A Tale of Two Weddings

 

The title of this message is taken from the Charles Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities". That book begins with the well known sentence that says in part, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...". With that beginning, Dickens was describing the moral and spiritual conditions of the society at the time, which served as not only the background of his novel, but also as a driving force behind the events in the book. Those same conditions also describe the times in which we are living. His book dealt with the themes of resurrection, water, darkness, light and justice.

We will see those same themes play their part in our "Tale of Two Weddings".

This weekend, the world gathered to witness and watch what was called, "the wedding of the year". It was the royal wedding of Prince Harry, the son of a future king, and Meghan Markle, an American commoner of bi-racial background, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The theme of the wedding was "Love", and the cost of it was over $40 million.

The coming Marriage of the Lamb will be the wedding of all ages. It is a marriage, like Prince Harry's, created in love, rather than social, financial or political convenience. The cost of the Marriage of the Lamb cannot be measured in dollars. Its cost is no less than the priceless, matchless blood of the Son of God.

A most interesting fact is that this wedding occurred on the Feast of Pentecost, the last of the spring feasts of the LORD, which was fulfilled by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon those who belong to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. When the Holy Spirit fell, it appeared as tongues of fire (Acts 2:3). This feast takes place fifty days after Passover, and includes a wave offering of two leavened loaves of bread, and an offering by fire (Lev. 23:15-22). It was on this feast that Israel also received the Torah (teaching) on Mt. Sinai ("thorny"), fifty days after their exodus from Egypt on Passover. The rabbis teach that when the Torah was delivered, it went out from the mountain, and over the congregation in palpable waves, and returned back to the mountain as flames of fire.
Pentecost is also about the LORD's instructions regarding the harvest (Lev. 23:22). Fields were to be harvested while leaving the edges unharvested for the poor (humble, lowly, afflicted) and strangers (temporary inhabitants, a newcomer lacking in inherited rights). Peter delivering his message on Pentecost, stirred the listeners to repentance and baptism (water). It led to the harvesting of more than 3,000 souls to salvation (Acts 2:36-41).

The Reverend Curry, an American Episcopal priest, who delivered the message at the royal wedding, spoke of the world-changing power of love, and the history-changing power of fire. He most assuredly had Pentecost in mind. Our heavenly Father gifted us His Son in love, and out of that love, also came the promise of the fire of the Holy Spirit:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved...but he that believeth not is condemned already...this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil..." excerpt Jn. 3:16-19

"...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."

                                                                                                                 Acts 2:38-39

Jesus instructed his disciples about the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the power of Its fire:

"And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."   Lk. 24:49

This power being given by the Holy Spirit was for the purpose of the harvesting of souls (v.47).

Many at the royal wedding this weekend appeared uncomfortable, or displeased, even mocking of the message that Bishop Michael Curry delivered. There is a powerful parallel in scripture in a parable that Jesus taught about a wedding of a king's son:

"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come...they made light of it and went their ways...the remnant took his servants, and treated them spitefully, and slew them...when the king heard thereof, he was wroth...Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore...and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage."   Mt. 22:2-9

The king's servants rounded up all they could find, both good and bad, and gathered them to the wedding. The only requirement for these new invitees was that they should be arrayed in the proper wedding garments. One man came without the proper garment. He had no answer to give as to why he was not wearing the proper garment, and was thrown out of the wedding. The place outside the wedding was a place of darkness, a place of bondage, weeping and pain. (v.11-14).

As in Jesus' parable, those invited to the royal wedding this weekend also had instructions of what was considered to be proper attire for those attending.
The royal bride had also carefully prepared her beautiful gown that not only adhered to royal expectations, but also included meaningful symbols of the kingdom into which she was marrying. The Bride of Christ must also be arrayed in her fine, clean, white linen, which is the garment of her righteousness. Markle's racial and national heritage is also reflected in the inclusive nature of the kingdom of God: out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation (Rev. 5:9).

The royal wedding that the world watched this weekend was not only a showcase of grandeur, but a spiritual sign. As we can see, so many things about it serve as a reminder that another royal marriage is about to take place. The marriage supper of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready. Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9).

