The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (I Peter 5:1-3)
The elders are to serve God's flock, not because they are compelled to do so but willingly.
The elders are not to be motivated by a desire for money but by the desire to do God's will. The history of the Christian Church reveals that elders often are covetous and use their office to become rich. They have lived in finer homes than the saints under their authority, on some occasions, and have driven more expensive automobiles. They have expected to be treated as superior persons. They sometimes wear special robes and other adornments and sit in ornate chairs on the "platform." This is Babylon, not Christianity. This was not the custom of the early apostles and pastors.
The elders are not to regard themselves as the lords and masters of God's people but are to be examples of godly behavior. Again, the history of the Church indicates that elders are tempted by the desire to be elevated over their brothers.
Some elders have been dictators, insisting on governing the behavior of each person committed to their charge, requiring that the believer ask permission for every move he makes. In this instance, the Christian is kept under an unhealthy dominance by the elder.
While such close supervision may profit the new Christian for a season it rapidly becomes a detriment to the spiritual growth of the Lord's disciple. The desire for such mastery reveals an unclean ambition and desire for power in the personality of the elder.
The ministry of the elders is to feed the flock and also to oversee the believers so they are not led off course. The elders are to watch for the welfare of the saints and encourage the development of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers in the assembly.
Also, there will be traveling ministries. The role of the elders is to insure that the members profit from the traveling ministries God has given. The elders are not to reject the traveling ministries. The temptation always is present with elders to jealously guard their little kingdoms and not allow the Holy Spirit to minister.
The Apostle John was refused entrance to at least one assembly because an elder was seeking preeminence.
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (III John 1:9)
We have traveling ministries today. They are termed "evangelists." Some of them are true men of God. Numerous others are hirelings, going from church to church for profit, entertaining the saints. Traveling "concert artists" who "book performances" have no place among the remnant of warrior-saints who are desirous of following the Holy Spirit.
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 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Ministry by the Spirit, #4
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. (Revelation 11:1,2)
The Christian people are becoming enraged because of the increase of wickedness in their nations. But God's judgment (measurement) in the present hour is not upon the nations ("the court which is without the temple") but upon the fervent saints who are worshiping at the Altar of Incense. Those who are carrying their cross, denying themselves for the Gospel's sake, are the first to experience the Divine judgment.
The elders and assemblies that love the Lord will flow with the wisdom and power of the Spirit. The remainder will continue in blindness until finally Babylon the Great (organized Christianity) is destroyed by the secular governments of the earth.
And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (Revelation 17:16)
The concept of ministry by the Spirit is that the several ministries and gifts in the assembly operate to build up the members of the Body into the Head. Widespread participation by the disciples requires a shift in the role of the presiding elder, the conventional pastor.
While the presiding elder still may be supported financially by the congregation and may be responsible for the administration of the business aspects of the church, he now is required, along with the other elders of the assembly, to guide the members into their roles in the Body of Christ.
The office of the elder is one of rulership. The elders govern the household of God.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (I Timothy 5:17)
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)
The importance of elders can be seen in the place they occupy before the Throne of God.
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. (Revelation 4:4)
No apostles or prophets are seen "round about the throne" but there are elders in this place of honor.
Because the office of elder is one of rulership he must be careful not to dominate the people so their ministries and gifts are hindered.
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (I Peter 5:1-3)
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Christian people are becoming enraged because of the increase of wickedness in their nations. But God's judgment (measurement) in the present hour is not upon the nations ("the court which is without the temple") but upon the fervent saints who are worshiping at the Altar of Incense. Those who are carrying their cross, denying themselves for the Gospel's sake, are the first to experience the Divine judgment.
The elders and assemblies that love the Lord will flow with the wisdom and power of the Spirit. The remainder will continue in blindness until finally Babylon the Great (organized Christianity) is destroyed by the secular governments of the earth.
And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (Revelation 17:16)
The concept of ministry by the Spirit is that the several ministries and gifts in the assembly operate to build up the members of the Body into the Head. Widespread participation by the disciples requires a shift in the role of the presiding elder, the conventional pastor.
While the presiding elder still may be supported financially by the congregation and may be responsible for the administration of the business aspects of the church, he now is required, along with the other elders of the assembly, to guide the members into their roles in the Body of Christ.
The office of the elder is one of rulership. The elders govern the household of God.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (I Timothy 5:17)
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)
The importance of elders can be seen in the place they occupy before the Throne of God.
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. (Revelation 4:4)
No apostles or prophets are seen "round about the throne" but there are elders in this place of honor.
Because the office of elder is one of rulership he must be careful not to dominate the people so their ministries and gifts are hindered.
