for us.”

1. As our Representative, He lives for us.
   
2. As our High Priest, He pleads for us.
   
3. As our Advocate, He answers for us.
   
4. As our Succourer, He aids us.
   
5. As our Keeper, He preserves us.
   
6. As our Shepherd, He tends us.
   
7. As our Friend, He cheers us.
   
8. As our Companion, He has fellowship with us.

We hear Him say, as He said of His own long since, “I pray for them,” thus His present service is respective to God’s people.

The Day of Salvation is Elective in its Purpose

The Lord is taking out from the world a people to His Name. These constitute the Church, which is His mystical body. In order to accomplish this, those who are saved go forth and proclaim the willingness of God to save to the utmost.

Those who are blessed by Him receive a seven-fold benediction. They are:

The Day of Christ is Restrictive to the Redeemed

This period covers the time between Christ coming for and with His saints.

For that day believers are kept. And in that day they will be made like Christ.

They will stand before His judgment seat that their work may be tested, their motives examined, their conduct reviewed. And rewards given for those services rendered for the sake of Christ.

The Secret of Drifting Declension!

There are certain uniform dispensational features which distinguish every new period. Each dispensation is marked by seven features in the following order:

1. Increased light.
   
2. Decline of spiritual life.
   
3. Union between disciples and the world.
   
4. A gigantic civilization, worldly in type.
   
5. Parallel development of good and evil.
   
6. Apostasy on the part of God’s people.
   
7. Concluding judgment.

We are now in the seventh dispensation. The same seven marks have been all alike, showing One controlling power.

”Deus in historia”

The history of the world’s powers is always from bad to worse and not from worse to better.

Here is the moral of all human tales.
It is but the rehearsal of the past.
First freedom and then glory
When that fails,
Wealth, vice, corruption, barbarism, at last.
And history with all her volumes vast
Hath but one page.

The Drifting Declension in the Visions of Daniel

The golden kingdom of Babylon, with its absolute autocracy, is followed by the silver kingdom of Medo-Persia with its parliament of princes. The brass kingdom of Greece with its sweeping conquests under Alexander the Great and his four generals, is followed by the iron rule of Rome, with its many senators. And lastly we have the brittle clay of the powers in the time of the end.

If we look at the weight of these several materials in their specific gravity, we see how there is a declension.

Thus we see the image is top heavy and we are not surprised at his overthrow.

The same principle is illustrated in the vision that Daniel saw as recorded in Daniel 7.

The kingly and majestic lion is followed by the strong and brutal bear. The bear is followed by the cunning and sleek leopard. And the leopard is followed by the hybrid and horned monstrosity.

The Secret of God’s Judicial Method!

We find certain great principles illustrated and enunciated:

1. That the Lord uses one nation to punish another, as in the case of Judah being overcome by Babylon.
   
2. God punishes the nation He has used to punish another. So, Babylon, in turn, is crushed by the Medo-Persians.
   
3. God deals with nations in their corporate capacity in time and not in the hereafter.

Nations have no hereafter. The individual has.

Individuals are forgiven. But nations are not. God deals with them in righteousness when they continue being negative to His Word.

Nations as nations have been cut out in the past.

”Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision,” Joel 3:14.

These words describe the gathering of nations. But the word “decision” does not convey the thought. It should read “Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of excision,” which means a cutting off, or a cutting out. The Hebrew word is used in describing the mining of gold, in separating the gold from the refuse, Prov 16:16.

And the word is also used is speaking of a sharp threshing instrument, which is used to separate the chaff from the corn, Isa 41:15.

Under the same thought where Christ speaks of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, Matt 25:32.

The Secret of Loving Purpose!

There are two great and wonderful lines of prophecy in relation to Abraham and David. God promised to Abraham that the land, which is called “the Land of Promise,” the dimensions of which are given in Gen. 15:18.

Another line of prophesy is in connection with the throne of David and the promises related to the occupancy of it by One of his seed. These are clearly stated in 2 Sam 7:8-17 and expounded in Psa 72.

We call these promises “the secret of loving purpose,” for the simple reason that God has covenanted with Himself, and thus placed Himself under obligation to fulfill His Word and Oath.

He cannot do any other, and He would not if He could.

In spite of all the sin and iniquity of Israel, which as a nation has been ruthlessly sifted among the nations, the Lord has pledged Himself in His love and Grace that not a grain of the nation of Israel shall be lost.

His Word of promise is: “I will sift the house of Israel among all nations. Like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the Earth.”

”In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof. And I will raise up His ruins and I will build it up as in the days of old, and I will bring again the captivity of My people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them and they shall plant vineyards and drink the wine thereof. They shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.”

”And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.”

Could any promise be more full, explicit, than that which is found in, the seven golden “I wills” in the above words? Amos 9:9-15 .

The Secret of Focusing Goal!

There are some 666 general prophecies in the Old Testament, 333 of which refer particularly to the coming Messiah and meet only in Him.

We are not surprised, therefore, that the goal of God’s purpose in which all things are to be focused is the coming of Christ to take up the reins of government.

No more explicit word could be given than we find in Paul’s address to the Athenians when he declared that God hath appointed the day, that is a period of time, in which He will judge, or rule, the civilized world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained, whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead,” Acts 17:31.

The only cure for all the ills of humanity and the disorders that are found in the world, is the personal coming and intervention of the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we turn to the pages of this Book, we find by prophetic vision, by clear statement, by predicted utterance, by many types, in the foreshadowing by individuals, by the clear teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit’s inspired Word, that it is God’s purpose to sum up all things in the Son of His love.

Since this is so, how important is it that we should have fellowship with God about the future glory of His Son.

The Progressiveness of Our Lord’s Christship! Messiahship!

A progressive revelation is made know in the Truth concerning our Lord as “The Christ.”

1. Personally.
   The Gospels reveal the Lord Jesus Christ as the Christ who came to do a work for us. Therefore, they are written, “That we might believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, we might have life through His Name,” John 20:31.
   Also, it is upon His personal worth and work as the Christ that His Church is built, as Christ Himself declared when Peter confessed, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Matt 16:13-16.
   
2. Positionally.
   Jesus Christ is exalted to the right hand of God in the place of authority and power, and as the Giver of the Holy Spirit. Therefore Peter, under Divine inspiration, said on the day of Pentecost, “God hath made that same Jesus both Lord and Christ.” Or, as the original more emphatically states, “God hath made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified,” Acts 2:36.
   
   The despised Man is in the place of absolute authority as “Lord” and as “Christ” is the Giver of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, all through the Book of Acts the testimony is “The Christ,” Acts 2:31, 3:20, 9:22.
   
   More to come ...
   

   

   The Progressive Revelation of Jesus Christ as Messiah – Part Two

3. Mystically.
   Christ is made known as “The Christ,” which in a mystical sense signifies Christ and the members of His body.
   The Head is the complement of the members, and the members are the complement of the Head. Therefore, the two are summed up as, “As the Christ,” 1 Cor 12:12, Christ is the fullness of the Church, Col 2:9, 10. And the Church is the fullness of the Head, Eph 1:23.
   
4. Representatively.
   Christ is the one in whom believers are found, and with whom they are identified. Therefore, “We are found in Him,” Phil 3:9. “Dead with Christ.” “Risen with Christ,” Col 2:20, 3:1. “Quickened together with Christ” and “Seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Eph 2:6, 7.
   
5. Provisionally.
   Christ is God’s Reservoir in Whom is found “all spiritual blessings” for the Father has given to all believers all blessings in Him. Eph 1:3. He has nothing to give us apart from Him. But there are no withholdings with Him.
   
   More to come on the progressiveness of the Christ, Messiah ...
   

   

   The Progressive Revelation of Christ as the Messiah – Part Three

6. Potentially.
   Christ as the Christ is the Secret of the Christian way of life. Christ alone can produce the Christ-life.
   Therefore, we need the strengthening of the Spirit to cause Christ to take up His permanent abode in us, that we may know what the apostle knew, when he declared,
   ”Christ liveth in me,” Eph 3:16, Gal 2:20. Not Christ and me, but “Christ in me.”
   
7. Prophetically.
   Christ is the guarantee that those who had fallen asleep in Him will be raised from the dead, for ”The dead in Christ shall rise first,” 1 Thes 4:16. And then they and the living saints will be together in the glory.
   
   For “Christ, the Firstfruits,” not the Firstfruit,” but “Firstfruits,” includes all in the body, 1 Cor 15:3 and that, ”When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, we shall appear with Him in glory,” Col 3:4.

We have in this study an all inclusive support that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Appointed One, the Christ.

“If any man come to Me and hate not his father and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, Yea, even his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”

If a man allows love for his loved ones, or love for his own life, to conflict with his loyalty to Christ, he cannot be our Lord’s disciple.

God does not tell you not to love your family, because He says just the opposite. This is not a contradiction.

The word “hate” used here does not mean what we use the same word today to imply. It means to disregard as far as loyalty to Christ is concerned. Our devotion to Christ must come first – Category one love.

If our love for loved ones superceded our loyalty to Christ, we cannot be Christ’s disciples. In other words, if you put Category two love before Category one love.

We cannot have the spiritual life. To have a life dominated and influenced entirely by God the Holy Spirit is to lead the spiritual life.

There are many people today trying to obey God’s Word and live the spiritual life. They are trying to force themselves to be spiritual. But the spiritual life must begin in the soul. It must begin with devotion to Christ.

Man looks from without, but God looks at within the heart of man. Devotion springs from the heart, the mind. The spiritual life is the life energized by the Holy Spirit, not by what other people expect of us.

A Seven-Fold Salvation for Israel

“Behold thy Saviour”

“Behold thy salvation cometh” or “See thy Saviour cometh,” Isa 62:11.

The announcement has special reference to the restoration of Israel. If Isa 61 and Isa 62 are studied, it will be apprehended what the Lord will do for His people in the frequent “I will” of His Promise. The effect of His operation is summarized in the repeated, ”Thou shalt.” “Thou shalt be called by a new name.” “Thou shalt be a crown of glory.” “Thou shalt no more be called forsaken.” “Thou shalt be called Hephzibah.” “Thou shalt be called sought out.”

All the fulfillment of the Promises, and the experiences declared, shall come to pass when the Saviour of Israel shall return.

When He comes as the Saviour, then a seven-fold salvation shall be known.

1. The Lord will save Israel from the desolations and disasters of their wandering state as a scattered nation, for He says,
   ”I will take you from the nations.”
   
2. He will save Israel to Himself, for He affirms, “I will be your God.”
   
3. He will save Israel from all their uncleanness, for He declares, “I will save you from all your uncleanness.”
   
4. He will save them from their unbelief, for He pledges to, “To take away their stony heart.”
   
5. He will save Israel from their disobedience, for He assures them, “I will cause you to walk in My statutes.”
   
6. He will save to the possession and the power of the Holy Spirit for He promises, “to put His Spirit within them.”
   
7. He will save Israel to be a praise among the nations, whereas before they profaned His Holy Name among them, Ezek 36:23-29.
   

Behold I Make All Things New, Revelation 21:5

When we look out on the world, it is like a cauldron of boiling metal! The fire of hell beneath is being stirred by the devil with a poker of hate. There is only One who can remedy matters and that One is the One who says, “I make all things new.”

The Nailed Hand of Calvary is the only Hand that can arrest the hard hand of might.

The love of Christ is the only power that can fuse the mass of mankind into the common interest of brotherhood. The selfless Lord, who emptied Himself, is the only One who can give the disinterestedness of mutual good.

When He begins to remake, the iron hand of anarchy will be broken, the willful mind of lawlessness will be ended, the lusting heart of greed will be suppressed, and the harmful fist of cruelty will be crushed. The covetous eyes of selfishness will be put out. The stinging tongue of blasphemy will be rebuked, and the order of “get-all-you-can-for-yourself” will give place to “give-all-you-have-for-others'-benefit.”

This is no delusive hope, but a promise of Divine revelation.

Three times in Rev 21:5, 6 we have the declaration of “He said.”
His promise ... He said, “I will make all things new.”
His assurance … He said, “These Words are faithful and true.”
His accomplishment … “He said, It is done.”

“Behold, I come quickly.”

Wednesday, April 11, 2001

The Manifestation of Christ!

The Holy Spirit travels along many lines in His distinctive ministry to bring us to the terminus of God’s revelation about His Son.
One such line is found in what He says regarding the purpose of Christ’s manifestation.

The Greek words “PHAINO” or “PHANEROS” and “PHANEROO,” which are rendered ”appear” and “manifest,” signify to show, to lighten, to shine upon, to disclose, to exhibit, and to reveal. The words are used to describe:

There are at least 14 truths brought before us, covering a complete course of Biblical study in connection with Christ’s manifestation.

Can you list them?

Fourteen Truths Concerning the Purpose for Christ’s Being Manifest

1. “God – or Christ, the manifestation of God’s Person.”
   ”God manifest in the flesh,” 1 Tim 3:16.
   Christ is God expressed in living characters.
   God is not fully known apart from Christ. But God is well known if we know Christ. Christ is the visibility of God.
   
2. “Sin – or Christ, the Revealer of sin’s iniquity.”
   ”The Light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not,” John 1:5.
   The Light revealed the sightless eyes of man’s ignorance, the evil of his nature, the plague spots of his wickedness.
   
3. “Love – or Christ, the manifestation of God’s love.”
   ”In this was manifested the love of God toward us,” 1 John 4:9.
   Love is seen in three stages in 1 John 4:9-17.
   ”Love for us” – answering for our sins in the past, verse 9.
   ”Love in us” – moving us to love in the present, verse 12.
   ”Love with us” – giving us a bright outlook as to the future, verse 17.
   
   Only 11 more truths which are found in the manifestation of Jesus Christ.
   

   

    

4. “Atonement – or Christ, the Satisfaction for sin.”
   ”Once in the end of the world He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself,” Heb 9:26.
   ”Provisionally” He puts away sin by satisfaction for it in His death and thus removes it as a hindrance.
   ”Substitutionally” He removes sin as a penalty, as we believe in Him. 1 Pet 2:24.
   “Effectively” He puts away sin as a power, as we identify ourselves with Him by reckoning we are dead to it. Rom 6:8-11.
   ”Prophetically” He will remove sin as a presence, for He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
   
5. “Substitution – or Christ suffering in our stead.”
   ”He was manifested in these last times for you,” 1 Pet 1:20.
   ”For you” may be read “on your behalf,” and thus in your stead.
   We must distinguish between provision, substitution, and identification.
   ”Provision” is for the needy world. For Christ has made it possible for all to be saved.
   ”Substitution” is for the believing sinner, for Christ has borne his sin and he will not have to bear it.
   ”Identification” is the Gospel for the saint, for we have died with Christ in His death.
   
6. “Resurrection – or Christ, the manifestation of God’s power.”
   ”He shewed Himself,” John 20:1-14.
   The fact of Christ’s resurrection is the living flame which ever burns on the altar of Christianity. It is also a living factor in the life of the believer which lifts him from the realm of self to the fellowship of Him who lives in the power of an endless life.
   
7. Salvation.
   ”The Grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men,” Titus 2:11.
   ”Provisionally” salvation is a blessing offered to all.
   ”Personally” salvation is a benefit to the individual believer.
   ”Practically” salvation is a force to mold us like to Christ.
   
   In the first, Christ is offered to us. Acts 13:26.
   In the second, Christ is accepted by us. Eph 2:8-9.
   In the third, Christ by the Spirit lives in us. Eph 3:16-17.
   
   Only seven more Truths found in the manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
   

   

8. “Life” – or Christ, the Communicator of life.”
   ”The Life was manifested,” 1 John 1:2.
   Sin brings death, which means separation from God. Christ brings life, which means union with God in Christ. John 17:3.
   As the natural life is the union of the soul and the body, James 2:6, so spiritual life is the union of the believer with Christ. Col 3:3.
   Christ is revealed to us as “the Quickener from sin’s death.” Eph 2:1.
   He is revealed to us as “the Sanctifier of heart and life.” Gal 1:16.
   And He is revealed through us to others by a consecrated testimony. 1 Thes 1:8-10.
   
9. “Power”
   ”Manifested forth His glory,” John 2:11.
   Glory is the excellence of anything in display. Christ’s first miracle displayed the excellency of His power. It is fitting that His first miracle should display His power to change things.
   By the cleansing of His blood and the conformation of His Spirit, He changed the sinner into a saint. Translation, transfiguration, and transformation cover the ground of God’s Gospel of Grace, Godliness, and glory.
   
   ”Translated into His kingdom” as to place. Col 1:13.
   ”Transfigured by His Spirit” as to character. 2 Cor 3:18.
   ”Transformed by His coming” as to the glorified body. Phil 3:20-21.
   

   

    

10. “Satan” – Christ was the Victor over the evil one.
    “The Son of man was manifested to destroy the works of the devil,” 1 John 3:8.
    The works of the devil are mighty and manifold. But Christ has met him upon his own ground and conquered and routed him. Take but one chapter out of the Gospels, and in it we have a record of how Satan raised a storm, demonized an individual, tormented a woman, and caused the death of a child. But Christ raised the dead, healed the woman, delivered the man, and stilled the tempest. Luke 8. Lest we forget.
    
11. “Emancipation” – Christ is the Remover of sins.
    ”He was manifested to take away our sins,” 1 John 3:5. The word “loosing” in Acts 27:13 is “lifted up” in John 11:41 and “take away” in John 11:39, and it is the word “removed” in Matt 21:21.
    The word signifies to take away by taking up upon one’s self and is so indicated in John 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” “Beareth away.”
    Christ removes the sins from us by His propitiation, and power, by bearing their consequences in His death, and by severing us from their control by His presence.
    
    The final truths will follow.
    

    

    Fourteen Doctrines found in one word, “manifested.”

12. “The Holy Spirit” – Christ is the One who endowed and Who is endowing with the Spirit.
    ”He was manifested,” John 1:31. John knew Christ when he saw the Spirit resting upon Him. And knew also that He was the Baptizer with the Spirit.
    Christ was anointed to do a definite work. Acts 10:38. Heb 9:14. When He accomplished that work, He became the Anointed with the Spirit as a reward. Acts 2:33.
    
13. “The Father” – Christ, the Revealer of the Father.
    ”I have manifested Thy Name,” John 17:6. John 17 reveals what that manifestation means.
    
    1. A work done for us to the Father, verse 4.
    2. The blessing of eternal life from the Father, verse 2.
    3. Confidence in the Father, verse 8.
    4. Possessed by the Father, verses 9, 10.
    5. Kept through the Father, verse 11.
    6. Message from the Father, verse 14.
    7. Sanctified in the Father’s Truth, verse 17.
    8.Oneness with the Father, verse 21.
    9. Seeing the glory of the Father, verse 22.
    
14. “Immortality” – Christ is the Bringer of life and immortality to light, 2 Tim 1:10.
    
    Life is more than perpetuity of existence. Immortality is more than deathlessness. The latter is a state of holiness and bliss, in an incorruptible and glorified body, from which it is impossible to fall. And this life is holy in its nature and joyous in its bliss.

The revelation which God “makes to us” in the Scriptures, is meant to be revealed “in us” by the Spirit through faith, and revealed “through us” by His effective working in our testimony.

God the Holy Spirit Has Chosen Some Distinctive Words to Use!

There is a definite meaning in their use and application. There is a mass of meaning in the giant words of Scripture as they operate in our life and testimony. Such words as atonement, blood, reconciliation, purchase, redemption, believed, beginning, and Lord.

There are seven vitalizing principles which govern all of these words.

1. The first time a word occurs explains its meaning in other places.
   
2. There is one verse which embodies the Truth.
   
3. There is one Book which covers the many-sidedness of a word.
   
4. There is one chapter in which a full revelation is given.
   
5. There is one word in the New Testament which corresponds to the Old Testament word.
   
6. The derivations from the root word are colored by the original meaning.
   
7. The specific revelation given in a word and its practical bearing.

More to follow ...

Grumbling Christians, Phil 2:14, 15

One of the ways to which the lack of harmony among the Philippian saints was manifesting itself was for “murmurings and disputings.”

