The Great Architect of the Universe...
Throughout the entire Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation we have the plan of God revealed to many people as He worked through those He referred to as "children" to provide a habitation for Himself so He could have unbroken fellowship with them. He built a Garden for Adam and Eve to live so He could have times of fellowship with them each day. He instructed Noah to construct an ark so at least these 8 people would be preserved from the flood who would be able to re-establish their fellowship with Him as they repopulate the earth. He showed Moses a pattern for a tabernacle in which He determined to dwell and become a place where He could meet with His people from time to time. This temporary structure led to the construction of a magnificent temple which Solomon built during his reign as King of Israel. Ever since that time, the Jewish people have struggled throughout every generation to restore that place where God dwelt and communed with His people. That temple was destroyed twice, and even now we see extravagant plans being made to rebuild the temple of our God in Jerusalem.
God has plans for our life (Jer29); plans which make it possible for Him to dwell with us, His children. His plans for each one of us today are for our own bodies to be His dwelling place... the temple of His own Spirit. He works in the life of each one of us in a way which is unique to all other people. Each one of us is as unique as is shown by our fingerprints. In this way, God has set His own stamp of design upon our heart. He spends time meticulously constructing and finishing us in great detail that we would fit precisely into the superstructure of His plan. Just as Solomon ordered the workmen to precisely fashion the huge stones for the temple at the quarry so that no sound of a hammer was heard within the temple, so our life is fashioned and trimmed precisely here on this earth to be precision fit into the place of our eternal habitation.
The Apostle Paul had much light over this plan of God, as did Peter and John. A very simple word search in a concordance with the words "Stone(s)" and "Build" will keep a serious student busy. 1Peter2:5 declares, "Ye also, as living stones, are built up into a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." But, one might ask, why all this bother... why all the individual work of God... couldn't God just create His own temple complete with all the extravagance and elaborate fixtures fit for the King of Kings? Not only are we referred to as building stones in the house of God, but also as utensils, or vessels, for use within the temple. Paul, in his writing to Timothy wrote in 2Ti 2:20, "In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." The children of God are here and elsewhere referred to as utensils, or vessels, made of precious metals which are reserved for the use of the King Himself.
Jesus, in speaking to His disciples, declared, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John14:2-3) Clearly, the work which is being done in Heaven while we are still here on this earth is the work of our Savior to prepare a place for each of us to fit into the mansion/temple/house/dwelling place of God, our Father. When our life has been sufficiently prepared for its precision fit into the superstructure of God's design, it is to the glory of our God that we are taken "home" to be with Him for all of eternity.
Let me share with you briefly about a dream I had on August 11 of this year... during the early morning hours of that day, an angel came to "take me" with him to where I observed a crew of angels with large measuring tapes recording precise measurements of a large white structure which appeared to me to resemble Solomon's Temple as described in Scripture. After they had recorded the measurements of the outside of the structure, they went into the inner part of the temple where the candlestick and the shewbread was positioned along with the alter of incense. Each of these articles of furniture was measured and recorded. Then, I watched as they measured each individual which was inside the temple worshiping God. They took great care to be precise with each measurement as one by one these who were worshiping held out their arms at their sides and stretched them out over their head. Every position of worship was individually recorded for each person present. At this point I was "returned" to my little house in Osler to consider the events which were be now firmly burned into my consciousness. After rising for the day, I began to search the Scripture for something which would settle my mind with what I had seen. What I discovered was a verse of Scripture which I had often read but had never given any thought to the meaning of it... Rev 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."
Obviously, the context of this single verse refers to the time of the "end of the age", when the "great trouble" has come upon the earth. But, more importantly, this all points to the time further down the road which we have described in Revelation, chapter 21. This chapter, among other things, describes the New Jerusalem (the Bride of Christ)in dazzling detail and extravagance. Here's the entire point, in the form of a question, to all that I have written here... could it be that each one of us, individually, are to be a separate room/mansion/house/dwelling place in this superstructure of God's own design to which we assign the names, New Jerusalem/Bride of Christ...?? Absolutely every single event which has ever taken place in our lifetime has made a difference in the way we think and our reaction to future events. As these events fashion us into the personality which we possess, we react in our own unique way to the next event. This identical process is observed through careful introspection with regard to how we react to the work and direction of God as He deals with each of us. It is a normal process to question our own self-worth regarding our earthly existence. But, how often to we consider this aspect of God's work and planning in each of us to prepare us for a precise fit within His building? (1Cor3:9; 2Cor5:1; Eph2:21)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
This past Tuesday morning (Sept30-08)at about 2:30AM local time, I had a very
special time
with my "Teacher". I want to
share a little bit of my understnding of what I have received from that
session with Him.
In my spirit I heard these words... "With the heart man believes for
righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made for deliverance... this
is the path to complete deliverance." Now,
immediately I began repeating in my mind the verses which I knew to be in
Romans10:9-10, but knowing this wasn't quite the way I had these verses
memorized, I remained very silent... not wanting to disturb this time in any
way. Then, I heard it again; and clearly, the emphasis was on the words
confession and deliverance. As soon as I felt I dared to move, I roused myself
from bed, and went to the computer to begin some digging in what I sensed was
a field of diamonds and precious jewels. (I am still digging and am not in
anyway disappointed in what I am discovering... Ha!) But, let me share a
little of what I have come to
see with the subject of confession and its connection to receiving
from God...
I'm certain there is an amazing amount of truth connected with the area
of "believing" referred to in the first phrase of verse 10, especially since
this was clearly the path through which Abraham received the promises and was
declared righteous (Rom4:3). John 1:12 states we receive the promise of
sonship through believing in His name. In fact nearly 250 times in the New
Testament we have recorded the use of this same Greek word with clear
reference to the work of righteousness and receiving from God. I still will
investigate every single time use this word is used before I give up
my "digging", and
wait on the Lord for further light.
But, the focus at this time for me is as I received emphasis from my "Teacher"
concerning the importance of "confession" and its association with receiving
the wonderful blessings from God which lead us on the pathway to full freedom
and liberty in Him. There is clearly something very powerful in this action
of confessing with the mouth. In both of these verses in Romans 10:9-10
confession is inter-connected
with being "saved" and with "salvation". The Greek words translated in this
way here clearly refer to a much broader area of being preserved, being
delivered,
being healed, and being made complete or whole again. Or, in other words, to
receive anything at all from the Lord, involves the action of confession. I
have always tended to think of these verses strictly with reference to
being "born again", but the definitions of the words clearly refer to a wider
field of application. So, once again, my pre-conceived thoughts and human
understanding
have blocked the greater picture of deliverance which the Spirit of the Lord
so gently has intended for me.
When we look at the Greek word which is translated as confession here, we find
some interesting concepts concerning the act of confession. Strong's
dictionary shows that this word is made up of 2 other words: first, the word
which speaks of being together; or, in the same time or place. Combined with
this word is the word "logos", which refers to the full intention or meaning
behind what is being stated or written. Logos is the written word of God, and
even more than that... it is Christ, the Son of God Himself (John1:1). Jesus
declared in John14:9... "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father." The
Apostle Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit these words in
Col 2:9... "For in Him (Jesus Christ) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead
bodily." So, the structure of the word "confess" says that we declare or
promise full agreement with the full purpose and meaning of God's original
intention.
We have all heard many stories describing the traditional practise in
Catholicism concerning confessions. They teach their members to enter a small
booth of sorts and speak anonymously through a closed curtain to a priest of
the church. They are taught to tell of their sins to him, and he in turn tells
them what they must do to be forgiven. I think this practise may have gotten
off the track at some point in history, which is common when man decides to
control and manipulate God's principles around their own ideas. It is possible
that the Catholic church thought they were satisfying the words of James 5:16.
Here we
receive instruction to confess our transgressions (faults) to one another and
to pray for one another that we may be healed. There is a clear interconnection
between the act of our confession and the physical blessing of
healing for the body. The word "faults" here refers
to unintentional side slips as opposed to habitual acts of sins which stem
from iniquity in the heart of man. Here, I believe, is where the discernment
of
the Holy Spirit is so important in the body of Christ... to discern when there
is iniquity involved and when an unintentional mistake has been committed. Our
iniquities are forgiven by a loving Heavenly Father who immediately recognizes
a truely pentitant heart and His own remedy for cleansing. Of course ALL sin
and mistakes are able to be forgiven except for the one area of blaspheming
the Spirit of God. (This is true simply because one can only be led to the
knowledge of the truth through the same Holy Spirit which he/she may have just
blasphemed. Without the involvement of the Spirit of God, there can be no
forgiveness.) But, here in this verse we see the blessing of physical healing,
which is made possible by the stripes on the body of our Savior, is interconnected
with the action of confessing our faults to one another. I am also
anticipating I will find in my further studies deliverance from all kinds of
evil spirits and influences is also inter-connected with the action of
confessing with the mouth. I somehow sense this is only the beginning of the
true meaning and value of confessing.