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (I Peter 5:1-3)
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Friday, December 10, 2010
Ministry by the Spirit, #3
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. (I Corinthians 14:26)
Change must take place. We who are presiding elders under the present organizational system must bring the assemblies into the required pattern of operation. We must do so slowly, carefully, prayerfully, and patiently, always following the Spirit in this effort.
Such change cannot be made overnight, but change must take place if the remnant is to be prepared for the end-time witness and for the coming of the Lord in the clouds of glory.
It is apparent that the prospect of change from the presiding elder to ministry by the Spirit may make elders apprehensive who are accustomed to ministering to the flock in all areas of Kingdom work. But the required change need not be upsetting. If the elder is walking with the Lord he will serve the Lord in this new manner with the greatest joy.
The backslidden Christian assemblies of our day may not be willing to seek the Lord and make the necessary changes. Therefore division between fervent disciples and the lukewarm churches is imminent. A militant spirit is arising among the true Christians, being manifested in music that proclaims the war of Christ against the enemy-particularly the enemy in God's people. Also, fiery persecution may be at hand.
It is not time as yet for the Church to attack the sinners of the world, attempting to force them to adopt the moral values of the Christians. Rather, it is an hour of preparation. Notice the period of preparation before the attack on Jericho:
Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. (Joshua 1:11)
At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. (Joshua 5:2)
The need today is for the believers to be circumcised, to make a covenant of holiness with the Lord.
The saints of today must be made ready for the attack of Armageddon and for other onslaughts the Lord may have in mind. We are not to rush out now in the enthusiasm of the soul or because of personal irritation with the practices of the ungodly. Even if we do call on Jesus to help us change the secular world we will be defeated and bring persecution upon ourselves. The sin of the world indeed is great but the Lord is not as yet signaling the attack on the evil in the world, only on the evil in Zion, in the churches that bear His name.
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let
all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; (Joel 2:1)
Because we do not have a scriptural pattern of organization and government the people are apt to mill about in ignorance, not understanding the areas now undergoing judgment and the areas where judgment will come in the future.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Change must take place. We who are presiding elders under the present organizational system must bring the assemblies into the required pattern of operation. We must do so slowly, carefully, prayerfully, and patiently, always following the Spirit in this effort.
Such change cannot be made overnight, but change must take place if the remnant is to be prepared for the end-time witness and for the coming of the Lord in the clouds of glory.
It is apparent that the prospect of change from the presiding elder to ministry by the Spirit may make elders apprehensive who are accustomed to ministering to the flock in all areas of Kingdom work. But the required change need not be upsetting. If the elder is walking with the Lord he will serve the Lord in this new manner with the greatest joy.
The backslidden Christian assemblies of our day may not be willing to seek the Lord and make the necessary changes. Therefore division between fervent disciples and the lukewarm churches is imminent. A militant spirit is arising among the true Christians, being manifested in music that proclaims the war of Christ against the enemy-particularly the enemy in God's people. Also, fiery persecution may be at hand.
It is not time as yet for the Church to attack the sinners of the world, attempting to force them to adopt the moral values of the Christians. Rather, it is an hour of preparation. Notice the period of preparation before the attack on Jericho:
Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. (Joshua 1:11)
At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. (Joshua 5:2)
The need today is for the believers to be circumcised, to make a covenant of holiness with the Lord.
The saints of today must be made ready for the attack of Armageddon and for other onslaughts the Lord may have in mind. We are not to rush out now in the enthusiasm of the soul or because of personal irritation with the practices of the ungodly. Even if we do call on Jesus to help us change the secular world we will be defeated and bring persecution upon ourselves. The sin of the world indeed is great but the Lord is not as yet signaling the attack on the evil in the world, only on the evil in Zion, in the churches that bear His name.
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let
all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; (Joel 2:1)
Because we do not have a scriptural pattern of organization and government the people are apt to mill about in ignorance, not understanding the areas now undergoing judgment and the areas where judgment will come in the future.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Ministry by the Spirit, #2
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit."
The Temple of God shall not be brought to completion by the efforts and talents of people but by the Spirit of God. The two olive trees signify a double (Elisha) portion of God's Spirit abiding on the witnesses. The two lampstands are Christ and His Body, according to our understanding.
It appears that God's people are ready neither for the end-time revival nor for the coming of the Lord. We must be built up in the faith of Jesus. We must grow to maturity as measured by the stature of the fullness of Christ. The maturing of the saints is the forming of the second lampstand.
There will be a remnant in the last days, we believe, that will come out of the religious institutions, leaving these organizations void of the voice of the Bridegroom and the Bride.