Paul had somehow gotten the fact our of an Epaphoditus whose love for his brethren back home had led him to cover up their sins. Paul exhorts them to be done with these. The word “murmurings” is the translation of a Greek word which means, “to mutter, to murmur.” It was used of the cooing of doves. It is an onomatopoetic word, that is, a word whose sound resembles its meaning. It is spelled “GONGUSMON.”

It refers not to a loud outspoken dissatisfaction, but to that undertone murmuring which one sometimes hears in the lobbies of our present day churches where certain cliques are “having it out,” so to speak among themselves.

The word refers to the act of murmuring against men, not God The use of this word also shows that the divisions among the Philippians had not yet risen to point of loud dissension.

The word was used of those who confer secretly, of those who discontentedly complain. The word is found in the secular document reporting an interview between Marcus Aurelus and a rebel.

Thursday, April 12, 2001

First Observance of the Word Atonement”

The first time a word occurs explains its meaning in other places. It comes under the law of the first mention principle.

The first time the word “atonement” occurs is in Gen 6:14, and it is rendered “pitch.” ”Thou shalt pitch the ark within and without,” which was God’s direction to Noah, both the verb and the noun occur.

The meaning of the word “atonement” is obvious here, namely, “to cover.” The verb “KAPHAR” means to cover. The noun “KOPHER” signifies a covering.

In a general sense, the words mean “that which covers, or the act of covering.” In a particular sense to “make an atonement” signifies that which answers for the offender and hides him from view.

The prevailing idea set forth both in the Septuagint and in other translations, is that atonement is the doing away with a charge against a person by means of expiation, propitiation, so that the accused may be received into Divine favor and be freed from the consequence of wrong doing.

The more carefully the Scripture is studied, so much more will the unity, the beauty, and the grandeur of God’s way of mercy commend itself to the soul.

Embodying Truth – Atonement

There is one verse which embodies the truth of “atonement.” ”For the life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls for it is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul by reason of the life,” Lev 17:11.

The words “life” and “soul” are the same, “NEPHESH.”

Life is in the soul. Man’s life is forfeited on account of sin, therefore, the life of another must be given to save the life that was forfeited.

The one thing that Christ emphasized was that He would give His life, and it is in the substitutionary death that our salvation is found. ”For without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.”

But, since the blood has been shed, every sin has been answered for.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Covering Book – Atonement

There is one Book which covers the many-sidedness of atonement and that is the Book of Leviticus.

1. The necessity for atonement.
   ”Make an atonement ...concerning his sin,” Lev 4:26.
   If there had been no sin, there would have been no necessity to make an atonement for it. The Cross is meaningless apart from the fact of sin.
   
2. The authority for atonement.
   ”As the Lord hath commanded,” Lev 8:34, 9:7.
   The Lord knew all the facts of the case and the requirements that were essential to meet them. He has met every requirement in the atoning death of Christ. And so there is no other requirement to meet.
   
3. The person who could make an atonement.
   ”The priest.” 4:20, 26, 31, 35; 5:6, 10, 13, 16, 18; 6:7, 7:7, 12:7-8, 14:18-19, etc.
   The priest acted in a twofold capacity. He represented God to the people, and He represented the people to God. Christ did the same. He offered Himself without spot to God, and He made reconciliation or atonement for the people. Heb 2:17, 9:14.
   
4. The means by which atonement was made.
   “The blood that maketh atonement,” 10:17, 16:10-11, 17:11. We must always remember that the blood shed indicates life given. Christ Himself emphasized this in one of His parting messages to His disciples when He said, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many,” Matt 20:28.
   
5. The person to whom the atonement was made.
   ”Before the Lord,” 14:18, 31; 15:15, 30; 16:10.
   Sin is against the Lord. Therefore, atonement for it must be to Him. He alone can estimate the sinfulness of sin, and He it is who says, “Deliver him from going down to the pit, for I have found an atonement,” Job 33:24.
   
6. The blessings which come because of atonement.
   Forgiveness – the outcome of atonement is tersely expressed.
   ”Make an atonement for his sin which he hath sinned and it shall be forgiven him,” 4:20, 26, 31, 35; 5:10, 13, 16, 18; 6:7; 19:22.
   

   

The Doctrine of Redemption!

1. First – the subjects of redemption.
   ”Those who were in bondage to a vain manner of life,” 1 Pet 1:18.
   
2. The Source of redemption.
   Of God it is said, “That His Grace operates through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus and that the redemption comes to us according to the riches of His Grace,” Rom 3:24, Eph 1:7.
   
3. The price of redemption.
   The price is “His blood,” Eph 1:7, which Christ gave as “a ransom,” Matt 20:28, and is the equivalent for all demands, “ANTILUTRON,” 1 Tim 2:6.
   
4. The Substance of redemption.
   Christ is the substance and embodiment. Therefore, “He is made unto us redemption,” 1 Cor 1:30. There is no blessing apart from Him and there is no withholding in Him.
   
5. The receiver of redemption.
   Faith like Anna, “looked for redemption,” Luke 2:38, finds what it looks for in the Redeemer.
   
6. The meaning of redemption.
   ”Deliverance” – the Lion of the tribe of Judah breaks every chain.
   
7. The consummation of redemption is when our Lord returns. Therefore, “We are waiting for the redemption of the body,” Rom 8:23.
   

   

“Take Heed”

One of the “take heeds” of the Holy Spirit is: ”Take heed to the sure Word of prophecy.”

We can better apprehend the importance of this injunction if we look at the original and leave out the word “made.”

”And we have the Word of prophecy more sure,” 2 Pet 1:19.
The apostle has been speaking of “the power and the coming of Christ.” We are not at all privileged to have visions, but we have something “more sure,” that is, “the sure Word of prophecy.”

The transfiguration was limited and passing. “The sure Word” is lasting and for all.
The vision was the flashing forth of the glory for a moment. But the “sure Word” is “a lamp” constant in its “shining” and it shines in its forthgleaming “until the day dawn” of Christ’s millennial reign. ”And until the Day-Star” of His coming for His own. Therefore, “We do well to take heed to it in our hearts.”

Prophecy according to modernism is the application of history, but we believe it is history made known before it comes to pass.

It is “sure” because, He who knows everything from the beginning makes it known.

God and Christ’s Coming!

In the earliest of the apostolic writings we find Paul closing his first epistle to the saints in Thessalonica with these benedicting words.

”And the God of peace sanctify you wholly, and may your spirit, and soul, and body be preserved entire, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thes 5:23. God and the coming of Christ are the genesis and revelation of this verse. “The God of peace” is the God of infinite calm. And He alone can give you what He desires. So we pray, “Give, Lord, what Thou dost command, and then command what Thou wilt.”

He can preserve as the salt keeps the meat from putrification, the spirit of our being in fellowship with Himself, the soul of our affection, and the body of our senses, so that they, “Shall be wanting in nothing” and “Be in perfect soundness,” James 1:4, Acts 3:16, where the word “whole” and its cognate are rendered “entire” and “perfect soundness.”

As the altar mentioned in Deut 27:6 was to be built of unchipped or unbroken stones, so the being of the believer is to be unbroken by the world of sin, and unchipped by self-effort.

This preservation is emphasized by the word “preserved” which might be rendered “kept,” “reserved,” and is so given in 2 Tim 4:7 and 1 Pet 1:4, and is used of Peter being “kept in prison,” Acts 12:5-6.

This keeping is to be blameless, 1 Thes 2:10, 3:13. And all this is “Unto the coming of our Lord,” or as it is literally, “In, the coming of our Lord.” The preposition is “EN.” If He finds us when He returns, thus free born from blame by God’s preservation, it will be seen what He has done for us, and we shall not be ashamed.

Man and Christ’s Coming!

When God created man an indestructible soul, His purpose was that man might “have dominion” over his works. Gen 1:26.

Absolute dominion has been lost by man’s sin. Therefore, “We see not all things put under Him, but we see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour,” Heb 2:9.

We should remember what the Spirit already had said in connection with Christ’s return. Namely, “When He bringeth again the First-Begotten into the world,” Heb 1:6. When Christ first came, He was “the Only Begotten,” John 3:16. But as the “First-Begotten,” He is seen in resurrection as the One who brings many sons to glory.

The whole argument of Hebrews chapter one and two is Christ, as the man, has regained what man has lost by sin, and those who are identified with Him will share that dominion.

We will fulfill with Christ, Gen 1:26,”Have dominion.”

Salvation and Christ’s Coming!

There is a goal, as well as a crisis and a process, in relation to salvation. There is one sentence which expresses it. ”Unto salvation,” Heb 9:28, 1 Pet 1:5, Rom 13:11, 1 Thes 5:8-9.

Therefore, we look for a body of glory. Phil 3:20, 21. This future salvation will “be revealed in the last time,” that is when our Lord arrives in person. He alone can accomplish the work of atonement, to free us from the penalty of sin.

He alone can fulfill the office of priest, to save us from the power and pollution of sin. He alone can live out His life of holiness to reproduce His own character in us.

And He alone can complete our redemption by freeing us from the body of sin and saving us to a body which shall make us like to Him. He shall one day look upon us and see His likeness in us. Then shall He be glorified in His saints and be admired in them.

There will not only be a translation to be with Him, but a transformation, which will make us like Him.

”He shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation” or “He will reconstruct the body of our abasement” and what that reconstruction will mean we can gather from the glorified Christ, as seen on the mount of Transfiguration, and the detailed description given of Christ in Revelation chapter one.

Sin and Christ’s Coming!

In Heb 9:26-28 we have two appearings mentioned. Christ’s past purpose in coming into the world is distinctly and definitely stated. “He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

Sin was the hindrance that kept God from man and man from God. And He, at the expense of His life, put it away, removed it out of the way, so that man can now come to God.

”He shall appear the second time without sin,” that is, without a sin offering. His atoning work on the Cross was complete, sufficient, and eternal. Therefore, there is no need to repeat it. But He comes forth the second time to complete our salvation.

As Aaron, after the great work of expiation on the Day of Atonement, came forth clothed again in his garments of glory and beauty to bless the people, so Christ shall come, not in humiliation, but in power and in great glory to receive His own to Himself and vindicate Himself and His people.

Friday, April 13, 2001

The Church and Christ’s Coming

Men deal in labels and adjectives to describe the Church. But the Lord speaks of “My Church” and says in so many words “Life counts, not labels.”

In reading such a passage as 1 Cor 1, we find believers addressed as “The Church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ.” And to these “saints” the Spirit urges, that “They be waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In each of the Church Epistles we find similar exhortations. It might be an interesting study to see in the Church Epistles the relative importance, not only to the Doctrines of the Word of God, but also to the ordinances and practices of the Church.

Notice but one or two of them:

Such injunctions are repeated again and again and all in the light of the Lord’s return. Even so come.

The Last Things and Christ’s Return

It is a mystery how any one can read the Bible without seeing the Truth of the Second Coming. When men place their self-made extinguishers upon the light of the Truth, no light is possible. But let an unbiased mind and unprejudiced reader ponder the pages of the Scriptures and the Blessed Hope and the appearing of our Lord is evident beyond all dispute.

Further, let it be said that if any preacher or Christian fails to witness to this Truth, he is keeping back part of the Divine revelation.

Christ’s command to His disciples:

”Teach all things that I have commanded you.”

He promises He would come again. He has commanded us “all” to watch. And He has pledged that the faithful servants shall be rewarded and honored if He finds us faithful to Him.

”I will honor them that honor Me.”

Luminous Words Which Speak of the Outlook

There are certain great words in the New Testament which have a soul of embodying meaning, and from them there shines forth a revelation of conditions which relate to the life of the future.

Some of these are “translation,” “transformation,” “eternal life,” “glory,” “conformation,” “immortality,” “transfiguration.”

Now, for your homework, can you give a dissertation on each of these luminous words?

Luminous Words – “Eternal Life”

The positive blessing of the Gospel is eternal life. Christ declared that “those who believed on Him” possess this life. And those who do not believe on Him shall not see life. John 3:16, 36.

This life is more than existence. All men are indestructible souls because they are created in the image of God. We must distinguish between survival after death and a state of bliss forever. The unsaved survive after death, but they do not possess the life that is eternal.

Here again we must distinguish between eternal existence and eternal life. Man, being a soul, lives on as long as the Lord lives.

”For the spirit of man is the lamp of JEHOVAH,” Prov 20:27.

But, the believer is eternally in union with the Father and the Son. Eternal life is not an endless duration of being in time, but being of which time is not a measure. It is beyond the limitation of time. It belongs to the being of God.

We need to emphasize the last sentence. “Eternal life belongs to the being of God.”

God in the essence of His being is love. The being of God may be compared to a circle. Man is outside that circle and cannot get into it by himself. God in the Person of His Son, has broken the circle, and the entrance into it is by the atoning work of Christ. Therefore Christ says, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one cometh unto the Father but by Me.”

Luminous Words – “Translation”

Of Enoch it was said, “He was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, for God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God,” Heb 11:5.

The meaning of “METATITHEMI” and “METATHESIS” embodies two things – “removal and change.” These words are employed to describe the carrying over of a body from one place to another.

Looking at these words, we find there are two thoughts suggested. First, the removal of an object from one place to another, and second, an internal change effected.

Enoch’s translation therefore speaks of two things – the removal of himself from the present to a higher, and the necessary change to fit him for that new sphere in which he found himself.

This is implied in the qualifying statement “He was not found” and “Should not see death.” As to his body, it was evidently searched for, but he was not found. He had undergone a change, for he did not “see death,” that is, experience the dissolution caused by death.

Is not this the type of what will take place when Christ removes His own to be with Himself? When Christ comes for His own, He will take their souls to be with Himself and will change their bodies in a twinkling of an eye.

Easter!

So it will be with the resurrection of the dead,
The body that is sown is perishable.
It is raised imperishable.

It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory.
It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.

It is sown a natural body.
It is raised a spiritual body.

1 Cor 15:42-44
“He is risen.”

Your love, O Lord reaches to the Heavens.
Your faithfulness to the skies.
How priceless is Your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men,
Find refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

Psa 36:5, 7

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all.
He has compassion on all He has made.

The Lord is near to all who call on Him,
To all who call on Him in Truth.

Psa 145:8, 9, 18

Saturday, April 14, 2001

Luminous Words – “Transfiguration”

One of the things the Lord will do when He returns is “He will fashion anew the body of our humiliation,” Phil 3:21. ”Change” or “fashion” means to change the form of anything, therefore to transform.

The word “METASCHEMATIZO” from “META” means “with,” therefore, an accompaniment. The other part of the word is derived from “SCHEMA,” which means a figure as seen in the external form, and is rendered “fashion” in reference to “the fashion” of the world at this present time. And to Christ as He “appeared in fashion as a man,” 1 Cor 7:31, Phil 2:8

But, the compound word “METASCHEMATIZO” means “to fashion with another” and is rendered “transformed” when Satan is identified with an angel of light and makes himself to appear as one. 2 Cor 11:13-15.

”Fashion anew the body of our humiliation.” He will reconstruct the body of our abasement. What that reconstruction will mean we have some idea from the transfiguration scene and from the description of Christ’s glorified body in Rev. chapter one.

Luminous Words – “Conformation”

“Change” or “fashion” does not convey all the Lord intends for the redeemed and so we have the added assurance, “We shall be fashioned like His glorious body,” or literally, “Conformed to the body of His glory.”

The word “conformed” is “SUM MORPHOS.” The prefix “SUM” is from the preposition “SUN” which means “union with” and “MORPHOS” is from “MORPHE” which signifies “form” and it used three times of Christ.

”Who was in the form of God and yet took upon Him the form of a Servant,” Phil 2:6-7. And who appeared to some of His disciples after His resurrection “in another form,” Mark 16:12.

In its compound form, “SUM MORPHOS” denotes association with, and having form like another. Therefore, when we are told Christ shall “change” or “fashion” anew our body, it means to change into another form of character. But this does not tell us what the character will be. Therefore, the necessity for the positive statement, ”That it may be conformed to the body of His glory.”

”Like Him” expresses all that is meant and all that is needed. He went to Heaven in the hey day of His perfect manhood, and what that body of glory is, we have described in a detailed unfolding in Revelation, where Christ in His glory is unveiled as the Son of man. Phil 3:20-21.

Luminous Words – “Immortality”

Man’s thought of immortality is deathlessness. Therefore, he speaks of “immortality of the soul.” But the thought in the New Testament is the incorruptibility of the body. Therefore, what is meant by immorality is a state of holiness and bliss in a glorified body, from which it will be impossible to fall.

It is important to distinguish between the survival of the soul and spirit after the death of the body, and the alleged immortality of man by creation.

That Adam, when first created, did not possess an absolute and inherent immortality is clearly shown by the conditions imposed upon him, namely, that he should not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

He might have had immortality. Yet by disobeying the Divine commands, he lost his capacity to become immortal and was driven from Eden. The believers’ immortality does not arrive from a natural immortality at his creation, but solely and entirely by reason of his union and identification with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This union is an organic union and the immortal life of the believer arises from the fact “Because I live” says Christ, “ye shall live also.”

The great resurrection chapter plainly indicates that it not until Christ returns that the dead will be raised incorruptible and the living ones will be changed.

For it is “then” and not till then, that corruption shall put on incorruption. For that blissful hour we wait. But it will arrive. For the sure word is, “This mortal must put on immortality” and “It shall come to pass” and then we shall know “death is swallowed up in victory,” 1 Cor 15:50-55.

Notice the words “must” ... “shall” ... and “is” ...

Luminous Words – “Transfiguration”

The scene on the Mt. of Transfiguration is a type as Peter declared it of the coming glory of Christ’s kingdom.

”We made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitness of His majesty, when we were with him in the Holy Mount,” 1 Pet 1:16-18.

The different touches of this scene are suggestive:
Matthew says “He was transfigured and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light,” Matt 17:2.
Mark says “his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow. So that no fuller on Earth can whiten them,” Mark 9:3.
Luke says “The fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistening,” Luke 9:29.

There also “appeared in glory with Him Moses and Elijah.” The word “transfigured” is rendered “transformed” in Rom 12:2 and “changed” in 2 Cor 3:18.

In the glorified state, the internal conditions are independent of external relations, and the internal relations are so perfect and complete and work in such constant harmony, that they eternally harmonize.

Take a simple illustration. The bulb of the tulip in its internal nature produces the beautiful and perfect flower. Supposing the bulb in its internal conditions was eternally vivacious in life-producing proprieties, there would be produced eternal flowering.

So, in the glorified condition our natures will be so changed that the glory of that condition will be independent of our surroundings. Yet, as in the transfiguration, from that inner life will flash out a glorious luminosity.

Luminous Words – “Glory”

Seven times within the compass of a few verses Paul uses the word “glory,” 1 Cor 15:40-43, in calling attention to the different phases of glory as seen in the sun, moon, and stars. He takes them as indicating the difference between a natural body and the spiritual body.

The soulish or animal body will cease to exist, and therefore death cannot be experienced. But the spiritual body will be spiritual, although actual in substance. There will be a correspondence in likeness between the natural and the spiritual and therefore the identity of the individual.

The bare grain in embryo has in it all the qualities of the beautiful corn which it produces. But, there is a great difference between “the bare grain” and the beautiful cluster of corn.

Human language cannot describe eternal glories. But the description of the glorious city which John saw coming down from Heaven illustrates the fact, that glory is excellence of anything in display.

In the Golden Age of Christ’s perfect rule after the Millennium as unfolded in Rev 21-22:6, there will be a perfect condition of things.

Seven “Shalls” After the Millennium – Rev 21-22:6

1. Perfect environment
   All the imperfections of Earth are because man does not give God His right place. But in the Golden Age, “The throne of God and the Lamb shall be therein.” Rev 22:3 says the Spirit in speaking of the Lamb’s wife as embodied in the new Jerusalem.
   
2. Perfect service
   ”His servants shall do Him service.”
   The word for “servants” denotes one who is bound to serve because he is a slave. But when used in a Christian sense, expresses the highest devotion of one who is bound by love because he has been purchased by the blood of Christ. This is brought out in the highest word for service which signifies sacrifice, and one who worships God, Heb 12:18.
   
