FAITH - Growing in the Knowledge of GOD

True Faith Comes From God

2 Peter 1:1-2
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Peter reminds us of the source of our faith. True faith is received from God. We are reminded that the righteousness of God and Christ has made faith possible. That faith is as precious today as it was when the apostles first received it. True faith is not devised by cunning of men, but a faith based on knowledge from God.

True Faith Must be Validated

In Peter’s second epistle, Peter’s emphasis is on the knowledge of God. The word knowledge is used at least thirteen times in this short epistle. Peter emphasizes that God has given us all things that pertain to life through the knowledge of God.

2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (NIV)

Divine power to save is revealed through the knowledge of God through Jesus Christ. Peter says the goal of our faith is the salvation of our souls. (1 Peter 1:9) It is obvious that the goal of our faith is eternal life. Eternal life comes through knowing God. Jesus said, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent." (John 17:3)

The word "know" does not mean a mere intellectual understanding of some truth, though that is included. It means a living participation in the truth in the sense that our Lord used it.

Nothing is more practical and powerful than a working knowledge of God. There is a vast difference in knowing about God and knowing God through a personal application of his truths to your life. There is a vast difference in one who can teach others about God and one who knows how to apply God’s truths in his/her life. Many have knowledge of God, but it is not a working knowledge.

2 Peter 1:3-7

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Peter is concerned with our spiritual health. Most of us already know how to live healthier spiritual lives than we are living. Nevertheless, Peter doesn’t hesitate to remind us of our need to practice good spiritual health.

What are we doing to stay spiritually healthy? Again I don't mean what do we know about staying spiritually healthy. It is obvious that we can’t do the right thing without knowing the right thing. This is why Peter reminds us of the source of our faith, which comes through Christ. He also emphasizes that doing is a very important part of knowing.

So much theology is the discussion and debate over the difficult passages of the Bible, while overlooking the simple teaching of Christ. In the outset of this epistle Peter brings us back to the simple application of the gospel to our lives. It doesn’t get any simpler than this.

Faith—goodness—knowledge—self-control—perseverance—godliness—brotherly kindness—how much simpler could it be?

These are qualities, which must be added to faith to validate our faith. To subtract these qualities from the gospel of Christ is to rob the gospel of its power to save. Faith without these qualities leaves us barren.

2 Peter 1:7-11
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NIV)

If you walk around with your eyes closed, you will stumble! The growing Christian walks with confidence because he/she knows he/she is secure in Christ. It is not our profession of faith that guarantees that we are saved; it is our progression in faith that gives us that assurance. The person who claims to be a child of God whose character and conduct give no evidence of spiritual growth is deceiving self and heading for judgement.

Grace and peace are multiplied to us through a working knowledge of God. Peter writes, "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." (2 Peter 1:2 NIV)

Validating our faith through a practical obedience makes our calling and election sure.

Conclusion:

The Christian life begins with faith, but that faith must lead to spiritual growth. Faith leads to growth and growth leads to practical results in life and service.

-My Bits and Pieces from a sermon by Jim Davis-

Christmas is a Gift

God’s gift of Christmas is the gift of His Son (Isaiah 9:6-7)

This Child was born for us. This Son was given to us.

The good we need is the good that is given to us through the person of Jesus Christ.

God’s will is that every lasting good and every satisfying blessing be experienced only because of Jesus.

Do you see this in the text? Verse one tells us there is no gloom, verse two tells us there is great light for those in darkness, verse three tells us there is great joy and gladness.

We are intended to ask why? Where does this come from? Why the change?

Verse 4 begins the answer. Notice the word ‘for’ it means because. You have those blessings because God is the restorer of those who are oppressed.

Then we ask how does God restore? Verse 5 begins the answer. Notice the repeated ‘for’ in that verse.

There is joy because there is restoration because God fights for us; burn your army boots and battle garments.

But how will God fight for us? How will we be restored? How will our joy overflow like it does in times of harvest?

Verse 6, because to us a child is born, to us a son is given. That little baby boy in the manger is our joy.

Do you see that the security of all these blessings does not come because of what this son will do? The security is ours simply because of his birth.

God’s purposes cannot be stopped. Jesus has come for us. This son is given to us. What we need for today and all of eternity is secured for us and given to us in Jesus Christ.

He is called Wonderful Counselor

Now these names, these things we call Jesus, are not meant to be simple markers or identifiers.

These are his names because these are what the presence of Jesus brings to our lives.

To the teaching and to the testimony is the call of Isaiah 8 verse 20. Go to true knowledge. Abandon lies. Do away with what is insufficient.

The wonderful counselor is here; listen to him. Jesus said in John 15:7, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

His counsel, his wisdom, is supernatural. What we have recorded in Scripture is not the common-sense wisdom of the day.

This is not the home-spun advice of generations gone by. Listen to the Christ. He was given to you. He came for you. Scripture is meant for our good.

We must be a listening people. We must be a bible-reading people. We must be a people who listen and then rest in his strength and rejoice in his promise.

And God intends for us to be this no matter what our circumstances are.

Call him Wonderful Counselor by listening to him and resting in his plans and in his power.

He is called Mighty God

He is the strong God. He alone has the power that is necessary to complete his will and counsel.

Do we sleep at night knowing that he will supply the power to accomplish the plans he has called us to?
There is no biological family that can give this strength. There is no job that can supply this security. There is no investment or amount of money that can make these promises.

Only Jesus is Mighty God. Only he can surely deliver what he promises no matter our circumstances.

It pleases God to show him self strong on our behalf. We see his strength when we are weak.

The Apostle Paul’s struggle over his own weakness is recorded for our benefit. The promise of Christ to him is the promise of Christ to us.

Hear Jesus, the Mighty God, speak to you out of his wonderful counsel, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

He is called Everlasting Father

With Jesus there is wonderful counsel that is good for all of eternity. With Jesus is power that is good for all time. He is the Everlasting Father.

