Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. (Psalms 2:3,4)
The people of today may be willing to receive the good news of the blood atonement. The atonement is something that benefits man. But receiving the lordship of Christ is another matter. It is not obvious how submission to the kingship of Christ benefits us. In fact, such submission to the will of God in Christ does away with our so-called liberty. The humanists of today recognize this and resist Christianity with all their power.
Mankind is bent on freeing itself from every inconvenient rule. How willing will it be to become the bondslave of Christ? Are the Christian people of today willing to become the bondslaves of Christ? Is the Wife of the Lamb ready to accept Jesus as her unqualified Lord? Or does she expect to direct the Lord by her will?
It is ironic that the "New Age" teaching, which proclaims a counterfeit of the Kingdom Age that is coming, also teaches union-union with God and nature. The "New Age" teaches also that man is a god and can become an integral part of God Almighty. The difference in the New Age teaching and the Gospel of the Kingdom is that the Gospel requires stern, total obedience to Christ while the New Age doctrine stresses absolute liberty to follow every inclination of the "god" who is in us, that is, the god that is our self.
The end result of the Gospel of the Kingdom, the Gospel that teaches stern obedience to Christ, is the liberty of the children of God, a liberty, joy, and glory that exceeds all the hopes and dreams of mankind.
The end result of the New Age gospel, the gospel that teaches we are free to do as we please, is the chains of sin, Satan, and our self-will. In addition, the future of those who disobey Christ is terrifying beyond human comprehension.
Satan promises liberty to those who follow him. The truth is, Satan and those who follow him already are in chains and shall continue to be in chains throughout eternity.
The thousand-year Kingdom Age, which has been termed the Millennium, will be one of spreading the rule of Jesus to the nations of saved peoples of the earth. The holy city will not descend to the earth until first there has been an age of image and union during which the nations of the saved, and God's elect as well, are brought into total submission to the will and moral image of God as expressed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The process of producing image and union involves suffering. It is through suffering that we cease from sin and self-will and become submissive to the will of God.
The concept of the kingship of Christ is beginning to enter the Christian Church. We conceive of Christ as the loving Savior, the Helper, the gentle Shepherd. It is difficult for us to receive Jesus as a real King with absolute authority.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #17
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.(John 10:28)
The day of life. We now are in the day of life. Much Gospel work is being carried forward in our time. There is considerable chaos and confusion as the "fish" are subjected to the teachings of one group and then another. Some are entertaining the fish. Others are warning them of the wrath to come.
There also is a return to the concept of true, cross-carrying discipleship. This is part of the Divine preparation of the saints who will give the worldwide testimony, and also of the army of Christ that will invade the earth in the Day of the Lord.
We have a better understanding today of the message of eternal life. The traditional goal of salvation has been eternal residence in Heaven. Now we can see that the message of Christ and His Apostles is not eternal residence in Heaven but eternal life. Our eyes are fixed on the coming of the Lord and the day of resurrection rather than on dying and going to Heaven. The emphasis is on the coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth, not the flight of the Church to Heaven.
There is the awesome realization that we are entering a period of transition that will bring mankind from one creative day to the next. Such a transition means we can expect much Divinely appointed preparatory work, chaos, confusion, and also murderous opposition from people who are deriving satisfaction from the old day. Some of us will gain an appreciation for the people of past eras who stood firm during the uproar that always accompanies climactic changes in the Kingdom of God.
Can you imagine how the Jewish fishermen felt when Jesus informed them they had to eat His flesh and drink His blood in order to live? They had been taught from childhood that it is an abomination to the Lord for people to drink blood.
Can you imagine how Paul felt when the Holy Spirit impressed him that circumcision no longer was part of God's covenant with man? Or how the other Jews felt when they heard Paul teach?
As undoubtedly was true of the people of past time, we never thought we would be faced with radical change.
But the transition from day five, the day of life, to day six, the day of image and union, is beginning now. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
In order to keep from being shipwrecked during a period of transition we must be careful to stay close to the written Word of God, the holy Scriptures.
Perhaps the first concept we need to establish from the Scriptures is the coming emphasis on God's Kingdom, rule, and will. The work of the two witnesses who announce the day of image and union will be different from the type of Gospel ministry to which we are accustomed. The stress will pass from how people are being benefited to how God is being benefited, how His will is being brought into view in the earth. The two witnesses will proclaim a total change of the government of the world.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The day of life. We now are in the day of life. Much Gospel work is being carried forward in our time. There is considerable chaos and confusion as the "fish" are subjected to the teachings of one group and then another. Some are entertaining the fish. Others are warning them of the wrath to come.
There also is a return to the concept of true, cross-carrying discipleship. This is part of the Divine preparation of the saints who will give the worldwide testimony, and also of the army of Christ that will invade the earth in the Day of the Lord.
We have a better understanding today of the message of eternal life. The traditional goal of salvation has been eternal residence in Heaven. Now we can see that the message of Christ and His Apostles is not eternal residence in Heaven but eternal life. Our eyes are fixed on the coming of the Lord and the day of resurrection rather than on dying and going to Heaven. The emphasis is on the coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth, not the flight of the Church to Heaven.
There is the awesome realization that we are entering a period of transition that will bring mankind from one creative day to the next. Such a transition means we can expect much Divinely appointed preparatory work, chaos, confusion, and also murderous opposition from people who are deriving satisfaction from the old day. Some of us will gain an appreciation for the people of past eras who stood firm during the uproar that always accompanies climactic changes in the Kingdom of God.
Can you imagine how the Jewish fishermen felt when Jesus informed them they had to eat His flesh and drink His blood in order to live? They had been taught from childhood that it is an abomination to the Lord for people to drink blood.
Can you imagine how Paul felt when the Holy Spirit impressed him that circumcision no longer was part of God's covenant with man? Or how the other Jews felt when they heard Paul teach?
As undoubtedly was true of the people of past time, we never thought we would be faced with radical change.
But the transition from day five, the day of life, to day six, the day of image and union, is beginning now. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
In order to keep from being shipwrecked during a period of transition we must be careful to stay close to the written Word of God, the holy Scriptures.
Perhaps the first concept we need to establish from the Scriptures is the coming emphasis on God's Kingdom, rule, and will. The work of the two witnesses who announce the day of image and union will be different from the type of Gospel ministry to which we are accustomed. The stress will pass from how people are being benefited to how God is being benefited, how His will is being brought into view in the earth. The two witnesses will proclaim a total change of the government of the world.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #16
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)
The day of separation.
There is confusion today in the relationship between the Church and the world. The way of the Lord has not been made straight as yet, but the coming persecution and Divine glory will result in the separating of the Wife of the Lamb from the world spirit. Following the example of Abraham our father, we are not to take a shoestring from the world. We are not of the world.
The day of dry ground.
There is confusion concerning the development of the third day, the day of dry ground. Extremism in the teaching of Divine grace has left numerous Christians with the impression that God is overlooking the sins of the believers. The Gospel of the Kingdom is seen as a means of evading moral responsibility rather than what it is-the opportunity for forgiveness coupled with the Divine wisdom and power to enable us to keep the moral law.