3. Perfect vision
   ”Shall see His face.” To see His face is to enjoy His favor and fellowship, not like Absalom who was not allowed to see the king’s face, 2 Sam 14:24. But like the Queen of Sheba who was gladdened by seeing King Solomon and all his possessions, so that she was over-joyed and awed by the sight, 1 Kings 10:5.
   
4. Perfect nature
   ”His name shall be in their foreheads.”
   The name stands for nature and correspondence. As Moses and Elijah were transfigured with Christ, so we shall be like Him. He will look at us and see the correspondence to Himself.
   The mark of sin left its leprous stamp on the forehead of Uzziah, 2 Chr 26:19, but the out-shining of Christ’s glory will cause us to shine with a luminosity like His.
   
5. Perfect day
   ”There shall be night no more.” Night with all its evil associations of sin, robbery, preying beasts, and fear, will have fled away from the luminous presence of the “sun of righteousness” and no more shall the watchmen cry, “the night cometh.”
   
6. Perfect illumination
   ”The Lord giveth them light,” therefore no light of man’s production will be needed, nor will nature’s sun be required. The unchanging One in His infinite power is the one who causes the endless light in all its radiating power to shine in endless beauty and benefit.
   
7. Perfect rule
   ”And they shall reign forever and ever.” “Ever and ever” or unto the ages of the ages. How can we express such a sentence? Certainly it conveys the thought without limitations of time or Earth conditions.
   
   And their “reign” being stated as beyond limitations or opposition. There is perfect dominance. They beyond need not trouble us. It is in the gracious hands of Him who died for us.

He who is the Resurrection and the Life is also the “Great I am” so He can bring to pass all the gracious purpose of His love.

Without??

As long as the sinner is without God, he is without at least seven things.

1. Without the blood of Christ.
   Which alone can remit the past and can release the sinner from the hold of sin. Heb 9:22.
   
2. Without Christ.
   Who alone can save, sanctify, and satisfy. Eph 2:12.
   
3. Without peace.
   Which alone can calm the mind and silence the conscience. Isa 57:21.
   
4. Without hope.
   Which alone can clear the vision and make the future bright with coming glory. Eph 2:12.
   
5. Without life.
   Which alone can qualify to see and enter the kingdom of God. John 3:3, 5.
   
6. Without strength.
   For the sinner has no ability to rise to the higher things. Rom 5:6.
   
7. Without the Spirit.
   For those who are not the Lord’s are summed up in destitution of their need, “As having not the Spirit,” Jude 19.
   

   

What Easter Means!

“Alive unto God”

The Greek word rendered “alive” in Rom 6:11 is “ZAO.” It is a primary verb and it means “to live.” An interesting study is suggested by the use of the word applied to the spiritual life. It is a God-imparted and Christ-secured life. For Christ came by the way of the Cross that we “might live through Him,” 1 John 4:9.

1. It is a Christ-centered life and a Christ-associated life. For He says, “Because I live, ye shall live also,” John 14:19.
   
2. It is a God-derived and Christ-sustained life. As Christ declares, “As the giving Father hath sent Me and I live because of the Father, so He that eateth Me even he shall live because of Me,: John 6:57.
   
3. It is a self-displacing and Christ-centered life, for all those who know Him “cease to live unto themselves, but unto Him,” 2 Cor 5:15.
   
4. It is a Spirit-inscribed and a Spirit-indicted life, for believers are the epistles of the living God and He inscribes His character on their inner being. 2 Cor 3:3.
   
5. It is a Christ-indwelt and a Christ-revealing life, for each indwelt believer recognizes what the apostle said “I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me,” Gal 2:20.
   
6. It is a brethren-considerate and a Lord-controlled life. Therefore, believers who “live unto the Lord” do not despise nor judge each other. Rom 14:7-9.
   
7. It is a saint-helping and a missionary-loving life, for it ever hears the voice of the missionary plea, “Now we live if we stand fast in the Lord,” 1 Thes 3:8.
   
8. And it is a God-controlled and a God-goaled life for “being alive from the dead” we recognize “we are alive unto God,” Rom 6:11, 13.

Doesn’t this beat Rabbits and eggs???

“Ye Shall Receive Power, After That the Holy Spirit is Come Upon You,” Acts 1:8

He brings the power and it is the power. He does not give us the power that we may use it, but He is the power that He may use us.

There is a seven-fold power that believers need:

1. Power to be.
2. Power to do.
3. Power to suffer.
4. Power to keep.
5. Power to pray.
6. Power to give.
7. Power to speak.

Can you explain each?

“After That the Holy Spirit Shall Come Upon You and You Shall Receive Power”

1. Power to be.
   ”Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness,” Col 1:11.
   
   With all power – being empowered according to the grasp of His glory unto all endurance and longsuffering with you. As the potter by the power of his skill is able to form the beautiful vase, so the Holy Spirit, as He grasps us in the hands of His Grace, can form our character in such a manner that the traits of patient love and enduring Grace are the development of His work within, and not the accretion of work without.
   
2. Power to do.
   The greatest work ever performed was that which God performed when He put forth “the strength of His might in raising Christ from the dead” Eph 1:19, which we are exhorted “to know” through the Holy Spirit’s enlightening Grace, Eph 1:18-20.
   
   ”Give me a grip of your conquering hand” was the request of a soldier to his commanding general when commissioned to carry out a difficult task He felt that if he had a grasp of the hand which had obtained so many victories, it would be an inspiration to him.
   
   We not only want to grip the hand of the Holy Spirit, “but we need to be gripped by Him” “then we can do” “because He does.” The grasp of His might will give us such a grip, that we will grip to some purpose.
   

   

   Sunday, April 15, 2001 – Easter Sunday
   
   “After the Holy Spirit is Come Upon You, You Shall Receive Power”

3. Power to suffer.
   Many of God’s people are so continuously occupied with their own comfort, and so frequently complain against suffering, that they miss the special empowerment which comes to those who are equipped to endure by the sufficient Grace of the Lord.
   
   Paul’s summary of the lesson which he had learned in the “school of suffering” through prayer and faith was, “I would rather boast in my weaknesses that the power of Christ may spread a tent over me,” 2 Cor 12:9.
   
   That enveloping power would never have been known but for the blast of trial. “Out of the eater” of suffering comes the sweetness of Grace.
   
   Bethel’s hard pillar is the bottom rung in Heaven’s cast up way of promise. Joseph found that Egypt’s throne was reached by the prison.
   
4. The power to keep.
   The true and effectual keeping is “to be kept by the power of God.” His keeping is instant, like the eyelid preserving the eyes. Psa 17:8.
   
   His keeping is incessant, like the stream which keeps clean the stone lying in its bed. Psa 19:13.
   
   His keeping is invulnerable, like the warrior who is encased in bullet-proof armor. 1 Pet 1:5.
   
5. The power to pray.
   The reason why the Lord is able to do above anything we ask or think is because of “the power that worketh in us.” Eph 3:20.
   That power, the Spirit Himself, must be effective in His working within if we would know the exceeding abundance of God’s supply from above.
   
   We prevail so ineffectively with Heaven because we allow so little of the Spirit’s effectiveness within.
   
   ”The Spirit Himself maketh intercession.” And for this we need to be in the Spirit, that is, ungrieved communion with Him. “Praying in the Spirit” is the prerequisite for the Holy Spirit to pray in us, even as the atmosphere is essential for the transmitter of wireless telegraphy to send the message.
   
6. Power to give!
   Paul in calling attention to the liberality of the Churches in Macedonia says, “According to their power, I bear witness, yea, and beyond their power they gave of their own accord.” 2 Cor 8:3.
   
   The moving power which caused them to give so frankly and fully was “the Grace of God bestowed.” 2 Cor 8:1.
   
   When the life of God is low in the experience of the child of God, then the giving will be small. But when the warm soul of love is throbbing, then the willing hand of giving is liberal.
   
   It is not then, how little can be given, but how much is He worthy. The principle that the spiritual believer observes is found in the words of Christ’s prayer to His Father when He said, “All Thine are Mine, and Mine are Thine.”
   
   When we know that what He has is ours, we recognize that what we have is His.
   
7. Power to speak.
   ”They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 4:31, 33.
   
   Speaking without the Spirit is like speaking in a foreign language to those who do not know the language. While speaking in the Spirit, every word is intelligible to those who hear.
   
   Looking to ourselves we will say with Jeremiah, “I cannot speak, for I am a child.”
   
   But filled with the Spirit we will know the Lord’s assuring Word as He says, “Behold I have put My words in Thy mouth,” Jer 1:6, 9.
   
   How many men owe everything in life to one young soul that trusted them when all was doubtful, one faithful love that kept them company as long as ever it could. ”I never was anything till I knew you,” wrote Tom Hood to his wife.
   
   How true are these words “I never was anything till I knew you” applied to God the Holy Spirit, every believer testifies. We shall never be anything nor continue to be anything except, “We know Him.” Know Him in the power of His life, in the strength of His might, in the glow of His love, in the lowliness of His humility, in the sanctity of His holiness, in the wisdom of His guidance, in the inspiration of His Word, and in the glory of His personality.
   
   ”After that the Holy Spirit shall come upon you and you shall receive power.”
   

“The Remnant”

Isaiah said “Unless the Lord left a remnant, we would be like Sodom and Gomorrah.”

Never before in Church history has this principle been more appropriate. A “remnant” is a small percentage of believers in the Church Age who take in the Word of God daily and make application of the Word of God to their own lives and experience and become spiritually self-sustaining.

We hear of similar remarks in our country like “Uncle Sam needs you.” Or, “Only a few good Marines.” A silent minority, like salt, which is silent, yet has a quiet preserving effect.

They are slaves who fear to speak
For the fallen and the weak.
They are slaves who will not choose
Hatred, scoffing, and abuse.

Rather than in silence shrink
From the Truth they needs must think.
They are slaves who dare not be
In the right with two or three.

The remnant!

The Perfect Light

“And God saw the light that it was good,” Gen 1:4a.

Man does not see light in all its forms. He sees color because of light, and he is able to do many things with refraction and polarization of light. The Qal imperfect of the word “RA AH” says that God always does see.

Now, there is no verb before “good.” You simply have an elliptical phrase here, and the omission of the verb puts great emphasis on the following word, ”TOBH.” Consequently we have ... “light good.”

The seeing of ELOHIM is an anthropomorphism to explain God’s attitude toward His own creation on the first day of restoration.

Monday, April 16, 2001

”Human Good”

Human good is man’s relative righteousness, which can never meet the standards of God’s absolute righteousness.

Certain categories of human good are legitimate between people, but when offered to God, “man’s righteousnesses are like filthy rags,” Isa 64:4.

Religion vainly seeks to earn the approbation of God through the “dead works” of human good. Heb 6:1, 9:14. Whereas Christianity, which is not a religion, is a personal relationship with God based not on human good but on perfect Divine righteousness.

At the moment of salvation God imputes His own righteousness to every believer. Gen 15:6, Rom 3:22, 4:3, 2 Cor 5:21. And declares each believer justified, vindicated, acceptable to the absolute standards of God. Rom 3:19-30.

The Doctrine of Light!

1. God is light. Light demonstrates both the essence and the personalities of the Godhead. 1 John 1:5.
   
2. Light is necessary for man’s existence on the Earth. Ecc 11:7, Jer 31:35.
   
3. Divine guidance for Israel was provided by God through light. Ex 14:20.
   
4. Jesus Christ as the manifested Person of the Godhead is light. John 8:12, 1 Tim 6:16.
   
5. The Word of God in the soul through the function of growing in Grace is portrayed by light. Psa 119:105, 130.
   
6. Maturity in the soul is constructed from the light of the Word of God. Psa 43:3, 119:130, Rom 13:12, Eph 5:8, 1 John 2:8.
   
7. The Gospel is called the light. 2 Cor 4:3, 4, 2 Tim 1:10.
   
8. Salvation brings the believer out of darkness into light, just as the planet Earth was brought out of darkness into light by God. Luke 1:79, 1 Pet 2:9.
   
9. The believer reflects the light of the Word of God. 2 Cor 4:6.
   

Light and Darkness Are Mutually Exclusive

“The Evil Darkness”

“And God saw the light that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness,” Gen 1:4.

Darkness belongs to the devil. The devil cannot produce light, create life, nor can he provide regeneration. The devil can do nothing constructive. So, there must be a separation and we find it in this phrase.

”And ELOHIM divided.” The hiphil imperfect of “BADHAL” means “to cause to separate.” “ELOHIM caused to separate the light from the darkness.” God does not obliterate darkness at this point, but allows it to coexist with light so there will always be a perfect illustration of “Divine good verses evil.”

If God had obliterated the darkness, He would also have obliterated the fallen angels and terminated the angelic conflict. It was God’s purpose that man’s volition would be an extension of the angelic conflict.

Therefore, man must always have the opportunity to choose between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of Light.

At the time of the Second Advent there will be all light and no darkness. Isa 60:19-20.

Day and Night

“And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And the evening and the morning were the first day,” Gen 1:5.

All created things must have nomenclature from God. This phrase “God called the light day” emphasizes the importance of words and nomenclature in Scripture. It also stresses the importance of the mind where you have vocabulary and categories. You can’t think without words. The name of a thing is the expression of its nature.

While something named by man expresses the impressions made on his human mind, a thing named by God expresses the exact reality of the thing. God used vocabulary. Whether you are aware of it or not, words, vocabulary, and categories are the invention of God so that you can use your mind for its proper and intended purpose – “to think.”

”As a man thinketh in his mind so is he.”

”Guard your mind with all diligence for out of it are issues of life.”

”With the mind man believeth unto salvation.”

”Think” used to be the motto of I.B.M.

The Evening

“And the evening and the morning were the first day,” Gen 1:5b.

”And the evening.” The Hebrew “ARABH” means “to become dark” – not “to be dark.”

The English says, “and the evening and the morning were the first day.” But that isn’t what the Hebrew says. The Qal imperfect of “HAJAH” should be translated “and the evening became.” In other words, he became dark. Why? The Earth was rotating. Light had energized its motion. A dead thing doesn’t rotate.

When the Earth was suspended in ice, it did not rotate because there was no heat in the ice pack. Now, a very interesting thing began to happen. Because the Earth was covered with fluids, fluid dynamics began to shape the Earth.

Up to this point there was concentrated light in one spot. As the Earth began to rotate, it left the concentration of light and became dark. That is all that “evening” means. “It is getting dark.” As the Earth continued its rotation, it became morning. This is one complete revolution.

Literally, “So it became evening and then it became dawn. Day one.”

During the first three days of restoration, light was concentrated above the Earth so that evening and dawn could reoccur every 24 hours as the Earth rotated on its axis. It was not until the fourth day that God dispersed the concentrated light into the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Atmosphere

“And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters. And let it divide the waters from the waters,” Gen 1:6.

The word for firmament is “RAQIJA.” It refers to atmosphere and occasionally to the expanse of the heavens beyond the atmosphere.

”RAQIJA” is used four ways in the Old Testament:

1. It is translated “a transparent work of sapphire,” Exodus 24:10, and in that sense we see the color of the sky.
   
2. The sky is called a mirror, “a molten looking glass,” Job 37:18.
   
3. It is described as “a carpet spread over the Earth,” Isa 40:22.
   
4. It is called “a curtain of gauze,” Psa 104:2, “spread over the heavens.”

This presents the transparency of the atmosphere, illustrating the fact that the atmosphere is made up of gases. So, the Lord said, “Atmosphere be.”

Remember the Earth had rotated once while it was completely covered with water. Now, the water on the Earth was going to be divided by the atmosphere. Some of the water will be above the atmosphere, and some will be on the surface of the Earth below the atmosphere. Therefore, the atmosphere would be between the waters.

The Atmosphere

“And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters and let it divide the waters from the waters,” Gen 1:6.

There would be no rainfall on the Earth until the flood of Noah’s day. During the period before the flood, all moisture would be provided by a system of evaporation. Most of the waters for the Flood would come from below the Earth. The Earth’s surface could not have been covered with water in just 40 days of rainfall, if vast amounts had not poured forth from the depths of the Earth.

The band of atmosphere around the Earth, which God provided on day two, is vital to human, animal, and plant existence. We could not have life without it. The moon, which is a satellite, is a dead world because he has no atmosphere. This band of atmosphere around the Earth is composed of a mixture of gases in a more or less stabilized form such as oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, helium, neon, etc.

We call this ”air.” The Bible calls it “atmosphere.” The composition of air or atmosphere changes with regard to the amount of moisture and the amount of carbon dioxide, but the other components remain constant.

Atmosphere has an important effect on our climate, radiation, weather, and even our comfort. The relationship between water and atmosphere is very important. Winds are a part of the atmosphere and were created with it on the second day.

God originally established a perfect balance between these things.

Genesis 1:7, “And God made the firmament and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament and it was so.”

Literally, “And God manufactured the atmosphere.”

God is ELOHIM, the Son, the Creator.

ELOHIM the Father gave the command in verse 6.
ELOHIM the Son executed it. There was no time lapse.
The Father said, “Atmosphere be in the middle of the water,” and the Son manufactured the atmosphere immediately.

The word “made” is the Qal imperfect of “ASAH,” indicating that the atmosphere was manufactured out of already existing material.

”And divided” is literally, “He caused to separate.” At the end of the verse we read “and it was so.” This is a Hebrew idiom meaning something prescribed was done. “And it came to pass.”

Literally, “ELOHIM the Son, manufactured the atmosphere out of already existing material and caused to separate between the waters under the atmosphere and between the water above the atmosphere, and so it came to pass as previously described.”

”And God called the firmament Heaven and the evening and the morning were the second day,” Gen 1:8.

”And ELOHIM called,” we have “QARA,” which means that He provided nomenclature, vocabulary, a system for technical and categorical thinking. God designated the atmosphere “Heaven” and the same as in verse 5, it became evening, getting darker, and it became dawn, getting lighter. Day two.

Evil Thinking Believers

“As a man thinketh in his mind so is he.” You are what you think!

Rational thinking is the essential human activity that distinguishes man from animals. Like the angels, man was created with a soul capable of rational thought. Therefore, the mentality of the soul is the battlefield of the angelic conflict. When a believer thinks evil, he is evil, and he resides in Satan’s cosmic system. From evil thinking comes evil motivation, and from evil motivation comes evil actions.

Believers can be evil and think evil and serve Satan and not the Lord Jesus Christ. You would say, “Impossible. Not me!” Well we have it on the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ that this is true. ”And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, 'Why are you thinking evil in your minds?'”

In contrast, thinking that is consistent with the Truth has enormous repercussions for good. Salvation itself is appropriated by a right thought by nonmeritorious positive volition toward the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

”What do you think about the Lord Jesus Christ,” Matt 22:42.

”With the mind man believeth unto salvation,” Rom 10:10.

”Guard your mind with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life,” Prov 4:23.

The Doctrine of Evil!

1. Definition:
   A. Evil is the policy and modus operandi of Satan as the ruler of this world, by which he seeks to capture and control the human soul, and to establish his own millennium and become the victor in the angelic conflict.
   
   B. Just as Grace and Doctrine represent the genius and thinking of God in relation to the human race, so evil represents the genius and thinking of Satan regarding the human race. Therefore, evil is a system of thought just as Doctrine is a system of thought.
   
   C. Evil is also the function of the old sin nature as the ruler of the human life.
   
   D. Evil is the distortion of Bible Doctrine and the laws of Divine Establishment. Psa 50:16.
   
   E. When either sin or human good are intensified, they become evil.
   
2. The scope of evil:
   A. While sin and evil often overlap, evil includes much more than sin.
   1. Evil includes human good and every attempt to solve the problems of life apart from the Word of God and apart from Divine Establishment. Humanitarianism, philanthropy, socialism, public welfare, the common wealth, social action, social security, the social gospel, religionism, legalism, apostasy, Communism, and pacifism.
   
   2. It also includes the restriction of human freedom for so-called greater good, the distortion of law for the purpose of solving economic problems, anti-gun legislation, the rise of bureaucracy, governmental abuse of power, and interference in industry and free enterprise, the present use of labor unions, and even Christian activities which substitute service for spiritual growth outside the academic discipline of the local Church, are all forms of evil.
   