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To Receive Christ as your Savior, to receive the promised Holy Spirit, and to be ready for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, begins with a simple, sincere prayer from your heart:
From Romans 10-

⁹ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
¹⁰ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
¹¹ For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Mother's Day 2018

 

Mother's Day for our ministry has always been a special day. It is not only a day to bring forth the truth in God's Word regarding mothers and families, but also to believe and pray for those who wish to conceive a child. Many miracle children have come forth from this special Mother's Day ministry.

The importance of mothers can be found even in the beginning of scripture:

"And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden...and he (God) placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life."   Gen 3:20-24

Adam called his wife "Eve" (Chavvah- life, living, life giver)., and "the mother (am-as the bond of the family) of all living (chay- to live)". Adam and his wife were forced from the garden in order to keep him from having access to the tree of life. It was not God's intention to give immortality to sin and its effect: death. However, God would not let them leave without his promise. Eve, though cast with her husband from the garden, would carry within her a promise of access once again to the tree of life. From her would come the miraculous seed (it is only men who produce seed) that would bring forth Messiah, the Resurrection, and the Life. It was that Word of prophetic promise that became the seed of the woman. Her seed would be born to bruise the head of the serpent who fathered the lie which questioned God's Word to man (Gen 3:15).

This tree of life is given to those who believe Christ. There is a condition placed upon access to it, though. Jesus spoke of this condition to the Church of Ephesus ("permitted"). To this church, the Lord had wonderful things to say, except for one thing:

"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans ("conquer the laity"), which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise (park, enclosed garden) of God."   Rev. 2:1-7

This church was doing so many things correctly, but there was an eternal life-giving force that was missing from all of their works, and all of their endurance in truth. That life-giving force, that "chay", pours forth from their first love (of Christ). This first love was their Tree of Life, from which they had grown apart.

So much of the church today has not been as faithful as the Church at Ephesus. They have, instead, compromised the truth of God's Word. They have followed after those false apostles and Nicolaitans who create doctrines in order to conquer the laity for their own greed. For those churches that have remained on the path of truth, patience, and the steadfast rejection of "them which are evil", have they forgotten their first love? If we repent and return to that first love, Jesus will give us to eat of that tree in the paradise of God.

That Tree of Life found in the paradise of God, which was always meant for our provision, is described for us:

"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and of either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him. And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."   Rev. 22:1-5

The Tree of Life, whether it is in the Garden of Eden, or in the paradise of God, grows from the first love that God has for us. The promise of access again to that Tree of Life was carried through the generations until Mary obediently and miraculously brought forth the Giver of Life, Jesus. This Tree of Life through Christ does not depend upon the seasons to bear fruit, nor the natural waters which can dry up, nor the sun to give it light.

Our access to this Tree of life and healing is given through our first love, as Jesus told the Church at Ephesus.

Revelation goes on to tell us in this chapter that Jesus is announcing to us repeatedly that He is coming quickly (v. 7, 12, 20). The Spirit and the Bride, and then those who hear, join together to agree and say to Jesus, "Come." (v. 17). The Bride's whole-hearted agreement with the Holy Spirit in our eagerness for Jesus to return to us, is the ultimate fruit of our first love. Then all who have thirst, whosoever will, may come to the water of life also and drink.

This Mother's Day comes with three challenges for those who are hearing this message:

Challenge 1- Repent, pray, and return to our first love.

Challenge 2- Determine not to be one who adds to, or takes away from, the Words of the Book (of life), as mentioned in Rev. 22 (v.18-19). Those who do so, will not partake in the Book of Life, nor the holy city, nor the promises found in the Book.

Challenge 3 (to mothers)- Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and the salvation of Israel. Pray that mothers will be life givers, and the bond of the family, and not life takers, as is so often found in our society today. Pray for those who desire to conceive, but have not been able to.

 

Heavenly Father, we do not desire to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, by the washing of the water of the Word. Those of us who know You, desire to repent, and return to You, and to renew our commitment to our first love.