Much deception is abroad in the land but Christ in His goodness is picking out disciples from every church and bringing us back to the original Gospel of the Kingdom, in which the cross is central to our viewpoint-not only the cross of Jesus but also the personal cross of the disciple. The Lord Jesus is giving us the desire to forsake all and follow Him-even to death.
The day of revelation.
The day of revelation is continuing as Christ is being formed in us. We understand by experience how the Father and the Son are One because we are being created part of that Oneness. The devout saint is beginning to realize that marriage to the Lord is the highest of all callings.
One destructive error of our time is the belief that the Lord Jesus is our servant. Self-love is creating a new gospel in which Christ is compelled to do what we say. The Lord Jesus is seen as the servant of the churches-someone who exists in order to cater to our every desire. We need to behold the galactic Christ who holds the angels of the churches in the right hand of His omnipotence.
Faith is being advanced as a supernatural principle by which we can gain material advantages. God is seen as love only and not wrath. The severity of God is not being presented adequately. As a result the believers are not working out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Suffering is regarded as an abomination that never should fall on the believers. In actuality, however, suffering is part of the redemptive process.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (I Peter 4:1)
We must have a fresh revelation of the majesty of the Godhead. Let us pray God grants one before multitudes of "believers" awake to the terrifying awareness they are in the hands of the consuming Fire of Israel, the memory of whom causes the demons to cry out in fear.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The day of separation.
There is confusion today in the relationship between the Church and the world. The way of the Lord has not been made straight as yet, but the coming persecution and Divine glory will result in the separating of the Wife of the Lamb from the world spirit. Following the example of Abraham our father, we are not to take a shoestring from the world. We are not of the world.
The day of dry ground.
There is confusion concerning the development of the third day, the day of dry ground. Extremism in the teaching of Divine grace has left numerous Christians with the impression that God is overlooking the sins of the believers. The Gospel of the Kingdom is seen as a means of evading moral responsibility rather than what it is-the opportunity for forgiveness coupled with the Divine wisdom and power to enable us to keep the moral law.
Much deception is abroad in the land but Christ in His goodness is picking out disciples from every church and bringing us back to the original Gospel of the Kingdom, in which the cross is central to our viewpoint-not only the cross of Jesus but also the personal cross of the disciple. The Lord Jesus is giving us the desire to forsake all and follow Him-even to death.
The day of revelation.
The day of revelation is continuing as Christ is being formed in us. We understand by experience how the Father and the Son are One because we are being created part of that Oneness. The devout saint is beginning to realize that marriage to the Lord is the highest of all callings.
One destructive error of our time is the belief that the Lord Jesus is our servant. Self-love is creating a new gospel in which Christ is compelled to do what we say. The Lord Jesus is seen as the servant of the churches-someone who exists in order to cater to our every desire. We need to behold the galactic Christ who holds the angels of the churches in the right hand of His omnipotence.
Faith is being advanced as a supernatural principle by which we can gain material advantages. God is seen as love only and not wrath. The severity of God is not being presented adequately. As a result the believers are not working out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Suffering is regarded as an abomination that never should fall on the believers. In actuality, however, suffering is part of the redemptive process.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (I Peter 4:1)
We must have a fresh revelation of the majesty of the Godhead. Let us pray God grants one before multitudes of "believers" awake to the terrifying awareness they are in the hands of the consuming Fire of Israel, the memory of whom causes the demons to cry out in fear.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #15
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:8)
If we Christians after having been sealed by the Lord continue to live in the appetites of our body we will be clothed with corruption instead of eternal life in the Day of the Lord.
One of the main purposes of the present age is to produce a group of saints who have attained the early resurrection from the dead. These will appear with the Lord when He returns. They will judge the nations of the earth and also the sinners of the churches.
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (I Corinthians 6:2)
To execute judgment upon all [sinners in the churches], and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 1:15)
If we are willing to allow the Lord to sow our present body to the death of the cross, a robe of righteousness will be formed as the resurrection life of Jesus enters us. Then, when He returns, our resurrected mortal remains will be clothed with righteousness, immortality, and glory.
The fifth day, the day of life, is working now as men are saved from the waters of mankind and are sealed by the Holy Spirit for the time when their bodies will be made alive by the Spirit. The fifth day will have its fulfillment in the new heaven and earth reign of Christ as the "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal" proceeds "from the Throne of God and of the Lamb" (Revelation 22:1).
In addition to being representative of our life in the heavenlies, the birds of the fifth creative day suggest the ministry of angels which, no doubt, will become increasingly prominent as we approach the Day of Christ. Angels were mentioned several times by the Apostle Paul and are active in the events described in the Book of Revelation. The more our life is focused on the heavenlies the more we become aware of angelic activity.
In the present hour, five creative days are working:
The day of unveiling.
The development of the material creation still is being carried forward by the almighty power of the word of God. People are being born. Earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion, continental drift, are shaping the contours of the land. Mankind is learning how to subdue nature, how to cope with such problems as harmful bacteria and food shortages.
The wheat and the tares are coming to maturity. What is in Satan's heart and mind is being unveiled in the increasing perversity and wickedness of the nations of the earth. The self-centeredness of the believers in Christ is causing them to want to be little gods, to use the gifts and graces of Christ for their own pleasure and security; to sell what they have received to buy the favor of the world.
The true saints are determined to overcome the world, Satan, and their own self-will. They have the goal of the first resurrection before them and they are bearing their cross behind Jesus. The line is being drawn between those who belong to the Lord and those who do not.
The outlines of the plan of God concerning the restoration of physical Israel can be seen more clearly.
The wisdom of God is being unveiled.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
If we Christians after having been sealed by the Lord continue to live in the appetites of our body we will be clothed with corruption instead of eternal life in the Day of the Lord.
One of the main purposes of the present age is to produce a group of saints who have attained the early resurrection from the dead. These will appear with the Lord when He returns. They will judge the nations of the earth and also the sinners of the churches.
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (I Corinthians 6:2)
To execute judgment upon all [sinners in the churches], and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 1:15)
If we are willing to allow the Lord to sow our present body to the death of the cross, a robe of righteousness will be formed as the resurrection life of Jesus enters us. Then, when He returns, our resurrected mortal remains will be clothed with righteousness, immortality, and glory.
The fifth day, the day of life, is working now as men are saved from the waters of mankind and are sealed by the Holy Spirit for the time when their bodies will be made alive by the Spirit. The fifth day will have its fulfillment in the new heaven and earth reign of Christ as the "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal" proceeds "from the Throne of God and of the Lamb" (Revelation 22:1).
In addition to being representative of our life in the heavenlies, the birds of the fifth creative day suggest the ministry of angels which, no doubt, will become increasingly prominent as we approach the Day of Christ. Angels were mentioned several times by the Apostle Paul and are active in the events described in the Book of Revelation. The more our life is focused on the heavenlies the more we become aware of angelic activity.
In the present hour, five creative days are working:
The day of unveiling.
