Ye Thought Evil Against Me, but God Meant it unto Good

YE THOUGHT EVIL AGAINST ME,

BUT GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD

To save much people alive

May 17, 2001

I gleaned our title from where Joseph assured his brethren, who had sold him into Egypt; “As for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20

Those are the words of Joseph to his brothers that had sold him to the Midianites while he was yet in his teens.

Starting from the beginning, Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob, and that was obvious to Jacob’s other sons. Joseph was a person of character and the son of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachael.   Perhaps another reason Jacob rated him high above his other sons was that Joseph was a responsible person.   That was one of Joseph’s traits.   Oft times God appeared to Joseph in his dreams and for that his brothers hated him and called him a dreamer and they sought to rid themselves of him.

On a certain day Jacob sent Joseph to check on the welfare of his brothers. 

“And when his brothers saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.”   “And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.   Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.”

“And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;  And they took him, and cast him into a pit:  and the pit was  empty, there was no water in it.   And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked,  and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.”   “And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?  Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.”   “Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”   “And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.” Genesis 37:23-36 

Then, through an untrue accusation of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph ended up in prison.   While in prison Joseph interpreted the dreams of two of his fellow prisoners, Pharos’ butler and his baker. Both interpretations came true.   Then it was published throughout the land of Egypt that Joseph was an interpreter of dreams.

On a certain night Pharaoh had a dream and sent for Joseph.   Pharaoh dream went like this;  There came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:  And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:  And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:  Genesis 41:18-20 

Here is a nut shell account of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream.   Joseph told pharaoh; “Behold there shall come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:  And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;” Genesis 41:29-30

“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?   And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:  Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.   And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.   And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;  And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:38-43

After the famine became grievously sore, Joseph brought Jacob to Egypt, with his Dynasty in tow.  The scribe said; “All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six.” Genesis 46:26

However, after many years had past Jacob their father died.   Those bartering sons assumed that Joseph had held his peace for the sake of their aged father.   Then Moses said; “And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.   And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,  So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father.   And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.   And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said,

Behold, we be thy servants.   And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?   But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.   Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” Genesis 50:15-21

THE JEWS THOUGHT EVIL AGAINST PAUL

BUT GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD

The Jews brought an evil indictment against the Great Apostle Paul before Festus:

 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.   While Paul answered for himself, He told them Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.   But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?   Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.   For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.  Acts 25:7-11    

Paul appealed to Caesar rather than to take a chance that he would be improperly judged by the supreme council and tribunal of the Sanhedrin.

The writer continued; “Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.”  Acts 25:12

Paul left Alexandra on an embarking ship that was destined for Rome. While in route, they were shipwrecked by a violent storm; “And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.   And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. Acts 28:1-2

“In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.   And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.   So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.” Acts 28:7-11

(Now here is an interesting factor; even though Paul healed all that was sick on that island, he would say later; “Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.”) 2 Timothy 4:20

GOOD NEWS!

When Paul arrived at Rome; “They said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.   But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. Acts 28:21-22

“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, [31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”  Acts 28:30-31  

Yea, THE JEWS THOUGHT EVIL AGAINST PAUL BUT GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD for when Paul checked in with the Church at Philippi, his salutation was to; “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.” Philippians 4:22

Sounds to me like the Apostle won the household of Caesar to Christ.

I believe that we can agree that, “The Jews meant it for evil against Paul, but God meant it for good;  to save much people alive.   The life being eternal life. May God bless amen!

YE THOUGHT EVIL AGAINST ME, BUT GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD; TO SAVE MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE”

Our title brings with it more meaning when it applied to our Lord Jesus for the Jews did mean it for evil but GOD meant it for Good.

Matthew said that at His mock trial, their Juries decision was unanimous; “Put Jesus to death.”   Here is that account;  “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:” Matthew 27:1

Yes, they did put Him to death.   Paul verified that, He wrote; “Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:” 1 Thessalonians 2:15 

When the Jews decision was to destroy Jesus, little did they realize that when they said away with Him that they had wavered their rights to the New Covenant, God took them seriously. 