   B. Therefore, evil is the total inclusion of human ability, human talent, and works, and the total exclusion of Grace.
   
   More to follow on just what is evil …
   

   

   What is Evil? – Part Two!

3. Vocabulary.
   A. Hebrew words for evil.
   1. AWEN – nothingness, vanity, evil
   2. RA – bad, evil, worthless
   3. RA-AH – feminine adjective for evil
   4. ROA – Badness of quality, evil as quality
   5. RA-A – to be evil
   
   B. Greek words for evil.
   1. KAKOS (adjective) – evil, bad, worthless
   2. KAKOS (adverb) – wickedly
   3. KAKIA – Depravity, wickedness
   4. PONEROS (adjective) – evil, worthless, degenerate
   5. PONEROS (noun) – evil intent, evil doer, evil one, Satan
   6. PONERIA – sinfulness, maliciousness
   7. PHAULOS – evil, worthless, wicked
   
4. Evil as related to Satan.
   A. Satan’s angels are called evil spirits or demons. Luke 7:21, 8:2, Acts 19:12-16.
   B. Satan’s domain is called an evil world. Gal 1:4.
   C. Satan’s policy is called evil. 1 Thes 5:22, 2 Thes 3:3.
   D. Those under the influence of satanic policy are called evil men. Job 35:12, Matt 12:35.
   E. Satan’s administrators are called inventors of evil things. Rom 1:30.
   
   More to come on what is evil …
   

   

   What is Evil? – Part Three!

5. Both sin and evil originate from Satan. Gen 3.
   A. Personal sin, human good, and evil in an individual emanate from the old sin nature.
   B. Sin is handled by 1 John 1:9, confession of sin. Evil is handled by Doctrine and spiritual maturity through the function of growing in Grace.
   
6. Evil is located in the soul. Matt 6:23, 15:19.
   
7. Evil in the soul shortens your life. Amos 5:14-15.
   
8. Evil is distinguished from other categories.
   A. From sin. 1 Chr 21:1, 17.
   B. From demon possession.
   1. Believers can be evil possessed but not demon possessed.
   2. Evil possession is the control of the believer’s soul by satanic Doctrine. Demon possession is the indwelling of the unbeliever’s body by Satan’s angels.
   C. From war and disease. Jer 28:8.
   1. Warfare is often the means of maintaining national freedom and involves suffering and pressure, but, although evil may occur during war, war itself is not evil.
   2. Disease may be punishment for sin or evil, but in itself disease is not evil.
   D. From evil in the administration of the fifth cycle of discipline.
   1. The saturation of evil in a nation leads to its destruction or the fifth cycle of discipline. Isa 47:10-11.
   2. The administration of the fifth cycle of discipline is also called evil.
   
   God uses an evil to punish an evil. Jonah 3:10.
   
   More to come on evil …
   

   

   What is Evil? – Part Four!

9. Evil leadership is anti-God. Nahum 1:11.
   
10. Since evil is altruistic, national leaders are often involved in altruism. Luke 11:13.
    
11. Sincere do-gooders practice evil. Rom 7:19, 21.
    A. The sincere do-gooder is always frustrated.
    B. Being under the influence of evil, his good always turns out evil.
    C. Therefore, the believer is warned to be aware of evil practitioners. Phil 3:2.
    
12. Those under the influence of evil always have a price. 1 Tim 6:10.
    
13. Evil rationalizes. Once human norms are established, they are called “good.” Isa 5:20.
    
14. Conspiracy and revolution are evil. Psa 64:4, 5, Prov 17:11.
    
15. False doctrine is both evil and insanity. Ecc 9:3.
    
16. Evil never understands Grace function. Matt 20:15.
    A. Grace is related to Doctrine, not to human good works.
    B. Therefore, in emphasizing works, evil distorts Grace. Psa 38:19, 20.
    
17. An evil person seeks to build happiness on someone else’s unhappiness. Psa 35:11-13.
    
18. The influence of evil explains why prayers of believers are not answered. Job 35:9-13.
    
19. Evil is self-destructive. Psa 34:21.
    
20. There is no evil in God. Psa 5:4, James 1:13.
    A. Therefore, God judges evil. Psa 34:16, Isa 13:11.
    B. In spite of evil, Jesus Christ controls history. Prov 16:3, 4, Isa 45:7.
    C. Jesus Christ permits evil to run its course as part of the angelic conflict.
    
    More to come in conclusion on evil ...
    

    

    What is Evil? – Part Five!

21. The believer must face the fact that evil was not judged on the Cross.
    A. Only sin was judged on the Cross. 1 Pet 2:24.
    B. Christ could not be judged for evil, Satan’s policy, for that would cancel the angelic conflict.
    
22. Submission to the authority of Divine Establishment protects the human race from evil. Ecc 8:2-5, Rom 13:3-4.
    
23. The issue in the Royal Family of God is whether the believer is influenced by the Word of God or by evil. Prov 11:18, 19, 14:22, 15:3, 16:6, 22:3, 3 John 11.
    A. Negative volition toward the Word of God causes the believer to be changed by evil. Prov 5:13, 14.
    1. Negative volition is always influenced by evil. Psa 36:1-4, John 3:19.
    2. Evil provides false security for those who are negative. Micah 3:1, 12.
    B. The Grace believer is protected from evil because he has a maximum amount of the Word of God in his soul. Gen 48:16, 50:20, Psa 21:11, 23:4, 37:16-19, 91:10, 97:10, 119:101, 121:7; Prov 1:33, 2:10-14, 3:7, etc.
    C. The believer is commanded to put away evil. Deut 13:5, Isa 1:16, Rom 12:9, 1 Pet 3:9, 3 John 11.
    D. The mature believer possesses a balance of residency between Doctrine in the soul and the filling of the Holy Spirit, and avoids evil. Gen 48:16; 1 Sam 25:39; Job 28:28; Psa 37:25-27; Psa 84:10; Prov 16:6, 17; Isa 59:15; Jer 9:3, 23:21, 22; John 17:15;1 Cor 13:5.
    E. Doctrine is the neutralizer of evil. Psa 54:5, Rom 12:21.
    
24. Evil will be eliminated in the Millennial Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. Zeph 3:14, 15.

Finished!

A Believer Who Finds Himself in a National Crisis!

James 5:17, “Elijah was a human being similar in feelings, circumstances and pressures to us, and by means of prayer he began to pray not to send rain and it did not rain on the land for three and one half years.”

Here is recorded for us a Grace believer in a national crisis. The prophet Elijah was a spiritual giant, patriot, and Grace hero, and he stemmed the tide of national negative volition by his prayer.

Elijah faced maximum apostasy and negative volition, which threatened his nation with catastrophe. Aware that Israel was on the verge of the fifth cycle of discipline, Elijah besought the Lord on behalf of the people.

What was the content of Elijah’s prayer?? That God “would knock on the door” and for three and a half years God knocked on the door of the Northern Kingdom to warn them of impending disaster. Deut 28:23-24.

Elijah had fearlessly announced God’s warning to Ahab, the king of Israel, who promptly ignored it. Just as promptly the rain ceased and economic depression set in.

The draught devastated the agricultural economy and ultimately served to spur the nation to a change of mind and restoration.

While believers and unbelievers alike had been wasting time in negative volition toward the Word of God, 1 Kings 16:30-31, Elijah redeemed the time through prayer and Bible Doctrine and became the man for the crisis.

At the termination of three and a half years of famine, Elijah, who by now had a price on his head, went back to King Ahab, 1 Kings 18:17-20, and issued his ultimatum to the people of Israel. “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him. But if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word,” 1 Kings 18:21b.

Sounds like our condition today.

A Believer in a National Crisis!

Elijah’s heroic challenge to the prophets of Baal is well known. 1 Kings 18:25-40.

In a period of great national apostasy, a Grace communicator of the Word of God stands almost alone, 1 Kings 18:22. Elijah was no exception. He was by himself as he order the 400 prophets of Baal to offer their sacrifice and call down fire from their gods. When they were unsuccessful, Elijah called down fire from his God.

Just as in the two instances of prayer offered for negative volition in James 5:14-16, so after preparing his sacrifice, Elijah prayed for a change of mind in the nation, 1 Kings 18:36, 37.

Should the people respond, he would then be able to finish the prayer began three and a half years before. The prayer for negative volition does not become operational until they have a change of attitude toward the Word of God.

In answer to Elijah’s prayer, the fire from Heaven consumed the sacrifice, and sparked the necessary change of mind. 1 Kings 18:39.

Elijah had begun his first prayer in Ahab’s palace. The prayer interrupted by three and a half years of national depression would be concluded on Mt. Carmel, 1 Kings 18:42-45. This is explained in James 5:17.

“When Elijah began to pray” is an ingressive aorist of “PROSEUCHOMAI.” In verse 18 the same morphology “PROSEUCHOMAI” is used, but this time, it is the culminative aorist. He terminated his prayer.

”And he offered prayer again, and the Heaven gave rain. And the land germinated, (sprouted, produced its production),” James 5:18.

There is a Biblical description of what some people call “Mother nature.” Germinated, sprouted, produced its production.

A Thought For Today For the 24 Airmen Taken Hostage

Psa 18:34, “He teacheth my hands to war so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.”

sa 18:35, “Thou hast also given me the shield of salvation and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great.”

Psa 18:36, “Thou hast enlarged my feet under me that my feet did not slip.”

Psa 18:37, “I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them, neither did I turn again till they were consumed.”

Psa 18:38, “I have wounded them that they were not able to rise, they have fallen under my feet.”

Psa 18:39, “For Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.”

The battle is the Lord’s!

Believers Who Serve Satan!

Not every Christian with negative volition to the Word of God is removed from this Earth immediately. God may keep a believer alive for a long time in the intensive stage of Divine discipline.

Representing many different personalities, attitudes, and styles of living, and taking many different approaches to life, cosmic Christians who periodically receive intensive discipline serve Satan as cosmic evangelists.

Satan uses their negative attitude to distract positive believers from the Plan of God. Cosmic believers draw into the pseudo-strength and superficial attractions of the cosmic system.

Rev 2:2, “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”

With great finesse God may employ these eternally saved “enemies of the Cross,” Phil 3:18, as agents of testing in the lives of growing believers. Specifically, Christians suffering intensive Divine discipline may administer a test to the spiritually adult believers.

Besides “enemies of the Cross,” Phil 3:18, other Biblical terms for cosmic believers include:

All these phrases refer to eternally-saved believers, not to unbelievers. The only reason God sustains the lives of some negative believers is to use them to train others. These “enemies of God,” James 4:4, are still members of the Royal Family of God and their eternal life is secure, but the only role they can play in the glorification of Christ is to be a test for positive believers.

Because of their own failure to execute the plan of God, they become merely a means of building strength in someone else. Obviously this is a Christian’s highest calling.

Tuesday, April 17, 2001

The Importance of Doctrinal Thinking, or Thought Testing

Prov 23:7, “As a man thinketh in his mind, so is he.”

Thought determines the believer’s life. Thoughts have such a powerful effect on the believer’s success or failure in the Christian way of life that thinking must be considered a major test.

In all stages of Christian growth, the believer will face the pressure of thought conflicts in the soul.

1. Human viewpoint will conflict with Divine Viewpoint.
2. False concepts will challenge Bible Doctrine.
3. Arrogance will intrude upon humility.
4. Expedients of all kinds will compete with the Plan of God.
5. Fear will paralyze reason.

These are essentially private conflicts which the believer must resolve in his own soul.

Quandaries, confusions, and unanswered questions motivate the positive believer to apply the resources of the Word of God he has learned.

Concentration on the Word of God accelerates his spiritual growth. Thought testing may exist when circumstances are overtly prosperous and tranquil.

A person is not always what he appears to be on the surface. The real person is the thought content of his soul.

”Guard your mind with all diligence for out of come the issues of life.”

”What think ye of Christ?”

A Believer is What He Thinks, Not What He Eats

Because a believer is what he thinks, a thought can make or break him, depending on the nature of the thought.

If his thought is consistent with the Word of God, “the mind of Christ,” he advances in the Plan of God. If his thought is contrary to the Word of God, he is distracted from his true destiny in life.

His mental attitude toward life is the function of his thinking, the composite of all he knows and believes.

Prayer illustrates the importance of thought in fulfilling the believer’s private responsibilities before the Lord. Each member of the Royal Family of God is a priest with a tremendous privilege of representing himself before God. With privilege comes responsibility.

God has established the plan which the believer must follow in using prayer. The believer’s prayers must be consistent with God’s essence, objectives. Therefore, accurate and careful “Doctrinal thinking” is the basis for effective prayer.

When his prayers reflect God’s own thoughts and desires, the believer can be confident of receiving affirmative answers. “If ye abide in Me and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you,” John 15:7.

Jesus Christ explained that wrong and sloppy thinking guarantees failure in prayer. “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their many words,” Matt 6:7.

”But we have the mind of Christ”

Arrogance

Mankind’s great enemy is a thought called “arrogance.” Arrogance can inflate or deflate man’s opinion of himself. He thinks he is better or worse than he actually is.

Both self-aggrandizement and self-denigration distort and deny reality, which is the realm in which God’s plan is effective. God’s Grace deals with us as we are.

But an egocentric believer who does not live in objective reality will never use God’s Grace provisions to advance in the Plan of God.

”For if anyone thinks he is something,” arrogance, “when he is nothing,” “he deceives himself,” Gal 6:3.

”God resists the proud and exalts the humble.”

”Pride goeth before a fall.”

“I Love You” and “Love One Another” – What is the Difference?

“I love you” is personal.
“Love one another” is impersonal.

”I love you” is with all facets of the soul.
”Love one another” is only the mentality of the soul.

Personal love for God comes first. As personal love for God increases, the believer’s attitude about self improves and as this inner strength becomes established in his soul, he is able to deal more consistently with others from impersonal love.

Impersonal love is defined by contrast to personal love. Both of these categories of love can be illustrated in the sentence, “I love you.” In personal love, the emphasis is on the “you” on the attractiveness, character, intelligence, and personality of the object of love. Personal love depends on rapport with the object. Obviously a personal love is exclusive.

Only a few people receive any particular believer’s personal love, which requires a degree of intimacy, knowledge, trust, and reciprocation. For compatibility to exist, the “I” and the “you” must perceive one another as fulfilling each other’s norms and standards.

Impersonal love on the other hand is entirely a function of the “I,” the subject of the sentence. The one who loves. What is his character? Does he possess virtue? The term “impersonal love” acknowledges that no compatibility, familiarity, reciprocation, or intimacy of any kind is required between the subject and the object.

Impersonal love is the spiritually autonomous believer’s unconditional attitude toward “everyone” he meets. It is the expression of his integrity which is manifested by tolerance, patience, compassion, courtesy, and generosity.

”Owe no man anything but love.” That is impersonal love.

Grace Orientation to Life

Grace-oriented believers have a greater appreciation for the Grace policy which God administers to all believers. ”We have received His Grace heaped upon Grace.”

Grace totally excludes human effort, human strength, human merit, human ability.

”For by Grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, and not of works lest any man should boast.”

Human advantages do not contribute to the execution of the Plan of God. The Christian way of life is a supernatural way of life and demands a supernatural means of execution.

The spiritual believer understands his total dependence on Divine omnipotence. Orientation to God’s Grace frees him from the last vestiges of legalism. A spiritual believer does not abuse the freedom that Grace gives him. Instead, he uses that freedom to comply with God’s will, purpose, and plan for the Church Age. He utilizes available Divine omnipotence to perpetuate his spiritual growth.

”Grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
”The Grace of God that bringeth salvation has appeared to all men.”
”God resists the proud and gives Grace to the humble.”

Live and Let Live

A spiritual Christian becomes increasingly aware of his own destiny within the plan of God. God is his destiny. God has designed a powerful plan for blessing for Him to the maximum, a plan that enables his life to glorify Jesus Christ both now and forever.

Once a believer is free from possessiveness and from seeking to control others, he can concentrate or exercising his God-given prerogatives within the framework of his own royal priesthood. He has learned to respect the privacy of others.

He has become tolerant of the flaws and foibles of those whom he would ordinarily resent. His impersonal love means that he can interact with others from the high ground of Christian integrity while concentrating on the fulfillment of God’s purpose for his own life.

”This is the commandment, that you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and that you love one another.”

”The fruit of the Spirit is love.”

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, from being my priest. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I also will forget your children,” Hosea 4:6. This was written to believers.

Unheralded in the annals of history, Christians in relatively small numbers anonymously determine the up trends and downtrends of civilization.

Jesus Christ prospers a nation when believers advance in the Divine Plan of God. He disciplines the nation when believers live habitually in the world system.

Usually a nation will begin to decline under the weight of its own degeneracy. If enough believers ignore the increasingly severe stages of individual discipline and remain in the world system, the nation’s spiritual pivot shrinks and the nation itself must receive collective Divine discipline.

As an application of this Doctrine – your primary duty to your country is to advance to spiritual maturity in the Divine Plan.

”Don’t ask what you country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country?” “Grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Divine retribution against the nation intensifies through five cycles of discipline which includes social disintegration, economic collapse, and political chaos. Lev 26:14, 18, 21, 27.

The fifth cycle of discipline destroys the nation’s sovereignty through the horrors of military conquest, reducing the vanquished populace to poverty, barbarism, and slavery. Deut 28:49-67.

How patriotic are you?

How to be Happy Without a Tax Deduction

1. Happiness is related to the essence of God.
   God always possessed perfect happiness in eternity past and He always will. Rom 1:25. God can’t be unhappy. Deut 28:63.
   A. It is an inner integral part of His character expressed through Grace.
   B. It includes His capacity to love, a relaxed mental attitude, and thinking Grace toward man. Psa 43:4.
   C. God doesn’t need emotion for a crutch.
   
2. Happiness is related to the Plan of God.
   In eternity past, God desired to share His happiness with mankind in time. Psa 51:12, Psa 97:12.
   A. To do so God must share something of His mental attitude and character with man. Zech 10:7b, Hab 3:18, Psa 9:1, 2, 5:11.
   B. It is only possible through regeneration and subsequent perception of the Word of God. Psa 9:14, Neh 8:10, 12:43.
   
3. Happiness is accomplished through Grace. Eph 2:8-9, Psa 31:7.
   A. In Grace God found a way to share His happiness with the believer in Christ. Psa 21:1, 32:10-11.
   B. This includes the availability of the Word of God, the inhale of the Word of God, resulting in maturity through growing in Grace.
   C. God sows and man reaps.

”Blessed be the Lord.” Literally, ‘Happinesses is the Lord.”

”Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Literally, “Happinesses to the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

The Pursuit of Happiness Without Leaving Your Room

1. Divine happiness is confined to the Plan of God.
   A. Man enters the Plan of God by faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:36, 20:31, Acts 16:32.
   B. Therefore, the potential for inner happiness begins after salvation.
   C. There is no instant or automatic happiness in the Christian life on Earth. Emotional response is not happiness.
   D. Certain conditions must be met, like the filling of the Spirit, which is joy, the constant intake of the Word of God, and the function of growing in Grace entering maturity. 1 John 1:4.
   
2. The Word of God and the function of growing in Grace are the basis for Divine happiness.
   God has designed inner happiness to be permanent and stabilized undergirding in the most difficult circumstances of life. Based on the Word of God which abides forever, it is real and bona fide. 1 John 1:4, John 17:17 cf verse 13.
   
   A. The first taste of Divine happiness comes through the filling of the Spirit. Gal 5:22, Rom 14:17, 1 Thes 1:6.
   B. The next step is the daily function of growing in Grace requiring the believer priest to exercise positive volition to the Word of God. John 17:13 cf verse 17, 1 John 1:4.
   C. Maturity is constructed from the Word of God in the human spirit with joy. Phil 4:4a, Psa 30:5, Neh 8:10, John 17:17.
   D. The final step to Divine happiness is occupation with Christ. Heb 12:2, 1 Pet 1:8, Phil 4:4b.

”Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall see God.”

Wednesday, April 18, 2001

Four Principles From Nature – Ecclesiastes 1:4-10

Life out of fellowship with God is like the cycles in nature which always return to the same point. ”One generation passeth away and another generation cometh, but the Earth abideth forever,” Ecc 1:4.