The development of the material creation still is being carried forward by the almighty power of the word of God. People are being born. Earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion, continental drift, are shaping the contours of the land. Mankind is learning how to subdue nature, how to cope with such problems as harmful bacteria and food shortages.
The wheat and the tares are coming to maturity. What is in Satan's heart and mind is being unveiled in the increasing perversity and wickedness of the nations of the earth. The self-centeredness of the believers in Christ is causing them to want to be little gods, to use the gifts and graces of Christ for their own pleasure and security; to sell what they have received to buy the favor of the world.
The true saints are determined to overcome the world, Satan, and their own self-will. They have the goal of the first resurrection before them and they are bearing their cross behind Jesus. The line is being drawn between those who belong to the Lord and those who do not.
The outlines of the plan of God concerning the restoration of physical Israel can be seen more clearly.
The wisdom of God is being unveiled.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #14
Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. (Isaiah 60:5)
God views the saved as being fish drawn from the sea of mankind.
When the Lord Jesus returns to earth, the fountains of living water will be opened in those in whom the Father and the Son are dwelling, those who have become the Throne of God and of the Lamb. The water of life will flow from them into the dead sea of mankind and all that is in the sea will live.
And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. (Ezekiel 47:9)
But what of the birds during the fifth day, the day of life?
Whenever Christ is born in us our new inner nature is lifted to the right hand of God, as we noticed in the day of separation. Our life is hidden with Christ in God. During the past two thousand years of the Gospel message there has been a planting of the heavens with Christ. Christ is being enlarged in Heaven as each believer is added to Him.
It is the Lord's will that after we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit we walk in heavenly places with Christ, placing our interests and hope there with Him at the right hand of God. At one time we dwelled in the natural world, but now the Lord would draw us upward as part of Christ's resurrection from the dead and ascension to the right hand of God.
When Christ appears we shall appear with Him in glory provided He indeed is our life (Colossians 3:4). Christ who appears the second time will be greatly enlarged in comparison with His first appearance to the world, for now He is both in and with a vast company whose Life He is. He is our Life. Our new Life already is in Heaven in and with the Lord Jesus, the result of the day of separation (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-4).
The Lord Jesus came to bring us eternal life in spirit, in soul, and in body. The goal of the Christian salvation is the redemption, the adoption, the resurrection of the mortal body.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken [make alive] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11)
And not only they [the material creation], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:23)
Paul was striving to attain the first resurrection from the dead-the resurrection to bodily righteousness, immortality, and glory.
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection [Greek, out-resurrection] of the dead. (Philippians 3:11)
The saints of today have been sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption, the day when God is ready to adopt our mortal body by making it alive with His Holy Spirit. We have the "firstfruits of the Spirit" meaning we shall be the first of mankind to experience eternal life in spirit, soul, and body.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
God views the saved as being fish drawn from the sea of mankind.
When the Lord Jesus returns to earth, the fountains of living water will be opened in those in whom the Father and the Son are dwelling, those who have become the Throne of God and of the Lamb. The water of life will flow from them into the dead sea of mankind and all that is in the sea will live.
And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. (Ezekiel 47:9)
But what of the birds during the fifth day, the day of life?
Whenever Christ is born in us our new inner nature is lifted to the right hand of God, as we noticed in the day of separation. Our life is hidden with Christ in God. During the past two thousand years of the Gospel message there has been a planting of the heavens with Christ. Christ is being enlarged in Heaven as each believer is added to Him.
It is the Lord's will that after we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit we walk in heavenly places with Christ, placing our interests and hope there with Him at the right hand of God. At one time we dwelled in the natural world, but now the Lord would draw us upward as part of Christ's resurrection from the dead and ascension to the right hand of God.
When Christ appears we shall appear with Him in glory provided He indeed is our life (Colossians 3:4). Christ who appears the second time will be greatly enlarged in comparison with His first appearance to the world, for now He is both in and with a vast company whose Life He is. He is our Life. Our new Life already is in Heaven in and with the Lord Jesus, the result of the day of separation (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-4).
The Lord Jesus came to bring us eternal life in spirit, in soul, and in body. The goal of the Christian salvation is the redemption, the adoption, the resurrection of the mortal body.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken [make alive] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11)
And not only they [the material creation], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:23)
Paul was striving to attain the first resurrection from the dead-the resurrection to bodily righteousness, immortality, and glory.
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection [Greek, out-resurrection] of the dead. (Philippians 3:11)
The saints of today have been sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption, the day when God is ready to adopt our mortal body by making it alive with His Holy Spirit. We have the "firstfruits of the Spirit" meaning we shall be the first of mankind to experience eternal life in spirit, soul, and body.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #13
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)
The mystery of the Godhead still is unfolding. We can state there are three Gods in One and one God in Three. But we cannot understand the Three in One because in the material realm in which we live it is impossible for three to truly be one.
The Jews have a problem with the "threeness" of God because the unchanging, incorruptible Word states that God is One. How then can He be Three? A logical question, and difficult to answer because of the limitations to our understanding imposed by our experience.
The understanding will be given to us, not in the form of an improved theological statement but by experience. As Christ is formed in us, and we become one in Him in the Father, we comprehend how we retain our identity and uniqueness even though we lose our individuality (our own will and life apart from Jesus).
The revelation of God can come to us only as we experience God. It is in the experiencing of God that we know in our spirit that God totally is One and totally is Three. More importantly, the awareness comes that we are in Christ and Christ is in God.
The Lord Jesus teaches us of the Father:
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (Matthew 11:27)
As we demonstrate our love for Christ by doing what He commanded, the Father and the Son enter us and make Their abode with us. It is by the indwelling that we understand the mystery of God.
The fourth day, the day of revelation, will have its fulfillment in the new heaven and earth reign of Christ, as the Fullness of God and of His redemption and Kingdom is revealed in the new Jerusalem.
The Day of Life
The concept of life is that of filling our spirit, soul, and body with the incorruptible resurrection Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit and the Apostles are the two witnesses of the day of life. The Holy Spirit and the Apostles of the Lamb are bearing witness to us through the written Word in the hour in which we are living.
And we [the apostles] are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:32)
The work of the fifth day is to bring eternal life to each of the elect, to each individual whom the Father has given to Christ. We receive eternal life by eating the Bread from Heaven-Christ. When we believe in Him and receive Him we pass from death to life. This is the Word given by the Holy Spirit through the Apostles, and to us through the Epistles of the Apostles.
On the fifth day of creation, as described in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis, fish and birds were brought forth. The fish symbolize the Gospel work of fishing for the souls of men. For two thousand years the net has been let down. Multitudes have been touched with eternal life. Christ makes us fishers of men.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The mystery of the Godhead still is unfolding. We can state there are three Gods in One and one God in Three. But we cannot understand the Three in One because in the material realm in which we live it is impossible for three to truly be one.
The Jews have a problem with the "threeness" of God because the unchanging, incorruptible Word states that God is One. How then can He be Three? A logical question, and difficult to answer because of the limitations to our understanding imposed by our experience.
The understanding will be given to us, not in the form of an improved theological statement but by experience. As Christ is formed in us, and we become one in Him in the Father, we comprehend how we retain our identity and uniqueness even though we lose our individuality (our own will and life apart from Jesus).