It is extremely important in our walk that we come into full agreement with
our Heavenly Father's plan and intention for us. His original design for all
of mankind was a complete and perfectly whole creation fully empowered to
subdue and have dominion over all the earth. We were not designed to be bound
up with chains of this world's systems or enslaved to the wishes of the ruler
of this world. We were ALL designed according to His plan to be fully free and
full of His power and strength as we serve Him and do His work. The words we
declare to God need to reveal our full agreement with with Him. Only then have
we prepared our heart and our soul to receive from God. This step is the basis
for and indeed reveals or signifies/depicts our faith. Myabe it would be
better to say, our words demonstrate our faith. Remember, faith is based
solely on the logos becoming the rhema (Romans 10:17... "Faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word (rhema) of God."). When the word of God
shines its bright light into our heart, and we immediately receive it and come
into full agreement with it, we have experienced the logos becoming the rhema
of God. This forms the basis for our faith. THEN, we are to acknowledge it by
proclaiming it with our mouth. There is something which takes place in our
heart when we finally "see" the truth of something , accept it fully, and
speak it. First of all, God hears our voice and takes notice. Then, we hear
the sound of our own words as we speak, and so do those around us. Our inner
being hears what we say and prepares to receive the manifestation of what was
declared.
Now, before you jump ahead of me and say that I have finally gone off the deep
end and have started promoting the "name it claim it" concept of positive
thinking, let me assure you, I am not! When I hear what I perceive to be the
voice of the Spirit of God speak words into the innermost depths of my spirit
which I had not even been thinking on, I have 3 distinct options as far as
what to do with it. First, I can assign it to my own self spirit and let it
lie. Second, I can say it does not agree with the written word of God and
totally dismiss it; especially, when the words are not perfectly lined up as I
had learned them to be. Or, as I did this time, I confirm the truth of what I
had "heard" by way of a diligent search through the Scriptures. When the Holy
Scriptures and a careful word study confirm the truth of what I heard, I
receive it with joy.
In the beginning of Creation, God the Father, first of all, spoke what He
intended to do, and then it came into being. This is the order He functions
with. The physical reality of what is planned follows the declaration of fact.
It is said that when William Branham was active in his healing crusades, he
would spend time with the Lord before the healing service and often the Lord
would show him ahead of time the individuals who would be at the service and
request healing. He would see them healed during this vision, and then he
would see them healed physically in the service.
In Hebrews chapter 11 we find these verses concerning the so-called "heroes of
faith"... "These all died in faith, not having received the promise, but
having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and
CONFESSED that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that
say such things declare plainly that they seek a country (heavenly home)."
(verses 13 and 14).
At this early point in my search I am convinced there is indeed a clear
connection intended by God between our audible confessions and the work of
righteousness in us. Clearly, what we say is important to our development, and
what we believe is important to our spiritual health and condition. This is
the way that God has intended it, and He simply asks us to follow the path
which He has led us to. I will be continuing this in-depth search of the
Scriptures, and I will probably be writing more again in the future. I have
found when I write what I have discovered, it helps me to sort it all out more
clearly instead of just notations. In the meantime, I leave you this
challenge... start speaking audibly the things which are without question in
your mind regarding God's work of righteousness, and which you already have
full agreement concerning the work of God in your life. Things like, "The
precious blood of Jesus has washed my sins away!", and "The cruel whipping
Jesus took provides healing power for my body!"... get the idea?? But, you had
better try it in your car when you are all alone for awhile... someone might
think you have slipped a few gears...HA
special time
with my "Teacher". I want to
share a little bit of my understnding of what I have received from that
session with Him.
In my spirit I heard these words... "With the heart man believes for
righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made for deliverance... this
is the path to complete deliverance." Now,
immediately I began repeating in my mind the verses which I knew to be in
Romans10:9-10, but knowing this wasn't quite the way I had these verses
memorized, I remained very silent... not wanting to disturb this time in any
way. Then, I heard it again; and clearly, the emphasis was on the words
confession and deliverance. As soon as I felt I dared to move, I roused myself
from bed, and went to the computer to begin some digging in what I sensed was
a field of diamonds and precious jewels. (I am still digging and am not in
anyway disappointed in what I am discovering... Ha!) But, let me share a
little of what I have come to
see with the subject of confession and its connection to receiving
from God...
I'm certain there is an amazing amount of truth connected with the area
of "believing" referred to in the first phrase of verse 10, especially since
this was clearly the path through which Abraham received the promises and was
declared righteous (Rom4:3). John 1:12 states we receive the promise of
sonship through believing in His name. In fact nearly 250 times in the New
Testament we have recorded the use of this same Greek word with clear
reference to the work of righteousness and receiving from God. I still will
investigate every single time use this word is used before I give up
my "digging", and
wait on the Lord for further light.
But, the focus at this time for me is as I received emphasis from my "Teacher"
concerning the importance of "confession" and its association with receiving
the wonderful blessings from God which lead us on the pathway to full freedom
and liberty in Him. There is clearly something very powerful in this action
of confessing with the mouth. In both of these verses in Romans 10:9-10
confession is inter-connected
with being "saved" and with "salvation". The Greek words translated in this
way here clearly refer to a much broader area of being preserved, being
delivered,
being healed, and being made complete or whole again. Or, in other words, to
receive anything at all from the Lord, involves the action of confession. I
have always tended to think of these verses strictly with reference to
being "born again", but the definitions of the words clearly refer to a wider
field of application. So, once again, my pre-conceived thoughts and human
understanding
have blocked the greater picture of deliverance which the Spirit of the Lord
so gently has intended for me.
When we look at the Greek word which is translated as confession here, we find
some interesting concepts concerning the act of confession. Strong's
dictionary shows that this word is made up of 2 other words: first, the word
which speaks of being together; or, in the same time or place. Combined with
this word is the word "logos", which refers to the full intention or meaning
behind what is being stated or written. Logos is the written word of God, and
even more than that... it is Christ, the Son of God Himself (John1:1). Jesus
declared in John14:9... "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father." The
Apostle Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit these words in
Col 2:9... "For in Him (Jesus Christ) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead
bodily." So, the structure of the word "confess" says that we declare or
promise full agreement with the full purpose and meaning of God's original
intention.
We have all heard many stories describing the traditional practise in
Catholicism concerning confessions. They teach their members to enter a small
booth of sorts and speak anonymously through a closed curtain to a priest of
the church. They are taught to tell of their sins to him, and he in turn tells
them what they must do to be forgiven. I think this practise may have gotten
off the track at some point in history, which is common when man decides to
control and manipulate God's principles around their own ideas. It is possible
that the Catholic church thought they were satisfying the words of James 5:16.
Here we
receive instruction to confess our transgressions (faults) to one another and
to pray for one another that we may be healed. There is a clear interconnection
between the act of our confession and the physical blessing of
healing for the body. The word "faults" here refers
to unintentional side slips as opposed to habitual acts of sins which stem
from iniquity in the heart of man. Here, I believe, is where the discernment
of
the Holy Spirit is so important in the body of Christ... to discern when there
is iniquity involved and when an unintentional mistake has been committed. Our
iniquities are forgiven by a loving Heavenly Father who immediately recognizes
a truely pentitant heart and His own remedy for cleansing. Of course ALL sin
and mistakes are able to be forgiven except for the one area of blaspheming
the Spirit of God. (This is true simply because one can only be led to the
knowledge of the truth through the same Holy Spirit which he/she may have just
blasphemed. Without the involvement of the Spirit of God, there can be no
forgiveness.) But, here in this verse we see the blessing of physical healing,
which is made possible by the stripes on the body of our Savior, is interconnected
with the action of confessing our faults to one another. I am also
anticipating I will find in my further studies deliverance from all kinds of
evil spirits and influences is also inter-connected with the action of
confessing with the mouth. I somehow sense this is only the beginning of the
true meaning and value of confessing.
It is extremely important in our walk that we come into full agreement with
our Heavenly Father's plan and intention for us. His original design for all
of mankind was a complete and perfectly whole creation fully empowered to
subdue and have dominion over all the earth. We were not designed to be bound
up with chains of this world's systems or enslaved to the wishes of the ruler
of this world. We were ALL designed according to His plan to be fully free and
full of His power and strength as we serve Him and do His work. The words we
declare to God need to reveal our full agreement with with Him. Only then have
we prepared our heart and our soul to receive from God. This step is the basis
for and indeed reveals or signifies/depicts our faith. Myabe it would be
better to say, our words demonstrate our faith. Remember, faith is based
solely on the logos becoming the rhema (Romans 10:17... "Faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word (rhema) of God."). When the word of God
shines its bright light into our heart, and we immediately receive it and come
into full agreement with it, we have experienced the logos becoming the rhema
of God. This forms the basis for our faith. THEN, we are to acknowledge it by
proclaiming it with our mouth. There is something which takes place in our
heart when we finally "see" the truth of something , accept it fully, and
speak it. First of all, God hears our voice and takes notice. Then, we hear
the sound of our own words as we speak, and so do those around us. Our inner
being hears what we say and prepares to receive the manifestation of what was
declared.