With every passing generation the Earth keeps right on going. One generation comes along trying to find happiness apart from God and it disappears. And another generation comes along and makes the same mistake. Then another and another, and history continually repeats itself. So we conclude, “we learn from history we learn nothing from history.”

So, as in the other cycles, it goes around and around. People seeking happiness apart from God are on a merry go round, a cycle, a rut, and they will never get anywhere.

”The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing,” Ecc 1:8.

A frantic search for happiness apart from the Lord ... Emptiness ...

Substitution for Fellowship with God

Solomon had everything and was searching for something new, something different, something exotic, something to bring happiness, something whereby he could be happy without the Lord.

He begins his search on a very high plane but each adventure he got a little lower, and a little lower, till he hit bottom. ”And I gave my mind to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are under Heaven,” Ecc 1:13.

Education – he first decided that no one could be successful and happy in life unless he went to college. Many people are sold on this today.

There is nothing wrong with higher education, per se. But, sad to say, it has led many believers astray. And it has created confusion in the minds of many people.

But think of all the people you know who went to some liberal university and graduated in a state of total disorientation to reality. I would rather just be a graduate from an elementary school and understand the true principles of life than to have graduated from some liberal college and be confused about everything the rest of my life.

All the education in the world is not worth one second of by-passing fellowship with God. None of it can fulfill the soul of the believer. It takes the Word of God, the mind of Christ, to do that. Anything else sours and becomes self-induced misery.

The study of many books brings weariness to the bones.

A Man Who Had More Education Than Anyone!

“I gave my mind to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are under Heaven,” Ecc 1:13.

In order to do this requires self-discipline and study, which caused Solomon to conclude, “This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.”

If you want to be well-educated, you must study. But it is a sore travail.

In Ecc 12:12 Solomon tells us what happens when you study too much. “And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” You burn out!

The primary job of the ministry is to study, study, study! That may sound easy to many people. But just try sitting down and studying five or six hours a day, after a few months people get burned out and they have to get away for awhile.

Here is a man who studied and studied and studied everything except the Word of God. In fact, he tells us what he did study. But first he gives us his conclusion from all that studying.

”I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is emptiness and vexation of spirit,” Ecc 1:14.

”Vexation of spirit” is literally, “Feeding on the wind.”

”I communed with mine own mind saying, Lo, I am come to great estate and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my mind had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my mind to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly,” Ecc 1:16-17.

Education is feeding on wind – madness and folly – weariness to the flesh – apart from the Lord.

”Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed; rightly dividing the Word of God.”

The Pursuit of Pleasure as a Substitute for Fellowship with the Lord

Pleasure

From academics Solomon tried an entirely different approach to happiness – pleasure. This follows a logical progression. After you have studied all week in school, what do you do? You go out on the weekend and blow your cork. You live it up – a complete change.

”I said in my mind, Go to now, (I have had enough of books) I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure (I am going to find happiness by living it up),” Ecc 2:1.

He started out by saying, “You know I am too serious. All this concentration is making me a dull person. I need to relax a little, and to laugh now and then.” But he soon discovered of laughter, “Of laughter, it is mad, and mirth what doeth it?” Ecc 2:2.

Not finding happiness as a good-time Charlie, “Behold, this is also emptiness,” verse 1. He turns to another form of pleasure.

”I sought in my mind to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting my mind with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see that good for the sons of men, which they do under Heaven all the days of their life,” Ecc 2:3.

One day, he says, I sobered up and realized that I was getting nowhere. I looked around and saw all these “dead soldiers” (empty bottles), and I knew that I was wasting my time that I was becoming nothing but a drunken bum or alcoholic.

He was still on a pleasure kick. He was only changing his brand of fun. This too is vanity and vexation of spirit apart from fellowship with the Lord.

”Blessed be the Lord.” Literally, “happinesses is the Lord.”

Chaos!

“And the Earth was without form, and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep,” Gen 1:2a.

This should be translated, “But the Earth” not, “And the Earth.”

We have the word “was” here, which is a Qal imperfect of “HAJAH” which means, “had become.”

Since we know that God is perfect and His works are perfect, Deut 32:4, Matt 5:48, we know that the Earth was not created imperfect.

The Earth had become something it was not before.

The Hebrew says “TOHU WAW BOHU,” translated here “without form and void.” In Isa 45:18 we have “TOHU” translated “in vain,” but in both places it should be rendered “waste” or “desolation.” ”Void” as a translation of “BOHU” is not correct. But it is better rendered “empty.”

”TOHU” applies to the original animal life on the Earth. “BOHU” refers to the original plant life on the Earth. All we have left of some of this type of life are some fossils and a few bones to show evidence of their existence.

”But the Earth had become desolate and empty.” After the creation of angels and before the creation of man there was an indefinite period of time in which “TOHU WAW BOHU” occurred. Why?

Angels were also created perfect. But through negative volition many rebelled against God. Satan’s fall, Ezek 28:15-16, Isa 14:12-17, the angelic conflict and God’s judgment of the rebellious angels resulted in chaos on the Earth “And darkness was upon the face of the deep.”

Thursday, April 19, 2001

When is the Last Time “You Kissed the Son??”

“Kiss the Son lest He be angry and ye perish from the way when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they put their trust in Him,” Psa 2:12.

1. The kiss involves recognition of who and what Christ is, the only Saviour.
   
2. This kiss involves the expression of a relationship and expression of a mental attitude. Believing, faith, love, union with Christ.
   
3. This kiss involves a reward, eternal life. The “kiss” is non-meritorious, just as the following are non-meritorious:
   A. Drinking.
   B. Eating.
   C. And, of course, kissing.
   
4. A kiss:
   A. Expresses desire, positive volition to God consciousness.
   B. Expresses surrender, faith at Gospel hearing.
   C. Expresses relationship – the 34 things given to you at the point of salvation.
   D. It always involves two people. Therefore, it involves a response. The response of God through faith.
   
5. Translation of this verse:
   ”Kiss, believe, on the Son, lest He will be angry and ye perish from the way, believers in fellowship, when His wrath is kindled but a little.”
   

   

“Kiss the Lips of a Right Answer”

Prov 24:26, “Every man shall kiss the lips that give a right answer.”

1. This is describing a man that wants to kiss a girl, which is the analogy of a believer who is hungry for the Word.
   
2. The girl who responds is an analogy of a believer with Doctrine, supplying Doctrine.
   
3. If the girl is unresponsive, it is picturing a believer minus the Word of God supplying human viewpoint and result. The man (believer) minus Doctrine but with positive volition does not want to kiss this person (believer minus Doctrine) any more.
   
4. An individual may kiss many girls without getting a response. This is analogous to people getting great amounts of human viewpoint answers.
   
5. To get a passionate response, which stimulates, is analogous to seeking the Truth and finding it and learning the Word of God, and this brings a rapport.
   
6. In this analogy, the one, woman, who returns the kiss is equivalent to the communication of the Word. She fills the desire or the need, satisfies the thirst for the Word by providing Divine Viewpoint.

The man with unfulfilled needs is the one not being satisfied with the Word of God.

Physical Life

1. Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things. Col 1:16, John 1:3, Heb 1:10. Jesus Christ is the Creator of man. Gen 2:7.
   
2. There are two ways in which mankind came into the world:
   A. Created: Adam – from the chemicals of the ground.
   B. Physical birth – the principle of the perpetuation of the human race.
   
3. Jesus Christ not only created man, but He created the principle whereby man perpetuates himself – copulation between husband and wife.
   
4. The body of a man is a factory, the house in which he lives.
   
5. The body is the instrument of the soul.
   
6. Physical life is the soul inside of the body and the body functioning.
   The life of man is in his soul, not in his blood. The life of the animal is in its blood because it does not have a soul.
   
7. Physical death is the soul leaving the body, the body dying and ceasing to function.
   
8. Adam’s body came first. Gen 2:7, then God put into the body the breath of life, and the Hebrew says “lives,” and he became a living soul.
   A. Physical life for the body.
   B. Spiritual life had fellowship with God and Adam had a human spirit.
   C. Soulish life, later he had fellowship with Eve.
   
9. The human race is born spiritually dead – Eph 2:1, 5 – no fellowship, no relationship with God.
   
10. Therefore, man (unbeliever) is dichotomous – body and soul.
    
11. Regenerate man is trichotomous – body, soul, and spirit.
    
12. At physical death the soul continues to live.
    A. Believer – the soul and the spirit goes to be with the Lord.
    B. Unbeliever – the soul goes to Hades to await the Great White Throne judgment.
    

Friday, April 20, 2001

The Lord’s Supper

1. While the Passover feast of the Old Testament looked forward to the Cross, the Lord’s Supper of the New Testament looks back to the Cross. Both were commanded in their respective ages. Command for the Lord’s table – Matt 26:26-28.
   
2. Whereas water baptism illustrates our relationship with Christ, communion illustrates our fellowship with Christ. Communion means fellowship. One should never partake of the communion as a believer out of fellowship. 1 Cor 10:16-22, 1 Cor 11:27-32.
   
3. To partake of communion out of fellowship puts the believer under severe discipline, and often under the sin unto death. 1 Cor 11:30, 32.
   
4. Thus the believer is to examine himself, and then eat after confession of sin. 1 Cor 11:28.
   
5. The bread element emphasizes the Person of Christ. The fruit of the wine element emphasizes the work of Christ.
   Body – a Person. Blood – a work. 1 Cor 11:24-26.
   
6. Unity in a local Church is based on the Word of God taken in through growing in Grace, 1 Cor 11:33-34.
   
7. From the standpoint of the believer eating the bread, the bread of life, it is a picture of faith in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ and drinking of the juice is a picture of faith in the work of Christ.
   
8. Malachi 1:7, “Polluted bread” and Malachi 1:8, “Ye offer the blind for sacrifice” is an actual attack on the Person and work of Christ. They, in type, polluted the Person of Christ, and therefore corrupted the work of Christ. We are never to tamper with the Person and work of Christ.
   
9. How often should communion be served? This is a ahot issue in many locales. “This do as oft as ye drink it.” In the Greek this is a present linear aksionart, which would make quarterly too often and probably once a month right. The early Church had communion once a week. But then they also met daily. The Passover gave way to the communion.
   
10. Communion is based on “the fragrance of memories.” “Ye do show the Lord’s death till He come ” – the rapture, 1 Cor 11:26. This Doctrine, “the fragrance of memories” kept the Shulamite true to her Shepherd Lover in Song of Solomon. The believer is never to forget the memory of the Cross.
    
11. Conclusion: Any believer has the right to partake of communion, however only those in fellowship realize its true significance. If they are out of fellowship they at least must understand the proper Biblical use of 1 John 1:9 and 1 Cor 11:31-32.
    

    

A Religious Man!

1. The religious man is described for us in Rom 2:17-29.
   
2. The religious man has the self-righteousness of a moral man and in addition, he observes certain rituals of religion.
   
3. The religious man regards himself as superior to all others because he has done more in order to sustain a relationship with God. This is an illusion.
   
4. The purpose of the Mosaic Law is to show man he is a sinner. Keeping the Mosaic Law does not save you.
   
5. The religious man says he is saved by keeping the law and yet he can’t keep it.
   
6. They were condemned by their own teaching. They, the religious, broke the Mosaic Law. Rom 2:21-23.
   
7. A religious man is guilty of teaching others a way of salvation which he, himself, cannot execute.
   
8. Religion is inconsistent. Rom 2:18-23.
   
9. A religious man observes rituals, but has no reality.
   
10. Principle: Ritual without reality is meaningless.
    
11. Reality can be counted for ritual, but the ritual cannot be counted for the reality.
    Example:
    Ritual – water baptism.
    Reality – Baptism of the Spirit, union with Christ.
    
12. Jesus Christ condemned religion and He called the scribes and Pharisees “whitewashed tombstones,” Matt 23:27, “hypocrites.”
    
13. Every self-righteous person has an area of hypocrisy. He puts a facade over something, whitewashing it.
    

    

Necessity for a Mediator

1. Adam and Eve, in innocence, were in perfect environment in the Garden. In fellowship with God, Gen 1:28-2:25, Jesus Christ was walking and talking with Adam and Eve.
   
2. Sin, negative volition, separated them from God. Gen 3:7-8, 10. They lost fellowship with God and died spiritually. They did not need to hide because “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you,” Isa 59:2.
   
3. First act of legalism – sewed fig leaves together. Gen 3:7. Man tried to help himself.
   
4. First act of Grace – God came to them. Gen 3:8.
   
5. Adam was created in the image of God. Gen 1:26, 5:1. His children were in his own likeness after his image. Gen 5:3.
   
6. The human race is “in Adam,” 1 Cor 15:22, imputed sin, spiritually dead with an old sin nature, inherent sin – from which comes all personal sin.
   
7. This puts the human race behind the barrier, Rom 3:23.
   
8. Man could come to God if someone would stand in the middle, a Mediator, between God and man, a Man in the middle.
   
9. Man is completely helpless to help himself. John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God.”
   
10. Decision in the past to send a Mediator. 1 Pet 1:20.
    
11. Gen 3:15 is the first promise of salvation.
    

    

Mental Attitude of Grace Forgiveness

1. God treats the believer in Grace, in Stage One, Two, Three of salvation.
   
2. Grace means we do not earn or deserve this treatment.
   
3. God treats us in Grace because of His character, because of Who and What He is.
   
4. The most important mental attitude of one believer toward another is that of Grace. Matt 18:23-28.
   
5. When someone wrongs you, you should forgive as Christ forgives. Col 3:13, Luke 23:34.
   A. Put it in the Lord’s hands, Psa 55:22, 1 Pet 5:7.
   B. No retaliation, Rom 12:9.
   C. Forgive as Christ forgave, Col 3:13.
   D. Forget it, Phil 3:13.
   
6. Grace thinking leads to Grace action.
   
7. When another believer hates you, you keeping on thinking Doctrine – eternal life, fellowship, and grow in Grace. They have the same position in Christ as you have. They are subject to the same Divine discipline that you are and God can do His own disciplining. He does not need help. If you interfere, you are subject to triple compound Divine discipline. Matt 7:1-3.
   
8. You treat people in Grace because of who and what you are. “You are what you think,” Prov 23:7, and you are thinking Grace.
   
9. You don’t treat them on the basis of their actions, but you treat them on the basis of what you think, not on the basis of what they think.
   
10. You are in control of the situation when you think Grace, the Divine Viewpoint. But you are out of control when you get on the mental attitude sin level – their level.
    

Saturday, April 21, 2001

Mental Attitude Results

1. The correct mental attitude in the Christian way of life is having the Divine Viewpoint of life, which will give the believer victory, peace, power, and stability. Phil 2:5, 2 Tim 1:7. It will also erect a spiritual structure in the soul.
   
2. All changes come from the inside. The Holy Spirit is the Powerhouse in the Christian life. And the power is released through the control and filling of the Holy Spirit.
   
3. A believer can experience perfect inner peace even in the midst of difficulties and suffering, Phil 4:7. Peace is what you think, Isa 26:3.
   
4. Divine Viewpoint, the knowledge of the Word of God, the function of growing in Grace and the filling of the Holy Spirit, brings stability. People get discouraged because they are thinking human viewpoint. Flipping back and forth between human viewpoint and Divine Viewpoint makes a “teeter-totter” Christian.
   
5. Unstable Christians need cleaning and renewing of their minds. They need to go on a crash program of taking in the Word of God. James 1:8, 1 John 1:9, James 4:8, Eph 4:23.
   
6. Stability of mind and character is a mental attitude. Isa 26:3-4, Phil 4:7, 2 Thes 2:9.
   
7. Victory in the Christian life is obtained through the filling of the Holy Spirit, not when under the control of the old sin nature. Rom 8:8.
   
8. The most important mental attitude of one believer toward another is that of Grace.
   
9. Love is a mental attitude. Deut 6:5, 11:13.
   
10. Worldliness is a mental attitude. Rom 12:2, Gal 3:2.
    
11. Mental attitude Divine Viewpoint, when developed, produces confidence based on absolutes. 2 Cor 5:1, 6, 8, compare.
    
12. New mental attitude in the Christian life. 2 Tim 1:7.

”For God hath not given us the spirit of fear (mental attitude hysteria), but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This new mental attitude requires the Word of God for development.

Panorama of the Millennium!

1. Promised.
   Christ reigning forever is promised in the Davidic Covenant. 2 Sam 7:8-17, Psa 89:20-37.
   
2. Prophesied.
   Isa 2:1-5, 11, 12, 15; Chapters 11, 35, 62, 65, 66
   
3. Presented.
   Matthew, Mark, Luke. The King is on the Earth and is presented as the King and He presents Himself as the King.
   
4. Postponed.
   The Epistles of the New Testament – the Church Age is the postponement of the reign of Christ on the Earth.
   
5. Proclaimed.
   A. By the angelic herald. Rev 10
   B. By human heralds, Moses and Elijah. Rev 11:1-4.
   
6. Plagiarized.
   Satan, in his man, the Jewish dictator of Palestine, tries to get a jump on the true kingdom of Christ. He, the second Anti-Christ of Rev 13:11-18, palms himself off as the false Messiah. Don’t confuse the Anti-Christ of the Revived Roman Empire and this man, the false prophet.
   
7. Perfected.
   Christ reigns. Rev 11:15-19.
   

   

Minister – As Used in the New Testament

1. The word “minister” is used three ways in Scripture.
   A. Those in authority in a national entity, believer or unbeliever. An example: a judge. Rom 13:4, ministering a Divine Institution.
   B. Every believer is a minister. 2 Cor 3:6, 4:1, 6:4.
   C. A pastor of a local Church. Eph 3:7, 6:21, Col 1:23, 4:7.
   
2. The context will determine which one is intended.
   
3. Regarding pastors, several words are used for a pastor of a Church.
   A. Elder – “PRESBUTEROS,” a term that denotes rank. The pastor may be young, but he is the ranking officer in the Church, and the final authority in the local Church based on the Word of God. Heb 13;7, 17, Titus 1:5.
   B. Bishop – “EPISKOPOS,” an overseer. This refers to the function of a pastor, speaking of a shepherd looking after his flock.
   C. Pastor – “POIMEEN,” shepherd. Eph 4:11.
   

Sunday, April 22, 2001

“Lame, Blind, and Sick”

In the Old Testament the sacrifices that were prophecies of the perfect sacrifice the Lord Jesus Christ, who takes away the sin of the world, were expressed vividly so there would be no mistaking Who and What He is and was.

This sacrifice was without blemish, not even a bone was broken – showing the uniqueness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

But notice what was offered in the days of Malachi:

They offered blind, lame, and sick sacrifices, which are evil. By offering blind and lame and sick, they were saying that He is just another member of the human race, and a sinner. It is evil to say that He was not without sin, and qualified to be our Substitute.

How many of our sacrifices today are lame, blind, and sick?

What is a “Beeves” or a “Wen”?

Lev 22:21, “And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the Lord to accomplish his vow, or a free will offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted, there shall be no blemish therein.”

Lev 22:22, “Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the Lord nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the Lord.”

When God says “without blemish,” He means without blemish.

Perfect Lamb and perfect Sacrifice. No sin.

There is a Fourfold Harmony Between the Mosaic Law and Justification by Faith

1. There is a fourfold harmony between the Mosaic Law as it operated in the previous dispensation and justification by faith.
   A. Both exclude boasting.
   1. You don’t look at the Mosaic Law and boast.
   2. You don’t look at the Cross and boast.
   
   B. Both affirm the universal suffering of man.
   1. The Mosaic Law affirms the perfect standard.
   2. The Cross affirms the sinfulness of man. Jesus Christ bore our sins.
   
   C. Both reveal character.
   1. The Mosaic Law reveals the true character of men, sinners.
   2. Justification by faith reveals the true character of God, gracious.
   
   D. Both have the same source: God.
   It is impossible for God not to be coordinated at any point, so both the Mosaic Law and justification by faith, having the same Source, fulfill their proper yet different functions.
   
2. Conclusion:
   A. The Mosaic Law proves that man is a sinner and in need of a Saviour.
   B. Justification by faith provides the solution and Saviour.
   

