Perilous Times*

There has been a great increase across all of the forms of media of those who deny the existence of God. Our response is to teach truth to them. The times are perilous now, and will become more so, because, according to all of the signs, we are living in the last days before Christ's return. As we read last week in Second Timothy: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Tim. 3:1-5). These are people who may know God in a certain way, but do not allow Him to have any power or authority over them, or anything else. Paul also warned Timothy that persecution would come for those who live godly lives through Jesus Christ. Evil men and deceptions shall grow worse (v. 12-13). Timothy is told to continue in the things he has learned from Paul, and from the scriptures, for they are sure: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect (complete), thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (v. 16-17). There is no other book on earth which is produced by men that is like the scriptures, which is written by men, but those men wrote the scriptures under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Word of God does not need man to prove its truth, because it proves itself. The scriptures do not lead men into a legalistic or religious relationship with God, but rather, a personal relationship with the Savior, Jesus our Salvation, as Saul/Paul discovered on the road to Damascus. He had been a persecutor of the believers in Christ, but after his supernatural encounter with Christ speaking to him from heaven, Paul dedicated the rest of his life to living as a servant of Jesus Christ. Paul told Timothy: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Tim. 4:2-4). We see now that society demands that sin be tolerated, accepted, and even celebrated. Even the Church is afraid to teach against sin, and its sure wages of death. However, the scriptures say that all have sinned, and are only saved by grace, the gift of God through Jesus, and not by good works nor good intentions. Again, Paul wrote of the perilous last days, and the deceptions that come with them. There was a deception being taught at the time of Paul that Christ had already returned. There were also letters going to the churches claiming to be from Paul, teaching false doctrines, but they had not been written by him. Paul wrote to correct this: "Let no man deceive you by any means: For that day (of Christ's return) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." (2 Thess. 2:1-4). Paul is speaking of the acts of the antichrist who will come before Christ's return. However, this spiritual evil is already at work, seeking to sit in God's spiritual temple of men's hearts. Paul wrote that there is a restraining force to hold back the actual event that reveals the wicked one until the time is right, but "the mystery of iniquity doth already work" (v. 6-8). This wicked one will come with deception, and the works of Satan, "with all power, and signs and lying wonders". God will send a strong delusion to believe the lie upon those who are doomed because they do not accept the truth, and take pleasure in unrighteousness. The wicked one to be revealed will be consumed by the Lord "with the spirit of his mouth", and shall be destroyed "with the brightness of his coming." (v. 8-12). The perilous times, as we see, include a pandemic of lies and strong delusions, and the supernatural, lying works of Satan. Part of the perilous times were told by Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the coming harvest of those who were righteous in Christ, and the unrighteous. Both parables involve the sowing of seed, and then the harvest. In one parable, the Kingdom is like a man who plants seed in the ground, and then sleeps. The earth does its job, and the seed germinates, gradually bringing forth a shoot, then a plant, then finally the mature ear of corn. Then the man knows it is time to "putteth in the sickle" to harvest the crop that the seed and the earth has produced (Mark 4:26-29). In the second parable, again a man has sown good seed in his field. However, this time, while men slept, an enemy came and sowed tares among the man's wheat crop. The man's servants noticed that as the wheat matured and brought forth fruit, the tares showed themselves because of their lack of fruit. He realized that an enemy had done this to his crop. He instructed his servants: "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." (Mt. 13:24-30). In perilous times, men teach false doctrines, sowing tares that do not bear the fruit of Christ. There are those who profess Christ, but in works, don't know Him. The prophet Joel prophesied about the harvest, and the judgment of the Day of the LORD, at a time when the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem has ended, and God's people have been brought back to the land (fulfilled in Israel, 1947): "Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come get you down; for the press is full, the fats (vats) overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision." (Joel 3:12-14). Joel described the Day of the LORD as a day when the sun, moon, and the stars are darkened. It's a terrible day when the heavens and earth shake and quake. We need to know the signs of that Day, and when the harvest grows ripe. The New Testament speaks of the same signs. As it becomes evident that the Day is drawing near, it is a fool who says in his heart that there is no God. Joel wrote of the purpose of God's people as this Day of the LORD approaches, and it is what sets the difference between "the wheat and the tares" of the ripening harvest: "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...Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rent your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of gret kindness, and repenteth him of the evil...Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproah among the heathen." (Joel 2:1, 12-13, 18-19, see also 1:13-15). Joel called the people of God to repentance, as we have often said the same in referring to 2 Chron. 7:14. The Book of Revelation also prophesies about the harvest to come. One who looked like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head, and a sharp sickle in His hand, heard the loud command that came out of the temple in heaven: "Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe." (Rev. 14:14-15). Then additional angels came with their sickles also, but this time, the grapes of the vine were ripe and ready for harvesting (v. 17-18). "And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God." (v. 19). Much blood came out of that winepress of wrath (v. 20). As we saw in the parable of Jesus, there were two reapings here of the ripe harvest - one was reaped by Jesus for the Kingdom, and one was reaped by the angels for the wrath of God. We see the harvest ripening all over the world, and we see wickedness waxing worse and worse. Isaiah warned, "Woe" unto you who call evil good, and good evil...and justify the wicked for a reward. We must continue to sow seeds of righteousness, and keep our lamps lit, for darkness is here. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 12/4/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, theshroudofturin.org, and END TIME SCHOOL, also on Facebook.