It is foolishness to think that this child that is born, this son that is given, is anyone less than God.

No one human king, no prophet’s son, can bear up under these names. This baby is a human and this baby is God.

He is father; He is creator. He is our eternal Sustainer.

Come to him today. Take the gift given to you and find was is everlasting. Find counsel, find might, find your Father who is full of love and peace.

Find the One called Prince of Peace

Through this name for Jesus we are meant to understand that we can find everlasting powerful peace in no one else but Jesus; with him is princely peace. And we are meant to understand that this Everlasting Father intends to give peace to his people.

Because of his strong shoulders there will be no end to his government; he cannot be overthrown our ousted.

Because of his strong shoulders there will be no end to the peace that he gives to his people.

Jesus sits on the throne of David in order to establish and uphold his kingdom.

Christmas is about a child being born so that we can receive him and all his blessings.

With him is justice and righteousness from right now unto forever.

BUT GOD’S PEOPLE ARE BEING CAPTURED!

Zebulun and Naphtali are brought into contempt. The rest of Israel and Judah are soon to follow.

You know this feeling: my life is falling apart. This is not what I bargained for. I cannot handle this. I am frustrated. I hate this.

The advice of others has made things worse - Jesus is called Wonderful Counselor.

I cannot go on I give up - Jesus is called Mighty God.

I am alone and abandoned - Jesus is called Everlasting Father.

I am empty and cannot find rest - Jesus is Prince of Peace.

What will do this for the people of Israel? What will do this for you this morning? Look at the end of verse 7.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

God’s passion for his own glory, his own Son, and his own people will accomplish all of this.

Today, like every day, like every Christmas, God is calling us to trust him no matter the circumstances.

For us a child is born. For us a son is given.

Right now, through Isaiah chapter 9, God is calling on us to trust him. Trust him in spite of circumstances and sin and darkness and shame.

Trust him because the reality of Christ and the wisdom of Christ and the power of Christ is far greater.

Receive the gift of Christmas. Repent, believe, and be saved.

(Countdown to Christmas, Merry Christmas)
-Author Unknown-

Christmas is a Gift

Here is our fourth layer, God’s gift comes wrapped in freedom from oppression and war (Isaiah 9:4-5)

When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death God intends to comfort us with the rod of his strength and faithfulness.

Verses 4&5 are meant to remind God’s people of his faithfulness; remember who He is and what he has done.

Remember Egypt; the yoke of forced physical labor was broken so the people could go and worship.

The staff laid across the shoulder of those in captivity, the staff of an oppressive government, has been broken.

The rod of senseless undeserved pain dealt out through the hand of ruthless men has been shattered.

How? How did it happen then? How will it happen now? It will happen now like it happened in the day of Midian.

We are meant to remember Gideon and his tiny army of men with trumpets and torches.

God said in Judges 7:2, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved.


Christmas is meant to be a reminder that it is only God can provide. He kept Adam and Eve alive. He kept Noah through the flood. He kept Jacob and his sons through the famine. He kept his people through the slavery and infanticide of Egypt.

God sustained his people in the desert. He fought for them in Canaan. He kills the giants, gives the riches to build the temple. God brings peace.

When his people rebelled he protected them and then brought them back from their captivity.

God is the warrior and provider of his people. Burn every boot that has been used in battle; we don’t need it. Every garment bloody from battle is good for nothing but fuel; we don’t need those any more.

God is our redeemer and with his gift comes freedom from slavery and oppression.

Praise him. We are multiplied, we have been given joy, and our gladness overflows.

All of these good things of verses 1 through 5 are meant to point us to the best thing of verse 6.

In verse 6 we come to the highlight. The wrapping paper of no gloom, great light, increasing joy, restoration, and freedom has been removed.

Do we realize that such amazing things are just by-products with God? If you get Jesus you get the rest. If you seek him first all these others will be added to you.

(Christmas Countdown 2 days)

Glorious Father, I ask You, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. I pray that whatever we do or say, will be as a true representative of the Lord Jesus, and together we will give thanks through Him to You Most High God. Father, I thank You for calling us to be Your ambassadors of good will here on earth. Amen

~Prayers that Avail Much by Germaine Copeland

Christmas is a Gift

The Second Layer To Unwrap is God's Gift Comes Wrapped in Great Light (Isaiah 9:2)


We must understand that apart from Christ there is only darkness.

The people walked in darkness and dwelt in a land of deep darkness. This is how they were living out their lives; living every day in the darkness of God’s judgment.

Isaiah 8:17 tells us that God was hiding his face from them; their sin had caused separation.

But not just eternal separation. Not just the darkness of hell. Our sin, like their sin, drives a wedge between us and the joy of God’s presence.

The darkness is removed when the light appears. When the light shines the deep darkness flees.

Don’t you long for that; for the darkness of depression and uncertainty to flee? Do we long for the deep darkness of guilt and shame to be pushed out of the lives of our friends and neighbors?

Rejoice this morning. God’s gift of Christmas came wrapped in light; light so magnificent it scatters the darkness.

The Third Layer We Unwrap is God's Gift Comes Wrapped In Increasing JOY (Isaiah 9:3)

We must understand that the joy that accompanies God’s promise is greater than the darkness that accompanies our sin.

Zebulun and Naphtali have been hauled away into slavery; the deep darkness is setting in on God’s people. It’s fullness will come and settle on the land.

The sin and rebellion they have sown have now gone to seed. Theirs is the joyless darkness of God’s judgment.

But do you see in verse 3 that God’s people are rejoicing? God’s people have been captured. They have lost the battle and there will be much more fighting, death, and capture in the future.

