Rev 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Rev 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
Jesus opened the fourth seal of the very special book and the fourth beast - the beast like a flying eagle with six wings and covered in eyes back and front- told John to come and see.
John looked and saw another horse and this one was the color of pale, not white, but pale. There is no purity here but rather something off color.
Recently a doctor saw a friend of mine and immediately noticed how 'pale' he was. To the doctor's trained eye he knew something was wrong instantly where I only partially suspected something was off color. Why was my friend so pale? Because he was extremely sick. When we see someone who is off color- or pale we suspect that there is something wrong. Sometimes it's as simple as having a fright, but more oft than not it's because there is sickness involved.
This horse John can see is pale and the rider was named Death. Death!
Aren't the majority of sickly people laying upon their deathbeds on the pale side? Seriously. The very ill have that look about them don't they? If you've no first hand experience such as working in a nursing home, or a hospital, or even nursed someone at home who was dying you might not know for yourself personally but surely most people have seen movies with such scenes in them where an actor is made up to be dying and one of the first things happening when applying that camera makeup is working on making that person's complexion pale- sickly. The same with the tortured and wounded, rarely will they simply just look fine other than their wounds. Those who are horribly abused and near death, those who are awfully sick, they LOOK sick and when we say they look sick we instantly mean off color- pale. Is it any wonder Death is the rider of this time period shown? That Hell(in the margin of the Bible is the word 'the grave'), that the Grave followed Death?
During this period of time the false church is fully entrenched in peoples lives and reigning with an unbelievable power over people. The papacy with its religious/political dual purpose in existing corrupted the purity of any that would be truly God's people. Mingling the pure message of Christ's love and redemption with so much that is worldly clearly shouts falsehood. The papacy during this period had great authority in many, many ways and during that time just as it says- ' And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,' surely this papal power held such authority, and they were able to kill with the sword, with torture such as hunger and yes, the beasts of the earth. For when the civilized powers are gone what remains but beasts to rule? And in another note- during this time the Black Death came into play killing millions and millions of people and what brought the black death but black rats -carrying the diseased fleas.
Yes, during the middle ages the papacy reached the height of its power and wield its awful authority by order of inquisitions and it also suffered it s eventual downfall as the end of this time period drew nigh in the 1500's and the birth of Protestantism began.
To read a bit more on the subject go here- http://www.heijira.com/em_lecture_4.html
No, Protestantism didn't immediately squash the papacy but it had it's beginning there in the 1500's after a terrible reign of rulership for over a thousand years. That the papacy wasn't fully squash until 1798 its downfall can be noted as beginning in the 1500's.
This fourth horse truly did bring with it the rider called Death and the Grave most certainly followed.
May the Lord bless and keep us as we continue our study, realizing how truly separate God's way is from man's. Jesus did not wield power and authority by any force whatsoever, in fact He acted the part of the Lamb being led to the slaughter only unlike our animal lambs, Jesus was fully aware of the death that awaited Him and He didn't offer any protest at all. He didn't cause an uprising of followers to wage war on the corruption around them, He encouraged love of enemies, doing good to those who misuse you- hate you- despise you- and all His followers were to follow that example of His and where can you find that in any way with the things the papacy has done under the guise of being Christ's church? May we today recognize the truth of Jesus' love and call to us to follow Him and know that all else even with it's disguise of purity and goodness is filled with evil and there will be those who cry out to Jesus about knowing him but in truth He will call back to them that He knows them not. May we not be among those, but be safely in the kingdom as true followers of Jesus' love, covered in His righteousness by His mercy, His grace towards us sinners who beg forgiveness and repent of all that would keep us from His love, from His knowing us.
Amen!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Prophecy - 75
Rev 6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
Jesus opened the third seal of this very important book and the third beast (the one with a face of a man, with six wings and full of eyes like all four beasts had in common) spoke and told John to come and see, to come look. And John was shown a black horse. What is the opposite of white? Black. If white is purity and light, black is impurity and darkness isn't it? White raiment is known as being the righteousness of Christ, if there were black raiment it would be the unrighteousness portray- filthy garments. The white horse traveling through a period of time when the early church prospered without gross persecution. The red horse traveling through a period of time where there was much blood shed for God's people, in fact the bloodiest period of time in 303AD to 313AD before Christianity was finally accepted by the mainstream. Now this black horse and a rider with a pair of balances enters the picture.
Balances- even today we use them to denote what? Justice.
Symbolism-
The scales (specifically, a two pan, beam balance) are one of the traditional symbols of justice, as wielded by statues of Lady Justice. This corresponds to the use in metaphor of matters being "held in the balance". It has its origins in ancient Egypt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weighing_scale
*******
When you have two forces in play a balance can be tipped in favor of one or the other- or remain in it's non-tipped state symbolizing equality.
You have two forces good and evil, Christ's way or Satan's way.
The church of good and the church of evil perhaps are represented in the balances.
With the balance held as such in this time could it denote the birth of the corrupt church that would counter the pure church? It was historically a time when paganisn began to mingle with Christianity making it impure while retaining the title pure. Corruption, deception, darkness winds its way into the church and a corrupt church suits the purposes of Satan rather well. When you add the commerce of goods and payments to the picture we're adding what to the mix? A government, yes? An economy and every economy is ruled by a government. With the balances in the picture we have can imagine that symbol of civil power, of governmental power because once more meting out justice is government function. The involvement of government with religion - the beginning of the very corrupted pure Christianity began. Christ would have His disciples render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's, He did NOT promote a Christian government or a time when the church would work as any type of civil power, but rather claimed this was not His world, not our world. Yet during this period of time- church and state entwined ever further as our study in Daniel revealed. The political sway of the apostate pagan infused Papacy grew stronger and stronger. Jesus NEVER intended that His followers would hold powerful sway over worldly matters- never. Jesus came to preach the gospel of the kingdom and instructed His followers to spread that word- NOT to join with the world in any way.
Rev 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
This time it's not saying where the voice is exactly coming from rather from the midst of the four beasts. It's not pinpointing the One Worthy who is opening the seals either. This voice is in the midst of the beasts and thus far 3 of the beasts have spoken as the seals were broken. This additional voice makes it stand out- makes us take notice.
A measure of wheat for a penny. Food /money.
Three measures of barley for a penny. Food /money.
Buying and selling. The great concern here isn't the purity of Christ but rather money, goods.
Yet there's an admonition- see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Could it be that the wheat and the barley were being hurt? How could such commodities be hurt? For that matter how could you hurt oil and wine? Corruption can hurt it all.
Here there is pointed mention of the wheat and the barley being sold and the admonition not to hurt the oil and wine. Nothing about selling the oil and wine but the fact the oil and wine could be hurt. If I tell you not to hurt something then the possibility exists that it can be hurt or else there need be no mention of it, right?
Throughout the Bible oil has had it's special place as well as wine in the service of God. Even Jesus in the parable of the Samaritan helping the wounded man had the man tending him with oil and wine- healing him, soothing him. If the oil and wine are hurt there can be no healing perhaps?
Also consider the parable of the virgins and the oil in their lamps- those who brought extra were commended and welcomed to the feast while those who did not bring extra were shut out. Already in the vision of the seven churches the last church was admonished to buy eye salve to see, oil, so that their eyes would be open to the truth's of Jesus that there would be Spiritual guidance. Wine, as we know, Jesus used to symbolize the blood He spilled for mankind. If there is a hurting of the oil an the wine there is a lack of spirit and blood both necessary to be in Christ fully.
Those true to Christ while the corruption began in earnest during the time of the third seal needed to guard the truth of the oil and wine, the spirit and blood and hold fast to that truth as it was being corrupted and brought into ruin so easily, so deceptively.
May God keep our eyes and hearts open to Him. May we remember these words and understand that during great famines of a spiritual nature we can hold fast to Christ and His sacrifice for us through the Holy Spirit's comforting, guiding, admonishing.
As the end approaches the Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth and we who long to be His and stand fast in Him need to protect the spiritually precious gifts that cannot be bought but need to be given to us by Christ, who counsels us to buy of Him- Him who has paid the highest price so that we may have the gift of eternal life in Him, now and forever He reigns! All glory to God in the Highest! All praise, all honor, all majesty heavenward.
By His grace and mercy. Amen.
Jesus opened the third seal of this very important book and the third beast (the one with a face of a man, with six wings and full of eyes like all four beasts had in common) spoke and told John to come and see, to come look. And John was shown a black horse. What is the opposite of white? Black. If white is purity and light, black is impurity and darkness isn't it? White raiment is known as being the righteousness of Christ, if there were black raiment it would be the unrighteousness portray- filthy garments. The white horse traveling through a period of time when the early church prospered without gross persecution. The red horse traveling through a period of time where there was much blood shed for God's people, in fact the bloodiest period of time in 303AD to 313AD before Christianity was finally accepted by the mainstream. Now this black horse and a rider with a pair of balances enters the picture.
Balances- even today we use them to denote what? Justice.
Symbolism-
The scales (specifically, a two pan, beam balance) are one of the traditional symbols of justice, as wielded by statues of Lady Justice. This corresponds to the use in metaphor of matters being "held in the balance". It has its origins in ancient Egypt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weighing_scale
*******
When you have two forces in play a balance can be tipped in favor of one or the other- or remain in it's non-tipped state symbolizing equality.
You have two forces good and evil, Christ's way or Satan's way.
The church of good and the church of evil perhaps are represented in the balances.
With the balance held as such in this time could it denote the birth of the corrupt church that would counter the pure church? It was historically a time when paganisn began to mingle with Christianity making it impure while retaining the title pure. Corruption, deception, darkness winds its way into the church and a corrupt church suits the purposes of Satan rather well. When you add the commerce of goods and payments to the picture we're adding what to the mix? A government, yes? An economy and every economy is ruled by a government. With the balances in the picture we have can imagine that symbol of civil power, of governmental power because once more meting out justice is government function. The involvement of government with religion - the beginning of the very corrupted pure Christianity began. Christ would have His disciples render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's, He did NOT promote a Christian government or a time when the church would work as any type of civil power, but rather claimed this was not His world, not our world. Yet during this period of time- church and state entwined ever further as our study in Daniel revealed. The political sway of the apostate pagan infused Papacy grew stronger and stronger. Jesus NEVER intended that His followers would hold powerful sway over worldly matters- never. Jesus came to preach the gospel of the kingdom and instructed His followers to spread that word- NOT to join with the world in any way.
Rev 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
This time it's not saying where the voice is exactly coming from rather from the midst of the four beasts. It's not pinpointing the One Worthy who is opening the seals either. This voice is in the midst of the beasts and thus far 3 of the beasts have spoken as the seals were broken. This additional voice makes it stand out- makes us take notice.
A measure of wheat for a penny. Food /money.
Three measures of barley for a penny. Food /money.
Buying and selling. The great concern here isn't the purity of Christ but rather money, goods.
Yet there's an admonition- see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Could it be that the wheat and the barley were being hurt? How could such commodities be hurt? For that matter how could you hurt oil and wine? Corruption can hurt it all.
Here there is pointed mention of the wheat and the barley being sold and the admonition not to hurt the oil and wine. Nothing about selling the oil and wine but the fact the oil and wine could be hurt. If I tell you not to hurt something then the possibility exists that it can be hurt or else there need be no mention of it, right?
Throughout the Bible oil has had it's special place as well as wine in the service of God. Even Jesus in the parable of the Samaritan helping the wounded man had the man tending him with oil and wine- healing him, soothing him. If the oil and wine are hurt there can be no healing perhaps?
Also consider the parable of the virgins and the oil in their lamps- those who brought extra were commended and welcomed to the feast while those who did not bring extra were shut out. Already in the vision of the seven churches the last church was admonished to buy eye salve to see, oil, so that their eyes would be open to the truth's of Jesus that there would be Spiritual guidance. Wine, as we know, Jesus used to symbolize the blood He spilled for mankind. If there is a hurting of the oil an the wine there is a lack of spirit and blood both necessary to be in Christ fully.
Those true to Christ while the corruption began in earnest during the time of the third seal needed to guard the truth of the oil and wine, the spirit and blood and hold fast to that truth as it was being corrupted and brought into ruin so easily, so deceptively.
May God keep our eyes and hearts open to Him. May we remember these words and understand that during great famines of a spiritual nature we can hold fast to Christ and His sacrifice for us through the Holy Spirit's comforting, guiding, admonishing.
As the end approaches the Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth and we who long to be His and stand fast in Him need to protect the spiritually precious gifts that cannot be bought but need to be given to us by Christ, who counsels us to buy of Him- Him who has paid the highest price so that we may have the gift of eternal life in Him, now and forever He reigns! All glory to God in the Highest! All praise, all honor, all majesty heavenward.
By His grace and mercy. Amen.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
2 Corinthians 11 - The simplicity that is in Christ
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
This was spoken by Paul to God's people in Corinth, and all God's people in Achaia.
2Co 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia
Think about this for a moment- Jesus hadn't been gone for long. It has been determined that Paul wrote this book of the Bible somewhere between 53 and 57 AD. As we've discussed before- Satan got right to work on God's people wasting no time at all stepping in and trying to pervert the truth. Setting up His counterfeit, Satan from the beginning has done all He can to thwart God's truth and deceive people into believing in his truth, not God's.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
2Co 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ… HOW incredibly beautiful is that? The simplicity that is in Christ. It is no secret that people have made following Christ anything but simple. The complex set ups that make up our churches could never be termed simple. It wasn't Jesus' plan that we make huge organizations and call them churches- call them God's people. Over and over people point out that the larger the following grew the more organization was necessary, but in the simplicity of Christ- is that true? When did following God mean taking oaths to follow beliefs of an organization? Isn't it true that MANY people followed Jesus and it wasn't Jesus' desire to keep out the weeds? He let all follow Him. He did not set up His apostles to keep watch and make sure no Pharisees came near to Him. Jesus didn't raise up an army of guards to keep out all those who did not truly believe. Jesus fed 5000 people and a day later those 5000 followers who had been eager to crown Him their king- left Him because He began to preach things they didn't want to comprehend. At that point Jesus asked His apostles if they too were going to leave, but they didn't. The point here being- Jesus ministered to 5000 people! And Jesus knew that as soon as He began to speak hard truths these same people would turn away.