Tabernacles and the Day of the LORD*

This evening begins the Feast of Tabernacles. There is a direct connection in scripture between the Feast of Tabernacles and "the day of the LORD'. This is the commandment of the LORD regarding the Feast of Tabernacles: "And the LORD spake unto Moses saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD. On the first day shall be a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein. These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD...every thing upon his day." (Lev. 23:33-37). The word "tabernacles" is the Hebrew word sukkah, meaning "booth, pavilion, lair (of a lion), cover". (A root word, sakak, means "fence about, protect, defence, shut in, overshadow, stop the approach, weave together, cover with armor".) The pictographic ancient Hebrew letters form the meaning "Behold, a hand to cover, supply, lift up, or suppress". In Deuteronomy, the LORD explained the Feast of Tabernacles further through Moses: "Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine. And thou shalt rejoice...thou...thy son...thy daughter...thy manservant...thy maidservant...the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates." (Deut. 16:13-14). The Feast of Tabernacles was to include all with rejoicing after the fall harvest that God had provided them. In the same spirit of tabernacles, the LORD commanded Moses to appoint just judges and officers throughout all of the tribes, who will not practice favoritism, nor receive bribes nor falsely accuse the righteous. This just treatment of all is so that they may live in the land that God has given them (v. 18-20). We see a lack of justice everywhere today, while God is calling His people to be just and righteous. We discover that the neaning of the Feast of Tabernacles is also revealed in scriptures regarding the coming day of the LORD: "He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion (sukkah) round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail-stones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens...he sent out his arrows, and scattered them...Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me." (Ps. 18:11-17). Just as Noah was drawn out of many waters, the LORD's pavilion draws us out of the hands of our enemies. What looks to the enemies like a covering of thick dark clouds, to us is the pavilion or tabernacle of the LORD. It is "the hand that covers, supplies, lifts up and suppresses". As Psalm 31 declares the greatness and goodness of God towards those who trust Him, it says: "Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion (sukkah) from the strife of tongues." (v. 19-20). Those who walk in the righteousness of God, and in His Word, are continually judged in this world by the strife of tongues of accusation. However, God has provided a pavilion in which to hide us. As Isaiah prophesied the blessings of God under the Messiah, he wrote of beautiful fruitful branches, excellent and comely fruit of the earth for the remnant who escape. Those that remain will be called holy - every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem. The LORD will wash them of filth, purged by the spirit of judgment and burning (Isa. 4:2-4). "...and the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle (sukkah) for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain." (v. 5-6). There is a hand to cover and provide our pasture in the tabernacle, but it is shadow, darkness, and clouds to others. The prophet Zephaniah describes the day of the LORD as a day of wrath, of trouble, distress, wasteness and desolation, "a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet and alarm...and I will bring distress among men...because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust...Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy..." (Zeph. 1:14-18). The prophet Amos also spoke of the darkness of the day of the LORD, saying, "Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD!" (Amos 5:1-18-20). In this case, the very people who were looking for the day of the LORD would be the first to experience the darkness rather than the sukkah tabernacle. The LORD condemned them because He said that He hated their feasts and offerings, "But ye have born the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun, your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves." (v. 21-26). Their tabernacle was a tabernacle to false demonic gods, who demanded child sacrifices, and were filled with worthless idols. The LORD holds His people to a different standard than the standard that the world practices and values. His standard is the righteousness of God. Joel also wrote about the day of the LORD as being "a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness", and of a fire that devours and a flame that burns. (Joel 2:2-3, 30-31). He called the people of God to sound the trumpet of alarm, to call an assembly of all the people, from the youngest to the oldest, because "the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand." (2:1, 16). The people must repent with fasting and weeping and consecrate themselves: "...rent your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." (v. 12-13). The priests especially, as those who were the spiritual leaders of the people, were called upon to lead the congregation in repentance by repenting themselves, crying, 'Spare thy people, O LORD." The LORD has not destined His people for His wrath, but providing them instead a tabernacle, a pavilion, a hand that covers if they will set themselves apart to enter into it. If the people will repent in their hearts, the LORD says that He will pity His people: "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things...he hath given you the former rain moderately...and the latter rain in the first month." (v. 21,23). The LORD promises to remove the attacking northern (hidden, secret, covered over) army, and to add the blessing of abundance in their land, restoring all that the devouring locusts have destroyed (v. 20-26). One of the celebrations associated with the Feast of Tabernacles is the abundant harvest, the fruit of the land, like the fruit of trees and the vine, as we see here (v. 22). "And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed". As part of this blessing, the LORD promises to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, regardless of age or status. (v. 27-29). In Nehemiah, Ezra the scribe caused the Word of God to be read and taught before all of the people. Then they obeyed the Word that they had heard by building their booths from beautiful branches to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, as had been commanded by God (Neh. 8:13-15). When we honor God and His Word, He honors and blesses us. Zechariah prophesied about a plague that comes upon the people in which their flesh is consumed away: "...in that day,...a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them." (Zech. 14:12-13). It is a day when the LORD has gone to fight against the nations that have come against Jerusalem. Those among the nations who survive this terrible day of destruction, will have to come to Jerusalem yearly : "...to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles." (v. 16). This prophecy is talking about the rule of Messiah, Jesus Christ, on earth. Those nations that refuse to tabernacle with the LORD in Jerusalem will receive no rain, and will be smitten by the plague. In Jerusalem there shall be found the things that are HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD, "and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts." (v. 16-21). The Word of God says to keep His feasts in "all your generations". There is a place where the hand of God covers, supplies, lifts up, and suppresses, especially in connection with the day of the LORD, as we have seen. This place is found in His tabernacle (sukkah). *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 10/9/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, theshroudofturin.org, and END TIME SCHOOL, also on Facebook.