Listen to this; The Heavenly Father said through the pen of Isaiah; “I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;”  Isaiah 42:6

Paul said; “What then?  Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.”

Romans 11:7

The suffering of Jesus that was brought on by men was prophesied in the law and the prophets. The Spirit of Christ that was in David

Prophesied; “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.” Psalm 22:16 

Then another predicted; “They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” Psalm 69:21

Then the apostle John quoting; “They shall look on him whom they pierced.” John 19:37

(Those prophecies were of the affections brought on by men, but God also punished Jesus in our place.)

The Spirit of Christ that was in the prophets, said through Jeremiah:

“From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.” Lamentations 1:13

Then He said through the patient man, Job:

“He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.” Job 16:14   

Then adding to what Isaiah wrote; “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.” Isaiah 53:10

Amen and Amen!!

Jesus Christ Suffered to Succour the Saints

JESUS CHRIST SUFFERED BEING TEMPTED IS ABLE

TO SUCCOUR THEM THAT ARE TEMPTED

Our title came from where the Apostle said: “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18

The Heavenly FATHER commissioned JESUS to take on the task of defeating and destroying the Devil while earning the privileged to succour the saints by anointing Him with the Spirit in a dove-like form at His baptizing.

Immediately JESUS began to carry out that commission.

Matthew said: “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” Matthew: 4:1-2

That painful and gruesome task of succoring the saints ended with His Crucifixion, and death and Resurrection; yea, that assignment was completed to the satisfactory of the One who sent Him three years and six months later.   But not before He was victorious over death Hell and the grave.

According to Webster, the word succour is pronounced as the boney fish: “sucker.”   And it means: To help, aid, assist, assistance, comfort, lift, relief, secure, support, maintain, nourishment, and sustenance.  Jesus met all of those criteria with a lot to spare. 

The definition of succoring cannot be better defined than where one said:  “The will of God will not take you where the Grace of God will not succour thee.” (Author unknown)

Through prophecy, Daniel told us that the time from His baptizing to His death was three and a half years.  He prophesied: “Messiah shall confirm the Covenant with many for one week.  And in the midst of the week he shall be cut off.” Daniel 9:27

(Now Daniel’s week was a week of years, meaning it was seven years.)    

According to the Holy Scripture the LORD sustained or succored his saint when He asked them to perform a task other than the ordinary.

Such was the case when He told Moses to separate himself from the Children of Israel and go upon Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments which he received on two tables of stone.

That sustenance embraced Moses and therefore he wrote: “Then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:” Deuteronomy 9:9

In describing JESUS’ ability to assist or succour His saints the psalmist said: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  Psalms 46:1

Then assuring us He is an all sufficient help when needed. 

The Apostle wrote: “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:18

That’s not all. His succoring was in force from the foundation of the world, thus Matthew said: “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” Matthew 4:2 

That qualified JESUS to succour Moses who was also a beneficiary of His fasting and thirst. 

John said: “And the woman, (The Church,) fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” Revelation 12:6

Yea, that reference was to where JESUS succored the Church while they went about carrying out the great commission to preach His everlasting Gospel.   Yea, they got it done.   The great Apostle asked: “But I say, Have they not heard?   Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” Romans 10:18    

(That thousand and two hundred and three score days is, when converted is three and a half years.)

Then there is where the Apostle John said: “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.”

Then he was told:

“But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.” Revelation 11:1&2     

Yea, from that statement John has made us aware that it was forty and two months or three years and six months from Pentecost until Cornelius and those at his house were baptized by the Holy Ghost.

That requires us to go to the Day of Pentecost where GOD brought both Jew and Gentile saints in to the City of GOD.  For then and there, He baptized about a hundred and twenty disciples that awaited the promise of the Holy Ghost; whom when He came, baptized them into the Kingdom of GOD whom JESUS named the Church.