I'm not against organizations- Jesus had His Apostles, His Apostles appointed Elders and such but with ONE goal in mind- to live for Christ and help those around them who chose to live for believing in the truth of Christ, to minister to the poor, to do that which Jesus would have them do and that was to always be a SERVANT first, never a master. Taking in ANY riches for selfish reasons was NEVER God's plan, NEVER. Yet how quickly selfish gain infiltrated God's true church- God's people.
Let's read those two verses again-
'But I fear lest by ANY means-
AS the serpent beguiled Eve through his SUBTILTY
So YOUR minds should be corrupted from the SIMPLICITY that is in CHRIST.
For if he that cometh preacheth ANOTHER Jesus whom we have NOT preached
Or if ye receive ANOTHER spirit which ye have not received,
Or ANOTHER gospel which ye have not accepted ye might well bear with him.'
By any means.
Through His subtilty.
Corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Preaching another Jesus, another spirit, another gospel.
And then this…
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Satan himself is TRANSFORMED into an angel of light.
Satan's MINISTERS are also TRANSFORMED as ministers of righteousness.
Why do so many people follow others blindly!!! Why?! Why do people follow others without putting them to the 'law and to the testimony?'
Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Why?! When Satan infiltrated God's people- the church of God right from the start! Shouldn't being wary rather than foolishly following be the order of the day? Shouldn't this be a duty of all who would follow Christ? Making sure that the simplicity of Christ, making sure that the gospel our Savior charged His disciples to preach is what we are truly following. So many have traded in truth for religious trappings. They have a picture in their minds of how a 'church' should be and they join that 'church' rather than truly joining Christ and preaching His true gospel. Shouldn't people be extremely wary when they read these words of Christ Himself?
Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Entering in the wide gates is NOT the guaranteed path to salvation so many believe it to be. Entering in those church doors thrown wide open and inviting is NOT necessarily entering into the truth at all. Yet so incredibly many believe that as long as there is a following of those who claim to know Christ, as long as outwardly there are all the signs and wonders we've come to associate with being true followers of Christ- then they have to be in the right place.
Then you get those who might suspect things are all on the up and up but they quickly shush that voice because hey- what they are doing is better than doing nothing. What they are doing is better than standing outside the organizations without any formal church setting, without any appointed minister, without any who can guide them. They would rather have a guide that could be deluded than step away from that sense of organized religion. Satan has duped people so incredibly well they refuse to see, they don't want to see and the Bible tells us- God tells us - that those who wish to be blind will be allowed to be blind.
Right from the start of churches corruption entered in, false churches were created and they weren't the blatant false churches of idolatry, these were churches so subtly, so close to the truth that it would be extremely hard to distinguish between the true and false.
It's NO great thing for Satan's ministers to be transformed into ministers of seeming righteousness. THESE are God's WORDS! This is God's TRUTH!
Satan's ministers.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
The simplicity that is in Christ.
Belonging to an organization that claims to be God's true followers is truly dangerous. When we join ourselves to an organization we are attaching ourselves to that organization's beliefs, we are grouping ourselves with them. If we are part of a corporate body- if that corporate body is corrupt then we have joined ourselves with corruption. I fully believe that God has sincere followers in all churches- but I fully believe that God will call those followers OUT of those corrupt churches before our Savior returns.
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
When we join ourselves to lovely, seemingly sincere churches we are accountable for knowing what we are joining right down to all their beliefs and the heads of their corporations- we have that responsibility it doesn't disappear just because we can't be bothered to care whether or not there is any untruth in the main beliefs. Asking ourselves if a church is following the SIMPLICITY that is in CHRIST is something we are accountable for, and whether or not we LIKE what we find we are accountable for searching for TRUTH, not searching for wonderful, convincing lies that appear to be truth just because we don't want to be shaken loose from the deception we are so incredibly comfortable following.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Please God, please, this is our prayer, keep us from the evil one's subtle deception, don't let us be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ!
Keep us from evil.
Deliver us from evil.
May Your will be done now and always!
In the love of Jesus Christ our Savior!
Amen.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
This was spoken by Paul to God's people in Corinth, and all God's people in Achaia.
2Co 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia
Think about this for a moment- Jesus hadn't been gone for long. It has been determined that Paul wrote this book of the Bible somewhere between 53 and 57 AD. As we've discussed before- Satan got right to work on God's people wasting no time at all stepping in and trying to pervert the truth. Setting up His counterfeit, Satan from the beginning has done all He can to thwart God's truth and deceive people into believing in his truth, not God's.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
2Co 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ… HOW incredibly beautiful is that? The simplicity that is in Christ. It is no secret that people have made following Christ anything but simple. The complex set ups that make up our churches could never be termed simple. It wasn't Jesus' plan that we make huge organizations and call them churches- call them God's people. Over and over people point out that the larger the following grew the more organization was necessary, but in the simplicity of Christ- is that true? When did following God mean taking oaths to follow beliefs of an organization? Isn't it true that MANY people followed Jesus and it wasn't Jesus' desire to keep out the weeds? He let all follow Him. He did not set up His apostles to keep watch and make sure no Pharisees came near to Him. Jesus didn't raise up an army of guards to keep out all those who did not truly believe. Jesus fed 5000 people and a day later those 5000 followers who had been eager to crown Him their king- left Him because He began to preach things they didn't want to comprehend. At that point Jesus asked His apostles if they too were going to leave, but they didn't. The point here being- Jesus ministered to 5000 people! And Jesus knew that as soon as He began to speak hard truths these same people would turn away.
I'm not against organizations- Jesus had His Apostles, His Apostles appointed Elders and such but with ONE goal in mind- to live for Christ and help those around them who chose to live for believing in the truth of Christ, to minister to the poor, to do that which Jesus would have them do and that was to always be a SERVANT first, never a master. Taking in ANY riches for selfish reasons was NEVER God's plan, NEVER. Yet how quickly selfish gain infiltrated God's true church- God's people.
Let's read those two verses again-
'But I fear lest by ANY means-
AS the serpent beguiled Eve through his SUBTILTY
So YOUR minds should be corrupted from the SIMPLICITY that is in CHRIST.
For if he that cometh preacheth ANOTHER Jesus whom we have NOT preached
Or if ye receive ANOTHER spirit which ye have not received,
Or ANOTHER gospel which ye have not accepted ye might well bear with him.'
By any means.
Through His subtilty.
Corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Preaching another Jesus, another spirit, another gospel.
And then this…
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Satan himself is TRANSFORMED into an angel of light.
Satan's MINISTERS are also TRANSFORMED as ministers of righteousness.
Why do so many people follow others blindly!!! Why?! Why do people follow others without putting them to the 'law and to the testimony?'
Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Why?! When Satan infiltrated God's people- the church of God right from the start! Shouldn't being wary rather than foolishly following be the order of the day? Shouldn't this be a duty of all who would follow Christ? Making sure that the simplicity of Christ, making sure that the gospel our Savior charged His disciples to preach is what we are truly following. So many have traded in truth for religious trappings. They have a picture in their minds of how a 'church' should be and they join that 'church' rather than truly joining Christ and preaching His true gospel. Shouldn't people be extremely wary when they read these words of Christ Himself?
Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Entering in the wide gates is NOT the guaranteed path to salvation so many believe it to be. Entering in those church doors thrown wide open and inviting is NOT necessarily entering into the truth at all. Yet so incredibly many believe that as long as there is a following of those who claim to know Christ, as long as outwardly there are all the signs and wonders we've come to associate with being true followers of Christ- then they have to be in the right place.
Then you get those who might suspect things are all on the up and up but they quickly shush that voice because hey- what they are doing is better than doing nothing. What they are doing is better than standing outside the organizations without any formal church setting, without any appointed minister, without any who can guide them. They would rather have a guide that could be deluded than step away from that sense of organized religion. Satan has duped people so incredibly well they refuse to see, they don't want to see and the Bible tells us- God tells us - that those who wish to be blind will be allowed to be blind.
Right from the start of churches corruption entered in, false churches were created and they weren't the blatant false churches of idolatry, these were churches so subtly, so close to the truth that it would be extremely hard to distinguish between the true and false.
It's NO great thing for Satan's ministers to be transformed into ministers of seeming righteousness. THESE are God's WORDS! This is God's TRUTH!
Satan's ministers.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
The simplicity that is in Christ.
Belonging to an organization that claims to be God's true followers is truly dangerous. When we join ourselves to an organization we are attaching ourselves to that organization's beliefs, we are grouping ourselves with them. If we are part of a corporate body- if that corporate body is corrupt then we have joined ourselves with corruption. I fully believe that God has sincere followers in all churches- but I fully believe that God will call those followers OUT of those corrupt churches before our Savior returns.
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
When we join ourselves to lovely, seemingly sincere churches we are accountable for knowing what we are joining right down to all their beliefs and the heads of their corporations- we have that responsibility it doesn't disappear just because we can't be bothered to care whether or not there is any untruth in the main beliefs. Asking ourselves if a church is following the SIMPLICITY that is in CHRIST is something we are accountable for, and whether or not we LIKE what we find we are accountable for searching for TRUTH, not searching for wonderful, convincing lies that appear to be truth just because we don't want to be shaken loose from the deception we are so incredibly comfortable following.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Please God, please, this is our prayer, keep us from the evil one's subtle deception, don't let us be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ!
Keep us from evil.
Deliver us from evil.
May Your will be done now and always!
In the love of Jesus Christ our Savior!
Amen.
Psalms 119:18 Wondrous Law
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (KJV)
Psa 119:18 Uncover mine eyes, and I behold wonders out of Thy law. (YLT - Young's 1898 Literal Translation)
Psa 119:18 Open my mind and let me discover the wonders of your Law. (CEV - Contemporary English Version)
Psa 119:18 Open my eyes, so that I may behold wonderful things out of Your Law. (MKJV- Modern King James Version)
*******
Thy Law, Your Law, God's Law.
Ask most people to name one law and they won't hesitate to tell you one, why? Because most people know what laws are and know at least one if not several. I'm not talking about God's law, but laws we have in our society today. Ask them to name a universal law - a law they believe to be one all people everywhere should keep and do you think they'd have an answer? I do. And I believe that most people would quickly respond that murder is universally wrong and unacceptable for all people everywhere.
Let's look at the United Nations for a moment-
"For the United Nations, the rule of law refers to a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. It requires, as well, measures to ensure adherence to the principles of supremacy of law, equality before the law, accountability to the law, fairness in the application of the law, separation of powers, participation in decision-making, legal certainty, avoidance of arbitrariness and procedural and legal transparency."
(S/2004/616)
Report of the Secretary-General on the
Rule of Law and Transitional Justice in
Conflict and Post-Conflict Societies
Pasted from
This organization mentions 'the rule of law'. Man has introduced laws in each of their societies and the United States was formed on the principle of separating Church (God) and State (Man). One of man's laws was the freedom for man to worship as they please. However God's laws would NOT be a part of societies law because that freedom to worship as you please opened the door wide to the freedom of worshipping any god, in any manner. This isn't to say that our puritanical society didn't frown on those who they claimed were of the devil, however today people are allowed to worship the devil all they want without any interference from society. With God stripped from our laws our society quickly became one that apostatized from God. So many love to gloat that America was founded upon believing in God, in Christianity. They point to the U.S. Capital buildings and how their design is largely filled with references towards God. They do this as if that meant they were God fearing men that founded our nation. In truth no truly God fearing person would set up a society that took God out of the law. Seriously, it doesn't work that way.
Look at Muslims for an example their law is filled with their religious beliefs and they're very proud of that fact. They've built a society on their beliefs. Is it any wonder many find their faith enticing? Seriously, it offers something that all the democracies in the world can't offer even though it's a false religion if you truly believe in God and God's word as given to us in the Bible, His most Holy Word.
I hear this a lot - that we have to thank God we live in a place that allows religious freedom and yet something doesn't set right. I need to thank God that I live in a society that has taken Him out of their laws. I probably sound ungrateful and I don't mean to be, I am grateful I am free to worship as I choose but at the same time there is a great sadness inside that I live in a society that shuns God in its government.
I long for the day I live with God under His laws, a world ruled by Him and His love and out of that love ruled by His laws. Truly God's laws are wondrous more so than any law, any man may ever create.
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
There are WONDROUS things in the law of God! WONDROUS! Wonderful things, there are wonders in the law of God! May our eye be opened to these wondrous things. Only when we can see the wonder of God's law will we truly have the spiritual sight our Lord wants us to have. God did NOT create the laws to oppress anything good in us, not one single thing. For those who find oppression under the law of God as if it was created to prohibit us from living our lives to the fullest, they do not know God at all!
Wondrous things are found in God's law.
Let's read the law--
Exo 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Exo 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exo 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exo 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Exo 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Exo 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Exo 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Exo 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
Exo 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Exo 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
*******
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Luk 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Jas 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
Jas 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
*******
Wonders in God's law, wonderful things in God's law.
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
I had not known sin but by the law.