And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (Revelation 18:23)
Christendom will be divided into a holy remnant, and Babylon (man-directed Christianity). We think the process of division already has begun.
The remnant of saints must be built up in the Spirit. Worldliness, sin, and self-will must be overcome and driven from the personalities of the believers. Love for the Lord Jesus must be greatly increased among us. We must grow to maturity. As we become mature, union with the Father and the Son and with one another will follow as a consequence.
The means God has given for the perfecting and unifying of the Body of Christ is the ministries and gifts of the Spirit of God.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:28)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11,12)
The present-day operation of ministry must change from an organizational assignment imposed on leadership and ministry, to ministry by the wisdom and power of the Spirit of God.
The current pattern includes a presiding elder (termed "pastor") who administrates the business of the organization and preaches and teaches from a pulpit. Some of the presiding elders are administrators, not actually pastors in terms of Ephesians 4:11; but all of them are serving as elders.
The reason the members of today's churches do not grow to spiritual maturity (and it appears few of them grow appreciably in the Lord-even after many years of church attendance) is that the ministries and gifts God has given to the members of the Body of Christ are not operating.
They are not operating because they are not expected to operate. They are not expected to operate because the presiding elder, in numerous instances, is ignorant of the manner in which the churches are to function. The presiding elder of the local assembly may not only be ignorant of the mind of the Spirit but may be actively resisting what the Spirit is seeking to do.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit."
The Temple of God shall not be brought to completion by the efforts and talents of people but by the Spirit of God. The two olive trees signify a double (Elisha) portion of God's Spirit abiding on the witnesses. The two lampstands are Christ and His Body, according to our understanding.
It appears that God's people are ready neither for the end-time revival nor for the coming of the Lord. We must be built up in the faith of Jesus. We must grow to maturity as measured by the stature of the fullness of Christ. The maturing of the saints is the forming of the second lampstand.
There will be a remnant in the last days, we believe, that will come out of the religious institutions, leaving these organizations void of the voice of the Bridegroom and the Bride.
And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (Revelation 18:23)
Christendom will be divided into a holy remnant, and Babylon (man-directed Christianity). We think the process of division already has begun.
The remnant of saints must be built up in the Spirit. Worldliness, sin, and self-will must be overcome and driven from the personalities of the believers. Love for the Lord Jesus must be greatly increased among us. We must grow to maturity. As we become mature, union with the Father and the Son and with one another will follow as a consequence.
The means God has given for the perfecting and unifying of the Body of Christ is the ministries and gifts of the Spirit of God.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:28)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11,12)
The present-day operation of ministry must change from an organizational assignment imposed on leadership and ministry, to ministry by the wisdom and power of the Spirit of God.
The current pattern includes a presiding elder (termed "pastor") who administrates the business of the organization and preaches and teaches from a pulpit. Some of the presiding elders are administrators, not actually pastors in terms of Ephesians 4:11; but all of them are serving as elders.
The reason the members of today's churches do not grow to spiritual maturity (and it appears few of them grow appreciably in the Lord-even after many years of church attendance) is that the ministries and gifts God has given to the members of the Body of Christ are not operating.
They are not operating because they are not expected to operate. They are not expected to operate because the presiding elder, in numerous instances, is ignorant of the manner in which the churches are to function. The presiding elder of the local assembly may not only be ignorant of the mind of the Spirit but may be actively resisting what the Spirit is seeking to do.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Ministry by the Spirit
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (I Corinthians 12:11)
There are organizational problems in the Body of Christ, the Christian Church.
There are at least three issues that must be addressed:
The operation of ministries and gifts by the members of the Body.
The defining of the office of elder.
The imposition of organizational assignment on leadership and ministry rather than the development and operation of Spirit-chosen ministries and gifts.
The crux of the problem is the issue of the head of man versus the head of Christ, on the Body of Christ. This has been a problem throughout Church history. We have inherited two thousand years of human-directed church government.
A weight of tradition and precedent perpetuates the present system. We must in our generation make the transition from ministry by organizational assignment to ministry by the Spirit of God. We must make it possible for the Spirit to direct the churches.
The Spirit seems to be saying it is time for the saints to pray for the restoring of the ministries and gifts of the Body of Christ.
The Scriptures teach us there will be an end-time outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. (Joel 2:28,29)
The end-time refreshing is referred to in the Scriptures as the "latter rain," referring to the harvest rain that falls in Israel prior to the grain harvest.
Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. (Joel 2:23)
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:3)
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. (James 5:7)
The latter rain will be the greatest of all the demonstrations of God's power, the most powerful witness ever given of the Kingdom of God. We believe the latter-rain outpouring is symbolized by the "two witnesses" of the eleventh chapter of the Book of Revelation. The lampstands and olive trees of the eleventh chapter of Revelation are taken from the fourth chapter of the Book of Zechariah.
Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:5,6)
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
There are organizational problems in the Body of Christ, the Christian Church.
There are at least three issues that must be addressed:
The operation of ministries and gifts by the members of the Body.
The defining of the office of elder.
The imposition of organizational assignment on leadership and ministry rather than the development and operation of Spirit-chosen ministries and gifts.
The crux of the problem is the issue of the head of man versus the head of Christ, on the Body of Christ. This has been a problem throughout Church history. We have inherited two thousand years of human-directed church government.
A weight of tradition and precedent perpetuates the present system. We must in our generation make the transition from ministry by organizational assignment to ministry by the Spirit of God. We must make it possible for the Spirit to direct the churches.
The Spirit seems to be saying it is time for the saints to pray for the restoring of the ministries and gifts of the Body of Christ.
The Scriptures teach us there will be an end-time outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. (Joel 2:28,29)
The end-time refreshing is referred to in the Scriptures as the "latter rain," referring to the harvest rain that falls in Israel prior to the grain harvest.
Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. (Joel 2:23)
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:3)
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. (James 5:7)
The latter rain will be the greatest of all the demonstrations of God's power, the most powerful witness ever given of the Kingdom of God. We believe the latter-rain outpouring is symbolized by the "two witnesses" of the eleventh chapter of the Book of Revelation. The lampstands and olive trees of the eleventh chapter of Revelation are taken from the fourth chapter of the Book of Zechariah.
Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:5,6)
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Monday, December 06, 2010
The Marriage of the Lamb, #48
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2,3)
Notice that the abundance of union and life is ours after the reconciliation stage has been accomplished:
And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. (Isaiah 12:1)
The material creation, including the inhabitants thereof, is dead because of the curse of God that has been placed on it. It awaits, in its corruption and futility, the living touch of the Wife of the Lamb.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19)
The members of the Wife of the Lamb will pass throughout the earth bringing spiritual life and freedom to all who were not destroyed in the Divine fury of Armageddon. They are the trees of life. Those who eat of their fruit will live, and their "leaves" are for the healing of the nations.
The forty-seventh chapter of the Book of Ezekiel portrays the judgment and reconciliation of the saints, their entrance into life in ever-increasing fullness, and then their ministry of life to the dead creation.
The reconciling judgment is portrayed by "the man that had the line in his hand" (verse 3).
The entrance of the members of the Wife into ever-increasing depths of eternal life is typified by the waters "to the ankles," "to the knees," "to the loins," and finally by the waters "to swim in" (verses 3-5).
As soon as the process of judgment and life has been completed, the waters of eternal life will flow from the saints into the "dead sea" of humanity, bringing the creation into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
Now will the earth be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Now will the Lord's trees of life bring deliverance to mankind. Now will the redemption performed on the cross of Calvary be revealed as to the full effects of its authority. Now will the Lord Jesus see the travail of His soul and be satisfied.
Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. 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 47:7-9)
Because the Wife of the Lamb has been called to the highest throne of the universe, her training is full of prolonged, tiring, and sometimes painful hardships. Only those Christians who are willing to give their first attention and energies to their discipleship have any hope of arriving at the first resurrection from the dead, that is, at the level of spiritual readiness that will enable them to be raised from the dead and glorified without further judgment and reconciliation.
Any individual may choose to be one of Jesus' conquerors, one of His victorious saints. Remember, the gate is small and the road is narrow and full of obstacles. Through His grace you can overcome every obstacle. Only believe.
Indescribable glory is waiting for those who endure to the end. (from The Marriage of the Lamb)
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVE
Notice that the abundance of union and life is ours after the reconciliation stage has been accomplished:
And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. (Isaiah 12:1)
The material creation, including the inhabitants thereof, is dead because of the curse of God that has been placed on it. It awaits, in its corruption and futility, the living touch of the Wife of the Lamb.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19)
The members of the Wife of the Lamb will pass throughout the earth bringing spiritual life and freedom to all who were not destroyed in the Divine fury of Armageddon. They are the trees of life. Those who eat of their fruit will live, and their "leaves" are for the healing of the nations.
The forty-seventh chapter of the Book of Ezekiel portrays the judgment and reconciliation of the saints, their entrance into life in ever-increasing fullness, and then their ministry of life to the dead creation.
The reconciling judgment is portrayed by "the man that had the line in his hand" (verse 3).
The entrance of the members of the Wife into ever-increasing depths of eternal life is typified by the waters "to the ankles," "to the knees," "to the loins," and finally by the waters "to swim in" (verses 3-5).