While leaving the Gentiles such as Cornelius, the Centurion and the Canaanite woman to tread, under foot the outer Court of the City of GOD for forty and two months as prescribed by John in Revelation 11:2‘

You know what?

It was due to the crudeness and ignorance of the Gentiles concerning the ministry was why they were kept in the outer court; after all this study is about the Ministry and not Salvation.

Some of the brethren were sent to the Church at Jerusalem concerning that matter:  Their reply was: “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” Acts 15:20  

And said they: “That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” Acts 15:29

May the LORD GOD be blessed by His saints, forever,

Amen!

 

The Valley of Dry Bones

 THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES

January 14, 2004

This study is going to take us into uncharted territory in that we are going to explore the supernatural as opposed to the natural, meaning that none of it was seen through natural eyes.

We begin where Ezekiel was shown through a vision a valley full of bones.   He begin:  “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,  And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.” Ezekiel 37:1-2 

And as it can be said of any and all valleys it was the space between two mountains, namely, Mount Sinai and Mount Sion, however  instead of the usual soil, stone and stream that separated Mount Sinai and Mount Sion was the space of time between the day of the crucifixion and the Day of Pentecost, about fifty days.

During that time, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John told of things that were carried out such as when Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the other Mary, the mother of James that went to the sepulcher and found it empty because the LORD had risen.

After that He appeared to His disciples several times as said the apostle, JESUS was seen by above five hundred and last of all by the apostle himself. (1 Corinthians 15:8)

Then after forty days He ascended back into Heaven.

 

Then ten days later the HEAVENLY FATHER sent the blessed HOLY GHOST and He baptized the little flock back into the Kingdom from whence they had been cast.   Now that we have given a parcel account of what took place that was witnessed by the natural man but now let’s look at what took place in the supernatural world during those fifty days.

Yea, the LORD GOD left a detailed account on what caused such a disaster scripted in the prophets: Amos, Zephaniah and Zechariah.

But now let’s get on with: “The Valley of Dry Bones.”

Now Israel killed JESUS and GOD cast them from the kingdom is the basis for this study.

We begin where the LORD GOD said: “The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.” Amos 8:2

Then He gave an omen as to when He would bring about Israel’s demise.   He said: “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon” Amos 8:9

Yea, He brought that about on the day of the Crucifixion.   Matthew said: “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” Matthew 27:45   Translated, that meant the sun went down at noon then the Almighty caused it to shine again from three P.M. until sundown.   Therefore seeing it was dark from noon until three that afternoon, of necessity; it was light at evening time after the darkness dissipated, right?

Knowing the LORD is faithful in all His sayings He said the day Israel and the Gentiles killed JESUS GOD brought the nation Israel to an end.

The LORD GOD gave yet another phenomenal as to when He would bring Israel to an end where He prophesied:  “The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.” Zephaniah 1:14

Yea, the mighty man JESUS did cry there bitterly on the day of all days, even as He suffered the pain that went with being crucified He cried to the Heavenly FATHER: “My GOD, my GOD why hast thou forsaken me?”

And the GOD of Heaven continued: “And because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.” Zephaniah1:17 

Zechariah prophesied: “And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet.”

Zechariah 14:12                                                              

Now Israel’s loss of flesh was a supernatural act and therefore it was not visible to the natural eye or to the natural man.  What’s more it was perpetrated by the hand of GOD as retribution act for killing His SON JESUS CHRIST

Now don’t miss this: In the Holy Scripture, both CHRIST JESUS and Ezekiel answer to the name, “Son of Man” and it is up to the reader to determine which of the two the LORD GOD is addressing at the time.

Now the following is what the LORD GOD told Ezekiel and Ezekiel showed you and me.   And he asked: “The Son of man,” CHRIST JESUS Can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.

Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.  (That reference was to CHRIST JESUS for He is the word of GOD.)

And He said: “Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:  And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.   And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.”