There is such beauty in that statement. ONLY One who loves us would give us laws. It's true. Can you even imagine being condemned and not even knowing why? Sentenced to death but never ever told how you could have prevented that death sentence. Wouldn't you want to know why? Let's imagine a police officer yanks you off the street and throws you into jail and the next thing you know without any trial, without even being told what your offense is you are condemned to die. You can't tell me you wouldn't be demanding to know what was going on right from the start, from that first moment the police officer yanked you off the street. You'd ask and if you didn't receive an answer you'd ask again, over and over and at some point it's certain you'd start yelling, demanding to know why, demanding to know what you did wrong. Can you even imagine being told you have to be put to death and NEVER being told why? Seriously, try to imagine it, put yourself in that position. You are being strapped to the gurney, IV's are being put into your arms, poison is all set to flow into your body to end your life and you lay there unable to do anything about it and clueless as to the why of it all. There is NO love at all and truly a dictatorial rule is in place under that sort of set up, yes?
God loves us. God wants us to know HOW we sin. God wants us to realize that we are in fact sinners, and yes, as sinners we deserve death. We are DEPENDENT upon God for life! We are DEPENDENT upon God for RIGHTEOUSNESS! We are DEPENDENT upon God for salvation! We are shown the law, shown God's love, God's perfection and we are told to keep the law- THEN and this is a most important 'then'- THEN we are shown a way to stay God's chosen people in the event we sin, in the event we break that law. The way is through our Savior Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The only way we can keep the law is through our Savior, through His amazing LOVE. The Creator of the law of love.
While the law is truly wondrous revealing God's love for mankind, mankind has tried to turn it into something to be abhorred, something to shun.
I truly do not want to be a part of this world under Satan's rule. I want to be a part of God's world under my Savior Jesus Christ. My Savior was not of this world ruled by Satan, and neither am I. And while I must live in this world by the grace of God I can be kept from the evil of this world.
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Please Lord open my eyes wide so that I may see the wonders in Your law! Help me to desire to keep Your law through You, by You, the whole law now and forever.
By Your wondrous LOVE!
Through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior forever and ever!
Amen.
Psa 119:18 Uncover mine eyes, and I behold wonders out of Thy law. (YLT - Young's 1898 Literal Translation)
Psa 119:18 Open my mind and let me discover the wonders of your Law. (CEV - Contemporary English Version)
Psa 119:18 Open my eyes, so that I may behold wonderful things out of Your Law. (MKJV- Modern King James Version)
*******
Thy Law, Your Law, God's Law.
Ask most people to name one law and they won't hesitate to tell you one, why? Because most people know what laws are and know at least one if not several. I'm not talking about God's law, but laws we have in our society today. Ask them to name a universal law - a law they believe to be one all people everywhere should keep and do you think they'd have an answer? I do. And I believe that most people would quickly respond that murder is universally wrong and unacceptable for all people everywhere.
Let's look at the United Nations for a moment-
"For the United Nations, the rule of law refers to a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. It requires, as well, measures to ensure adherence to the principles of supremacy of law, equality before the law, accountability to the law, fairness in the application of the law, separation of powers, participation in decision-making, legal certainty, avoidance of arbitrariness and procedural and legal transparency."
(S/2004/616)
Report of the Secretary-General on the
Rule of Law and Transitional Justice in
Conflict and Post-Conflict Societies
Pasted from
This organization mentions 'the rule of law'. Man has introduced laws in each of their societies and the United States was formed on the principle of separating Church (God) and State (Man). One of man's laws was the freedom for man to worship as they please. However God's laws would NOT be a part of societies law because that freedom to worship as you please opened the door wide to the freedom of worshipping any god, in any manner. This isn't to say that our puritanical society didn't frown on those who they claimed were of the devil, however today people are allowed to worship the devil all they want without any interference from society. With God stripped from our laws our society quickly became one that apostatized from God. So many love to gloat that America was founded upon believing in God, in Christianity. They point to the U.S. Capital buildings and how their design is largely filled with references towards God. They do this as if that meant they were God fearing men that founded our nation. In truth no truly God fearing person would set up a society that took God out of the law. Seriously, it doesn't work that way.
Look at Muslims for an example their law is filled with their religious beliefs and they're very proud of that fact. They've built a society on their beliefs. Is it any wonder many find their faith enticing? Seriously, it offers something that all the democracies in the world can't offer even though it's a false religion if you truly believe in God and God's word as given to us in the Bible, His most Holy Word.
I hear this a lot - that we have to thank God we live in a place that allows religious freedom and yet something doesn't set right. I need to thank God that I live in a society that has taken Him out of their laws. I probably sound ungrateful and I don't mean to be, I am grateful I am free to worship as I choose but at the same time there is a great sadness inside that I live in a society that shuns God in its government.
I long for the day I live with God under His laws, a world ruled by Him and His love and out of that love ruled by His laws. Truly God's laws are wondrous more so than any law, any man may ever create.
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
There are WONDROUS things in the law of God! WONDROUS! Wonderful things, there are wonders in the law of God! May our eye be opened to these wondrous things. Only when we can see the wonder of God's law will we truly have the spiritual sight our Lord wants us to have. God did NOT create the laws to oppress anything good in us, not one single thing. For those who find oppression under the law of God as if it was created to prohibit us from living our lives to the fullest, they do not know God at all!
Wondrous things are found in God's law.
Let's read the law--
Exo 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Exo 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exo 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exo 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Exo 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Exo 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Exo 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Exo 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
Exo 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Exo 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
*******
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Luk 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Jas 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
Jas 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
*******
Wonders in God's law, wonderful things in God's law.
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
I had not known sin but by the law.
There is such beauty in that statement. ONLY One who loves us would give us laws. It's true. Can you even imagine being condemned and not even knowing why? Sentenced to death but never ever told how you could have prevented that death sentence. Wouldn't you want to know why? Let's imagine a police officer yanks you off the street and throws you into jail and the next thing you know without any trial, without even being told what your offense is you are condemned to die. You can't tell me you wouldn't be demanding to know what was going on right from the start, from that first moment the police officer yanked you off the street. You'd ask and if you didn't receive an answer you'd ask again, over and over and at some point it's certain you'd start yelling, demanding to know why, demanding to know what you did wrong. Can you even imagine being told you have to be put to death and NEVER being told why? Seriously, try to imagine it, put yourself in that position. You are being strapped to the gurney, IV's are being put into your arms, poison is all set to flow into your body to end your life and you lay there unable to do anything about it and clueless as to the why of it all. There is NO love at all and truly a dictatorial rule is in place under that sort of set up, yes?
God loves us. God wants us to know HOW we sin. God wants us to realize that we are in fact sinners, and yes, as sinners we deserve death. We are DEPENDENT upon God for life! We are DEPENDENT upon God for RIGHTEOUSNESS! We are DEPENDENT upon God for salvation! We are shown the law, shown God's love, God's perfection and we are told to keep the law- THEN and this is a most important 'then'- THEN we are shown a way to stay God's chosen people in the event we sin, in the event we break that law. The way is through our Savior Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The only way we can keep the law is through our Savior, through His amazing LOVE. The Creator of the law of love.
While the law is truly wondrous revealing God's love for mankind, mankind has tried to turn it into something to be abhorred, something to shun.
I truly do not want to be a part of this world under Satan's rule. I want to be a part of God's world under my Savior Jesus Christ. My Savior was not of this world ruled by Satan, and neither am I. And while I must live in this world by the grace of God I can be kept from the evil of this world.
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Please Lord open my eyes wide so that I may see the wonders in Your law! Help me to desire to keep Your law through You, by You, the whole law now and forever.
By Your wondrous LOVE!
Through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior forever and ever!
Amen.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Prophecy - 74
Rev 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Jesus opened one of the seals on that very important book in His hands. When He did so there was a great noise- isn't thunder a great noise? Thunder sounded. How ominous does that sound? You break a seal and thunder sounds. Again we can't help but imagine a movie scene here- the thunder booming as the seal is broken signifying something of importance taking place. And something important did take place-
One of the four beasts surrounding the throne spoke to John telling him to come and see... come look... And John was allowed to see the vision of a white horse with a person sitting upon the horse holding a bow and then someone was giving the person on the white horse a crown and after that the rider on the white horse when forth conquering right away, his mission to conquer.
White is a symbol of purity. Christ's righteousness is as a white raiment. To ride upon a white horse is symbolic of going forth in purity, the righteousness of the new faith in Christ. This coincides with the first Church- Ephesus and the time line that was established there. There was a sense of purity as our Savior brought the gospel message to the world. That new message so different than any other message was given to us in the pure righteousness of our Savior. The conquering our Savior did was over sin, over eternal death resulting from sin. On the cross Jesus Christ secured forever His right to save humanity, the victory over Satan was won. God's people having lived in expectation of a Messiah now would live with the Messiah realized. Our Lord conquered and His Apostles were given the command to continue to preach the gospel of salvation in Christ to all.
Rev 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Rev 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Jesus opens the second seal and right away John hears the second beast - remember the second beast around about the throne is like a calf filled with eyes- this beast tells John to come and see. Again John is allowed another vision. He looks and he sees another horse- this time a red horse going forth. A red horse, no longer a white horse. If white symbolizes purity and righteousness, red symbolizes what? Blood, destruction, impurity. The one who sat upon the red horse was given power, power to take peace from the earth. This lull was to be destroyed, when you take peace from something you bring what? Discord. The peace was to be taken and power so people would kill one another, a great sword of death was being wielded by the one upon the red horse. Think about what history reveals for the time after the early church...
Note this-
'The spirit of this period perhaps reached its climax as we come to the days of Constantine, the first so-called Christian emperor, whose conversion to Christianity in A.D. 323 brought about a compromise between the church and the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, is said to have granted toleration to Christians and allowed conversions to Christianity. Kenneth S. Latourette declares that the acts immediately preceding and culminating in the Edict of Milan in 313 "still remain the most significant of the many milestones in the road by which the church and the state moved toward co-operation.' [4]
[4] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of the Expansion of Christianity, Vol. I, The First Five Centuries, p. 159.
And Note this-
'The Diocletianic Persecution (or Great Persecution) was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman empire.[1] In 303, Emperor Diocletian and his colleagues Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding Christians' legal rights and demanding they comply with traditional religious practices. Later edicts targeted the clergy and demanded universal sacrifice, ordering all inhabitants to sacrifice to the gods. The persecution varied in intensity across the empire—weakest in Gaul and Britain, where only the first edict was applied, and strongest in the Eastern provinces. Persecutionary laws were nullified by different emperors at different times, but Constantine and Licinius's Edict of Milan (313) has traditionally marked the end of the persecution.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletianic_Persecution
The persecutions of the early Christians grew so intense that it is noted in history as - the 'last and most severe persecution' this took place under the red horse period and it's fitting isn't it?
'and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth,
and that they should kill one another:
and there was given unto him a great sword.'
A great sword indeed and it was geared towards the destruction of Christians, the destruction of the early church, truly a horse of red with a rider set to destroy.
The purity of Christianity was quickly corrupted and then corrupted fully. History reveals to us that all but one Apostle was murdered. These were God's chosen! These men walked with Jesus and learned from the Master Himself. Given a charge they knew that after the Savior was crucified that they could hope for no less of an end. All who truly follow our Savior understand that persecution is to be expected- physical and spiritual persecution. The greatest accepted persecution of Christians took place during a ten year period before 313 AD- this is all factual. Read this…
'Nevertheless, all above should not reflect Pope`s visit to Serbia in 2013, for the celebration of 1700 years of the Edict of Milan.'
Pasted from
Celebrations for the EDICT of MILAN- 1700 years ago this took place. This historic event is something we have to recognize when we look at prophecy. We are historic witnesses to the fact that for two hundred some years after Jesus' death there was intense Christian persecution, the followers of Christ were not accepted. Great persecution took place and then…it was declared unacceptable to persecute Christians.
Today Christians are still persecuted, but NOT in a widely accepted manner at all.
May God bless us and keep us and may the Holy Spirit guide us into a fuller understanding of His word. By the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, now and forever, all honor, praise and glory to him!
Amen.
Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Jesus opened one of the seals on that very important book in His hands. When He did so there was a great noise- isn't thunder a great noise? Thunder sounded. How ominous does that sound? You break a seal and thunder sounds. Again we can't help but imagine a movie scene here- the thunder booming as the seal is broken signifying something of importance taking place. And something important did take place-
One of the four beasts surrounding the throne spoke to John telling him to come and see... come look... And John was allowed to see the vision of a white horse with a person sitting upon the horse holding a bow and then someone was giving the person on the white horse a crown and after that the rider on the white horse when forth conquering right away, his mission to conquer.
White is a symbol of purity. Christ's righteousness is as a white raiment. To ride upon a white horse is symbolic of going forth in purity, the righteousness of the new faith in Christ. This coincides with the first Church- Ephesus and the time line that was established there. There was a sense of purity as our Savior brought the gospel message to the world. That new message so different than any other message was given to us in the pure righteousness of our Savior. The conquering our Savior did was over sin, over eternal death resulting from sin. On the cross Jesus Christ secured forever His right to save humanity, the victory over Satan was won. God's people having lived in expectation of a Messiah now would live with the Messiah realized. Our Lord conquered and His Apostles were given the command to continue to preach the gospel of salvation in Christ to all.
Rev 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Rev 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Jesus opens the second seal and right away John hears the second beast - remember the second beast around about the throne is like a calf filled with eyes- this beast tells John to come and see. Again John is allowed another vision. He looks and he sees another horse- this time a red horse going forth. A red horse, no longer a white horse. If white symbolizes purity and righteousness, red symbolizes what? Blood, destruction, impurity. The one who sat upon the red horse was given power, power to take peace from the earth. This lull was to be destroyed, when you take peace from something you bring what? Discord. The peace was to be taken and power so people would kill one another, a great sword of death was being wielded by the one upon the red horse. Think about what history reveals for the time after the early church...
