Bill Somers' Legacy

From Bill Somers' bio page,

I'm a writer, editor and publisher on the internet. The Web Site is called End Time Prophetic Vision.

http://www.etpv.org/whatsnew.html

Each week I publish 25 to 30 articles on the site, including my own writings at times. I have about 90+ articles posted there that I have written myself. I began this in 1996.

It's like doing a weekly magazine without having to deal with a printer, and it consists of essays, articles, prophecies, and accounts of dreams or visions.

All of these are supposed to be relevant to the belief that we are living in what's called the End Times, just before the Second Coming of Jesus.

1 posted on 05/08/2010 9:01:39 AM PDT by Joya

To: Alamo-Girl; Amityschild; AngieGal; AnimalLover; Ann de IL; annieokie; aragorn; auggy; ...

Quix’s End Times pinglist, level one, in memory of Bill Somers, webmaster of End Times Prophetic Vision, who passed away last month.

Quix asked me to ping you to this thread. I will be archiving articles from Bill Somers’ site for reference purposes as well as for edification and instruction.

Prayers for Bill’s wife and for his entire family during their time of navigating this loss.

We remember Bill Somers and we rejoice that due to his faith in God’s Son the Lord Jesus Christ, Bill has a place in God’s eternal Kingdom.

FReegards,
Joya

2 posted on 05/08/2010 9:09:47 AM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

THX THX.

3 posted on 05/08/2010 9:12:50 AM PDT by Quix (BLOKES who got us where we R: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)

4 posted on 05/08/2010 9:14:54 AM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (~"This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Amber Lamps !"~~)

bttt RIP, you’ve been promoted Bill.

5 posted on 05/08/2010 9:37:17 AM PDT by Cvengr (Adversity in life and death is inevitable. Thru faith in Christ, stress is optional.)

To: fieldmarshaldj; Cvengr

6 posted on 05/08/2010 10:17:13 AM PDT by Quix (BLOKES who got us where we R: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)

To Call Upon The Name Of The LORD
Bill Somers
March 9, 2010

For this essay we are going to try and shed some light on a paradox relating to salvation. And our method is to keep in mind that words in the bible, as in plain language can have multiple meanings.

One of these is believe. It can mean simply agreement with or mental assent. Or you can use a deeper meaning of it to where it means trust and obedience. And let’s take a quick example here. The devils believe there is one God, and tremble.

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

But can we say that the devils trust and obey God? I don’t think so! The difference can be illustrated in Romans 10:9 quoted here. One meaning of believe is covered by the phrase confess with thy mouth and the deeper meaning is expressed by the saying believe in thine heart. And the whole process is summed up in verse 13 namely calling on the name of the Lord.

Romans 10:9-13
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Here in Acts 4 is another mention of calling upon the name of the Lord. It not only mentions salvation but also healing.

Acts 4:10-13
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

The other word is Name.

This paradox we spoke of comes when people concentrate on the literal meaning of what is written in regard to the name of Jesus, and neglect to seek for a deeper meaning. If I were to ask you ‘what is the name of Jesus’ you might find yourself wondering what planet I was from.

What I’m getting at is there are examples of people being saved right in the new testament without using the name of Jesus. Here they are.

The thief on the cross. All he said was Lord remember me.

Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

The publican in the temple who prayed to God but never used the name of Jesus. Yet he was justified [saved].

Luke 18:10-14
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

And then there was this guy named Saul of Tarsus who had a revelation of the Lord on the road to Damascus one day. This revelation was so powerful that he immediately know it was the Lord and he also immediately became obedient. Yet he had to ask in Acts 9:5 Who art thou, Lord. This was not calling on the name of Jesus either. Or was it?

Acts 9:3-6
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Look again at Romans 10.

Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Calling upon the Lord is the same for Jews and Greeks. In fact people called upon the Lord before there even were any Jews or Greeks. Mankind knew about God long before Moses transcribed the Torah. And they did not use the name of Jesus either. Or did they?

Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.

Men called upon the name of the Lord from the time of Seth and Enos. How did they get saved in Old Testament times if they had never heard of Jesus?

Ok what’s the catch?

Well somebody’s name can be what it says on their drivers license. That is a word they will answer to if you call it out. If Jesus had a drivers license it might say Jesus of Nazareth and so on. [I don’t think he has a drivers license, but if he needed one, it wouldn’t be a problem for him, for sure.]

The deeper meaning of a name is who you are, in the sense of what you are. With the case of the Lord, it’s his nature, character and authority. And what exactly is that you ask? His nature is love, his character includes justice, mercy and meekness; and his authority includes the power to forgive sin.

The doctrine of Christ, which is the same as Messiah, according to Hebrews 6 is this.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Faith and Repentance, these are what God is looking for. You can use the words Jesus help me, or call upon the Lord God in Heaven, or Messiah, or Jehovah or any language that refers to him in his character as a merciful God who forgives sins.

Summary:

Exactly what does it mean to call upon the Name of the Lord? In the bible God has many names given. Each of these reveal something about his nature, character or authority. This is what is meant by the Name of the Lord: His nature, character and authority. What is his nature: Love. What is his character: it includes mercy, justice, meekness, healing, salvation, deliverance etc. What is his authority: it includes the power to forgive sins. He is love, he is merciful, and he forgives sin. That is the name of the Lord that can save you. Jesus being the revelation of the father has that exact same name.

There is one other point we have to comment on. In Romans 10:9 we read this.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

So in the old testament times people had no idea that God had raised Jesus from the dead. What’s the catch here? Here it is. Romans 10 is giving an example of calling on the Name of the Lord. It is not giving us a full definition, just one of many ways to call upon the Lord.

Afterword:

He wants us to be like him. If we follow the wording of Micah 6:8 we will also be moving in mercy, justice and meekness. That’s an example of partaking in the divine nature.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/tcotname.html

7 posted on 05/08/2010 11:47:06 AM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?
Bill Somers
Amsterdam New York USA

December 2009

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Psalms 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, .....

We recently posted an article on ETPV where the author claimed that Martyrdom is not in God’s game plan. I wrote to this author suggesting he may want to rethink that statement.

Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?

It certainly is and lots of it.

One shouldn’t be making such a statement without supporting it with a few bible quotes. So let’s look. What saith the scriptures?

In Revelation 12 it speaks of a manchild.

Revelation 12:5 And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne.

This is a group of overcomers who become the firstfruits, the manifested Sons of God.

There is a second group of overcomers involved here also.

As we continue to read in Revelation 12 we see that the rest of the seed of the woman are persecuted by the Dragon.

Revelation 12:10-17

10 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accuseth them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.
.......
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
....
17 And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:

This second group of overcomers have several important features.
They overcome by
A. The Blood of the Lamb, [Jesus]
B. The Word of their testimony
C. They loved not their life even unto death
Other translations say: They were willing to give up their lives. Or they did not love their life—unto death;
Secondly, they keep the commandments of God, and they hold the testimony of Jesus. This implies they have come to the place of death to self and walk in perfect love and obedience.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

What happens to them? They become martyrs. The Dragon goes to make war against them. And as we read in Revelation 13, he overcomes them. Yet at the same time, they overcome him by being willing to die and dying without fear.

Revelation 13:7-8
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?

In the Book of Daniel we see the same thing, speaking of the Saints of the Most High.

Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.

Daniel 7:21-22
21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Daniel 8:23-24
23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

As these verses imply, the Saints will take the kingdom, but at the same time they will be destroyed: the one who makes war against them will prevail over them. This is a direct parallel to what we saw in Revelation 13.

Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?

Look at Revelation chapter 6.