Now, before you jump ahead of me and say that I have finally gone off the deep
end and have started promoting the "name it claim it" concept of positive
thinking, let me assure you, I am not! When I hear what I perceive to be the
voice of the Spirit of God speak words into the innermost depths of my spirit
which I had not even been thinking on, I have 3 distinct options as far as
what to do with it. First, I can assign it to my own self spirit and let it
lie. Second, I can say it does not agree with the written word of God and
totally dismiss it; especially, when the words are not perfectly lined up as I
had learned them to be. Or, as I did this time, I confirm the truth of what I
had "heard" by way of a diligent search through the Scriptures. When the Holy
Scriptures and a careful word study confirm the truth of what I heard, I
receive it with joy.
In the beginning of Creation, God the Father, first of all, spoke what He
intended to do, and then it came into being. This is the order He functions
with. The physical reality of what is planned follows the declaration of fact.
It is said that when William Branham was active in his healing crusades, he
would spend time with the Lord before the healing service and often the Lord
would show him ahead of time the individuals who would be at the service and
request healing. He would see them healed during this vision, and then he
would see them healed physically in the service.
In Hebrews chapter 11 we find these verses concerning the so-called "heroes of
faith"... "These all died in faith, not having received the promise, but
having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and
CONFESSED that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that
say such things declare plainly that they seek a country (heavenly home)."
(verses 13 and 14).
At this early point in my search I am convinced there is indeed a clear
connection intended by God between our audible confessions and the work of
righteousness in us. Clearly, what we say is important to our development, and
what we believe is important to our spiritual health and condition. This is
the way that God has intended it, and He simply asks us to follow the path
which He has led us to. I will be continuing this in-depth search of the
Scriptures, and I will probably be writing more again in the future. I have
found when I write what I have discovered, it helps me to sort it all out more
clearly instead of just notations. In the meantime, I leave you this
challenge... start speaking audibly the things which are without question in
your mind regarding God's work of righteousness, and which you already have
full agreement concerning the work of God in your life. Things like, "The
precious blood of Jesus has washed my sins away!", and "The cruel whipping
Jesus took provides healing power for my body!"... get the idea?? But, you had
better try it in your car when you are all alone for awhile... someone might
think you have slipped a few gears...HA
For the last 2 months or so, I have been pre-occupied with the subject of the "Body of
Christ" as revealed throughout the Scripture. I have been amazed at the extent of the
revelation and the details, including the descriptive analogies to the human body. The
sheer size of the Bride of Christ, as detailed by John in Revelation, chapter 21, just begs
my feeble human imagination... 1700+ miles wide and 1700+ miles long, and 1700+
miles high... that's a little further than the distance between Osler, SK and where we used
to live in Hamilton, IN! In the dream I had back in August of 2006 while we still lived at
Hamilton, I was shown 2 sides of the walls, entrances, and the foundation of this
Heavenly structure. I could not see the end of the walls going horizontally away from me,
but the depth of the foundation as well as the height of the protective wall surrounding
the primary structure I could see, even though it appeared to be over 200 feet. There were
12 distinct separate layers to the foundation, each appearing to be the same dimension.
The protective wall above the threshold of the entrances appeared to be in one formation
without distinctive layers. Later on that year, after we had moved to Canada, I dug into
the specific mathematical terms spoken of in the Book of Revelation to determine if I
could come to an understanding of the size of this Heavenly structure as detailed in
Revelation, chapter 21. I had 2 different directions to go in the mathematical research of
the actual length of a "cubit"... the length of a cubit as it relates to a man, or as it relates to
an angel (Verse 17). So, that all sounds quite relative to the historical average size of
people and quite a changing calculation. And, how do we determine the actual height of
an angel?? So, I approached the problem from both directions using an assumption of the
average height of a man at the time of the first century church as being close to 5.8ft tall
and the height of an angel being 9' tall. (The cubit is the ancient measurement of a
forearm from the elbow to the tip of the extended middle finger.) But, I found a way to
confirm my calculations using the earth's circumference at the equator as well as the
established measurement between each longitudinal degree at the equator. These are
known and established measurements. The one ancient calculation called the
"geometrical pace" has actually survived the course of time, and has been established as
5'. The geometrical pace is the distance the same foot of a man travels as he walks. So,
with there being 60,000 geometrical paces between each degree at the equator, it leads
me to continue the mathematical equation using the height of a man to determine the
cubit, as opposed to the height of an angel. So, using these assumptions, the length, width
and height of the New Jerusalem are 1,739.37 miles in each dimension. The protective
wall which surrounds the structure and the foundation are 191.52'. Which means a cross
section of each layer of the foundation is 16' square. So, to summarize my calculations,
picture this... a quadrilateral(4-sided) pyramid structure 1,739.37 miles in each dimension
with a protective wall surrounding it 191.52' high and deep. Talk about an amazing
structure being built by the Great Architect of the Universe Himself! We are called to
occupy a specific and unique space within the dimensions of this amazing structure. Oh
how magnificent are your works, dear Father!
Now, please allow me to present some medical facts regarding the complexities of the
human body, since it is analogous to this amazing Body of Christ. I use the foundation of
this analogy the following verse in Gen1:26; "Let us make man in our own
likeness(shape,similitude, resemblance, image)..." Here we go... (scientific fact)... Man's
body has 900 muscles, 1,000 miles of blood vessels, 350 main arteries, and 1,500,000
sweat glands. The lungs are composed of 7,700,000 individual cells. At 70 years of age,
the heart of man has pumped 500,000 tons of blood. The nervous system has
3,000,000,000,000 (3 trillion) separate nerve cells. The blood has 30,000,000 white
corpuscles and 100,000,000 red corpuscles. Each minute in every man's body
approximately 150,000,000 radio active carbon atoms go "pop", releasing a total energy
of 21,000,000 electron volts. The heart of man on the average beats 70 beats per minute,
4,000 times per day, 37,000,000 times a year, and 2,000,000,000 (2 billion) in 65 years.
Man's brain contains more nerve lines than all the telephone lines in the world put
together. I sorts through the electrical signals from 200,000 thermometer cells, 500,000
pressure sensing cells, plus the signals from the eyes, nose, and ears, as well as the areas
which sense the taste and touch. (What a powerful computer this brain is!)
Hopefully, I have shown a bit of the glorious mystery of the Body of Christ and to shine a
light on the world of beauty which we are individually called to. Is it possible that there is
a specific space set aside in this Body for each and every person who has ever lived on
the face of the earth??... I believe so! And each space (habitation/room/mansion) is the
dwelling place of the Holy Spirit of our God. Oh, what glorious beauty awaits us in that
City of the Living God! First, the Head is born and then the feet! What do you think?...
could it be that we who are born again in this age and placed into this Body are the level
of the feet, or the place where the foundation meets the structure to support it? We are
blessed to have in our hands the collected writings of the apostles and the prophets, as
well as all the holy men and women of old who have seen glimpses of this Heavenly
structure. Many have seen this Mystery. John and Daniel both saw the revelation of this
Son of God, with its Head in the Heavens and its feet on earth. The 70 elders, Moses and
Aaron with his 2 sons, who dined at the table of the Lord(Ex24) in the Mountain of God
saw this Heavenly Body standing on a pavement of sapphire. Oh, to have our eyes
opened to see a glimpse of the wonderful mystery of this amazing structure, the Body of
Christ. We are God's building! We are God's house! We are the City which Abraham saw
afar off which has foundations; whose Builder and Maker is God. There is no need for
the sun in that Heavenly structure, because the Lamb is the light! There is no need for a
separate temple there for the Lamb(the Body of Christ) is the temple thereof! From each
and every single mansion/house/room of that Body comes forth praise and worship to the
Almighty Living God. We all are placed as individual members in particular, having
specific and unique function, and held together in such precise placement through the
work of our Father's love within each of our hearts. So precision fit is this structure that
the finished look appears perfectly seamless and without structural cracks of any kind. It
has the appearance of being one complete formation. As we are in Christ, He is in us!
This is the greatest mystery of all time... Christ in you; the hope of glory!
Be blessed!
Darrell
Christ" as revealed throughout the Scripture. I have been amazed at the extent of the
revelation and the details, including the descriptive analogies to the human body. The
sheer size of the Bride of Christ, as detailed by John in Revelation, chapter 21, just begs
my feeble human imagination... 1700+ miles wide and 1700+ miles long, and 1700+
miles high... that's a little further than the distance between Osler, SK and where we used
to live in Hamilton, IN! In the dream I had back in August of 2006 while we still lived at
Hamilton, I was shown 2 sides of the walls, entrances, and the foundation of this
Heavenly structure. I could not see the end of the walls going horizontally away from me,
but the depth of the foundation as well as the height of the protective wall surrounding
the primary structure I could see, even though it appeared to be over 200 feet. There were
12 distinct separate layers to the foundation, each appearing to be the same dimension.