Yet verse 3 tells us that God had multiplied the nation and increased its joy. The circumstances are truly bad but the truth of the matter is that in spite of the circumstance God gave joy and the people rejoiced.

The people rejoice before God because rejoicing is what we do in God’s presence.

You rejoice like those who celebrate the bountiful harvest. You have gladness like those who win the war and take home truck loads of spoil.

My joy must not depend upon my circumstances. My joy must depend on the presence of Jesus in my life.

Though my sin and frustration want to cloud my life with gloom, anguish, and contempt the presence of Christ will flood my life with light.

Though loss and captivity want to rule my emotions and darken my vision I have been given the gift of Christmas.

There is a real, tangible, overwhelming reason to rejoice in spite of difficult; the reason to rejoice is Christmas. Christ has come bringing increasing joy.

(Countdown to Christmas 4 days) December 22, 2010

Father, thank You for loving me and rejoicing over me with joy. Hallelujah! I am redeemed. I come with singing, and everlasting joy is upon my head. I obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing flee away. That spirit of rejoicing, joy, and laughter is my heritage. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty — emancipation from bondage, freedom. I walk in that liberty.

I have the victory in the name of Jesus. Satan is under my feet. I am not moved by adverse circumstances. I have been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I dwell in the Kingdom of God and have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! Praise the Lord!

In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

~Prayers that Avail Much by Germaine Copeland

Christmas is a Gift

It is better for God to give than to receive.

When we slow down during the Christmas season, take in a deep breath and look up to where salvation comes we will be reminded that Christmas is a gift.

Having a thankful attitude can turn the holiday into a joyful time. To be completely overwhelmed by the blessing of Christmas we can all rejoice with increasing joy. Let us be glad and rejoice for our Redeemer has walked upon the earth and fulfilled the Fathers promise for all mankind.

Only when we focus on Christ will what is covered in contempt be turned into something glorious. Only through Christ will the darkness of sin be replaced with a great light.

It is through Christ that we find increased joy and gladness. His name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is these things for us; for our eternal salvation and our ever increasing gladness.

Even our anguish and gloom are swallowed up when we turn our eyes upon Jesus.

The gift of God is the gift of Christmas. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”

Let's look into the book of Isaiah where we find in 9:1-7 a prophecy of the newborn king. As we read we can begin to joyfully unwrap and celebrate the gift of Christmas.

First God’s gift comes wrapped in no gloom (verse 1)

We must understand that joy is found by looking to and relying on God’s power to accomplish his will.

Gloom, depression, and despair come from turning away from God and looking to the things of this earth.

In Isaiah 8 we learn that the people have turned away from God. They are looking to another nation for their rescue. They are not looking to God for strength (8:6).

They are going to mediums and psychics for their direction instead of listening to God’s testimony and his teaching.

To make a long story really short they have abandoned God, suffered for it, and then cursed God and the king for their troubles.

They believe their sin and suffering are not their fault. It’s God’s fault and it’s the king’s fault.

So God has hidden his face from them. God has removed his presence and they are thrust into thick darkness.

And then comes the promise of Isaiah 9:1,

BUT [in the midst of judgment there is the promise and the certainty of the Lord's deliverance and] there shall be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time [the Lord] brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He will make it glorious, by the way of the Sea [of Galilee, the land] beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

Oh there was gloom; God’s people were in anguish. The people of Israel, the northern kingdom, specifically the land of Zebulun and Naphtali were the first to be captured and hauled away by the Assyrians.

This is terrible. They now belong to another. But a glorious time is coming; it is the glorious time of Christ.

Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:1 & 2 and says in Matthew 4:14 that these words of Isaiah were fulfilled when Christ left Nazareth and went to live in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Our deepest gloom and grievous affliction can be turned around. The capture of Zebulun, Naphtali, all the Northern Kingdom, and even the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple itself are inconsequential when it comes to living a life of joy.

Now get this; the removal of gloom doesn’t come when Israel is released from Babylonian captivity.

The removal of gloom doesn’t come with the rebuilding of the temple. The removal of gloom, the exchange of depression for joy comes only through God’s gift of Christmas.

(Countdown to Christmas, day 5)

"Immanuel" Our GOD is with Us

Immanuel or Emmanuel or Imanu'el (Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל "God [is] with us" consists of two Hebrew words: אֵל (’El, meaning 'God') and עִמָּנוּ (ʻImmānū, meaning 'with us'); Standard Hebrew ʻImmanuʼel, Tiberian Hebrew ʻImmānûʼēl). It is a theophoric name used in the Bible in Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 8:8. It appears once in the Christian New Testament: in Matthew's quotation of Isaiah 7:14.

The name "Immanuel" occurs in Isaiah's important prophecy (7:14-16). The name relates to the confirmation that the plans of Jerusalem's adversaries would fail because God's purposes are immutable (Isaiah 7:4-9). His presence ensures this. The great prophecy of chapter seven is followed by some important details about "Immanuel" in the next chapter.

The key passage interpreting the meaning "Immanuel" is Isaiah 8:10 ("Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God is with us"). This means that God's purposes stand no matter how strenuously evildoers oppose them. Note the similarity of Isaiah 7:7 and 8:10.

Regarding Matthew 1:23: "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" carries the implication that God is sovereignly working His purpose in the lives of His people to protect them and work through them. He will fulfill His promises no matter how earnestly men may oppose them (See Ro. 8:31 and following). The reference in Matt. 1:23 teaches that Jesus in His Person is truly God, but it also includes the idea that God’s plan of redemption is unstoppable and that our ultimate security and provision is in the Person of Christ.

The Conception of Jesus Foretold

Mary, a virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter. An angel visited her and explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would carry and give birth to this child and she would name him Jesus.

At first Mary was afraid and troubled by the angel's words. Being a virgin, Mary questioned the angel, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son and, therefore, "nothing is impossible with God." Humbled and in awe, Mary believed the angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God her Savior.