Note this-
'The spirit of this period perhaps reached its climax as we come to the days of Constantine, the first so-called Christian emperor, whose conversion to Christianity in A.D. 323 brought about a compromise between the church and the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, is said to have granted toleration to Christians and allowed conversions to Christianity. Kenneth S. Latourette declares that the acts immediately preceding and culminating in the Edict of Milan in 313 "still remain the most significant of the many milestones in the road by which the church and the state moved toward co-operation.' [4]
[4] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of the Expansion of Christianity, Vol. I, The First Five Centuries, p. 159.
And Note this-
'The Diocletianic Persecution (or Great Persecution) was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman empire.[1] In 303, Emperor Diocletian and his colleagues Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding Christians' legal rights and demanding they comply with traditional religious practices. Later edicts targeted the clergy and demanded universal sacrifice, ordering all inhabitants to sacrifice to the gods. The persecution varied in intensity across the empire—weakest in Gaul and Britain, where only the first edict was applied, and strongest in the Eastern provinces. Persecutionary laws were nullified by different emperors at different times, but Constantine and Licinius's Edict of Milan (313) has traditionally marked the end of the persecution.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletianic_Persecution
The persecutions of the early Christians grew so intense that it is noted in history as - the 'last and most severe persecution' this took place under the red horse period and it's fitting isn't it?
'and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth,
and that they should kill one another:
and there was given unto him a great sword.'
A great sword indeed and it was geared towards the destruction of Christians, the destruction of the early church, truly a horse of red with a rider set to destroy.
The purity of Christianity was quickly corrupted and then corrupted fully. History reveals to us that all but one Apostle was murdered. These were God's chosen! These men walked with Jesus and learned from the Master Himself. Given a charge they knew that after the Savior was crucified that they could hope for no less of an end. All who truly follow our Savior understand that persecution is to be expected- physical and spiritual persecution. The greatest accepted persecution of Christians took place during a ten year period before 313 AD- this is all factual. Read this…
'Nevertheless, all above should not reflect Pope`s visit to Serbia in 2013, for the celebration of 1700 years of the Edict of Milan.'
Pasted from
Celebrations for the EDICT of MILAN- 1700 years ago this took place. This historic event is something we have to recognize when we look at prophecy. We are historic witnesses to the fact that for two hundred some years after Jesus' death there was intense Christian persecution, the followers of Christ were not accepted. Great persecution took place and then…it was declared unacceptable to persecute Christians.
Today Christians are still persecuted, but NOT in a widely accepted manner at all.
May God bless us and keep us and may the Holy Spirit guide us into a fuller understanding of His word. By the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, now and forever, all honor, praise and glory to him!
Amen.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Prophecy -73- He is Worthy!
Rev 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
John saw a book in God's hand. A book that had words inside it (as most books do) and words on the back of the book. And the book was sealed not with just a single seal, but seven seals! This book is important, very important. Someone wanted that very important book sealed up good and tight. In our fictional movies of fantasies with dragons and wizards and such it hasn't been unheard of to have special books sealed up and always the sealed books are of great importance. This is in a REAL book. This is a HEAVENLY book and even if it is figurative in a vision that John is witnessing it is symbolic of something extremely important.
Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
A strong angel is seen. Clearly an angel that is different from the rest so far seen by John- this angel appeared to be strong- bigger perhaps, wider in the shoulders? However the difference is- it is clearly noted.
This strong angel asks in a loud voice- Who is worthy to open the book, to loose the seals on the book. Obviously just like those fictional movies and such only someone who is worthy can open the special books. This reality isn't fiction. This amazing book sealed with seven seals needs someone worthy to loose the seals and open the book.
Rev 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
No man any where- no man in heaven, no man in earth, no man under the earth- that just about covers everywhere. No man was worthy to open the book or to even LOOK at the book.
Rev 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
No wonder John wept. The special book he's shown, this amazing book containing something equally amazing has to remain unopened because there is no one worthy to open it, no one. The champion, the worthy is no where to be found. And it is tragic to lose that hope of enlightenment for books hold enlightenment, don't they? Their hidden contents so special we can't even imagine.
Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me...
One of the four and twenty elders surrounding the throne speaks to John as he's crying.
Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
What does the angel say to John, weep not. Why? Because there is one worthy! A worthy one has been found! The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David- Rev. 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.
JESUS! Jesus is worthy!
Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
A lamb- a lamb as slain- seven horns and seven eyes - perfect king, perfect ruler, perfect sight - perfect Spirit! A complete, a whole, a perfectness sent from God into all the earth! Perfect Savior! The worthy, the only one worthy to open the book bound by seven seals.
Rev 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
Jesus took the book from God, from His father.
Rev 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
As the book changed hands the four beasts, the twenty-four elders fell down before Jesus. The beasts, the elders all having harps, and golden vials full of odours-- the prayers of saints. How amazing is this, how amazing. All those surrounding the throne of God bow down before Jesus, and with them they bow holding the prayers of saints. The prayers of God's people - in essence our very words to Jesus are there present before Him- we are represented in our prayers.
Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Such amazing words! Jesus is worthy to take the book to open the seals because He gave His life for us! Because He gave His life to save us. All glory to God! Jesus who alone is worthy died to make us kings and priests, true followers of God that will reign on earth with our Glorious Maker!
Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands
WOW! Suddenly John can hear the voice of many angels- thousands and thousands and thousands of angels! So amazing!
Rev 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
The voices were saying Jesus is worthy! Worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing! Amen!
Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Blessing, honor, glory, power unto God and to the Lamb-Jesus forever! All, everywhere in existence will give this praise. So amazing!
Rev 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
So wonderful! The four beasts say- amen. The 24 elders fell down and worshipped Jesus who lives forever and ever!
How glorious this all is! So incredibly amazing. For us to envision this is an honor, a true honor. We are blessed, so wonderfully blessed and we don't even realize it.
More tomorrow by the amazing grace of our Savior!!!!!!!
In His love!
AMEN.
John saw a book in God's hand. A book that had words inside it (as most books do) and words on the back of the book. And the book was sealed not with just a single seal, but seven seals! This book is important, very important. Someone wanted that very important book sealed up good and tight. In our fictional movies of fantasies with dragons and wizards and such it hasn't been unheard of to have special books sealed up and always the sealed books are of great importance. This is in a REAL book. This is a HEAVENLY book and even if it is figurative in a vision that John is witnessing it is symbolic of something extremely important.
Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
A strong angel is seen. Clearly an angel that is different from the rest so far seen by John- this angel appeared to be strong- bigger perhaps, wider in the shoulders? However the difference is- it is clearly noted.
This strong angel asks in a loud voice- Who is worthy to open the book, to loose the seals on the book. Obviously just like those fictional movies and such only someone who is worthy can open the special books. This reality isn't fiction. This amazing book sealed with seven seals needs someone worthy to loose the seals and open the book.
Rev 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
No man any where- no man in heaven, no man in earth, no man under the earth- that just about covers everywhere. No man was worthy to open the book or to even LOOK at the book.
Rev 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
No wonder John wept. The special book he's shown, this amazing book containing something equally amazing has to remain unopened because there is no one worthy to open it, no one. The champion, the worthy is no where to be found. And it is tragic to lose that hope of enlightenment for books hold enlightenment, don't they? Their hidden contents so special we can't even imagine.
Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me...
One of the four and twenty elders surrounding the throne speaks to John as he's crying.
Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
What does the angel say to John, weep not. Why? Because there is one worthy! A worthy one has been found! The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David- Rev. 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.
JESUS! Jesus is worthy!
Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
A lamb- a lamb as slain- seven horns and seven eyes - perfect king, perfect ruler, perfect sight - perfect Spirit! A complete, a whole, a perfectness sent from God into all the earth! Perfect Savior! The worthy, the only one worthy to open the book bound by seven seals.
Rev 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
Jesus took the book from God, from His father.
Rev 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
As the book changed hands the four beasts, the twenty-four elders fell down before Jesus. The beasts, the elders all having harps, and golden vials full of odours-- the prayers of saints. How amazing is this, how amazing. All those surrounding the throne of God bow down before Jesus, and with them they bow holding the prayers of saints. The prayers of God's people - in essence our very words to Jesus are there present before Him- we are represented in our prayers.
Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Such amazing words! Jesus is worthy to take the book to open the seals because He gave His life for us! Because He gave His life to save us. All glory to God! Jesus who alone is worthy died to make us kings and priests, true followers of God that will reign on earth with our Glorious Maker!
Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands
WOW! Suddenly John can hear the voice of many angels- thousands and thousands and thousands of angels! So amazing!
Rev 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
The voices were saying Jesus is worthy! Worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing! Amen!
Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Blessing, honor, glory, power unto God and to the Lamb-Jesus forever! All, everywhere in existence will give this praise. So amazing!
Rev 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
So wonderful! The four beasts say- amen. The 24 elders fell down and worshipped Jesus who lives forever and ever!
How glorious this all is! So incredibly amazing. For us to envision this is an honor, a true honor. We are blessed, so wonderfully blessed and we don't even realize it.
More tomorrow by the amazing grace of our Savior!!!!!!!
In His love!
AMEN.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Prophecy - 72
Revelation {1:10} I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet
{1:11} Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Revelation {4:1} After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The voice as if a trumpet told John to write in a book and send what he'd written onto God's people in various areas- a message truly for God's people throughout time.
The voice as if a trumpet afterwards said - 'Come up hither and I will shew thee things which MUST be hereafter.'
Must be- not might be, this isn't any fictional character of a spirit nature with a big scary voice saying he was going to show John things that might come to pass. This big voice (for how else would you categorize a voice as if a trumpet?) told John he was going to be shown things which MUST be hereafter. So all that would be shown is factual in the nature of having to come to pass at some point in time after the vision.
Prophecy.
Revelation {4:2} And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne
When we talk of John being in the spirit it's sufficient to note that He was caught up into heavenly things, yes? All the while he's being shown things, hearing things he's in the spirit- the Holy Spirit is there opening his eyes, his heart, his mind to all that is going on-- he's truly being led by the spirit he's not doing any of this of his own accord and refuses to have anyone even think he is. He was in the spirit as all this took place, this was of God.
The vision given to Him was one of heaven- a throne in heaven with someone upon that throne.
{4:3} And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
That someone sitting there was amazing to look upon- they weren't like humans, but rather they had an appearance of precious stones, not only precious stones but a rainbow was around the throne and then there is mention of an emerald- again a precious stone. We know for a fact God had Moses use precious stones when creating the Breastplate of Judgment-
Exo 28:15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Exo 28:16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
Exo 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
Exo 28:18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
Exo 28:19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
Exo 28:20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
Exo 28:21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
The breastplate of judgment- modeled after the Ephod.
It's amazing to imagine such a sight isn't it? Such beauty- and with a rainbow round about the throne- yes, it certainly gives the imagination something to work with- something amazing.
Rev 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Such a vivid picture! A throne and around about the throne 24 seats.
In those 24 seats were 24 elders.
These 24 elders have to be very important just by the fact they are surrounding the throne of God. You don't get such an important seating unless there is something special about you- as a rule. We can't help but think of the two important 12's in the Bible- the 12 tribes of Israel (the 12 sons of Joseph) of the Old Testament and the 12 Apostles of Jesus of the New Testament (12 being the one that replaced Judas after Jesus' death). The old and the new brought together- yes, this is pure conjecture it doesn't say the 24 elders are such, but it's one possibility.
The mention of their clothing is important- white raiment. We just studied about the various churches Jesus gave admonishments and promises to. Remember this-
'Rev. {3:5} He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.'
He that overcomes will be clothed in white raiment- the symbolism of overcoming through Christ. Only the worthy are clothed in white raiment so the 24 elders are obviously worthy of such garments depicting their overcoming.
What about the crowns they wore- 'Rev. {2:10} Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.'
There's the 'crown of life'.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
1 Pet. 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Interesting bit of information here- http://refbible.com/c/crown.htm
One of two Greek words for crown-
(1) Stephanos means a chaplet (wreath) made of leaves or leaf-like gold, used for marriage and festive occasions, and expressing public recognition of victory in races, games and war; also figuratively as a reward for efficient Christian life and service (see GAMES). This symbol was more noticeable and intricate than the plain fillet. Only in the Re of John is stephanos called "golden." The "crown of thorns" which Jesus wore was a stephanos (woven wreath) of thorns; the kind is not known (Matthew 27:29 Mark 15:17 John 19:2, 5). Luke makes no mention of it. Whether intended to represent royalty or victory, it was caricature crown. Stephanos is found in 1 Corinthians 9:25 Philippians 4:1 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8 James 1:12 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 6:2; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 14:14; plural in Revelation 4:4, 10; Revelation 9:7; "crowned" in 2 Timothy 2:5 Hebrews 2:9; "crownedst" in Hebrews 2:7.
A reward for efficent Christian life and service. These 24 elders wore the raiment of white- the righteousness of Christ and the golden crown of victory in Christ, life in Christ - the elders service, their devotion to Christ is uncontested and rewarded by their positions on thrones, their clothing, their crowns. We might not know exactly who the elders are but we know beyond a doubt they are worthy and overcomers in Christ. Some might say they can't be representatives of the 12 tribes of Israel and have the white raiment of Christ, and they'd be wrong. The hope of the Savior is known throughout the entire Old Testament. That hope is Christ.
Rev. {4:4} And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. {4:5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Out of throne came lightning, thundering, and voices. Wow! Such noise!
Also amongst all of this were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God, the seven Spirits of God. Seven the number of perfection, of completeness.
This is an amazing heavenly vision to behold, it's powerful and thought provoking.