The protective wall above the threshold of the entrances appeared to be in one formation
without distinctive layers. Later on that year, after we had moved to Canada, I dug into
the specific mathematical terms spoken of in the Book of Revelation to determine if I
could come to an understanding of the size of this Heavenly structure as detailed in
Revelation, chapter 21. I had 2 different directions to go in the mathematical research of
the actual length of a "cubit"... the length of a cubit as it relates to a man, or as it relates to
an angel (Verse 17). So, that all sounds quite relative to the historical average size of
people and quite a changing calculation. And, how do we determine the actual height of
an angel?? So, I approached the problem from both directions using an assumption of the
average height of a man at the time of the first century church as being close to 5.8ft tall
and the height of an angel being 9' tall. (The cubit is the ancient measurement of a
forearm from the elbow to the tip of the extended middle finger.) But, I found a way to
confirm my calculations using the earth's circumference at the equator as well as the
established measurement between each longitudinal degree at the equator. These are
known and established measurements. The one ancient calculation called the
"geometrical pace" has actually survived the course of time, and has been established as
5'. The geometrical pace is the distance the same foot of a man travels as he walks. So,
with there being 60,000 geometrical paces between each degree at the equator, it leads
me to continue the mathematical equation using the height of a man to determine the
cubit, as opposed to the height of an angel. So, using these assumptions, the length, width
and height of the New Jerusalem are 1,739.37 miles in each dimension. The protective
wall which surrounds the structure and the foundation are 191.52'. Which means a cross
section of each layer of the foundation is 16' square. So, to summarize my calculations,
picture this... a quadrilateral(4-sided) pyramid structure 1,739.37 miles in each dimension
with a protective wall surrounding it 191.52' high and deep. Talk about an amazing
structure being built by the Great Architect of the Universe Himself! We are called to
occupy a specific and unique space within the dimensions of this amazing structure. Oh
how magnificent are your works, dear Father!
Now, please allow me to present some medical facts regarding the complexities of the
human body, since it is analogous to this amazing Body of Christ. I use the foundation of
this analogy the following verse in Gen1:26; "Let us make man in our own
likeness(shape,similitude, resemblance, image)..." Here we go... (scientific fact)... Man's
body has 900 muscles, 1,000 miles of blood vessels, 350 main arteries, and 1,500,000
sweat glands. The lungs are composed of 7,700,000 individual cells. At 70 years of age,
the heart of man has pumped 500,000 tons of blood. The nervous system has
3,000,000,000,000 (3 trillion) separate nerve cells. The blood has 30,000,000 white
corpuscles and 100,000,000 red corpuscles. Each minute in every man's body
approximately 150,000,000 radio active carbon atoms go "pop", releasing a total energy
of 21,000,000 electron volts. The heart of man on the average beats 70 beats per minute,
4,000 times per day, 37,000,000 times a year, and 2,000,000,000 (2 billion) in 65 years.
Man's brain contains more nerve lines than all the telephone lines in the world put
together. I sorts through the electrical signals from 200,000 thermometer cells, 500,000
pressure sensing cells, plus the signals from the eyes, nose, and ears, as well as the areas
which sense the taste and touch. (What a powerful computer this brain is!)
Hopefully, I have shown a bit of the glorious mystery of the Body of Christ and to shine a
light on the world of beauty which we are individually called to. Is it possible that there is
a specific space set aside in this Body for each and every person who has ever lived on
the face of the earth??... I believe so! And each space (habitation/room/mansion) is the
dwelling place of the Holy Spirit of our God. Oh, what glorious beauty awaits us in that
City of the Living God! First, the Head is born and then the feet! What do you think?...
could it be that we who are born again in this age and placed into this Body are the level
of the feet, or the place where the foundation meets the structure to support it? We are
blessed to have in our hands the collected writings of the apostles and the prophets, as
well as all the holy men and women of old who have seen glimpses of this Heavenly
structure. Many have seen this Mystery. John and Daniel both saw the revelation of this
Son of God, with its Head in the Heavens and its feet on earth. The 70 elders, Moses and
Aaron with his 2 sons, who dined at the table of the Lord(Ex24) in the Mountain of God
saw this Heavenly Body standing on a pavement of sapphire. Oh, to have our eyes
opened to see a glimpse of the wonderful mystery of this amazing structure, the Body of
Christ. We are God's building! We are God's house! We are the City which Abraham saw
afar off which has foundations; whose Builder and Maker is God. There is no need for
the sun in that Heavenly structure, because the Lamb is the light! There is no need for a
separate temple there for the Lamb(the Body of Christ) is the temple thereof! From each
and every single mansion/house/room of that Body comes forth praise and worship to the
Almighty Living God. We all are placed as individual members in particular, having
specific and unique function, and held together in such precise placement through the
work of our Father's love within each of our hearts. So precision fit is this structure that
the finished look appears perfectly seamless and without structural cracks of any kind. It
has the appearance of being one complete formation. As we are in Christ, He is in us!
This is the greatest mystery of all time... Christ in you; the hope of glory!
Be blessed!
Darrell
I hear the voice of the Lord calling to those who have ears to hear. These are tumultuous days. There is so much fear and distrust (well-founded) among the people of God. There is a famine of the word of God among those who call themselves by the name of Christ. Few and far between are those who have heard the voice of the Lord calling them outside the camp of the clamoring throngs of those seeking a new high experience about which to boast. The masses have been programmed by charismatic soothsayers masquerading as servants of the Most High to seek God for what will benefit them. Seldom does anyone testify of the power of the word of the Lord to transform men and women into sons and daughters of the Living God, in whom the Father's own Spirit dwells. The groanings of travail and frustration from all of Creation have come before the ears of the Great Architect of the Universe crying, "How long, O Father, till Your sons and daughters will rule and reign in Your Kingdom?" Yes, the call is going out among those who have ears to hear the true words of our Lord. But, as certain as the Spirit of the Living God dwells within temples not made with hands, it breathes clear testimony that the first must be dissolved to make way for the latter. The kingdoms of this earth are being dissolved into thin air so the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, can be established in the entire world. No longer will there be those running to and fro trying to persuade mankind of the grace and mercy of our Father, for the knowledge of the Lord will flood the earth as the waters flood the sea. Every single individual who has breath will know the Lord, and will seek His pleasure only! "Let Your Kingdom come; Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven!" Let us be among those few who have heard the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him wherever He goes. The long, dark nights of lying on our face before a Holy God as part of a solemn assembly of those who mourn and repent will give way to the dawn of the bright rays of the Son of God appearing in the clouds to receive His prepared Bride. Let the celebration begin! The time of watching and waiting throughout the dark night of the soul has ended. "Come, Lord Jesus, Your Bride has made herself ready! Our lamps are full of Your holy oil! We are prepared for You!"
It should not be a surprise to those who have spent time in the presence of our eternal King and Bridegroom to feel estranged from the 5 foolish virgins who sought to be forgiven and receive special consideration for having allowed their light to grow cold and dark. You see, the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches have choked the precious life from the tender plants of the Kingdom. Only those who have heard the voice of the Lord and walked hand in hand with Him daily were able to receive the true, pure lamp oil of God's own Holy Spirit, which can never be extinguished. To these few souls, the blessed Holy Spirit of God has granted the true light of revelation in the face of Jesus Christ. There has never been a man, woman, boy, or girl who has been left unchanged after having sat in His presence and received the light of the true revelation of Jesus Christ. It is a complete impossibility! This is the call being sounded loud and clear today. The Son of God, our Messiah, is the only door through which we can enter into the presence of the Father. There can be no other way. He has provided for us "a new and living way" into the Holy of Holies. Only through the precious blood of our Savior can we enter into His kingdom. No amount of begging or manipulating of His great power can accomplish in us that which will provide entrance into that blessed rest of our Lord.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:17-23)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2Cor 4:6-7)
Yes, there is a call going out across the land... a clear and a certain call to those who will obey and follow the Lamb. It is a call which has stood on the pages of our Bibles for nearly 2000 years. It is the call to those who will cast aside everything else, including their own care for their earthly existence, to gain the approval of their eternal King... "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2Cor 6:17-18), and again we hear it sounded clearly in John's Revelation, chapter 18, verse 4. As those stand so often alone and rejected of men, their ears seek for more sounds of the voice of their Heavenly Bridegroom calling them up into the mountain alone; far away from those curiosity seekers who trample the beauty of Creation with their greedy feet. There to see the Lord in His beauty and fullness alone.