Revelation 6:9-11
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

As the martyrs already in heaven cry out for vengeance, they are told there are more martyrs yet to come that must be killed. And when that point comes, watch out! When the remaining number are killed Jesus will avenge their blood.

This is promised in Luke Chapter 18.

Luke 18:7-8
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. ....

In Romans 12 we a similar promise of vengeance to come.

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

And then in Revelation 19 we see this promise kept.

Revelation 19:2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?

Here is the promise to the Church at Smyrna.

Revelation 2:8-11
8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and lived again:
9 I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to 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 the crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?

You betcha it is! And it’s high time we faced up to that fact.

Selah!

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/impoggp.html

8 posted on 05/08/2010 11:49:27 AM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

Post #8 relates directly to this article.
= = =
The Stumbling Block

Bill Somers

5/7/2006

Isaiah 57:13-15
13 … but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;
14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

We have said in other articles that Israel is a type of the Church. That this means there are places where Israel is mentioned that you can also apply to the Church.

Consider this next example. Here is a long passage from second Corinthians that compares the old and new covenants, and how spiritual blindness keeps you from understanding.

2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Here we see the features of the old covenant listed and described. It is the letter of the law ;it kills. You see it described as The ministration of death and the ministration of condemnation. This means it offers, serves up, or brings condemnation and death. It is the two tablets written in stone.

The new covenant’s traits include the ministration of righteousness. This is saying the same as what we read elsewhere, that no man is justified by the works of the law. Under the old covenant no one could be saved. Only the new covenant brings righteousness or salvation.

Hebrews 10:
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Then starting with verse 13 and on through 16, there is a discussion of a veil that produces a form of blindness.

2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

So what is this verse saying here? ‘That which is abolished’ is the old covenant, the law. And what is ‘the end’ of the law?

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

This blindness, kept them from seeing Christ, who is the end of the Law. Verse 14 mentions the reading of the old testament; and verse 15 says when Moses is read. This can mean that there is a certain blindness that prevents them from seeing the messiah revealed in the verses of scripture. More precisely, it kept them from seeing their messiah when he came.

John 1:11
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

This is the same spiritual blindness mentioned in Romans 11.

Romans 11:7-10
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

Romans 11:25
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

This is how the idea that Messiah had to suffer and die becomes a stumbling block.

1 Corinthians 1:23
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

Romans 9:31-33
31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Having said all this, what if we now look back at our comparison of Israel and the Church? What could we conclude might affect the church if she follows the pattern that Israel followed? One answer is that there is a similar blindness in the church that prevents them also from understanding the scriptures. One aspect of this is that the books are sealed.

There are three references to sealed book(s) in the Old Testament. The most well known is that in Daniel. Here is part of it:

Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

We find two references in Isaiah on the same topic.

Isaiah 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

Isaiah 29:
10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes; the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath He covered.
11 And the vision of all has become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, “Read this, I pray thee”; and he saith, “I cannot, for it is sealed.”
12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, “Read this, I pray thee”; and he saith, “I am not learned.”

These verses which are spoken regarding Israel, have just much meaning when applied to the Church. As you compare the two, today’s church is just as backslidden and far from hearing the spirit as ancient Israel was.

To see this we must look carefully at the Stumbling Block. What exactly is this Stumbling Block? You will find it mentioned in quite a few places in the bible. Sometimes it’s called by slightly different names but they all link together. Isaiah 8 uses the phrase stone of stumbling and also a rock of offense. We find it in the same context we quoted from above having to do with sealing the law.

Isaiah 8:13-16
13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

The idea here is that because they stumbled or were offended, the testimony or law is sealed and kept from their understanding. This is exactly what we just reading about from Second Corinthians 3.

2 Corinthians 3:14-15
14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

So, what is the stumbling block? If you look back at Isaiah 8: 13-14 just above you will see that it is the Lord himself.

Their problem was they worshiped the Torah [Law] rather than God. So they could not recognize their God when He stood before them.

John 5:37-40
37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

They could search the scriptures, even memorize them, and still not see that they point to Jesus.

What was it about their messiah that offended them, and that they were unwilling to accept? The idea that Messiah had to suffer and die is the problem. Here we see that attitude expressed by Peter in Matthew 16.

Matthew 16:21-25
21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Notice that right after rebuking Peter, Jesus turn the topic to his followers doing likewise. He points out that we must be willing to lose our lives also. This is the parallel stumbling block for the church, being willing to die with him.

In John 2 there is a very interesting hint.

John 2:19-22
19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Here He is speaking of the destruction and restoration of the temple. And it tells us this stands for the death and resurrection of the temple of his body. Could this mean the Body of Christ, the church?

The stumbling block for the Jews is Christ Crucified. That it the idea that the Messiah had to die. As Israel is a type of the church, the stumbling block for the church is that the body of Christ must die.

To be more exact the stumbling block for the Jews is Christ and him Crucified. Two ideas here. The Messiah, and the idea that Messiah has to suffer and die. For the church, the stumbling block is the Lordship of Jesus, and the idea that the church must die.

But the church is unwilling to face this because of fear. The stumbling block reflects the fear of death. Hebrews tells us this is how Satan holds us in bondage.

Hebrews 2:14-15
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

The stumbling stone is also called the corner stone, that is laid in Zion. It speaks of his death and of his lordship. For after the death, he gained all authority and power. And upon this rock, he will build the church.

Isaiah 28:16
16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

1 Peter 2:6-8
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Note that verse 8 above mentions being disobedient as a cause of stumbling. They stumble at the word through being unwilling to obey it. This is saying in effect, being unwilling to obey it will keep you from understanding it. In John 7, Jesus speaks of revelation coming to the willing, also linking understanding with willingness.

John 7:16-17
16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

The unwilling cannot know his will or understand his Word. Thus unwillingness produces spiritual blindness.

Zechariah 4:6-9
6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

The quote from Zechariah is talking about the same cornerstone, the foundation of the church, but it uses the term headstone. This speaks of Jesus as the head stone or chief corner stone. This is what is meant in Peter where it says the head of the corner.

Now back to Matthew 16:

Matthew 16:16-18
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Here Peter has a Revelation Of Jesus Christ. And he sees that Jesus is Messiah and Lord. Although at that point, as we have seen, he does not yet see that Jesus must die. Then Jesus speaks of the rock, himself. He is saying He will build the church, [when it becomes willing], upon the sure foundation stone, himself.

There are a lot of theories about the fate of the church or the saints in the end times. You have Pre Trib, Mid Trib, Pre Wrath, Post Trib, etc. etc. All these put forth a catching away of the believers at some point. This totally skirts around the key issue of martyrdom. The only reason we have any of these escape theories is because of this stumbling block. We are not willing to face up to what the bible tells us.

And what does the bible say? We could list lots of references and ask you to look them up, but it’s just as easy, using computer technology to give them in full, even if it takes up a little space.

Daniel 7:19-22
19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Matthew 5:10-12
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 10:39
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Matthew 24:9
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

Mark 8:35
35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

Mark 10:29-30
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Mark 10:38-39
38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

Mark 13:9-13
9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Luke 9:24
24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Luke 17:33
33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Luke 21:16
16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

John 12:25
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

John 13:38
38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? ….

John 15:20
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Acts 9:16
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

Romans 8:17-18
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:1
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:19
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 15:16
16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

2 Corinthians 4:8-11
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

2 Timothy 3:12
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 2:10-12
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

Philippians 1:29
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Philippians 3:8-11
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-8
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

How does Hebrews describe the Heroes of Faith?