Rejoice in the LORD*

This week, the Feast of Tabernacles ends after a seven day observance. The next day, the Eighth Day, is Shemini Atzeret. The eighth day is also called Simchat Torah, or "Rejoice in the Torah": "Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein." (Lev. 23:36). It is interesting to know that acording to Jewish custom, a marriage supper doesn't occur until after the newly married couple enters their chamber for seven days at the time of the wedding. On the eighth day following the marriage, the bridegroom brings the bride out of the chamber for the marriage supper celebration. The Eighth Day is a time for rejoicing. Eight is also the number of "new beginnings". The phrase "Rejoice in the LORD" occurs thirty-six times in scripture. From the New Testament: "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord...Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:1, 4:4-7). A type of shutting in, like that which occurs for seven days within the wedding chamber mentioned above, appears in prophetic scripture, and again, it leads to rejoicing: "...Thy dead men shall live together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust...and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the LORD cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." (Isa. 26:17-21, excerpt). These verses speak of the raising of the dead, and the punishment of the wicked, while the LORD's people are enclosed safely in their chambers with the doors shut. We see this also with Noah being shut up in the ark, with God Himself shutting the door. In this way, Noah was kept in safety while the earth was flooded in judgment of the wicked. The parable told by Jesus of the five foolish virgins who were unprepared for the arrival of the bridegroom (Mt. 25), found that they were left outside the shut door as a result. Isaiah prophesies of a strong city in Judah, whose walls and defenses are salvation. Its gates are open to the entrance of the righteous nation that keeps the truth. For those who trust in the LORD, there is perfect peace and everlasting strength (Isa. 26:1-4). In this, Isaiah wrote that he will exalt and praise God: "And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine...well refined. He will destroy in this mountain...the vail that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory; and the LORD God will wipe away tears from off all faces...And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us...we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Isa. 25:1-9 excerpt). There is also great rejoicing regarding the coming marriage of the Lamb: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor 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 of saints....Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb...These are the true sayings of God." (Rev. 19:7-9). In these verses, first we have the marriage of the Lamb, and then the marriage supper of the Lamb. This fits into the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the rejoicing on the Eighth Day, following it. Rejoicing also accompanies the anticipation of the coming of the LORD: "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee...And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again." (Zech. 2:10-13, excerpt). As the LORD promise here to "dwell in the midst" of His people, this is the essence of the Feast of Tabernacles. The LORD will not forget His promises to Israel, Judah and Jerusalem, of which we see one example here in these verses. The Church does not replace Israel in the plan and promises of God, although this false "Replacement Theology" doctrine is believed today by some. The LORD will fulfill His Word regarding Israel and Jerusalem, and all of the nations of the earth will also be benefitted as a result. The LORD is jealous for His land, and its people: "Thus saith the LORD, I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain." (Zech. 8:1-3). Through this fall feast season, we have come through a time of fasting, self-examination and repentance, as found in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. From that cleansing, we enter into the rejoicing of Tabernacles and Shemini Atzeret, the Eighth Day. The prophet Joel wrote of the same thing. The people were to call a solemn assembly to seek the LORD with their whole hearts, fasting with weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12-17). Even the bridegroom and the bride were to come out of their marriage chamber to join the assembly in repentance. As a result of this repentance of His people, the LORD would turn again and have jealousy for His land, and pity upon His people. He will bless with abundance, and restore what was destroyed (v. 18-25). Joel wrote: "Fear not, O land, be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things...Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God..." (v. 21, 23). After this, the LORD gave His great prophecy where He promises: "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh...I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth...before the great and terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." (v. 28-32). The LORD also promises that in that day, He will bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem (Joel 3:1). We do not react and judge based upon current outward appearances, but we bring all thoughts and imaginations into the obedience of Christ, who is the Word of God (see 2 Cor. 10:1-7). It is time to rejoice in the LORD: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Hab. 3:18). Are we going to believe the report of the WORD, or the report of the world? *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 9/26/21 message to the church. To contact us, to make a prayer request, to give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705, or by email at Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us, including the complete video of this message, on Facebook and Twitter. You can find information about Dr. Stevenson's newest book, "NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling" at endtimeschool.com.