Here are some selected Scripture verses from Hebrews, chapter 3 and 4 to further show the simplicity of the Gospel of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The key points here are first of all, to hear the voice of the Spirit of God calling us forward to a place of rest and peace in Him where His glory fills our temple. Secondly, our response of obedience to the voice of the Spirit of God is what is expected by God after we have heard His voice calling us toward Him. So, in the simplest terms possible, the key to entering the Kingdom of Heaven is to enter in through the Doorway provided through the atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood. Read the following verses with a heart which seeks after the True and Living Way into the Holy of Holies:
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus… For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house… But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end… Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness… Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways… So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation… to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief… Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 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. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Please consider the truth and the simplicity of this message. In Luke 11:52, Jesus chastised the religious leaders of His day who were the experts on the letter of the Law. He told them that they were hiding the key to the Kingdom of God from the people who were sincerely seeking the Lord. Not only did they themselves refuse to believe the Word which they had seen, but to those who were seeking God, they even stood in their way and made it as difficult as possible for those to find the reality of God and peace with Him. Religious leaders have practiced control techniques of their congregants for centuries. Even many modern day denominational structures treat the laity as those who are too simple minded to be able to read the Word of God on their own and to hear the voice of God clearly for themselves. In order to “protect” the flock from error, the leaders handle the Word of God for the people and only dish out bite-sized morsels every seven days or so, which fit in to their own intended theme from time to time. The resultant dependency on the strong leader assures that the flock will not step too far outside the ever shifting boundaries of the “mother ship”. The membership becomes apathetic and weak in their day to day walk with the Lord. They can no longer discern the leading of the Good Shepherd without the constant contact with the church leaders. They can not receive the life and breath of the Lord for their daily peace and guidance without prostrating themselves before the church leaders and “receive a word” from them. As you read these words, I leave you this challenge; prove that which I speak from my heart. Ask those whom you know frequent the door of the local Assemblies once a week, and have them attest to how much time they spend each day reading the Word of the Lord and prayer on their own. Better yet, pick an active local Assembly near you, park in their parking lot while people are filing in to the regularly scheduled meeting, and look for yourself to see how many are carrying their own Bible with them. How pathetically weak the masses have become; mindlessly and effortlessly following the crowds to the sounds of pleasant music and entertaining activity. When trouble comes in front of our path, we panic and become overwhelmed with fear and worry. We run to the preacher only to find they are too busy to be able to bring relief on a moment’s notice. Or worse yet, they are gone on vacation for the week that we really need help. This spirit of control over the laity and the manipulation of the masses, has plagued the Assembly of Christ’s Believers for centuries. In fact, the “Doctrine of the Nicolaitans” was present shortly after the establishment of the first century Church. In the Revelation of John the Apostle, we hear the words of Christ, as the Head of His Church, proclaim His personal hatred for this evil and subversive practice of the newly formed groups of Believers. When a “commoner” testifies of having heard the voice of the Lord personally, immediately, there is apprehension and “concern” expressed for the potential of false doctrine being propagated. That person is immediately ostracized and identified as someone who could subvert the system or challenge the authority structure. What paranoia and evil thinking! Christ Himself declared, “I am the Good Shepherd and I know My sheep. My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me.” Let us be numbered as those sheep who hear only the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him daily.
In the spiritual realm we are under constant observation by loved ones long departed and carry a concern for our spiritual growth. Angelic watchers are able to observe our progress in the Christian walk. Certainly, the Spirit of God is very aware of our sincerity in seeking after the righteousness of Christ. We develop a reputation in the spiritual realm as either one who embraces truth as it comes to us, or as one who rejects the light of the truth. Every time we reject the call of God, our ears become a little more closed and our heart becomes a little more hardened. But when we embrace truth as it comes to us, our spiritual senses which allow us to see and hear spiritually become more sensitive, and our heart becomes more like the heart of Christ. This is the process of our progress in the Christian life. We become known as those who tend to “draw back” and refuse to act in faith on the Word we have received, or, we become known as those “who come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.” As long as we carry doubt and unbelief in our heart concerning the light of truth which has been shined into our heart, we will not press forward toward the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus. One word from the Savior to our heart will calm all our fears and give us courage to step forward boldly and confidently with full assurance of faith. Truly, this is the transformation of the mind which we so need in this day. As we have our mind and our heart transformed by the power of the Spirit of God, we become carriers of a greater and greater degree of the treasure of God's glory in our spiritual being.
It should not be a surprise to those who have spent time in the presence of our eternal King and Bridegroom to feel estranged from the 5 foolish virgins who sought to be forgiven and receive special consideration for having allowed their light to grow cold and dark. You see, the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches have choked the precious life from the tender plants of the Kingdom. Only those who have heard the voice of the Lord and walked hand in hand with Him daily were able to receive the true, pure lamp oil of God's own Holy Spirit, which can never be extinguished. To these few souls, the blessed Holy Spirit of God has granted the true light of revelation in the face of Jesus Christ. There has never been a man, woman, boy, or girl who has been left unchanged after having sat in His presence and received the light of the true revelation of Jesus Christ. It is a complete impossibility! This is the call being sounded loud and clear today. The Son of God, our Messiah, is the only door through which we can enter into the presence of the Father. There can be no other way. He has provided for us "a new and living way" into the Holy of Holies. Only through the precious blood of our Savior can we enter into His kingdom. No amount of begging or manipulating of His great power can accomplish in us that which will provide entrance into that blessed rest of our Lord.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:17-23)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2Cor 4:6-7)
Yes, there is a call going out across the land... a clear and a certain call to those who will obey and follow the Lamb. It is a call which has stood on the pages of our Bibles for nearly 2000 years. It is the call to those who will cast aside everything else, including their own care for their earthly existence, to gain the approval of their eternal King... "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2Cor 6:17-18), and again we hear it sounded clearly in John's Revelation, chapter 18, verse 4. As those stand so often alone and rejected of men, their ears seek for more sounds of the voice of their Heavenly Bridegroom calling them up into the mountain alone; far away from those curiosity seekers who trample the beauty of Creation with their greedy feet. There to see the Lord in His beauty and fullness alone.
Here are some selected Scripture verses from Hebrews, chapter 3 and 4 to further show the simplicity of the Gospel of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The key points here are first of all, to hear the voice of the Spirit of God calling us forward to a place of rest and peace in Him where His glory fills our temple. Secondly, our response of obedience to the voice of the Spirit of God is what is expected by God after we have heard His voice calling us toward Him. So, in the simplest terms possible, the key to entering the Kingdom of Heaven is to enter in through the Doorway provided through the atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood. Read the following verses with a heart which seeks after the True and Living Way into the Holy of Holies:
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus… For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house… But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end… Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness… Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways… So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation… to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief… Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 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. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Please consider the truth and the simplicity of this message. In Luke 11:52, Jesus chastised the religious leaders of His day who were the experts on the letter of the Law. He told them that they were hiding the key to the Kingdom of God from the people who were sincerely seeking the Lord. Not only did they themselves refuse to believe the Word which they had seen, but to those who were seeking God, they even stood in their way and made it as difficult as possible for those to find the reality of God and peace with Him. Religious leaders have practiced control techniques of their congregants for centuries. Even many modern day denominational structures treat the laity as those who are too simple minded to be able to read the Word of God on their own and to hear the voice of God clearly for themselves. In order to “protect” the flock from error, the leaders handle the Word of God for the people and only dish out bite-sized morsels every seven days or so, which fit in to their own intended theme from time to time. The resultant dependency on the strong leader assures that the flock will not step too far outside the ever shifting boundaries of the “mother ship”. The membership becomes apathetic and weak in their day to day walk with the Lord. They can no longer discern the leading of the Good Shepherd without the constant contact with the church leaders. They can not receive the life and breath of the Lord for their daily peace and guidance without prostrating themselves before the church leaders and “receive a word” from them. As you read these words, I leave you this challenge; prove that which I speak from my heart. Ask those whom you know frequent the door of the local Assemblies once a week, and have them attest to how much time they spend each day reading the Word of the Lord and prayer on their own. Better yet, pick an active local Assembly near you, park in their parking lot while people are filing in to the regularly scheduled meeting, and look for yourself to see how many are carrying their own Bible with them. How pathetically weak the masses have become; mindlessly and effortlessly following the crowds to the sounds of pleasant music and entertaining activity. When trouble comes in front of our path, we panic and become overwhelmed with fear and worry. We run to the preacher only to find they are too busy to be able to bring relief on a moment’s notice. Or worse yet, they are gone on vacation for the week that we really need help. This spirit of control over the laity and the manipulation of the masses, has plagued the Assembly of Christ’s Believers for centuries. In fact, the “Doctrine of the Nicolaitans” was present shortly after the establishment of the first century Church. In the Revelation of John the Apostle, we hear the words of Christ, as the Head of His Church, proclaim His personal hatred for this evil and subversive practice of the newly formed groups of Believers. When a “commoner” testifies of having heard the voice of the Lord personally, immediately, there is apprehension and “concern” expressed for the potential of false doctrine being propagated. That person is immediately ostracized and identified as someone who could subvert the system or challenge the authority structure. What paranoia and evil thinking! Christ Himself declared, “I am the Good Shepherd and I know My sheep. My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me.” Let us be numbered as those sheep who hear only the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him daily.