Hebrews 11:35-38
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

1 Peter 2:20-21
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1 Peter 3:14
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 4:1
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 John 3:16
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Revelation 2:10-11
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.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Now here is a very crucial section for understanding this whole business.

Revelation 12:10-11
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

They overcome the accuser, Satan, by being willing to die. And not just being willing to die, but by dying willingly. We said earlier that Satan has the power of death, and holds men in bondage by the fear of death. God is not looking for survivors or those who want to escape. He is looking for overcomers. The overcomers here have no fear of death, because they are willing to die. And of course, this should be obvious, how do you prove or demonstrate that you have no fear of death? You do it by dying without fear!

Revelation 13:4-7
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Revelation 17:6
6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Revelation 20:4
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

We have cited about 40 passages to answer this question, what does the bible say? Over and over and over and over we read about suffering, persecution and martyrdom. This is not a trivial issue here, it’s a major bible theme.

Compared to this, the escape theories have very few scriptures they draw upon. All of them will cite this next passage from Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Now notice the words in bold here. Those who are alive and remain are caught up. What that really means is that there is a remnant that is caught up. A remnant is a tiny percentage that remain alive after all the persecution during the tribulation of those days. We’re not talking about multitudes here folks, we are talking about a few stragglers.

Let’s spell this out here. The major thrust of all these prophetic scriptures points to persecution, suffering, and martyrdom. Once we are willing to fact the facts, bite the bullet or whatever. We will see that all these escape theories are nothing more than obvious fraud.

The blessed hope of the church is the resurrection of the dead at the return of Christ.

So how do we get past this stumbling block? What does it take to transform the believer into an obedient servant? There are a couple of ways to express it.

One is Grace! Another is the perfect love of God, imparted to us bye the Holy Spirit poured out in the last days. For perfect love casts out all fear. Another way to say it is found in the title of the last book The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Can you see how Paul is a type of the last days church? Here you have a guy who was extremely religious, and naturally he was doing the typical religious thing. That is he was persecuting those he didn’t agree with. And so you find him on the road to Damascus, [a type of the world], following the way of the world. Then something special happened.

Paul had a Revelation Of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus.

After that he was totally transformed into an obedient servant of the Lord. The evidence is right there in his words, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

He learns directly from the Spirit of God, and goes through all the world preaching. Finally, the persecution catches up with him and he is ready and willing to face martyrdom. He obeys Romans 12:1 and offers himself a living sacrifice. This is exactly the pattern that the end time church will go through.

2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

This long passage from Peter deals with faith, and the salvation to be revealed, and ties it in with Grace and the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:3-13
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Finally on the topic of willingness, Psalm 110 mentions this happening in the day of His Power.

Psalms 110:3
3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

And the Day of His power is what we see here in Revelation 12.

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/tstumbb.html

9 posted on 05/08/2010 11:54:54 AM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

Entrance Of The Kingdom
Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

November 2009

John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

In this essay we are going to try and clear up some issues regarding the Kingdom. There is a paradox in how the bible speaks of the kingdom. It there a kingdom now and a kingdom to come? Which is which? If there is both, then how and when does that kingdom to come appear?

The two most common names of the Kingdom are Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God. These are not the only ways the word speaks of His Kingdom. Quite often the bible speaks simply of the Kingdom, a Kingdom or His Kingdom. Recently I noticed an interesting one in the Book of Second Peter where it says the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

In this verse, entrance is a key word. There are places that speak of seeing the kingdom, inheriting the kingdom, entering the kingdom or being given the kingdom. There are these for example.

Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Whether the bible speaks of the Kingdom being inherited, received or having an entrance ministered unto us, it all means the same. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit.

This can easily be seen in the full context of Second Peter 1.

2 Peter 1:1-11
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Verse 1 mentions obtaining faith through the Righteousness of God, which is Jesus Christ. Verses 2 and 3 speak of having knowledge of God. Verse 2 mentions grace and peace. Verse 3 speaks of all things that pertain to life and Godliness. Verse 4 mentions partaking of the divine nature, and escaping corruption. Then the passage goes on to mention faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. Then it sums all this up with mention of fruitfulness in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words all of these things mentioned are fruit of the spirit, so we will not be unfruitful. Then in verse 10 the result is we shall never fall, having these fruits of the spirit. And verse 11 points out that the further result in to enter the kingdom. These fruits of the spirit will only come with a full outpouring of the Spirit. So this whole passage is about the Kingdom that is coming in these end times.

Let’s look at this passage from John 3 which points out an especially important difference between entering the Kingdom and seeing the kingdom.

John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water [the word] and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Here there is a difference seen between two aspects of the kingdom. To see the kingdom and to enter the kingdom. The Greek word used in verse 3 has to do with seeing, comprehending or understanding. The Greek word used in verse 5 actually means to enter or go inside of.

One way of explaining it is that those who are born again can see the kingdom. Jesus comes and enters them so the kingdom is within them. But unless they make Jesus their king in their heart, he is not really their king. We have to have our selves removed from the throne in our heart, and Jesus take that place and rule our lives in every area.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Those who are led by the spirit, not just born again but born of the spirit, can enter into the kingdom. This is often spoken of as the baptism of fire.

When you are born again, the kingdom is in you.

Luke 17:20-21
20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

When you are born of the Spirit, then you are in the kingdom. This is a major difference. One is Christ in you, the hope of glory. You are exercising faith in the Promise of a Kingdom to come.

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

The other is you in Christ, the glory revealed.

Romans 8:16-19
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

You are then Hidden in Christ and so transformed that you can never sin again, and never fall. You have entered the kingdom. Notice that I said you can never sin again, and never fall.

Let’s look back at the context of the verse we quoted above from Second Peter.

2 Peter 1:10-11
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This idea that you can never fall is usually overlooked in discussing the kingdom, but there it is in plain old King James English.

Now consider what it means to be in Christ compared to having Christ in you. These following quotes all speak of being in Christ and what exactly that means.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 3:25-29
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Galatians 5:22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Old Testament Promises Of A New Covenant.

Deuteronomy 30:1-9
1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,
2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
9 And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:

Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

This tells us of a new covenant that the Lord intends to make with his people. He will write his law in our hearts. And we shall all know Him. This is part of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Compare verse 31 above with Revelation 21:7.

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Here is another description from Jeremiah 32.

Jeremiah 32:40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Here we see that this new covenant will make it so that his people will not depart from him. Ezekiel explains it this way:

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

The Lord is promising that he will cause us to obey him!

Hebrews explains it like this.

Hebrews 8:6-8
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

Hebrews 10:16-17
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

The Earnest of the Spirit

Many base their teachings on the idea that the Holy Spirit was given to the Church in Acts 2. However the events of Acts 2 can be seen on two levels. First, what literally happened was the giving of the Earnest of the Spirit. Second, in a prophetic sense, what happened was a type or foreshadowing of the Full Outpouring to come in the End Times. Let’s look at what the scriptures say about the Giving of the Spirit.

In Ephesians, it tells about being sealed by the Holy Spirit using the word earnest.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

These verses speak of a promise, a day of redemption yet to come. This day of redemption is the day of the Lord, the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Second Corinthians also mentions the earnest of the Spirit.

Second Corinthians 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

This is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Second Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

This idea earnest of the Spirit is another factor usually overlooked in discussing the kingdom, but there it is in plain old King James English.

So What Is An Earnest?

Strong’s lexicon gives this definition:

earnest - a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest.

In other words, an earnest is a down payment. It’s only part of the payment. And the early church receiving this partial payment in Acts 2 means that it was a partial fulfillment of Joel 2.