The Shemitah: Judgment or Restoration*

Scripture gives us a choice - to receive the blessing, honor God's commandments, accept His Word, or reject it. The LORD told us that there are blessings and cursings, life and death, to choose between. Adam and Eve had a choice, and they chose to disobey the commandment of God, and we have sin and death as a result. It is the same with the LORD's commandment regarding the Shemitah. The Shemitah is described in Leviticus 25: "And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard..." (Lev. 25:1-4). In the seventh year, the land would remain unplanted, and no harvesting would be done. This sabbath year would be for the owner, his sevants and any traveller or stranger who might be staying with them. The sabbath year would also apply to any animals owned. The LORD promised that as the Israelites prepared to observe the Shemitah in the seventh year: "Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years." (v. 21). The children of Israel would not suffer lack for their obedience to let the land have a sabbath unto the LORD in the seventh year. There is no record of Israel or the Jewish people keeping the Shemitah seventh year sabbath for the land. There was a similar special sabbath year called the Jubilee year, which was to be oberserved every fiftieth year as well (v. 8-9). A Jubilee year would begin on the Day of Atonement of the fiftieth year (v. 9). In the Jubilee year, liberty is to be proclaimed throughout the land, and every man's possession shall be returned or restored unto him (v. 13). In giving commands regarding the speacial sabbath years, the LORD said that His people should not take usury or increase from their brothers, "but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee." (v. 36-37). Not only do we not observe the Shemitah and Jubilee, but the whole system of debt in America is based upon usury and increase. Considering this, will we see the restoration that comes from obeying the commandments of God or judgment for disobeying them? The LORD commanded that the Israelites should not compel a poor brother into being a bondservant or slave, but a hired servant until the year of Jubilee, when all is restored to him (v. 39-41). For over two hundred years, we kept people as bondservants or slaves in our country. There were no Shemitah or Jubilee years of liberty and restoration for them. We ignore the sabbaths whether in days, or years, even though Jesus told us that the sabbath was made for man, for his benefit, as an opportunity to enter into the LORD's holy rest. The prophet Joel prophesied about a complete devestation of the land, where all trees and crops shriveled and dried up like had never been seen previously. What little was left on the land had been eaten by locusts. No offerings could be brought to the house of the LORD, because there was nothing available to bring. The land had ceased to prosper. Could this attack upon the land be the result of a failure to give the land a sabbath rest unto the LORD in the form of the Shemitah, as He commanded Israel to do? Joel revealed what the people must do: "Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." (Joel 1:14-15). Again Joel said, "Blow 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). The day of the LORD is described as a day of darkness, devouring fire, pain, earthquakes, and the withdrawal of light from the stars, sun, and moon (v. 2-10), "...for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible, who can abide it?" The LORD called His people to repentance: "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting and weeping, and with mourning: and rent your hearts and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him..." (Joel 2:12-14). Again, the LORD by His prophet called for the blowing of trumpets, and for all of the people to gather together without exception to weep and fast in sanctification. As a result, the LORD will be jealous for His land, and pity His people (v.18). Joel then began to prophesy a restoration to the land and the beasts, gladness and rejoicing, and praises to God (v. 21-27). Rain and crops would be plentiful. Not only would the land be restored as a result of the repentance of God's people, but the LORD also promised a great outpouring of His Spirit on all flesh, wonders to be shown in the heavens and the earth, and deliverance of His remnant in Zion and Jerusalem (v. 23-32). The LORD always has a remnant in the earth. The prophet Zephaniah also delivered the Word of the LORD to His people: "Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger." (Zeph. 2:1-3). Do we think that failure to obey God's Word, including His Word regarding Shemitah and Jubilee, is without consequence today? The following events, being just some that occurred in Shemitah years, would tell us otherwise: 1916-17: the Stock Market collapses; some empires of the European nations collapse. 1930-31: 86% of stocks are wiped out. 1937-38: 50% of stocks are wiped out. 1944-45: the Nazi Third Reich ends, the British Empire collapses, America rises in power. 1972-73: 48% of stocks fall causing a recession, the U.S. legalizes abortion, and America suffers a loss in Vietnam. Skipping ahead to 2000-2001: the World Trade Center Towers collapse in an attack, and a financial crisis. 2007-2008: 50% of stocks are wiped out, and a global recession ensues. This would lead us to conclude that when the command of the LORD is not kept, a curse follows. This is confirmed in Deuteronomy. In Deut. 28, many different kinds of blessings are promised if God's people are obedient to His voice, and commandments: "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine (meaning "cattle, oxen; to learn, to teach, to utter"), and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store..." (Deut. 28:1-5). The description of all of the blessings continues from there for those who do all His commandments. However, there are corresponding curses for those who do not do His commandments: "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store..." (Deut. 28:15-17). The curses continue as direct opposites to the blessings that are promised for the obedient observance to God's commands, which would include the periodic sabbath rest of the land unto the LORD of the Shemitah, and the appointed liberation of the Jubilee years. How can we turn the curses or judgment of disobedience into blessing and restoration? Joel and Zephaniah, and also Daniel (see Dan. 9:2-23) gave us the answer: all of God's people gathering together to pray, fast, repent, and to turn back to the LORD with all of their hearts. Second Chronicles 7:13-14 confirms this yet again: "If I should shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." The coming Shemitah (7th) year, is appointed to begin next month, in this year 2021. The next Jubilee (50th) year is scheduled soon also. These two special years in God's commandments can bring either judgment or restoration for our land based upon the obedience or repentance of the people of God. Which shall it be for our nation? *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 8/22/21 message to the church. You can contact us at P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR at Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. Look for us also on Facebook, Twitter, and at endtimeschool.com. We welcome your prayer requests, praise reports, and your support for this ministry.