Ezekiel 37:3-8

Now during the Old Testament the children of Israel were the off springs of Abraham holy according to the flesh. Some were righteous while most were not, but GOD deemed them all holy according to the flesh until they did the unthinkable, then they were polluted and had to be restored through the shedding of animals such as bulls and goats.

One such occasion was where the LORD GOD confronted Israel with: “What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.” Jeremiah 11:15

Now what had taken place in that transition was Ezekiel saw the holy flesh of the Old Testament being consumed away for killing their MESSIAH never to be restored.   But the great apostle said of the little flock and the saints of the New Testament: "For we are members of the body of Jesus, of his flesh, and of his bones."  Ephesians 5:30

Therefore Ezekiel saw the flesh of JESUS and bone of his bone being imputed to His Saints  when their flesh becomes contaminated.  John gave the formula for cleansing it.

He said: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

Yea the cleansing in John’s reference was of the flesh and not the soul for said he of those who has had the new birth: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” John 3:9    

And said the Lord unto me the Son of Man, (CHRIST JESUS): “Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”

So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

Ezekiel 37:10 

AND THEY STOOD UPON THEIR FEET A MIGHTY ARMY

Yea, that army was great in power, yet they were few in number.

JESUS told encouraging words to them with: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ” Luke 12:32  

Then rating them to be a great Army,  He told them: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Yea, they got it done.

The Great Apostle ask: “But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” Romans 10:18

Then while not intending to rate them as great said: “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;” Acts 17:6

May JESUS CHRIST the Messiah of Israel’s Elect and the saved Gentiles be blessed forever.  Amen!

 

The Blessed Holy Ghost

THE BLESSED HOLY GHOST

(THE THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD)

SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

As our title suggests, this study is based on the Blessed HOLY GHOST.  The Spirit of whom JESUS said: “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” John 14:16  

Both the SON of GOD and the HOLY GHOST are subordinate to the Heavenly FATHER.  This is born out where JESUS told His disciples that He was sent by the FATHER and said: “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter.” John 14:16   And said JESUS to His disciple, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  John 20:21  The HOLY GHOST is subordinate to JESUS, for said He: “The Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”  John 16:7

I saw a short cartoon that reminded me of the One GOD that the Holy Scripture presents Him in three distinctive persons, namely the Heavenly FATHER, His precious SON and the Sweet HOLY GHOST.

In the short cartoon a couple was in route to the license bureau to obtain a marriage license.  They stopped to refuel and told the man on duty to “Fill’er up.”  After that the Bridegroom asked for directions to the license bureau for he and his bride to be were on their way to get married.   When the operator returned with his change the man bore an alternate cap that read: “License Bureau.”   Then the bridegroom would know where they would find the Justice of the Peace, you got it, again the man returned with cap on head that read: “Justice of Peace.”

But now back to our subject, The Blessed HOLY GHOST.

The prophet Joel prophesied of the coming of the HOLY GHOST that came on the Day of Pentecost.   The prophecy reads: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” Joel 2:28

To the fulfillment where the prophecy read: “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.”   In the Acts it reads: “And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.  And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.” Acts 21:8-9

And the Prophecy read: “Your young men shall see visions:”
Joel 2:28   Paul was shown a vision while on the road to Damascus and when He was brought Before King Agrippa He told the King: Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.”
Acts 26:19    

The Lord also promised: “Your old men shall dream dreams,”

The author of The Acts said: While at the house of Simon, the tanner: “Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance.” Acts 10:9-10

JESUS told His disciples:  “I will send Him, And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  Of sin, because they believe not on me;” John 16:8-9   Yea, the HOLY GHOST convicts of sin, then if the sinner repents GOD sends the Spirit of His Son JESUS into their heart crying, “Abba FATHER.”

Paul recorded the Gifts of the Holy Ghost on this wise.  He wrote:  “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12

He also gave an account on the administration of the Holy SPIRIT.