The word for earnest is translated pledge in the Old Testament.

Genesis 38:18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.

Easton’s bible dictionary says this:

The Spirit is the earnest of the believer’s destined inheritance (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14 quoted above). The word thus rendered is the same as that rendered “pledge” in Genesis 38:17-20; “indeed, the Hebrew word has simply passed into the Greek and Latin languages, probably through commercial dealings with the Phoenicians, the great trading people of ancient days. Originally it meant no more than a pledge; but in common usage it came to denote that particular kind of pledge which is a part of the full price of an article paid in advance; and as it is joined with the figure of a seal when applied to the Spirit, it seems to be used by Paul in this specific sense.” The Spirit’s gracious presence and working in believers is a foretaste to them of the blessedness of heaven. God is graciously pleased to give not only pledges but foretastes of future blessedness.

Ephesians 1:14 describes the Holy Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. As we are looking at the earnest meaning pledge or down payment, this tells us that the rest of the payment will come at the time of the redemption of the purchased possession. This is speaking of the redemption of the church by the full outpouring of the Spirit in the last days i.e. the End Times.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

The New Creation

Being In Christ is a great transformation. You become a new creature, carried by the spirit into the Kingdom of God.

Second Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

One New Man

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

The new man leaves old things behind.

First Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Race, Gender, And Status Are Eliminated In Christ

When we come into unity, the differences between us will be seen as childish things, left behind by coming into maturity.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

What Have We Shown So Far.

There is a difference between being born again of water or being baptized unto repentance and being born of the spirit i.e. baptized with the Holy Ghost and Fire. This exactly matches the difference between seeing the Kingdom and entering the kingdom.

This also matches up with the difference between the earnest of the Spirit and the full outpouring of the latter days.

And it matches the difference between Christ in you and you in Christ.

The earnest of the spirit is Christ in you, the hope of glory. The full outpouring leads to you in Christ, the glory revealed.

The entrance of the kingdom brings you to the place where you can never fall.
The new covenant brings you to where you are fully obedient and cannot sin.
So then the entrance of the kingdom comes with the New Covenant.

Seeing the kingdom is the faith that leads to salvation. It’s faith in the promise of salvation, the promise of a new covenant, the promise of a coming messiah, a coming king and his everlasting kingdom.

Entering the kingdom is the salvation revealed in the last days.

1 Peter 1:4-5
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

It’s the revelation of Jesus Christ and the establishment of his kingdom spoken of in Revelation 11 and 12.

Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

This verse from Daniel 2 also speaks of the Kingdom coming during the ‘tribulation period’ not at its end

Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Summary

The real deal bottom line goes like this.

The full outpouring of the Spirit in the latter days means the establishment of the New Covenant. So then The New Covenant is the Holy Spirit.

To enter the Kingdom means to be ‘in Christ.’ So then the Kingdom of God is Jesus. To seek the kingdom is to seek the king. To enter the kingdom is to enter the king.

Selah!

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/eotking.html

10 posted on 05/08/2010 12:11:31 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

The Epistle To The Manchild

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

November 2009

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

I have recently noticed some features of the epistles to the Thessalonians which seemed very special. Research into word meanings brought out the following information.

Thessalonians are the people of Thessalonica, today known as Salonika.

Thessalonica was named after a Greek princess named Thessalonike.

And Thessalonike means victory in Thessaly, she was named in honor of a victory in Thessaly. I didn’t find any further information on the meaning of Thessaly. But the important part here is the word nike meaning victory. At that point the Lord spoke to me, saying ‘message to the victors.’ So the epistles to the Thessalonians are a ‘message to the victors.’ We are going to look at just how this is.

Recall the old song lyric, We’ve been made more that conquerors, overcomers in this life, we’ve been made victorious through the blood of Jesus Christ.

These definitions from Strongs’ may help us see the relationships between these words. They are all roughly synonymous.

Nike victory

nee’-kay

Apparently a primary word; conquest (abstractly), that is, (figuratively) the means of success: - victory.

Nikao overcometh

nik-ah’-o

From G3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively): - conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.

Hupernikao conquerors

hoop-er-nik-ah’-o

From G5228 and G3528; to vanquish beyond, that is, gain a decisive victory: - more than conquer.

Here in first John there is a reference to overcoming.

1 John 5:4-5
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Now we are going to take a look at a few points and make some spiritual interpretations. Here are the opening sections of the two letters.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-6
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

The first couple verses of each of the two letters are nearly the same. It mentions three authors, Paul, Silvanus and Timotheous which indicates that this is the full trinity of the Godhead speaking here.

Next note how it mentions that the Thessalonians are in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is an important point if you consider Jesus prayer in John 17.

John 17:21-23
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Here Jesus is praying that his disciples would be in him and in the Father, verse 21. And he also mentions that the Father is in him and he is in the disciples. So this description of them speaks of a fulfillment of Jesus prayer in John 17. The same thought is echoed in 2 Thessalonians 1:12.

2 Thessalonians 1:12 That the name [nature, character and authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Note also that Jesus’ prayer includes the phrase that they may be made perfect. This speaks of perfect obedience the way Jesus was made perfect. Note also the idea of glory mentioned in John 17:23 quoted above and here in Hebrews 2.

Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

The question of obedience is also touched upon in 2 Thessalonians 3:3-4

2 Thessalonians 3:3-4
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

Both salutations pronounce Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Now understand that Grace, is the Spirit of Grace i.e. the Holy Spirit. And also Peace speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our peace. So God is saying here that He is granting them Grace in the person of the Holy Spirit and Peace in the person of Jesus.

Verse 3 in both passages mentions several traits of the Thessalonians which are fruits of the Spirit. These naturally follow from a full, end time outpouring of the Spirit. Faith, Charity, Patience, Enduring persecution and tribulation, are mentioned.

1 Thessalonians 1:4 says Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. This tells us the Thessalonians are Chosen, the elect.

Then verse 5 adds our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power. This is another clue to what’s going on here. As First Corinthians mentions this about the Kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

It should be apparent that God is saying they are chosen and have been given an entrance into the Kingdom. Note also that verse 6 mentions the joy of the Holy Ghost, which is an aspect of the Kingdom as this verse from Romans tells us.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Verse 6 also mentions that ye became followers of us. Compare that to what it says in Revelation 14 about the overcomers.

Revelation 14:4 …. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 also mentions the Kingdom of God as does this next quote which speaks of the calling into the kingdom and glory. And we note that these Thessalonians had understanding of The Word from verse 13, knowing that it is not just a historical record or an inspired word, but the very word of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-13
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Summary

Looking at the letters to the Thessalonians through spiritual eyes shows us many traits they have in common with the Manchild of Revelation 12 and the 144 thousands of Revelation 14. And we conclude that the Lord is using the Thessalonians as a type of this Manchild in His Word. And it means the letters to the Thessalonians are letters to the Manchild. They are a message to the victors.

Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

And most importantly there is a direct connection between the coming forth of the manchild and the coming of the kingdom of God, as you can read farther down in Revelation 12.

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: ….

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/te2tm.html

11 posted on 05/08/2010 12:14:06 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

In Jesus’ Name We Pray

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

September 3, 2009

I have gotten in the habit of ending all my praying with the phrase ‘In Jesus name we pray’. It’s almost as if this phrase is a magical formula that guarantees our praying will be effective. This is a habit I picked up early in my Christian walk from others who prayed that same way. Occasionally one of them would remind people that this is all based on a scripture.