The revelation of God can come to us only as we experience God. It is in the experiencing of God that we know in our spirit that God totally is One and totally is Three. More importantly, the awareness comes that we are in Christ and Christ is in God.
The Lord Jesus teaches us of the Father:
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (Matthew 11:27)
As we demonstrate our love for Christ by doing what He commanded, the Father and the Son enter us and make Their abode with us. It is by the indwelling that we understand the mystery of God.
The fourth day, the day of revelation, will have its fulfillment in the new heaven and earth reign of Christ, as the Fullness of God and of His redemption and Kingdom is revealed in the new Jerusalem.
The Day of Life
The concept of life is that of filling our spirit, soul, and body with the incorruptible resurrection Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit and the Apostles are the two witnesses of the day of life. The Holy Spirit and the Apostles of the Lamb are bearing witness to us through the written Word in the hour in which we are living.
And we [the apostles] are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:32)
The work of the fifth day is to bring eternal life to each of the elect, to each individual whom the Father has given to Christ. We receive eternal life by eating the Bread from Heaven-Christ. When we believe in Him and receive Him we pass from death to life. This is the Word given by the Holy Spirit through the Apostles, and to us through the Epistles of the Apostles.
On the fifth day of creation, as described in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis, fish and birds were brought forth. The fish symbolize the Gospel work of fishing for the souls of men. For two thousand years the net has been let down. Multitudes have been touched with eternal life. Christ makes us fishers of men.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #12
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)
In the first three days the two witnesses were two people: Adam and Eve; Abraham and Sarah; Moses and Aaron. The two witnesses of the fourth day, the day of revelation, are the Father and the Son. The two witnesses of the last three days will be God and man, as we shall see.
The significance of the fourth day is that the Godhead was revealed. We learn to refer to God as our Father. We learn also that Christ is the Eternal Life who has been with the Father from eternity.
Every saved human being must witness the unveiling of God's purpose, must submit to separation from evil, and must receive dry ground on which to stand. He also must experience the revelation of God-who He is, His will for mankind, and His will for the individual person.
The fourth day is the revelation of God. It was not Jesus who originated the words of the Sermon on the Mount, it was the Father dwelling in Him who conceived those universal Words and who worked the miracles. In the Lord Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form. In Christ we behold the Person and Life of the Father.
The angels themselves desire to look into the things of the Gospel, for God has appeared in the flesh. The appearing of Christ to the world is the most important event in the history of mankind. It also is a revelation to the spirit realm-to the elect angels and to the fallen angels as well.
The fourth furnishing of the Tabernacle of the Congregation was the solid gold Lampstand, the light of the Holy Place. The witness of the fourth day is purely Divine (solid gold). It is the manifestation of God Himself: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Mankind has seen the God of Heaven in Christ. Now we understand much more about our Creator. We are commanded to be baptized into the name of the Father because we are His children. We are commanded to be baptized into the name of the Son because He is our Lord and Savior. We are commanded to be baptized into the name of the Holy Spirit because He is the eternal resurrection Life in us-the third Person of the Godhead.
Four days are working simultaneously:
The day of unveiling of the purpose of God is continuing. We are drawing near to the return of the Lord Jesus. The setting up of the Kingdom of God is clearer, more real to us. The mystery is unfolding in the Church.
The day of separating the Church from the world, the eternal from the temporary, the heavenly from the animal and satanic, is continuing. People still are being called out of the world to follow Jesus.
The day of dry ground is continuing. Christ is being formed in the saints. The godly remnant are learning to lean on the Lord in every matter. The saints are growing in righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God.
The day of revelation of the Divine Godhead is looking forward to the goal-the first resurrection. The Spirit of God is calling the firstfruits of the Bride to come away with the Lord. We understand God's intention to be that we enter total union with the Lord Jesus, becoming an eternal part of Him.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
In the first three days the two witnesses were two people: Adam and Eve; Abraham and Sarah; Moses and Aaron. The two witnesses of the fourth day, the day of revelation, are the Father and the Son. The two witnesses of the last three days will be God and man, as we shall see.
The significance of the fourth day is that the Godhead was revealed. We learn to refer to God as our Father. We learn also that Christ is the Eternal Life who has been with the Father from eternity.
Every saved human being must witness the unveiling of God's purpose, must submit to separation from evil, and must receive dry ground on which to stand. He also must experience the revelation of God-who He is, His will for mankind, and His will for the individual person.
The fourth day is the revelation of God. It was not Jesus who originated the words of the Sermon on the Mount, it was the Father dwelling in Him who conceived those universal Words and who worked the miracles. In the Lord Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form. In Christ we behold the Person and Life of the Father.
The angels themselves desire to look into the things of the Gospel, for God has appeared in the flesh. The appearing of Christ to the world is the most important event in the history of mankind. It also is a revelation to the spirit realm-to the elect angels and to the fallen angels as well.
The fourth furnishing of the Tabernacle of the Congregation was the solid gold Lampstand, the light of the Holy Place. The witness of the fourth day is purely Divine (solid gold). It is the manifestation of God Himself: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Mankind has seen the God of Heaven in Christ. Now we understand much more about our Creator. We are commanded to be baptized into the name of the Father because we are His children. We are commanded to be baptized into the name of the Son because He is our Lord and Savior. We are commanded to be baptized into the name of the Holy Spirit because He is the eternal resurrection Life in us-the third Person of the Godhead.
Four days are working simultaneously:
The day of unveiling of the purpose of God is continuing. We are drawing near to the return of the Lord Jesus. The setting up of the Kingdom of God is clearer, more real to us. The mystery is unfolding in the Church.
The day of separating the Church from the world, the eternal from the temporary, the heavenly from the animal and satanic, is continuing. People still are being called out of the world to follow Jesus.
The day of dry ground is continuing. Christ is being formed in the saints. The godly remnant are learning to lean on the Lord in every matter. The saints are growing in righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God.
The day of revelation of the Divine Godhead is looking forward to the goal-the first resurrection. The Spirit of God is calling the firstfruits of the Bride to come away with the Lord. We understand God's intention to be that we enter total union with the Lord Jesus, becoming an eternal part of Him.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #11
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. (John 1:6,7)
The first three days are working simultaneously. The day of unveiling still is developing. The day of separation, of the calling out of the elect from the ranks of mankind, still is developing. The day of dry ground, of giving God's creatures the strength to live righteously, still is developing.
The Day of Revelation
The fourth day we have termed the day of revelation.
The concept of revelation is that of perceiving God and our relationship to Him.
John was not of the fourth day, the day of revelation. John was of the third day, the day of dry ground. John was of the Law of Moses.
John and Jesus were on the earth at the same time. There is a period of transition when one creative day is blending into the next. This is why the present hour is so significant: it is the period of transition from the fifth creative day, the day of life, to the sixth creative day, the day of image and union.
In the time of John there was the usual chaotic situation and time of preparation. The Roman Empire was governing the land of Israel. John was part of the Divine preparation for the introduction of a new era. The fourth creative day, the day of revelation, was at hand.