Father, let those who do not know You, and are hearing this message, be drawn by Your Spirit to discover if all of these things are true. Let them search the scriptures for themselves, and discover Your eternal truth and salvation for them in Jesus, Your Son, Who gave Himself for them.

Let those who desire to conceive, be blessed and touched by You. Let them know that the child they conceive is Your miracle answer to prayer. We ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

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The Feast of Trumpets and the Return of the Bridegroom

 

The first coming of Jesus fulfilled the spring Feasts of the LORD which are Passover, First Fruits, and Pentecost. These feasts were ordained by the LORD to be a prophetic picture of the Messiah, so Israel would be able to recognize Him when He came. With His second coming, or return, Jesus will fulfil the fall feasts, as well. As there is a spacing of months between the series of spring feasts and fall feasts, there is a spacing of time between His first appearing, and His return. The first fall feast is the Feast of Trumpets. Scripture connects this feast with the resurrection of the dead in Christ, with an event called "The Rapture of the Church", and with Christ's return. First let us see the connection of this feast to these events in scripture:

"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed...this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality...then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory...the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ."   1 Cor. 15:51-57 (excerpt)

"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord..."   1 Thess. 4:15-17

At the end of the Feast of Trumpets, there is a last blast of the trumpet, or shofar, called

Teki'ah Gedolah (the Great Blowing), a long blast signaling victory, or good news. This is the last trump, the trump of God, referred to in the above scriptures.

Last week, we spoke about the bridal garment the Jewish bride would prepare for her wedding in order to make herself ready. Similarly, the fine linen, clean and white that the bride of Christ is given to wear for her marriage supper spoken of in Rev. 19:7-9, represents the righteousness of the saints. After the wedding covenant (Ketubah) was signed, the Jewish bride would also prepare woven and embroidered tapestries to beautify her new home with her bridegroom. For the Bride of Christ, the bridal garment, and the beautifully woven tapestries represent the works of  righteousness, the fruits of our faith, as led by the Holy Spirit. Our faith is expected to produce divinely inspired, eternal fruit, or righteous works. These righteous works of faith are described in scripture. They are works that come from holiness, prepared for the holy temple of God, which we are, and to which we are purposed. Our works are built upon the holy foundation which has been built by Christ, and is Christ. Carnality in believers, which produces strife and divisions, creates carnal works that will not survive:
"...every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor...Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burnt, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."   1 Cor. 3:8, 13-1
As we see and understand the times and the seasons in which we live, and understand that the Lord is soon to return, that the last trump is soon to sound, we are not to be caught unawares and unprepared (1 Thess. 5:1-6).
Jesus used the parable about the seed and the sower to illustrate the effects of carnality upon the Word that we have received, and the subsequent fruit, or works, that we produce. When we receive the Word, but don't bother to understand its value and therefore treat it carelessly, it is easily taken from us. When we receive the Word but fail to incorporate it into our character, "Yet hath he no root in himself", when tested by tribulation and persecution for the Word's sake, this person becomes offended at the Word that was sown into his life. When we hear the Word, but allow the Word to become choked by the cares of this world, and the "deceitfulness of riches" that we have given the greater importance, we become unfruitful. However, the Word that has been planted into good ground, is so considered because the hearer has made an effort to understand (to set or join together in the mind, to be wise) and join the Word into his life. This hearer of the Word with understanding also bears fruit. The fruit is abundant: "some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty". We bring forth fruit that spiritually feeds others, and impacts their lives with salvation (Mt. 13:19-23).
This parable above about the sower is very similar in meaning to the parable Jesus taught about the "talents" given by the master to "every man according to his several ability", who expected a multiplication and return (Mt. 25:14-30). Along with the Word, works have been ordained to us. These works have divine multiplication built into them.
In the telling of this parable, Jesus acknowledged that not all would "understand". That was the purpose of the parable form (Mt. 13:11). We need to be those who hear the word, and understand these mysteries of the kingdom of heaven that are being revealed to us.
Daniel, who wrote of the resurrection that was to come (Dan. 12:2), also spoke of those who are wise and have understanding. He wrote that "they shall shine as the brightness of the firmament" with those "that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (v. 3). Daniel also referred to the Bride of Christ as he wrote:
"Many shall be purified and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."  v. 10
Daniel was told by the LORD that what he was writing was to be sealed "till the end". We who have received Christ understand what Daniel was writing about, because it has become "unsealed" for us in this time of the end of the age.
We understand that now is the time to prepare ourselves for our Bridegroom's soon return, including the preparation of those works of righteousness, those fruits of the Word of salvation in our lives, works that will last through the fire of testing and purifying, built upon the holy foundation of Christ:
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 
                                                                                                      1 Cor. 15:58