The Coming Day of the Lord*

There seems to be a persistent feeling in the Church that the Rapture, the catching away of the Church, means that we don't have to be concerned about the coming Day of the Lord. However, scripture has some sobering prophecies concerning that day, and those prophecies are directed to God's people. When Israel, Judah and Jerusalem are mentioned in scripture, the Church also needs to pay attention, because we are not exempt from the truths being revealed. The Church does not replace Israel by any means, but we are part of "the people of praise". We are grafted into that holy root. The prophet Amos begins our look at the day of the LORD, and what it should mean to us: "Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel. The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up....For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live...Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel." (Amos. 5:1-8, excerpt). The LORD has said here that His people are fallen, and they need to seek His face if they want to live. He is calling His people to repentance (see also 2 Chron. 7:14). The LORD continues to speak through His prophet Amos: "Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light...Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?" (v.18-20). Do we understand what the day of the LORD entails, and towards whom it is directed? The LORD also told His people that their feast days, their offerings, and their songs did not please Him, and would not save them from the coming day. The LORD said instead: "But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." (v. 24). The LORD points to His people's idolatry, and its consequences: "But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Molech and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. Therefore, I will cause you to go into captivity..." (v. 26-27). The nature of the gods and idols mentioned, Molech and Chiun, are very much with us today as well, even amongst the people of God. Molech required the sacrifice of children, and millions of unborn children, innocent blood, today have been destroyed in the abomination of abortion. The god, Chiun, is a god of male virility and fertility. Our culture today is filled with idols representing this same type of god. The LORD spoke this prophetic word concerning the day of the LORD to His prophet Joel: "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; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness...A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth...The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?" (Joel 2:1-11, excerpt). The warning of the trumpet here is to God's people, to Zion. As He spoke to the prophet Amos, the LORD also spoke to Joel, calling His people, regardless of circumstances, age, or station, to repentance: "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly..." (v. 12-15). If His people will repent, the LORD will hear them and answer: "Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people...And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." (v. 18, 32). Another prophet, Zephaniah describes the same things regarding the day of the LORD: "That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet and alarm against the fortified cities and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: Their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy...” (Zeph. 1:15-18). On 9/11 we saw the towers fall in New York City. We saw the dust of the devastation and ruin cover everything, including the faces and clothes of those running from the horrible event. Wicked and evil will be judged, and we are seeing it. Isaiah described a widescale execution of judgment that involved the whole world: "Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter...And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scrole: and all their hosts shall fall down...my sword...shall come down upon Idumea...For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion. And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land therof shall become burning pitch." (Isa. 34:1-10, excerpt). Again we read something that could be described in our era as a nuclear holocaust, that will involve all the nations. The apostle Peter also wrote of this total destruction involving the burning up of the elements, and the heavens (2 Peter 3). Peter also made clear that considering that we are looking to the coming events of the day of the Lord (v. 12), there is also an expectation upon the people of God" "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation...seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Pet. 3:14-18). Peter's recommendation to us in view of the coming day of the Lord was not to be looking toward a catching away of the Church, but because we know these things are coming, we are to be even more serious about being without spot, blameless, in the peace of Christ, growing in His grace and in the knowledge of Him. Without this preparation and "diligence", we come in danger of being led away with the wicked. We are seeing the pestilence of COVID, and nations of the earth lining up according to the prophecies regarding the last days. God's people, who are expected to know the signs, should be concerned about the coming day of the Lord, and turning back to Him in repentance, and bringing the Gospel and the opportunity of repentance to others: "Seek the LORD, and ye shall live." *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 6/13/21 message to the church. To contact: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 OR Everlastingovenant@ymail.com You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimeschool.com