Rev. {4:6} And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
A sea of glass like crystal- we have a saying that something is- crystal clear. This sea of glass like crystal- a clear sea, such an amazing sea. Can you for a moment imagine a sea of glass, a sea of crystal clear glass? It boggles the mind it really does and it invokes such beauty.
Now the next bit- 'round about the thrown were four beasts...' This immediately seems to take away from what we envision to be a perfect, glorious scene- beasts introduced to such beauty. Beasts full of eyes before and behind. Truly the imagination can picture these beasts and they're not very pretty at all. Of course that's because of the translation really- read this--
'Four beasts. Four living creatures, as in the Revised Version. Four beasts, as in the Common Version, is an incorrect idea. The Greek for beasts is different ( thiria ). They are four zoa, living forms.' http://bible.cc/revelation/4-6.htm
Invoking the image of a beast doesn't do justice to this vision at all- changing that word to 'four living creatures' lets the imagination free to see beauty once more- not something hideous at all. Living creatures with the ability to see everything for what else could having eyes everywhere front and back mean? The ability to see the past and the future?
We're not left to imagine just any old living creatures though, we are given examples to implement-
'And the first beast [was] like a lion'
Like a lion. Lions are majestic creatures aren't they? Powerful to be sure.
'and the second beast like a calf'
Like a calf. What do you think of when you think of a calf? Young and yet powerful, right? A calf with the ability to grow up into an amazing creature.
'and the third beast had a face as a man'
Well we know what men look like so having a beast with a face of a man does what? Tends to let us believe that there is intelligence beyond what is normal in an animalistic living creature.
'and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.'
We imagine eagles and can't help but envision the sheer majesty and power of that bird, it's truly in a class by itself for invoking power and majesty isn't it? The strength of an eagle is something often used as a descriptive term. Strong as an eagle, swift as and eagle. Power.
{4:8} And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him
These four living creatures with attributes of the familiar all had six wings! Wings we know depict swiftness, speed. Two powerful wings can get you far, four double that, six triple the powerful speed behind such wings.
'and [they were] full of eyes within'
Again the mention of eyes- of having that ability to see all and it has to be all. To be full of eyes you are seeing every which way. You aren't limited by two eyes looking forward but if you're full of eyes you are seeing everything at once without limits.
'and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. '
Amazing! A constant praise of our Lord God almighty! These super amazing living creatures using their voices to praise God, so wondrous.
{4:9} And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, {4:10} The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, {4:11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Too awe inspiring for words really. True worship, true honor, true praise to our Creator! Our Lord! None deserves such worship but God and God alone by whom ALL things were created! What a privilege for John to be able to see such wonders. How blessed we are to have the vision told to us. Blessed.
*
In the book of Daniel which we studied recently, we learned that in prophecy beasts usually represent what? Kingdoms, kings, rulers. Another aspect for us to look at is these beasts surrounding the throne as representative of kingdoms.
We just read what the beasts were but let's do it again-
Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
A lion.
A calf.
A man.
A flying eagle.
All these beasts full of eyes.
These four beasts, these four living creatures will give glory and honor and thanks to God.
When these beasts do this those 24 elders fall down before the throne. Will kingdoms, will rulers bow down before God? Yes.
Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Whatever these living creature are representative of we know they are all seeing, we know they give honor, glory, and thanks to God. We know that the 24 elders will fall down before the throne- no longer sitting around it but on the sea of glass before God. Moved out of their place of honor- an honor bestowed upon them by God, all in order to give worship unto God.
{4:11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
God the creator of all things.
God the creator of all things for His pleasure.
Our CREATOR.
If only all people would realize the love of their Creator.
There will be a day when all will bow down before their Creator- the God of love. That day is fast approaching. May God find us worthy through His Son's sacrifice, through His Son's righteousness!
By His grace, by His mercy may we be witnesses to this scene before the throne of God, may we find understanding in all that our Savior has given us in this prophecy to understand.
Amen.
{1:11} Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Revelation {4:1} After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The voice as if a trumpet told John to write in a book and send what he'd written onto God's people in various areas- a message truly for God's people throughout time.
The voice as if a trumpet afterwards said - 'Come up hither and I will shew thee things which MUST be hereafter.'
Must be- not might be, this isn't any fictional character of a spirit nature with a big scary voice saying he was going to show John things that might come to pass. This big voice (for how else would you categorize a voice as if a trumpet?) told John he was going to be shown things which MUST be hereafter. So all that would be shown is factual in the nature of having to come to pass at some point in time after the vision.
Prophecy.
Revelation {4:2} And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne
When we talk of John being in the spirit it's sufficient to note that He was caught up into heavenly things, yes? All the while he's being shown things, hearing things he's in the spirit- the Holy Spirit is there opening his eyes, his heart, his mind to all that is going on-- he's truly being led by the spirit he's not doing any of this of his own accord and refuses to have anyone even think he is. He was in the spirit as all this took place, this was of God.
The vision given to Him was one of heaven- a throne in heaven with someone upon that throne.
{4:3} And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
That someone sitting there was amazing to look upon- they weren't like humans, but rather they had an appearance of precious stones, not only precious stones but a rainbow was around the throne and then there is mention of an emerald- again a precious stone. We know for a fact God had Moses use precious stones when creating the Breastplate of Judgment-
Exo 28:15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Exo 28:16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
Exo 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
Exo 28:18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
Exo 28:19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
Exo 28:20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
Exo 28:21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
The breastplate of judgment- modeled after the Ephod.
It's amazing to imagine such a sight isn't it? Such beauty- and with a rainbow round about the throne- yes, it certainly gives the imagination something to work with- something amazing.
Rev 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Such a vivid picture! A throne and around about the throne 24 seats.
In those 24 seats were 24 elders.
These 24 elders have to be very important just by the fact they are surrounding the throne of God. You don't get such an important seating unless there is something special about you- as a rule. We can't help but think of the two important 12's in the Bible- the 12 tribes of Israel (the 12 sons of Joseph) of the Old Testament and the 12 Apostles of Jesus of the New Testament (12 being the one that replaced Judas after Jesus' death). The old and the new brought together- yes, this is pure conjecture it doesn't say the 24 elders are such, but it's one possibility.
The mention of their clothing is important- white raiment. We just studied about the various churches Jesus gave admonishments and promises to. Remember this-
'Rev. {3:5} He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.'
He that overcomes will be clothed in white raiment- the symbolism of overcoming through Christ. Only the worthy are clothed in white raiment so the 24 elders are obviously worthy of such garments depicting their overcoming.
What about the crowns they wore- 'Rev. {2:10} Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.'
There's the 'crown of life'.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
1 Pet. 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Interesting bit of information here- http://refbible.com/c/crown.htm
One of two Greek words for crown-
(1) Stephanos means a chaplet (wreath) made of leaves or leaf-like gold, used for marriage and festive occasions, and expressing public recognition of victory in races, games and war; also figuratively as a reward for efficient Christian life and service (see GAMES). This symbol was more noticeable and intricate than the plain fillet. Only in the Re of John is stephanos called "golden." The "crown of thorns" which Jesus wore was a stephanos (woven wreath) of thorns; the kind is not known (Matthew 27:29 Mark 15:17 John 19:2, 5). Luke makes no mention of it. Whether intended to represent royalty or victory, it was caricature crown. Stephanos is found in 1 Corinthians 9:25 Philippians 4:1 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8 James 1:12 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 6:2; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 14:14; plural in Revelation 4:4, 10; Revelation 9:7; "crowned" in 2 Timothy 2:5 Hebrews 2:9; "crownedst" in Hebrews 2:7.
A reward for efficent Christian life and service. These 24 elders wore the raiment of white- the righteousness of Christ and the golden crown of victory in Christ, life in Christ - the elders service, their devotion to Christ is uncontested and rewarded by their positions on thrones, their clothing, their crowns. We might not know exactly who the elders are but we know beyond a doubt they are worthy and overcomers in Christ. Some might say they can't be representatives of the 12 tribes of Israel and have the white raiment of Christ, and they'd be wrong. The hope of the Savior is known throughout the entire Old Testament. That hope is Christ.
Rev. {4:4} And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. {4:5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Out of throne came lightning, thundering, and voices. Wow! Such noise!
Also amongst all of this were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God, the seven Spirits of God. Seven the number of perfection, of completeness.
This is an amazing heavenly vision to behold, it's powerful and thought provoking.
Rev. {4:6} And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
A sea of glass like crystal- we have a saying that something is- crystal clear. This sea of glass like crystal- a clear sea, such an amazing sea. Can you for a moment imagine a sea of glass, a sea of crystal clear glass? It boggles the mind it really does and it invokes such beauty.
Now the next bit- 'round about the thrown were four beasts...' This immediately seems to take away from what we envision to be a perfect, glorious scene- beasts introduced to such beauty. Beasts full of eyes before and behind. Truly the imagination can picture these beasts and they're not very pretty at all. Of course that's because of the translation really- read this--
'Four beasts. Four living creatures, as in the Revised Version. Four beasts, as in the Common Version, is an incorrect idea. The Greek for beasts is different ( thiria ). They are four zoa, living forms.' http://bible.cc/revelation/4-6.htm
Invoking the image of a beast doesn't do justice to this vision at all- changing that word to 'four living creatures' lets the imagination free to see beauty once more- not something hideous at all. Living creatures with the ability to see everything for what else could having eyes everywhere front and back mean? The ability to see the past and the future?
We're not left to imagine just any old living creatures though, we are given examples to implement-
'And the first beast [was] like a lion'
Like a lion. Lions are majestic creatures aren't they? Powerful to be sure.
'and the second beast like a calf'
Like a calf. What do you think of when you think of a calf? Young and yet powerful, right? A calf with the ability to grow up into an amazing creature.
'and the third beast had a face as a man'
Well we know what men look like so having a beast with a face of a man does what? Tends to let us believe that there is intelligence beyond what is normal in an animalistic living creature.
'and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.'
We imagine eagles and can't help but envision the sheer majesty and power of that bird, it's truly in a class by itself for invoking power and majesty isn't it? The strength of an eagle is something often used as a descriptive term. Strong as an eagle, swift as and eagle. Power.
{4:8} And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him
These four living creatures with attributes of the familiar all had six wings! Wings we know depict swiftness, speed. Two powerful wings can get you far, four double that, six triple the powerful speed behind such wings.
'and [they were] full of eyes within'
Again the mention of eyes- of having that ability to see all and it has to be all. To be full of eyes you are seeing every which way. You aren't limited by two eyes looking forward but if you're full of eyes you are seeing everything at once without limits.
'and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. '
Amazing! A constant praise of our Lord God almighty! These super amazing living creatures using their voices to praise God, so wondrous.
{4:9} And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, {4:10} The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, {4:11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Too awe inspiring for words really. True worship, true honor, true praise to our Creator! Our Lord! None deserves such worship but God and God alone by whom ALL things were created! What a privilege for John to be able to see such wonders. How blessed we are to have the vision told to us. Blessed.
*
In the book of Daniel which we studied recently, we learned that in prophecy beasts usually represent what? Kingdoms, kings, rulers. Another aspect for us to look at is these beasts surrounding the throne as representative of kingdoms.
We just read what the beasts were but let's do it again-
Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
A lion.
A calf.
A man.
A flying eagle.
All these beasts full of eyes.
These four beasts, these four living creatures will give glory and honor and thanks to God.
When these beasts do this those 24 elders fall down before the throne. Will kingdoms, will rulers bow down before God? Yes.
Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Whatever these living creature are representative of we know they are all seeing, we know they give honor, glory, and thanks to God. We know that the 24 elders will fall down before the throne- no longer sitting around it but on the sea of glass before God. Moved out of their place of honor- an honor bestowed upon them by God, all in order to give worship unto God.
{4:11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
God the creator of all things.
God the creator of all things for His pleasure.
Our CREATOR.
If only all people would realize the love of their Creator.
There will be a day when all will bow down before their Creator- the God of love. That day is fast approaching. May God find us worthy through His Son's sacrifice, through His Son's righteousness!
By His grace, by His mercy may we be witnesses to this scene before the throne of God, may we find understanding in all that our Savior has given us in this prophecy to understand.
Amen.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Prophecy - 71- Our Self Worth Must Be Our Savior's Worth
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
*******
In the employment world we might call a lukewarm performance weak and unacceptable because we want someone to be energetic about their job. If you submit work to someone and they say it's so-so, what are they telling you? That it's on that borderline between being not quite bad enough to say it's bad and not quite good enough to call it good. A lot of people live in that type of existence- getting by without being too bad or too good. We actually silently applaud those who don't get into trouble and understand that not being high achievers is the standard. Being mediocre is the norm in our world. The bright and brilliant are among the few, the bad encompass too many, and the in-between, the mediocre are the just right. A Goldilocks and the Three Bears scenario. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right-- only in this case it is unacceptable. There is no 'just right'. It's an all or nothing situation and many people don't like that at all because they'd rather just get by. They'd rather just give enough to get by and no more. That isn't how Jesus works. You can't give just enough, you have to give all your heart to Him not just a piece of it. When we give our whole heart to Jesus our lives reflect that- they reflect Christ. Jesus would have us either hot or cold because being lukewarm has him spewing us out of His mouth. Have you ever taken a mouthful of what you thought would be a hot liquid only to find it cooled and because it's grown cool you just want to spit it out? What about taking a mouthful of something you hope to be cold and finding it lukewarm, you want to spew it out right? You can actually hear yourself go ewwwwwwwwwww, yes? I know I can. The grimace, the ewww, it's icky, and unless you're extremely thirsty you won't drink any more of that warm beverage you really can only enjoy when it's cold.