The two witnesses of the fourth day appeared. The two witnesses of the fourth day, the day of revelation, are the Father and the Son:
It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. (John 8:17,18)
The fourth day of creation, as described in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis, included the bringing forth of the sun, the moon, and the stars. These lights are for signs and seasons and govern day and night.
Speaking figuratively, Christ is the sun, the Church is the moon, and the conquering saints-those who turn many to righteousness-are God's stars. All this light proceeds from God in Christ in the saints.
Throughout the long night of earth's history it has been the saints, not the Church, who have guided men. The moon illumines the earth at night and sheds light on our pathway. But men find their direction from the stars. We think of Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Moses, Elijah, Peter, Paul, James and others. These are God's eternal witnesses. They are the "stars" who have guided us through the long night that precedes the dawning of the Day of the Lord. They are the examples whom we use to teach people the righteous ways of the Lord.
The sun, moon, and stars remind us of the twelfth chapter of the Book of Revelation. The all-important issue of Christianity is the bringing forth of the Son, Christ, in the personalities of the members of the Body of Christ. The ministries of the Church are in travail today as Christ is being formed in us. Christ is the Light of the world. We shall become the light of the world, the eternal Light that the new Jerusalem is, when Christ has been formed in us.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The first three days are working simultaneously. The day of unveiling still is developing. The day of separation, of the calling out of the elect from the ranks of mankind, still is developing. The day of dry ground, of giving God's creatures the strength to live righteously, still is developing.
The Day of Revelation
The fourth day we have termed the day of revelation.
The concept of revelation is that of perceiving God and our relationship to Him.
John was not of the fourth day, the day of revelation. John was of the third day, the day of dry ground. John was of the Law of Moses.
John and Jesus were on the earth at the same time. There is a period of transition when one creative day is blending into the next. This is why the present hour is so significant: it is the period of transition from the fifth creative day, the day of life, to the sixth creative day, the day of image and union.
In the time of John there was the usual chaotic situation and time of preparation. The Roman Empire was governing the land of Israel. John was part of the Divine preparation for the introduction of a new era. The fourth creative day, the day of revelation, was at hand.
The two witnesses of the fourth day appeared. The two witnesses of the fourth day, the day of revelation, are the Father and the Son:
It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. (John 8:17,18)
The fourth day of creation, as described in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis, included the bringing forth of the sun, the moon, and the stars. These lights are for signs and seasons and govern day and night.
Speaking figuratively, Christ is the sun, the Church is the moon, and the conquering saints-those who turn many to righteousness-are God's stars. All this light proceeds from God in Christ in the saints.
Throughout the long night of earth's history it has been the saints, not the Church, who have guided men. The moon illumines the earth at night and sheds light on our pathway. But men find their direction from the stars. We think of Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Moses, Elijah, Peter, Paul, James and others. These are God's eternal witnesses. They are the "stars" who have guided us through the long night that precedes the dawning of the Day of the Lord. They are the examples whom we use to teach people the righteous ways of the Lord.
The sun, moon, and stars remind us of the twelfth chapter of the Book of Revelation. The all-important issue of Christianity is the bringing forth of the Son, Christ, in the personalities of the members of the Body of Christ. The ministries of the Church are in travail today as Christ is being formed in us. Christ is the Light of the world. We shall become the light of the world, the eternal Light that the new Jerusalem is, when Christ has been formed in us.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Monday, December 07, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #10
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (I John 3:4)
The moral law, the Character of God, was in existence before the universe was created. The eternal moral law ruled the conscience of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel. Its negative dimension was written clearly in the Ten Commandments, which are a judgment on angels and men.
The new covenant provides forgiveness for sins-sins against the eternal moral law of God, and also Divine virtue and power (in the body and blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit of God) by which the believers become able to refrain from doing what is forbidden by the holy law and able also to practice that which God's moral Nature requires-the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).
The moral law of God is fulfilled in loving God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves. These are the two great laws of the Kingdom of God. These principles always are disobeyed by Satan and his followers, and their disobedience always brings them into the bondage of the chains of eternal darkness.
The Ten Commandments and the accompanying ordinances, which are based on the two great laws of the Kingdom of God, were solid ground given to people so they could walk uprightly in the Presence of the Lord.
The eternal moral law governs us today. It has governed all God's creatures from eternity and will continue to govern them to eternity because it proceeds from God's eternal Nature. The greatest possible catastrophe would be for God's eternal Nature to change in any manner.
The destructive error of contemporary Christianity is the belief that the grace of God in Christ somehow diminishes the force of the eternal moral law of God; that Christians, because of their identification with Christ, are not bound to obey the principles of righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God.
All Christians who do not obey the moral law, that which is written in the conscience of mankind and set forth in the Ten Commandments, the unadulterated worship of God, honesty, truthfulness, kindness, mercy, moral purity, the love of God and of one's neighbor, are judged by the Lord and suffer because of their sins.
The Ten Commandments are a guide to us and a judgment on our conduct until we enter Christ and He enters us. Christ is an infinitely more comprehensive expression of the eternal moral law than is true of the Ten Commandments.
The new covenant does not do away with the Ten Commandments. Rather, it is the placing of the law of God, in a marvelously amplified form, in our minds and the writing of it in our hearts.
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (Hebrews 8:10)
The moral law of God will continue to govern men and angels, finding its complete manifestation in the new heaven and earth reign of Christ. There the law of God is embodied in the holy city, the new Jerusalem, the Wife of the Lamb. The holy city, the center of government of the Kingdom of God, the visible, tangible expression of the holy Character of God Almighty, will illuminate the material creation forever.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Dr. Thompson has recently finished a book entitled Heaven-God's Wonderful World. It was written to comfort terminally ill children and their parents, and anyone else who may be afraid of death.
To order a copy of Heaven-God's Wonderful World, please click here. Thanks!
The moral law, the Character of God, was in existence before the universe was created. The eternal moral law ruled the conscience of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel. Its negative dimension was written clearly in the Ten Commandments, which are a judgment on angels and men.
The new covenant provides forgiveness for sins-sins against the eternal moral law of God, and also Divine virtue and power (in the body and blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit of God) by which the believers become able to refrain from doing what is forbidden by the holy law and able also to practice that which God's moral Nature requires-the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).
The moral law of God is fulfilled in loving God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves. These are the two great laws of the Kingdom of God. These principles always are disobeyed by Satan and his followers, and their disobedience always brings them into the bondage of the chains of eternal darkness.
The Ten Commandments and the accompanying ordinances, which are based on the two great laws of the Kingdom of God, were solid ground given to people so they could walk uprightly in the Presence of the Lord.
The eternal moral law governs us today. It has governed all God's creatures from eternity and will continue to govern them to eternity because it proceeds from God's eternal Nature. The greatest possible catastrophe would be for God's eternal Nature to change in any manner.
The destructive error of contemporary Christianity is the belief that the grace of God in Christ somehow diminishes the force of the eternal moral law of God; that Christians, because of their identification with Christ, are not bound to obey the principles of righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God.