Pray for a Fifth Awakening*

We have put forth the call to the Ekklesia to begin fasting and praying in repentance, and for a spiritual revival to fill America. Revival is accompanied by onfirming signs and miracles, and by large numbers of people coming to the salvation of Christ. There have been four previous awakenings or revivals in American history. The First Great Awakening covered the years 1700-1755. These years were marked by the preaching of men like Jonathan Edwards and his famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", which is still a very powerful and timely message today. The Second Great Awakening took place in the years of the late 1700's to about 1850. It is remembered by the New York Revival, started by one businessman dedicating an hour at lunchtime for prayer, and soon spread to include many. The Third Great Awakening, between the years 1855-1930, included the Azusa Street Revival, again started by a handful in earnest prayer at Azusa St. in Los Angeles, California. It was led by a black preacher named William J. Seymour. Many new denominations, especially Pentacostal, came out of the Azusa Street Revival, but racism divided the new churches, who would not put themselves under the authority of a black man. Segregated churches continued to be the norm. During these same years, there was a growth in a "social Gospel", the purpose of which was to start works for social change. Finally, the Fourth Great Awakening took place between 1960-1980, some believing that this is an ongoing renewal. This Awakening was known for The Jesus Movement, and the Charismatic Renewal, which began in the Catholic Church. All of these great spiritual awakenings started out in a great spiritual outpouring. Then social and political reforms would came out of these awakenings. Finally, there would come spiritual challenges like racism, and then eventually a decline in the revival fervor. The Church needs to begin preparing a spiritul foundation for a new awakening to fill America. This is what I am bringing forth in today's message. Scripture gives us the first component of preparation. Ephesians 6 tells us to be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might, and to prepare ourselves spiritually with the whole armour of God (v. 10-17). That armour covers us from our heads to our feet. The spiritual armour's purpose is not to do battle against other people who are flesh and blood, but against the wiles of the devil that seek to entrap us, and "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (v. 12). We put on our armour, we take our stand, and we build the first part of the foundation of spiritual awakening and revival - we pray: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (v. 18). We pray for all the saints, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, or denomination. Almost all, if not all, of the previous historical Awakenings began with selfless prayer. Our second component of preparation requires us to recognize sin, and to determined to keep it from our lives. For the sin in our lives, we need to repent. Proverbs 1 carries the teaching of wisdom regarding the destructive nature of sin, and the estrangement from God and the consequences that it causes (Prov. 1:28-33). Proverbs 1 calls us to wisdom, understanding, and "To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity." In these things dwell the righteous precepts of God. It is the nature of sin to entice, however. It is by the knowledge, and understanding that comes with the worship and awe of the LORD, that we are warned to resist it (Prov. 1:7-8). Our third component in preparation for a spiritual awakening in this nation is faith. There are those in the Body of Christ who do not believe in miracles. They do not believe that God can sweep a nation in revival and renewal by His Holy Spirit. Whatever we do in Christ, we must do it with this understanding: "But without faith, it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." The history of our faith is full of people who believed God's promises, who believed HIM. We have an example in scripture of a great awakening. In obedience to a risen Christ, His disciples gathered together in an upper room, situated above David's tomb, on the Feast of Pentecost. In fulfillment of Christ's promise to send them a Comforter, and in Christ's fulfillment of this feast of the LORD, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples that day: "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4). However, as is the nature of great awakenings, the effects did not remain with the group of disciples only, but impacted those Jews from all nations who had come to Jerusalem, to David's tomb below, for the Feast of Pentecost. Though they were from many different nations, they heard the disciples speaking their own various native languages (v. 5-6). At first, they didn't understand what this could be, and some thought that the disciples were drunk. This gave Peter not only the opportunity to present the full Gospel of Christ, but to point to the prophetic promise from God of this kind of awakening through the prophet Joel:"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy..." (Acts 2:16-18/Joel 2:28-29). Peter's preaching of repentance and salvation moved the hearts of the many listeners, and they asked what they needed to do (v. 37). Peter answered: "...Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call...Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (v. 38-40). Three thousand souls were saved in just that one day of awakening. We must understand, though, that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that Day of Pentecost, and the subsequent outpourings that have followed, come in a context. The prophet Joel revealed that this spiritual awakening comes before the great and terrible day of the LORD. These awakenings come with impending days of darkness, fire, blood and smoke, of terrible signs in the heavens and on earth. The spiritual outpouring of Joel, upon which all other outpourings have been modelled, came after an urgent warning of trumpets had gone forth, and the people were gathered together in a solemn assembly to fast, pray and repent; to cry out to God: "Spare thy people, O LORD..." (Joel 2:12-17). The Church is being called by God to set the foundation for revival, a fifth Great Awakening, in this nation. He is calling us to fasting, prayer,repentance, and faith. *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 2/7/21 message to the Church. To contact: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 or Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimesschool.com