Surely Mary reflected with wonder on the words found in Isaiah 7:14 foretelling this event, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

While Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, as foretold to her by the angel. When Mary told Joseph she was pregnant, he had every right to feel disgraced. He knew the child was not his own, and Mary's apparent unfaithfulness carried a grave social stigma. Joseph not only had the right to divorce Mary, under Jewish law she could be put to death by stoning.

Although Joseph's initial reaction was to break the engagement, the appropriate thing for a righteous man to do, he treated Mary with extreme kindness. He did not want to cause her further shame, so he decided to act quietly. But God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to verify Mary's story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God's will. The angel explained that the child within Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that his name would be Jesus and that he was the Messiah, God with us.

When Joseph woke from his dream, he willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality is one of the reasons God chose him to be the Messiah's earthly father.

Joseph too must have wondered in awe as he remembered the words found in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)

At that time, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken, and every person in the entire Roman world had to go to his own town to register. Joseph, being of the line of David, was required to go to Bethlehem to register with Mary. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Probably due to the census, the inn was too crowded, and Mary gave birth in a crude stable. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger.

The Shepherd's Worship the Savior

Out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks of sheep by night. The angel announced that the Savior had been born in the town of David. Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God. As the angelic beings departed, the shepherds decided to travel to Bethlehem and see the Christ-child.

There they found Mary, Joseph and the baby, in the stable. After their visit, they began to spread the word about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. They went on their way still praising and glorifying God. But Mary kept quiet, treasuring their words and pondering them in her heart. It must have been beyond her ability to grasp, that sleeping in her arms—the tender child she had just borne—was the Savior of the world.

The Magi Bring Gifts

After Jesus' birth, Herod was king of Judea. At this time wise men (Magi) from the east saw a star, they came in search, knowing the star signified the birth of the king of the Jews. The wise men came to the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem and asked where the Christ was to be born. The rulers explained, "In Bethlehem in Judea," referring to Micah 5:2. Herod secretly met with the Magi and asked them to report back after they had found the child. Herod told the Magi that he too wanted to go and worship the babe. But secretly Herod was plotting to kill the child.

So the wise men continued to follow the star in search of the new born king and found Jesus with his mother in Bethlehem. (Most likely Jesus was already two years of age by this time.) They bowed and worshiped him, offering treasures of gold, incense and myrrh. When they left, they did not return to Herod. They had been warned in a dream of his plot to destroy the child.

The Blood of Jesus is Alive Today

None of us are a finished product, without the Blood of the Lamb. None of us are complete without the Blood of the Lamb. It's the Blood of the Lamb that is taking us from Glory to Glory right now. Continue to walk and serve Him and obey His Word and the good work that GOD has begun in your life, He will see it through to completion.

There will be...

No more Brokenness - He has come to heal the broken hearted.

No more Feeling of being unaccepted or unloved - He has chosen us. He has not rejected us.

No more Wondering what Life is all about - I am complete through the Blood of the Lamb.

Because the Blood of Jesus is Alive...

It Redeems

1 Peter 1:18-19

18-21 Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.

Hebrews 9:12,14

Pointing to the Realities of Heaven

11-15 But when the Messiah arrived, high priest of the superior things of this new covenant, he bypassed the old tent and its trappings in this created world and went straight into heaven's "tent"—the true Holy Place—once and for all. He also bypassed the sacrifices consisting of goat and calf blood, instead using his own blood as the price to set us free once and for all. If that animal blood and the other rituals of purification were effective in cleaning up certain matters of our religion and behavior, think how much more the blood of Christ cleans up our whole lives, inside and out. Through the Spirit, Christ offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God.

2 Corinthians 5:17

16-20 Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.

Revelation 5:9

6-10 So I looked, and there, surrounded by Throne, Animals, and Elders, was a Lamb, slaughtered but standing tall. Seven horns he had, and seven eyes, the Seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth. He came to the One Seated on the Throne and took the scroll from his right hand. The moment he took the scroll, the Four Animals and Twenty-four Elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. Each had a harp and each had a bowl, a gold bowl filled with incense, the prayers of God's holy people. And they sang a new song:

Worthy! Take the scroll, open its seals. Slain! Paying in blood, you bought men and women, Bought them back from all over the earth, Bought them back for God. Then you made them a Kingdom, Priests for our God, Priest-kings to rule over the earth.

It Will Cleanse You

Hebrews 13:10-12

10-12 The altar from which God gives us the gift of himself is not for exploitation by insiders who grab and loot. In the old system, the animals are killed and the bodies disposed of outside the camp. The blood is then brought inside to the altar as a sacrifice for sin. It's the same with Jesus. He was crucified outside the city gates—that is where he poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought to God's altar to cleanse his people.

It Will Keep You Clean

1 John 1:7

6-7 If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth—we're not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin.

It Releases Forgiveness Into Your Life

Ephesians 1:7

7-10 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

It Provides A Pathway For You To Walk

Hebrews 10:19-22

Don't Throw It All Away

19-21 So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.
22-25 So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Ephesians 2:13

11-13 But don't take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God's ways had no idea of any of this, didn't know the first thing about the way God works, hadn't the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God's covenants and promises in Israel, hadn't a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.

Colossians 1:12-14

9-12 Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven't stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

13-14 God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.

Hebrews 13:20

18-21 Pray for us. We have no doubts about what we're doing or why, but it's hard going and we need your prayers. All we care about is living well before God. Pray that we may be together soon.

May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole, Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus, the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant, Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd, up and alive from the dead, Now put you together, provide you with everything you need to please him, Make us into what gives him most pleasure, by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah. All glory to Jesus forever and always! Oh, yes, yes, yes.

Quotes from Timothy Davis and The Message Bible

Letting the Life of the Holy Spirit Bring Faith's Works Alive in You!