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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. 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.






Preparing for the Marriage of the Lamb

(Bride praying at the Western Wall-Jerusalem)

 

Centuries ago, the Church made the decision to remove itself from its Jewish origins and heritage. When we did this, we lost something very valuable to our faith, walk, and understanding. Much of our relationship with Christ as described in the scriptures can be traced back to Jewish marriage customs. One of the most important upcoming spiritual events the Church, more accurately called the Ekklesia (the called out assembly of God's people), will experience, is a Jewish marriage to Christ: 

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him (the Lord God Omnipotent): for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted (used in reference to something given by God, or a king) that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called  unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."   Rev. 19:7-9

It is important to know the Jewish marriage customs, because the Lamb's wife "has made herself ready" for this prophetic event that is about to be fulfilled. We cannot make ourselves ready unless we understand what this means. These customs are also important to know because Jesus referred to them.

At the beginning of the forming of a marriage in the Jewish tradition, the father of the prospective groom chooses a woman whom he feels is a good marriage candidate for his son. He goes with his son to the woman's house and they knock. By answering the door, the young lady is stating her acceptance of the young man. They enter the home, where a meal has been prepared. Jesus described this for us:

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."   Rev. 3:20

A wedding covenant, or contract, is established at that time, which is called a Ketubah. By this covenant, promises are made by the groom to the bride. Guarantees are given pertaining to property and inheritance. As the bride and groom, and their families, sign the Ketubah, an engagement is established. That engagement commitment is almost as strong as the marriage itself. All it lacks in comparison is the consummation.

The meal, and the wine shared at the table, seal the covenant, as Christ's body and blood, represented by the bread and wine of the communion table (koinonia-intercourse, fellowship, intimacy, the sign, proof, and pledge of same), sealed our covenant agreement, or Ketubah, with Him (Lk. 22:20). Jesus said that He will not drink the wine again until He can drink it new with us in His Father's kingdom (Mt. 26:26). Peter assures us that our bride price was not paid with gold and silver, but with this blood of Christ, the Lamb without spot or blemish, who was foreordained before the foundation of the world (1 Pet. 1:18-20).

The Jewish groom then leaves the bride's house, returning to his father's house, where, under his father's supervision, he prepares a home for his soon bride. The groom cannot return for the bride until his father agrees that all has been made ready for her. Jesus promised us this same preparation:

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."   Jn. 14:1-3

Those present, hearing these words of Christ, would immediately associate them with the marriage customs, and the Ketubah covenant. Jesus wants us to "believe also in him". His promise here to us is as iron-clad as a Jewish Ketubah contract. We have lost the precious understanding of this, as we discarded our Jewish roots.