He said:  “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.   And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.   And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all.   But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.   For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;   To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; etc. 
1 Corinthians 12: 4-10

JESUS comforted His disciples with these sayings: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” John 16:7-11

JESUS also told them: “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him.” John 14:16, 17

Then after His resurrection He told His Disciples:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8   

And He said: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

John 16:13    

And He taught that during the Old Testament the HOLY SPIRIT dwelled with godly men and women but said He: The HOLY GHOST dwelleth with you,” (then He added) And shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

A good illustration that the HOLY SPIRIT dwelt with the Saints during the time of the Old Testament as opposed to dwelling within them as He does in the New Testament the scribe said: “And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.”

1 Samuel 11:6  

And where he said of the strong man Samson: “And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.” Judges 14:19

But now back to our subject where JESUS said:  “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

And He said: “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” John 15:26

Another thing worthy of your attention is after the HOLY GHOST came at Pentecost was where Luke said: “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” Acts 2:6

Not a lot of jabber and murmuring but said the writer: “Every man heard them speak in his own language.”

“HOLY SPIRIT thou art welcome in this place.” Amen!

 

 

Predestination, More Indepth

 

PREDESTINATION, MORE INDEPTH

March 5, 2001  

Now the doctrine on predestination is in no wise contrary to the Scripture that reads: “Who-so-ever-will.”  

We begin where the LORD GOD set the mode for this study on predestination where He said: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

Yea the Holy Scripture presents the ALMIGHTY GOD as:

He is Omnipresence:  meaning He is everywhere-present

He is Omnipotence:  meaning that He is all powerful

He is Omnisapience: meaning He is All-wise

He is Omniscience:  meaning He is All-knowing

Infinite God is not subject to any limitations.

The doctrine on Predestination serves to show the greatness and splendor of our wonderful GOD, the FATHER and GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST while at the same time it sets the stage for our Doctrine on Predestination.

When speaking of the all-knowing, all seeing and God without limitations,

The Psalmist said:  “Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” Psalm 139:2  That’s not all the psalmist said:  “There is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.” Psalm 139:4

Now we’ve been made to know that there is nothing that our GOD can’t do.  This includes knowing how the sinner would respond after hearing the truth of the Gospel, whether they would embrace it or spurn it and that He was aware of this before He created the world.

And on that basis Paul told the saints at Ephesus: “Accordingly as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will."  Ephesians 1:4 and 5a

The Apostle also said: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

While those whom He foreknew would refuse His offer, said Jude.  There were those “…who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:4

To those who have a problem with the doctrine on Predestination consider this: What if GOD knew before He created man in His own image, that he (the sinner would) after hearing the truth of the Gospel would not repent and be saved.  (This He knew before He created the worlds.)

For said Jude: “There are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:4  

According to Peter the responsibility of being predestinated before the creation of the world deepened on his or her response to the Gospel, therefore he told them that whether he or she is predestinated before the world was depended on whether they accepted on what they would do with the LORD JESUS CHRIST.   Peter wrote: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure…” 2 Peter 1:10

Although I did not take issue that the sinner must first meet GOD’S demands of repenting and believing on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and be saved prior to his being predestinated.  Thus Peter said: “… brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure…”

Paul gave us a classic example of the predestination of God.  He wrote:  "God, who quickened the dead, and calleth those things that, be not, as though they were."   Romans 4:17

Yet, another example is where the GREAT I AM said of Himself: "I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly and they came to pass." Isaiah 48:3

Hopefully this presentation has shown that Predestination and who-so-ever-will complement each other rather than being at odds, one with the other.

May God be blessed forever, Amen!

 

From Mount Sinai to Mount Sion

FROM MOUNT SINAI TO MOUNT SION

Ezekiel said: “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, [2] And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.” Ezekiel 37:1-2 

And as is typical of all valleys the valley in Ezekiel’s prophecy was between two mountains, namely, these mountains were Mount Sinai and Mount Sion, however  instead of the usual soil, wood, stone and stubble that is commonly found separating the mountains or mounds these are separated by the elapsed time between the crucifixion and Pentecost, about fifty days.