As soon as the process of judgment and life has been completed, the waters of eternal life will flow from the saints into the "dead sea" of humanity, bringing the creation into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
Now will the earth be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Now will the Lord's trees of life bring deliverance to mankind. Now will the redemption performed on the cross of Calvary be revealed as to the full effects of its authority. Now will the Lord Jesus see the travail of His soul and be satisfied.
Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. 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 47:7-9)
Because the Wife of the Lamb has been called to the highest throne of the universe, her training is full of prolonged, tiring, and sometimes painful hardships. Only those Christians who are willing to give their first attention and energies to their discipleship have any hope of arriving at the first resurrection from the dead, that is, at the level of spiritual readiness that will enable them to be raised from the dead and glorified without further judgment and reconciliation.
Any individual may choose to be one of Jesus' conquerors, one of His victorious saints. Remember, the gate is small and the road is narrow and full of obstacles. Through His grace you can overcome every obstacle. Only believe.
Indescribable glory is waiting for those who endure to the end. (from The Marriage of the Lamb)
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVE
Saturday, December 04, 2010
The Marriage of the Lamb, #47
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness [righteous acts] of saints. (Revelation 19:7,8)
Thus far we have discussed four Divine works that are associated with the manifestation stage of the marriage of the Lamb:
The redeeming of the bodies of the members of the Bride.
Our being joined together with Jesus.
Our becoming visible to the peoples of the earth.
Our being given the authority and power of God for the purpose of cleansing all wickedness from the earth.
When we consider the awesome implications of these four aspects of redemption we can appreciate the necessity for the formation, reconciliation, and union stages of the marriage of the Lamb. Consider the present spiritual condition of the members of the Christian churches, and then imagine the chaos that would ensue if they suddenly were made immortal, joined with Jesus, made visible to the peoples of the earth, and given authority and power over the nations of the earth.
God is not foolish, neither does He place people in situations for which they are unprepared. Men do this sometimes, but God is careful to direct those who trust Him into areas of growth and service suitable to their maturity and ability. The wise placement of Christians on the earth is evident, and the Christian mystics, such as Sundar Singh, teach us that appropriate placement of people occurs in the spiritual world where we go when we die physically.
The final aspect of the manifestation stage we will mention, is the role of the members of the Bride in bringing eternal life to the dead creation.
We bring life and restoration to the material creation. The waters of eternal life flow from the personalities of the members of the Wife of the Lamb.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)
Blessed is every person who is called to the marriage supper of the Lamb because the waters of life will flow in abundance from the Wife of the Lamb.
The spiritual fulfillment of the Old Testament feast of Pentecost is characterized by the outpouring of the Spirit of God on us.
The spiritual fulfillment of the Old Testament feast of Tabernacles is characterized by the springing up of a well of water from the depths of our personality. When the Lord Jesus is crowned King on the throne of our personality, the waters of eternal life begin to flow from the throne. As this takes place we become a tree of life.
It is the "trees of life" who will sustain the seekers after God, especially the believing Jews, during the hour of trouble that soon is to fall on the earth. These same trees of life will nourish the material creation throughout eternity to come.
Eternal life springs from those who have entered the union stage of the marriage of the Lamb.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVE
Thus far we have discussed four Divine works that are associated with the manifestation stage of the marriage of the Lamb:
The redeeming of the bodies of the members of the Bride.
Our being joined together with Jesus.
Our becoming visible to the peoples of the earth.
Our being given the authority and power of God for the purpose of cleansing all wickedness from the earth.
When we consider the awesome implications of these four aspects of redemption we can appreciate the necessity for the formation, reconciliation, and union stages of the marriage of the Lamb. Consider the present spiritual condition of the members of the Christian churches, and then imagine the chaos that would ensue if they suddenly were made immortal, joined with Jesus, made visible to the peoples of the earth, and given authority and power over the nations of the earth.
God is not foolish, neither does He place people in situations for which they are unprepared. Men do this sometimes, but God is careful to direct those who trust Him into areas of growth and service suitable to their maturity and ability. The wise placement of Christians on the earth is evident, and the Christian mystics, such as Sundar Singh, teach us that appropriate placement of people occurs in the spiritual world where we go when we die physically.
The final aspect of the manifestation stage we will mention, is the role of the members of the Bride in bringing eternal life to the dead creation.
We bring life and restoration to the material creation. The waters of eternal life flow from the personalities of the members of the Wife of the Lamb.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)
Blessed is every person who is called to the marriage supper of the Lamb because the waters of life will flow in abundance from the Wife of the Lamb.
The spiritual fulfillment of the Old Testament feast of Pentecost is characterized by the outpouring of the Spirit of God on us.