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 16:23-24
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

The problem with that is that it just doesn’t automatically work every time. Unless there is an anointing on it, there is no truth in it. Why? Simple logic. The anointing indicates the presence or inspiration of the Spirit of God who is also the Spirit of Truth, and of Grace. No anointing means no Spirit and therefore no truth.

Now we are not talking about praying the name of Jesus or using the name ‘Jesus’ in prayer. That is very powerful regardless. But there is a difference between using Jesus name in prayer and praying in the name of Jesus. And the promises Jesus gives in John 15 and 16 mentioned above have to do with praying in Jesus name.

What does it mean to Pray in Jesus’ Name?

In biblical language, your name is not just a word that you are called by. It indicates your nature, character and authority. So to Pray in Jesus’ Name means you must pray in his nature, character and authority, simple as that.

Character

We are called to be conformed to the image of Jesus, that would mean showing forth the character of Jesus..

Romans 8:29-30
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

That image we are to be conformed to is the Jesus who learned perfect obedience by the things he suffered.

Hebrews 5:8-9
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Nature

We are also to be ‘partakers of the Divine nature.’

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Authority

With these two in place, we are then to be able to speak God’s word with the authority of Jesus. And we know there is no limit to the authority of Jesus.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

This is what he is promising in John 15 and 16 quoted above. It’s not just a simple formula to get prayers answered.

So how does the fulfillment of this promise come about?

When God gives you a new name, it means he is changing your nature, character and authority. In Genesis, for example, he did it for Jacob who became Israel.

Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

A New Name

Here are a couple passages where God speaks of giving a new name.

Isaiah 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 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.

Isaiah 62 has an end time context and of course, the book of Revelation has an end time context. So first we see that this is something to happen in the end times. Next, notice that the verses from Revelation tell us that the new name is given to ‘him that overcometh’. God’s not looking for survivors; he’s looking for overcomers. The overcomers are those who get the new name, which means a new nature, a new character and new authority.

Revelation 2:26-27
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
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.

Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

This is the same group of overcomers we see in Revelation 14. They are with the Lamb [Jesus] and they have his father’s name [nature, character and authority] written in their foreheads.

Revelation 14:1-5
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

These are also said to be not defiled, virgins, i.e. pure; having no guile; without fault before God and to follow the lamb wherever he goes. These are the ones that will pray, according to the Name of Jesus. And their prayers will be answered by the father.

In Luke 24, the bible speaks of Jesus commissioning his disciples to go and preach. Note verse 45 which speaks of understanding the scriptures. This is a prophetic picture of the overcomers in the end times who receive the Revelation of Jesus Christ, that they might understand the scriptures and preach in his name.

Luke 24:45-47
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

12 posted on 05/08/2010 12:17:42 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

13 posted on 05/08/2010 12:18:25 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

The Kingdom Of God And The Return Of The Lord

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

July 12, 2009

Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Bible myths: commonly taught statements or assumptions that are not taught or supported by Holy Scripture.

Examples
The Bible never says there were three wise men who came to worship Jesus.

The Bible never says Mount Calvary was a mountain.

The Bible never says ‘God helps those who help themselves.’

There are many other examples that could be given. For now I want to concentrate on this one.

The Bible never says that Jesus sets up his kingdom [with Jerusalem as the capitol] after he returns.

Sometime back I did an article on Revival Redemption and Return of the Lord. [http://www.etpv.org/2009/rrnrotl.html]

In my opening remarks I said:

Let me start out by upsetting some peoples theology. God is not coming back so he can set up his Kingdom here on earth, he is setting up his Kingdom here on earth so he can come back.

Then I went into great detail to show why this is so. For now I just want to point to the scripture from Daniel 2 above as a secondary proof.

Notice where this verse from Daniel says ‘in the days of those kings’ It indicates that Jesus Kingdom comes into being, and then destroys the others. Which are represented by the 10 toes of the great image and also the ten horns of the beast.

The erroneous view is that Jesus destroys the other kingdoms and then sets up his after his return. Here is shows us that these things happen during the end times or so called tribulation period. All of this is to take place before his visible return as the white horse rider.

Preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom.

In the times past, the good news of the Gospel, was a promise of the coming Kingdom. It will soon be preached somewhat differently. It will be the announcement of the Kingdom. Not that the Kingdom is coming, but that the Kingdom is here. In other words Our God Reigns.

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

One last example:

The Bible never says that the Holy Spirit will always agree with the ultimate authority of the written Word of God. Instead the ultimate authority of Holy Spirit is given to help us understand the written Word of God.

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/tkogatr.html

14 posted on 05/08/2010 12:25:49 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