Jesus wants to spew all those who are merely lukewarm in their walk with Him - out of His mouth. The lukewarm will never be acceptable to our Savior. Is it any wonder there will be few that really know Him and are known by Him? We love being lukewarm for Christ- it allows us to live as we please without being too bad, without us rocking any boats, without us feeling as if we are making a spectacle of ourselves. We love fitting into that mold of a Christian without being a fanatic. Typically those who are alive for Christ, living for Christ are often branded fanatical, strange, different- and you know what? That distinction dates back to the days when Jesus walked the earth before His ascension. Obviously, fitting in with society and blending in with the majority is NOT something we are to strive for, yet isn't that just what we are told to do- over and over.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked
We boast though, don't we? We try to puff ourselves up even when we know inside that we are nothing. We don't like the idea of being nothing because we hear a constant barrage about how special and wonderful we are and how we have to think positive about ourselves. Our lives are geared towards trying to be the best we can be all on our own because no one else can help us. We have to believe we are very special in and of ourselves because people don't like to hear others go on about how awful they are and it's not good at all to agree with someone who says they are awful, we're supposed to turn around and tell them how wonderful they are- it's the good and proper thing to do, isn't it?
As a result of how society would have us feel good about ourselves, having a high self-esteem is being beaten into us and it's no wonder we believe we are rich, that we need nothing. Not necessarily rich in a monetary sense - we at least can believe we are rich in and of ourselves, right? The poorest person in the world can still believe they have need of no one, right? Sometimes we applaud the poorest person refusing to accept any charity because they have pride. Well, with Christ our pride means nothing.
Christ even says- 'knowest not'. Don't you know? Listen up. You think you are one thing but in truth you're not at all.
You are in truth miserable, you are in truth poor, you are in truth blind, you are in truth naked. This is our TRUE condition. This is the condition of mankind in relation to God. An NO amount of our self-posturing will make us any different. We have NOTHING we ARE NOTHING without our Savior yet the world wants us to believe we are EVERYTHING all by ourselves in need of NOTHING and NO ONE!
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
We are counseled to buy of Christ- gold tried in fire to be rich, to buy white raiment to be clothed and our nakedness doesn't show, and eye salve to see.
Only in Christ can we find true riches- faith in Him for all our needs.
Only Christ's white raiment, Christ's righteousness can cloth our nakedness. We can try as we might to cloth ourselves but nothing we put on will hide out true vile condition, nothing but the righteousness of Christ.
And to see, to truly see we need the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to the truth in Christ. Anointed by the Holy Spirit we are no longer blind.
We can't depend upon ourselves and if we try to do that in the least way- all we'll hear from Christ is that we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked to Him. Depending upon Christ for all things truly is a job for those living in the last times before His return- as it has been throughout all time. Satan would have us look to ourselves and away from Christ and as long as we are focused on ourselves he has us in his snare. As long as we believe we are to build ourselves up and feel good about ourselves, loving ourselves being extremely important- so important that we feel as if we don't want to live if we don't love who we are and that to hate ourselves is a reason to quickly seek counseling. As long as we are so caught up in the world's idea of how our lives should be then we are on very dangerous ground because all our hope, all our worth must be found in Christ and Christ alone. We are NOTHING without Christ! We forget that so easily. We want to be something good so Christ will like us- just as we assume others love and like us because we are good people.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We can't think being chastised by God is something extraordinary- it's through His love for us we are tried, we are rebuked, chastened so that we may see the truth in Christ and in Christ alone!
We need to be zealous and repent! Be quick to repent, to recognize our sad state and cling to Christ for all our needs.
We have to STOP trying to find repentance in ourselves, from ourselves, stop trying to absolve ourselves and make ourselves feel good, to feel better. We need to thank God when our true horrifying selves are revealed to us- even if it's daily, hourly, minutely- because then we can KNOW that our Savior is all for us because we are nothing. Anything good in us is from CHRIST and we forget this all the time. Many even hearing me saying the things I am would think I'm crazy for believing this, why? Because the world has taught us otherwise. We are taught to focus on ourselves and our self worth and where we should find that worth- in beauty, in thinness, in being smart, in having a good job, a wonderful career, a great education, in obtaining a good match in a marriage, in having children and raising them well-- these are the things we are taught to believe give us self-worth. In truth we should be taught we are not to seek self worth but to see worth only through the righteousness of Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Christ stands before us knocking- if we hear Him- if we open the door- He will come into us and sup with us. He will be our all in all, our everything. If we overcome through Him we will sit on His throne. Jesus had to overcome as well and He did so by complete dependence upon His Father. We overcome by complete dependence upon Jesus. Let us listen.
May God Bless and keep us all in Him, only in Him in none other not even ourselves. May our dependence on life be in Him solely now and forever. May our riches be found in Him, may we be clothed with His righteousness, may our eyes be opened to see the truth in Him- only in Him, by His mercy and His grace now and forever.
Amen.
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
*******
In the employment world we might call a lukewarm performance weak and unacceptable because we want someone to be energetic about their job. If you submit work to someone and they say it's so-so, what are they telling you? That it's on that borderline between being not quite bad enough to say it's bad and not quite good enough to call it good. A lot of people live in that type of existence- getting by without being too bad or too good. We actually silently applaud those who don't get into trouble and understand that not being high achievers is the standard. Being mediocre is the norm in our world. The bright and brilliant are among the few, the bad encompass too many, and the in-between, the mediocre are the just right. A Goldilocks and the Three Bears scenario. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right-- only in this case it is unacceptable. There is no 'just right'. It's an all or nothing situation and many people don't like that at all because they'd rather just get by. They'd rather just give enough to get by and no more. That isn't how Jesus works. You can't give just enough, you have to give all your heart to Him not just a piece of it. When we give our whole heart to Jesus our lives reflect that- they reflect Christ. Jesus would have us either hot or cold because being lukewarm has him spewing us out of His mouth. Have you ever taken a mouthful of what you thought would be a hot liquid only to find it cooled and because it's grown cool you just want to spit it out? What about taking a mouthful of something you hope to be cold and finding it lukewarm, you want to spew it out right? You can actually hear yourself go ewwwwwwwwwww, yes? I know I can. The grimace, the ewww, it's icky, and unless you're extremely thirsty you won't drink any more of that warm beverage you really can only enjoy when it's cold.
Jesus wants to spew all those who are merely lukewarm in their walk with Him - out of His mouth. The lukewarm will never be acceptable to our Savior. Is it any wonder there will be few that really know Him and are known by Him? We love being lukewarm for Christ- it allows us to live as we please without being too bad, without us rocking any boats, without us feeling as if we are making a spectacle of ourselves. We love fitting into that mold of a Christian without being a fanatic. Typically those who are alive for Christ, living for Christ are often branded fanatical, strange, different- and you know what? That distinction dates back to the days when Jesus walked the earth before His ascension. Obviously, fitting in with society and blending in with the majority is NOT something we are to strive for, yet isn't that just what we are told to do- over and over.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked
We boast though, don't we? We try to puff ourselves up even when we know inside that we are nothing. We don't like the idea of being nothing because we hear a constant barrage about how special and wonderful we are and how we have to think positive about ourselves. Our lives are geared towards trying to be the best we can be all on our own because no one else can help us. We have to believe we are very special in and of ourselves because people don't like to hear others go on about how awful they are and it's not good at all to agree with someone who says they are awful, we're supposed to turn around and tell them how wonderful they are- it's the good and proper thing to do, isn't it?
As a result of how society would have us feel good about ourselves, having a high self-esteem is being beaten into us and it's no wonder we believe we are rich, that we need nothing. Not necessarily rich in a monetary sense - we at least can believe we are rich in and of ourselves, right? The poorest person in the world can still believe they have need of no one, right? Sometimes we applaud the poorest person refusing to accept any charity because they have pride. Well, with Christ our pride means nothing.
Christ even says- 'knowest not'. Don't you know? Listen up. You think you are one thing but in truth you're not at all.
You are in truth miserable, you are in truth poor, you are in truth blind, you are in truth naked. This is our TRUE condition. This is the condition of mankind in relation to God. An NO amount of our self-posturing will make us any different. We have NOTHING we ARE NOTHING without our Savior yet the world wants us to believe we are EVERYTHING all by ourselves in need of NOTHING and NO ONE!
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
We are counseled to buy of Christ- gold tried in fire to be rich, to buy white raiment to be clothed and our nakedness doesn't show, and eye salve to see.
Only in Christ can we find true riches- faith in Him for all our needs.
Only Christ's white raiment, Christ's righteousness can cloth our nakedness. We can try as we might to cloth ourselves but nothing we put on will hide out true vile condition, nothing but the righteousness of Christ.
And to see, to truly see we need the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to the truth in Christ. Anointed by the Holy Spirit we are no longer blind.
We can't depend upon ourselves and if we try to do that in the least way- all we'll hear from Christ is that we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked to Him. Depending upon Christ for all things truly is a job for those living in the last times before His return- as it has been throughout all time. Satan would have us look to ourselves and away from Christ and as long as we are focused on ourselves he has us in his snare. As long as we believe we are to build ourselves up and feel good about ourselves, loving ourselves being extremely important- so important that we feel as if we don't want to live if we don't love who we are and that to hate ourselves is a reason to quickly seek counseling. As long as we are so caught up in the world's idea of how our lives should be then we are on very dangerous ground because all our hope, all our worth must be found in Christ and Christ alone. We are NOTHING without Christ! We forget that so easily. We want to be something good so Christ will like us- just as we assume others love and like us because we are good people.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We can't think being chastised by God is something extraordinary- it's through His love for us we are tried, we are rebuked, chastened so that we may see the truth in Christ and in Christ alone!
We need to be zealous and repent! Be quick to repent, to recognize our sad state and cling to Christ for all our needs.
We have to STOP trying to find repentance in ourselves, from ourselves, stop trying to absolve ourselves and make ourselves feel good, to feel better. We need to thank God when our true horrifying selves are revealed to us- even if it's daily, hourly, minutely- because then we can KNOW that our Savior is all for us because we are nothing. Anything good in us is from CHRIST and we forget this all the time. Many even hearing me saying the things I am would think I'm crazy for believing this, why? Because the world has taught us otherwise. We are taught to focus on ourselves and our self worth and where we should find that worth- in beauty, in thinness, in being smart, in having a good job, a wonderful career, a great education, in obtaining a good match in a marriage, in having children and raising them well-- these are the things we are taught to believe give us self-worth. In truth we should be taught we are not to seek self worth but to see worth only through the righteousness of Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Christ stands before us knocking- if we hear Him- if we open the door- He will come into us and sup with us. He will be our all in all, our everything. If we overcome through Him we will sit on His throne. Jesus had to overcome as well and He did so by complete dependence upon His Father. We overcome by complete dependence upon Jesus. Let us listen.
May God Bless and keep us all in Him, only in Him in none other not even ourselves. May our dependence on life be in Him solely now and forever. May our riches be found in Him, may we be clothed with His righteousness, may our eyes be opened to see the truth in Him- only in Him, by His mercy and His grace now and forever.
Amen.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Prophecy - 70 - We must overcome through Christ
We must overcome through Christ
Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth
Isaiah {22:22} And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Jesus. Jesus alone holds the keys of all God's people. David is one of God's beloved - a representative of God's true people, the faithful. The key of the faithful is Jesus- faith in Jesus is the key- without faith it's impossible to please God. All of God's faithful had that special faith in God, that special belief.
There are many things one man can open and another close, it happens all the time. But when God opens something no man can close it save God. And what God closes, no man can open. God alone has the power of such magnitude, God alone. We can't doubt this. We've been given such a special gift from God- proof beyond doubt of His reality. Some say there is no proof. Others say that bits and piece of discovered archeological treasure points to some of the reality of what is in the Bible. But we have skeptics that refuse to believe the Bible, and will keep refusing to believe unless they are given tangible proof- they don't want historic proof- but something they can touch. Faith isn't by touch, faith is the substance of things hoped for- the evidence of things NOT seen. History along with prophecy is proof, irrevocable proof of the Bible's validity and yet many people will not touch prophecy at all. God has the power of shutting and no one opening, and the power of opening and no one closing. God has this amazing power of shutting and then allowing something to be open when the appropriate time arrives. This power is God's and God's alone. Man doesn't have this power and yet throughout history we know that some men who claim to have power given to them by God and they have made rules, they have made their own laws that keep mankind from the truth in God. They claim to have this power of shutting and opening, and people that believe in them rather than in God allow them to believe they truly do have that power- when in truth they have none.
Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
He knows us our hearts, He knows the deeds of our heart which are our works. God sets before us a way to Salvation and no man can take the from us, not one. Compared to the wonders of God we are very weak creatures. Even with the smallest of strength we can be strong in the Lord if we keep His words, if we don't deny His name. We can't deny God, we can't deny our Salvation. If we deny the power of salvation in Jesus Christ then we have no right to salvation at all. The open door the way to God is given to us- we don't have to create the door ourselves, we don't have to manufacture a way, that way is given to us- such a gift is beyond our true comprehension. No man can shut this way to Christ, as long as our Lord gives us to seek Him before all human probation is over, that way to salvation exists. We need this way because we could never have the strength to create a way, never! Our strength is nothing compared to God's, NOTHING. We need to keep God's word, we need to NEVER deny the name of our Savior!
Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
What are Jews but God's chosen people? God's chosen. Those who say they are God's chosen and aren't they will be accounted on Satan's side where all liars dwell. Satan is the father of lies and all his children liars with him, deceiving themselves and all they can deceive with lies.
Jesus will reign and all the liars will one day realize He is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, He is the Truth! And all those who cling to the truth through Him will stand on His side and in that day the liars and followers of Satan realize this they will be worshipping at the feet of Jesus realizing where true love is found.
Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Rev. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
The saints will have kept the word of God's patience. Faith! Faith in Jesus! Keeping the commandments of God! If we keep through Jesus will will be kept by Him from the temptations that come about all- trying that patience and trying to rip it from us.
Before all in the world are caught in the snares of satan, before there are none faithful left, Christ will come. We have to hold fast! HOLD FAST! Keep believing, keep the faith so that we will have our crown of life in Christ. We can't let any man take our crown and yes, men will try. All that belong to satan will try to take that crown from us, to fill our minds, our hearts with deception, with lies, convincing us to lose faith. Our trust, our hope must be in Christ and Christ alone.
Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
We must overcome through Christ- if we overcome we will stand in the temple of God and be with Him and never leave Him. We will have the name of God upon us, the name of the city of God, new Jerusalem, a city that will come down from heaven. We will have the new name of Christ- a new life in Christ- we must listen! We must hear the Spirit!
May God bless and keep us in Him now and forever though satan would have us and use all in his power to keep us from God. By the mercy and grace of Christ alone we live.
Amen
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Prophecy - 69 1/2- Remembrance
Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
There are various beliefs on when the historic time period of the church takes place. I've been doing more studying and in truth the various beliefs all have merits of their own. Because this IS prophetic, a book of prophecy we are reading we know that there are prophetic meanings throughout this entire book.
This is Jesus' prophecy to His people.
Jesus wants people to understand throughout time until He returns that they will face many things. He didn't give the prophecy to a single church, a single people that are His, but rather to His people in various places, and prophetically in various times, and uniquely to all. Those who read this prophecy a thousand years ago could find meaning throughout all the messages to the seven churches, just as we a thousand years after them could find meaning. So pinpointing the historic time periods can be useful to a certain extent here, but it's not something I particularly am going to concentrate on right now. I read some that stated this period of time starts after 1798 (something I related in a previous study a few days ago) and I read something else that stated it is during the 1500's. I see validity in both views but there's where prophecy can be very confusing. At this point I'm going to concentrate LESS on the historic time periods and pray that God opens my heart to the truth He would have me comprehend. I do NOT want to get caught up in any lies, in any deceptions that Satan is trying to bring my way. May GOD lead me in this study and may the Holy Spirit give me all understanding that I'm to have in the eternal way of things.
We studied this yesterday but I feel the need for more-
Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Remembering how we received.
Remember how we heard.
We are told to remember. How important is it to remember some things in life? Critically important, yes? Life or death important, yes? Seriously. If you take a little bit of time and think about it there are things in life that need to be remembered or it can cause our own death, or death of others. A surgeon in the middle of surgery needs to remember the proper way to operate. A person driving a car needs to remember how to drive. A person dependent upon medicine needs to remember to take that medicine or they die. Why is it so strange to us who believe in God to understand that we need to remember God's ways? How do we dare to believe that we can do anything that we want to no matter what it is and forget that God gave us moral laws. How can we trample those laws as if the end effect is as simple as forgetting to take out the garbage, no harm- no foul, a minor forgetfulness without any critical results. Why do we treat choosing not to remember God's laws as if it's really no big deal at all whatsoever, that our very LIVES do not depend upon remember the things our GOD has told us to remember.
Right in the moral laws of God we are told to Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Here in the prophecy of Jesus we are told to Remember how we receive, to Remember how we heard.
I'm not sure people actually understand the importance of this remembering. Clearly the majority of people have no problem whatsoever with forgetting because so few choose to remember and to live their lives in that remembrance.
In remembering we need to HOLD FAST.
In remembering we need to REPENT.
We can't afford to hold loosely, we can't afford to no hold on tightly to what we remember. We most assuredly cannot afford to simply not repent as we recognize the sin in our lives- daily, minutely, hourly, whenever it is in our hearts convicting us we cannot ignore the need to repent and seek forgiveness in our Savior.
IF we choose to forget the love of our Savior, if we choose to forget the message our Savior took on flesh to bring to us and allowed Himself to suffer the cruelest of deaths, then just like a thief robbing us blind- we will be caught unaware and robbed of eternal life.
Have you EVER been robbed? Some of you will be able to answer- yes, others will answer - no. Think about it- have you ever been unjustly, unexpectedly defrauded in any way at all? Try to remember some form of completely unexpected offense against you. Surely most all of us have had some form of UNEXPECTED betrayal in our lives, perhaps in a tiny way, from family, from friends, or strangers. Because not all have experienced having their house robbed we need to think on a different level so we can try to fully comprehend the idea behind a thief taking us unaware and then we HAVE to understand that if we do not hold fast to the admonitions and the teachings of our Savior, and our Savior alone- and we do not repent we will be caught totally off guard and we will lose the most precious gift of all- a life of eternity in the presence of our Lord and King, our God, our Savior, the Father, the Son!
May the Holy Spirit keep us in love, in the purest love with our Savior. May the Holy Comforter sent by God to us keep us in remembrance of ALL that we are told to remember and help us to follow the laws of our God as He would have us follow them. May the Holy Spirit keep us in the RIGHTEOUSNESS of our Savior, in HIS love always!
We MUST remember.
Here are the lyrics to a song I truly like--
"We Remember"
How could we forget
When You touched the earth on that starry night
Angels sang glory to God on high
We remember
How could we forget
The moment the water became wine
Stories of men leaving all behind
We remember
The story burns upon our hearts
A beautiful and binding scar
Forever we will
Forever we will think of You
We remember
We remember You, Oh Lord
We remember
We remember You, Oh Lord
How could we forget
There in the garden You cried for it
The city that cursed You and turned You in
We remember
How could we forget
Death has no power and we are free
The good thought of us there on calvary
We remember
The story burns upon our hearts
A beautiful and binding scar
Forever we will, forever we will think of You
Oh think of You
We remember
We remember You, Oh Lord
We remember
We remember You, Oh Lord
Oh, the the things that You have done
And great things You've yet to do
Oh, Jesus, we remember You
How could we forget
The moment Your love rolled the stone away
Our hearts were opened our lives were changed
We remember
How we could forget
The promise of hope and that trumpet sound
We'll see Your glory roll back the clouds
We remember
We remember You, O Lord
We remember You our King
We remember You the son of God
Who came to set us free
How could we forget
When You touched the earth on that starry night
Angels sang glory to God on high?
Pasted from
By the LOVE of God now and forever and always in all things!
Amen!
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
There are various beliefs on when the historic time period of the church takes place. I've been doing more studying and in truth the various beliefs all have merits of their own. Because this IS prophetic, a book of prophecy we are reading we know that there are prophetic meanings throughout this entire book.
This is Jesus' prophecy to His people.
Jesus wants people to understand throughout time until He returns that they will face many things. He didn't give the prophecy to a single church, a single people that are His, but rather to His people in various places, and prophetically in various times, and uniquely to all. Those who read this prophecy a thousand years ago could find meaning throughout all the messages to the seven churches, just as we a thousand years after them could find meaning. So pinpointing the historic time periods can be useful to a certain extent here, but it's not something I particularly am going to concentrate on right now. I read some that stated this period of time starts after 1798 (something I related in a previous study a few days ago) and I read something else that stated it is during the 1500's. I see validity in both views but there's where prophecy can be very confusing. At this point I'm going to concentrate LESS on the historic time periods and pray that God opens my heart to the truth He would have me comprehend. I do NOT want to get caught up in any lies, in any deceptions that Satan is trying to bring my way. May GOD lead me in this study and may the Holy Spirit give me all understanding that I'm to have in the eternal way of things.
We studied this yesterday but I feel the need for more-
Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Remembering how we received.
Remember how we heard.
We are told to remember. How important is it to remember some things in life? Critically important, yes? Life or death important, yes? Seriously. If you take a little bit of time and think about it there are things in life that need to be remembered or it can cause our own death, or death of others. A surgeon in the middle of surgery needs to remember the proper way to operate. A person driving a car needs to remember how to drive. A person dependent upon medicine needs to remember to take that medicine or they die. Why is it so strange to us who believe in God to understand that we need to remember God's ways? How do we dare to believe that we can do anything that we want to no matter what it is and forget that God gave us moral laws. How can we trample those laws as if the end effect is as simple as forgetting to take out the garbage, no harm- no foul, a minor forgetfulness without any critical results. Why do we treat choosing not to remember God's laws as if it's really no big deal at all whatsoever, that our very LIVES do not depend upon remember the things our GOD has told us to remember.
Right in the moral laws of God we are told to Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Here in the prophecy of Jesus we are told to Remember how we receive, to Remember how we heard.
I'm not sure people actually understand the importance of this remembering. Clearly the majority of people have no problem whatsoever with forgetting because so few choose to remember and to live their lives in that remembrance.
In remembering we need to HOLD FAST.
In remembering we need to REPENT.
We can't afford to hold loosely, we can't afford to no hold on tightly to what we remember. We most assuredly cannot afford to simply not repent as we recognize the sin in our lives- daily, minutely, hourly, whenever it is in our hearts convicting us we cannot ignore the need to repent and seek forgiveness in our Savior.
IF we choose to forget the love of our Savior, if we choose to forget the message our Savior took on flesh to bring to us and allowed Himself to suffer the cruelest of deaths, then just like a thief robbing us blind- we will be caught unaware and robbed of eternal life.
Have you EVER been robbed? Some of you will be able to answer- yes, others will answer - no. Think about it- have you ever been unjustly, unexpectedly defrauded in any way at all? Try to remember some form of completely unexpected offense against you. Surely most all of us have had some form of UNEXPECTED betrayal in our lives, perhaps in a tiny way, from family, from friends, or strangers. Because not all have experienced having their house robbed we need to think on a different level so we can try to fully comprehend the idea behind a thief taking us unaware and then we HAVE to understand that if we do not hold fast to the admonitions and the teachings of our Savior, and our Savior alone- and we do not repent we will be caught totally off guard and we will lose the most precious gift of all- a life of eternity in the presence of our Lord and King, our God, our Savior, the Father, the Son!
May the Holy Spirit keep us in love, in the purest love with our Savior. May the Holy Comforter sent by God to us keep us in remembrance of ALL that we are told to remember and help us to follow the laws of our God as He would have us follow them. May the Holy Spirit keep us in the RIGHTEOUSNESS of our Savior, in HIS love always!
We MUST remember.
Here are the lyrics to a song I truly like--
"We Remember"
How could we forget
When You touched the earth on that starry night
Angels sang glory to God on high
We remember
How could we forget
The moment the water became wine
Stories of men leaving all behind
We remember
The story burns upon our hearts
A beautiful and binding scar
Forever we will
Forever we will think of You
We remember
We remember You, Oh Lord
We remember
We remember You, Oh Lord
How could we forget
There in the garden You cried for it
The city that cursed You and turned You in
We remember
How could we forget
Death has no power and we are free
The good thought of us there on calvary
We remember
The story burns upon our hearts
A beautiful and binding scar
Forever we will, forever we will think of You
Oh think of You
We remember
We remember You, Oh Lord
We remember
We remember You, Oh Lord
Oh, the the things that You have done
And great things You've yet to do
Oh, Jesus, we remember You
How could we forget
The moment Your love rolled the stone away
Our hearts were opened our lives were changed
We remember
How we could forget
The promise of hope and that trumpet sound
We'll see Your glory roll back the clouds
We remember
We remember You, O Lord
We remember You our King
We remember You the son of God
Who came to set us free
How could we forget
When You touched the earth on that starry night
Angels sang glory to God on high?
Pasted from
By the LOVE of God now and forever and always in all things!
Amen!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Remember! Hold fast! Repent! Watch!
Remember! Hold fast! Repent! Watch!
Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
*******
Watch. Be watchful. We have to watch don't we? Time and time again our Savior has admonished to watch. There has to be a reason for this, a good reason. Isn't it true that if you're being watchful there is a sense of expectation in your life? A life spent watching for our Savior. A life spent in expectation of our Savior. A life whose sole endeavor is to live watching for Jesus Christ. Waking up in the morning with the expectation of Jesus. Going to sleep at night with the expectation of Jesus. Watching for Jesus, watching our lives - watching whether or not our own actions are those that our Savior would commend and not condemn. Watching and recognizing the need of repentance in our lives. Yes, we need to be watchful and if we don't watch, if we aren't watchful we have only ourselves to blame when we are taken unawares.
We have to strength the remaining things- things that are ready to die- die without intervention? Isn't it often the way that weak things are known to die?
If God's people don't hold fast through the adversity surrounding them it's easy to grow weak. Imperfection in actions are unacceptable. So much admonition and this isn't something that can be taken lightly. Strengthening something that is ready to die means what? Keeping it from dying, right? If a person who is sick and near death is given strength it usually means they are recovering, no longer dying. When something not someone, but something is dying don't we do all we can usually to try and keep it from dying? We don't want things to lose life. If something good within us is alive we have to keep that strong, not let it weaken. If we let our faith grow weak then we are in danger of it dying. Is it any wonder we are told to be watching, to strengthen the things that we do have that can be strengthened, things that can so easily die if we neglect them?
No, the works aren't perfect, and we can't believe God will ever accept anything less than perfection in Christ.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Remember! Hold fast! Repent! Watch!
These are things that throughout history God's people have to adhere to. There will never be a time we should no longer remember all that we've been taught and have received of God. There will never be a time we should loosen our grasp on the faith we need in Jesus. There will never be a time we shouldn't repent, and there will never be a time we shouldn't watch for the coming of our Lord and Savior- never. Foolishness some will say, but it's true. We watch and we keep the hope alive, the faith strong in Christ. If we stop watching for Christ we will not be prepared and like a thief sneaking in and stealing away all that is yours without your ever being alerted to their visitation until it's too late and all your goods are gone- Christ will come and salvation will be lost to those who aren't watching for Him.
Remember! Hold fast! Repent! Watch!