Another thing is this: in the Holy Scripture, both CHRIST JESUS and Ezekiel answer to the name, “Son of Man” and it is up to the reader to determine which of the two the LORD GOD is addressing at the time.

But now let’s get on with: “The Valley wherein was Dry Bones.”

We begin where the LORD GOD said: “The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.” Amos 8:2

Then He gave an omen as to when He would bring about Israel’s demise.

He said: “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon” Amos 8:9

And He did for the sun did go down on the day they crucified the LORD.

Matthew said: “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” Matthew 27:45

Then in alliance with that phenomena, Zechariah prophesied:  “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:  But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.” Zechariah 14:6

Then the LORD said:  “The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.” Zephaniah 1:14

Yea, the mighty man JESUS did cry there bitterly on the day of all days, even as He suffered the pain that went with being crucified He cried to the Heavenly FATHER: “My GOD, my GOD why hast thou forsaken me?”

And the LORD GOD continued: “And because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.” Zephaniah1:17 

Zechariah prophesied: “And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet.” Zechariah 14:12

And Israel’s flesh did consume away the day they crucified JESUS; for Ezekiel said: “And the Lord God caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.”

Ezekiel 37:1-2

Ezekiel Continued: “Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.” Ezekiel 37:11

And he asked: “Can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.

Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.”  (That reference was to CHRIST JESUS for He is the word of GOD.)

And He said: “Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.

And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.” Ezekiel 37:3-8

Yea, during the Old Testament the children of Israel were the off springs of Abraham holy according to the flesh. Some were righteous while most were not, but GOD deemed them all holy according to the flesh until they did the unthinkable, then they were polluted and had to be restored through the shedding of animals such as bulls and goats.

One such occasion was where the LORD GOD confronted Israel with: “What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.”  Jeremiah 11:15

And what had conspired in that transition that Ezekiel saw was the holy flesh of the Old Testament being consumed away for killing their MESSIAH never to be restored.  But the great apostle said of the little flock and the saints of the New Testament: "For we are members of the body of Jesus, of his flesh, and of his bones."  Ephesians 5:30

Therefore what Ezekiel saw was Israel’s saved remnant becoming flesh of JESUS’ flesh and bone of His bone.

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus Came to Earth, Lived, Crucified, Burried and Arose

JESUS CHRIST CAME TO EARTH HE WAS CRUCIFIED, BURRIED, THEN GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD

“Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.   And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.   And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.   And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:7-14

“And when JESUS was twelve years old; His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.  And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.    But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.   And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.   And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.   And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.   And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?   And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.   And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.   And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”  Luke 2:41-52

And when He was about thirty years old, John the Baptist introduced Him to Israel.   John wrote: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29 

Matthew reported on His baptizing.

He wrote: “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.  But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?  And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.   And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 

After He was baptized, Matthew continued:  “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.   And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.   And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.   But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:1-4

Yea, after being in the wilderness forty days and nights with the Devil and Satan, we are fully and altogether persuaded that the SON of GOD, JESUS CHRIST was the winner.   

“And when JESUS came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.   And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the  brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.   And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.   And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?”  

Luke 4:16-22   

 

“And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.   And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.  But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.   Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?   And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.   And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.   And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”

Luke 6:6-12

Mark said of another gathering: 

“Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.   And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.   And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;  And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.   And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.   And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;  And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” Mark 7:32-37    

“And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.   And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.   But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.   Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.   And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.   And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.   But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.   But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, what will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?   And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.”  Mark 15:1-14

“And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.   And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!   And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.” Mark 15:15-22

Sadly to say, His persecutors were carrying out the prophecy where Moses said: "For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands." 

Deuteronomy 31:29

“And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, King of the Jews.

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.   And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.   

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;  (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus 

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepuchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. 

And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.”  Mark 15:23-47

“And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.  And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?  And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.   And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.   And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.   But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.   Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.   And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.   After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:1-15

Now when JESUS gave up the Ghost, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.   And the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Then the promised wrath from Almighty God came upon Israel.

Amen!!