In I Corinthians 4:20, Paul is speaking to the Corinthian Church who were puffed up, bloated with pride and says, For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

Paul then gives three illustrations of putting things in perspective as a church.

1. You are God's field: True spiritual growth requires God's Word. Diligently study this book and allow the truth to change the way you live. Turn from sinful behavior. Agree with God; acknowledge your sin, and ask Jesus to cleanse you. Glorify God in your body and in your spirit. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Do not give yourself to immorality or sin of any kind. By the power of the Holy Spirit, walk away from it. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Only by the Holy Spirit can you understand the deep things and ways of God. Let God's unconditional love permeate your attitudes, motives, thoughts, words, and actions. Understand that love authenticates spiritual gifts. Remain steadfast, unwavering in your dedication to the work of the Lord.

2. You are God's building: The church has been given a responsibility to forward the Kingdom of God by working together in planting, watering, and then God gives the increase. Fully support and honor those who serve for the sake of the gospel. Give financially and in other ways that will support those who lead. Understand that the church is the New Testament temple of God. Do nothing that will tear down the body, but build on the foundation of Christ Jesus. His Spirit dwells in the corporate body, which is composed of many members in whom the Spirit also dwells. In corporate worship, only exercise spiritual gifts in ways that build up the whole body of Christ. Seek to use your spiritual gifts to build up the church and glorify Jesus.

3. You are stewards: Put your confidence in Jesus, who has sanctified you. Live your calling as a sanctified one, living daily in His holiness. Find true wisdom, power, and holiness in Jesus. Reject living in your own wisdom and ability. Boldly preach Christ and Him crucified. This is the simple gospel. Make room for the demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power when you speak and preach. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God's most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them. Do all things for the glory of God.

Instruction in godly living is as vitally important today as it was to the church in Corinth. Because human nature remains the same, we find ourselves facing the same issues and needing the same instruction as the Corinthians did. Our source of power for godly living remains in the Cross and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The motive for our godliness continues to be love, and our goal to glorify God.

God's present reign in Christ through the lives of believers is backed up by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit, which carries a moral authority that we as disciples by faith can use if necessary. Faith enables us to believe and receive all God has for us as Christians. By faith, walk in the fullness of the gifts and power of the Spirit. By faith, proclaim God's Word without reservation. By faith, dedicate yourself to the work of the Lord. Recognize that kingdom ministry includes signs, wonders, and miracles that demonstrate the power of God.

Kingdom of God: God's present reign in Christ through the lives of believers is backed up by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit, which carries a moral authority that we can use if necessary.

-Debi Webster Personal Study from The New Spirit-Filled Life Bible-

THANKFULNESS IS AN ATTITUDE

Thankfulness is not something we do; it’s the way we feel deep down inside.


Saying "thank you" is not the same as actually being thankful.

It may be polite, but it doesn't mean that we are really thankful.

Thankfulness is an attitude, and the biggest part of that thankful attitude is the way in which we accept God into our lives.

As an example, Sarah was 89 years old and had never had a child, but she never lost sight of God’s presence in her life.

She wasn't happy about Abraham and her not having a child of their own, but that didn't mean she wasn't thankful about all that God had given her.

Thus, when God graced her with the ability to have a child in her old age, she automatically acknowledged God's hand in the event.

Her attitude was one of thankfulness, even though she didn't actually say “thank you.”

Let's look at Genesis 21:1-7.

1. Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised.

2. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.

3. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.

4. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

5. Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

6. And Sarah said, "God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me."

7. And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age."

The name Isaac means laughter, and here Sarah makes a play on words by saying that both her son, Laughter, and her inner joy were placed within her by God.

By acknowledging God's hand in what has taken place, she is showing her thankfulness, for she is a witness to others.

A similar thing happened with Joseph, one of Isaac's grandsons.

Note Genesis 41:50-52. As we look at these verses, remember that Joseph had been sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused by his master’s wife, and was thrown into prison. Only after these events did he become Prime Minister of Egypt.

But even in his troubles, he always had faith and trust in God.

50. Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him.

51. And Joseph named the first-born Manasseh, "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household."

52. And he named the second Ephraim, "For," he said, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

Do you see Joseph's thankful attitude, even though he doesn't actually say he is thankful?

Words can be cheap, but our life's attitude speaks much more loudly about how we actually feel inside.

Now, let's take a look at the words of the psalmist in Psalm 59:16-17.

16. But as for me, I shall sing of Thy strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy loving kindness in the morning, For Thou hast been my stronghold, And a refuge in the day of my distress.

17. O my strength, I will sing praises to Thee; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me loving kindness.

Again, as with Sarah and Joseph, we don't hear the psalmist actually saying "thank you," but we nevertheless hear it in the way he expresses his attitude towards God.

He sings his praises of God as an offering of thanksgiving to Him.

Now let's look at Psalm 105:37-45, and this time note the psalmist's thankfulness in the way he acknowledges God’s work with His people Israel throughout history, even though the people in those times didn't always do the same.

37. Then He brought them out with silver and gold; And among His tribes there was not one who stumbled.

38. Egypt was glad when they departed; For the dread of them had fallen upon them.

39. He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to illumine by night.

40. They asked, and He brought quail, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

41. He opened the rock, and water flowed out; It ran in the dry places like a river.

42. For He remembered His holy word with Abraham His servant;

43. And He brought forth His people with joy, His chosen ones with a joyful shout.

44. He gave them also the lands of the nations, that they might take possession of the fruit of the peoples' labor,

45. So that they might keep His statutes, and observe His laws, Praise the Lord!

And again, we don't hear any actual "thank you," but we nevertheless hear it in the psalmist's attitude.

All of what we have looked at occurred in the past; now let's look to the future in Revelation 7:9-12.