Before we leave the subject of the Ketubah, we should compare the guarantees or promises it contains to the future bride, with the promises made to us in our Ketubah with Christ. Peter wrote that we obtain these promises of "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled...that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1). Peter also describes them as being "great and precious promises", all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through which we become partakers of the divine nature. These promises remove us from the carnality of sin, that we should be neither barren nor unfruitful (2 Pet. 1).
As we said, the Ketubah marriage contract gives the bride certain material guarantees. So also does our Ketubah covenant with Christ. As we trust and believe Christ, "ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest (down payment, security for full amount subsequently to be paid) of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession..."  Eph. 1:12-14
The "earnest", or Spirit, is a guarantee of an inheritance, as the bride is guaranteed an inheritance by the Ketubah. This "earnest" or guarantee also assures us that this earthly house in which we are currently clothed, will be replaced by a house which is from heaven, for which we groan and desire. It is like receiving a title deed:
"Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Holy Spirit...we are confident that absent from the body...present with the Lord."  2 Cor. 5:1-8
The Holy Spirit promised and given to us by Jesus, is the earnest, or guarantee, of the heavenly house with which we will be clothed, as a house would be provided in a Ketubah contract.
According to the Jewish marriage customs, while the groom is preparing the house for his bride, the bride is also preparing, and making herself ready. One thing that the bride has to do is to take a ritual cleansing bath called a Mikvah, in order to achieve purity. Living (moving) water is sometimes required for the Mikvah. Paul tells us that those who are full of the impurity of sin, in such a condition, cannot "inherit" the kingdom of God. "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."  1 Cor. 6:9-11
Like the Jewish bride, we are to be washed before we receive our inheritance. In scripture, our relationship with Christ is compared to a relationship between husband and wife, Like a husband is supposed to love and give himself to his wife, "Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself...not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."   Eph. 6:25-27
Have we allowed Christ to cleanse us in the bridal mikvah? Are we prepared in a way to receive our inheritance?
Lastly, the Jewish bride prepares her wedding garments. For us, the believer, our verse from Rev. 19 at the top of the page, describes those bridal garments. Those garments reflect the righteousness of the saints. It is not a righteousness "earned" by obeying the Law, but as in our whole marriage relationship with Christ, it is a righteousness of works that have been manifested in our hearts and lives by our faith. Our works do not replace our faith, but are the manifestation of our faith. These faith-created works cover us as a pure wedding garment covers a bride. Those without the appropriate wedding garments, will not be allowed to enter the marriage supper (Mt. 22:11-14).
Are our wedding garments prepared? Have we, the bride of Christ, made ourselves ready? The marriage supper of the Lamb could happen at any moment. Let us use the lessons from the Jewish marriage customs, which Jesus taught and to which scripture refers, to understand how to prepare for this soon event.

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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. 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.



Is Damascus Another Sign?

 

The current events of Damascus and Syria are a sign to us in these end times. The prophets had important prophetic words and warnings regarding Damascus. Damascus is a sign from which we not only learn the lateness of the hour pertaining to the return of Christ, but it is also a sign to us for our own spiritual self-examination, correction, and growth.

Some of the importance of the meaning of Damascus to us, can be found in a warning that Jesus gave to His disciples.
The Pharisees and Sadducees had come to Jesus and demanded that He show them a sign from heaven (Mt. 16:1). He scolded them for their demand. He told them that they knew how to look at the sky and tell the coming weather, but they did not perceive the spiritual signs in their very midst:

"O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky, but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas..."  Mt. 16:3-4

Later, as His disciples came after Him, they realized that they had no bread with them. Jesus began to warn them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."  They thought Jesus was talking about them not having bread with them to eat. However, Jesus was not concerned that they had no physical bread. He had, after all, just fed thousands miraculously from seven loaves and a few fishes (Mt. 15:33-34). Didn't His disciples remember the miracle Jesus had shown them? This was the problem and the warning that Jesus was bringing to them: do not just look at things in the natural, and refuse to discern the true meaning in the spiritual realm. The Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to see a physical sign, while missing the greatest spiritual sign of all time-the visitation in their midst of their Messiah, their Salvation, the Son of God, who raised the dead, made blind eyes see, and made the lame walk. In the same way, the disciples were concerned about how little bread they had with them, when Jesus was speaking about spiritual "leaven", including seeking meaningless natural occurrences and understandings that obscured the spiritual signs happening all around them.

We often look at events the same way. We see the headlines regarding the political and military turmoil of the nations and leaders, including Syria and its ancient capital, Damascus, while failing to see the "signs of the times", that they represent. Damascus and Syria are not just geo-political problems in the headlines, but a prophetic trumpet blast warning that the time grows short.