   

Moses Goes Five Rounds with Christ at the Burning Bush

1. Round one – First objection:
   ”Who am I?” Ex 3:11-12. He thinks he can perform God’s will on the basis of human ability.
   
2. Round two – Second objection:
   Moses doesn’t have a message. Ex 13:22, “I can’t go to those Jews without a message.”
   
3. Round three – Third objection.
   Exodus 4:1-9, “They will not believe me,” literally, lean on me. The word is amen.
   
4. Round four – Fourth objection:
   ”I am not eloquent,” Exodus 4:10-12.
   
5. Round five – Fifth objection:
   ”Lord send someone else,” Exodus 5:13.

Five gracious answers from the Lord.

1. Round one:
   God promises His personal presence with him, Ex 3:12.
   
2. Round two:
   ”I am that I am.” Deliverance depends on Who and What the Lord is, not on what we are. “I am that I am” is perfect essence.
   
3. Round three:
   ”What is that in your hand?” Exodus 4:2. You have the Word, now use it.
   
4. Round four:
   ”I will be your mouth,” Exodus 4:11-12. Who made man’s mouth.
   
5. Round five:
   ”The Lord sends someone else,” Exodus 5:13. This is where Moses gets knocked out in the fifth round.
   

“As” ... “So” ... Analogy and Promise Fulfilled

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” “Even so, must the Son of man be lifted up,” Num 21:8-9.

1. This involved the second wilderness generation.
   As discipline for Israel, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people. They were bitten and many died.
   
2. The people came to Moses, confessing their sins, and requested that Moses pray for them, which he did.
   
3. Moses was instructed to take a fiery serpent (fiery means forged, how it was made) and set it upon a pole.
   
4. Promise given.
   ”Everyone that is bitten when he looketh (faith) upon it shall live.” Salvation. Num 21:8.
   ”Look unto Me all ye ends of the Earth and be saved.”
   Venom of the snake represented sin.
   
5. This promise was fulfilled.
   
6. The serpent on the pole was symbolic of salvation – Christ on the Cross.
   
7. Christ was made sin for us. He bore our sin.
   
8. Sin originated through negative volition with the serpent (Satan).
   
9. Moses made a serpent of brass. Brass represents judgment.
   
10. The pole represented the Cross. 1 Pet 2:24, “tree,” wood.
    
11. Sin (venom of the serpent) was judged (brass) on the Cross (pole).
    
12. Christ was judged in our place. The two deaths of Christ.

”As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up,” John 3:14.

Monday, April 23, 2001

The Doctrine of Murder! “Murder is Not Debatable” – T.R.

1. The devil was a murderer from the beginning, John 8:44. This means that the devil, after the fall, was guilty of mental attitude sins. Murder always involves two other mental attitude sins – jealousy and anger.
   
2. The devil motivated Cain, an unbeliever, to murder his brother, Abel, a believer, 1 John 3:12. The act was done with a sacrificial knife – the word “slew him.”
   
3. Hatred, a mental attitude sin, was the motivation for the first murder in the human race, Gen 4:5.
   
4. Murder is prohibited in the Word of God. Exodus 20:13, “Thou shalt not murder,” Deut 5:17,Matt 5:21.
   
5. Capital punishment is the penalty for murder according to Num 35:30-31. This is true from the time of Genesis 9:6 also found in Romans 13:4.
   
6. Murder is one of the seven worst sins, and the only one of the seven that is overt. Prov 6:16-19. The others are mental attitude and sins of the tongue.
   
7. Both anger and hatred are considered to be mental murder. Matt 5:21-22, 1 John 3:12.
   
8. A person can be a believer and commit murder. 1 Pet 4:15.
   
9. However, every murderer does not have eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15.
   
10. First degree murder, premeditated, involves mental attitude sins. Rom 1:29. Envy and jealousy precede murder.
    
11. Murder is a part of crime. The approach to any nation to the fifth cycle of discipline also has a rise in crime in this type. Jer 4:31.
    

    

Nationalism!

1. Nationalism is a number of national entities with each government functioning over a segment of the human race.
   
2. Nationalism is the means of protecting and perpetuating the human race in order that no segment of the human race will gain so much power so as to destroy the rest of the human race and inevitably destroy themselves.
   
3. Nationalism is a Divine Institution. God divided the human race:
   A. Geographically.
   B. Racially.
   C. Linguistically.
   
4. Any form of internationalism, more than one nation under one head, gives satanic control.
   
5. Internationalism puts other nations under slavery, violating Divine Institution number one – free will.
   
6. Satan is frustrated by a large number of national entities with definite boundaries.
   
7. Principle: The national entity is a human barrier against the supremacy of evil in the world controlled by Satan – the prince and the power of the air.
   
8. World peace depends upon national entities being in the balance of power.
   
9. When nationalism is in operation, worldwide evangelism is possible.
   
10. When you have internationalism in control, you have heathenism, which is negative volition at the point of God consciousness, Gen 11:1-9.
    
11. The existence of nations in the Millennium, Rev 20:3, is a memorial to the Grace of God in preserving the human race so that they can have a choice.
    
12. Nationalism does not sanction personal revenge. “Vengeance is Mine saith the Lord,” Rom 12:19.
    There are two means of handling opposition:
    A. Commit it to the Lord, which is our spiritual operation.
    B. Commit it to the law of the land, our nationalistic operation.
    
13. A major passage condemning internationalism and backing nationalism is found in Genesis 10-11:1-9.
    

Occupation with Christ!

Heb 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him ...”

Heb 12:3, “For consider Him (Jesus Christ) that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

1. Definition of being occupied with Christ:
   The believer filled with the Holy Spirit functioning under growing in Grace, advancing toward maturity, and it is a Grace operation all the way.
   
2. What destroys being occupied with Christ in the believer?
   Mental attitude sins, which are the result of being out of fellowship and operating under the law of the old sin nature, and thoughts are not brought into captivity as per 2 Cor 10:5.
   
3. Three ways to tell you are not occupied with Christ.
   A. Mental attitude sins
   B. Sins of the tongue.
   C. Overt sin.
   These can involve self-pity, eyes on self, eyes on people, materialism lust, etc.
   
4. Four techniques that contribute to occupation with Christ.
   A. Restoration back to fellowship. 1 John 1:9.
   B. The filling of the Holy Spirit. Eph 5:18.
   C. Faith in the promises of God. Heb 4:1-2.
   D. Living in the Word, the daily function of growing in Grace, 1 Pet 3:18.
   
5. Concluding definition.
   A predisposition of the mind that sees all of life from the Divine Viewpoint – Application.
   

“Operation Footstool”

Operation footstool is prophesied in Psa 110:1.
The following are steps which are necessary in dealing with Satan and the demons.

1. Virgin birth of Jesus Christ.
2. The Cross, death and burial of Jesus Christ.
3. Resurrection of the humanity of Christ.
4. Ascension of Christ.
5. Christ seated at the right hand of God the Father.
6. Formation of the body of Christ.
7. Rapture of the Church.
8. Cleansing of the bride, the Church, of human good, preparing to return with Christ.
9. Second advent of Christ.
10. Satan bound and demons bumped.
    

    

Operation Footstool – Part Two

Angelic conflict resume:

1. God created angels with volition.
   
2. Satan acted independently of God. The five “I wills” of Isaiah 14.
   
3. God sentenced Satan. Matt 25:41.
   
4. Satan impugned the character of God.
   ”How can a loving God cast His creatures into the Lake of Fire?”
   Human viewpoint does not consider the entire essence of God – only love. But God is also righteousness and justice.
   
5. God’s answer.
   God created man with volition.
   Every time a member of the human race, who is created a little lower than the angels, chooses for the Lord, the character of God is vindicated and Satan loses the argument. This resolves the angelic conflict.

”There is joy in Heaven in the presence of the angels when one person changes his mind about Christ.”

“For I am an Israelite,” Romans 11:1 – Paul

1. The racial Jew. Phil 3:5-9.
   A. “Of the tribe of Benjamin.” Saul was a very prominent name for anyone from the tribe of Benjamin.
   
2. The religious Jew. Acts 26:1-16.
   A. Paul was one of the outstanding men in Judaism in his time. Phil 3, Acts 9.
   B. Before Saul became a believer, he was one of the outstanding personalities of his day. His human abilities were tremendous. However, human I.Q. and ability are nothing as far as Christianity is concerned.
   C. He was a Pharisee, a brilliant young man, already a ruler.
   D. He was a perfect balance of Jewish and Greek background academically, and a tremendous concept of the ancient world.
   E. He was the worst sinner that ever lived because he was the most religious and self-righteous man who ever lived. 1 Tim 1:12-15. He was the most legalistic person in the world.
   
3. The regenerate Jew. Acts 9:1-16.
   A. God did not use Paul’s success. God did not save Paul on the basis of his merit. God did save Paul on the basis of His own character – Grace through faith, in the Lord Jesus Christ.
   B. Paul changed his name from Saul to Paul. Paul means “little.” Nothingness. The word “little” is the emphasis on the Grace of God.
   C. Because he recognized himself for what he was, little, he also realized that before salvation he was the chief of sinners, the worst actually. 1 Tim 1:12-13.
   D. He became the chief of apostles, the 12th apostle, a spiritual gift. Only Grace could accomplish such a thing.
   E. As a believer, Grace made a great deal of difference and Paul became a great believer. The secret to his greatness was orientation to Grace.
   F. Paul oriented to Grace, realized that the only thing which counts is the power of God and the Divine operating assets provided by God.
   

   

The Day of Pentecost, 32 A.D.

1. The day of Pentecost was the fulfillment of two prophecies.
   
   A. Prophecy of tongues. Isa 28:11. Jews would be evangelized in Gentile languages as a sign that the fifth cycle of discipline would soon begin. 1 Cor 14:21-22.
   
   B. Prophecy of the baptism of the Spirit. Acts 1:5.
   Baptism of the Spirit signals the beginning of the Church Age, John 14:20, 1 Cor 12:13.
   
2. The day of Pentecost, approximately 32 A.D., is the day the Church began. Do not confuse 32 A.D. with 70 A.D. In 70 A.D. the Jews went under the fifth cycle of discipline. Lev 26.
   
3. The Church began in only one local spot, Jerusalem.
   
4. Consequently, on the day of Pentecost and after, there were Jewish Age believers in other locations that had not had the baptism of the Holy Spirit, entering them into union with Christ, making them Church Age believers.
   
5. The slack is taken up in:
   A. Acts 2:1-4 – Jewish believers.
   B. Acts 10:44-48, 11:15-16 – Gentile believers in Caesarea.
   C. Acts 19:1-6 – Other believers of the Age of Israel in various locations and at different times received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, entering them into union with Christ, making them Church Age believers.
   
6. The Church started local and then became universal. In 30 years the Church covered the world.
   
7. The Book of Acts is simply a history of the Pre-Canon Church.
   
8. The Holy Spirit could not come, baptism of the Holy Spirit, in the Age of Israel because:
   A. Christ had not yet come in the flesh.
   B. Christ had not yet died, risen, ascended, nor was He seated at the right hand of God the Father. John 7:37-39.
   C. Had to have death, burial, resurrection, and ascension before we could have positional Truth, union with Christ.
   

   

Tuesday, April 24, 2001

Perception: Five Ways to Know That God Exists!

How everyone reaches God consciousness

1. Religious approach
   God exists because men universally believe in His existence, the religious instinct. Psa 42:1-2.
   Hearing other people speak of God, you become aware of His existence. Acts 17:27.
   Conclusion: Therefore it is worth investigating.
   
2. Moral or anthropological
   Man possesses a conscience with the urge to choose between right and wrong, indicating that behind it is an absolute norm of right and wrong.
   Conclusion: A material ungoverned universe would know nothing of moral values and distinctions. Therefore, since moral values and distinctions exist – first in government, second in individuals with a conscience – obviously there must be some Supreme Being, an Instigator, behind these concepts.
   
   Number one and two are more meaningful in primitive cultures.
   
3. Philosophical: Ontological
   The mind possesses a concept of perfect, absolute, Something beyond the relative pattern.
   Conclusion: Therefore there must be a pre-existent, infinitely Existent. Descartes, through rationalism, uses this philosophy.
   
4. Teleological
   The structure of the universe demands an Absolute Being as Designer, a Master Designer. I.e., atom, galaxies.
   Conclusion: Who is the Designer?
   Rom 1:20.
   
5. Cosmological
   The intuitive perceived by the mind immediately. The law of cause and effect demands the existence of God. The universe it not its own cause.
   Conclusion: Here is effect. What caused it?
   
   Points 3, 4, and 5 are more meaningful in highly-developed societies.
   

   

Position is the Main Thing in Life ... “In Adam” ... “In Christ”

1. Barrier – Position in Adam.
   A. Spiritual death came by Adam. 1 Cor 15:21-22. “Die” means spiritual death. Eph 2:5-6.
   
   B. Imputed sin.
   The human race was counted guilty when Adam sinned because all of the human race is born of Adam’s seed. When Adam was condemned, Adam’s progeny was condemned. 1 Cor 15:21-22, Rom 5:12b.
   
   C. Inherent sin.
   Rom 5:12a. When Adam sinned, he acquired an old sin nature and brought into existence the old sin nature.
   
2. Work of Christ – Position in Christ.
   A. Definition: When formerly we had a relationship with Adam, we now have a relationship “in Christ.” Everything He is and has, we are and share positionally. 1 John 5:11-12.
   
   B. 1 Cor 15:22, “For in Adam all die (spiritually), even so “in Christ” (positional truth) shall all be made alive.”
   
   C. In our position in Christ we share:
   1. Jesus Christ is eternal life. We have His life. 1 John 5:11-12.
   2. Jesus Christ is perfect righteousness and we have His righteousness. 2 Cor 5:21.
   3. Jesus Christ is the Son. We share His sonship. Gal 3:26.
   4. Jesus Christ is elected forever. We share His election. Eph 1:4.
   5. Jesus Christ is predestined. We share His destiny. Eph 1:5.
   6. Jesus Christ is the Heir of God. We are joint-heirs with Him. Rom 8:16, 17.
   7. Jesus Christ is sanctified, set apart, unto God. We are sanctified. 1 Cor 1:2.
   8. Jesus Christ is the High Priest. Every believer is a priest. 1 Pet 2:5-9.
   9. Jesus Christ has a Kingship. We share His kingship. 2 Pet 1:11.
   

   

Fellowship Prayers

1. Confession of sin, name the sin.
   
2. Address God the Father.
   
3. Turn on the searchlight of the Word of God.
   
4. Thanksgiving for forgiveness.
   
5. Pray in Jesus Name.
   
6. Forget the sin as God has forgiven.
   

   

Seven Principles Concerning Prayer

1. Prayer must be offered by the believer priest. John 15:7. Only the believers have the right of prayer.
   
2. Pray must comply with the principle of claiming the Promises of God, Matt 21:22. ”Believing,” Mark 11:24, James 1:5-6.
   
3. Prayer must be offered according to God’s will to be effective. 1 John 5:14. To know the will of God, you must know the Word of God. Effective prayer warriors know Doctrine.
   
4. Prayer must be offered in status of the filling of the Holy Spirit. Eph 5:18.
   
5. Prayer must be offered with thanksgiving. Eph 6:20.
   
6. Prayer offered in carnality cannot be heard, unless the content is confession of sin. 1 John 1:9, Psa 66:18, James 4:2-3. Any prayer heard and answered outside of this principle is strictly Grace.
   
7. Prayer must be offered on a Grace basis. Heb 4:16. There never will be a time when any believer earns or deserves the right to be heard. Prayer is approaching the throne of Grace.
   
8. Prayer should be:
   A. Directed to God the Father. Eph 5:20, Matt 6:9, 1 Pet 1:17.
   B. In the Name of God the Son. John 14:13, John 15:16.
   C. By the power of the Holy Spirit. Eph 6:18.

Conclusion: God does not hear a prayer addressed to the Holy Spirit, or to Jesus Christ, although prominent Bible teachers claim to do it. It is never bona fide. Some people pray “O Holy Ghost descend on us.” That type of prayer will never be heard.

These prayers will not be heard because God the Holy Spirit directs His prayers to the Father, and so does the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 8:26-27, John chapter 17.

Pre-Canon Revelation

1. Part One.
   A. Dreams – Given to persons other than prophets.
   1. Joseph, a believer.
   2. Nebuchadnezzar, an unbeliever when he had dreams.
   3. Pharaoh, unbeliever always.
   
   B. Visions – Given to prophets.
   1. Daniel. Dan 10:7-8.
   2. John on the Isle of Patmos.
   
   C. Trances – Primarily to prophets and apostles.
   
   D. Direct – Spoken conversation.
   Example: To Moses in the giving of the Law.
   
   E. Christophany – Appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ to Abraham, etc.
   
2. Part Two.
   Pre-Canon, post-ascension. Direct revelation of Scripture was given to the apostles, the gift of knowledge.
   
3. Part Three
   Before the Cross:
   Salvation is given by shadows. Shadows anticipate. In the type of the shadow system, you do something over and over, lots of ritual involved.
   
   After the Cross:
   Revelation changes to reality. The Canon of Scripture. When reality comes, the shadows no longer have a bona fide place. Once you are looking back this Cross, and it is in writing Bible Doctrine, then it becomes a matter of perception instead of ritual.

Wednesday, April 25, 2001

When God Was a Child!

1. Mary was told that her Child would be holy.
   Luke 1:35, “And the Angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
   
   The Child was holy as the Father is holy.
   ”Our Father, which is in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.” “Hallow” is holy.
   
2. When the Child came into the world, He would declare what salvation really is.
   Heb 10:5, “Wherefore when He cometh into the world He saith, Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me.”
   
3. This Child would do the will of God the Father.
   Heb 10:7, “Then said I, Lo I come, in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, to do Thy will, O God.”
   
4. The Child was taught by God His Father.
   John 8:28, “Then said Jesus unto them, When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself, but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things.”
   
5. How this Child grew up.
   Luke 2:40, “And the Child grew and waxed strong in Spirit, filled with wisdom, and the Grace of God was upon Him.”
   

   

Pre-Canon – Temporary Spiritual Gifts

Although the average believer takes the completed Canon of Scripture for granted, the Word of God makes a big thing out of the completed Canon of Scripture.

Among other things, the completed Canon of Scripture explains why today there is no gift of healing, nor gift of prophecy, nor gift of apostleship, or gift of tongues.

1. The gift of tongues ceased operation in August of 70 A.D. when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman legions. The temple was destroyed as well.
   1 Cor 13:8, “Whether there be tongues, they shall cease.”
   
   A. To understand why 70 A.D., you must understand the five cycles of discipline in Lev 26. Tongues, of Isa 28:10-13 compared with 1 Cor 14:21-22, were a sign of judgment to Israel – the fifth cycle of discipline – and also facilitated a crash program of proclaiming the Gospel in the early Church. Israel would no longer be missionaries for the Lord.
   
   B. When Israel was scattered in 70 A.D., there was no more need of the warning of the fifth cycle of discipline, for it had already happened. Therefore, no further need for tongues.
   
2. In 1 Cor 13:8 it indicates that in a point of time tongues would cease, come to a complete halt.
   
3. The Pre-Canon period of Scripture was completed in 95–96 A.D. The apostle John wrote Revelation and lived several years thereafter. But when he died, the gift of apostleship ceased. No one had the gift of apostleship after John.
   
4. 1 Cor 13:10 compared with James 1:25 indicates that some spiritual gifts ceased when the Canon of Scripture was completed. 1 Cor 13:8.
   
5. Consequently, it is concluded that the gift of tongues has not been operative Biblically since 70 A.D. and the other temporary sign gifts have not been operative since 96 A.D.
   
6. The extraordinary ability of a missionary or linguist to master a foreign language and evangelize and edify is not the gift of tongues. A person may be “gifted” in ability, but that is not the same as the spiritual gift of tongues used between 32 and 70 A.D.
   
7. The experience today called the gift of tongues is either demon possession to the unbeliever, or demon influence or emotionalism. In believers it is not demon possession but demon influence or emotionalism.
   ”Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2 Thes 2:9.
   

The Doctrine of Pride

Ego is not pride. There is a difference between self-consciousness and pride.