9. After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;

10. and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

11. And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures [animals]; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,

12. saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen."

It's not that we aren't to say "thank you"; it's that our thankfulness to God, is best understood, and believable, when it is part of our over-all praise and worship and is expressed without words in our everyday lives.

How thankful are we, really?

Are we thankful enough to live our thankfulness until next year at this time, and hopefully beyond, by being the loving and compassionate person God made each of us to be?

We might say that we will, but we won't be able to do it unless it's part of our very being.

True thankfulness is never selfish or self serving.

Reach out to God, open your heart to Him, and receive all that He has for you.

And as we do this, remember that the animals were also praising and giving thanks to God.

When we are truly thankful, we will make our fellow human beings, the animals, and even the physical environment thankful, simply because of the respectful and loving way we treat them.

Then, like Sarah, Joseph, the psalmists, and the host of heaven, we, too, will sing our thanksgivings with a joyful and thankful heart.

Amen?

Amen.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES: Genesis 21:1-7; 41:50-52; Psalm 59:16-17; 105:37-45; Revelation 7:9-12

A SERMON ORIGINALLY DELIVERED AT THE FEDERATED CHURCH OF ATHENS

19 NOVEMBER 1995

By Frank L. Hoffman, Pastor

Move With The Authority of GOD To Step In And Destroy The Works Of The Devil

We Have Been Given All Authority and Power to Destroy the Works of the Devil Through The Blood of Jesus Christ!

Timothy Davis, author of "Cleansing the Church Ministry", takes every moment of each day as a time for Warfare in the Spiritual Realm, but does bring up the question to whether we as followers of Christ take this season's holiday of pagan worship as serious as Satan's worshipers do?

Halloween (Samheim's) Night is a night our culture associate as a night to take part of an evil holiday, by letting our children, dress up and go from door to door for candy. Satanic worshipers on the other hand, yes they are really out there, claim it as a New Year Celebration, performing ritual dances to Satan and commit acts of torture to innocent people or animals, resulting in death.

"As a member of the Church of Christ, don’t take this holiday lightly and put nice clothes on to dress it up. Don’t try to take something that we know is evil and make it look good. The spirit behind this is not the spirit of the Holy Spirit. Don’t let Satan destroy this day, which the LORD has made. GOD is our creator. This is the Day that the LORD has made, not a day to worship Satan, we should not participate in its activities.

We don’t have to back up this day. Walk with wisdom on this day. Be alert on this day in how we walk. We need to be wise on this day on how we walk and where we go. There is nothing wrong with us teaching our kids that there is evil that happens this night and we don’t have to participate in it. We don’t have to back up this day." -Timothy Davis-

I agree that we as the church do blindly celebrate what it stands for, without knowing we do. (And I'm not talking to the faithful prayer warriors who have been diligent in prayer through these times, which I am thankful for.) I'm talking to the ones who turn their heads and look the other way. It's like we have this out-of-sight, out-of-mind thing going, (I'm speaking from experience), that we are not a part of it, if we stay in our homes and just hand out the candy to the children. Oh, we know that bad things are going on, but we just don't get in a PRAYER MODE to pray for Heaven to change things on this pagan holiday night.

Well, if you have not been one in the past who has fasted and prayed, I would like for you to join me in, 'diligently', praying the prayers below. We as followers of Christ can make a difference this season, we were made for such a time as this. The prayers can be prayed at all times, not just on Halloween night.

Father GOD, I Pray for the covering of the Blood to be over me and over my family, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray that the power of that blood flow through my spirit in such a way where the Holy Spirit would teach me how to pray and how to fight as we walk through Halloween night, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for Individual churches in my local neighborhood to be blessed, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for curses against them to be broken, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for Pastors marriages, for their preaching ability, their health, and their children, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for the People of GOD, that they would come to their senses and be forgiven of their tolerances and even their participation, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray and ask that the Blood of Jesus becomes the covering over our community, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, let your mercy be upon my neighbors, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray that all hexes, curses and spells and all works of darkness against people of GOD be broken, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for their transference of spirits to be interrupted, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I pray for Holy confusion to be loosed upon every Satanist and every Satanic worship, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for the captured to somehow find a way of escape, whether it be humans or even animals, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray that the veil that hides them will be lifted and that the police would find these covens, even while they are doing what they do, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I cover those secret places with the Blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus.I may not know in this community just where those covens are and what they are doing this very moment, but it does’t matter because the Blood of Jesus nullifies all of their hexes, all of their curses, all of their spells and all of their vows against humanity in general. Hallelujah!

Father GOD, I Pray for protection for all the kids who are walking the streets or going to parties, in the name of Jesus. Many Satanists have said that if their coven does not have anyone to sacrifice that night, they always know there is plenty of kids on the streets to grab.

Father GOD, I Pray that the recruits which they are bringing in and the things that they are teaching them will not even make since, it will be confusing to follow and retain, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray that the hardness of people’s hearts and their conscience would be tenderized again and that they will begin to reverse the steps that they are taking. They would come to their senses and escape the traps of the devil, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for those who are involved in this evil to be able to experience the Love of GOD, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for every grandmaster to be born again, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, Let’s get their shepherds born again and their sheep will come into the Kingdom, they will get born again, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for every leader in Satan’s Church to be born again, in the name of Jesus.

Father GOD, I Pray for the people to accept Jesus Christ as Lord, in the name of Jesus.

Luke 10:19 says, Jesus Christ gives me the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all, All, ALL the works of the enemy. Because I have been given a mandate according to Matt. 10:8 that as I go I am to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and cast out the demons.

Cleansing the Church

What Are We Feeding Our Spirit Man?

God is ready to reveal the future when we are in the Spirit

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. (Revelation 1:10)

I have been hearing the Holy Spirit say, "Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See". This is a song I used to sing in Sunday School when I was young. He has done this with me before, reminding me gently through a song, that I am giving something in my life more attention then I should. Reminding me not to loose my focus on what needs to be done to advance the Kingdom of GOD.