Also included in the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees about which Jesus warned His disciples, is something we see today, even in the Church. There is a mixing of pop psychology, new age philosophies, social trends and worldly attitudes and understandings that are infiltrating the Church, and are being used to fill the current emptiness of the soul. Paul warned believers that our minds should not be corrupted from "the simplicity that is Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3). It is Christ and His gospel that fills the empty soul, and nothing else will suffice.

We see this "leaven" impact all Israel as we read the history that involved a king of Israel, a priest, and Damascus in 2 Kings 16, and 2 Chron. 28. King Ahaz of Judah formed a bond with the king of Assyria, even sending him silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD. Ahaz encouraged the Assyrian king to take Damascus, and that was successful. Ahaz then visited the Assyrian king in Damascus, and saw the king making offerings to his gods on an altar there. Ahaz decided that since the Assyrian king had found favor in his conquests, Ahaz wanted an exact copy of this Damascan altar built and installed in the LORD's temple in Jerusalem, and instructed the priest, Urijah, to build it. Azah had the other worship furnishings of the temple dismantled or displaced for this false altar. Sacrifices were offered to the gods of Assyria upon this altar by the king of Judah, and the priests. Second Chronicles concludes the historic account with this comment:
"For he (Ahaz) sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him and all of Israel."   2 Chron. 28:23
All Judah, and Israel paid the price for the actions of this king and priest. The scripture says that this king's actions "made Judah naked".
Beware the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees. While looking at, and depending upon the natural understandings that seem good to our eyes, we fail to discern the spiritual signs. A Bible commentary by F. B. Meyer said, in part, that this incident, involving King Ahaz, was a remarkable showing of the folly of the human heart. He also noted that there was too much of the same in the present church.
King Ahaz lived during the life of Isaiah the prophet, and Isaiah had the prophetic word regarding Damascus. He prophesied:
"The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap."  Isa. 17:1
This sign of Damascus would take place, according to Isaiah, during the time of harvest. The desolation of this event would cause a man "to look to his maker, and his eyes shall have respect for the Holy One of Israel". The events surrounding Syria and Damascus today are not just the headlines in the news, but they are a prophetic sign for us to discern. God demands of all nations that they should discern the prophetic sign of Damascus in the next chapter (18) of Isaiah, including a nation that might well be a prophetic picture of America. As the spiritual harvest time approaches, and this prophetic sign of Damascus is being seen by all the earth, His Word to us says:
"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."  Isa. 18:3

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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.



Back To Pentecost

 

Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks, is the next appointed feast of Israel on the calendar. Pentecost was necessary to the Church in order to keep the directives, also known as The Great Commission, that the risen Jesus, gave to His disciples while appearing to them. Pentecost is also the fulfillment of the prophetic promise of God as told to His prophet, Joel. As we shall see, this prophecy was for the end time, so its fulfillment is a very important event in discerning the times in which we live.

Jesus' commands to His disciples were specific, and must have sounded to their ears virtually impossible for them to achieve, as they were already struggling with doubt (Mk. 16:14):

"And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (age). Amen...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

So then after the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached every where, the LORD working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."  Mt. 28:18-20, Mk. 16:15-20

As we look at The Great Commission of Christ that was given to His disciples, and all of the Church, there are several important points to understand.

The directives were born out of the POWER that Christ had been given in heaven and in earth.

The disciples were to go and teach all nations, and preach the gospel to every creature. From this point on, the gospel was also to go to the gentiles, as well as the Jews (first:Rom. 1:16), and to all creation. The Kingdom of God is made up of every race, tribe, and tongue (Rev. 5:9, 14:6). Racism and prejudice do not belong in the Church, and are not acceptable in any society that claims a Judeo-Christian heritage.

The disciples were to teach what Christ had taught them-man's doctrines and traditions have nothing to do with Christ's directives.

Because the disciples were fulfilling the commands of Jesus, they would have protection in their work. This is not an invitation to put on displays with serpents and poisons, as some practice. Several incidents in scripture depict the fact that the disciples were delivered from death that would have resulted from the performing of their Commission.