Understanding Our Warfare, And Our Weapons

 

In these End Times, it becomes especially important that we understand our spiritual warfare and its weapons. It is deception to believe that the enormous problems facing the world today, or in our individual lives, can have political, economic, or social solutions. While the world relies upon these remedies, the church should understand differently. Scripture tells us:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?..."  2 Cor. 10:3-7

First of all, the battle begins in our own minds and understanding. Our minds have to be conformed not to what we see, but to God's word, the knowledge of God. Warfare begins in our own thoughts. Do they line up with the word? Scripture tells us to renew our minds with the washing of His Word (Rom. 12:2, Eph. 5:26). The Word of God that we know changes how we think. Our own obedience to spiritual truths in the Word makes the difference between victory and defeat. This is the warfare, but what are the weapons appointed by God for us to use in the battle?
Psalm 20, written by David, begins in this manner:
"The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee....in the name of our God, we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy petitions....Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen and stand upright."  (excerpt)
The phrase "day of trouble" used in the above Psalm, not only refers to any day in which we are desperately struggling, but t is also an expression used to mean the end times (Zeph. 1:14-18). In any case, one of our greatest spiritual weapons is the power of the name of the LORD in the mouth of the faithful. One of the greatest confrontations in scripture illustrated this power.
The Philistine army drew near to fight the army of Israel under King Saul. David, a young man, went to visit his older brothers, who were in the army of Israel. While there, he witnessed the challenge from Goliath (meaning splendor, an exile, a denuded captive), the champion of the Philistines, as he demanded a showdown with a warrior from Israel. All the army of Israel were fearful and ran from this giant's challenge. According to his name, outwardly, Goliath looked to have impressive splendor, but in truth, he was already a defeated foe, humiliated, shamefully revealed and cast out.
When David heard about the rewards the king was offering for anyone who would go against Goliath, he stirred himself up against this enemy and said, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
His older brothers mocked David, and Saul feared for David and tried to outfit David in his own armor, including his own sword. However, David found the armor awkward, refused it, and said he would rely instead on his own proven weapons. Goliath mocked the seemingly humble weapons of staff and sling that David carried, but David declared what he was about to do to Goliath, and said to him, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied." (1 Sam. 17:21-45). We all know how that encounter ended. Even the giants are subject to the name of the LORD!
Our battles, large and small, individual or worldwide, belong to the LORD  On the occasion of a great battle between Judah and an overwhelming enemy army, the LORD prophesied:
"...Be not afraid, nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God's....Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah, and Jerusalem: fear not...for the LORD will be with you."   2 Chron. 20:15-17
The king of Judah sent the choir out before the army, and instructed them to sing and praise the beauty of holiness. With this spiritual weapon of praise, the LORD defeated the armies of three enemy nations that had come against His people (v. 21-23).
Moses and the Israelites, who found themselves in a seemingly hopeless position, were also able to witness the destruction of the Egyptian army in this same manner. Moses declared to the people:
"Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."  Ex. 14:13-14
In both of these cases, the LORD saved His people by His salvation, "yeshua", who was the person of Jesus, the greatest of spiritual weapons in warfare.
Finally, the prophet Joel, describing a coming day of terrible destruction, accompanied by fearsome signs and wonders in the earth and the heavens, urged the people of that time to gather together, to fast, to repent, to weep in intercession, to call upon the LORD.
The LORD will hear their prayers, and receive their repentance, Joel prophesied. He will turn mourning and destruction into rejoicing and restoration. He will pour out His Spirit upon all of His people in a miraculous way. He also promises:
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in Mt. Zion, and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call."  Joel 2:32
This is the warfare, and these are the spiritual weapons that the LORD has placed into the hands of His people.