The spiritual fulfillment of the Old Testament feast of Tabernacles is characterized by the springing up of a well of water from the depths of our personality. When the Lord Jesus is crowned King on the throne of our personality, the waters of eternal life begin to flow from the throne. As this takes place we become a tree of life.
It is the "trees of life" who will sustain the seekers after God, especially the believing Jews, during the hour of trouble that soon is to fall on the earth. These same trees of life will nourish the material creation throughout eternity to come.
Eternal life springs from those who have entered the union stage of the marriage of the Lamb.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVE
Friday, December 03, 2010
The Marriage of the Lamb, #46
Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners. (Song of Solomon 6:4)
The Wife of the Lamb is beautiful in holiness and ready to drive the enemy from the Lord's (and her) earth.
This is why the invasion of the earth by the armies of linen-clothed saints takes place immediately after the marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7,8).
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:14)
The decisive battle cannot be fought until the saints conquer the accuser by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and by loving not their lives to the death (Revelation 12:11). Those who ride with Christ in that Day are called, chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14). They are "a great people and a strong." They are the Lord's "troops" (Habakkuk 3:16), the army of Christ (Joel 2:11).
As we stated before, the Divine redemption is a correcting of mankind, commencing with the saints-with those who are closest to the Lord. When we present the Christian salvation as primarily the forgiving of people we miss the point. The Christian salvation indeed does include the forgiving of people but with a view to their correction, their change from the ways of Satan to the ways of God.
Imputed (assigned) righteousness is a temporary provision. God is seeking actual righteousness on the part of His saints, and also on the part of everyone on the earth. The Kingdom of God brings about actual righteousness-the doing of God's will in the earth as it is in Heaven.
The saints themselves must be purified from all sin and rebellion. When they are purified they will work with Christ in purifying the remainder of the saved creation. Unfortunately, not all men will accept Christ, or God's correction. The rebels will be cast into the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.
There is no sin that is acceptable in God's sight. All sin must be driven from the earth.
It is not possible that someone can ride with Christ in the Day of the Lord on the basis of imputed (ascribed) righteousness. Those who ride with Him are called, chosen, and faithful. They are called of the Lord. They are chosen because they have decided to turn away from all else and follow Jesus. They are faithful because they have kept their vow throughout the pressures and pains with which they have been tested.
The saints will execute vengeance on the nations and will chastise those peoples whom God is redeeming.
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; (Psalms 149:7)
The wicked will attempt to resist the invasion of the earth by Christ and His saints, but to no avail.
For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. (Malachi 4:1)
And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 4:3)
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Wife of the Lamb is beautiful in holiness and ready to drive the enemy from the Lord's (and her) earth.
This is why the invasion of the earth by the armies of linen-clothed saints takes place immediately after the marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7,8).
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:14)
The decisive battle cannot be fought until the saints conquer the accuser by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and by loving not their lives to the death (Revelation 12:11). Those who ride with Christ in that Day are called, chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14). They are "a great people and a strong." They are the Lord's "troops" (Habakkuk 3:16), the army of Christ (Joel 2:11).
As we stated before, the Divine redemption is a correcting of mankind, commencing with the saints-with those who are closest to the Lord. When we present the Christian salvation as primarily the forgiving of people we miss the point. The Christian salvation indeed does include the forgiving of people but with a view to their correction, their change from the ways of Satan to the ways of God.
Imputed (assigned) righteousness is a temporary provision. God is seeking actual righteousness on the part of His saints, and also on the part of everyone on the earth. The Kingdom of God brings about actual righteousness-the doing of God's will in the earth as it is in Heaven.
The saints themselves must be purified from all sin and rebellion. When they are purified they will work with Christ in purifying the remainder of the saved creation. Unfortunately, not all men will accept Christ, or God's correction. The rebels will be cast into the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.
There is no sin that is acceptable in God's sight. All sin must be driven from the earth.
It is not possible that someone can ride with Christ in the Day of the Lord on the basis of imputed (ascribed) righteousness. Those who ride with Him are called, chosen, and faithful. They are called of the Lord. They are chosen because they have decided to turn away from all else and follow Jesus. They are faithful because they have kept their vow throughout the pressures and pains with which they have been tested.
The saints will execute vengeance on the nations and will chastise those peoples whom God is redeeming.
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; (Psalms 149:7)
The wicked will attempt to resist the invasion of the earth by Christ and His saints, but to no avail.