In the spiritual realm we are under constant observation by loved ones long departed and carry a concern for our spiritual growth. Angelic watchers are able to observe our progress in the Christian walk. Certainly, the Spirit of God is very aware of our sincerity in seeking after the righteousness of Christ. We develop a reputation in the spiritual realm as either one who embraces truth as it comes to us, or as one who rejects the light of the truth. Every time we reject the call of God, our ears become a little more closed and our heart becomes a little more hardened. But when we embrace truth as it comes to us, our spiritual senses which allow us to see and hear spiritually become more sensitive, and our heart becomes more like the heart of Christ. This is the process of our progress in the Christian life. We become known as those who tend to “draw back” and refuse to act in faith on the Word we have received, or, we become known as those “who come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.” As long as we carry doubt and unbelief in our heart concerning the light of truth which has been shined into our heart, we will not press forward toward the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus. One word from the Savior to our heart will calm all our fears and give us courage to step forward boldly and confidently with full assurance of faith. Truly, this is the transformation of the mind which we so need in this day. As we have our mind and our heart transformed by the power of the Spirit of God, we become carriers of a greater and greater degree of the treasure of God's glory in our spiritual being.
Throughout the entire Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation we have the plan of God
revealed to many people as He worked through those He referred to as "children" to
provide a habitation for Himself so He could have unbroken fellowship with them. He
built a Garden for Adam and Eve to live so He could have times of fellowship with them
each day. He instructed Noah to construct an ark so at least these 8 people would be
preserved from the flood who would be able to re-establish their fellowship with Him as
they repopulate the earth. He showed Moses a pattern for a tabernacle in which He
determined to dwell and become a place where He could meet with His people from time
to time. This temporary structure led to the construction of a magnificent temple which
Solomon built during his reign as King of Israel. Ever since that time, the Jewish people
have struggled throughout every generation to restore that place where God dwelt and
communed with His people. That temple was destroyed twice, and even now we see
extravagant plans being made to rebuild the temple of our God in Jerusalem.
God has plans for our life (Jer29); plans which make it possible for Him to dwell with us,
His children. His plans for each one of us today are for our own bodies to be His dwelling
place... the temple of His own Spirit. He works in the life of each one of us in a way
which is unique to all other people. Each one of us is as unique as is shown by our
fingerprints. In this way, God has set His own stamp of design upon our heart. He spends
time meticulously constructing and finishing us in great detail that we would fit precisely
into the superstructure of His plan. Just as Solomon ordered the workmen to precisely
fashion the huge stones for the temple at the quarry so that no sound of a hammer was
heard within the temple, so our life is fashioned and trimmed precisely here on this earth
to be precision fit into the place of our eternal habitation.
The Apostle Paul had much light over this plan of God, as did Peter and John. A very
simple word search in a concordance with the words "Stone(s)" and "Build" will keep a
serious student busy. 1Peter2:5 declares, "Ye also, as living stones, are built up into a
spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ." But, one might ask, why all this bother... why all the individual
work of God... couldn't God just create His own temple complete with all the
extravagance and elaborate fixtures fit for the King of Kings? Not only are we referred to
as building stones in the house of God, but also as utensils, or vessels, for use within the
temple. Paul, in his writing to Timothy wrote in 2Ti 2:20, "In a wealthy home some
utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive
utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you
keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be
clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." The children
of God are here and elsewhere referred to as utensils, or vessels, made of precious metals
which are reserved for the use of the King Himself.
Jesus, in speaking to His disciples, declared, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if
it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am,
there ye may be also." (John14:2-3) Clearly, the work which is being done in Heaven
while we are still here on this earth is the work of our Savior to prepare a place for each
of us to fit into the mansion/temple/house/dwelling place of God, our Father. When our
life has been sufficiently prepared for its precision fit into the superstructure of God's
design, it is to the glory of our God that we are taken "home" to be with Him for all of
eternity.
Let me share with you briefly about a dream I had on August 11 of this year... during the
early morning hours of that day, an angel came to "take me" with him to where I
observed a crew of angels with large measuring tapes recording precise measurements of
a large white structure which appeared to me to resemble Solomon's Temple as described
in Scripture. After they had recorded the measurements of the outside of the structure,
they went into the inner part of the temple where the candlestick and the shewbread was
positioned along with the altar of incense. Each of these articles of furniture was
measured and recorded. Then, I watched as they measured each individual which was
inside the temple worshiping God. They took great care to be precise with each
measurement as one by one these who were worshiping held out their arms at their sides
and stretched them out over their head. Every position of worship was individually
recorded for each person present. At this point I was "returned" to my little house in
Osler to consider the events which were be now firmly burned into my consciousness.
After rising for the day, I began to search the Scripture for something which would settle
my mind with what I had seen. What I discovered was a verse of Scripture which I had
often read but had never given any thought to the meaning of it... Rev 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."
Obviously, the context of this single verse refers to the time of the "end of the age", when
the "great trouble" has come upon the earth. But, more importantly, this all points to the
time further down the road which we have described in Revelation, chapter 21. This
chapter, among other things, describes the New Jerusalem (the Bride of Christ)in
dazzling detail and extravagance. Here's the entire point, in the form of a question, to all
that I have written here... could it be that each one of us, individually, are to be a separate
room/mansion/house/dwelling place in this superstructure of God's own design to which
we assign the names, New Jerusalem/Bride of Christ...?? Absolutely every single event
which has ever taken place in our lifetime has made a difference in the way we think and
our reaction to future events. As these events fashion us into the personality which we
possess, we react in our own unique way to the next event. This identical process is
observed through careful introspection with regard to how we react to the work and
direction of God as He deals with each of us. It is a normal process to question our own
self-worth regarding our earthly existence. But, how often to we consider this aspect of
God's work and planning in each of us to prepare us for a precise fit within His building?
(1Cor3:9; 2Cor5:1; Eph2:21)
Consider the amazing work which is being accomplished in your life with each breath
and beat of your heart. Share with me your thoughts on this...
Darrell
revealed to many people as He worked through those He referred to as "children" to
provide a habitation for Himself so He could have unbroken fellowship with them. He
built a Garden for Adam and Eve to live so He could have times of fellowship with them
each day. He instructed Noah to construct an ark so at least these 8 people would be
preserved from the flood who would be able to re-establish their fellowship with Him as
they repopulate the earth. He showed Moses a pattern for a tabernacle in which He
determined to dwell and become a place where He could meet with His people from time
to time. This temporary structure led to the construction of a magnificent temple which
Solomon built during his reign as King of Israel. Ever since that time, the Jewish people
have struggled throughout every generation to restore that place where God dwelt and
communed with His people. That temple was destroyed twice, and even now we see
extravagant plans being made to rebuild the temple of our God in Jerusalem.
God has plans for our life (Jer29); plans which make it possible for Him to dwell with us,
His children. His plans for each one of us today are for our own bodies to be His dwelling
place... the temple of His own Spirit. He works in the life of each one of us in a way
which is unique to all other people. Each one of us is as unique as is shown by our
fingerprints. In this way, God has set His own stamp of design upon our heart. He spends
time meticulously constructing and finishing us in great detail that we would fit precisely
into the superstructure of His plan. Just as Solomon ordered the workmen to precisely
fashion the huge stones for the temple at the quarry so that no sound of a hammer was
heard within the temple, so our life is fashioned and trimmed precisely here on this earth
to be precision fit into the place of our eternal habitation.
The Apostle Paul had much light over this plan of God, as did Peter and John. A very
simple word search in a concordance with the words "Stone(s)" and "Build" will keep a
serious student busy. 1Peter2:5 declares, "Ye also, as living stones, are built up into a
spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ." But, one might ask, why all this bother... why all the individual
work of God... couldn't God just create His own temple complete with all the
extravagance and elaborate fixtures fit for the King of Kings? Not only are we referred to
as building stones in the house of God, but also as utensils, or vessels, for use within the
temple. Paul, in his writing to Timothy wrote in 2Ti 2:20, "In a wealthy home some
utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive
utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you
keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be
clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." The children
of God are here and elsewhere referred to as utensils, or vessels, made of precious metals
which are reserved for the use of the King Himself.