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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:
Jesus, I want to know You as my Lord, and as my Savior, who covers my sins, and cleanses my heart. Come into my heart, and also fill me with the Holy Spirit, who will lead me into all truth, and will teach me how to follow You. I believe that You are the Son of God, the Messiah, that You were crucified for me, and rose from the dead to give me everlasting life. I believe that You are coming again. Lord Jesus, in Your name I believe, pray, and receive all of these things. Amen.







 

 



Shavuot/Pentecost: A Covenant Confirmation

 

Shavuot (plural of seven, or week), also known as the Feast of Weeks, takes place fifty days after Passover. Some Jewish scholars teach that the number fifty refers to a new, higher realm, beyond the natural realm that is contained within multiples of seven. Shavuot does not have its own specific date in scripture, but depends on the date of Passover (the Lamb), and Feast of First Fruits (Resurrection) for its timing. Shavuot commemorates Israel's receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, seven weeks after the deliverance from Egypt. God's covenant with His people, Israel, was confirmed on this feast with the giving of the Torah. Part of the observance of this feast is the lifting of two loaves of leavened wheat bread, from the new wheat harvest, as a wave offering before the LORD. While we usually associate leaven with something negative (Mt. 16:6, 12, Mk. 8:15), Jesus also used the concept of leaven to describe the kingdom of heaven:
"...The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."  Mt. 13:33
The Greek word for leaven used in this verse refers to a comparatively small, powerful quantity, that thoroughly pervades by its influence.

Pentecost, the Greek word for this feast in the New Testament, also refers to the number fifty. At the set time after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, God confirmed His covenant between Himself, His Word, Jesus, and His people, with the giving of the Holy Spirit on this day:

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they (the disciples) were all with one accord, in one place. And suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."  Acts 2:1-4
So at the same time as the priest was waving the two loaves of leavened bread in the temple for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, the Holy Spirit was being received in another part of Jerusalem, above the tomb of David, fulfilling the prophesy of Joel:

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy."   
                                                                                  Acts 2:17-18, Joel 2

The Apostle Paul gave this description of the confirmation of covenant in the receiving of the Holy Spirit:

"...ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest (deposit) of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory....the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."   Eph. 1:13-14, 18-19

The giving of the Holy Spirit on the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, confirmed, or sealed, God's covenant with us, which was accomplished by the atoning sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

On that day of Pentecost, it was also made clear that the gospel of salvation, and subsequent receiving of the Holy Spirit, was to people of all nations, as Joel had prophesied. Jews, proselytes from the Gentiles, citizens from near and far away nations, and Romans were present that day at the tomb of David, who was believed to have been born on Shavuot, and heard the disciples speaking with other tongues, hearing their own native languages coming from the mouths of the disciples, and were amazed (Acts 2:4-12). This move of the Holy Spirit, on the fiftieth day after Passover, went far beyond the religious confines of what these observers had previously known or experienced.
Perhaps these visitors should not have been so surprised. The two loaves of Shavuot should be a reminder of the prophecy of Ezekiel concerning the two sticks (Ez. 37:15-19), representing the divided people of Judah and Ephraim, the tribe associated with Joseph. By the prophetic word of God, these two separate sticks became one in God's hand. While Ephraim's father was Joseph, the son of Jacob, who received the covenant promise from God, Ephraim's mother was a Gentile. God explained to Ezekiel that this unification of two peoples would be connected with Messiah: "And David (Messiah), My servant, shall be King over them; and they shall have one Shepherd: they shall also walk in My judgments, and observe My statutes and do them." (v. 24). One confirmation of this covenant, the everlasting covenant, the covenant of peace (v. 26), was the giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost in the hearing of both Jews and Gentiles, Israelite and foreigner.

Each one of those local and foreign visitors making the pilgrimage to David's tomb that Shavuot day in Jerusalem, heard the disciples speaking in the foreign languages native to them, witnessed the giving of the Holy Spirit, and heard the gospel from Peter (Acts 2:22-36). Each of these visitors must have taken an account of this miraculous experience back to the home from which they had travelled. 
Who will be the missionaries, the watchmen, sent to America to bring the gospel? Are we waiting for those from foreign lands to come to revive us? First, it must come from us, the inhabitants of this land, who have been set apart, and made into something new by the gospel of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. We also have witnessed and received our own Pentecost experience, and have been sent back to our own homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces, to tell others all that we have discovered. No matter our walks in life, or spiritual callings, we have each been sent home from the "upper room", after discovering something extraordinary, in order to bring our Pentecost experience to those around us.

 

 

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