All Christians who do not obey the moral law, that which is written in the conscience of mankind and set forth in the Ten Commandments, the unadulterated worship of God, honesty, truthfulness, kindness, mercy, moral purity, the love of God and of one's neighbor, are judged by the Lord and suffer because of their sins.
The Ten Commandments are a guide to us and a judgment on our conduct until we enter Christ and He enters us. Christ is an infinitely more comprehensive expression of the eternal moral law than is true of the Ten Commandments.
The new covenant does not do away with the Ten Commandments. Rather, it is the placing of the law of God, in a marvelously amplified form, in our minds and the writing of it in our hearts.
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (Hebrews 8:10)
The moral law of God will continue to govern men and angels, finding its complete manifestation in the new heaven and earth reign of Christ. There the law of God is embodied in the holy city, the new Jerusalem, the Wife of the Lamb. The holy city, the center of government of the Kingdom of God, the visible, tangible expression of the holy Character of God Almighty, will illuminate the material creation forever.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Dr. Thompson has recently finished a book entitled Heaven-God's Wonderful World. It was written to comfort terminally ill children and their parents, and anyone else who may be afraid of death.To order a copy of Heaven-God's Wonderful World, please click here. Thanks!
Saturday, December 05, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #9
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed [shunned] evil. (Job 1:1)
What was true of Job that God considered him to be "perfect and upright"?
This expression signifies that Job, who lived before the day of Moses, was adhering to the eternal moral law of God. Before the Ten Commandments were issued the moral law was written in the conscience of mankind.
The moral law is based on spiritual realities. The moral law is the Nature of God Himself. It expresses God's Character.
Satan, the chief of the fallen angels, is the father of liars and murderers. God is Truth and Love. Before the earth was created, some of the angels of Heaven, including personages of high rank, decided they would practice behavior contrary to the righteous and holy Nature of the most high God. The Ten Commandments are God's judgment on the actions of Satan and his followers.
The Ten Commandments are an initial witness to the earth of the coming rule of the Kingdom of God, of what has been and always will be the Character of God.
The desire of every righteous man and woman of God from the time of Abel has been to please God, to walk uprightly before Him. The path of the righteous has been a shining light leading to the day when there is a new world in which righteousness prevails in every creature.
The Apostle Paul cried out for deliverance from the power of sin, from the waters of evil. The heroes of faith always look for the city that has foundations. The righteous always are restorers of paths to walk in.
The earth and its resources, and all its inhabitants, belong to the Lord. But He has founded the earth on the seas and floods.
The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. (Psalms 24:1,2)
There is no solid foundation in the swirling waters of the material creation. The only true path, the only enduring way for the feet of people is the Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot gain our moral footing until we rest our trust on the Lord Jesus. Everything and everyone else is transitory and shifting-completely unreliable.
The land of Egypt was in moral chaos. Hundreds of demon gods were being worshiped. The Egyptians led a sensuous existence, similar in many respects to the wealthy nations of our own time.
Suddenly the "waters were gathered together" and two witnesses appeared-Moses and Aaron. They bore a powerful testimony before the creatures of Heaven and earth of the Nature of the one true and living God (Deuteronomy 32:1; Ephesians 3:10).
Mount Sinai groaned in travail and the awful Word was brought forth. The moral law, the Nature of God written in the conscience of mankind, was engraved by the finger of God in two tables of stone.
Now the race of mankind had solid moral ground on which to walk, a means of walking uprightly before the Lord in spite of the counsel of rebellious angels. The fruit of righteousness came forth from this newly exposed "earth" as the righteous and holy Nature of the Lord was revealed in the Law, in the priesthood, and in the structure and activities of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
What was true of Job that God considered him to be "perfect and upright"?
This expression signifies that Job, who lived before the day of Moses, was adhering to the eternal moral law of God. Before the Ten Commandments were issued the moral law was written in the conscience of mankind.
The moral law is based on spiritual realities. The moral law is the Nature of God Himself. It expresses God's Character.
Satan, the chief of the fallen angels, is the father of liars and murderers. God is Truth and Love. Before the earth was created, some of the angels of Heaven, including personages of high rank, decided they would practice behavior contrary to the righteous and holy Nature of the most high God. The Ten Commandments are God's judgment on the actions of Satan and his followers.
The Ten Commandments are an initial witness to the earth of the coming rule of the Kingdom of God, of what has been and always will be the Character of God.
The desire of every righteous man and woman of God from the time of Abel has been to please God, to walk uprightly before Him. The path of the righteous has been a shining light leading to the day when there is a new world in which righteousness prevails in every creature.
The Apostle Paul cried out for deliverance from the power of sin, from the waters of evil. The heroes of faith always look for the city that has foundations. The righteous always are restorers of paths to walk in.
The earth and its resources, and all its inhabitants, belong to the Lord. But He has founded the earth on the seas and floods.
The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. (Psalms 24:1,2)
There is no solid foundation in the swirling waters of the material creation. The only true path, the only enduring way for the feet of people is the Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot gain our moral footing until we rest our trust on the Lord Jesus. Everything and everyone else is transitory and shifting-completely unreliable.
The land of Egypt was in moral chaos. Hundreds of demon gods were being worshiped. The Egyptians led a sensuous existence, similar in many respects to the wealthy nations of our own time.
Suddenly the "waters were gathered together" and two witnesses appeared-Moses and Aaron. They bore a powerful testimony before the creatures of Heaven and earth of the Nature of the one true and living God (Deuteronomy 32:1; Ephesians 3:10).
Mount Sinai groaned in travail and the awful Word was brought forth. The moral law, the Nature of God written in the conscience of mankind, was engraved by the finger of God in two tables of stone.
Now the race of mankind had solid moral ground on which to walk, a means of walking uprightly before the Lord in spite of the counsel of rebellious angels. The fruit of righteousness came forth from this newly exposed "earth" as the righteous and holy Nature of the Lord was revealed in the Law, in the priesthood, and in the structure and activities of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Friday, December 04, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #8
And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. (Exodus 16:15)
The relationship between manna (food) and the law of God is seen in the New Testament.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (John 6:32,33)
Man can keep the eternal moral law of God only as the Lord Jesus, the Bread of God, is formed in him. As we eat the flesh of Christ and drink His blood, His Substance, Virtue, and Life are formed in us. In this manner, the Torah of God, God's law, is engraved in our mind and heart. Then we keep the eternal moral law of God by nature.
Man can live uprightly only as he has dry ground (Christ born in him) to stand on, and the Word of God (Christ) to feed on continually.
Sinners often make resolutions to "do better," to stop this behavior or that behavior. But they soon fall back into their old habits. The reason is, they have no "dry ground" on which to stand and walk. They may attempt to stand and do what is right but the ground under their feet is marshy. They have little strength to support their purpose.
Saved man receives dry ground to stand on and Divine food to eat.
Abraham looked for a city that has foundations.
The earth is that on which mankind walks. Before the waters under the heaven were gathered into one place there was no earth on which to walk or from which vegetation could grow. There must be earth before the food of the material creation can be brought into being.