Jesus, in speaking to His disciples, declared, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if
it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am,
there ye may be also." (John14:2-3) Clearly, the work which is being done in Heaven
while we are still here on this earth is the work of our Savior to prepare a place for each
of us to fit into the mansion/temple/house/dwelling place of God, our Father. When our
life has been sufficiently prepared for its precision fit into the superstructure of God's
design, it is to the glory of our God that we are taken "home" to be with Him for all of
eternity.
Let me share with you briefly about a dream I had on August 11 of this year... during the
early morning hours of that day, an angel came to "take me" with him to where I
observed a crew of angels with large measuring tapes recording precise measurements of
a large white structure which appeared to me to resemble Solomon's Temple as described
in Scripture. After they had recorded the measurements of the outside of the structure,
they went into the inner part of the temple where the candlestick and the shewbread was
positioned along with the altar of incense. Each of these articles of furniture was
measured and recorded. Then, I watched as they measured each individual which was
inside the temple worshiping God. They took great care to be precise with each
measurement as one by one these who were worshiping held out their arms at their sides
and stretched them out over their head. Every position of worship was individually
recorded for each person present. At this point I was "returned" to my little house in
Osler to consider the events which were be now firmly burned into my consciousness.
After rising for the day, I began to search the Scripture for something which would settle
my mind with what I had seen. What I discovered was a verse of Scripture which I had
often read but had never given any thought to the meaning of it... Rev 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."
Obviously, the context of this single verse refers to the time of the "end of the age", when
the "great trouble" has come upon the earth. But, more importantly, this all points to the
time further down the road which we have described in Revelation, chapter 21. This
chapter, among other things, describes the New Jerusalem (the Bride of Christ)in
dazzling detail and extravagance. Here's the entire point, in the form of a question, to all
that I have written here... could it be that each one of us, individually, are to be a separate
room/mansion/house/dwelling place in this superstructure of God's own design to which
we assign the names, New Jerusalem/Bride of Christ...?? Absolutely every single event
which has ever taken place in our lifetime has made a difference in the way we think and
our reaction to future events. As these events fashion us into the personality which we
possess, we react in our own unique way to the next event. This identical process is
observed through careful introspection with regard to how we react to the work and
direction of God as He deals with each of us. It is a normal process to question our own
self-worth regarding our earthly existence. But, how often to we consider this aspect of
God's work and planning in each of us to prepare us for a precise fit within His building?
(1Cor3:9; 2Cor5:1; Eph2:21)
Consider the amazing work which is being accomplished in your life with each breath
and beat of your heart. Share with me your thoughts on this...
Darrell
I hear the voice of the Lord calling to those who have ears to hear. These are tumultuous
days. There is so much fear and distrust (well-founded) among the people of God. There
is a famine of the word of God among those who call themselves by the name of Christ.
Few and far between are those who have heard the voice of the Lord calling them outside
the camp of the clamoring throngs of those seeking a new high experience about which to
boast. The masses have been programmed by charismatic soothsayers masquerading as
servants of the Most High to seek God for what will benefit them. Seldom does anyone
testify of the power of the word of the Lord to transform men and women into sons and
daughters of the Living God, in whom the Father's own Spirit dwells. The groanings of
travail and frustration from all of Creation have come before the ears of the Great
Architect of the Universe crying, "How long, O Father, till Your sons and daughters will
rule and reign in Your Kingdom?" Yes, the call is going out among those who have ears
to hear the true words of our Lord. But, as certain as the Spirit of the Living God dwells
within temples not made with hands, it breathes clear testimony that the first must be
dissolved to make way for the latter. The kingdoms of this earth are being dissolved into
thin air so the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, can be established in the
entire world. No longer will there be those running to and fro trying to persuade mankind
of the grace and mercy of our Father, for the knowledge of the Lord will flood the earth
as the waters flood the sea. Every single individual who has breath will know the Lord,
and will seek His pleasure only! "Let Your Kingdom come; Your will be done, on earth as
it is in Heaven!" Let us be among those few who have heard the voice of the Good
Shepherd and follow Him wherever He goes. The long, dark nights of lying on our face
before a Holy God as part of a solemn assembly of those who mourn and repent will give
way to the dawn of the bright rays of the Son of God appearing in the clouds to receive
His prepared Bride. Let the celebration begin! The time of watching and waiting
throughout the dark night of the soul has ended. "Come, Lord Jesus, Your Bride has made
herself ready! Our lamps are full of Your holy oil! We are prepared for You!"
It should not be a surprise to those who have spent time in the presence of our eternal
King and Bridegroom to feel estranged from the 5 foolish virgins who sought to be
forgiven and receive special consideration for having allowed their light to grow cold and
dark. You see, the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches have choked the
precious life from the tender plants of the Kingdom. Only those who have heard the voice
of the Lord and walked hand in hand with Him daily were able to receive the true, pure
lamp oil of God's own Holy Spirit, which can never be extinguished. To these few souls,
the blessed Holy Spirit of God has granted the true light of revelation in the face of Jesus
Christ. There has never been a man, woman, boy, or girl who has been left unchanged
after having received the light of the true revelation of Jesus Christ and sat in His
presence. It is a complete impossibility! This is the call being sounded loud and clear
today. The Son of God, our Messiah, is the only door through which we can enter into the
presence of the Father. There can be no other way. He has provided for us "a new and
living way" into the Holy of Holies. Only through the precious blood of our Savior can
we enter into His kingdom. No amount of begging or manipulating of His great power
can accomplish in us that which will provide entrance into that blessed rest of our Lord.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit
of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being
enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the
glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in
Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the
heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and
hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the
church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:17-23)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts,
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we
have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and
not of us." (2Cor 4:6-7)
Yes, there is a call going out across the land... a clear and a certain call to those who will
obey and follow the Lamb. It is a call which has stood on the pages of our Bibles for
nearly 2000 years. It is the call to those who will cast aside everything else, including
their own care for their earthly existence to gain the approval of their eternal King...
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not
the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be
my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2Cor 6:17-18), and again we hear it
sounded clearly in John's Revelation, chapter 18, verse 4. As those stand so often alone
and rejected of men, their ears seek for more sounds of the voice of their Heavenly
Bridegroom calling them up into the mountain alone; far away from those curiosity
seekers who trample the beauty of Creation with their greedy feet. There to see the Lord
in His beauty and fullness alone.
Here are some selected Scripture verses from Hebrews, chapter 3 and 4 to further show
the simplicity of the Gospel of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The
key points here are first of all, to hear the voice of the Spirit of God calling us forward to
a place of rest and peace in Him where His glory fills our temple. Secondly, our response
of obedience to the voice of the Spirit of God is what is expected by God after we have
heard His voice calling us toward Him. So, in the simplest terms possible, the key to
entering the Kingdom of Heaven is to enter in through the Doorway provided through the
atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood. Read the following verses with a heart which seeks
after the True and Living Way into the Holy of Holies:
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle
and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus… For this man was counted worthy
of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more
honour than the house… But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are
we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end…
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness…
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their
heart; and they have not known my ways… So I sware in my wrath, They shall not
enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil
heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another
daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning
of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his
voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation… to whom sware he that they
should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they
could not enter in because of unbelief… Let us therefore fear, lest, a
promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to
come short of it. 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. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were
finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the
seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And
in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth
that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in
because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after
so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of
another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is
entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same
example of unbelief… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need
days. There is so much fear and distrust (well-founded) among the people of God. There
is a famine of the word of God among those who call themselves by the name of Christ.
Few and far between are those who have heard the voice of the Lord calling them outside
the camp of the clamoring throngs of those seeking a new high experience about which to
boast. The masses have been programmed by charismatic soothsayers masquerading as
servants of the Most High to seek God for what will benefit them. Seldom does anyone
testify of the power of the word of the Lord to transform men and women into sons and
daughters of the Living God, in whom the Father's own Spirit dwells. The groanings of
travail and frustration from all of Creation have come before the ears of the Great
Architect of the Universe crying, "How long, O Father, till Your sons and daughters will
rule and reign in Your Kingdom?" Yes, the call is going out among those who have ears
to hear the true words of our Lord. But, as certain as the Spirit of the Living God dwells
within temples not made with hands, it breathes clear testimony that the first must be
dissolved to make way for the latter. The kingdoms of this earth are being dissolved into
thin air so the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, can be established in the
entire world. No longer will there be those running to and fro trying to persuade mankind
of the grace and mercy of our Father, for the knowledge of the Lord will flood the earth
as the waters flood the sea. Every single individual who has breath will know the Lord,
and will seek His pleasure only! "Let Your Kingdom come; Your will be done, on earth as
it is in Heaven!" Let us be among those few who have heard the voice of the Good
Shepherd and follow Him wherever He goes. The long, dark nights of lying on our face
before a Holy God as part of a solemn assembly of those who mourn and repent will give
way to the dawn of the bright rays of the Son of God appearing in the clouds to receive
His prepared Bride. Let the celebration begin! The time of watching and waiting
throughout the dark night of the soul has ended. "Come, Lord Jesus, Your Bride has made
herself ready! Our lamps are full of Your holy oil! We are prepared for You!"