Post #14 is related to this article = = = Revival Redemption and Return of the Lord Bill Somers Mount Gilead Ohio, USA June 2008 1 Corinthians 11:33-34 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? Let me start out by upsetting some peoples theology. God is not coming back so he can set up his Kingdom here on earth, he is setting up his Kingdom here on earth so he can come back. Hey wait a minute, aren’t we getting things backwards here. Everyone agrees that Jesus will come back at the Second Coming, right? Well OK, so everyone doesn’t agree. But the Bible shows him coming back in Revelation 19 and in Revelation 20 it mentions the saints reigning with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. So that is when he sets up his kingdom. Right? No, that’s jumping to a conclusion. There are other scriptures to counter that view and we will look at some of them in this essay. The Bible says prove all things. We should question every traditional teaching we have ever had. See if what you believe is supported by scripture or if you are just accepting the teachings of men. What about the Return of the Lord? Anyway isn’t God all powerful and can do anything he wants, whenever? So why doesn’t he just come back now? Well because there are some scriptures that have to be fulfilled first. He says in his word just how he is going to do something, and he can’t just change his mind any old time and do something differently. Here are two major things that stand in the way of the Second Coming. A. The Gospel must go out to all the world producing a harvest. Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. B. The Lord will not come back till the people of Jerusalem, the Jews, repent and call on his name. Luke 13:34-35 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! 35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. The connection between these two is in Romans 11. Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. So the way this works it that the Jews, can only call on the Lord if the blindness is removed. And the blindness can only be removed with the fullness of the Gentiles. And the fullness of the Gentiles can only come once the Gospel is preached to all the world. So the Lord’s primary objective is for the Gospel to be preached to all the world, and the rest will fall in line automatically. There are other ways these verses can be interpreted, but I believe this is what the Lord has shown me. That leaves us with the question: What is it going to take for the Gospel to be preached to all the world? It’s going to take a people who are dead to self and willing to make whatever sacrifices it takes to win the lost. This means that the church of today must be purged, purified and empowered. We are told that judgment must begin at the house of God. We need to understand why this is so and what the result will be. We also need to realize that this judgment is what it will take for God to accomplish his task and allow him to come again in clouds of glory. And further we need to see that this act of judgment actually is God setting up his kingdom here on earth. That is why we said earlier that God is not coming back so he can set up his Kingdom here on earth, he is setting up his Kingdom here on earth so he can come back. So we want to show that Harvest follows Judgment and that this Judgment consists in God setting up his Kingdom here on earth. The Faithful City, Corrupted and the Lord’s End Time Plan This passage from Isaiah 1 lays out the issues God has with the church, and his end time plan for dealing with them. Isaiah 1:21-28 21 How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. 22 Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water: 23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. 24 Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: 25 And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: 26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. 27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. 28 And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed. Isaiah 1:27 links judgment and harvest very directly. Isaiah 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. The same idea can be seen in Psalm 2. Here it shows the Kingdom being set up and this is happening while the heathen are raging not after Jesus has returned to destroy all opposition. Psalms 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? Psalms 2:6-8 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. And right after the king is set on The Holy Hill of Zion, there is mention of the harvest of the heathen, i.e. the gentiles. Taking place in the utmost parts of the earth, where the gospel must be preached before the end. Mount Zion Let’s take a look at the meaning of Zion. First of all, Zion or Mount Zion is a literal place in the City of Jerusalem. You can go there today and visit it. Symbolically Zion stands for Jerusalem and by extension, all Israel. Those who do not see Israel as a type of the church stop there and think that Zion only means Israel or the people of Israel. Spiritually Zion speaks of the Church, and the place where God dwells. So Zion can mean all three. The Tabernacle of David and Mount Zion What is the Tabernacle of David and what does it have to do with Mount Zion? The exact phrase Tabernacle of David is mentioned at least three times in the bible. Much of this is done in brilliant figurative language. Amos 9:11-12 11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. Acts 15:16-17 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. In both these quotes you find mention of the harvest of the heathen or gentiles following on after the restoration of this tabernacle. This tabernacle was a place inhabited by the Lord. Also David ordained 24 hour worship in this tabernacle. So the entire image is one of King Jesus coming to his place of rest, Mt. Zion, the City of the Great King. This is the setup of the Kingdom of God. It takes place before the harvest, not after Jesus returns. Here are some more references. This verse from Psalm 15 links the location of the tabernacle with image of the Holy Hill. Psalms 15:1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? Isaiah 16 tells us that He [the lamb] shall sit on a throne in The Tabernacle of David and connects that right to Mount Zion. Isaiah 16:1 Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. Isaiah 16:5 And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. Psalm 132 informs us that The Lord intends to inhabit Zion and will dwell there forever. Verses 15 and 16 give details of the blessings to come there. We can’t forget the mention of blessings in Psalm 133 either. Psalms 132:13-16 13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. 14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. Origin And Meaning Of The Tabernacle Of David. These next verses tell us that David pitched a tent or tabernacle for the Ark of the Covenant in somewhere in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 6:17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 2 Chronicles 1:4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. This quote tells us that it was on Mount Zion. 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. The big picture in all this is that restoration of the Tabernacle of David precedes a harvest, and that it involves the Kingdom of God being set up there on Mount Zion. More on Zion This quote here from Hebrews 12 ties together many important biblical themes. Here Mount Zion is identified with, the Heavenly Jerusalem, The Church, and the New Covenant among other things. Hebrews 12:22-24 22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Also there is this passage from Galatians 4 that identifies the heavenly Jerusalem with the New Covenant. So there is a contrast between the Old Covenant seen as Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Law, and the New Covenant seen as Mount Zion, the City of the Living God, the Great King. Galatians 4:24-26 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. Zion Redeemed by Judgment Let’s look back at Isaiah 1. Isaiah 1:21-28 21 How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. 22 Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water: 23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. 24 Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: 25 And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: 26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. 27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. 28 And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed. In this section from Isaiah 1 note the first three verses, 21-23 summarize the corruption found. Then the word therefore in verse 24 begins to list God’s responses. Then in verse 27 and 28 the responses are summarized. Briefly, because of all this corruption, God will bring judgment. So what is the purpose of Judgment but redemption? And isn’t Judgment one of the attributes of Jesus? We read of Judgments in the earth over in Isaiah 26. Isaiah 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Here it seems the result of judgment is a blessing! Judgment is a good thing, not to be feared. I Lay In Zion The same pattern is repeated in Isaiah 28. There the first 15 verses are itemizing the different kinds of sin and corruption among God’s people. Then comes the Therefore verse. Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. This verse is saying an exact equivalent of what God says in Psalm 2:6 Psalm 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. That is because the cornerstone spoken of is Jesus himself. Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Not By Might, Nor By Power Laying the foundation stone in Zion is in figurative language the same as setting the King on the Holy Hill. The same figure is seen in Zechariah 4. Zechariah 4:6-7 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Here the headstone is the same as the Chief Cornerstone mentioned in Ephesians 2:20. The great mountain mentioned in verse 7 is Mount Zion and Zerubbabel is a type of Jesus; and the one bringing forth the headstone is the Father. Notice now that the text says this great mountain shall become a plain. This is a figure of the judgment on Zion mentioned in Micah 3. Micah 3:12 Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. The mountain being made low is seen in Isaiah 40 preparing the way of the Lord. Isaiah 40:3-4 3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: To tie all this together, Mt. Zion is judged and made level as a plain, or fallow ground being plowed, to prepare the way of the Lord. The Lord is the headstone, and he is the King being set in place on the Holy Hill. So the judgment coming is really a blessing because it is the Kingdom of God coming here on earth. He is the head of the body. The Revelation Of Jesus Christ Now this same pattern is found in Revelation. The central theme of the Book of Revelation is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The major metaphor is the scroll sealed with the seven seals. Judgments come as the scroll is unsealed, so the Lord is revealed. Psalm 6 reminds the Lord is Known, i.e. revealed by judgments. Psalms 9:16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. In Revelation Chapter 11, an evaluation is taking place. Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. There the prophet is instructed to measure, i.e. judge or evaluate the temple and the worshipers which are the church. Keep in mind that a measuring rod is an instrument of evaluation used by a carpenter. Then in Revelation 12 we find this statement about the setting up of the Kingdom of God. Revelation 12:10-11 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. And looking farther on to chapter 14 we see the King set in place in the Holy Hill. Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And with him are the 144 thousand, who will follow him wherever he leads. Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And here we find the answer to our question posed earlier. What is it going to take for the Gospel to be preached to all the world? It will take a group of people dead to self, totally obedient to the Lord. Ones who will overcome the enemy by laying down their lives without fear. God is not looking for survivors, he’s looking for overcomers. Psalms 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. An After Word As I write this, we are seeing a great deal of strife, A Civil War In The Church because of the Healing Outpouring that began in Lakeland Florida. This passage from Joshua 5 provides an illustration of how the Lord will bring all this to an end. Joshua 5:13-15 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? 15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. Here we see the Lord come into the camp of his own people with a drawn sword. This speaks of judgments being carried out on his people. The sword is the word and stands for Jesus who is the word. The idea that the sword is drawn and visible therefore speaks of The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Joshua’s question, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? makes a lot of sense in context of this civil war. And the Lord’s answer can be paraphrased like this. “I am not come to take sides. I am come to take over.” http://www.etpv.org/2009/rrnrotl.html

15 posted on 05/08/2010 12:30:45 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

When Judgment Is Mercy

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

June 3, 2009

www.etpv.org.

Daniel 9:5 We have sinned, ….

This will be a short look at some scriptures dealing with Mercy and Judgment.

Judgment is mercy when:

It leads to people learning righteousness
It brings redemption to God’s people
It produces blessings
It makes the Lord better known and understood
It establishes the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Examples

It leads to people learning righteousness

Isaiah 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

It brings redemption to God’s people

Isaiah 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

It produces blessings

Haggai 2:17-19
17 I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
18 Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD’S temple was laid, consider it.
19 Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.

Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

It makes the Lord well known and better understood as it the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Psalms 9:16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.

It establishes the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Psalms 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

Isaiah 16:5 And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

Isaiah 28:15-17
15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Psalms 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Righteous Judgment

Judgment is Mercy when it is Righteous Judgment.

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Revelation 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/wjim.html

16 posted on 05/08/2010 12:58:03 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

Who Was That Masked Man

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

www.etpv.org

March 25, 2009

Joshua and the Angel

Let’s take a look at a short but very interesting passage from the Book of Joshua.

Joshua 5:13-15
13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
15 And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

So our question is who was that man?

Some commentators say it was an angel, some say it was the Lord himself, others have no clue at all. These days having a clue speaks of knowledge, and being clueless speaks of ignorance.