The signs that would confirm the Word of Christ, would follow believers, not just those who are of a certain rank in the Church, but all who believe. This Word of the gospel casts out demons, and causes the sick to recover, not just then, but also now and forever. These signs don't follow and confirm tradition, or religion, but the Word, which is Jesus.

On the last occasion when Christ would discuss His directions, having shown Himself to them for forty days following His crucifixion, He began to reveal how these simple men from Galilee would be able to carry out this world-changing Commission that He had given them:
"And being assembled together with them, (Jesus) commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence....ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."   Acts 1:4-8 (excerpt)

The power to fulfill the Commission which Jesus gave not only to those disciples, but also to all believers, comes by the baptism with the Holy Ghost. This baptism, which the disciples must wait for, is the one prophesied and promised by God, and we will read the details of that prophecy later. Because of this description of the baptism given by Jesus, the disciples also asked Him if this meant the kingdom was being restored to Israel at that time (v. 6). As we know from history and scripture, Israel was under the dominion of the Romans. Jesus answered that it was not for them to know what the Father has kept in His own power and authority.
After this appearance by Jesus, the disciples saw Him ascend into heaven, and two men, clothed in white, appeared to tell them that Jesus would come again in the same manner that they had just witnessed Him ascending, directly from heaven (v. 10-11). This is important for us to know, because in these last days, we have heard many claiming to be a messiah figure, some even claiming to be Christ, and others will make the claim in the days ahead. However, according to these verses, the only true Christ will come from heaven through the clouds when He returns.

A few days later, on the day of Pentecost, as the disciples gathered together in one place, and in one accord, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, as promised by the Father, and assured by the Son, fell upon them. A sound (voice) from heaven, and a mighty wind filled the place. This baptism appeared as fire upon each one. The Spirit gave them the utterance of other tongues as they were filled. There were many witnesses to this supernatural event. Devout Jewish pilgrims from many nations were in Jerusalem and at the same location, because the tomb of David was located below the place where the disciples had gathered. (It is still there to this day.) All of these pilgrims from other lands heard the disciples proclaiming the wonderful works of God in all of the foreign tongues represented by the pilgrims. These witnesses were astounded because it was obvious that the disciples were Galileans, and not familiar with all of the various languages with which they spoke (Acts 2:11). The witnesses wondered how it was possible that they were hearing the gospel in their own languages.Some thought they were witnessing drunkenness.
Peter, once a frightened man who had denied Christ three times, now stood and addressed the crowd with boldness and with scriptural knowledge. He told them that what they had just witnessed was not drunkenness, but the fulfillment of the promise that God had made through His 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...And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved." 
                                                                                            Acts 2:17-21 (excerpt)
This Holy Ghost outpouring witnessed by many that day, and explained by Peter, was also one of the signs and wonders that would precede that "great and notable day of the Lord", according to Joel's prophecy (v. 19-20).
The baptism of the Holy Ghost is not just for two thousand years ago, but is for us also. This power from heaven still enables each believer to fulfil the Commission of Christ. Signs and wonders still follow and confirm the teaching and preaching of the Word.
As we approach Pentecost, let each of us faithfully walk in this baptism. Let us seriously return to Pentecost, and pray for the unity of the faith, and the stature of Christ among us. Let us pray for our nation, and for the repentance and revival that leads to eternal life. Neither the problems of the world, nor the solutions, are political, but spiritual, and the ministry to these things is in the hands of the believers in Christ, filled with the Pentecost Spirit of God.
If you have never received Jesus as your Savior, nor the baptism of the Holy Spirit, both are available to you today. All you have to do is ask:
"Lord Jesus, I believe You Word and Your promises to me, and I ask that You come into my heart, and cleanse me from my sins. Fill me with the Holy Ghost fire from heaven, promised by the Father. Fulfill in me the Feast of Pentecost, so I can have the power to live in Your righteousness, and minister Your saving truth to others in these last days. Thank You for the precious gifts that You died, and rose from the dead, to provide for me. I ask and receive this in Jesus' name, Amen."

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What Do They See & What Do YOU See?

 

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?...He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid, as it were, our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed...we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all..."