It should not be a surprise to those who have spent time in the presence of our eternal
King and Bridegroom to feel estranged from the 5 foolish virgins who sought to be
forgiven and receive special consideration for having allowed their light to grow cold and
dark. You see, the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches have choked the
precious life from the tender plants of the Kingdom. Only those who have heard the voice
of the Lord and walked hand in hand with Him daily were able to receive the true, pure
lamp oil of God's own Holy Spirit, which can never be extinguished. To these few souls,
the blessed Holy Spirit of God has granted the true light of revelation in the face of Jesus
Christ. There has never been a man, woman, boy, or girl who has been left unchanged
after having received the light of the true revelation of Jesus Christ and sat in His
presence. It is a complete impossibility! This is the call being sounded loud and clear
today. The Son of God, our Messiah, is the only door through which we can enter into the
presence of the Father. There can be no other way. He has provided for us "a new and
living way" into the Holy of Holies. Only through the precious blood of our Savior can
we enter into His kingdom. No amount of begging or manipulating of His great power
can accomplish in us that which will provide entrance into that blessed rest of our Lord.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit
of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being
enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the
glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in
Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the
heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and
hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the
church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:17-23)
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts,
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we
have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and
not of us." (2Cor 4:6-7)
Yes, there is a call going out across the land... a clear and a certain call to those who will
obey and follow the Lamb. It is a call which has stood on the pages of our Bibles for
nearly 2000 years. It is the call to those who will cast aside everything else, including
their own care for their earthly existence to gain the approval of their eternal King...
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not
the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be
my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2Cor 6:17-18), and again we hear it
sounded clearly in John's Revelation, chapter 18, verse 4. As those stand so often alone
and rejected of men, their ears seek for more sounds of the voice of their Heavenly
Bridegroom calling them up into the mountain alone; far away from those curiosity
seekers who trample the beauty of Creation with their greedy feet. There to see the Lord
in His beauty and fullness alone.
Here are some selected Scripture verses from Hebrews, chapter 3 and 4 to further show
the simplicity of the Gospel of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The
key points here are first of all, to hear the voice of the Spirit of God calling us forward to
a place of rest and peace in Him where His glory fills our temple. Secondly, our response
of obedience to the voice of the Spirit of God is what is expected by God after we have
heard His voice calling us toward Him. So, in the simplest terms possible, the key to
entering the Kingdom of Heaven is to enter in through the Doorway provided through the
atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood. Read the following verses with a heart which seeks
after the True and Living Way into the Holy of Holies:
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle
and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus… For this man was counted worthy
of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more
honour than the house… But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are
we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end…
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness…
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their
heart; and they have not known my ways… So I sware in my wrath, They shall not
enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil
heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another
daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning
of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his
voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation… to whom sware he that they
should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they
could not enter in because of unbelief… Let us therefore fear, lest, a
promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to
come short of it. 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. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were
finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the
seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And
in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth
that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in
because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after
so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of
another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is
entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same
example of unbelief… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need
Genealogy of Christ According to the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew 1:1-6a (fourteen generations)
1) Abraham= father of a multitude; to be populous
2) Isaac= laughter, mockery; to laugh outright
3) Jacob= heel catcher, supplanter; to swell up or out; to restrain
4) Judah= celebrated; to worship with extended hands
5) Perets= a break; to break out; burst out; disperse abroad (from Tamar= to be
erect)
6) Hezron= courtyard; a fenced village; to surround with a stockade
7) Aram= high; to be high; to rise; to raise; exalted
8) Amminidab= people of liberality; a tribe of volunteers; willing ones
9) Nahshon= enchanter; to hiss, whisper; a magic spell; to learn by experience
10) Salmon= investiture; garment or raiment
11) Boaz= (of uncertain meaning); a pillar at the entrance of Solomon’s temple (from
Rahab= proud, roomy, at liberty)
12) Obed= serving; to work as a slave; a servant (from Ruth= a friend)
13) Jesse= extant; to stand out, exist, entity
14) David= loving; to boil, to love, lover, friend
Matthew 1: 6b-11 (fourteen generations)
15) Solomon= peaceful; to be safe, happy; to be completed, safe
16) Rehoboam= an enlarged people; to enlarge; to broaden
17) Abijah= father; worshipper of Jah
18) Asa= (of uncertain meaning) a king and a Levite
19) Jehoshophat= Jehovah judged
20) Joram= Jehovah raised
21) Uzziah= strength of Jah
22) Jotham= Jehovah is perfection
23) Ahaz= possessor; to seize
24) Hezekiah= strengthened of Jah
25) Manaseh= causing to forget; to forget
26) Amon= trained, skilled; an architect; to be permanent; to trust, believe, support,
build up
27) Josiah= founded of Jah; a foundation
28) Jeconiah= Jah will establish; to be erect; to be prosperous; to be certain
[at this point the Babylonian captivity began…Babylon= confusion; to mingle; to mix up]
Page 2
Matthew 1: 12-16 (fourteen generations)
29) Jechoniah= Jah will establish
30) Shealtiel= I have asked El (God)
31) Zerubbabel= born in confusion
32) Abiud= father/possessor of renown
33) Eliakim= God of raising
34) Azor= helpful
35) Zadok= just; righteous
36) Achim= Jehovah will raise (same as Jehoiakim)
37) Eliud= God of majesty
38) Eleazer= God is my helper
39) Matthan= a present, gift
40) Jacob= heel catcher; supplanter (same as Israel= he will rule as God)
41) Joseph= let him add
42) Jesus= Jehovah saved
The promise of eternal salvation as detailed by the orderly definitions of the final
fourteen generations listed in order from Jechoniah to Jesus...
“God will raise up again! I asked God for that which is born in captivity
to become mighty. God the resurrection, helper, righteous will raise up
a majestic helper as a gift. He will rule as God evermore increasing to
eternal salvation.”
Matthew 1:1-6a (fourteen generations)
1) Abraham= father of a multitude; to be populous
2) Isaac= laughter, mockery; to laugh outright
3) Jacob= heel catcher, supplanter; to swell up or out; to restrain
4) Judah= celebrated; to worship with extended hands
5) Perets= a break; to break out; burst out; disperse abroad (from Tamar= to be
erect)
6) Hezron= courtyard; a fenced village; to surround with a stockade
7) Aram= high; to be high; to rise; to raise; exalted
8) Amminidab= people of liberality; a tribe of volunteers; willing ones
9) Nahshon= enchanter; to hiss, whisper; a magic spell; to learn by experience
10) Salmon= investiture; garment or raiment
11) Boaz= (of uncertain meaning); a pillar at the entrance of Solomon’s temple (from
Rahab= proud, roomy, at liberty)
12) Obed= serving; to work as a slave; a servant (from Ruth= a friend)
13) Jesse= extant; to stand out, exist, entity
14) David= loving; to boil, to love, lover, friend
Matthew 1: 6b-11 (fourteen generations)
15) Solomon= peaceful; to be safe, happy; to be completed, safe
16) Rehoboam= an enlarged people; to enlarge; to broaden
17) Abijah= father; worshipper of Jah
18) Asa= (of uncertain meaning) a king and a Levite
19) Jehoshophat= Jehovah judged
20) Joram= Jehovah raised
21) Uzziah= strength of Jah
22) Jotham= Jehovah is perfection
23) Ahaz= possessor; to seize
24) Hezekiah= strengthened of Jah
25) Manaseh= causing to forget; to forget
26) Amon= trained, skilled; an architect; to be permanent; to trust, believe, support,
build up
27) Josiah= founded of Jah; a foundation
28) Jeconiah= Jah will establish; to be erect; to be prosperous; to be certain
[at this point the Babylonian captivity began…Babylon= confusion; to mingle; to mix up]
Page 2
Matthew 1: 12-16 (fourteen generations)
29) Jechoniah= Jah will establish
30) Shealtiel= I have asked El (God)
31) Zerubbabel= born in confusion
32) Abiud= father/possessor of renown
33) Eliakim= God of raising
34) Azor= helpful
35) Zadok= just; righteous
36) Achim= Jehovah will raise (same as Jehoiakim)
37) Eliud= God of majesty
38) Eleazer= God is my helper
39) Matthan= a present, gift
40) Jacob= heel catcher; supplanter (same as Israel= he will rule as God)
41) Joseph= let him add
42) Jesus= Jehovah saved
The promise of eternal salvation as detailed by the orderly definitions of the final
fourteen generations listed in order from Jechoniah to Jesus...
“God will raise up again! I asked God for that which is born in captivity
to become mighty. God the resurrection, helper, righteous will raise up
a majestic helper as a gift. He will rule as God evermore increasing to
eternal salvation.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)