Cleaning out files I found this article I had printed in 2009, and not sure who the author is, but his first name, Robert. The article stresses the importance on how we can easily be shifted from the good things GOD wants us receive. I would like to share it with you. -Debi Webster-

What are You Feeding Your Spirit man?

As the saying goes, GIGO, or Garbage In - Garbage Out. When we get our minds on the things of the world, we are feasting our spirit on spiritual trash. When I feast on the garbage around me (or most of what is on television), it pulls down my faith, and I become discouraged spiritually. When I feast on God's Word, and receive His promises, faith arises in my soul, and I am strengthened. There's something about the Word of God that can straighten out our thinking, and put us back on the right path.

Today I was struggling with discouragement, when the Holy Spirit spoke to me and basically said, "I am just waiting for you to receive those promises (through prophecy) that I gave you." I had gotten my mind on the cares of this world, and let these things tear me down spiritually. I began to try to work things out in my own strength, and not in God's strength. I had not been resting in the promises that He had given me, and without faith (or receiving/trusting in God's Word), it is impossible to please Him. As a matter of fact, disbelief is a form of calling God a liar. If He's given us a promise, either in His written Word or in the form of prophecy, and we act as if it didn't exist, we are insulting Him who sent us those words or promises!

The Lord may have promised us a glorious future, but it is easy to get our mind so focused on what is going on in the world around us, that we lose sight of those promises and begin to feel discouraged, disappointed, and helpless, as if God never spoke such wonderful promises to us! That is an insult to God, because we fail to trust Him to bring forth the thing(s) which He has spoken. Why do we (and all of us are guilty!) fall into this trap at times in our lives? Because we feed our spirit man on the wrong food. The saying "you are what you eat" is as true as it can get when applied to spiritual growth. If you eat spiritual trash (the bad news on the radio, the filth in today's movies, etc.), you will produce fruit accordingly in your life.

We need to turn off the filth that is on television (and other things which plant moral filth into our spirit man), and turn on to God's Word and meditate on the promises that He's given us. Watching what is on the TV nowadays is a great way to poison your faith and relationship with God. Even the negative news on the radio can be operating under a spirit that is not in sync with the spirit of God (a spirit of fear has been ramped lately in the news media!), which is why I spend very little time even listening to the news.

Faith comes by hearing (or receiving) the Word. Spend time receiving the Word of God, and your spirit man is going to grow leaps and bounds spiritually.

Blessings in Christ, Robert

ReEvaluating Our Performance

POLL: How many of these beliefs really live in your mind?

If you had a performance evaluation today, how well would you do? Are you really thinking God's Truth about Him, yourself and others? Who do you really believe God is?

1. God never condemns His children so I have no fear of condemnation. Romans 8:1

2. It is His desire to equip all believers with spiritual authority and power. Luke 4:6

3. He trusts me as a good steward, making me ruler over many things. Matt.25:23

4. His love for me is perfect, casting out all my fears and doubts. 1 John 4:18

5. Father God carefully protects me from the power of evil to hurt me. Luke 10:19

6. He calls and desires for me to dwell in the secret place with Him daily. Psalm 91:1

7. It is His pleasure to continue to purify my heart of selfish fleshly desires. Matt. 5:8

8. He wants to visit me, to reveal His beauty, so I will inquire of Him. Ps. 27:4

9. God is more than willing to deliver me because He delights in me. Psalm 18:19

10. He has chosen me to take dominion over the earth, as His ambassador. Gen. 1:26

11. Father freely gave me spiritual authority to forgive and to command healing. Luke 5:20-24

12. Father cherishes me as His joint-heir and we will be glorified together. Romans 8:17

13. My passion is to know Jesus and to grow in His character and fruit. Phil. 3:10-15

14. My soul thirsts to be in right relationship with Jesus (and authorities.) Ps. 63:1

15. He has already equipped me with gifts so I can lift Jesus up. 2 Tim. 1:6

16. He invites me to stir up the spiritual gifts He has lavishly given to me. 1 Tim. 4:14

17. He commissioned me to proudly serve a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Heb. 12:28

18. We partner as true peacemakers who confront evil vs. compromise. Matt. 5:9

19. Christ in me is powerful to take the Kingdom by force and take action. Matt. 11:12

20. He fills me with confidence to be faithful to do all He says to do. Jude 3

21. His strength enables me to endure hardship as a good soldier in His army. 2 Tim. 2:3-4

22. Christ in me discerns false teaching; I overcome with the God's Truth. Rom. 12:21

23. He rejoices as I step out in my gifts in the full measure they were given to me. Eph. 4:7

24. He fills me with grace for the effective working of His mighty power. Eph. 3:7

25. In gratitude, I preach the gospel in authority, not touching His glory. 1 Cor. 9:16

26. He gave everything for me and I expend myself to feed His sheep. Eze. 34:18-22

27. He sows liberally into me and I multiply the abilities that He gives to me. 1 Pet. 4:11

28. He ministers through me, encouraging others in their spiritual gifts. 1 Cor. 12:23-24

29. His hands are in my hands as I lay hands on others, spreading the gospel. Acts 6:6-7

30. His mind is in my mind, filling me with love, power and a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7

31. The Holy Ghost is one with me, filling me with power to be a witness. Acts 1:8, 1 Cor 6:17

32. The Lord is my best encourager and strength and I am not afraid. Psalm 27:1

33. God will resist the proud and give grace to me, when I am humble. James 4:6

34. I say what my Father says to say with great boldness of speech. 2 Cor. 3:11-12

35. The Lord is on my side, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Heb. 13-5-6

36.He promotes me; I don't compete for position, prestige or power. Luke 22:24

37. Jesus has given me power over demonic spirits; they are subject to me. Luke 10:19-20

38. Jesus took my shame and gave me favor, blessing and a double portion. Isaiah 61:1-7

39. Jesus made me worthy, holy, blameless and righteous, in Him. Eph.1:4, Rom 5:21

40. He makes me overcome by the blood of the Lamb and my testimony. Rev.12:20

Father, I confess that I have been deceived by the enemy and have hesitated to believe in You for who You really are. I choose to believe what the Word of God says and to begin to enjoy my relationship with You to the fullest extent. I covenant with You to declare these Scriptural truths for 40 days.