For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. (Malachi 4:1)
And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 4:3)
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Thursday, December 02, 2010
The Marriage of the Lamb, #45
And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 4:3)
We (the Lord and we) crush the forces of wickedness in the earth. War and destruction do not delight the heart of the true saint for he or she is a person of peace. War and destruction do not delight the heart of God, for He also is a Person of peace. God's preferred expression of His Son is the "Lamb," for the lamb is the meekest of animals. God much prefers meekness and gentleness.
There has been a rebellion against God and it must be crushed. There is a time for war, and when that time arrives the war must be pursued with the same vigor we apply to the pursuit of peace.
We do not enjoy the prospect of crushing the wicked, much preferring that they would repent and serve the Lord. But as we look about us in the world of today and see what the demons are doing through people, we are ready to ride with Christ in the attack of Armageddon.
The corrupting and destroying of all God has created, all that is decent, wholesome, edifying, lovely, must be stopped. It must be stopped totally. It must be crushed. The memory of Satan and all who follow Satan must be removed from the creation for eternity.
The lukewarm Christian is apathetic about removing all evil from the earth. The true saint, the member of the Wife of the Lamb, is not apathetic about removing evil from the earth. He loves righteousness and hates wickedness. He is grieved exceedingly (although not fretted) by what is taking place today.
He longs for the giving of crowns of authority and power to the saints so they may be able to govern with a rod of iron, overpowering and eliminating all resistance to the rule of God in Christ. Satan himself will be crushed beneath their feet (Romans 16:20).
But the Lord thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed. And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven: there shall no man be able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them. (Deuteronomy 7:23,24)
We have the promise of God, the directive of God. Christ is waiting until His enemies have been made his footstool. We of the Body of Christ are being prepared for the hour when God decrees that His enemies (and ours) are to be driven from the earth.
The tribes of Israel did not exercise the diligence and courage necessary to drive the enemy from their land. They were slothful and weak in this respect. We are to learn from their example and be diligent and courageous in casting out Satan and his forces from the earth, as our heavenly Joshua leads us.
Not one sin is to remain. Not one act of rebellion or lawlessness. The believers who are not determined to destroy sin from the presence and memory of mankind are not ready to be members of the Wife of the Lamb. They still are part of the problem, part of the rebellion against God.
They are not persuaded God is right and Satan is wrong. If they are to be saved they must be taught by the sons of God. The nations themselves will be smashed and governed by a rod of iron. This is because lawlessness and rebellion are so deeply ingrained in mankind.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
We (the Lord and we) crush the forces of wickedness in the earth. War and destruction do not delight the heart of the true saint for he or she is a person of peace. War and destruction do not delight the heart of God, for He also is a Person of peace. God's preferred expression of His Son is the "Lamb," for the lamb is the meekest of animals. God much prefers meekness and gentleness.
There has been a rebellion against God and it must be crushed. There is a time for war, and when that time arrives the war must be pursued with the same vigor we apply to the pursuit of peace.
We do not enjoy the prospect of crushing the wicked, much preferring that they would repent and serve the Lord. But as we look about us in the world of today and see what the demons are doing through people, we are ready to ride with Christ in the attack of Armageddon.
The corrupting and destroying of all God has created, all that is decent, wholesome, edifying, lovely, must be stopped. It must be stopped totally. It must be crushed. The memory of Satan and all who follow Satan must be removed from the creation for eternity.
The lukewarm Christian is apathetic about removing all evil from the earth. The true saint, the member of the Wife of the Lamb, is not apathetic about removing evil from the earth. He loves righteousness and hates wickedness. He is grieved exceedingly (although not fretted) by what is taking place today.
He longs for the giving of crowns of authority and power to the saints so they may be able to govern with a rod of iron, overpowering and eliminating all resistance to the rule of God in Christ. Satan himself will be crushed beneath their feet (Romans 16:20).
But the Lord thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed. And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven: there shall no man be able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them. (Deuteronomy 7:23,24)
We have the promise of God, the directive of God. Christ is waiting until His enemies have been made his footstool. We of the Body of Christ are being prepared for the hour when God decrees that His enemies (and ours) are to be driven from the earth.
The tribes of Israel did not exercise the diligence and courage necessary to drive the enemy from their land. They were slothful and weak in this respect. We are to learn from their example and be diligent and courageous in casting out Satan and his forces from the earth, as our heavenly Joshua leads us.
Not one sin is to remain. Not one act of rebellion or lawlessness. The believers who are not determined to destroy sin from the presence and memory of mankind are not ready to be members of the Wife of the Lamb. They still are part of the problem, part of the rebellion against God.
They are not persuaded God is right and Satan is wrong. If they are to be saved they must be taught by the sons of God. The nations themselves will be smashed and governed by a rod of iron. This is because lawlessness and rebellion are so deeply ingrained in mankind.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
The Marriage of the Lamb, #44
This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:19)
The nations of the saved will be invited to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Presence of the Lord in His saints, to keep the feast of Tabernacles in this spiritual sense. Those who do not come to honor the Presence of God in His saints will be punished.