                                                                                           Isaiah 53:1-6

This remarkable prophetic description from Isaiah of the atonement sacrifice of Christ, the Messiah, written hundreds of years before Christ's death, asks us "Who hath believed our report?". What do you believe?

After His death, and burial, Jesus' two disciples saw something in His empty tomb that caused them to believe. Mary Magdalene had discovered that the stone had been taken away from the tomb, and then ran to tell Simon Peter, and John. Let's look carefully at this account:
"And he (John) stooping down, and looking in, saw (blepo: look, be aware of) the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and seeth (theoreo: discern, perceive) the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple (John), which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw (eido:understand, a form, shape, appearance), and believed (pisteuo:be committed unto, to put trust in, place confidence in, faith, assurance, strong conviction of truth). For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead."  Jn. 20:5-9
The two disciples saw, discerned and came to an understanding, and believed with assurance, not because they knew from scripture that Jesus was to rise from the dead, but because something they saw involving the linen clothes that were left in the empty tomb strongly convinced and assured them of the fact. They didn't just see an empty tomb. They saw evidence left behind of a resurrection.
As Jesus appears on separate occasions to His disciples after His resurrection, He is focused on the fact that they are eye witnesses, who see Him, and can clearly identify Him by the wounds on His hands and side (Jn. 20:18-28). He also later scolds the disciples who did not believe the witnessed evidence of His resurrection:
"Afterward, he appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided (to revile, reproach, shame) them with their unbelief and hardness (harsh, violent, offensive, intolerable, fierce) of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen."   Mk. 16:14
As Jesus dealt with His disciples for their deliberate attitude of rejection in the face of eye witness accounts of His resurrection, we can see that He expects us, when we are confronted with firm evidence that He provides, to accept and believe the truth. As Isaiah asked, "Who hath believed our report?"
Paul also refers to the eye witnesses who could testify that they saw Jesus after His death. These eye witnesses included not only Peter, and the rest of the twelve disciples, but five hundred additional, and later James, and then Paul, himself, to whom Jesus appeared some time after His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:5-8).
In a very interesting letter from Paul to the Galatians, Paul reveals that the early church also had evidence that could be seen, in addition to the eyewitness testimony:
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?"  Gal. 3:1
The Galatians had seen evidence of Christ's crucifixion with their eyes, and Paul was scolding them for backing away from it. What physical evidence could they have seen with their eyes of the crucifixion, but those linen clothes that so strongly convinced John and Peter in the empty tomb?
Paul also refers to a mirror image, which is a reversed image, to the church at Corinth (the Shroud also contains a mirror, or reversed image):
"For now, we see through a glass (mirror), darkly; but then, face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known...But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."   1 Cor. 13:12, 2 Cor. 3:18
Of course, the truth of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ does not rely solely on a piece of physical evidence, like the Shroud. Scripture prophesies these events clearly. Paul said:
"...Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."   1 Cor. 15:3-4
Paul was not referring to New Testament scriptures, when he said this. The events were clearly prophesied in detail in the Old Testament. Below are some short examples:
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?...I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet...They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture...."  Ps. 22, a Psalm of David
"...and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one who is in bitterness for his firstborn."   Zech. 12:10
"I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting."   Isa. 50:6
There are those, like the disciple Thomas, who must see in order to believe. For them, there is prophetic scripture and its fulfillment, the eyewitness testimony of the hundreds who saw Jesus after His resurrection, and the physical evidence of the Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the linen cloth from the empty tomb that impacted the two disciples so strongly when they saw it. The Shroud not only depicts the obvious ravages and wounds of crucifixion on a man, but it also shows the more subtle, yet scientifically accurate consequences of crucifixion to the body. The Shroud is not an idol image to be worshipped, but a witness to, and physical evidence of, the moment of resurrection. Jesus understands the need of some to see, in order to believe (Jn. 20:24-29), and knowing that need, He has provided the evidence to see. He also knows that there are those who will believe without needing to "see", because they feel the truth of it in their hearts.
Don't let hardness of heart keep you from accepting the evidence of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection that has been provided to you from Him.

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.

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