Looking into the Ark of the Covent

To arrive at the Holy of Holies from the outer court, we would have already passed through three entrances: the gate, the door and the veil. We have now come to the ark which is not a room with an entrance but a holy cabinet. Ah, but there are objects inside the ark which can only be accessed by opening the lid, i.e. the mercy seat.

The objects that we shall encounter in the ark are by far the most revealing typologically. We begin with manna. According to Ex 16:14, they came with the morning dew (WATER) and appeared like frost (WATER). They melted (WATER) when the sun waxed hot (Ex 16:21). God told Moses in Ex 16:4, "I will rain bread from heaven for you." The Hebrew word used here for rain (WATER), 'matar' , is the same word used for the rain that caused Noah's Flood (Gen 7:4). The evidence that manna is pointed to by water is incontrovertible.

The other three objects in the ark are: Aaron's rod that budded, the Book of the Law, i.e. the Torah (Deu 31:26) and the 10 Commandments. The latter two are a natural pair since the 10 Commandments are 10 out of the 613 laws of the Torah. Isaiah provides a vital clue to the symbolic identities of the Torah and the two stone tablets. We read in Isa 2:3-4a, "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people."

This prophecy will clearly be fulfilled during the Millennial Kingdom. It also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment when Christ shall reign eternally at the start of the 8th Millennium. The 10 Commandments, the official law of a theocracy, is pointed to by the THRONE, symbolizing God's rule. According to Isaiah, all nations of the world shall go to Jerusalem, the house of God, i.e. TEMPLE, to learn of His ways by studying the Book of the Law, the Torah, for during the Millennial Kingdom "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." (Isa 11:9, Hab 2:14)

The last object, Aaron's rod that budded, is left with the LIGHT symbol to match. It is not a force-fit as it may first appear since Aaron's rod is almost like the Lampstand -- an obvious LIGHT symbol! Both share these common features: a central shaft with branches, almonds, flowers and buds! (Ex 25:33, Num 17:8)

The symbolic meaning of the almond rod is even more significant. There must be a good reason why Aaron's rod budded almond of all fruits. The almond blossoms in January. It is the first to bloom in the spring while other trees are still sleeping. It is the harbinger of spring -- the wakeful one. The Hebrew for "almond", shaqed, comes from the root, shaqad, meaning to be vigilant or awake, i.e. sleepless, hence to be on the lookout. Is this not required of the priest charged with trimming the Lampstand!?

The parable of the ten virgins (Mat 25) is a perfect illustration of the almond rod a.k.a. Lampstand. The fire goes out if one is not vigilant in trimming the lamp and refilling the oil. To keep the fire burning requires constant zeal (LIGHT). For this reason, to the lukewarm Laodiceans the Lord issued this warning, "be zealous therefore, and repent." (Rev 3:19)

Hence the almond rod signifies watchful, zealous and prompt service of the priesthood, appropriate characteristics of LIGHT. Light is service and works (Mat 5:16). The first vision given to Jeremiah proves the almond-zeal connection.

Jer 1:11-12
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond [shaqed] tree. Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten [shaqad] my word to perform it.

There is a play on words here. The Hebrew for "almond", shaqed, is morphed into its Hebrew root word, shaqad, meaning hasten or watch. The idea is, the God who slumbereth not (Ps 121:3, 4), watches His word to perform it speedily -- the meaning of the almond rod. Does not Scripture say no less than three times "the zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform..." ? (2 Kings 19:31, Isa 9:7, Isa 37:32) Thus Aaron's almond rod points to the LIGHT symbol convincingly.

The Pentecost Age was fulfilled by the Spirit, who was poured out as Living WATER )John 7:38-39).

WATER is the symbol of the Spirit.

He was sent by the Son (John 15:26, 16:7).

The Son provided the Spirit as the Comforter, the Spirit of truth (John 15:26).

The words of Jesus (John 16:13-14) are ILLUMINED by the Spirit. The Spirit is the Seven Lamps of Fire burning before the throne of God (Rev 4:5).

LIGHT is the symbol of the Son.

The Son whose symbol is LIGHT, ministers with the Father's symbol, TEMPLE.

The Spirit whose symbol is WATER, ministers with the Son's symbol, LIGHT.

The Father whose symbol is TEMPLE, ministers with the Spirit's symbol, WATER

Bible students have long known that deep secrets of God are hidden in the Tabernacle of Moses. Concerning its construction, Moses was instructed by God to "make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." (Heb 8:5) The pattern did not originate from this world and it conceals eternal symbols and truths. The feasts of Israel -- the key to prophecy -- the blueprint of God's redemption -- are integral to the design. -The Tabernacle of Moses Feasts & Symbols by John Trig-

To view an indepth study of the Tabernacle of Moses go to:
http://www.fivedoves.com/tng/moses/tabernacles.htm

Then the Lord said to me. "You have seen well, for I am READY to perform My Words. (Jeremiah 1:12)

READY, Shaqad (Shahkahd), Watching, waking, hastening, anticipating: to be sleepless, alert, vigilant; on the lookout; to care for watchfully.

This verb occurs 12 times, including PS 127:1: Unless the LORD guards the City, the watchman stays awake in vain."