So what is a clue? Encarta says this:

clue [kloo] (plural clues) noun

1. aid in solving mystery: something that helps to solve a mystery or crime

So a clue is not the answer, but an aid to finding the answer. Something that points to the answer is a clue.

In our example there are several clues for those who notice them.

1. Speaking of Joshua, it says he lifted up his eyes.

2. Also in verse 13, Joshua goes up to the man and speaks to him as someone he already knew. He does not ask who he is but what is he doing there. With a drawn sword.

3. Next in verse 14 the man gives an answer that reveals something about himself and just who he is.

4. Upon receiving this revelation Joshua does three things, he falls face down to the ground,

5. he worships and

6. he addresses the man as Lord, and the one who he serves.

7. The man tells him to loose his shoe

8. and the man tells him he is on holy ground.

9. Joshua instantly obeys.

To support the idea that this man is the Lord, lets look at each clue from the viewpoint of a believer.

1. He was looking up, speaks of being mindful of heavenly things, and seeking the Lord.

2. He knows the man, but only somewhat, after all Joshua spent a lot of time in the tabernacle in the Lord’s presence so he knew him up to a point. Joshua knew the Lord already.

3. He asks what the man is doing, because he held a drawn sword. The Lord was preparing for battle against Jericho.

3. The man reveals something more of his nature, he is a war leader! This is like the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

4. Joshua falls on his face in awe at the new revelation. John in the final book of the bible, the revelation of Jesus Christ knew Jesus very well. But in the first chapter of Revelation, Jesus appears in a totally unfamiliar form. John is awestruck, and falls over.

5. Joshua worships this man. Only the Lord is to be worshipped.

6. Joshua acknowledges him as Lord. So this identifies the man as the Lord.

7. He is told to loose his shoe just as Moses was before the burning bush, this also identifies the man as the Lord.

8. He is told he is on holy ground, also as Moses was in Exodus when the Lord spoke to him.

9. Joshua’s obedience is the expected behavior of someone receiving such revelation.

Now let’s look at the clues from a skeptical point of view.

1. Joshua was looking heavenward: All this means is Joshua was wondering about the weather.

2. Joshua knew lots of men,

3. he was just wondering why the sword was drawn.

4, 5, and 6. Joshua here is really worshipping an angel by mistake. It’s some warrior angel, that is no proof that he was the Lord.

7, 8. and 9. In Exodus, Moses was only worshipping an angel too. So none of this really proves beyond a doubt that the man was the Lord.

To be even more skeptical you could say this.

And besides that it doesn’t prove the man was an angel either. If the Bible says it was a man, then is has to be a man. As for Joshua’s actions, he could have been drunk or high on loco weed.

OK so what’s the difference between the believer and the skeptic. The believer takes the clues which are not really proof, just aids in solving a mystery, and then he gets a revelation from the Holy Spirit. And it’s the revelation that makes all the difference. The skeptic has the same clues available to him, but he is not looking for clues, not really paying attention to what he reads, and so the written word of the Lord doesn’t sink in because of lack of Faith.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

The skeptic is a victim of spiritual blindness. Is it any wonder that someone can study the bible for years, and still not be able to answer Jesus’ question, Who do you say that I am?

Part Two

Joshua Meets The Man or
What’s It All About Alfie

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

March 30, 2009

Exodus 3:8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Picking up from Who Was That Masked Man, let’s ask ourselves the next logical question. What is he doing here?

One way of inquiring of the Lord when it comes to bible study, is to keep asking questions.

Our first question is why is he here? To get to an answer, there are some intermediate things we can ask.

Why does this take place before Jericho?

Why does he have his sword drawn?

If Joshua knows him, why does he ask him, whose side are you on?

If Joshua approaches him as an old buddy, why does he suddenly fall on his face and worship at his feet?

The book of Joshua on the surface tells of how the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land and drove out their enemies and claimed their inheritance. The deeper meaning of the book relates to the end times and the church entering the promised kingdom of God.

The 40 years wandering in the desert represent 4000 years since Abraham, the 2000 cubits in Joshua 3:4, speak of the 2000 years since the time of Jesus. Crossing the Jordan represents death to self. The circumcision of the people is the cutting off of the flesh. This story of Joshua Meets The Man expresses some of the same ideas in a condensed form.

Why does this take place before Jericho?

This takes place before Jericho because it illustrates what must happen before we become ready to fight the end time battles.

Why does he have his sword drawn?

The sword is the word of the Lord. Seeing that the sword is withdrawn from it’s holster tells of the revelation of the Word. You don’t really know what a sword looks like while it’s still in the scabbard. It’s the same with the word of God. You won’t know the inner meaning till the Spirit reveals it. This is seen figuratively as the opening of the sealed book, mentioned in Revelation 5. It speaks of The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

What is the significance of him holding the drawn sword in his hand?

We have a similar scene in 1 Chronicles 21 that gives the meaning. In this context the Lord is bringing judgment upon his own people at Jerusalem. So this relates to Judgment beginning at the house of God, and the fact that God’s people are witnessing these judgments being carried out. Notice where David and the elders fall on their faces, once they see this, like Joshua did. The sackcloth here is a sign of repentance.

1 Chronicles 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

If Joshua knows him, why does he ask him, whose side are you on?

There are two ways to answer this.

One speaks of division in the church where the denominations are at war with each other. [Civil War in the Church] So the question becomes what denomination are you with? And the Lord’s answer, Nay, but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come, is a way of saying I’m not here to take sides, I’m here to take over. It is also a way of saying I’m not for any denomination, I’m here to take charge and eliminate the denominations to bring my body into unity.

Two is the idea that God’s judgments against his own house will be severe like they were against Jerusalem in David’s time. This will be to the point where we will wonder if in fact God is for us or against us.

Fear of the Lord

If Joshua approaches him as an old buddy, why does he suddenly fall on his face and worship at his feet?

Joshua now sees the Lord in a completely new way, and acquires a profound Fear of the Lord. That is Joshua [as the church] receives a deep and profound revelation of the Lordship of Jesus. It is this Lordship of Jesus which is the rock upon which the church will be built. The revelation of Jesus Christ.

But how can we talk about the church, and turn around and say the church has yet to built? It’s one of those elements they call paradoxical truths.

Here are other questions that express similar problems.

How can we talk about the Kingdom of God, when the King is not around and everybody does just what they feel like? Or How can we claim to be the Family of God, when we’re just an episode of Family Feud? And how can we be the Sons of God, when we do not honor the Father’s name or reveal his nature to the lost world? Or can we fight the battles as the army of God, when nobody in hearing the General’s voice? How can we be the body of Christ when the parts are not assembled and not attached to the head? Or how can we be the temple of the Holy Ghost, when we ignore or reject him? And how are we to be the spotless, chaste Bride when we will do anything for money? All of these have one answer. We must receive the Fear of the Lord and this comes with presence of the Lord.

All these elements are basically the same. The Church, The Kingdom, The Family, The Army, The Body, The Bride, The Temple, The Sons of God, The congregation of the Lord, the Called out ones, the chosen generation, the Holy race, the peculiar people, the new Jerusalem, the spiritual Israel, the heirs of the promise. It’s looking at different aspects, or expressing truth in different terms. Each one is connected to another like a side of a polygon, or facet of a jewel.

Why does Joshua say What saith my lord unto his servant?

Here Joshua’s immediate reaction to the New Revelation is a desire to serve the Lord. Paul had the same reaction on the road to Damascus when he says Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?.

Why does Joshua worship at his feet? And why is that holy ground?