The manna stopped falling when the Israelites came to the land of promise. They could not grow food in the wilderness but lived by a miracle. They were given angel's food, the corn of Heaven. When they came to the "dry ground" of their inheritance they were able to grow food.
And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. (Psalms 78:24,25)
And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. (Joshua 5:12)
The Scriptures have much to say about uprightness, about righteous behavior. With the exception of the presentation of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the subject of upright behavior, of adherence to the eternal moral law of God, may be the main topic of the Scriptures. Satan has stung mankind in the heel so people cannot walk uprightly.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The relationship between manna (food) and the law of God is seen in the New Testament.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (John 6:32,33)
Man can keep the eternal moral law of God only as the Lord Jesus, the Bread of God, is formed in him. As we eat the flesh of Christ and drink His blood, His Substance, Virtue, and Life are formed in us. In this manner, the Torah of God, God's law, is engraved in our mind and heart. Then we keep the eternal moral law of God by nature.
Man can live uprightly only as he has dry ground (Christ born in him) to stand on, and the Word of God (Christ) to feed on continually.
Sinners often make resolutions to "do better," to stop this behavior or that behavior. But they soon fall back into their old habits. The reason is, they have no "dry ground" on which to stand and walk. They may attempt to stand and do what is right but the ground under their feet is marshy. They have little strength to support their purpose.
Saved man receives dry ground to stand on and Divine food to eat.
Abraham looked for a city that has foundations.
The earth is that on which mankind walks. Before the waters under the heaven were gathered into one place there was no earth on which to walk or from which vegetation could grow. There must be earth before the food of the material creation can be brought into being.
The manna stopped falling when the Israelites came to the land of promise. They could not grow food in the wilderness but lived by a miracle. They were given angel's food, the corn of Heaven. When they came to the "dry ground" of their inheritance they were able to grow food.
And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. (Psalms 78:24,25)
And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. (Joshua 5:12)
The Scriptures have much to say about uprightness, about righteous behavior. With the exception of the presentation of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the subject of upright behavior, of adherence to the eternal moral law of God, may be the main topic of the Scriptures. Satan has stung mankind in the heel so people cannot walk uprightly.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Thursday, December 03, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #7
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
The mystery of God, which is Christ in us, is unfolding continually. People still are being born and then born again. The seals are being removed from the Scriptures and from the hearts of people. Understanding of the eternal purpose of God is being given to the godly remnant of believers.
Also, the work of the second day, the separating of the firstfruits of the Bride from the remainder of God's Israel, the calling of God's Israel from the ranks of mankind, and the lifting of the new nature of the believers to the right hand of God, are all proceeding.
Both of these days will find their consummation, their joyful realization, in the new heaven and earth reign of Christ.
And the city [the Church, the new Jerusalem, the Wife of the Lamb] had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the Glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. (Revelation 21:23,24)
The Day of Dry Ground
The concept of dry ground is that of the strength to walk uprightly before the Lord.
On the third day the waters were gathered together into one place and the dry land, the earth, appeared. Also, vegetation and fruit trees came forth from the earth. The earth and its fruitfulness are emphasized.
Every righteous human being must submit to the separation from evil, darkness, and death. In addition, every righteous human being must receive dry ground on which to stand.
Righteous behavior requires strength and is possible only to the degree that we are strong in the Lord. Dry ground and nourishing food give man the foundation and strength to walk uprightly before the Lord.
Food came into being on the third day of creation. An even more important food is the Word coming continually from the mouth of God.
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:2,3)
Man is to live by the food, the commandment, the expression from the mouth of the Lord.
The third aspect of the sojourn of Israel from Egypt to Canaan was their setting out from the east bank of the Red Sea. The children of Jacob had been on "sinking sand" while in Egypt. They had no strength of purpose, nothing firm to stand on as a race. Moses and Aaron led them into the wilderness. In spite of the forbidding environment, the Israelites in the wilderness were now a nation. This was the beginning of their "dry ground."
At this time the manna began to fall from the heaven and continued until they were ready to enter Canaan.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The mystery of God, which is Christ in us, is unfolding continually. People still are being born and then born again. The seals are being removed from the Scriptures and from the hearts of people. Understanding of the eternal purpose of God is being given to the godly remnant of believers.
Also, the work of the second day, the separating of the firstfruits of the Bride from the remainder of God's Israel, the calling of God's Israel from the ranks of mankind, and the lifting of the new nature of the believers to the right hand of God, are all proceeding.
Both of these days will find their consummation, their joyful realization, in the new heaven and earth reign of Christ.
And the city [the Church, the new Jerusalem, the Wife of the Lamb] had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the Glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. (Revelation 21:23,24)
The Day of Dry Ground
The concept of dry ground is that of the strength to walk uprightly before the Lord.
On the third day the waters were gathered together into one place and the dry land, the earth, appeared. Also, vegetation and fruit trees came forth from the earth. The earth and its fruitfulness are emphasized.
Every righteous human being must submit to the separation from evil, darkness, and death. In addition, every righteous human being must receive dry ground on which to stand.
Righteous behavior requires strength and is possible only to the degree that we are strong in the Lord. Dry ground and nourishing food give man the foundation and strength to walk uprightly before the Lord.
Food came into being on the third day of creation. An even more important food is the Word coming continually from the mouth of God.
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:2,3)
Man is to live by the food, the commandment, the expression from the mouth of the Lord.
The third aspect of the sojourn of Israel from Egypt to Canaan was their setting out from the east bank of the Red Sea. The children of Jacob had been on "sinking sand" while in Egypt. They had no strength of purpose, nothing firm to stand on as a race. Moses and Aaron led them into the wilderness. In spite of the forbidding environment, the Israelites in the wilderness were now a nation. This was the beginning of their "dry ground."
At this time the manna began to fall from the heaven and continued until they were ready to enter Canaan.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #6
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. (Genesis 1:7)
The waters under the firmament symbolize human life, the life of the flesh. The waters above the firmament represent the eternal resurrection life of Christ. Heaven, so to speak, is keeping Christ, and those whose life He is, separate from the nations of the earth. Soon He and His holy ones will return to be glorified together in the eyes of mankind.
The term church means "called-out from" (separated from). All those who are of Christ are not of the world. They have been called out from the world and now are an integral part of Christ.
The two witnesses of the second day, the day of separation, are Abraham and Sarah. Abraham and Sarah were called out of Ur. Abraham and Sarah embodied in themselves the day of separation and were the matrix, the mold of the new day.
The second day is that of the division between the world and the Church of Christ. It is the day of Divine election, the day of the Israel of God.
The Church of Christ has been taken from the people, the "waters" of the world. But the Church no longer is of the world. The world hates the Church because it is not of the world. The highest, most impenetrable wall in the universe of God is the wall between the world and the Church. It is the massive, ornate wall surrounding the new Jerusalem.
The churches (with some exceptions) always are seeking to be joined to the world. This is why they have only a little spiritual power and testimony. We can be strong, like Samson, and of benefit to the Kingdom of God as long as we are willing to be separated to God for His special purposes.