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Defiled garments are unsuitable, if we're not clothed in the pure white of Christ's righteousness then we are stained by unforgiven sin, unrepentant sin and we will not walk with Christ. There are few that remain clothed in Christ's righteousness among God's people, few that are trusting solely in Him and not relying on their own filthy righteousness. Only those who are clothed in white will be worthy in Christ.
God's people who overcome with have white raiment, pure undefiled garments and they will have their names in the book of life- Christ will confess our names before God, before God's angels! We want our names confessed by Christ. We want Him knowing our names, knowing us, knowing that we rely on Him and wait for Him, watching, seeking Him and the gift of His salvation.
May the Lord bless us with His mercy. May we be among those clothed in the pure white of His righteousness and have our names confessed by Jesus to God and the angels. In His name!
***
More tomorrow on this, there is so much to study. We can't leave out the historical aspect to all this either. By the grace of God may we only grow closer and closer to Him! In His love so amazing, so wondrous! Forever in HIM and HIS righteousness!
Amen!
Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
*******
Watch. Be watchful. We have to watch don't we? Time and time again our Savior has admonished to watch. There has to be a reason for this, a good reason. Isn't it true that if you're being watchful there is a sense of expectation in your life? A life spent watching for our Savior. A life spent in expectation of our Savior. A life whose sole endeavor is to live watching for Jesus Christ. Waking up in the morning with the expectation of Jesus. Going to sleep at night with the expectation of Jesus. Watching for Jesus, watching our lives - watching whether or not our own actions are those that our Savior would commend and not condemn. Watching and recognizing the need of repentance in our lives. Yes, we need to be watchful and if we don't watch, if we aren't watchful we have only ourselves to blame when we are taken unawares.
We have to strength the remaining things- things that are ready to die- die without intervention? Isn't it often the way that weak things are known to die?
If God's people don't hold fast through the adversity surrounding them it's easy to grow weak. Imperfection in actions are unacceptable. So much admonition and this isn't something that can be taken lightly. Strengthening something that is ready to die means what? Keeping it from dying, right? If a person who is sick and near death is given strength it usually means they are recovering, no longer dying. When something not someone, but something is dying don't we do all we can usually to try and keep it from dying? We don't want things to lose life. If something good within us is alive we have to keep that strong, not let it weaken. If we let our faith grow weak then we are in danger of it dying. Is it any wonder we are told to be watching, to strengthen the things that we do have that can be strengthened, things that can so easily die if we neglect them?
No, the works aren't perfect, and we can't believe God will ever accept anything less than perfection in Christ.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Remember! Hold fast! Repent! Watch!
These are things that throughout history God's people have to adhere to. There will never be a time we should no longer remember all that we've been taught and have received of God. There will never be a time we should loosen our grasp on the faith we need in Jesus. There will never be a time we shouldn't repent, and there will never be a time we shouldn't watch for the coming of our Lord and Savior- never. Foolishness some will say, but it's true. We watch and we keep the hope alive, the faith strong in Christ. If we stop watching for Christ we will not be prepared and like a thief sneaking in and stealing away all that is yours without your ever being alerted to their visitation until it's too late and all your goods are gone- Christ will come and salvation will be lost to those who aren't watching for Him.
Remember! Hold fast! Repent! Watch!
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Defiled garments are unsuitable, if we're not clothed in the pure white of Christ's righteousness then we are stained by unforgiven sin, unrepentant sin and we will not walk with Christ. There are few that remain clothed in Christ's righteousness among God's people, few that are trusting solely in Him and not relying on their own filthy righteousness. Only those who are clothed in white will be worthy in Christ.
God's people who overcome with have white raiment, pure undefiled garments and they will have their names in the book of life- Christ will confess our names before God, before God's angels! We want our names confessed by Christ. We want Him knowing our names, knowing us, knowing that we rely on Him and wait for Him, watching, seeking Him and the gift of His salvation.
May the Lord bless us with His mercy. May we be among those clothed in the pure white of His righteousness and have our names confessed by Jesus to God and the angels. In His name!
***
More tomorrow on this, there is so much to study. We can't leave out the historical aspect to all this either. By the grace of God may we only grow closer and closer to Him! In His love so amazing, so wondrous! Forever in HIM and HIS righteousness!
Amen!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Prophecy - 68 - Hold Fast
Hold fast till I come
Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
Jesus! His eyes like unto a flame of fire! Feet like fine brass! Our Savior garbed majestically. His eyes burning,, the intensity beyond all we can fully understand. I know most of us have seen movies with the special effects of a person having fire in their eyes. Whenever this is depicted it, isn't it done as a show of power in that person, especially if the person is talking and otherwise mostly normal as in NOT dying, not being killed. Fire in the eyes is something extraordinary and even as a prophecy, and symbolic in prophecy it's an amazing image- Jesus with His eyes filled with intensity- Jesus with His feet firmly set, His royal standing.
Jesus- talking to another church- talking to His people then, later, and now.
Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
This sounds so amazing doesn't it? Charity, service, faith, patience and works. Something God's people truly hope to attain in a walk with Jesus Christ, in a life dedicated to God. Having works that encompass love (charity), giving (service), belief (faith), dedication (patience), and deeds (works)- this is a life one can truly be found living in Christ- yes? But there is mention made of the last being more than the first- and not in a bad way- this is before Jesus offers His admonition. Keeping ourselves in Christ isn't always easy. I read something recently and the person said that a sign of someone not being truly Christ's is their quickly losing their faith and going back to their old ways. In some ways this is very true, there is even a parable about it, but in other ways we know how hard Satan attacks those newly born in Christ. Sometimes attacks can set us back some but not destroy us, not pull us away completely so that we are able to hold fast. It's no wonder people are to be commended that do hold fast to their faith fully without ever wavering- such an amazing gift. These people however amazing still had something against them…
Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
God's people...suffering one who claims to be something she's not? God's people allowing a people of false beliefs to teach and seduce those who would truly follow the one and only true God? God's people holding fast to the worships of idols living a life that is geared towards worshipping the false gods and not the true. We're not talking outright worship of Satan, but rather deception, seduction and you don't seduce with forcefulness. You seduce with subtle actions. You lure with seduction. A false people whose hearts do not belong to God but seem to belong, they could lure a true follower away. Those who seduce will be lost with the seductress, those she considers her children will die with her. God, the one and only true God knows the reins and the hearts of us all. We will be given as we work- and the work is a result of our choices. The choices we make determine our lives and the lives that are not given fully to God- reins and heart- will have no part in Him. This is fact, all fact and so many don't want to believe it because it's not easy to hear. Being seduced and feeling the ease of seduction, the sweetness of seduction is so much more pleasant and desired than to endure the pain and heartache, the abuse and trials that not succumbing to seduction can bring.
Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Rev 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.
Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Hold fast till Christ comes. The heart fully consecrated to Christ in all- needs to hold fast, not give up. Admonished to hold fast it's something all God's people throughout time need to do, those then, those through all the years, those today.
To us who do overcome, to us who keep Christ's works up until the end- Christ will give us power through Him over the nations, we will rule through Him with a rod of iron and all the earthly, ungodly in the nations will be destroyed utterly- shattered to pieces. As the Father gave to Christ His Son, we too will receive from Christ all that He can give to us- even Himself.
May God bless and keep us in Him! May we not be deceived as the masses who have been, are, and will be seduce by the evil of Satan. Let us hold fast in Him! Now and forever by His mercy and His loving grace.
A bit about the historic time period--
A.D. 538 to A.D. 1798
This is the 1260 year period spoken of in Dan. 7 and throughout Revelation when applied to history it's quite understandable. We know all about the seeming special status of the Catholic church from the year it was set up 538AD and onward. It's history is quite amazing and not in a very good way. Today we see the church, and like so many horrors of the past, we find it hard to imagine those horrors truly existed simply because we have our supposed humane treatment going on today. I say supposed because there are still many places upon earth that have atrocities occurring that boggle the mind entirely. The Catholic church holds a special distinction for being a huge organized religious body that instituted the inquisition. Tortures unspeakable thrust upon people because they opposed the church. Opposing the church was unthinkable. And until 1798 that church held a distinct power in religion and political aspects. Today we know the Catholic church to be mainly something of a good thing- the Pope a good man desiring peace, Catholic charities that help millions of people. Yes, it's had its fair share of scandal in the more recent years but even with that scandal the church and the power it wields is only growing. More and more world leaders of various countries are looking for an alliance with the Papacy, sending ambassadors, making very special visits to the 'Holy Father'. This force is truly astounding and we look at these verses here and how can we not agree that God's true people- His people- not those who are caught up in idolatry holding fast to beliefs and doctrines that aren't God's but so close to the true the counterfeit is accepted for the real thing; how can we not agree that God's people are few?
We must hold fast. We must not give in- no matter the cost. Compared to eternity what do things of earth- what do earthly gains, earthly treasures really mean? Anything that can be destroyed- riches of all kinds- are but dust compared to the treasure of eternity in Christ.
By His amazing grace may we be HIS now and always!
Amen.
Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
Jesus! His eyes like unto a flame of fire! Feet like fine brass! Our Savior garbed majestically. His eyes burning,, the intensity beyond all we can fully understand. I know most of us have seen movies with the special effects of a person having fire in their eyes. Whenever this is depicted it, isn't it done as a show of power in that person, especially if the person is talking and otherwise mostly normal as in NOT dying, not being killed. Fire in the eyes is something extraordinary and even as a prophecy, and symbolic in prophecy it's an amazing image- Jesus with His eyes filled with intensity- Jesus with His feet firmly set, His royal standing.
Jesus- talking to another church- talking to His people then, later, and now.
Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
This sounds so amazing doesn't it? Charity, service, faith, patience and works. Something God's people truly hope to attain in a walk with Jesus Christ, in a life dedicated to God. Having works that encompass love (charity), giving (service), belief (faith), dedication (patience), and deeds (works)- this is a life one can truly be found living in Christ- yes? But there is mention made of the last being more than the first- and not in a bad way- this is before Jesus offers His admonition. Keeping ourselves in Christ isn't always easy. I read something recently and the person said that a sign of someone not being truly Christ's is their quickly losing their faith and going back to their old ways. In some ways this is very true, there is even a parable about it, but in other ways we know how hard Satan attacks those newly born in Christ. Sometimes attacks can set us back some but not destroy us, not pull us away completely so that we are able to hold fast. It's no wonder people are to be commended that do hold fast to their faith fully without ever wavering- such an amazing gift. These people however amazing still had something against them…
Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
God's people...suffering one who claims to be something she's not? God's people allowing a people of false beliefs to teach and seduce those who would truly follow the one and only true God? God's people holding fast to the worships of idols living a life that is geared towards worshipping the false gods and not the true. We're not talking outright worship of Satan, but rather deception, seduction and you don't seduce with forcefulness. You seduce with subtle actions. You lure with seduction. A false people whose hearts do not belong to God but seem to belong, they could lure a true follower away. Those who seduce will be lost with the seductress, those she considers her children will die with her. God, the one and only true God knows the reins and the hearts of us all. We will be given as we work- and the work is a result of our choices. The choices we make determine our lives and the lives that are not given fully to God- reins and heart- will have no part in Him. This is fact, all fact and so many don't want to believe it because it's not easy to hear. Being seduced and feeling the ease of seduction, the sweetness of seduction is so much more pleasant and desired than to endure the pain and heartache, the abuse and trials that not succumbing to seduction can bring.
Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Rev 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.
Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Hold fast till Christ comes. The heart fully consecrated to Christ in all- needs to hold fast, not give up. Admonished to hold fast it's something all God's people throughout time need to do, those then, those through all the years, those today.
To us who do overcome, to us who keep Christ's works up until the end- Christ will give us power through Him over the nations, we will rule through Him with a rod of iron and all the earthly, ungodly in the nations will be destroyed utterly- shattered to pieces. As the Father gave to Christ His Son, we too will receive from Christ all that He can give to us- even Himself.
May God bless and keep us in Him! May we not be deceived as the masses who have been, are, and will be seduce by the evil of Satan. Let us hold fast in Him! Now and forever by His mercy and His loving grace.
A bit about the historic time period--
A.D. 538 to A.D. 1798
This is the 1260 year period spoken of in Dan. 7 and throughout Revelation when applied to history it's quite understandable. We know all about the seeming special status of the Catholic church from the year it was set up 538AD and onward. It's history is quite amazing and not in a very good way. Today we see the church, and like so many horrors of the past, we find it hard to imagine those horrors truly existed simply because we have our supposed humane treatment going on today. I say supposed because there are still many places upon earth that have atrocities occurring that boggle the mind entirely. The Catholic church holds a special distinction for being a huge organized religious body that instituted the inquisition. Tortures unspeakable thrust upon people because they opposed the church. Opposing the church was unthinkable. And until 1798 that church held a distinct power in religion and political aspects. Today we know the Catholic church to be mainly something of a good thing- the Pope a good man desiring peace, Catholic charities that help millions of people. Yes, it's had its fair share of scandal in the more recent years but even with that scandal the church and the power it wields is only growing. More and more world leaders of various countries are looking for an alliance with the Papacy, sending ambassadors, making very special visits to the 'Holy Father'. This force is truly astounding and we look at these verses here and how can we not agree that God's true people- His people- not those who are caught up in idolatry holding fast to beliefs and doctrines that aren't God's but so close to the true the counterfeit is accepted for the real thing; how can we not agree that God's people are few?
We must hold fast. We must not give in- no matter the cost. Compared to eternity what do things of earth- what do earthly gains, earthly treasures really mean? Anything that can be destroyed- riches of all kinds- are but dust compared to the treasure of eternity in Christ.
By His amazing grace may we be HIS now and always!
Amen.
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