1. Pride must not be confused with self-consciousness. Self-consciousness is simply awareness of one’s existence, personality, or one’s being. Self-consciousness is not a sin.
   
2. Satan’s original sin was the mental attitude sin of pride. Isa 14:12-17.
   
3. Pride is an inordinate self-esteem or conceit. It is an arrogance coming from the old sin nature.
   
4. Pride is lofty self-respect, a feeling of elation or exaltation because of what one is or what one has.
   Principle: When self-consciousness is linked up with the lust pattern of the old sin nature, then self-consciousness becomes a sin. Pride equals self-consciousness plus one or more factors in the lust pattern.
   
5. Pride evidently expressed includes haughty and overbearing behaviors which are always disorientation to Grace. Pride is in direct controversy and antithetical to the concept of Grace.
   
6. Pride is an undue sense of one’s own superiority and is always a sin.
   ”Pride glorifies human good.”
   
7. However, pride is not poise, or speaking with authority, or standing erect. One who is properly self-conscious has a balanced sense of personal existence, personal dignity, worth, and self-respect.
   
8. Pride is the head of the list in Prov 6:16-19 of the worst sins.
   
9. Be able to distinguish from boasting, which comes from the confidence generated from the daily function of growing in Grace and heading toward maturity. The key passage on this is 2 Cor 12:1-10. That boasting is bona fide. Also, there is boasting that comes from the old sin nature. 2 Cor 12:5 has both in one verse.
   
   ”Of such a one will I glory, on behalf of myself I will boast, yet on behalf of myself I will not boast.”
   
   Paul is saying:
   A. I will boast from my confidence in the Word of God.
   B. I will not boast from pride, a mental attitude sin.
   

   

Three Great Prophesies of Genesis

1. Genesis 3:15
   The prophecy of salvation. “The Seed of the woman” is Jesus Christ.
   
2. Gen 9:24
   Whereas the first prophecy dealt with salvation, the second deals with the course of nations. Satan tries to frustrate God’s plan in Gen 6 by angelic infiltration.
   
   Then he later tries internationalism, Gen. 11.
   
   But here in Gen 9:24-27 information is given concerning the course of Noah’s sons. Nations must exist if there is to be evangelism and protection of the line of Christ.
   
3. Gen 49:10
   This deals with the Messiah coming through the tribe of Judah. Also prophecy includes this whole chapter, the 12 tribes. The rest of the Old Testament develops chapter 49.
   

   

“Give and it Shall be Given Unto You”

Years ago before most of you were born, when you went shopping, before the super markets, and before the government's weights and standards measures, when you went to buy, for example, some string beans, it was measured by the bucket. A bucket of beans.

Israel being under an agricultural economy had the same rate of measure, which was a basket. So God the Holy Spirit used that unit of measure from the ancient world to emphasize Christian giving.

Luke 6:38, “Give and it shall be given unto you.”
”Good measure, pressed down” – so you can get more in.
”And shaken together” – make even more room.
“And running over” – more than a full measure.

”Shall men give into your bosom, for with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you gain.”
Notice, you mete and it shall be measured unto you twice.

Once you get this picture in your mind of a basket, you see the emphasis that the Lord put on Christian giving.

You can’t outgive the Lord.

Thursday, April 26, 2001

What Is It? Manna ...

1. Manna could sustain life, but it could not give eternal life. John 6:49.
   
2. Manna came down every day, but it didn’t. Exodus 16:4, 5, 22, 27.
   
3. Those who gathered a lot had not more than those who gathered a little. Exodus 16:16-18.
   
4. Manna spoiled, but it didn’t spoil. Exodus 16:19-20.
   
5. Manna spoiled overnight, but was preserved without spoiling. Exodus 16:19, 20, 33.
   
6. Manna melted, but it didn’t melt (manna melt). Exodus 16:21.
   
7. Manna tasted good to some, Ex 16:21, but bad to others, Num 21:5.
   
8. While manna was free to those who received it (Grace), it was expensive to those who rejected it (judgment). Num 21:5-6.
   
9. Regardless of how the Exodus generation failed the Lord, He was faithful in providing manna once a day except on the Sabbath.

”I am the true Bread that came down from Heaven” – Jesus Christ

Redemption

1. Redemption was recognized in the Old Testament. Job 19:25-26.
   
2. The Doctrine of redemption is used to orient believers in time of stress. Job 19:25, “I know that my Redeemer liveth.”
   
3. Redeemed means to be purchased from slavery.
   
4. The principle of redemption is the concept of bondage to the slavery of sin and freedom from its domination, John 8:31-36. “Servant” is bond slave.
   
5. Jesus Christ purchased our freedom from the slave market of sin. Psa 34:22, 1 Pet 1:18-19, Gal 3:13.
   
6. The blood of Jesus Christ, who is impeccable, is the payment for the redemption. Eph 1:7, 1 Pet 1:18-19.
   
7. Redemption results in adoption. Gal 4:4-6.
   
8. Redemption is the basis of our eternal inheritance. Heb 9:15.
   
9. Redemption is the basis of justification. Rom 3:24.
   
10. Redemption includes the total forgiveness of sins. Eph 1:7, Col 1:14.
    
11. Redemption emphasizes the character of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Propitiation emphasizes the character of the Father.
    
12. At the point of redemption we can have peace of mind, stability, and a relaxed mental attitude by knowing the Doctrine of redemption. 1 Pet 1:18-19. God has paid for and provided for everything.
    

God the Father and His Relationship to the Human Race

1. There are only two categories in the human race: Believers and unbelievers.
   
2. God the Father is:
   A. The Father of all believers. Gal 3:26, 1 John 5:11-12. Believers share Christ’s Sonship.
   B. Also the God of all believers. John 20:17b. “I ascend unto My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.”
   
3. God the Father is:
   A. Not the father of unbelievers. John 8:43-44. “Ye are of your father the devil.”
   B. The God of the entire human race based on creation. Jer 32:27. “I am the Lord, the God of all flesh,” whether acknowledged or not. All souls belong to God, Ezek 18:4a, Dan 5:23b.
   
4. No human being has the power to make himself a child of God. This transforming power belongs to God alone and is conditioned on the simple act of faith. John 1:12-13, Gal 3:26. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
   
5. Birth into God’s family makes him our Father. Titus 3:5, John 3:5-6, 1 John 3:1-2, 1 Pet 1:23.
   
6. He who was God is now Father also. Rom 8:15b. “Ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby ye cry, Abba, Father.” Abba is Aramaic for father.
   
   The unbeliever addresses the Father as God. While the believer can call the Sovereign of the universe “Father.” This is a privilege of believers only.
   
7. The believer has assurance that he is a child of God. Rom 8:16. “The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.”
   
   More to come on God our Father.
   

   

   God Our Father – Part Two

8. Nothing can ever remove the child of God from his new position in Christ. Rom 8:38-39, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”
   
9. Because He is our Father, we have:
   A. The love of the Father, John 16:27
   B. The provision of the Father:
   1. Verses – Matt 7:11, Col 1:12, 1 John 1:5
   2. In union with Christ we share:
   a. Eternal life, 1 John 5:11-12
   b. Righteousness, 2 Cor 5:21
   c. Sonship, Gal 3:26, Rom 8:17
   d. Heirship, Rom 8:16-17
   e. Election, 1 Pet 1:2
   f. Priesthood, 1 Pet 2:5, 9
   g. Sanctification, 1 Cor 1:2
   h. Destiny, Eph 1:5, 11
   i. Kingship, 2 Pet 1:11
   
   “Our Father, hallow be Thy Name.”
   

“The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree”

The relationship between God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. There is an acknowledged relationship between the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Psa 2:7, “Thou art My Son.”
   
2. It is a two-fold relationship. “God and Father,” 1 Pet 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
   
3. In Christ’s Deity:
   A. There is a Father and Son relationship.
   B. Making Jesus Christ the Son from all eternity.
   
   Matt 16:16, “Thou art the Christ (Deity), the Son of the Living God.”
   Rom 15:6, “Glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
   Isa 9:6, “Unto us a Son is given”– Deity.
   
4. In Christ’s humanity, there is a Father-Son relationship.
   Luke 1:35, “That Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
   
5. In Christ’s humanity there is also a God-man relationship.
   A. Isa 9:6, “For unto thee a Son is born,” humanity.
   B. Heb 10:7, “I come to do Thy will, O God,” humanity.
   
6. Jesus refers to humanity. Jesus Christ emphasis on humanity. Christ refers to His Deity. Christ Jesus is an emphasis on His Deity. The Lord Jesus Christ ... God-man-Saviour.
   
7. Response of the Lord Jesus Christ to the First Person of the Trinity:
   A. Declares His Father. John 1:18, because He, the Son, has been with Him, the Father, forever. John 1:11.
   B. Offered Himself, Heb 9:14.
   C. Became obedient, even unto death, Phil 2:8.
   

Friday, April 27, 2001

Relationships!

Jesus Christ and the Angels

1. The pre-incarnation of Jesus Christ.
   In the Old Testament the Lord Jesus Christ appeared as the “Angel of the Lord” – the Doctrine of Christophany.
   
2. The pre-ascension period, the period of incarnation.
   God the Son took on Himself true humanity.
   A. “Made a little lower than the angels,” Heb 2:9. Took the form of lower creation, humanity. However, He is always to be worshipped.
   B. He became the God-man, Phil 2:5-8 – hypostatic union.
   
3. The post-ascension of Jesus Christ, the Resurrected Christ.
   The God-man is higher than the angels.
   A. 1 Pet 3:22, “Who (Christ) is gone into Heaven and is on the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.”
   B. Heb 1:3, “But to which of the angels said He, at any time, Sit on My right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
   
4. Because as believers we are heirs of salvation, in Christ, we are positionally higher than angels. Heb 1:14.
   A. Phase one: Salvation makes it so.
   B. Phase two: Result – each believer has a guardian angel, Heb 1:14.
   C. Phase three: In resurrection bodies believer will be in actuality superior to angels.
   
5. In the Old Testament:
   A. Angels are called, “sons of God,” Job 1:6, Gen 6:1
   B. Believers are called “servants of God,” Dan 3:26.
   
6. In the New Testament:
   A. Because of positional Truth, believers are called “sons,” Gal 3:26.
   B. Angels are called “servants of God,” Heb 1:14.
   

   

Relationship

Man to Angels

1. Man was created lower than angels, Heb 2:7.
   
2. Jesus Christ was made lower than angels so that He might provide salvation for man, Heb 2:9.
   
3. Man was created that he might resolve the angelic conflict, by accepting the provision of salvation through a non-meritorious act of faith, proving that God was fair in sentencing Satan to the Lake of Fire, because Satan went negative against God’s provision for him and for all angels.
   
4. Regenerate man, because of his position in Christ, is now positionally higher than angels.
   
5. Believers in the Church Age have their position in Christ for a reason. Jesus Christ became the Heir when He was seated. It is necessary for the “joint-heirs with Christ” to be superior to angels and still live on this Earth.
   
6. Believers in the Church Age die at different times. But all get their resurrection bodies at the same time – the Rapture of the Church.
   
7. At the resurrection of the Church, the believer is both positionally higher and physically higher than angels, because he has a body exactly like that of the Lord Jesus Christ, Phil 3:21, and he, in resurrection body, is higher than angels, Heb 1:13.
   
8. Because it is the Church, the body of Christ, who bumps the demons at the Second Advent, in the Church Age satanic activity and demon activity toward the Church, the body of Christ, is much more concentrated than at any other period in history.
   
9. It must gall Satan that so many believers, in and out of fellowship, are positionally superior to him. What Grace can do!
   

Religion vs. Christianity

1. Religion is the worst thing in the world! Notice Christ in action in Matt 23 … “Hypocrites.”
   
2. Christianity is the best thing in the world, Jude 24.
   
3. Religion is man seeking to gain the approval of God by human works.
   A. Works for salvation.
   B. Works for spirituality.
   
4. Christianity is God doing something for man through His Grace and God getting the glory both at:
   A. Salvation
   B. Spirituality
   
5. “Do-goodism” is the basis for religion. Rom 2, Matt 23. “Religion” is against the basis Christianity. Titus 3:5.
   
6. Religion is the greatest opposition to the Truth, the antithesis. It is ritual without reality. See any passage dealing with the ritual of the Pharisees.
   
7. Religion is the satanic counterfeit of true relationship with God. Isa 14, 2 Thes 2, Rev 13.
   
8. Nothing Satan has ever devised has been so successful as religion in blinding men’s minds to the Truth. 2 Cor 4.
   
9. Any system of religion which is man-centered, man seeking to solve man’s problems by man’s efforts. is satanic in nature and basically becomes the worship of Satan, as Satan is the author of religion and “do-goodism.”
   
10. The old sin nature also has an area of human good which cranks out this “do-goodism,” this sincere human good. This human good ultimately worships Satan, as does all religion.
    
11. Religion appeals to the lust pattern of the old sin nature, ego lust, approbation lust, or the emotions, a desire to get into the glamour of the ritual.
    
12. Religion is often the great killer, the great persecutor, the destroyer of human freedom, as well as human bodies.
    
13. Christianity recognizes the freedom of the individual and this freedom cannot exist unless there is a separation of Church and state.
    
14. Religion is “money-minded” – pledges, duns, etc. Also, religion is used to develop businesses of some people within a religious organization and to freeze out others.
    
15. Religion purports to be a mass solution. Christianity is a personal solution.
    

Repent – The Hebrew Word is “NACHAN”

This word is used on connection with God, i.e., “God repented.” It is an anthropopathism, which is a human characteristic ascribed to God to express Divine attitude.

The meaning of the word “NACHAN” is a complete change of mental attitude. God is always the subject in the Old Testament.

Uses:

Repent – Part Two!

1. The New Testament Greek word is “META..NOEO.” This always means a complete change of the mental attitude. “META” means change and “NOEO” means mind. The connotation is always mental and not emotional. It is used under two categories:
   
   A. The unbeliever.
   In the following passages the subject is always the unbeliever and Christ is always the Object.
   The unbeliever is the one doing the “repenting” and he changes his mental attitude towards either the Person or the Work of Christ, or both. Christ is always the Object of our faith.
   Matt 12:41, Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3, 15:10, 16:30.
   
   Repent and believe are always synonymous in salvation. Acts 17:30, 20:20, Acts 26:20, Heb 12:17, 2 Pet 3:9. This change of mental attitude is wrought by the Holy Spirit. John 16:8-11.
   
   B. Believers
   The subject is the believer either stated or implied. The object varies.
   Uses:
   Heb 6:2 … Subject ... The believer – Object ... Dead works
   Rev 2:5, 16, 22 ..Subject ... The believer – Object ... Carnality.
   2 Cor 12:21 … Subject … Believer – Object .. .Carnality.
   
2. “METAMELOMAI” – this is translated “repent” in Matt 21:29, 32, 27:3, 2 Cor 7:6, Heb 7:21. It should be translated “regret.” It has an emotional connotation. It is to feel sorry in one’s emotional pattern.
   Judas was sorry that he had betrayed the Lord. But he did not repent, however, change his mind, “METANOEO” about Christ.

The object of repent is never sin, because sin is no longer an issue. Christ died for our sins. Now the issue is, What do you think of Christ?”

Easter Sunrise – Resurrection Morning

In case you missed the Easter sunrise service or missed the understanding of what happened on resurrection morning. Things we know of the resurrection body of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. His body retained the nail prints. He had some kind of epidermis similar to ours since it showed scars. We won’t have scars, but Jesus Christ will.
   A. Historical, John 20:25-27.
   B. Prophetical, Zech 12:10, Psa 22:16.
   
2. His body retained the scar of the wound in His side. John 20:25-27.
   
3. It was recognizable as a human body, Luke 24, John 20:26-29. He made 17 post-resurrection appearances.
   
4. His body could be touched. Luke 24:39-40. It has substance. Matt 28:9, John 20:17.
   
5. He breathed, but He did not necessarily need to breath. John 20-22.
   
6. He carried on conversations, so His body must have had some system of vocal chords and the use of air, Luke 24, John 20:26.
   
7. His voice was recognizable immediately. John 20:16.
   
8. His body had flesh and bones. Luke 24:39-40.
   
9. On one occasion He ate, but He didn’t have to eat. He could eat or go without food. Luke 24;30, 43.
   
10. Apparently its structure is different because Jesus Christ walked through closed doors. John 20:19, 26, Luke 24:36.
    
11. The resurrection body was able to appear and disappear. Luke 24:17.
    
12. The resurrection body could move vertically or horizontally. Matt 28:10, Acts 1:9-10.
    
13. Our resurrection body will be exactly like the Lord Jesus Christ’s body. Phil 3:21, 1 John 3:1-2.

I think there is going to be more fun in Heaven with a resurrection body than you ever figured, based on these passages.

”Now you see me. Now you don’t!”

Saturday, April 28, 2001

Resurrection Morning and the Order of Events

1. Earthquake
   An angel rolled away the stone. Matt 28:1-2. Jesus Christ had already left. The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus Christ out, but to let the human race in.
   
2. Three women came to the tomb. Mark 16:1.
   A. Mary Magdalene
   B. Mary the mother of James
   C. Salome
   
3. Mary Magdalene, after seeing the stone rolled away, left the tomb to find the disciples. John 20:1-2.
   
4. Mary and Salome saw the angel, who told them that “Jesus is risen.” Mark 16:5-6.
   
5. Mary Magdalene finds Peter and John and they return to the tomb.
   
6. Peter wondered about what he saw. Luke 24:12.
   
7. John believed that Jesus Christ had risen. John 20:8.
   
8. Mary Magdalene comes again to the tomb, but mistakes Jesus Christ for the gardener and meets the risen Christ. John 20:11-18.
   

   

Resurrection and the Post-Resurrection Appearances

1. The pre-ascension appearances of Jesus Christ.
   A. Mary Magdalene. John 20:15-17, Mark 16:9-11
   B. Other women. Matt 28:9-10
   C. Peter. 1 Cor 15:5, Sunday afternoon.
   D. Two believers on the road to Emmaus, Mary and Cleophas. Mark 16:12, Luke 24:13-33
   E. Ten disciples minus Thomas. John 20:19-25
   F. 11 disciples with Thomas. John 20:26-29, Mark 16:14
   G. Seven of the disciples by the sea of Galilee. John 21:1-2
   H. 500 believers. 1 Cor 15:6.
   I. Jesus’ half brother – James – who was an unbeliever until the resurrection. 1 Cor 15:7, John 7:3, Acts 1:1
   J. 11 disciples on the mountain near Galilee. Matt 28:16-20
   K. The ascension passages. Acts 1:3-11 – 11 in all.
   
2. The post-ascension appearances of Jesus Christ.
   A. Stephen. Acts 7:55-56
   B. Paul on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:1-8, 1 Cor 15:8
   C. Paul in Arabia. Gal 1:12-17
   D. Paul in the temple. Acts 22:17
   E. Paul. Acts 18:9, 23:11
   F. John on the isle of Patmos. Rev 1:12-20 – Six in all.

Jesus Christ probably ascended in June of 32 A.D.

”He is risen, He is not here.”

The Cross, the Meeting Place

Man is made the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21, “He made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

Man now has God’s righteousness because it is imputed righteousness.

Old Testament
Isa 61:10, “For He hath clothed us with His garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.”
Psa 24:5 – “Receive” .... “Righteousness”

The perfect humanity of Jesus Christ satisfied the righteousness of God, fulfilled the Mosaic Law, Rom 10:4, God’s perfect standard, nailing it, the fulfilled Mosaic Law, to His Cross. Col 2:14.

The Lord Jesus Christ was willing to give this perfect life, John 10:18, and paid the penalty for man’s spiritual death. Rom 6:23, “The wages of sin is death” ... spiritual death. In the face of “all our righteousness are as filthy rags,” Isa 64:6.

The Doctrine of Emotions

The vocabulary problem

Anatomy in the languages of the ancient world always doubled for the functions of the soul, because they did not have a psychological vocabulary, a vocabulary for the soul.