The bible speaks of worshipping at his feet, a place of holiness.

Psalms 99:5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

Exodus 3 tells of Moses seeing the Lord and being told to loose his shoe because he is on holy ground. Also see Exodus 3:8 quoted above which mentions that the Lord is now come down. .

Why does the Lord say am I now come when we know he is always with us?

Here it means the Lord is coming in a new and powerful way. This is not just a visitation but the beginning of the habitation. This is the start of a permanent manifest presence. It’s the Latter Rain coming, that must happen before Jericho, the end time battles. He comes to judge, purge and purify his people to make them ready by dwelling among them. This is the beginning of the Kingdom here on earth. He will use the fear of the Lord and the revelation of his love to eliminate all the paradoxes we mentioned.

This is how he will put his family in order.

This is how he will muster his army.

This is how he will build his church on the rock.

This is how he will take back his Kingdom and reign as King.

This is how he will assemble his body.

This is how he will inhabit the Temple, his place of rest.

This is how he will make his bride holy and pure.

This is how he will make us become the Sons of God.

This is how he will conform us to the image of Jesus.

This is how he will get us to where we delight to do his will.

This is how he will bring in the harvest and redeem his people Israel

Recap

Before God’s people can fulfill their destiny in the end times certain things will have to happen.

When [and only when] the Church sees God’s judgments actually being carried out, she will begin to truly inquire of the Lord. Then the Lord will reveal himself with awesome power and irresistible holiness. This brings the church into the Fear of the Lord. This is a place of repentance, worship, holiness, joy and obedience. It’s the true beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth, and the millennial reign.

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/wwtmm.html

17 posted on 05/08/2010 1:00:02 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

Helicopter Dream

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

March 18, 2009

In this dream I experienced a struggle with a long series of documents that spoke of or advertised worthy causes or events. I had to devote lots of time and energy to processing each one. It was making me very tired; I was loosing my peace.

Then still in the dream, the Lord showed me that these are just a lot of time wasters, and distractions. They are snares of the devil to get you to focus on the good, instead of the best i.e. God’s will for your life.

Next I found my self in the cargo bay of a military helicopter that was very cluttered. Suddenly a voice came over the loudspeaker system.

Take out the trash, and stow away the loose gear. Find your seats and buckle in.

The ‘Boss’ was getting into the pilot’s seat, and warming up the engines for takeoff. Remember a helicopter does not need a runway, it just goes straight up.

Interpretation

A Military Helicopter speaks of warfare.

A Combat Mission is in the works.

Trash speaks of the distractions in our lives, if we don’t need it get rid of it.

Loose gear is the important things that need to be put in order.

Your seat is your place of ministry.

Buckle in is to make your calling and election sure.

The Boss is Jesus, captain of the Host.

Getting into the Pilot’s Seat speaks of taking His place as head of the Body.

Engines starting speaks of the whirlwind.

Takeoff is ascending to heavenly places with Christ.

File under Rapture of the Manchild.

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/helodrm.html

18 posted on 05/08/2010 1:00:57 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

On Universalism

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

www.etpv.org

March 21, 2009

In response to stirrings of the Spirit, we are going to share a few thoughts on the teaching of universalism, also known as ultimate reconciliation, also known as ultimate rec. also known as ultimate wreck.

This is the idea that Hell is not forever. There are quite a few writers these days trying to push this idea. [This includes some who formerly posted on ETPV.]

Some of these will bring up multitudes of bible verses that are claimed to prove their point. This is mixed with a great deal of other persuasive language in support of the idea. Almost all of them sooner or later have to somehow convince you that when the bible says forever and ever, that it does not mean for ever and ever. The way this is done is to question the translation from the original bible languages into English. And this usually centers on the Greek word eon that is used in scripture.

Keep in mind that regardless of how many other arguments or bible verses are used, this is the key. If they can’t convince you on this point, everything else they say is only a distraction.

What they have to say boils down to this. The bible translators took the Greek word eon and translated it as ever or forever. And this is wrong because the word eon means age. So when the bible says for ever and ever it really means from age to age. Therefore the punishment of hell only lasts for an age. [How long that is does not matter, just so you get the idea that sooner or later it comes to an end.]

All this is done to sound very convincing, but it does not stand up to an honest examination. It’s just an example of human wisdom.

There are several ways to show what’s wrong with this kind of thinking. And we will keep this short.

They are
to show that it’s is false conclusion.
to show the correct conclusion.
to illustrate the correct conclusion.
and to show that the false conclusion leads to a contradiction or impossible situation, and thereby has to be false.

First to look at the meaning of age to age. It means from one age to another, this is not the same as saying just one age. This itself should be pretty plain.

Second, to say from age to age, is a short way of saying from age to age to age to age and so on and so on and so on. Do you get the idea? It’s ad infinitum, Latin for to infinity [which also means forever.]

Third as an illustration, you could try to imagine a straight line that goes on into outer space and just keeps on going. But another way is to look at a circle. The signs of the zodiac in astronomy form a circle. Currently we are passing from the ‘age of Pisces’ to the ‘age of Aquarius’ and after that we will enter the ‘age of Capricorn’ and on around till we come back to Pisces and start the whole thing over. It just goes from ‘age to age’ and keeps on a-goin’.

And finally, let’s point out that the Greek word eon is used to describe the Kingdom of God in exactly the same way as it describes the eternal judgment of Hell. Eon is translated as ever in all the following verses.

Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

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

Revelation 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

So if hell is not forever does that mean that heaven is not forever as well? Go figure.

Summary:

Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/onuliv.html

19 posted on 05/08/2010 1:02:16 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

A Tale Of Two Spirits

Bill Somers

Mount Gilead Ohio USA

March 7, 2009

www.etpv.org

Two Spirits At Work In The End Times.

There will be two spirits at work in the end times; Spirit of Fear and the Holy Spirit of God. You will either yield to one or the other.

It’s the Spirit of Fear that Satan uses to keep men in bondage.

Overcomers in these end times will be those who get the victory over this fear. Others will be subject to it.

Luke 21:25-26
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Consider that men’s hearts fail them for fear because a Spirit of Fear abides in their hearts.

The Holy Spirit of God delivers us from fear.

Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

2 Timothy describes The Holy Spirit, given by God, as He gives the Kingdom. Power, Love and A Sound Mind stand out in great contrast to the Spirit of Fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Luke 12:31-32
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

We mention power as it is the power to obey and do the Lord’s will. The ability to prove what is that good and perfect, will of God is the same as ability to demonstrate the Kingdom of God. For to say, thy kingdom come means the same as thy will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Sometimes this is spoken of as grace. The Holy Spirit is Grace or the Spirit of Grace.

Philemon 1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:29 … the Spirit of grace ….

We mention Love as it gives the Power to overcome fear.

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

How does perfect love cast out fear? The Lord does this by entering your heart, driving out fear and taking it’s place when you yield to him completely. He stands at the door and knocks.

We mention having a Sound Mind. That is to have a mind transformed into the Mind of Christ.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The unsound mind is subject to fear, delusion and self destruction.

2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

These are like the swine entered into by unclean spirits, they destroy themselves.

Mark 5:13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine [unclean persons]: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

In this verse from Mark 5, the phrase two thousand is a clue to an end time event, something to happen 2000 years later.

Several of the epistles open with a salutation like this one from Ephesians. It’s the Lord’s prayer and will for us.

Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s yield to the Holy Spirit fully in these times. His grace will see us through any storm.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/ato2s.html

20 posted on 05/08/2010 1:03:17 PM PDT by Joya (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner!)

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