When God brings His Kingdom into the world, His royal priesthood, He expects the nations to pay homage to Himself in the nation He has chosen, which is true Israel. The nations of the earth that scorn the Presence of God in His elect will perish.
For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isaiah 60:12)
It is true even today that people who assist and show mercy toward God's chosen are rewarded by the Lord. Those who, knowing an individual is a servant of Christ, do not assist but rather injure that person, will be dealt with harshly by the Lord. He who rejects the true saint rejects Christ Himself, and he who rejects Christ rejects God and will be treated accordingly.
This Kingdom principle does not apply to the self-seeking, self-aggrandizing churches. They are not God's chosen, the brothers of Christ. God will use the unsaved to cast down the self-seeking churches, for such churches are not the servants of the Lord. Babylon (man-directed Christianity) will be burned with fire by the ten kings who serve Antichrist, and the Lord's apostles and prophets will rejoice because Babylon has always murdered the true saints.
The most important work of the two thousand years that have elapsed since the birth of Jesus has been the forming of the Wife of the Lamb, the Body of Christ. Soon it will be time for the revealing of the Wife, although first must come the latter-rain revival, and then the great tribulation.
Much work remains to be done and it will be accomplished quickly. The Spirit of God will bring the Gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth, the hour of tribulation will purify the Bride of the Lamb, and then it will be time for the Kingdom of God to enter the material realm.
The peoples of the nations are to repent and embrace the good news. We, the saints, as the Lord directs, are to go to every city and village under the heaven, casting out devils, healing the sick, and announcing the good news of the soon coming of the Kingdom to the earth.
The peoples who receive us will be saved in the Day of the Lord, as was true of Rahab of Jericho. The city or village that does not receive the true saints of God will be destroyed in the Day of Christ.
The Day of God Almighty is at hand and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, will be joined together with His Wife. "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready" (Revelation 19:7).
The Wife is true Israel and her city is Jerusalem. We who were born Gentiles have been made a part of true Israel in that we have become a part of Christ. We will not permit the current Christian teaching to rob us of our inheritance in Israel, in the Wife of the Lamb.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The nations of the saved will be invited to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Presence of the Lord in His saints, to keep the feast of Tabernacles in this spiritual sense. Those who do not come to honor the Presence of God in His saints will be punished.
When God brings His Kingdom into the world, His royal priesthood, He expects the nations to pay homage to Himself in the nation He has chosen, which is true Israel. The nations of the earth that scorn the Presence of God in His elect will perish.
For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isaiah 60:12)
It is true even today that people who assist and show mercy toward God's chosen are rewarded by the Lord. Those who, knowing an individual is a servant of Christ, do not assist but rather injure that person, will be dealt with harshly by the Lord. He who rejects the true saint rejects Christ Himself, and he who rejects Christ rejects God and will be treated accordingly.
This Kingdom principle does not apply to the self-seeking, self-aggrandizing churches. They are not God's chosen, the brothers of Christ. God will use the unsaved to cast down the self-seeking churches, for such churches are not the servants of the Lord. Babylon (man-directed Christianity) will be burned with fire by the ten kings who serve Antichrist, and the Lord's apostles and prophets will rejoice because Babylon has always murdered the true saints.
The most important work of the two thousand years that have elapsed since the birth of Jesus has been the forming of the Wife of the Lamb, the Body of Christ. Soon it will be time for the revealing of the Wife, although first must come the latter-rain revival, and then the great tribulation.
Much work remains to be done and it will be accomplished quickly. The Spirit of God will bring the Gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth, the hour of tribulation will purify the Bride of the Lamb, and then it will be time for the Kingdom of God to enter the material realm.
The peoples of the nations are to repent and embrace the good news. We, the saints, as the Lord directs, are to go to every city and village under the heaven, casting out devils, healing the sick, and announcing the good news of the soon coming of the Kingdom to the earth.
The peoples who receive us will be saved in the Day of the Lord, as was true of Rahab of Jericho. The city or village that does not receive the true saints of God will be destroyed in the Day of Christ.
The Day of God Almighty is at hand and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, will be joined together with His Wife. "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready" (Revelation 19:7).
The Wife is true Israel and her city is Jerusalem. We who were born Gentiles have been made a part of true Israel in that we have become a part of Christ. We will not permit the current Christian teaching to rob us of our inheritance in Israel, in the Wife of the Lamb.
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 � 1997-2010 by Trumpet Ministries Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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