There are three words used for emotions in the Bible:
A. Belly, stomach. Prov 13:25, 26;22; Rom 16:17-18; Phil 3:19
B. Bowels. Gen 43:30; 1 Kings 3:26; Jer 4:19, 31:20; Lam 1:20, 2:11; Phil 1:8; Philemon 12, 20.
C. Reins. Psa 7:9, 26:2, 139:13; Prov 23:16; Jer 12:2, 17:10, 20:12.

This may help you better understand emotions.

How We Know That “All Things Work Together For Good,” Romans 8:28

1. Suffering is combined or mixed with the plan of God, resulting in Divine Good.
   
2. This Good is absolute and a blessing. Only God can make it a blessing.
   
3. God has only a short time in which to administer His love to you through suffering. There is no suffering in eternity. Rev 21:4.
   
4. God’s plan is perfect, therefore, it is greater than any suffering or any combination of adversities or any problems that we will ever face.
   
5. God has a solution for every problem, every difficulty. No matter how you fall, or how you sin, or how you succeed, God has a plan designed for you on this Earth whereby all will work together for your good.
   
6. No problem catches God by surprise. He is omniscient.
   
7. The link between God’s solutions and our problems and our failures is knowledge of the Word of God and application of the Word of God to experience in the human spirit.
   
8. Therefore, when tragedy, suffering, strife, difficulty comes, God’s plan calls for maximum blessing.
   
9. The blessing is always there. The solution is always there. Example: You have $1,000,000,000.000 in the bank. Whether or not you experience that blessing depends upon your knowing God’s plan and getting with God’s plan.
   
10. Suffering combines with the Word of God for the believer in time, resulting in maximum blessing. Gen 50:20.
    
11. The unbeliever is outside the plan of God. Rom 8:38b. He operates on human systems, human good, human ingenuity.
    
12. The plan of God contains the will of God for the believer.
    A. He directs us to operate within the categories of His will.
    B. He permits us to operate outside these categories.
    C. He overrules in the sense He makes all things work together for good in our lives.

God does not coerce volition, but He uses circumstances.

How God Worked All Things Together for Good in Joseph’s Life, Genesis 37

1. Jacob’s favoritism – Bad, but works for good. Gen 37:3.
   
2. Hated of his brothers – Bad, but works for good. Gen 37:4.
   
3. Plot to kill Joseph – Bad, but works for good. Gen 37:8.
   
4. Reuben’s intervention – Good, and works for good. Gen 37:22.
   
5. Coming of the caravans – Good, and works for good. Gen 37:25.
   
6. Judah suggesting selling Joseph – Bad, but works for good. Gen 37:26-27.
   
7. Ishmaelites and Midianites in the caravan – Bad, but works for good. Gen 37:28.
   
8. Joseph arrives in Egypt as a slave – Bad, but works for good. Gen 39:1.
   
9. Joseph is sold into the house of Potiphar, Gen 37:36. Bad (that it is slavery), but good that it is Potiphar.
   
10. Potiphar’s wife lied, which caused Joseph’s imprisonment – Bad, but works for good. Gen 39:17-18.
    
11. Joseph is in charge in prison, Gen 39:22. Good works for good.
    
12. Joseph trusted in man – Bad, but works for good. Gen 40:14.
    
13. Magicians and wise men were not able to interpret pharaoh’s dream, Gen 41:8. Bad for Pharaoh, but good for Joseph. Works for good.
    
14. Good and bad are all woven into this tapestry of Rom 8:28, God’s Grace turns cursing into blessing. God in His omniscience works all things, bad and good, together for the good of those who belong to Him.

”They meant it for evil, but God meant it for good to deliver many souls alive,” Gen 50:20.

”The Lord God is a Sun and a Shield; He gives Grace and glory and there is no good thing that He will withhold from you who walk uprightly.”

Thought For the Day – A Love-Less Life …

People try to live life without love, but it is impossible. We have a great adventure and a long journey before us all and many people try to take this journey and great adventure without love.

The unbeliever, for example, lives life without love and it is impossible. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” “But he that believeth not on the Son, hath not life and the wrath of God abideth on him,” John 3:36.

In exchange for love, the unbeliever does not have a life, and on top of that, without love he lives under the cloud of having the wrath of God abiding on him.

We are fortunate as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ because we take this journey and face this great adventure with love.

”God is love.” “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit.”

We have a love-life.

Sunday, April 29, 2001

Two Marriages – Romans Chapter Seven

The human race is born spiritually dead, no fellowship with God, married to the old sin nature.

1. First marriage.
   A. Date – Physical birth.
   B. Husband – The old sin nature.
   C. Wife – Unbeliever.
   D. Counselor – The Mosaic Law.
   E. Children – Works of the flesh, old sin nature, Gal 5.
   
   The Mosaic Law is the only good thing in the first marriage.
   
2. Second marriage.
   A. Date – New birth.
   B. Husband – The Lord Jesus Christ.
   C. Wife – Believer, formerly an unbeliever.
   D. Counselor – God the Holy Spirit.
   F. Children – The fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5.
   
3. General principles.
   The general principle set forth in Rom 7:2-3 is that when one partner in the marriage dies, the other is free to marry again without becoming an adulterer or adulteress. Rom 7:2-3, “For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.”
   
4. When a person accepts Christ, as a believer he dies to the old sin nature, although the old sin nature is alive to the believer. The believer still possesses an old sin nature, but the Lord made provision for the believer to handle his old sin nature.
   
5. Application of the principle for the believer in time.
   If the wife, the believer, goes back and lives with and comes under the control of the first husband, the old sin nature, she is an adulteress, carnal.
   
6. Contrast between the fruitage of the unbeliever and the believer.
   A. Unbeliever – Children of the first marriage are personal sins and human good.
   B. Believer – Children of the second marriage are the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
   C. Believer – The wife, by living in adultery with the first husband, the old sin nature, produces the same kind of children as the unbeliever – sins and human good.
   

The Divine Viewpoint on Revolution

1. Neither the Word of God nor history justify revolution. The illustration of this is the Dathan and Abiram incident in Num 16:1ff.
   
2. When human power and privilege are monopolized by a few, people become oppressed, for when their freedom is limited, their opportunity is limited. They may even be in slavery.
   
3. Men and resources cannot be exploited apart from freedom without reaction. This reaction is often violence even to the point of revolution.
   
4. If the reaction is revolution, it does not achieve anything worthwhile. Never! Anything achieved with revolution could have been achieved without revolution.
   A. The French Revolution achieved reform through a violent revolution.
   B. Reform Bill of 1812 in England. In England they accomplished reform through Parliamentary procedure.
   
5. The French Revolution of 1795 is a classical illustration. The book on the French Revolution by Edmund Burke is good.
   
6. A revolution breaks sharply with the past and courts madness. This madness leads to national trauma. In analogy, as the sanity of an individual lies in the continuity of his memories, so the sanity of a group lies in the perpetuation of Divine Institution number four, nationalism.
   
7. Revolution leads to mobs without thought or sanity. Therefore, mobs are neurotic in their reaction and are violent. Revolution is a violent overthrow of power within an establishment within Divine Institution number four, nationalism.
   
   You may say “What about the Revolutionary War???” It was not a revolution. It was “the war for independence.”
   
   They were being taxed without representation in England, Parliament. This was tyranny. It was no revolution. Every attempt was made to solve the problem by peaceful means. Finally they had to fight for their freedom. There has never been a revolution in the United States, and thank God for that.

Don’t believe what is being taught about “the Revolutionary War.” It was “the war for independence.” Revolution is never condoned.

Remembrance – The Doctrine of the Memorial – The Doctrine of Thinking

1. 1. Believers are commanded to remember the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 11:24-25, “This do in remembrance of Me.”
   
2. Remembrance connotes thinking – thinking of the death of Jesus Christ in this case “As a man thinketh, so is he.”
   
3. Bona fide remembrance demands Doctrine, knowledge of the Word.
   
4. Knowledge of such Doctrine in the human spirit and frame of reference results in occupation with Christ. The maturing of the individual resulting in a spiritual structure in the soul.
   
5. The more of the Word of God one assimilates, the more “the fragrance of memories” comes into focus as far as our Lord’s Person and work is concerned.
   
6. Throughout eternity the Lord Jesus Christ will carry His scars from the Cross. We will never forget what our Saviour did in dying for our sins.
   
7. Also in the Doctrine of Right-Man and Right-Woman, like Song of Solomon, the Doctrine of remembrance keeps the Shulamite woman faithful to her Shepherd Lover.
   
8. Thus, the Doctrine of remembrance or fragrance of memories is a very powerful Doctrine in the life of the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

”Guard your mind with all diligence, for out of it come the issues of life.”

Two Resurrections

1. Scripture distinguishes between two resurrections.
   A. Acts 24:15, “Just” – The justified through faith in Jesus Christ.
   ”Unjust” – those who rejected Jesus Christ.
   
   B. John 5:24-29, “Done good” – Done the good, believers in Jesus Christ.
   ”Done evil” – Done the evil, those who rejected Jesus Christ.
   
   C. Dan 12:2, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the Earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
   
   D. Rev 20:4-6. Verse 4 and the last sentence of verse 5 go together. Verse 5a is a parenthesis and refers to the second resurrection.
   
2. There is no judgment, condemnation, in eternity for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom 8:1. This principle applies to all those who believe in Jesus Christ in any age.
   
3. The judgment seat of Christ is for believers only, which is not for the person of the believer, but the production of the believer.
   
4. The first resurrection is for believers only and it is in four parts.
   1 Cor 15:22-23 – “Every man in his order.”
   
5. The time lapse between the two resurrections is given in Rev 20:4-5.
   “They lived” – Began to live in a resurrection body.
   ”This is the first resurrection” – This goes with verse 4.
   “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years was finished” parenthesis, which speaks of the second resurrection of unbelievers.
   
6. The second resurrection occurs at the end of the Millennium. Rev 20:5 and is for unbelievers only.
   ”Dead” – spiritually dead, Rev 20:11-15.
   
7. They (unbelievers) will appear before the Great White Throne Judgment.
   
8. No resurrection before Jesus Christ’s because His resurrection is a guarantee of ours’ (believers’) resurrection.
   

   

Old Testament Salvation

1. There never was a time and there never will be a time when God is not saving mankind. Rom 10:13, 1 Pet 3:9.
   
2. The Gospel was clearly declared in the Old Testament. Rom 1:1-4, 1 Cor 15:3-4, Acts 3:18.
   
3. Regardless of age or dispensation, man is always saved in the same manner – positive volition expressed in a non-meritorious way – faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12, Gal 3:6-8.
   
4. The Object of faith in salvation is the Lord Jesus Christ, Gal 3:26. However, the revelation concerning Christ varies with the dispensations.
   
5. Generally, in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed by shadows. Heb 10:1.
   
6. While revelation from God is progressive, reaching its peak in the New Testament, it is nevertheless sufficient for salvation of souls at all periods of time. Gen 15:6.
   
7. Once the Reality is come, we have the New Testament which is historical Christology.
   
8. According to Isa 55:6, salvation in the Person of Jesus Christ is always available. Acts 4:12.
   
9. Gospel revelation in the Old Testament through simple declaration begins in Gen 3:15 and reaches its peak in Isa 53.
   
10. Shadow Christology is abundant in the Old Testament. Examples: tabernacle, feasts, the modus operandi of the Levitical priests.
    
11. Christophanies also revealed Christ in the Old Testament.
    
12. Inanimate revelation is another means of revealing Jesus Christ, it includes three categories.
    A. Nature: Burning Bush, Rock, Shekinah glory.
    B. Typology: Furniture in the tabernacle, Num 17:7.
    C. Illustration: Noah’s ark.
    
13. Many conversions are recorded in the Old Testament.
    A. Noah, Gen 6:8-9. “Just,” Heb 11:7.
    B. Abraham, Gen 15:6 compared with Rom 4. Righteousness is imputed to the believer by faith.
    
14. Heb 11, shows spiritual life, faith in the Word, was the technique of Old Testament believers.
    
15. Many Gentiles were saved in the Old Testament. Rom 9:24-25, 9:30-33, Exodus 9. The Jonah revival. Nebuchadnezzar.
    
16. Old Testament imputation of righteousness. Psa 24:5, Isa 61:10.
    

    

The Events at the Second Advent

1. The fall of ecumenical religion in the Tribulation in one day. Rev 18:8, 16:19.
   
2. Destiny of the beast and the false prophet. Rev 19:20.
   
3. Resurrection of “C” Company. Rev 20:4-6.
   
4. Satan is bound a thousand years. Rev 20:1-3.
   
5. Demons are removed from the Earth.
   
6. The baptism of fire for the Gentiles.
   
7. The regathering of Israel.
   
8. The baptism of fire for the Jews.
   
9. The marriage supper of the Lamb. Rev 19:1-9.
   
10. Fulfillment of the unconditional covenants to Israel, Isaiah chapters 17-25 and 35:1-10.
    
11. Apparently there is a period of 45 days after the Second Advent until the Millennium begins. Dan 12:11-12.
    

    

Monday, April 30, 2001

Marriage in the Ancient World – What God Has Joined Together!

1. The potential bride and groom may or may not have met. Negotiations were carried on by the parents. This did not hinder the Doctrine of Right-Man/Right-Woman. The parents of the bride furnished a dowry. They may or may not have had a courtship.
   
2. The wedding consisted of the groom obtaining a carriage or chariot, and going to the home of the bride. The father gives the bride to the groom. They walk through the door, they are married.
   
3. They now go to the groom’s house for the wedding supper (feast), which may go on for 30 days. Sometime during this feast the bride and groom leave.
   
4. The groom’s friends are already at the house, except the ones who accompany the groom. The ones in the house have already had a head start.
   
5. The bride’s friends have to wait outside until the bride and groom go into the house.
   
6. The bride’s friends are now permitted to enter.
   

Zechariah 15:1-9 and the Second Advent of Christ

1. Some believers have fled into the mountains and some are fighting in Jerusalem. When it looks the most hopeless, the Lord Jesus Christ returns.
   
2. The Lord Jesus Christ comes in judgment, “Slaying with the Word of His mouth.” These are the armies of the unbelievers who are destroyed. This is separating believers from the unbelievers.
   
3. Every eye shall see Him. Rev 1:7. No one needs to cry out “Where is He?” No one will be deceived with “He is here or there.”
   
4. The Lord Jesus Christ shall stand on the Mt. of Olives and the mountain will split in two from east to west, so,the believers who stay and fight may walk to safety. Zech 14:3-5. This is similar to the deliverance at the Red Sea.
   
5. Even now there is a crack in the Mt. of Olives. This has been confirmed by a geologist. A crack in the Earth’s crust.
   
6. God’s faithfulness, omnipotence, and immutability hold the mountain together in one piece.
   
7. This earthquake will form a new canal, “Valley of the Mountain,” making Jerusalem a seaport. Azal is the point at which the split will reach the Mediterranean. Zech 14:5, Ezek 47:1-11.
   
8. This will cause the Red Sea to overflow to the southward into the great “desert valley” Wadi El Araba, which is a natural waterway, a rift valley. Zech 14:8, Isa 43:19.
   The Dead Sea is 1286 feet below sea level and the waters from the Mediterranean will cause it to overflow, causing “the desert to blossom like a rose. The rose is literally a crocus. Isa 35:1-2.
   
9. Jesus Christ will take over immediately as King. There will be no dependence on human volition as in the First Advent.
   
10. Time element – Matt 24:29-31
    ”They shall look upon Him whom they pierced.”
    

Revelation 19:1-9 – The Marriage Supper of the Lamb!

1. The marriage takes place in Heaven during the seven years of Tribulation on Earth.
   
2. The marriage supper takes place on Earth at the Second Advent.
   
3. The Bridegroom is the Lord Jesus Christ, our Right-Man.
   
4. The bride is the Church Age believers of the Church Age. Eph 5:25-27.
   
5. Just as a bride prepares herself at home, so the Church, the bride of Christ, is prepared at home in Heaven. Preparation involves resurrection bodies, removal of the old sin nature, and the judgment of human good.
   
6. Friends of the Groom.
   Old Testament saints resurrected at the Second Advent.
   Tribulational saints resurrected at the Second Advent.
   
   “In the house” in resurrection bodies.
   John 3:29, John the Baptist, “Friend of the Bridegroom.”
   
   Part are already at the feast and part come back with Him.
   
7. Friends of the bride – wedding guests.
   Believers alive at the Second Advent, living Tribulational believers, who go in physical bodies into the Millennium and populate the Earth.
   
   Bible background. Matt 25:1-13. They are called virgins. They are free will, mental virgins. All 10 heard the Gospel during the Tribulation. Five is the number of Grace.
   
8. When the Groom arrives on the Earth with the bride, there is the wedding supper, Millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ.

”Even so come.”

Second Advent and the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13

1. Verse 1, “Ten virgins” – People of the Tribulation. All heard the Gospel. “Bridegroom” – the Lord Jesus Christ.
   
2. Verse 2, “Five of them were wise” – Believers of the Tribulation. “Five of them were foolish” – Unbelievers of the Tribulation.
   
3. Verse 3, “Foolish took their lamps” – Their volition. “Took no oil” – Negative reaction to the convicting ministry of God the Holy Spirit, no regeneration.
   
4. Verse 4, “Wise took oil” – Positive volition, prepared, regeneration. Titus 3:5.
   
5. Verse 5, “While the Bridegroom tarried” – There was preparation going on in Heaven.
   
6. Verse 5, “Bridegroom cometh” – Second Advent.
   
7. Verse 9, “Buy for yourself” – Believe for yourself.
   
8. Verse 10, “Door was shut” – Believers who are in physical bodies at the Second Advent go into the Millennium and populate the Earth. Unbelievers are cast off.
   

   

Why “Every Eye Shall See Him”

1. The day of the Second Advent will be a day of complete darkness, like the day when Jesus Christ was on the Cross.
   
2. The sun is blotted out on one side and thus the reflective light of the moon is blotted out so that all sides of the Earth will be totally enveloped in darkness.
   
3. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world and will lighten the world at that time.
   
4. Darkness fulfills the principle of “Every eye shall see Him.” Light is coming in darkness – darkness in which there was no light at all.
   
5. This darkness occurred:
   The first time – to hide Jesus Christ bearing our sins.
   The second time – it will be to reveal Christ at the Second Advent.
   
6. Scriptures:
   Mark 13:24-27, Matt 24:29-31, Luke 21:25-28, Isa 13:9, 10, fire and darkness, Joel 2:10-11, 3:15, Amos 5:18.

”They that sat in darkness saw a great light.”

Genesis 3:15 – The First Declaration of Salvation

1. By cursing the serpent before the promise of salvation, there is a separation between the serpent’s seed, homo sapiens, and the woman’s Seed, the Lord Jesus Christ. Gen 3:15.
   
   ”I will put enmity” – the wall or barrier.
   
   ”Between thee” – Satan.
   
   ”And the woman” – man is not mentioned here because he deliberately sinned. The woman was deceived.
   
   ”And between thy seed” – unregenerate homo sapiens.
   
   ”And her Seed” – Seed of the woman is Jesus Christ.
   
   Satan is involved with the human race. The woman is the means via the Lord Jesus Christ enters the human race.
   
2. Why the seed of the woman and not man’s seed? John 8:44, “Ye (unregenerate homo sapiens) are of your father, the devil.” This emphasizes the difference between man’s sin and the woman’s sin.
   
3. Out of the curse of the serpent will come the first declaration of the Gospel, salvation. Gen 3:15.
   A. Curse – “Upon thy belly thou shalt go.”
   B. Result – He can only strike the heel and cannot crush the head. But man can strike the head of the serpent.
   
   Gen 3:15b – “It,” the Seed of the woman, the Lord Jesus Christ at the Second Advent.
   
   ”Shall bruise thy head” – the crushing of the head. This is the judgment on the Cross against Satan – his being bound for 1,000 years and then the Lake of Fire.
   
   ”And thou” (Satan) “shall bruise” (crush) “His heel” (Jesus Christ at the First Advent on the Cross).
   
   Satan passed on his venom, sin, to man. Christ bore our sins on the Cross. 2 Cor 5:21, 1 Pet 2:24. “Healed” is literally “Sown together.”
   
4. Emphasis in the first declaration of salvation is on the virgin birth.
   

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