When Paul spoke of grace, of election, of the Israel of God, he often referred back to Abraham and Sarah. The Gospel of Christ, of the Kingdom of God, was preached to Abraham before the Law of Moses was given. Christ is the Seed, the Recipient of the promise made to the faithful Abraham. The Law of Moses was a guard against sin until the Seed, to whom the promise was made, came into view.
Before God spoke to Abraham the nations were in chaos. The language barrier had been erected by the Lord so that disorganization and confusion would attend the efforts of people to build their own kingdom apart from the Kingdom of God-the Kingdom that God will bring into being during the sixth day, the day of image and union.
Then God created the Church:
Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis 12:1-3)
The work of separation of the second day continues to the present hour. Now there are two days working simultaneously. The day of unveiling is working.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The waters under the firmament symbolize human life, the life of the flesh. The waters above the firmament represent the eternal resurrection life of Christ. Heaven, so to speak, is keeping Christ, and those whose life He is, separate from the nations of the earth. Soon He and His holy ones will return to be glorified together in the eyes of mankind.
The term church means "called-out from" (separated from). All those who are of Christ are not of the world. They have been called out from the world and now are an integral part of Christ.
The two witnesses of the second day, the day of separation, are Abraham and Sarah. Abraham and Sarah were called out of Ur. Abraham and Sarah embodied in themselves the day of separation and were the matrix, the mold of the new day.
The second day is that of the division between the world and the Church of Christ. It is the day of Divine election, the day of the Israel of God.
The Church of Christ has been taken from the people, the "waters" of the world. But the Church no longer is of the world. The world hates the Church because it is not of the world. The highest, most impenetrable wall in the universe of God is the wall between the world and the Church. It is the massive, ornate wall surrounding the new Jerusalem.
The churches (with some exceptions) always are seeking to be joined to the world. This is why they have only a little spiritual power and testimony. We can be strong, like Samson, and of benefit to the Kingdom of God as long as we are willing to be separated to God for His special purposes.
When Paul spoke of grace, of election, of the Israel of God, he often referred back to Abraham and Sarah. The Gospel of Christ, of the Kingdom of God, was preached to Abraham before the Law of Moses was given. Christ is the Seed, the Recipient of the promise made to the faithful Abraham. The Law of Moses was a guard against sin until the Seed, to whom the promise was made, came into view.
Before God spoke to Abraham the nations were in chaos. The language barrier had been erected by the Lord so that disorganization and confusion would attend the efforts of people to build their own kingdom apart from the Kingdom of God-the Kingdom that God will bring into being during the sixth day, the day of image and union.
Then God created the Church:
Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis 12:1-3)
The work of separation of the second day continues to the present hour. Now there are two days working simultaneously. The day of unveiling is working.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
The Kingdom of God Is at Hand, #5
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)
The first day will attain its consummation in the seventh day, the day of rest. The day of rest is the day of the new heaven and earth reign of Christ. The greatest unveiling of all will be the descent of the Bride of the Lamb through the new sky to be settled forever on the new earth. This is the coming of the Throne of God to the earth, the clothing of the life and joy of Paradise with material form.
Whether there will be subsequent unveilings after that remains to be seen.
The product of the first day is the coming forth of what is in God's mind.
The significance and joy of the material creation is found in people. The material creation, including the people that are the reason for its existence, will be present throughout the day of rest, the day of eternity. The body of the Lord Jesus Christ that was raised from the dead, and the resurrected bodies of the saints, will live forever.
The material creation is the house, the clothing of the Kingdom of God. It is a dead house, inanimate spiritually, without light, life, or joy until Christ enters it. Then it becomes wonderful and eternal.
The material form of the eternal Kingdom of God was created on the first day and will persevere through to the new heaven and earth reign of the Lord Jesus.
The product of each of the first six days is eternal and will find its consummation, its meaning, its joyful realization, in the seventh day, the day of rest.
The Day of Separation
The concept of separating is that of removing what is heavenly from what is earthly, what is more of God from what is less of God.
On the second day the firmament of heaven was created, and the firmament separated the waters under the firmament from the waters above the firmament.
One of the separations mankind experiences involves the members of the royal priesthood. They have been marked out from the beginning of the creation. At some point in the life of each of the elect, the Spirit of God separates him from the remainder of mankind. He is added to the church.
Another separation, related to the first, takes place in every individual whom God saves. It is the removal of all that is of God and Heaven from all that is animal and lawless. Each day, some aspect of the removal of eternal life from darkness and death takes place in those whom God has called to be the judges of the world and who are cooperating with their calling.
As soon as Christ is born in us our new inner nature ascends to dwell in Christ at the right hand of the Father. Our personality is divided into two parts by the spiritual Heaven. Part of us is on earth while the reborn part of us is in Heaven with Jesus.
When the Lord returns, the resurrected part of our personality will return with Him and take up our flesh and bones. Heaven will have been joined to earth. This is the Kingdom of God.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The first day will attain its consummation in the seventh day, the day of rest. The day of rest is the day of the new heaven and earth reign of Christ. The greatest unveiling of all will be the descent of the Bride of the Lamb through the new sky to be settled forever on the new earth. This is the coming of the Throne of God to the earth, the clothing of the life and joy of Paradise with material form.
Whether there will be subsequent unveilings after that remains to be seen.
The product of the first day is the coming forth of what is in God's mind.
The significance and joy of the material creation is found in people. The material creation, including the people that are the reason for its existence, will be present throughout the day of rest, the day of eternity. The body of the Lord Jesus Christ that was raised from the dead, and the resurrected bodies of the saints, will live forever.
The material creation is the house, the clothing of the Kingdom of God. It is a dead house, inanimate spiritually, without light, life, or joy until Christ enters it. Then it becomes wonderful and eternal.
The material form of the eternal Kingdom of God was created on the first day and will persevere through to the new heaven and earth reign of the Lord Jesus.
The product of each of the first six days is eternal and will find its consummation, its meaning, its joyful realization, in the seventh day, the day of rest.
The Day of Separation
The concept of separating is that of removing what is heavenly from what is earthly, what is more of God from what is less of God.
On the second day the firmament of heaven was created, and the firmament separated the waters under the firmament from the waters above the firmament.
One of the separations mankind experiences involves the members of the royal priesthood. They have been marked out from the beginning of the creation. At some point in the life of each of the elect, the Spirit of God separates him from the remainder of mankind. He is added to the church.
Another separation, related to the first, takes place in every individual whom God saves. It is the removal of all that is of God and Heaven from all that is animal and lawless. Each day, some aspect of the removal of eternal life from darkness and death takes place in those whom God has called to be the judges of the world and who are cooperating with their calling.
As soon as Christ is born in us our new inner nature ascends to dwell in Christ at the right hand of the Father. Our personality is divided into two parts by the spiritual Heaven. Part of us is on earth while the reborn part of us is in Heaven with Jesus.
When the Lord returns, the resurrected part of our personality will return with Him and take up our flesh and bones. Heaven will have been joined to earth. This is the Kingdom of God.
To be continued.
We extend permission to make as many copies of this essay as you need, in both paper and electronic formats. Please include the following statement of copyright:
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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